I believe so. Andres should take in mind that most of the readers here do in fact know what those sounds are like having seen the movies. Our minds will add the sound effects as we read since we know what the weapon already sounds like.
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The Long Night Part One: Embers in the Dusk: A Planetary Governor Quest (43k) Complete Sequel Up
- Thread starter Durin
- Start date
- Location
- Alice Springs, Australia
if I remember correctly so does power armour
Wargear Acquisition
- Location
- Australia
Wargear Acquisition
++Thought for the Day: You carry the Emperor's will as your torch. With it, destroy the shadows.++
Freya's death had left Frederick grief-stricken. The sudden death of his life and love had driven him into a depression that threatened to consume him were it not for the constant attention of his companions and his own dedication to his work, though even that was diminished. What satisfaction could there be in finishing a day's work when there was nothing to return to but a home with only the silence of his once-cheerful daughter to meet him? The things which brought colour to his life had become few, but to his own surprise they did still exist. Saint Lin instilled him with hope when he listened to his sermons, reading the reports of Avernus' ever expanding military made him feel safer, and being with Syr reminded him that there were things still worth fighting for.
Now, for the first time in a long time, he felt the joy of novelty.
***
"A...grenade?" The cylindrical device that Tranth presented to him didn't look like any grenade he'd ever seen, but its shape, size, and obvious activation button were the only clues he had to go on.
"No," Tranth intoned as he took the device back and held it pointing up, "It is a sword," he said as he pressed down on the activation button, making a brilliant golden light flash out from the alleged sword with a snap-hiss.
Frederick sat there stunned for a few seconds, his eyes roaming up and down the "blade" of the weapon as its machine spirit settled into a moderately sharp hum. He was broken out of his funk when Tranth demonstrated the weapon's power on the Blink Spider that had appeared on Frederick's desk at that moment, annihilating it in an instant. Snapping out of his flustered state, Frederick asked to tell him about the weapon, but to keep it simple so he could understand.
"Well, to begin with, 'plasma foil' was the name given to it by the ancients. It is a contained stream of superheated plasma kept in its form by a strange and unique power field, similar to what's found in standard power weapons though somehow different (I'll need time to determine the specifics). Preliminary tests have shown it has improved cutting potential even compared to power weapons of the age despite lacking physical mass. I hypothesise that the molecules loosened by the weapon's heat allow for its power field to cut through material more easily, but that still remains to be fully determined. Most interestingly, liquids and gases stay the same temperature even when making direct physical contact with the blade; only solids are affected by the weapon's heat. Mechanically the device appears be very complex and is thus unlikely to be mass-produced. The blades also come in a multitude of different colours, but they don't appear to have any different effects. That is all I have to say concerning the weapons' properties."
'Odd weapon,' Frederick thought to himself, a brain implant installed as an Administratum adept allowing him to process everything Tranth said, 'Would've been a good addition to our wargear if we had the STC. Wait...'
"Blades?As in plural?" asked Frederick, Tranth's comment about the multiple blade colours fully registering, "How many were found on the ship?"
"Thirty-six plasma foils were found on the ship, including this one, all of them intact," Tranth answered, his voice never changing tone as he did, "Given time I should be able to reverse-engineer them and make them reproducible." Turning off the plasma foil, he placed the device on Frederick's desk (mostly empty of paperwork, unusually , thanks to Henry), "It's because of this number that the Adeptus Mechanicus has seen fit to grant you one, Governor Rotbart."
This certainly surprised Frederick. He could understand them giving a few of the grav-guns to his bodyguards, but they were found in the hundreds. These plasma foils numbered a mere thirty-six - the Mechanicus wouldn't give away such rare devices unless they could be reproduced. Britton may be more liberal than what the greater Mechanicus was during the Age of the Imperium, but even he wouldn't budge on this. Frederick told Tranth about his thoughts and asked why he was being given one of these - until they were reverse-engineered - irreplaceable relics.
"Your continued existence ensures the Quest for Knowledge proceeds smoothly, you are irreplaceable, and your skill in swordsmanship has been deemed sufficient, thus it is deemed an acceptable risk," he explained, "Arbitrator Oakheart has also met the criteria and it is advised you spend a few hours practiing with her to familiarise yourself with the weapon."
Frederick was taken aback, to say the least, and there was still the unrest within the organisation to worry about. "What about the conservative faction? Don't get me wrong, I'm humbled by the gift, but I doubt this decision was met with universal approval."
"That is...somewhat correct. It was objected to quite openly by multiple individuals, most certainly, but for the most part it was met with grudging - very grudging - approval even by the more old-fashioned among my peers," Tranth reassured him, "Ultimately you were deemed important enough that it was considered a necessity. In the Arbitrator's case, the fear of heresy was sufficient to sway those who would otherwise oppose giving a plasma foil to her. The Saint was considered for similar reasons but was ultimately rejected due to his lack of-."
After shooting a Blink Spider he spotted on the ceiling with one of his optidentrides, Tranth continued, "-lack of skill. We will not give these weapons to those who do not absolutely know how to use them."
After reflecting on the news for a bit, he returned his attention to Tranth. "Thanks, Tranth. This is a great honour, I'll take good care of the Mechanicus' gift."
"Of course, Governor, just remember what I said about practising with Arbitrator Oakheart. Its mass distribution is far different than a regular sword and you need to get used to it, lest you make an error at a critical moment," the red-robed Archmagos cautioned before exiting the Governor's office.
Picking up the plasma foil from his desk, he took a bit of time to admire it. A powerful weapon, a rare relic unseen and untouched for millennia, his. It didn't really hold a candle to his Black Crystal Sword (something he knew they realised), but it was pretty much the best backup weapon he could ask for. It was a little plain aesthetically, but the paint and skull ornamentations could be added once Tranth had figured out how to make more.
***
*CRTCH*
Jane recovered quickly, but the window of opportunity - even as small as it was - was enough for her opponent to take the advantage and press it. Now she was relegated to parrying and dodging. Her Recon armour let her do this well, but it was not primarily for combat, unlike her opponent's, and it showed.
"I've been waiting for this moment, Jane."
*CHRTTCH*
An attempt to get around his flank only resulted in her getting rebuffed. Luckily she blocked the counter-strike well, so even as she was sent flying backwards she was stable enough to not be sent sprawling.
"The circle is now complete. When I left you I was but the learner, now I am the master."
*vvrrrmm* *CRTCHT*
Jane edged out in skill, but her opponent had greater experience and his armour gave him enough strength that any time their blades met it was a draw for her at best.
"Only a master of ego, Rotbart," she responded.
*vvrrrmm* *vvrrrmm* *CRTCR* *vvrrrmm*
Again their plasma foils clashed, but the Governor had attacked from a better position and unbalanced Jane. Jane barely managed to dodge the next attack, but luckily her manoeuvre managed to net her some distance and a lull in the fighting descended.
"Your strikes are too weak. When you selected your wargear for this match, you chose...poorly," Frederick taunted, whether to mentally unbalance her or for the simple joy of it was unknown to her, "You lost this fight before you started, Jane. Search your feelings, you know it to be true."
"Perhaps...perhaps you're right, my apprentice..." was her only response, the lull in the fighting giving enough time to charge her armour's premiere feature (and to crush the Blink Spider that teleported next to her foot hard enough to crater the ground). She withdrew her plasma foil from the guard position and turned it off.
Governor Rotbart smirked, "This is the end for you my mast-," he was cut off as Jane disappeared, his armour's sensors unable to locate her. Panicking, he remembered that Xavier usually blinked behind him to score a good hit against him. However, when Rotbart turned around and swatted the area in front of him, he hit only air. Then he felt something climbing on his back. He quickly reached up with his free hand to throw off the Arbitrator, but it was too late.
Plasma foil held point-blank in contact with his visor, aiming at the Governor's face, she announced the result of the fight, "You have lost."
"...Best two out of three?" Frederick pleaded.
"I expect the 10 Thrones in my bank account by the end of the day," Jane replied, mercilessly denying the Governor's attempt to weasel out of the bet as she hopped off his back.
"NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!"
Jane recovered quickly, but the window of opportunity - even as small as it was - was enough for her opponent to take the advantage and press it. Now she was relegated to parrying and dodging. Her Recon armour let her do this well, but it was not primarily for combat, unlike her opponent's, and it showed.
"I've been waiting for this moment, Jane."
*CHRTTCH*
An attempt to get around his flank only resulted in her getting rebuffed. Luckily she blocked the counter-strike well, so even as she was sent flying backwards she was stable enough to not be sent sprawling.
"The circle is now complete. When I left you I was but the learner, now I am the master."
*vvrrrmm* *CRTCHT*
Jane edged out in skill, but her opponent had greater experience and his armour gave him enough strength that any time their blades met it was a draw for her at best.
"Only a master of ego, Rotbart," she responded.
*vvrrrmm* *vvrrrmm* *CRTCR* *vvrrrmm*
Again their plasma foils clashed, but the Governor had attacked from a better position and unbalanced Jane. Jane barely managed to dodge the next attack, but luckily her manoeuvre managed to net her some distance and a lull in the fighting descended.
"Your strikes are too weak. When you selected your wargear for this match, you chose...poorly," Frederick taunted, whether to mentally unbalance her or for the simple joy of it was unknown to her, "You lost this fight before you started, Jane. Search your feelings, you know it to be true."
"Perhaps...perhaps you're right, my apprentice..." was her only response, the lull in the fighting giving enough time to charge her armour's premiere feature (and to crush the Blink Spider that teleported next to her foot hard enough to crater the ground). She withdrew her plasma foil from the guard position and turned it off.
Governor Rotbart smirked, "This is the end for you my mast-," he was cut off as Jane disappeared, his armour's sensors unable to locate her. Panicking, he remembered that Xavier usually blinked behind him to score a good hit against him. However, when Rotbart turned around and swatted the area in front of him, he hit only air. Then he felt something climbing on his back. He quickly reached up with his free hand to throw off the Arbitrator, but it was too late.
Plasma foil held point-blank in contact with his visor, aiming at the Governor's face, she announced the result of the fight, "You have lost."
"...Best two out of three?" Frederick pleaded.
"I expect the 10 Thrones in my bank account by the end of the day," Jane replied, mercilessly denying the Governor's attempt to weasel out of the bet as she hopped off his back.
"NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!"
-----------
(Finally done! As can probably be guessed, the epilogue is entirely for teh lolz. I certainly had fun writing it.
)
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I don't know who says that, but that is false. Power Armor is all around useful.
The plasma sword in the RPG's is worthless because you can't add your strength bonus to it and that isn't worth it since it's as rare as a Power Axe. It's only effect is that it can sit people on fire...but you might as well get a flamer because you don't even need to roll to hit. Plus you can get talents that make it even easier to set people on fire faster.
But not adding that Strength bonus to the attack is what makes it truly terrible. You are stuck with a 1d10+6 as opposed to getting a Power Axe which has 1d10+6 PLUS your STR bonus. For a Space Marine in power armor that turns into a 1d10+17.
HanEmpire
Delicious
That's a heck of a wager. 1 Throne is roughly a million dollars in worth, IIRC.
Skewfiend
The Corruptor of All Things
- Location
- The Darkness Behind Your Eyes
These should all be "wreck". "Wreak" means cause or inflict.
Aligned.
Do you mean containment failure?
Rotbart.
- Location
- Australia
I realise that, but Frederick owns an entire planet (and thus allows himself a neat stipend) and Jane probably gets paid a lot for her job (as well as for how good she is at it).
Yeah, both Rotbart and Jane can throw around a lot of money for their operations...pretty sure that 10 thrones is ultimately nothing. Besides, its not like they wouldn't just use those 10 thrones for some operation that helps Avernus. I doubt Jane buys frivolous things...
On the other hand. @durin What does Jane enjoy or do in her spare time?
On the other hand. @durin What does Jane enjoy or do in her spare time?
- Location
- Berkeley
I think it's important to differentiate between things that suck in the RPG because of balance/wonky mechanics and things that would suck for us here.
Of course, we don't really know what niche plasma swords go in from what's been said. I mean, given ammo issues it probably shouldn't be part of our primary melee stuff, but there are a lot of other variables. They do seem small for WH40K melee weapons, so they could be issued to groups/individual load-outs that otherwise couldn't carry one. Hell, even in the grimmdark future I bet a lot of infantry would jump on the chance to carry around two pounds of melee weapon instead of twenty pounds even if they nominally have room for it. If they turn out to be cheap for us to manufacture and have low collateral damage, they could be part of the general issue weapons for pest control--about the size of a knife, but far better reach/killing power without the down-range and aiming issues of a gun.
Of course, we don't really know what niche plasma swords go in from what's been said. I mean, given ammo issues it probably shouldn't be part of our primary melee stuff, but there are a lot of other variables. They do seem small for WH40K melee weapons, so they could be issued to groups/individual load-outs that otherwise couldn't carry one. Hell, even in the grimmdark future I bet a lot of infantry would jump on the chance to carry around two pounds of melee weapon instead of twenty pounds even if they nominally have room for it. If they turn out to be cheap for us to manufacture and have low collateral damage, they could be part of the general issue weapons for pest control--about the size of a knife, but far better reach/killing power without the down-range and aiming issues of a gun.
You are indeed correct, there is a massive gap between the RPG, table top, and lore in terms of how powerful weapons are. However in this instance the weapon reference is only mentioned in the RPG lines and I am telling you as a FIVE year veteran of the DH campaign that weapon is garbage. That doesn't mean the plasma foil is the same however.
The Plasma Foil is a great weapon to have for our void infantry...just think they can use that to breech through bulkheads or sealed doors. That is just one way to look at it anyway.
- Location
- Australia
They won't be. They're described as "very complex" and they're more powerful than power weapons. They'd be elite grade in terms of cost at the least.
- Location
- Australia
- Location
- Alice Springs, Australia
teaches and practices her skills
- Location
- Alice Springs, Australia
or just go to edit and see the word count down the bottom
- Location
- not telling
Thanks. Also wow. 2.4k words exactly.
- Location
- Alice Springs, Australia
Olaf, Sigurd, Ulric and Zaren are married
Surt, Granalf and Alfric are unlikely to ever marry
Garp is currently unmarried and wife hunting
- Location
- Australia
I clicked edit and didn't see any word count. Could you be more specific?
- Location
- Alice Springs, Australia
when I hit edit it is in the bot tum right of the window, just above cancel
- Location
- Berkeley
See, now I'm just trying to find a way to claim that Garp wants a wife from Avernus so I can make jokes about Governer Garp hunting the most dangerous game...
- Location
- not telling
I don't get it either. Maybe it's just for the OP or something?