Poltara, Amora V, Lezo, Seibourc, Boshin (maybe), Decados, Caribe IV, Spartos, or like @Effective Effect said a rogue trader dynasty
Loyalty is its own Reward (A Traitor Legion Chapter Master Quest)
- Thread starter ThunderOwl
- Start date
The Gilded Pagoda
New
The Gilded Pagoda
Xanadu, the world of every delight, the premier pleasure world of the Aetalian sector where the rich and powerful from a thousand worlds come to indulge in every pleasure and vice imaginable, from the finest foods to the prettiest paramours, to the bloodiest gladiatorial games and the most wholesome of pleasures.
Here, amidst the breathtaking landscapes and immaculately beautiful buildings and monuments, fortunes are won and lost that would bankrupt whole worlds (and had in fact bankrupted whole worlds) aristocrats and lords, kings and bishops, guilders and rogue traders, all have flocked to the famed gambling halls and casinos of Xanadu. Lured by the siren song of unimaginable wealth or simply the thrill of competition.
And He Li was the proud ruler of the greatest gambling hall on Xanadu, nay, the greatest in the Aetalian sector. The Gilded Pavilion.
Ruled by her family for 15 generations, The Gilded Pavilion was equal parts casino, luxury resort, and most debauched of pleasure dens. Situated on an "isolated" island surrounded by gentle seas and golden sands, where the sight of the setting sun can take even her breath away. Its elaborate construction meant to be simultaneously beautiful in a way only a structure from Xanadu can be, as well as easily defended in the event of an attack (cannot afford the guests safety being in jeopardy) as well as being practical for the countless local services which lived and worked out of sight to keep the place running. It had played host to the great men of practically every world in the sector, from the pettiest lords to the greatest of Lord Sectors, and it had learned to rinse every penny it could. It was the pride of her family.
Not that that didn't come with issues of course.
"Mam, we have a situation." Her chief guard said. The man was an attaché from the Security Services. Equally here to look at her business as well as secure this facility, it was a standard affair. Truth be told if the Consortium wanted to have her watched they needn't have bothered with this skulduggery, she was happy to have the extra protection and knew her duties well. She was a good girl and knew her place.
He Li took a gentle sip of her wine glass, the woman was beautiful and dressed to show she knew it, from immaculate porcelain skin to raven hair and almost glowing green eyes. She was the very picture of a perfect Xanaduan beauty. She had better be, her and her forefathers had worked hard to look this good.
She drank her fill before answering.
"What is the problem?" He Li asked, her voice like an ancient temptress from ancient myth. It echoed across her inner sanctum, a place of comfort located deep beneath the surface, the personal palace of her family beneath the Gilded Pagoda. Home to not only herself but also the thousands upon thousands of staff who lived and worked to serve the guests on the resort above. It wouldn't do to disturb the beauty of the landscape with ugly buildings and little people now would it?
"It's one of the whales, we caught one and we've skinned them, now we don't know what to do with them" The man said, He Li raised an I brow at that before answering.
"Well, take their money and send them on their way." She answered.
"That's the thing though, we already skinned this guy once, and he refused to pay. Not only that, but he decided to try and sneak back inside and we caught him trying to cheat us." The guard said. He Li still didn't know what the big deal was.
"So, we straighten them out a little bit." He Li answered, wondering why this was even being brought to her attention.
The guard paused for a moment before answering "You know I'd love to do that, but this ones a bit of… trouble." That caused her to frown, and she looked him dead in the eye as she began to question him.
"Who's the troublemaker?" she asked.
"Fellow named Dickon Tarl." The guard said, the name rang a bell.
"Dickon… Amoran fellow, youngish, nice and reckless with a preference for mature Boshinese ladies?" it was always good to remember the names of your whales. The big spenders who you can reel in and fleece until they were naked. Before luring them back in to do it all over again. The Amorans were always a treat for this, Xanadu shared a sub sector and the Amorans made for excellent customers, quite wealthy and bad luck seemed to follow them wherever they went…
The guardsman nodded, that would be an issue, the Tarls were one of the premier houses of Amora last she recalled. Usually when a guest was caught being so uncourteous as to cheat or try to scam them they're typically given a vicious beating till they felt sufficiently apologetic. Quite courteous by Xanaduan standards, yet when dealing with a family of such renown… That approach would not do.
Dickon was a good customer, for years her casino skinned him of everything he was worth and he'd always come back for more. Lured by the thrill of the game and the myriad pleasures of the Gilded Pagoda tailored in a way that no other gambling hall could match. She'd made a fortune off him, but it seems his and her luck had run out. His family had cut his allowance, sick of his ways, so for once he wasn't able to pay. Thusly he had been barred from the premise. Now he's causing issues, what to do…
Then it hit her, and a smile found its way to her face.
"Dear, do you have access to his files?" the Security Services always keep tabs on their guests. Makes sure they're not doing anything that could get Xanadu the Exontia treatment or in anyway endanger the guests. It also came in handy in times like this.
The guard smiled, "Of course mam" and a twinkle found its way into He Li's eye as she took another sip from her glass. A short cackle escaping her lips as she envisioned her plan.
"I presume he's still on the premises yes?" the guard nodded, "Well then, we can't have that now can we? Give him a light hazing before sending him on his way." The smile on her face turned positively evil. "Now, send a little gift alongside him, there are other Amorans in this facility yes? Make sure his father knows this, and knows what we have, just so he can make sure his son behaves himself going forward." The Amorans would love this…
The guard positively grinned, "of course mam" he said, before being shooed out by her. This would be fun.
By the Emperor she loved being the Queen of the Gilded Pagoda.
Xanadu, the world of every delight, the premier pleasure world of the Aetalian sector where the rich and powerful from a thousand worlds come to indulge in every pleasure and vice imaginable, from the finest foods to the prettiest paramours, to the bloodiest gladiatorial games and the most wholesome of pleasures.
Here, amidst the breathtaking landscapes and immaculately beautiful buildings and monuments, fortunes are won and lost that would bankrupt whole worlds (and had in fact bankrupted whole worlds) aristocrats and lords, kings and bishops, guilders and rogue traders, all have flocked to the famed gambling halls and casinos of Xanadu. Lured by the siren song of unimaginable wealth or simply the thrill of competition.
And He Li was the proud ruler of the greatest gambling hall on Xanadu, nay, the greatest in the Aetalian sector. The Gilded Pavilion.
Ruled by her family for 15 generations, The Gilded Pavilion was equal parts casino, luxury resort, and most debauched of pleasure dens. Situated on an "isolated" island surrounded by gentle seas and golden sands, where the sight of the setting sun can take even her breath away. Its elaborate construction meant to be simultaneously beautiful in a way only a structure from Xanadu can be, as well as easily defended in the event of an attack (cannot afford the guests safety being in jeopardy) as well as being practical for the countless local services which lived and worked out of sight to keep the place running. It had played host to the great men of practically every world in the sector, from the pettiest lords to the greatest of Lord Sectors, and it had learned to rinse every penny it could. It was the pride of her family.
Not that that didn't come with issues of course.
"Mam, we have a situation." Her chief guard said. The man was an attaché from the Security Services. Equally here to look at her business as well as secure this facility, it was a standard affair. Truth be told if the Consortium wanted to have her watched they needn't have bothered with this skulduggery, she was happy to have the extra protection and knew her duties well. She was a good girl and knew her place.
He Li took a gentle sip of her wine glass, the woman was beautiful and dressed to show she knew it, from immaculate porcelain skin to raven hair and almost glowing green eyes. She was the very picture of a perfect Xanaduan beauty. She had better be, her and her forefathers had worked hard to look this good.
She drank her fill before answering.
"What is the problem?" He Li asked, her voice like an ancient temptress from ancient myth. It echoed across her inner sanctum, a place of comfort located deep beneath the surface, the personal palace of her family beneath the Gilded Pagoda. Home to not only herself but also the thousands upon thousands of staff who lived and worked to serve the guests on the resort above. It wouldn't do to disturb the beauty of the landscape with ugly buildings and little people now would it?
"It's one of the whales, we caught one and we've skinned them, now we don't know what to do with them" The man said, He Li raised an I brow at that before answering.
"Well, take their money and send them on their way." She answered.
"That's the thing though, we already skinned this guy once, and he refused to pay. Not only that, but he decided to try and sneak back inside and we caught him trying to cheat us." The guard said. He Li still didn't know what the big deal was.
"So, we straighten them out a little bit." He Li answered, wondering why this was even being brought to her attention.
The guard paused for a moment before answering "You know I'd love to do that, but this ones a bit of… trouble." That caused her to frown, and she looked him dead in the eye as she began to question him.
"Who's the troublemaker?" she asked.
"Fellow named Dickon Tarl." The guard said, the name rang a bell.
"Dickon… Amoran fellow, youngish, nice and reckless with a preference for mature Boshinese ladies?" it was always good to remember the names of your whales. The big spenders who you can reel in and fleece until they were naked. Before luring them back in to do it all over again. The Amorans were always a treat for this, Xanadu shared a sub sector and the Amorans made for excellent customers, quite wealthy and bad luck seemed to follow them wherever they went…
The guardsman nodded, that would be an issue, the Tarls were one of the premier houses of Amora last she recalled. Usually when a guest was caught being so uncourteous as to cheat or try to scam them they're typically given a vicious beating till they felt sufficiently apologetic. Quite courteous by Xanaduan standards, yet when dealing with a family of such renown… That approach would not do.
Dickon was a good customer, for years her casino skinned him of everything he was worth and he'd always come back for more. Lured by the thrill of the game and the myriad pleasures of the Gilded Pagoda tailored in a way that no other gambling hall could match. She'd made a fortune off him, but it seems his and her luck had run out. His family had cut his allowance, sick of his ways, so for once he wasn't able to pay. Thusly he had been barred from the premise. Now he's causing issues, what to do…
Then it hit her, and a smile found its way to her face.
"Dear, do you have access to his files?" the Security Services always keep tabs on their guests. Makes sure they're not doing anything that could get Xanadu the Exontia treatment or in anyway endanger the guests. It also came in handy in times like this.
The guard smiled, "Of course mam" and a twinkle found its way into He Li's eye as she took another sip from her glass. A short cackle escaping her lips as she envisioned her plan.
"I presume he's still on the premises yes?" the guard nodded, "Well then, we can't have that now can we? Give him a light hazing before sending him on his way." The smile on her face turned positively evil. "Now, send a little gift alongside him, there are other Amorans in this facility yes? Make sure his father knows this, and knows what we have, just so he can make sure his son behaves himself going forward." The Amorans would love this…
The guard positively grinned, "of course mam" he said, before being shooed out by her. This would be fun.
By the Emperor she loved being the Queen of the Gilded Pagoda.
i love it, good job with the portrayal of what the famous Amoran bad luck looks like when not involving warfare. the Tarl's most certainly are not happy with dickon. Great job @Klackon it good to see more of your stories
The Steiner System
New
Steiner System
Located near the border of the Galilean Sector, the Steiner System is a notoriously poor region of space within the Aetelian Sector. The system's star is young and burns with a light blue color, its planets are:
Wyrmwood: A literal definition of a hive world, Wyrmwood's hives extend deep beneath the earth due to the planet having an extremely damaged atmosphere. The world is home to 10 billion souls and is a dark and destitute place, with rampant mutations for it is not uncommon for children to be born blind or without eyes altogether, this is caused by the near total darkness in large parts of the hives. The nobility has long since left the planet, choosing to reside on the planet's moon in a fortress complex known as the Hightower. Wyrmwood's tithes consist of raw materials and mining equipment along with the Wyrmwood Tunnelrats, the planet's imperial guard regimnet who excel in trentch warfare.
Korlon's World: Korlon's world is an Ogryn World of little importance, as of 796 M41 a substancial genestealer presence was discovered on the planet and 2 regiments of Decadosian Kossacks are fighting against the hybrids. It has one moon, Bor, which houses a small mining infrastructure manned by criminals from Wyrmwood.
Kandak: Once a feudal world, Kandak's entire population was enslaved and devoured by a Khrave Fleet. Recolonization attempts were suspended after the colonists kept dying from what seemed to be random heart attacks. To this day the world is devoid of human life safe for an inquisitorial outpost.
Lockheim: A relatively young civilised world, Lockheim is the habitable moon of the Dead World Höll, most of the planet's industry revolves around extracting materials from Höll. the planet was previously a feudal world but large scale migrations from Wyrmwood have sped up the technological developement.
The Eye of Malcador: a large comet that periodically shows up within the system, its bright blue and yellow color makes it easily observable without any need of astrological devices.
(So I finaly sat down to write another system, I hope it turned out well)
So I'm currently working on a shrine world for the sector based around honoring those who dedicated their lives for the imperium. One of the features I was planning on adding is a valley of statues each a 80 meter tall rendition of a hero of the Aetelian sector and I was wondering if anyone would like me to put a hero of their making in this valley of statues.
@ThunderOwl I wanted to ask your permission to include Scathach an Lethra, in this valley of hero's. And if their is anyone of your heros that you would like me to include
@ThunderOwl I wanted to ask your permission to include Scathach an Lethra, in this valley of hero's. And if their is anyone of your heros that you would like me to include
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Adrian XXIV
Average User, from Poland
- Location
- Poland
- Pronouns
- He/Him
For Characters: One of oldest statues in a Valley of Heroes, is statue of Space Marine Captain. Due to it's age, only distinguishing feature left was "IV" on his shoulderpad. According to identifying plate, he was Captain of 4th Company from Ultramarines Chapter during his life, but insightful will spot that its "too early" in a row for this to be true (i.e It's actually Statue of Loyalist Iron Warrior from Horus Heresy)
Sounds interesting though I'm not sure if their were any iron warriors in the Aetelian sector that were loyal, if @ThunderOwl approves I can add it. Also this shrine world would take honoring the hero's very seriously so every statue will be constantly maintained
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Adrian XXIV
Average User, from Poland
- Location
- Poland
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Officially, all of Grand Companies of Iron Warriors present in Aetelian Sector declared for the Warmaster, but I don't think that singular Company that "didn't comply" wouldn't be so unrealistic.
Also, as Imperial saying goes: "For each remembered Martyr, there are thousands of unremembered & forgotten"
This Company of Iron Warriors would be example of latter, with just singular statue (of their Captain) as only trace left after them.
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Maybe a statue dedicated to those on Gadunka that rose up against the Iron Warriors, also a statue of Hekaton Santiana since his actions on Sobek contributed greatly to defeating an ork waagh
Much better with the changes. Canonized, and you get 100XP to a Founder of your choice.
Very different from typical 40k themes, but it is cool. Canonized, and you get a bonus for one of the rolls in the aftermath of the campaign.
Not feeling it. Non-Canon, but you get a bonus to neophyte recruitment this turn.
Adrian XXIV
Average User, from Poland
- Location
- Poland
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I have funniest name for leader of Tzeentchian Cult ever:
Ludo Kulten
Ludo Kulten
I'll put that toward Severus' weapon skill
Noroboro
Consistency is key and I’m consistently tired :)
- Location
- Canada
@ThunderOwl I don't think anyone has asked this before but what is Severus' thoughts on Gallienus and half of 3rd going down on Teritus, and Gallienus deciding to sabotage the spaceport? Does he approve of such a decision? Would he have wanted Gallienus to preserve his company? And what would Severus have done if their roles were reversed?
Master of the Forge Karark Zel
New
Noroboro
Consistency is key and I’m consistently tired :)
- Location
- Canada
MORE ART FROM THE ART GOD; @Renu
This time its our favorite cogboy, Karark Zel
View: https://imgur.com/a/2dFv5f4
This time its our favorite cogboy, Karark Zel
View: https://imgur.com/a/2dFv5f4
View: %5BURL%5Dhttps://imgur.com/a/Z17Qxia[/URL]
I'm sorry, it's awesome, but it really reminds me of this meme.
Noroboro
Consistency is key and I’m consistently tired :)
- Location
- Canada
Fun fact, according to ThunderOwl, Karark Zel is the handsome one out of all of the Founders. Strong jawline and chin, eyes, etc. So we can consider Zel a Chad.
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So, I have reread the quest and in the process calculated our losses in Yerma. Going by the ends of updates and assuming no mistakes on my part, we lost
103 Marines total:
75 Battle Brothers
22 Veterans
6 notables (1 Chaplain, 1 Captain, 1Senior Techmarine, 2 company Champions, 1 Dreadnaught pilot)
Futhermore we lost 5 vehicles destroyed ( 2 Rhinos, 1 Whirlwind, 1 Castaferrum dreadnaught, 1 Predator) and further 4 damaged (2 rhinos, 1 Whirlwind, 1 Razorback)
We also lost the following equipment:
1 Omnissian Axe, 2 Power Swords, 1 Missile launcher, 1 melta gun, 1 plasma gun, 2 Lascannon, 2 Stalker boltguns, 4 prototype Mark VI PA, 2 Mark VIII PA, 2 Combat shields, 1 Iron Halo destroyed, and further 8 Prototype mark VI damaged.
Lastly we lost a Strike cruiser and a Sword class frigate. The former should be salvageable, the latter... I doubt it.
103 Marines total:
75 Battle Brothers
22 Veterans
6 notables (1 Chaplain, 1 Captain, 1Senior Techmarine, 2 company Champions, 1 Dreadnaught pilot)
Futhermore we lost 5 vehicles destroyed ( 2 Rhinos, 1 Whirlwind, 1 Castaferrum dreadnaught, 1 Predator) and further 4 damaged (2 rhinos, 1 Whirlwind, 1 Razorback)
We also lost the following equipment:
1 Omnissian Axe, 2 Power Swords, 1 Missile launcher, 1 melta gun, 1 plasma gun, 2 Lascannon, 2 Stalker boltguns, 4 prototype Mark VI PA, 2 Mark VIII PA, 2 Combat shields, 1 Iron Halo destroyed, and further 8 Prototype mark VI damaged.
Lastly we lost a Strike cruiser and a Sword class frigate. The former should be salvageable, the latter... I doubt it.
Noroboro
Consistency is key and I’m consistently tired :)
- Location
- Canada
Not too bad of a manpower loss to be honest. All companies are still operational, with the 3rd taking the worse losses. This is recoverable, we just need to place 3rd Company on garrison duty for a turn or two and hope that we roll high for neophytes.
I also did calculate the allied losses and, well, ...
Angels Crusaders lost 5 named characters out of 10, 42 out of 105 marines and 2 out of 4 vehicles
Blazing wardens lost half of their company, 3 out of 8 named characters bit kept most of their armor.
Angels Revenant only lost 3 squads and 1 notable as well as 9 vehicles and 6 bikes.
SoB lost 42 out of 61 various infantry squads, 32 out of 40 vehicles, 11out of 30 hero units
Admech lost all heroes bar the commander, 185 out of 220 vehicles and most of their infantry.
Guard lost 1 only hero, but also 56 out of 100 infantry companies, 298 out of 460 chimeras, 233 out of 300 sentinels, 98 out of 170 Leman Russes and 36 out of 100 Basilisks
Angels Crusaders lost 5 named characters out of 10, 42 out of 105 marines and 2 out of 4 vehicles
Blazing wardens lost half of their company, 3 out of 8 named characters bit kept most of their armor.
Angels Revenant only lost 3 squads and 1 notable as well as 9 vehicles and 6 bikes.
SoB lost 42 out of 61 various infantry squads, 32 out of 40 vehicles, 11out of 30 hero units
Admech lost all heroes bar the commander, 185 out of 220 vehicles and most of their infantry.
Guard lost 1 only hero, but also 56 out of 100 infantry companies, 298 out of 460 chimeras, 233 out of 300 sentinels, 98 out of 170 Leman Russes and 36 out of 100 Basilisks
- Location
- Germany
Well, even if everyone involved in this has to spend decades rebuilding, I hope permanently removing a local stronghold of Chaos with a very active Warband is worth it.
The Silence
New
The Silence
The briefing room hummed with the faint sound of machinery keeping the dome alive. The polished steel walls bore the glowing insignia of the Acronian PDF—a torch framed by interwoven vines. The light flickered, casting shadows on the assembled soldiers and miners. Private Talina Viero stood near the back of the room, her hands clasped tightly around the strap of her lasgun.
Captain Eero Grasek paced before the holomap, his crimson cloak brushing against the floor. His armor gleamed faintly under the fluorescent light, its etched details more functional than decorative. The glowing outline of Deposit 17 flickered on the holomap, surrounded by jagged cliffs and marked with faint warning icons. Grasek pointed at the map. "You've been briefed on what's out there. The Devils don't wait, they don't hesitate, and they don't miss. Stick close, keep your formation tight, and remember—one wrong move, and it's over."
Talina swallowed hard, her throat dry. She adjusted the high collar of her mantellina cloak, its fabric faintly glowing with the insignia of her squad. Her uniform felt heavier than it had earlier. This was her first mission, and the nerves were getting to her. I shouldn't even be here, she thought. I'm not ready for this.
Grasek's sharp gaze fell on her. "Viero, you paying attention?"
She stiffened, straightening her posture. "Yes, sir."
Piera, one of the older soldiers, smirked faintly, shaking her head. "First mission jitters, eh? Don't worry, kid. You'll probably make it back."
"Don't encourage her," Grasek snapped. "This isn't a training exercise. Stay alert, or you won't live long enough for a second mission."
Talina felt her face flush but said nothing. Her heart pounded in her chest. The miners standing nearby shifted nervously, their reinforced suits gleaming under the lights. One of them, Sev, caught her eye and offered a small, tentative smile. She glanced away.
As the gates hissed open, artificial light spilled onto the terrain beyond, and the chill of Acronix's eternal night seeped into the room. The rocky ground stretched endlessly into blackness, faintly glowing patches of bioluminescent moss barely breaking the gloom. Talina followed the squad into the void, gripping her lasgun tightly. Around her, the PDF soldiers flanked Mining Team Ferrata, their mantellinas blending into the shadows.
Grasek's voice crackled through the comms. "Formation Beta. Keep tight. Soldiers, flank the miners. Viero, stay close to Piera."
Talina nodded, her stomach twisting as her boots scraped against the uneven rock. She stayed close to Piera, whose armor bore the faint marks of past battles. Piera glanced at her, a sharp edge to her smile. "Just keep your eyes open and your gun ready, kid. You don't need to be a hero."
The silence of Acronix pressed in as the group approached Deposit 17. The narrow cliffs seemed to close around them, the faint glow of Suonoium veins gleaming in the distance. Talina felt her pulse quicken. This is what we're here for, she thought bitterly. Risking everything for a mineral that kills half the people who touch it.
Sev broke the silence with a whisper over the comms. "Do you think they're watching us right now?"
"Shut up, kid," Piera hissed. "You want to make us louder?"
"Relax," Sev mumbled. "I'm just saying—"
"You're just saying too much," Grasek snapped. "Keep your mouth shut and your head down."
Talina tried to focus on her scanner, its soft hum steady in her hands. She thought of the murals back in Domus, their glowing pigments depicting miners, soldiers, and artists fighting to preserve the domes. She had felt pride when she was chosen for the PDF, but now that she was out here, pride felt hollow. How many names are etched into those murals? How many people gave their lives for them? How long before I'm just another name?
The scanner's hum shifted, rising to a high-pitched whine. Talina froze, her breath catching. "Captain," she whispered. "Interference."
Grasek moved to her side, his hand resting on his laspistol. "Devils. Formation Gamma. Miners, behind the line! Soldiers, perimeter defense!"
Talina fell into position beside Piera as the group shifted. The miners clustered together in the center while the PDF formed a tight circle around them, lasguns raised. Talina's pulse thundered in her ears. They're here. They're watching.
The silence deepened, pressing against her chest like a physical weight. Then the first Devil struck.
It moved impossibly fast—a blur of black slicing through the formation. Piera screamed as a jagged limb tore through her armor, her body crumpling before it hit the ground. Talina gasped, firing blindly at the creature. Her lasbolt missed, the crimson light disappearing into the void.
"Fire!" Grasek barked. "Keep them back!"
Another Devil lunged toward Sev, its limbs morphing into hooked spikes. He shouted, scrambling backward, but it was too late—the Devil struck, and his body collapsed. Talina stumbled, her breath catching as her lasgun flared again. She hit one of the creatures in its torso, but it barely flinched. Its eyeless head twisted toward her, and she froze, her thoughts spiraling. I can't do this. I'm going to die.
Grasek's voice snapped her back. "Viero, move!"
She ducked just as the Devil's bladed limb hissed through the air above her head. Her hands shook as she scrambled backward, firing wildly. Around her, the rest of the squad fell—shouts turning to silence as the Devils tore through them, their movements faster than light.
Talina ran, her legs burning as she scrambled over the rocky terrain. The gates of Domus appeared in the distance, faintly glowing. She pushed herself harder, her breath ragged. Behind her, Grasek held the line, his laspistol flashing as the Devils surged toward him.
"Fire!" Grasek shouted. "Keep them back!"
Another Devil lunged at Sev, its limbs morphing into hooked spikes. He stumbled back, shouting, but the Devil's jagged blade sliced clean through him. Talina gasped, her hands shaking as she fired again. Around her, the Devils struck with impossible speed, their movements blurring the shadows.
"Fall back!" Grasek's voice broke over the comms. "To the city! Move!"
Talina stumbled, her breath catching as the Devils surged toward them. She didn't look back, focusing only on the distant glow of Domus' gates. The ground seemed to tilt beneath her feet as she scrambled over jagged rocks.
Grasek's voice snapped through the comms again. "Viero! Move faster! I'll hold them!"
Her heart lurched. "Captain, no!" she shouted, turning back.
Grasek stood his ground, his laspistol flashing crimson bursts as the Devils closed in. Then he did the unthinkable—he dropped his weapon and screamed, a raw and piercing sound that echoed across the cliffs. The Devils froze for half a second, then surged toward him as one, drawn by the sound.
"Captain!" Talina screamed, tears streaming down her face. "Run! Please!"
He didn't move. His scream turned into a guttural roar, drawing the creatures away from Talina and the gates. Then he turned toward her, his expression impossibly calm amidst the chaos. Slowly, deliberately, he raised his hands and signed: Live well. Before a long black limb burst through his chest.
Talina's legs moved on their own, carrying her forward even as tears blurred her vision. She reached the gates just as they sealed behind her, the faint hum of machinery pressing against the silence.
Inside the dome, Talina collapsed onto the cold floor, gasping for breath. Around her, there was nothing—no voices, no footsteps, no survivors. She was alone. The glow of the murals above seemed dimmer now, mocking her as they whispered of survival.
Her thoughts spiraled, fragmented and sharp. I shouldn't be alive. He gave his life for mine, and I couldn't stop him. I shouldn't be alive.
Her hands trembled as she recited the words, her voice cracking under the weight of grief.
"Chi sente troppo poco non vive mai troppo a lungo."
She was the only one left to hear them.
Authors Note: I finally got around to writing a side story on Acronix, i hope this shows even more how horrifying the black devils are, hope you all enjoy.
The briefing room hummed with the faint sound of machinery keeping the dome alive. The polished steel walls bore the glowing insignia of the Acronian PDF—a torch framed by interwoven vines. The light flickered, casting shadows on the assembled soldiers and miners. Private Talina Viero stood near the back of the room, her hands clasped tightly around the strap of her lasgun.
Captain Eero Grasek paced before the holomap, his crimson cloak brushing against the floor. His armor gleamed faintly under the fluorescent light, its etched details more functional than decorative. The glowing outline of Deposit 17 flickered on the holomap, surrounded by jagged cliffs and marked with faint warning icons. Grasek pointed at the map. "You've been briefed on what's out there. The Devils don't wait, they don't hesitate, and they don't miss. Stick close, keep your formation tight, and remember—one wrong move, and it's over."
Talina swallowed hard, her throat dry. She adjusted the high collar of her mantellina cloak, its fabric faintly glowing with the insignia of her squad. Her uniform felt heavier than it had earlier. This was her first mission, and the nerves were getting to her. I shouldn't even be here, she thought. I'm not ready for this.
Grasek's sharp gaze fell on her. "Viero, you paying attention?"
She stiffened, straightening her posture. "Yes, sir."
Piera, one of the older soldiers, smirked faintly, shaking her head. "First mission jitters, eh? Don't worry, kid. You'll probably make it back."
"Don't encourage her," Grasek snapped. "This isn't a training exercise. Stay alert, or you won't live long enough for a second mission."
Talina felt her face flush but said nothing. Her heart pounded in her chest. The miners standing nearby shifted nervously, their reinforced suits gleaming under the lights. One of them, Sev, caught her eye and offered a small, tentative smile. She glanced away.
As the gates hissed open, artificial light spilled onto the terrain beyond, and the chill of Acronix's eternal night seeped into the room. The rocky ground stretched endlessly into blackness, faintly glowing patches of bioluminescent moss barely breaking the gloom. Talina followed the squad into the void, gripping her lasgun tightly. Around her, the PDF soldiers flanked Mining Team Ferrata, their mantellinas blending into the shadows.
Grasek's voice crackled through the comms. "Formation Beta. Keep tight. Soldiers, flank the miners. Viero, stay close to Piera."
Talina nodded, her stomach twisting as her boots scraped against the uneven rock. She stayed close to Piera, whose armor bore the faint marks of past battles. Piera glanced at her, a sharp edge to her smile. "Just keep your eyes open and your gun ready, kid. You don't need to be a hero."
The silence of Acronix pressed in as the group approached Deposit 17. The narrow cliffs seemed to close around them, the faint glow of Suonoium veins gleaming in the distance. Talina felt her pulse quicken. This is what we're here for, she thought bitterly. Risking everything for a mineral that kills half the people who touch it.
Sev broke the silence with a whisper over the comms. "Do you think they're watching us right now?"
"Shut up, kid," Piera hissed. "You want to make us louder?"
"Relax," Sev mumbled. "I'm just saying—"
"You're just saying too much," Grasek snapped. "Keep your mouth shut and your head down."
Talina tried to focus on her scanner, its soft hum steady in her hands. She thought of the murals back in Domus, their glowing pigments depicting miners, soldiers, and artists fighting to preserve the domes. She had felt pride when she was chosen for the PDF, but now that she was out here, pride felt hollow. How many names are etched into those murals? How many people gave their lives for them? How long before I'm just another name?
The scanner's hum shifted, rising to a high-pitched whine. Talina froze, her breath catching. "Captain," she whispered. "Interference."
Grasek moved to her side, his hand resting on his laspistol. "Devils. Formation Gamma. Miners, behind the line! Soldiers, perimeter defense!"
Talina fell into position beside Piera as the group shifted. The miners clustered together in the center while the PDF formed a tight circle around them, lasguns raised. Talina's pulse thundered in her ears. They're here. They're watching.
The silence deepened, pressing against her chest like a physical weight. Then the first Devil struck.
It moved impossibly fast—a blur of black slicing through the formation. Piera screamed as a jagged limb tore through her armor, her body crumpling before it hit the ground. Talina gasped, firing blindly at the creature. Her lasbolt missed, the crimson light disappearing into the void.
"Fire!" Grasek barked. "Keep them back!"
Another Devil lunged toward Sev, its limbs morphing into hooked spikes. He shouted, scrambling backward, but it was too late—the Devil struck, and his body collapsed. Talina stumbled, her breath catching as her lasgun flared again. She hit one of the creatures in its torso, but it barely flinched. Its eyeless head twisted toward her, and she froze, her thoughts spiraling. I can't do this. I'm going to die.
Grasek's voice snapped her back. "Viero, move!"
She ducked just as the Devil's bladed limb hissed through the air above her head. Her hands shook as she scrambled backward, firing wildly. Around her, the rest of the squad fell—shouts turning to silence as the Devils tore through them, their movements faster than light.
Talina ran, her legs burning as she scrambled over the rocky terrain. The gates of Domus appeared in the distance, faintly glowing. She pushed herself harder, her breath ragged. Behind her, Grasek held the line, his laspistol flashing as the Devils surged toward him.
"Fire!" Grasek shouted. "Keep them back!"
Another Devil lunged at Sev, its limbs morphing into hooked spikes. He stumbled back, shouting, but the Devil's jagged blade sliced clean through him. Talina gasped, her hands shaking as she fired again. Around her, the Devils struck with impossible speed, their movements blurring the shadows.
"Fall back!" Grasek's voice broke over the comms. "To the city! Move!"
Talina stumbled, her breath catching as the Devils surged toward them. She didn't look back, focusing only on the distant glow of Domus' gates. The ground seemed to tilt beneath her feet as she scrambled over jagged rocks.
Grasek's voice snapped through the comms again. "Viero! Move faster! I'll hold them!"
Her heart lurched. "Captain, no!" she shouted, turning back.
Grasek stood his ground, his laspistol flashing crimson bursts as the Devils closed in. Then he did the unthinkable—he dropped his weapon and screamed, a raw and piercing sound that echoed across the cliffs. The Devils froze for half a second, then surged toward him as one, drawn by the sound.
"Captain!" Talina screamed, tears streaming down her face. "Run! Please!"
He didn't move. His scream turned into a guttural roar, drawing the creatures away from Talina and the gates. Then he turned toward her, his expression impossibly calm amidst the chaos. Slowly, deliberately, he raised his hands and signed: Live well. Before a long black limb burst through his chest.
Talina's legs moved on their own, carrying her forward even as tears blurred her vision. She reached the gates just as they sealed behind her, the faint hum of machinery pressing against the silence.
Inside the dome, Talina collapsed onto the cold floor, gasping for breath. Around her, there was nothing—no voices, no footsteps, no survivors. She was alone. The glow of the murals above seemed dimmer now, mocking her as they whispered of survival.
Her thoughts spiraled, fragmented and sharp. I shouldn't be alive. He gave his life for mine, and I couldn't stop him. I shouldn't be alive.
Her hands trembled as she recited the words, her voice cracking under the weight of grief.
"Chi sente troppo poco non vive mai troppo a lungo."
She was the only one left to hear them.
Authors Note: I finally got around to writing a side story on Acronix, i hope this shows even more how horrifying the black devils are, hope you all enjoy.
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- Pronouns
- He/Him
God I hate these people so much. So you did a good job.
Well we did get warning about Dark Eldar showing up which makes a lot of sense now with how much of a beating everyone took. The cowards only attack when they can take as many slaves as possible with as little risk as possible. Having a bunch of the sectors forces take such extensive causalities in such a short period of time would be a golden opportunity for them. As a bonus most of the civilian population has been untouched so more slaves for them to take. (edit I just realized that by "the raids" you were probably talking about the dark eldar my bad)
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Noroboro
Consistency is key and I’m consistently tired :)
- Location
- Canada
To be honest, we might see my custom xenos race show up as well since their opportunists. If they see a sector of Imperium space struggling in an area then they're liable to swoop to do a few raids as well.
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This is going be expanded in future updates, but I can give you a brief summary. While he isn't please about the losses and he wouldn't have attacked the spaceport in his place, he understands the reasoning for it and thinks Gallienus did as best as he could. He would have chosen to defend the Bird of Prey.
Thank you so much for comissioning this. As a reward you get two 100XP bonuses for Karark Zel in the stats of your choice, except intelligence.
Cool piece. Canonized, and you earned an special roll for the turn results in Acronix.