Road of Redemption

[Jax]

"I wait for you, and I forgive you," the voice said. It was filled with dread and sadness. The moment you hear it, you realize it is your father's voice. These were the last words he spoke to you before he ended your life with a dagger straight to the heart. You remembered the pain, the feeling of your heart failing, and a short moment of pain before darkness. And then you awoke suddenly, without warning or explanation.

It shouldn't be possible; it's a wonder, and it is without a doubt your father's work.

As you slowly stretch your body, it feels fresh. Distant memories return to you: the first few moments after you left your capsule on Cthonia. Back then, you were just a child; this time, your body was fully grown. As you sit up, you notice you're naked, with no clothes covering your perfectly engineered body. It lacks the scars you've grown familiar with during the long years of the Great Crusade. For some reason, it's this that makes you feel violated and robbed. You earned these scars, and they've vanished. It feels as if a part of you has been taken away.

It takes a moment to realize another change.

Your hand wanders to the top of your head and finds hair there. For the longest time, you didn't have hair or wear it in a tight knot, fitting for a warrior of Cthonia. To feel it loose and so long is another unwelcome surprise. You could change that, but there's time for that later.

For now, other things have more importance.

There's the war-torn cityscape you awoke in, the gunfire and distant screams of fighters. This world you've awoken in is a battlefield—a familiar situation you've often faced in your first life, but never so unprepared as you are currently. Quickly, your senses begin to analyze the information the world gives you. The weapon fire belongs to las weapons, and the guns are projectile-based. These screams belong to humans and something inhuman you can't identify. When you look up, the sky has a dirty brown color that seems to move and shift as you watch it – ships. So many that they cloud the sky, and they're of a kind you haven't seen yet.

The sides are clear: humans against the Xenos enemies. It's simple but straightforward – something you found lacking in the latter years of the Great Crusade. Shortly before... before you had been seduced by the corrupted powers in the warp, those tumors that tried to enslave all life in reality for their dark plans and amusement.

You felt …

[ ] Anger. (Earn Trait: Sworn Enemy of the Four)
[ ] Remorse. (Earn Trait: Penitent to my Failures)

They would feel your vengeance. But that would have to wait. It was clear other dangers were closer and more critical. You needed to find clothes, weapons, and unite with the human defenders of this world. Lending them a helping hand, you'd defeat whatever Xenos attacked them. Then, it would be time to discover where and when this was. Because, for some reason, your gut told you a long period had passed since your death. Most of your knowledge of the galaxy felt dated. This was deeply concerning. You hated not knowing things, especially since your father had found you and brought you to Terra. You could still remember the upper class's sneering when they thought you wouldn't notice, or being called a "rough barbarian" behind your back. When you finally proved them wrong, you enjoyed the surprised faces and their humility as you put them in their place.

A nearby explosion and fast-approaching feet yank you from your thoughts. Quickly, you take cover in the ruins of a burnt-out shop, ignoring the slight pain from shards cutting into your feet. From the shadows, you see two local defenders sprinting down the street where you woke up. Panic is etched on their faces. You watch as they throw themselves behind a burnt-out ground vehicle, pointing their weapons in the direction they came from. Aiming at something you can't yet see, they fire rapidly and undisciplined. Their display of soldiery is poor, showing a lack of training.

The enemy approaches fast. You hear claws screeching on the ground and the shrieks of hunting animals. Then, a group of them quickly overwhelms the two defenders. You witness the brutal display as one insect-like creature falls, but the rest rip the defenders apart with their claws. With a mix of fascination and horror, you observe their lack of coordination or technique. They seem like wild animals, except for a slight synchronization in their movements, hinting at a hive mind controlling them. Interesting.

You watch as the Xenos devour the flesh of the dead humans. A part of you, the human part, feels anger. But the more cynical and analytical side simply observes. They seem less focused on their surroundings while feeding – a potential weakness you could exploit. Soon, a distant explosion followed by more las-fire draws the pack away.

After a moment hidden, you slowly emerge from the shop and approach the mutilated bodies. A quick search yields few valuables: some grenades, a small lasgun that fits well in your hands, and a bayonet. Armed, though not ideally, you feel a sliver of confidence as you survey your surroundings, uncertain of your next move. Guided by the sounds of battle, you head towards the nearby fighting.

Where do you go?
[ ] To the North, where there is only silence.
[ ] To the East, to the las-fire and cries of mortals.
[ ] To the West, to the mighty sound of Bolters.
[ ] To the South, to the sound of flammers and preying women.

 

[Jax]

Winning Vote​

[ ] Plan Age of Reconstruction
-[ ] Remorse. (Earn Trait: Penitent to my Failures)
-[ ] To the East, to the las-fire and cries of mortals.

---

Luther​

The hordes of the Tyranids were pressing towards him.

Luther felt tears run down his filth-covered checks as he fired his auto gun as quickly and accurately as he could. He was ignoring the pain in his shoulder, ignoring the fact that he had soiled himself. Ignoring that, his teachers and his upper-class mates all had died two minutes ago. Ignoring that, he was just a fourteen-year-old boy, an orphan, and a cadet of the Schola Progenium.

He shouldn't be here, but at this moment, Luther and the rest of his class were the only ones left between the cathedral of the Blessed Ferrus Manus and all the civilians in it.

They were the last line, and they soon would die.

"Persephone!"

The cry cut over the chittering of the swarm, and for a short moment, Luther saw Drill-Abbot Dickings rise out of the heavy bolter position he had manned until the end. The Drill-Abbot had only one leg left; he held a belt of grenades in his hands. For a short moment, their eyes met, and Dickings sent Luther one last, wide grin until the granats exploded. A ball of flames and shrapnel grew from the position of the Drill-Abbot and consumed a large part of the swarm. Cutting a hole into it allowed the Cadets to kill the last swarming Hormagants quickly.

"Aim and shoot! Preserve ammunition! Each shoot to kill a Xenos!"

Chaiphas, the last of the Commissar Cadets, shouted as he passed behind the line of the firiering Cadets. Not older than Luther, he didn't look better than himself. The battle had cost Chaiphas an arm, and he looked pale, but his shots of encouragement were still loud enough to cut through the fighting noise.

At least Chaiphas hadn't shit himself, Luther thought grimly as the Commissar Cadet put three magazines down next to Luther. Somehow, he couldn't help but chuckle at that. What a pitiful way to day, his pants shit and pissed - not the end he had always imagined he would get. It was a last stand, but he hadn't expected to feel like this. There was no heroism, no great deeds, only death and the knowledge that when they inevitably failed, the civilians would all be killed.

"Just hold," Chaiphas shouted over the noise of the weapons and screeching of the Xenos again. "Soon, the Space Marines will be here. The Abbot promised they would be coming, so they will!"

The Abbot is dead, Luther thought darkly as he reloaded his auto-gun. And he always said the thing that would kill him wasn't borne yet. Didn't think about grenades, did you, Dickings?

Retaking aim, Luther fired his auto-gun. His shoot hit a Hormagant, not killing it but wounding it. Four more shots were needed before the disgusting creatures finally fell. It was quickly trampled by another Xenos, uncaring for the death of its comrade.

This wasn't a new scene.

Luther had seen it often play out. Nevertheless, it took away from the small pile of hope he still carried around with him. If these things were so uncaring for their kin, how could one defeat them in the first place?

All his classmates and himself were doomed to die here.

The Space Marines wouldn't come.

There were no heroes left.

The Cathedral of the Blessed Farrus Manus was doomed to be stormed.

The civilians in it were marked for slaughter.

Persephone was on its last leg.

The end was nigh.

Somehow, Luther felt numb to all of this as he continued to shoot his weapon. He was only going through the motions of what was expected of him. Nothing more, nothing less. Until it was time for him to die, a detached part of his mind noted the distance the Xenos were now. Going by this, he had three more minutes than his time was up.

The fourteen-year-old boy snorted.

"Can't shit my pants anymore," he mumbled as he fired another burst.

That thought gave him some peace.

---

Horus​

As you approach the sound of las-guns, get replaced by the sound of auto-guns fired in semi-automatic, frantic fire. As you jolted through ruins of houses and debris that littered the street, you noticed that most of the Xenos you saw were of some worker type. They ignored you when approached or scattered into the shadows. It seemed that the hive mind that controlled had sent its warriors elsewhere. And it wasn't hard for you to find the reason for it as you pressed your back against a wall next to a burned-out window. Glancing outside, you saw a large temple of some sort.

The temple was covered in statues of space marines, humans, and imperial symbols. But over the large entrance, a single head with closed eyes looked down at anyone entering.

It was a crude imitation but meant to be your brother, Ferrus Manus.

You started at the crude stone head of your beloved brother with his closed eyes.

It looked peaceful.

And it reminded you of the crimes you had committed and the fact that you had your brother killed. You felt disgusted and at the same time, distraught, it was so removed from what you remember having felt. It made you feel weak and dirty. Where would be a time when it wouldn't be like this?

Somehow, you doubted it.

You were forcing your thoughts back to the here and now, your eyes narrow as you look at the temple defense. The massive body of the temple dedicated to your brother served as the backbone of the defense. It had thick walls and small windows that could be ideal to be used to fire outside, and yet no fire emerged from these. The few defenders left had taken shelter behind sandbanks before the massive gates leading into the temple.

Considering they were all juveniles, they did a good job. They often hit their targets and kept strict fire discipline. And yet you wonder where the adults are.

Are they hiding behind them in the temple?

A thought but one you couldn't push away. How often had you watched your sons slaughter defenders like these children as the older priests preyed in temples?

You growl in disgust. The future the Four had shown you had come true. But how much of it was yours to blame, and how much blame could be placed on your father? A terrible realization formed in your mind that there was a good chance that humanity had turned back to brainless religious beliefs because of the Rebellion you had led.

Clearly, the juveniles wouldn't hold out much longer without support and strong leadership. All of which you could quickly provide. But it wouldn't end the attack. That would only happen if you find the creature coordinating these Xenos. But doing so would risk the youngsters being overrun as they were a distraction.

Because the moment you took to the fight, the Xenos would register your existence and react accordingly. You now had the advantage that they hadn't registered you as a threat. The moment the Xenos realized that a being like a Primarch had come to bolster the defense, it would change the whole battle.

[ ] Save the juveniles!

[ ] Seek out the controlling Xenos!

 

[Jax]

[ ] Save the juveniles!

​

---

Luther​

After firing the last round of the current magazin, Luther grabbed the bayonet that he had stabbed into the sandbanks providing him with cover. Quickly he placed it on the mounting of his auto-gun. Then with skilled hands he quickly replaced the magazin itself and took aim again. The Xenos beasts were almost in leaping distance. Not long and they would jump at Luther and his comrades. Then it would be quickly over, he had seen it with the last position that lay now buried under dead Xenos. After that the Cathedral would be stormed and all the innocents inside would end massacard.

Luther was far to num from all the horror he had witnessed and the fighting too much care. He felt exhausted and at least in death he would finally have time to rest. He fired again, adding his fire to the meager responses the other cadets trew towards the charging Tyranids. Luther tried his best to make each shot count but the mass of aliens running towards their position was simply too large. It seemed not to matter how many he killed or crippled, there were always more that would come towards him. An endless horde of swarming monstrosities made out of chitin, claws and mouths filled with far to many fangs.

Then the horde was hit by las-fire.
There was no other way in describing the huge volly of las-fired that hid the right flank of the enemy out of the ruins. Red beams hit targets in a precession fashion that Luther never had seen before outside of propaganda vids. Each shot was a deadly hit, killing a single hormagaunt with cold, calculated furry.

When the young cadet glanced towards the ruins from which the las-fire had emerged he expect to see guardsmen. Harden veterans who looked like they alone could turn the tight of battle. But that wasn't what Luther's eyes found. Instead there was a single, naked, bald giant that stepped out of the ruines. In his hands was a comically small las-gun that was in truth normal size. Just that the man holding it was so towering large. He wielded the las-gun with one hand like others would do with a pistol. The free hand throws a grenade into the building behind the swarm, resulting in a large explosion.

Then there was suddenly silence.

At least here, from elsewhere in the city Luther could still hear the raging of battle going on. But at least here, before St. Manus Cathedral there was silence. He blinked in surprise at how loud the absence of gun fire, dying man and screeching Xenous could be. Slowly he stood up, still not believing that he had truly survived. Maybe he hadn't? Maybe all of this was a blissful fantasy conjunctions by his dying brain. If so, Luther wondered why he wasn't lying in the arms of Sister Aurelia - who trained the young girls destined for the Adeptus Sororitas. He always had found her allouring.

The giant moved towards them and came to a stop a few meters before the position. His gaze wandered over them and seemed only to stop long enough to judge each of them. When it was time for Luther he couldn't help and feel more naked than he had ever felt doing a convention. He could only hope the giant found him worthy to be in his presents.

"You did good, boys," the Giant finally said with a slight nod. Immediately Luther felt his chest be filled with pride and despite feeling completely spent he stood a bit taller. The words felt more sustaining than any meal of drink he had ever tasted. And Luther felt that he wanted to be prized by this Giant even more, uncaring to who he was. "Now, take a moment to rest. I will go into … the temple and speaking with them why you're out here and they cover in it."

"They are civilianz, my Lord. They can't fight."

Ciphas shut his move so quickly as Luther never had seen it before when the ired gaze of the Giant hit him. The large man gave Ciphas a long look until he finally spoke.

"And yet they are adults and you're youths! Only cowards sent their youths to die instead of taking up arms."

Luther knew he should feel offended by these words. But it just felt as if it hadn't been said to insult him, rather an explanation to the natural order of things. One that had been violated by those hiding in the cathedral. Suddenly he found the strength to feel anger. Anger at those who had ordered him and the others to hold the cathedral and then went to hide in the massive building. They hadn't even thought about it twice and happily sacrificed them. Just for the hope - the hope! - that better defenders would get enough time to come here. They never had expected them to survive to this point.

His eyes followed the giant as he slowly walked through the small band of survivors until he stood before the massive doors that lead into St. Manus Cathedral. The Giant looked up to the marvelous work of a master artisan that was the sculptor head of Holly Ferrus Manus, beloved son of the Emperor. It seemed as if a silent conversation was happening between them, then the Giant pushed the gates open and stepped inside.

---

Horus​

The followers of the belief that your father was a god, gasped as you stepped insight. Wide eyes filled with shock, fear and disbelief followed you as you marched through the middle. On a higher platform stood a man clothed in laughable rich, distasteful robes - a sign of his office apparently. Most likely some kind of High Priest the like you often had seen doing the Great Crusade. It seemed you had interrupted his preaching with your sudden entrance. His mouth was open, gapping and his head red. You weren't sure if it was because of anger or shock to be interrupted in such a disrespectful way.

The whole temple had a stanche to it, some kind of herbs they burned for one reason or another. Your enhanced senzes quickly realized that they lowered the chance to catch any airborne diseases, so there was some sense to it. At the same time the effect was so minimal that it didn't excuse the stanch. There was also fear in the air and on the faces of the believers. None could hold your gaze long enough as the children outside could - showing how cowards they are all there.

"What is going on? Have the Xenos been defeated?" The head priest finally found his voice. Shooting his questions in a demanding fashion that almost made you laugh. As if he held any authority or had earned the right to demand information about the battle from you. Apparently the priest noticed it and his face grew angry. He pointed with a boney finger at you. "And don't you have any decency?! Walking below the gaze of a Son of the Holy Emperor naked?!"

You snort as you come to a stop before him. Even with him standing on the platform before the altar his eyes only reach your chest. From above him you look down at the coward and see him flinch as he avoids your eyes.

"Xenos have overrun your home, slaughtering whoever they find and you speak about decency?

What shall you do?

[ ] Kill him, like all priests he is useless. (Gain Trait: The Imperial Truth)

[ ] He can be useful, convincing him to obey. (Gain Trait: Believe is a Tool)

[ ] Throw him out of his own church. To deify the Emperor alone runs contrary to his will, though it is perhaps understandable for the ignorant, but to invoke him as a shield for such vile behavior is loathsome. (Gain Trait: Foe Of Corruption)

[ ] Rebuke him and give him an opportunity to make amends. You have done much worse than this mortal after all, and yet you walk the galaxy still. You should at least allow a chance for his own redemption as well. (Gain Trait: Who Will Judge?)

[ ] "Ferrus Manus held a distain for weakness and valued strength, and you have the gall to act as Cowards? To have the young take up arms and fight your fights, they at least have the spine to look me in the eye when talking. LOOK. AT. ME. When I'm talking, All of you . . . *when they have the courage to look you in the Eye* Decent" (Gain Trait: Echoes of Family)

[ ] Write-in what to do! You may also suggest a Trait)

---

QM: A bit of moratorium so you can come up with Write-In's and I can comment on them. I will add all Write-In's that a valid as a voting action here, so don't hold back if you've an idea.

 

[Jax]

Scheduled vote count started by Jax on Jul 23, 2024 at 4:33 AM, finished with 5 posts and 4 votes.

• ---

  2 people have voted

  [X] "Ferrus Manus held a distain for weakness and valued strength, and you have the gall to act as Cowards? To have the young take up arms and fight your fights, they at least have the spine to look me in the eye when talking. LOOK. AT. ME. When I'm talking, All of you . . . *when they have the courage to look you in the Eye* Decent" (Gain Trait: Echoes of Family)

  • *name*
  • UbeOne

  2 people have voted

  [X] Rebuke him and give him an opportunity to make amends. You have done much worse than this mortal after all, and yet you walk the galaxy still. You should at least allow a chance for his own redemption as well. (Gain Trait: Who Will Judge?)

  • Nicholas Brooks
  • UbeOne

  1 people have voted

  [x] Write-in - Throw him out of his own church. To deify the Emperor alone runs contrary to his will, though it is perhaps understandable for the ignorant, but to invoke him as a shield for such vile behavior is loathsome. (Gain Trait: Foe Of Corruption)

  • ddkofall

  1 people have voted

  [X] Throw him out of his own church. To deify the Emperor alone runs contrary to his will, though it is perhaps understandable for the ignorant, but to invoke him as a shield for such vile behavior is loathsome. (Gain Trait: Foe Of Corruption)

  • Nicholas Brooks

 

[Jax]

[ ] "Ferrus Manus held a distain for weakness and valued strength, and you have the gall to act as Cowards? To have the young take up arms and fight your fights, they at least have the spine to look me in the eye when talking. LOOK. AT. ME. When I'm talking, All of you . . . *when they have the courage to look you in the Eye* Decent" (Gain Trait: Echoes of Family)

"I must ensure the purity of my flok!" The priest found his voice back, answering your question. "If we aren't pure, we don't deserve to be rescued by Him on Terra. For it is written, blessed be by Him who keep themselves clean."

You stare at him for a moment, then you chuckle. This draws gasps from the crowd, and the High Priest recoils as if you had hit with the back of your hand.

"War is not clean," you say with a low voice. "It is dirty and grim. Ferrus Manus disdained weakness and valued strength. And you have the gall to be weak, cowering in this temple as the enemy is at the gate. You all don't find the strength to take up arms and defend your home, something children have found?!"

The High Priest didn't find the strength to answer you. His eyes fell to the ground. He was ashamed from your words. When you looked over the crowd, not one could meet your gaze. All of them not daring to do so. The temple had fallen to absolute silence. There wasn't even a babe crying anymore or the silent sobs you had heard before. From outside, in the near distance, one could hear clearly the screams of the aliens and the firing of guns, proving that defenders were still holding the line.

"Look at me!"

None of them wanted to do so, but you spoke for the first time as a Primarch. And that forced them to obey; they all looked at you. Some cried silent tears of fear as they were forced to do something their instincts tried to desperately keep them from doing. But their wills were weak when compared with the commanding intent of a Primarch. You saw them quiver, desperate hoping you wouldn't look at them, but you did. You saw every one of them and took the time to look them in the eyes.

"You're all decent people, I'm sure. But right here, all of you have failed the Emperor," you finally say your judgment. There are many gasps, and behind you, the High Priest makes a sound as if he is choking on something, not that you care enough. "The enemy is at your home, has burned it down, and you gather to prey?! Preying for what exactly? A swift death? That some miracle will happen? Let me tell you this truth: The galaxy is dark and grim. The chances of miracles are low, and a swift death is seldom the chase with Xenos. You, all of you who have gathered here, are ultimately doomed to die a meaningless death. You wonder why the Emperor doesn't answer your prayer?"

You pause as you look at the defeated faces that look at you. All of them were without any spark of hope. They were broken people who knew that the end was near. But what you told them devastated the hope they still had in their souls—the time had come to render your judgment over them.

"Because he is disgusted by them."

A gasp ran through the crowds of believers, and behind you, the High Priest made again a sound as if someone was choking him. Then, again, absolute silence fell over the Cathedral that honored your brother.

"What … what should we do then?" The question was asked with a weak, trembling voice, filled with fear and broken hope. It took a moment to realize who had asked the question, even for you, a post-human being. Slowly, you turn to look at the broken, hopeless form of the High Priest, who had fallen to his knees. Looking like a caricature of a once mighty man, his robes, with all the fine materials, had sacked on him. He didn't wear them with pride and righteousness as before, more like a man who pretended to be someone of renown and importance.

"You stand up to the Xenos! You push them out of your home; you slaughter them like the monsters that they are."

"But I can't, my lord."

He looked to the ground, his shaming even greater than his instinctive fear of breaking your orders. A defeated, scared old man who had no spark of hope left in him, that is what he was. When Chaos had corrupted you, you would've been disgusted by his weakness, but that was before.

You extended your hand to him and smiled at him.

"Then take my hand and let me help you, my friend. Let us together fight the darkness that encourages your home. Together, as all of humanity should stand."

The High Priest hesitated momentarily as if your offer was a trap. Then he slowly extended his bony, shaking fingers, putting his hands into your giant one. You closed your hand gently over his and easily pull him up to his feet. Maybe it was chance or he had shaken so much. But when you pulled him up, the High Priest's robe of office fell from his shoulders until he stood only in a white undergarments before you and the rest of the people gathered in the cathedral.

No matter how much you despised religion, you were also a master of command. You had led half of the galaxy against your father. You knew how and when to use your charisma.

"A rise now! Son of the Empire!" you roared, proudly speaking like a father who had just forgiven his misbegotten son as you looked down at the open-mouthed, gaping High Priest. "Xenos are at the doors of your Temple! Will you let them slaughter your flok?"

"No!"

"Then ring the bell! Gather all citizens of the Empire in this hour of need!"

"Yes, my lord!" There was a fever in his eyes as they left your face and flew through the room to some boys. They stood near a giant chain and wore similar robes but less impressive than the one of the High Priest. "Ring the bell! Call all to gather!"

As the boys sprang to action, you turned to the people who had watched the whole ordeal. They looked at you expectantly, their bodies almost vibrating with the need for action.

"And the rest of you, think what you can do to drive the Xenos back! All who want to fight gather at the doors. Those who can heal the wounded gather at the altar. We also will need food, childcare, and sleeping areas! To work!" You commanded, and when they all jumped up, you added the old war cry of the Imperium: "United to Victory!"

---

Persephone stands on the brink of defeat, but you've stepped forward to defend it. Already, survivors of the battle gather at the cathedral of Saint Manus.

Who are they?

You've 20 Points! If an option has (#), you may take that multiple times. Replace the # with the number of times you want to take that option. Each option adds to the dice poll that will be rolled to determine your fraction's stats. Military Units can be rebuilt to serve as such.

Please use Plan Voting!

[ ] Civilians 1 Point (#)
When the bell calls for the believers to gather, it is unreal for many of the city's surviving citizens. They come from their hideouts, desperate for the salvation of the rining marks. As they are called, they come, seeking protection, help, and, most importantly, hope.
Gain: 1d10 Stewardship, 1d10 Diplomacy

[ ] Suvivng PDF Solders 2 Points (#)
Persephone's PDF saw the brunt of the fighting from the beginning, and countless of its members died in the fight against the invaders. Even now, they try to save their home, even when it all seems hopeless… until they hear the bell of St. Manus.
Gain: 1d10 Intrigue, 1d10 Martial

[ ] Surviving Imperial Guard 3 Points (#)
When Persephone's desperate cry for help came, the Sector Command had few regiments of the Imperial Guard it could divert. They fought hard, even when the battle was clearly lost from the first moment. They came when the bell rang, hoping for a final stand.
Gain: 1d10 Stewardship; 1d10 Martial

[ ] Squad of Sisters of Battle 5 Points
Initially, the Sisters of Battle had escorted an Inquisitor to Persephone, who had his own mission. But they joined the desperate battle against the invading monster when the Xenos attacked. They lost their charge and hope the ringing of the bell was him.
Traits: Fanaticaly Believers
Gain: 1d10 Diplomacy, 2d10 Martial, 2d10 Learning

[ ] Squad of Space Marines 10 Points
The Placeholders sent Squad Brick to Persephone to stiffen local defense until the chapter adequately responded. That was three weeks ago. The chapter hasn't sent word since, and Squad Brick holds fast. Yet they are one squad, and the Xenos are many.
Traits: Space Marines, We Hold Fast
Gain: 2d10 Diplomacy, 5d10 Martial

 

[Jax]

[ ]Plan:Stand Tall For You Are Strong
-[ ] Civilians 1 Point (5)
-[ ] Suvivng PDF Solders 2 Points (2)
-[ ] Surviving Imperial Guard 3 Points (2)
-[ ] Squad of Sisters of Battle 5 Points

Luther​

Luther and the other surviving defenders were looking through the overrun position for weapons when the bells started to ring. It was a sound none of them had heard since the battle for the cathedral had started. For a moment, they all started in disbelief at the high towers of St. Manus. Such an idiotic and dangerous move. It would attract not only survivors but also more Xenos. Yet Luther couldn't help but feel something he had thought had lost: hope.

A tiny spark had been there since the Giant had come. The sound of the bells that called to prayer fueled the spark into a small flame. The gesture that the ringing was such an act of defiance against the odds it could only be the work of the Giant. The cardinal was too much of a coward to be behind such a bold move.

"Quickly now," Chaiphas, the commissariats cadet, ordered. With his single arm left, he wasn't much help in the looting but could still cover the others as they gathered the supplies. His eyes constantly scanned the surrounding ruins, looking out for Xenos. "Soon, the Xenos will return. Gather what you can."

"What do you think happened in there?" Mark, an eleven-year-old boy who helped Luther gather grenades, asked. Since yesterday, he had a tick that made him constantly need to talk. Most of the time, it was useless crap that more or less simply spurged out of his mouth in an attempt to beat back the darkness of hopelessness that they had all suffered under.

"Don't know, but I bet the Giant is behind that."

"Yeah, who is he even? Ever seen something like him?"

"No," Luther said, pulling hard on a Xenos corps to get it off the chest he had spotted below. He grunted, and only when Mark helped him he finally got the chest free. Quickly, he preyed it open with his bayonet. No grenades, but more las-magazines. The two boys grabbed the handles and started to find a way back to the cathedral's steps. "He could be a Space Marine, maybe? Lost his armor?"

"Nah, I don't believe that. I saw them in a pict show before … well, this," Mark said flatly as he nodded to the battlefield. "I think you must kill an Astartes before they give up their power armor. And he didn't look nearly as wounded as he should be if these Xenos truly preyed him out of his armor."

"Right, then, what's your theory, Mark?"

"I think, well, it's stupid."

"Just spit it."

"I think he is …," the younger boy stopped and took a deep breath. When he continued, Luther heard how seriously Mark took his theory. "I think he is a Primarch."

The older boy couldn't help but stare in disbelief. Then Luther snorted dismissively. "Right, next you tell me he is the Arch-Traitor Horus who changed his heart and has become the Emperor's tool to reconquer the Dark Imperium! Ha, Mark, don't be naive! The return of Lord Guilliman is a wonder, but I don't think we will see something like him appear on Persephone on the brink of our defeat!"

"It could be," Mark said with a hurt voice, making Luther laugh even louder. He pushed the younger cadet back towards the battlefield.

"Come on, back to work. And you had better forget the idea that the Giant is a Primarch. If Chaiphas hears about it, he shoots you."

Returning to work, they saw the first civilians emerge from the ruins. Some came in small groups or alone, with hollow faces, wounded and hungry. Others came in better-organized groups. Some of these were military units or led by soldiers. Then, some had the markings of gangers or private security types.

The survivors come, Luther thought grimly as he picked through the corpses for anything useful. And we ring the dinner bell for the throne-damned Xenos.

---

With survivors gathering at the St. Manus Cathedral, the Xenos attack will happen soon. Already some of the survivors have told you that the damned creatures gather at a large plaza called Preyers Market a few blocks away. For now, you only can concentrate on putting up an ad-hoc defense. Everything else will come later.

Pick 6 actions! Please use Plan-Voting!

[ ] Spread hope
Stat: Diplomacy
Description: The Cardinal, the local head of the cult who believes your father is a god, is a man many trust. Put him before a microphone and let him speak over the network of vox casters in the city. Let him call for others to join your defense. There has to be more.
Result: Additional reinforcement

[ ] Chain of Command
Stat: Martial
Description: Currently, the surviving military personnel, Sisters of Battle, armed criminals, and willing survivors keep to themselves. They aren't organized in a way that allows you to use them as force. That needs to change; a chain of command needs to be established.
Result: Access to Military Units

[ ] Prepare the Defense
Stat: Martial
Description: At the moment, most of the defensive works for the Cathedral have been destroyed or damaged. They must be restored if the survivors have a chance against the horde that gathers. What would you give to have that dour-looking Dorn here.
Result: Defensive Positions.

[ ] The Angels of Death
Stat: Martial
Description: Some survivors talked about Space Marines that arrived to defend the planet, but it has been some time since anyone has seen or heard from them. Send a scouting party to find out what happened to them. With them at your side, victory should be easier.
Result: Find out what happened to the Space Marines on Persephone

[ ] Malcadors Dogs
Stat: Martial
Description: From the surviving Sisters of Battle, you know that an Inquisitor is on the planet. They are a secret organization that works for the High Lords of Terra. Whoever this Inquisitor is, he should be able to tell you more about the state of the galaxy.
Result: Find out what happened to the Inquisitor on Persephone

[ ] Organisation of the Support
Stat: Stewardship
Description: No army can survive without the support of rear forces that do not directly fight against the enemy. Medics, cooks, munition deliveries - all of them lead to victory. You lack professionals but have a whole temple full of willing civilians.
Result: Ad hoc support structure for the defense

[ ] Supplies
Stat: Stewardship
Description: The survivors will need food, clothes, fuel, and ammunition. It might not be the best moment, but what you've got will not be enough for more than a day. Scavengers need to be sent out to the ruined city to find more.
Result: Additional Supplies

[ ] The Stepmom
Stat: Intrigue
Description: The leader of the Sisters of Battle doesn't trust you and likes you. But she holds significant sway over the other survivors simply by being a fanatic religious woman in power armor. You will need her obedience for the coming battle.
Result: No more question of your person by the Sororitas for now

[ ] Witchcraft
Stat: Learning
Description: Your father burned all forbidden knowledge of the warp out of your mind. You still feel the scars, but he left surprisingly much back that he deemed safe for you to know. Some are basic ways to use the warp in your favor - even if you lack psychic abilities.
Result: Witch Craft unlocked

[ ] Background Noise
Stat: Learning
Description: As you listened to the vox, you noticed two things. For one, it is quiet on all frequencies as the Tyranids apparently can pinpoint survivors with it. And two, in the background noise is a signal hidden. It is faint but familiar.
Result: Why is it familiar?