[X] Plan Withdrawal from Cyberstan
- [X] Accept Truthfully
- [X] Withdraw
- [X] Stand Off
- [X] Accept Truthfully
- [X] Withdraw
- [X] Stand Off
The Lost Primarch Quest
- Thread starter Daemon Hunter
- Start date
- Location
- Elsewhere
Durante and Vergil would be decently useful I will say, mostly as they'd provide an additional avenue of attack Epsilon would have to account for.
Pretty much, the locations of all heroes can be whatever you want. What's said there is just the default of where they will go.
If you do withdraw, and don't handle it, there isn't anyone that could deal with this besides a Primarch. Guilliman might assist if he can, but it's a fairly big if. And he'd only do so if you also commit later.
Nicholas Brooks
Redeemer and Destroyer
- Location
- United States
@Daemon Hunter So just to be certain, this plan here
Would have Durante blowing up the flagship while Kesar leads the ground assault? Or does that need to be specified?
- Location
- Elsewhere
For that, I'd assume Kesar is leading the ground assault while Durante works to try and blow up the flagship. All while Dantioch commands the naval engagement as a whole and Aurelian commands the ground force.
Nicholas Brooks
Redeemer and Destroyer
- Location
- United States
@Daemon Hunter How long is Plan All In, Ramming Speed expected to last by Dantioch's estimates if that is what we go with? A week? A month? 6 months?
- Location
- The Golden State
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Plan Withdrawal from Cyberstan
- [X] Accept Truthfully
- [X] Withdraw
- [X] Stand Off
- [X] Accept Truthfully
- [X] Withdraw
- [X] Stand Off
- Location
- Elsewhere
That varies based on the degree of success of the various fronts along with the moves Epsilon makes in response. It could be a week if one of you manages a crushing victory. Three months on the outer end if Epsilon's navy stands off and it turns into a grinding positional fight.
Nicholas Brooks
Redeemer and Destroyer
- Location
- United States
What about on the ground? Or is that directly affected by the void war?
[X] Plan All In, Ramming Speed.
-[X] Decline
-[X] Moderate Scale Invasion
-[X] Into the Maw, into the Flagship - Advance on the naval front, and have the Vigilance prepare its DAoT relic shield to safely ram into the enemy flagship to allow boarders to teleport onto either once the enemy shields are down or once the boarders are in range from ramming past the shields.
-[X] Decline
-[X] Moderate Scale Invasion
-[X] Into the Maw, into the Flagship - Advance on the naval front, and have the Vigilance prepare its DAoT relic shield to safely ram into the enemy flagship to allow boarders to teleport onto either once the enemy shields are down or once the boarders are in range from ramming past the shields.
- Location
- Elsewhere
It's the same for the ground really. Specifically there are ways for the ground war to take between a week to 3 months. And there's ways for the void war to take between a week and three months.
- Location
- US of A
[X] Plan All In, Ramming Speed.
-[X] Decline
-[X] Moderate Scale Invasion
-[X] Into the Maw, into the Flagship - Advance on the naval front, and have the Vigilance prepare its DAoT relic shield to safely ram into the enemy flagship to allow boarders to teleport onto either once the enemy shields are down or once the boarders are in range from ramming past the shields.
-[X] Decline
-[X] Moderate Scale Invasion
-[X] Into the Maw, into the Flagship - Advance on the naval front, and have the Vigilance prepare its DAoT relic shield to safely ram into the enemy flagship to allow boarders to teleport onto either once the enemy shields are down or once the boarders are in range from ramming past the shields.
A Caged Beast
A Caged Beast
There was an anxious feeling among the Khan's expedition. It reminded too many about the Stratios Expanse and the build-up to that compliance. Even so, life maintained its steady rhythm, and many were grateful to be untroubled by the currents of uncertainty that swirled beneath the surface of the expedition.
Yet, Orion couldn't shake the feeling of impending upheaval looming on the horizon. A great battle approached, and knowing he was embroiled in two prophecies made him uneasy. He wasn't one to dwell in pessimism, but the Knight-Warden was a realist who understood that tranquility was often fleeting these days.
His thoughts, however, were preoccupied with a more immediate concern—the delicate task of training the Grand Champion of the Celestial Dominion, their newfound allies in the expedition, a task which he had yet to carry out. There was quite a bit of backroom politicking. While the Imperials greeted this new alliance with cautious warmth, whispers of suspicion lingered in the air, casting a shadow over this mutual arrangement. Many feared the Dominion's intentions, foreseeing a potential betrayal.
Orion remained hesitant to embrace such cynicism. Nothing was ever simple, and Khan wasn't about to provoke a war. Yet, he couldn't ignore the underlying tension within their midst, a silent storm waiting to unleash its fury upon their fragile unity. Besides, this was a problem for the Warhawk's inner circle.
Khan, Arkhas, and Jubal worked tirelessly behind the scenes, grappling with their strategies and proposals. Had Ori been here, there would already be a hundred different contingencies in place, but Arkhas and Jubal weren't the types to spend hours focusing on "what-ifs" but rather the most potentially likely outcomes. While Arkhas and Jubal urged for immediate action, eager to capitalize on their clandestine advantage within the Dominion flagship, the Khan remained steadfast in his resolve, refusing to squander their trump card prematurely.
Amidst the ceaseless deliberations and strategizing, a semblance of tranquility pervaded the expedition, fostering an atmosphere of cautious calm. While shrouded in ambiguity, the ongoing dialogue between the two fleets maintained a fragile equilibrium, allowing everyone to keep an unspoken facade of normalcy.
Orion found solace in his daily routine. Training sessions with his comrades—the Wardens, the White Scars, and the Terran Raptors—offered a respite from the weight of uncertainty in the air. They were strengthening their camaraderie on the training grounds as a testament to the bonds forged from the last war.
Amid his duties, Orion found moments of reprieve in correspondence with Charvon Lyons, his sole contact within the Dominion. They opened an informal dialogue through their letters, seeking common ground through mutual learning and understanding. If nothing else, Orion figured it was a good way to learn more about a specific subset of the Dominion.
Yet, amidst the flurry of activities, Orion spent time with his loved ones—Estrith and Aelred. Though Aelred's newfound responsibilities often claimed his attention, Orion cherished the rare instances when they could come together as a family. He was getting older now and found new bonds among his comrades.
That and other more passionate strands as well. Estrith's subtle observations hinted at Aelred's burgeoning reputation as a charmer, drawing the affection of many admirers—a trait that both amused and concerned them. Orion, however, wasn't about to question his son's choice of companionship.
Besides, he and Estrith were enjoying their own time together…
Some time on the Bǎochuán…
Navigating the realm of romance as a Space Marine was an unconventional endeavor, to say the least. The notion might have elicited incredulous stares from many, but for Orion, the experience, albeit peculiar, held a unique charm. Despite the inherent strangeness of it all, there was an undeniable allure to sharing intimate moments with his wife.
Orion and Estrith had decided to spend some time alone on the Bǎochuán exotic arboretum deck, a favorite of most couples. However, the pair sought solace in each other's company amidst the lush foliage and ethereal glow of bioluminescent flora. The Knight-Warden always saw some glances directed to him and his wife. By all accounts, they were an oddity—a union between two radically different worlds.
Orion found sanctuary in the quiet moments spent with Estrith, away from the scrutiny of others. Seated beneath the canopy of a towering tree, their reflections danced upon the tranquil surface of a pond adorned with iridescent fish. In the soft, muted hues of twilight, the scene exuded an aura of enchantment, casting a spell of romance upon the couple.
"This tranquility," Orion murmured, his voice carrying the weight of introspection, "it's... serene. Nothing more, nothing less."
Estrith responded with a soft hum, nestling closer against his side. "Words often escape the depths of such moments," she mused, her gaze drifting over the tranquil landscape.
"I'm not known for eloquence," Orion admitted with a casual shrug. "But there's a certain beauty in simplicity, isn't there? This place, this moment—it's a refuge from the storms that rage beyond these walls."
A faint smile touched Estrith's lips as she regarded her husband. "A sanctuary amidst the chaos," she agreed, her voice carrying a gentle understanding. "But even amidst the chaos, we can still have moments like these."
The Knight-Warden's expression turned thoughtful, his gaze lingering on the horizon. "It's a strange dichotomy," he mused. "To find solace in peace while my brothers brave the fierceness and horror of the Maelstrom. Sometimes, I wonder if I should be there, fighting alongside them."
Estrith's gaze softened with empathy as she reached for his hand. "Your duty lies not only on the battlefield, Orion," she reminded him gently. "You fight for the Imperium but also for moments like these—for those you cherish. Your brothers understand that. All those among the expedition do as well."
Orion met her gaze, finding reassurance in her words. "Perhaps you're right," he conceded with a faint smile. Estrith wasn't wrong. She had long since figured enough about Orion to say the right thing. It must have been that woman's intuition. Yet, despite her reassurances, a nagging sense of doubt lingered within him.
That uncertainty had been in his mind these last few years. As Orion often reflected on his past deeds, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had fallen short of his and the legion's mandate. Yes, he had served the Khan and his sons faithfully, perhaps even exceeding the expectations of an outsider thrust into their midst. But deep down, he knew there was more he could do, more demons the Knight-Warden could defeat, more darkness he could dispel.
The memory of his encounter with the Dryad and Ent creatures on Elegia resurfaced, a reminder of the fleeting victory that had eluded him for so long. Since then, Humility had only been unleashed against more mundane threats, and the absence of true adversaries dulled his skills.
Restlessness stirred within him. Orion felt an uncomfortable, primal urge to unleash the fury of Humility upon the forces of Chas. He was like a caged beast, confined by duty and responsibility, yearning for the thrill of battle and the taste of victory. He and Humility shared that much now.
Orion's gaze drifted to the tranquil surface of the pond, the ripples reflecting the tumult of his thoughts. Amidst the swirling currents of restlessness and longing, a sense of clarity emerged. He yearned to break free from the constraints that bound him, to embrace his true purpose with unbridled passion. He needed to embrace being a daemonsbane.
But as he felt the comforting presence of Estrith beside him, a sense of calm washed over him like a gentle tide. He found solace and reassurance in her embrace, reminding him of the joy of being a husband and father. In moments like these, that familiar weight seemed to fade into insignificance.
With a soft sigh, Orion acknowledged that there was no shame in cherishing these simple pleasures, in finding fulfillment in the quiet moments shared with loved ones. There was no shame in this, or so he told himself.
Sometime later, on the Swordstorm…
The Warhawk sat upon his throne, looking bored and frustrated over one thing or another, with a pensive Yesugei at his side, while Jubal and Arkhas seemed unhappy. It made Orion a little on edge since they called him to the bridge of the Khan's flagship.
Addressing the gathered commanders, Jaghatai Khan spoke with a tone that betrayed a hint of urgency, "The Celestial Dominion has just announced the appointment of their new Grand Champion amidst great fanfare and celebration, as decreed by their Empress. However, our focus lies elsewhere. We must remain vigilant, for they will soon arrive, per our arrangement with Lyesymth."
The Knight-Warden allowed a small exhale of relief to escape him. It seemed this summons wasn't to deliver unwelcome news. Still, the gravity of the situation wasn't lost on him. "And I am to be their instructor," Orion recalled the agreement.
Jaghatai nodded, his expression serious. "This must remain a closely guarded secret, at least for now. We cannot afford any misunderstandings or speculation about the direction of our alliance. Once news spreads, it will undoubtedly stir controversy within the Imperium," he added, a hint of apprehension clouding his features.
Arkhas stepped in, his tone firm. "The terms of this agreement are flexible. Your primary role is to impart your knowledge of daemon-slaying, but beyond that, discretion is key. We cannot risk divulging more than necessary to the Dominion."
Orion absorbed the instructions but couldn't satisfy his curiosity about the shared prophecy with this Grand Champion. It made it challenging to remain completely detached from this arrangement.
Turning to Yesugei, Orion sought counsel from the stormseer. "Do the spirits offer any guidance or warnings?"
The Stormseer regarded Orion solemnly. "Exercise caution around this Grand Champion. They wield formidable power, yet they are counted as an ally."
Jubal interjected skeptically, voicing concerns about the true nature of this alliance. "This partnership is born of convenience. The Dominion's secrecy about their Grand Champion raises suspicion. What if they're a xeno? And what repercussions await us if our favored champion is seen training one?"
"The handling of such matters falls to me," the Khan asserted from his throne, his authority unwavering.
"Be that as it may," Yesugei continued once more, "The spirits don't believe the captain is in danger. That is all they can say on the matter."
Orion's unease was palpable as he voiced his concern. "It feels like I'm stepping into this with limited visibility," he admitted. "Training someone whose allegiance doesn't lie with the Imperium, particularly in the finer points of daemon-slaying, puts me in an awkward position. These are closely guarded secrets of the legions." Yet, beneath his apprehension, a sense of duty lingered to share this knowledge, even with an outsider.
"Exercise discretion," the Khan reiterated, echoing Arkhas's earlier caution. "Avoid entangling yourself in any political quagmires, but if you find yourself in one, ensure you emerge unscathed." It was a directive tinged with the pragmatism of a seasoned leader but also a final warning to the Knight-Warden.
Nothing more could have been said on the matter. Orion would just have to play this by ear.
A few weeks later…
Another fleet entered the system, joining the ranks of the two assembled forces. Leading the Dominion flotilla was a Deimos-class battleship known as Ogun. This vessel was not simply referred to as "Ogun" but bestowed with a true name that resonated with its formidable power and the significance of those within its hull.
Those onboard Ogun brought an announcement. The Sixth Grand Champion had been chosen from the Crux. As word spread of the selection of a new Grand Champion, the Dominion citizens erupted in jubilation, commemorating the occasion with fervent celebration. However, the exuberance seemed excessive to the Imperials, akin to declaring a great victory. Even the arrival of the Emperor could scarcely have elicited such widespread excitement.
Yet, amidst the revelry, tensions simmered beneath the surface. The Imperials remained perplexed, reluctant to comprehend the cause of the enthusiasm, which soon turned into a dismissive disdain. Thus, it was only a matter of time before a spark ignited the powder keg.
It didn't take long for it to get lit. Within the confines of one of the more notorious taverns aboard the Bǎochuán, a group of Dominion citizens, unaware of the nearby presence of Imperial soldiers seeking respite, engaged in raucous celebration, toasting to the health of their Empress and her new Grand Champion, that this must have offended one or more of the Imperials.
Incendiary words were exchanged, and each side quickly accused the other of instigating the confrontation. It was not until a pair of White Scars scouts and a trio of Old Guard veterans became tangled in this that the situation escalated into a full-blown brawl, igniting violence within the tavern's confines.
The altercation aboard the Bǎochuán escalated into a shameful display, culminating in the arrest of each participant, including the Astartes involved. What began as a drunken brawl teetered dangerously close to spiraling into a full-blown riot, resulting in several injuries, including the loss of an Imperial's eye. What should have been a minor incident swiftly morphed into a significant ordeal.
Fortunately, Lyesymth demonstrated restraint, opting not to escalate the situation further. Instead, he merely requested a public appearance from the Khan to greet the Grand Champion. Reluctantly, the Warhawk agreed to the request.
As a result, Orion found himself thrust into an even more uncomfortable position. He was also keenly aware now of just how popular the Grand Champion was, and if he did anything to paint them in a bad light, he might gain the Dominion's ire.
Two days after the incident…
Orion was finally going to meet this Grand Champion. Naturally, recent events have complicated the situation. After the incident on the Bǎochuán, the Dominion suddenly had "security" concerns and altered a bit of the arrangement.
Originally, the plan was for Orion and Champion to train on the Bǎochuán. Instead, the Dominion requested that the Knight-Warden board Ogun and train them there. This alteration sparked controversy, with Arkhas expressing concerns about the potential risks to Orion and the expedition if a command staff member was taken hostage.
Despite the reservations expressed by his comrades, Orion decided to go. All he asked was that Estrith come with him, citing that if he were just injured, she could help him since no one in the Dominion knew how to treat Astartes. Lyesymth found that both agreeable and sensible.
It was a good idea since Estrith could spot anything her husband might have missed. Plus, she had more training regarding escaping detainment due to her Clear Sky upbringing. If nothing else, it would be nice to have someone he could trust watching his back.
As they boarded the shuttle bound for Ogun from the Swordstorm, Orion glanced at his wife, noting her composed demeanor. Her hand reached out and gently grasped his. Even when faced with the unknown, she wasn't afraid to follow him. Her calmness put him at ease.
When they finally arrived and landed on one of Ogun's hangers, Orion and Estrith were greeted by an honor guard of Dominion soldiers and a pair that stood out. As they stepped off their shuttle, they were greeted by an honor guard of Dominion soldiers, among whom a pair of individuals stood out.
One was an older male, likely a ship's captain judging by his uniform, while the other was a young, determined-looking woman exuding an air of regal authority, albeit dressed like a servant. The Dominion soldiers saluted Orion with formidable-looking weapons, and he could see a pair of humanoid aliens in their ranks.
Approaching the pair of Imperials, the ship commander introduced himself, "Welcome aboard, Ogun, Captain Jesk," he began, extending a respectful greeting. "I am Saajid el-Bari, the Admiral of this vessel, and I greet you in its name."
However, before Saajid could continue, the young woman accompanying him interjected hurriedly. "I am Steward Despina, speaking for the Chosen of Cruxis," she announced, her tone suggesting urgency. Orion noticed subtle signs of subdermal cybernetics around her face and neck, indicating enhanced capabilities.
"I must apologize, but we'll need to cut formalities short. The journey has been long for Lady Makima." Despina remarked, ignoring the visibly annoyed admiral, although he maintained his composure and gracefully acknowledged Despina's words.
"Steward Despina attends to Lady Makima, our esteemed Grand Champion," he explained, emphasizing the importance. "Our lady had only recently completed a small tour of the inner worlds and is somewhat, shall we say, restless."
"Steward Despina attends to Lady Makima, our esteemed Grand Champion," he explained, emphasizing the importance. "Our lady had only recently completed a small tour of the inner worlds and is somewhat, shall we say, restless."
Orion merely nodded, acknowledging the situation. "I see. I can understand if Lady Makima wishes to begin training immediately; we can skip formalities." Despite his disappointment at not being able to explore more of Ogun, he was intrigued to learn a few things about the Grand Champion.
Admiral el-Bari now turned his attention to Estrith. "This must be your companion. Lyesymth told us you were bringing a specialist physician just in case."
"That's correct," Estrith replied with a polite smile. "While I might not have the exact training and tools of Astartes apothecaries, I know Astartes physiology and, more importantly, Orion quite well."
"I see, I see," Saajid nodded understandingly. "Forgive me for asking this so late, but what might I call you?"
"Estrith Jesk," she responded proudly, her smile unwavering. Both the admiral and steward blinked in surprise at her declaration. "I'm his wife."
The Knight-Warden couldn't suppress a hint of embarrassment at his wife's forthrightness, though he couldn't deny the small feeling of pride as well. "Her presence here isn't a problem, is it?" he inquired, anticipating the response.
Despina quickly regained her composure and dismissed the concern with a casual wave. "Not at all."
"Indeed, it shouldn't pose any inconvenience," Saajid concurred. "Shall we proceed? I can provide a brief tour en route to the training room."
"We'll take the quickest path," Despina interjected. "Lady Makima has waited long enough."
Orion, intrigued, couldn't resist probing further. "Is she growing impatient?"
"She's simply restless," Saajid clarified, drawing a sharp glance from Despina as they set off with the honor guard. "But let's not judge her too harshly. It's unwise to confine a spirit meant to roam freely."
Unless that soul was dangerous, Orion nodded in reluctant agreement. "What kind of person is she, then?"
"A prodigy, to begin with," Despina replied, her tone tinged with pride. "A true scion of our Empress. Cruxis made an astute choice in making our lady their champion."
Orion's expression remained unchanged. "That doesn't quite answer my question," he remarked, his tone neutral.
Saajid couldn't help but roll his eyes at Despina's retort. "Reserved and dangerous sums it up well," he acknowledged, though he hastened to clarify, "Not dangerous in the sense of imminent attack, mind you. Lady Makima operates on a different level—constantly assessing, analyzing, and strategizing. If you find yourself in her sights, it's best to cooperate until she's satisfied."
Despina bristled at Saajid's characterization, but Estrith interjected with a more diplomatic query before she could retort. "What are her interests?"
Continuing the line of inquiry, the steward added, "Lady Makima finds solace in training, experimenting with new calculations, and honing her...unique talents." Despina interjected, glancing meaningfully at Orion, "One of which, Daemonsbane, is bound to intrigue you. You should inquire about it."
"Why not explain now?" Orion challenged, his skepticism evident. "I prefer to enter any encounter fully informed." However, he couldn't shake the suspicion that the Dominion had its reasons for keeping him in the dark.
Despina's smirk only deepened, a glint of mischief dancing in her eyes. "Where's the fun in giving away all the surprises?" she teased, her tone laced with amusement, much to Orion's chagrin.
As they delved deeper into Ogun's hulls, it became apparent to Orion that the Dominion's intent wasn't to apprehend him. It took them approximately thirty minutes to arrive at their destination, affording Orion a glimpse into the ship's condition and crew and allowing him to ask a few questions.
The interior of Ogun bore the marks of age, yet it exuded an aura of meticulous maintenance. Saajid eagerly detailed the ship's history, recounting its illustrious past as the flagship of the Empress during the Age of Configuration. The crew held Ogun in high esteem, a fact palpable in their prideful demeanor. When Orion inquired about the ship being referred to as "Ogun" rather than "the" Ogun, Saajid asserted that the vessel was imbued with a living essence.
"Ogun hears and knows everything. Best not to say anything that might offend him."
Despite Saajid's explanation, Orion couldn't shake the feeling that the crew's perception of Ogun differed from the reverence typically bestowed upon machine spirits by the Mechanicum. They seemed to think the ship was truly aware.
Meanwhile, Estrith engaged Despina in conversation, seeking to unravel the steward's connection to Makima. It seemed she had previously served as the attendant to the last Grand Champion and assumed her current role as Makima's aide at the Empress's behest. A strange set of circumstances hinted that Despina was probably far older and wiser than she looked.
As they approached the training facility, Despina's enthusiasm for Makima became palpable, her words brimming with admiration and respect. Estrith's nodding agreement only reinforced the reverence in the air, akin to a proud parent speaking fondly of their child—a sentiment Orion had encountered many times while he and Estrith raised Aelred. Everyone always wanted to brag about their child.
Finally, the group reached what Orion saw as a rather expansive training facility. Stepping into the chamber, Orion couldn't shake the feeling of entering a sacred space, although maybe it was more like something sacred had been placed in it. The honor guard stationed themselves outside, leaving the Imperials and their hosts to venture further. Then, as if they crossed a threshold, a strange sensation washed over Orion, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of a coin being tossed into the air with a hypnotic repetition.
At the heart of the chamber sat a figure cloaked in a techno-organic suit of synskin, its verdant hues pulsating with an eerie lifeforce that seemed to echo the wearer's every breath. It was a woman, based on the lithe figure. Beside them lay a peculiar assortment of weapons—a sleek revolver of advanced make and an ornate throwing glaive, each bearing the mark of meticulous craftsmanship.
They noticed the figure responsible for the coin flips, and their backs turned to them. A single braid of black hair cascaded down their back, reminiscent of the Callidus assassins Orion had encountered in the past. A faint hum filled the air.
"Lady Makima," Despina's voice rang out, tinged with deference as she addressed the woman. Even Saajid hesitated to approach, opting to linger at a respectful distance. "The Angel of Humility has arrived." Orion didn't like being called by that title as an introduction, but he held his peace.
Makima deftly caught the coin mid-flip, her movements fluid and precise. "Ah, finally," she remarked, her voice carrying a weight beyond her youthful tone. With a graceful turn, she faced Orion and Estrith, revealing her obscured visage behind an ornate metal mask. Orion couldn't shake the feeling that it resembled a death mask of ancient nobility.
Standing face to face with Makima, Orion couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that permeated the air around her. Despite her outward appearance of humanity, an undeniable aura of otherworldliness whispered of something beyond mortal comprehension. Humility, by comparison, felt warm and familiar.
It was akin to being in the presence of a predator who could roam freely yet sated for the moment. Unlike the restrained energy of a Primarch like the Khan, whose potential for unleashed power hung palpably in the air, Makima exuded a different kind of presence—a subtle but potent force.
Approaching with a fluid grace that belied her muscular frame, Makima exuded a feminine strength that commanded attention. Though Orion couldn't help but notice her attractiveness, he pushed aside any irrelevant thoughts, focusing on the task at hand.
"The Empress spoke highly of you," Makima observed, her voice soft yet carrying a weight of authority. "But you seem...restrained."
Orion raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Nice to meet you, too," he quipped, his words laced with sarcasm. "And is restraint such a bad thing in your eyes?"
Makima hummed in response, her fingers deftly flipping the coin as she contemplated his question. "Lack of restraint is not the issue," she remarked cryptically, her gaze piercing yet inscrutable.
As Makima's gaze shifted to Estrith, Orion sensed a subtle shift in her demeanor. There was a flicker of something in her expression, almost as if she were unsettled by the connection she perceived between Orion and his wife.
"Who is this?" Makima's voice held a tinge of curiosity, her eyes lingering on Estrith as if searching for answers within her.
"This is Estrith," Orion introduced, idly noting Makima's unusual reaction. "My wife and a physician who will tend to my wounds."
Estrith greeted Makima with a small smile and a wave. "Hello."
Makima's attention seemed momentarily diverted, but then she spoke with a tone that carried a hint of both intrigue and confusion. "Her spirit is tethered to you," she observed, her words tinged with a sense of uncertainty that left Orion puzzled. "Are there others tethered as well?" Her uncertainty was evident in the question.
Orion couldn't quite grasp the significance of Makima's observation. "Is that a problem?" he inquired, seeking clarification.
"Is it?" Makima echoed his uncertainty, her voice trailing as if lost in thought. "I don't know. How strange," she mused, her words accompanied by bewilderment. Even behind her mask, Orion sensed her gaze lingering on him intently. "You are becoming more interesting by the minute, Angel."
"Good to know," Orion remarked, sensing a positive turn in their conversation. "I suppose we are off to a good start, then," he added before recalling the purpose of his visit. "Your Empress wanted me to train you."
"Yes," Makima nodded solemnly. "We have many battles ahead of us. Enemies of the warp, of humanity, must be destroyed. You despise the monsters too, yes?"
"I do," Orion affirmed with a grim determination. "With all my being."
Makima nodded, a hint of relief evident in her demeanor. "Good. The Empress has provided me with targets for our alliance. The monsters taint them. They must be eliminated. You will teach me how to destroy them, and I can teach you how to bind them."
"Bind them?" Orion echoed, his curiosity piqued. "You know how to bind daemons?" The prospect was both intriguing and astonishing. "And you believe you can teach me?" He was filled with questions, eager to learn more.
"Not hard, not really," Makima replied casually, her fingers ceasing their rhythmic flipping of the coin. She extended it toward Orion, revealing a furious, daemonic eye embedded within the metal surface. Orion's eyes widened in astonishment; even Estrith couldn't suppress a gasp. Saajid and Despina averted their gaze, clearly repulsed.
"This one couldn't be destroyed," Makima explained, her tone tinged with pride. "So I bound it within my precious coin. It can see and hear everything, but it has no means to scream anymore." She paused, allowing the weight of her words to sink in. "Cruxis gave me the ability to do this, but the Empress taught me how."
She resumed flipping the daemon's prison, the metallic clinks echoing in the chamber. "I don't think it's like me doing this. But I've had this habit since I was a girl. An unfortunate circumstance for it," she remarked casually.
Orion nodded slowly, his resolve evident in his expression. "I prefer to truly kill them."
"As do I," Makima admitted, her voice hinting determination. "My Empress says you can do that. I want to see it someday, and then I want to do it myself." With a deft motion, she caught the coin again, her gaze fixed on Orion, even through her mask. "I want to become a Daemonsbane."
After that declaration, Makima wasted no time. She gathered her weapons and motioned for Orion to follow her. Meanwhile, Estrith and the others were off to a nearby spectators' room. "I expect the two of us to cause a little destruction," she explained to Orion as they made their way to an actual training field.
As they walked, Makima started speaking again. "You are an enigma, Angel."
"You can call me Orion," he replied, straightforward but amicable. "If we are going to work together, we can be a little more personal."
"...Yes, personal," Makima echoed, her tone uncertain. "Regardless, the Empress warned me, but I thought she was just trying to excite me."
"Excite you?" Orion questioned, intrigued by Makima's response. "Why do that?"
"Because I get bored easily," Makima admitted candidly. "Initially, she promised I would save the Dominion, but that has since changed with the end of the Fateweaver." The death of one daemon changed so much, she reflected. "Then I was stuck trying to find a new one until we learned of your expedition."
"So..." Orion paused, processing her words. "Are you only here because your Empress ordered it or because something about me excites you?"
"Both?" Makima replied, her tone tinged with confusion. "Cruxis might also be interested in what you can offer, but I don't know."
Orion's curiosity was piqued. "What does Cruxis want, exactly?"
"I don't know," Makima admitted with a shrug. "They mind-wiped my memories of the encounter. I couldn't even begin to tell you anything more than what I know about daemon binding. All I know is that the Empress speaks for them, and I am to obey her."
"Isn't that a bit concerning to you?" Orion cautiously probed. "Your mind has been altered, and you are expected to obey the Empress without question?"
She tilted her head, seeming puzzled by the question. "Does it bother you that you are expected to do the same for your Primarch and Emperor?"
He didn't have a quick rebuttal to that. "We Astartes undergo hypno-conditioning, but I am still free to conduct myself as I see fit."
"You are an anomaly in that regard," Makima admitted. "The spirits of others are connected to you. Having a wife is odd."
"I have an adopted son as well," Orion added, sensing her surprise. Her momentary pause encouraged him to continue, "I also have a horse if that means anything to you."
"What's a horse?" Makima shook her head, dismissing the topic. "Nevermind. You are strange—stranger than I anticipated, which makes you interesting. I will have more questions if you survive our training exercises."
Her blunt assessment took Orion aback. "Are you planning on making this training deadly?"
"Of course," Makima replied matter-of-factly, her honesty surprising him. "How else would we learn if not with the looming specter of death as our instructor? Better yet, how would we feel alive otherwise?"
Makima's words certainly didn't harbor any ill intent. But then she gestured toward Humility. "Your sword wishes to taste my flesh and spirit. I won't let it. Not yet. It wants to taste yours first. So I do hope you survive. I'd hate to deny it its chance."
Orion couldn't recall a time during any training session against Matticus or Slayer when they were ready to kill him at any moment. A brother never intended to land a killing blow against another. As much as Orion wanted to dissuade Makima, he realized that was likely impossible. If nothing else, this was probably a strange test in her mind.
"That's considerate of you…" he idly responded, mentally preparing himself for what was coming. She wanted to spill some blood, but Orion wasn't about to let her—not without a real fight.
As they reached the training field, Orion wasn't surprised to find it fashioned after a makeshift woodland environment that stretched about half a kilometer. It was an unconventional choice for a training ground, but he could see the logic behind it. However, what did surprise him were the signs of rusted vehicles and bombed-out emplacements scattered throughout the wooded area—a clear indication of a simulated battlefield.
"I'll be on the other side," Makima explained. "Take about ten minutes to familiarize yourself with this. Oh, and don't worry about outside collateral; a void shield will surround this field, so we're free to do as we please."
Orion merely nodded, adjusting his grip on Humility. He had his bolt pistol and a few grenades at his disposal—a modest arsenal, but it would suffice. With the assurance of the void shield, he felt more at ease about unleashing Humility's full potential.
"I hope you have fun and don't die," Makima said with a hint of excitement. Her initially reserved persona began fading away. "Show me what makes you the Angel of Humility."
"With respect," Orion remarked as he started moving toward the opposite end of the training field, "You don't want to see that." That was reserved for the monsters in the warp.
Within a few minutes, Orion noticed a glaring issue with the training field: everything was real—trees, bushes, grass, etc. While it lent an air of authenticity to the environment, it posed a significant risk to his tactical options. A fire could quickly turn the field into a smoky hellscape, severely limiting visibility. Although he had his helmet, navigating through dense smoke would be challenging, especially in combat.
Secondly, Orion noticed another concerning aspect of the training field: scattered throughout were active munitions. Among the burnt-out vehicles and bombed-out bunkers lay old bombs, fuel canisters, and ammo dumps. The presence of these volatile materials meant that anyone reckless or desperate enough to set one off could trigger a catastrophic chain reaction. With the risk of fire spreading quickly and igniting the munitions, the training field could become a lethal inferno in no time.
However, while the hazardous conditions of the training field posed challenges, Orion remained undeterred. His experiences fighting on daemon worlds had taught him to navigate chaotic environments easily. Mundane hazards like scattered munitions and potential fires were mere obstacles to him, minor challenges to overcome.
Ten minutes passed, and Orion felt a sense of urgency to begin. He secured his helmet and drew Humility, its blade gleaming with readiness. Surveying the field, he knew this wouldn't be a game of stealth or strategy; it was a test of raw combat prowess.
A sudden realization struck him: initiating the blaze now could give him a tactical advantage if the field was destined to become a raging inferno regardless, and it would be on his terms. With this in mind, Orion aimed a nearby fuel canister with his bolt pistol, unleashing a shot that sparked an explosive reaction.
Orion amplified the chaos by unleashing torrents of Conversion Energy from Humility. Waves of burning light and incandescent energy beams rippled across the field, igniting dormant explosives and fuel reserves.
In moments, the faux woodland setting transformed into a scene of pandemonium found only on a battlefield. Explosions echoed through the air, sending plumes of smoke billowing skyward, and the crackling of flames mingled with the inferno's roar as it consumed everything in its path.
As the hellfire engulfed more of the field, Orion couldn't help but wonder about the safety protocols of Ogun's atmosphere scrubbers, ensuring those outside the void shield remained safe from smoke asphyxiation.
In his contemplation, a brief flicker caught his eye, triggering his instincts just in time to dodge a spinning glaive hurtling toward him. The weapon defied physics, spinning with effortless grace and deadly precision. Its deadly silence added an eerie quality to the scene as it sliced through the air, seemingly returning to its wielder after its lethal trajectory.
Makima's preemptive strike caught Orion off guard. Despite his efforts to remain vigilant, her cunning tactics proved to be a step ahead. In a matter of seconds, three shots echoed from the eastern direction, each finding its mark on his shoulder armor, roughly 50 meters away.
While the ceremite held strong against penetration, the impact left strange imprints on the surface. Orion's confusion swiftly turned to alarm as each shot detonated with the force of frag grenades, sending shockwaves rippling through the air.
Stunned by the unexpected explosion, Orion narrowly avoided the returning glaive's deadly arc. Before he could fully recover, another trio of bullets found their mark, this time striking his leg. Once more, the impact was followed by explosive detonations, further rattling his senses.
Though physically unharmed, Orion recognized Makima's strategy. Whether she aimed to compromise his armor's integrity or test its durability remained uncertain. Determined not to yield ground easily, Orion retaliated, directing a wave of Conversion Energy toward her position, aiming to disrupt her calculated assault.
Orion quickly calculated Makima's weapon capacity, realizing she had exhausted her revolver's ammunition. With this knowledge, he resolved to maintain relentless pressure, denying her the opportunity to reload and forcing her reliance on the glaive alone. Determined to exploit this tactical advantage, he intensified his assault, figuring he could finally counter her.
Swiftly capitalizing on his advantage, the Knight-Warden surged toward Makima's position despite the hindrance posed by the swirling smoke and flames. Although these environmental hazards posed a temporary obstacle, Orion knew they wouldn't impede him for long. The radiant aura of Humility absorbed the ash and smoke, granting him fleeting moments of clarity amidst the chaos.
However, a new challenge emerged: Makima's bio-synthetic skin defied detection by his scanners, rendering her invisible to his technological aids. Forced to rely on his instincts, Orion closed in on her location, determined to press his assault. The glaive streaked toward him again as he neared, but he deftly evaded its lethal arc.
Yet, Makima's weapon revealed a new trick and threat: It stopped mid-air before unleashing a surge of energy that momentarily disrupted his power armor's systems, causing it to falter before he could pull up Humility to strike. Though not enough to hinder him, the haywire field imposed a brief delay as his armor recalibrated, akin to a respite for his machine spirit to recover.
Observing the glaive's retreat, Orion couldn't help but marvel at its seemingly autonomous nature. The maneuver had drained considerable energy from the weapon, suggesting it possessed a will of its own, probably a Dominion version of a machine spirit. It was becoming increasingly apparent that Makima had an arsenal of tricks at her disposal, far more than he had initially anticipated.
Though he had missed the opportunity to prevent her from reloading her revolver, she might have exchanged the glaive for her firearm, at least temporarily. This development wasn't necessarily disadvantageous for Orion; facing her at close range with Humility while she only had her revolver might present opportunities he could exploit.
With Makima's whereabouts still eluding him, Orion focused on honing his senses, relying not just on his helmet's scanners but also on his instincts. His Occulobe gave him a further advantage in this duel. The rules of engagement seemed nebulous at best, but he understood the essence of the challenge: to outmaneuver and outsmart his opponent, regardless of the unconventional circumstances.
As Orion's beam attack pierced through the smoke, he observed a flickering silhouette, confirming his suspicion of Makima's presence. Without hesitation, he surged forward.
However, as he closed the distance, another figure materialized to his left. Before he could react, bullets struck his arm, each exploding into a searing plasma upon impact. The sudden pain jolted Orion, but the Knight-Warden quickly repositioned himself and unleashed a storm of energy around him.
With no time to waste pondering the nature of Makima's abilities, Orion focused on maintaining his momentum. As the smoke momentarily cleared, his helmet's scanners detected a power surge emanating from a different direction—the telltale sign of Makima's glaive. He had only a fleeting window before it closed in on him.
Reacting swiftly, Orion retrieved a chaff grenade from his belt and primed it in one fluid motion. Dropping it at his feet, he relied on the smoke and the disruptive electromagnetic particles to provide him with a brief cover, effectively cloaking his movements from Makima and her glaive.
With a sense of urgency propelling him forward, Orion assessed his options. Time was ticking away, but he remained calm and focused. Plunging Humility into the ground for stability, he swiftly retrieved two grenades from his belt, primed them, and hurled them in the direction from which Makima's bullets had originated.
As expected, the grenades intercepted the incoming projectiles and detonated mid-air, confirming his suspicions. "Got you," he muttered triumphantly. He primed the third grenade with a deft motion and drew his bolt pistol in one fluid sequence. Emerging from cover, Orion launched the third grenade with precision. If he were right, Makima would instinctively want to shoot it down.
With Makima's position now exposed, Orion wasted no time. Aiming his bolt pistol, he fired a trio of shots toward her shimmering figure, each bolt streaking through the smoke-filled air with deadly accuracy. While she could have deflected the bolts if she wanted to, her dwindling ammunition supply left her with only two bullets remaining in her revolver.
As one of the bolt-rounds found its mark, Makima reappeared, her organic armor seeping blood and who knew what else from the impact, making it far easier to spot her now.
Orion didn't have time to savor the victory, as her damn glaive promptly arrived and lacerated the front of his power armor. Ceramite was tough, capable of resisting even medium arms, but the glaive managed to pierce it. His multi-lung had been hit, and while that wouldn't stop him from breathing, Orion could feel blood pooling in his remaining lungs—a minor inconvenience for a Space Marine.
Orion took careful aim and fired the remaining rounds in his pistol magazine at the flying glaive, effectively deterring its continued assault. Quickly realizing that the glaive was returning to Makima, he seized the opportunity. Amidst the lingering chaff smoke, the Knight-Warden grasped Humility and unleashed successive waves of energy toward Makima while steadily advancing.
Now that Orion could see Makima in action, he could watch her dodge and dip out of his attacks with stunning ease. No movement was wasted, and every action seemed designed to build up to something. He couldn't allow her time or a chance to think up a counter.
As Orion closed the distance, he focused on keeping Makima off balance. Within ten meters, he witnessed a remarkable display of Makima's skill. In a rapid sequence of motions, she retrieved the daemon coin, flipped it into the air, aimed her revolver, and fired a single shot at the coin.
Despite every instinct honed over centuries of service and his expertise as a daemonsbane, Orion felt the urgency to evade this attack narrowly. Upon impact with the coin, the bullet surged with an incomprehensible speed, defying even the keen senses of an Astartes.
He was lucky, but just because he dodged in time didn't stop the brief explosion that followed only a dozen centimeters from the right side of his head. The blast began to scorch his helmet, rendering his optic scanners useless. Without hesitation, the Knight-Warden ripped off his helmet, seamlessly continuing his charge toward Makima.
Closing the gap to a mere three meters, Orion encountered Makima wielding her glaive as a makeshift shield, which partially deflected his strike with Humility's blade. Now engaged in close combat, Orion noticed Makima's organic synthskin armor leaking profusely, indicating significant damage.
Yet, despite her injuries, she matched his relentless assault with surprising resilience. It was evident that Dominion and Cruxis had engineered her physiology far beyond ordinary human limits. Perhaps she couldn't beat Orion in a straight-up fight, but she could at least keep up with him.
Amidst the fiery chaos enveloping them, a lethal ballet unfolded between Orion and Makima. Her glaive proved resilient against Humility's strikes, forcing Orion to rely solely on his blade's inherent power field, which made him unable to utilize the amassed Conversion Energy.
Undeterred by the challenge, Makima relentlessly launched a barrage of slashes and thrusts with her glaive, aiming to land a fatal blow on the Knight-Warden. He would have succumbed to her onslaught countless times if Orion had been any other adversary.
This confrontation presented a unique test for Orion, unlike any he had faced against daemons. While it was intended as a training exercise, the intensity and juxtaposition of violence bordered on amusement for him. In truth, this battle stirred a sense of exhilaration within him.
As the duel persisted, Orion couldn't shake the suspicion that Makima found a similar thrill in the combat. The clash of blades and the dance of death seemed to elicit a mutual sense of enjoyment between them.
Humility pulsed with potent energy, poised for release. With a single strike, Orion could engulf Makima in a blazing inferno. Though she might have been calculating countless steps ahead, one misstep would leave her vulnerable.
That misstep arrived sooner than she probably anticipated. Orion methodically maneuvered Makima toward a less favorable position, edging her closer to the engulfing flames of a nearby bunker. Despite her attempts to retaliate with her glaive, Makima faltered in close combat against Orion's relentless assault.
Her critical error unfolded amidst the chaos of an exploding ammo dump, showering them with searing shrapnel. While Orion sustained minor injuries, his power armor provided ample protection, as did Makima's organic armor.
Makima tried to give herself distance, but just as she backflipped away, Orion had ample time to aim Humility at her retreating form. Even at this distance, he'd incinerate everything within a twenty-meter range. It was over. He'd win in the next moment.
Yet...something stopped him. Despite the heat of battle and the urge to vanquish his foe, Orion realized they were engaged in a deadly dance, not a fight to the death. Though his instincts clamored for victory, he was bound by his identity as the Angel of Humility, a daemonsbane, an Astartes whose actions were governed by discipline rather than impulse.
Instead of unleashing Humility's devastating power, Orion surged forward again, catching Makima off guard with his swiftness. As she deflected his attack with her glaive shield, she simultaneously aimed her revolver at his concealed face, revealing her fatigue and confusion beneath the mask.
Despite the chaos of the raging firestorm, her words reached Orion's ears. "I have you now," she declared amidst the turmoil. "But moments ago, you had me at your mercy."
"I still do," Orion retorted grimly, exerting pressure with Humility against her force shield. "I could unleash Humility's power right now. Even if I miss... I won't miss." His smirk mirrored her resolve as she responded by cocking the hammer of her revolver. She didn't seem too keen on his response.
However, Makima surprised him with her next proposition. "Shall we call this a draw?"
Orion hesitated, glancing at her revolver. "Are you going to holster your gun?"
"Are you going to cease your attempts to kill me with your blade?"
Their standoff lingered, tension thick in the air. Eventually, Orion relented, easing the pressure and withdrawing Humility. Makima followed suit, lowering her pistol. "You seem mobile enough," she remarked, her tone indicating her injuries. "Could you carry me? I fear I'm bleeding out."
"...Very well."
With their duel concluded, they begrudgingly acknowledged the stalemate. Yet, as they parted ways, Orion couldn't shake the feeling that, despite their agreement, Makima might have emerged as the victor in the end.
When Orion arrived carrying a wounded Makima, Estrith's initial reaction bordered on anger, though her concern for Makima quickly took precedence. Saajid and Despina, visibly shaken by the intensity of Orion and Makima's duel, wore expressions of deep worry, especially Despina, who fretted over the extent of the Grand Champion's injuries.
Saajid, displaying a mix of disbelief and exasperation, didn't mince words. "What in the Empress's name happened in there? You were supposed to engage in a friendly duel, not attempt to kill each other!"
Makima dismissed his concerns with a wave, even as Orion supported her weight. "We both enjoyed ourselves," she remarked casually. "But rest assured, the next training session will be considerably tamer." She then turned to Estrith. "Would you be so kind as to tend to my wounds, Orion?"
Though internally bleeding and likely suffering from plasma burns, Orion acknowledged her request with a nod. "She's losing a significant amount of blood... although some of it might be due to her organic armor," he observed, noting Estrith's reluctance to accept an outsider's assessment and Despina's evident displeasure at the intrusion.
Makima's quiet command persuaded her Dominion companions to comply despite their initial reluctance. Once inside a nearby medical facility, Estrith immediately examined Makima's injuries, leaving Orion to tend to his own wounds and assess the damage to his armor and Humility.
For the next three hours, Orion found himself immersed in the meticulous healing and repair process. He couldn't shake the feeling that the Honor Guard accompanying them kept a vigilant watch, ready to intervene if needed. It became apparent that Saajid and Despina had engaged in a discreet argument before Saajid departed, likely to report the incident to the Khan.
Orion suspected that as long as the Khan received word of his survival, the incident would be swiftly resolved.
Eventually, Estrith approached Orion, her demeanor no-nonsense as she finished tending to Makima's wounds and administered a sedative to ease her discomfort. "It's your turn for examination," she stated firmly.
"I'll manage," Orion grumbled, eager to depart. "I just need to visit an apothecary. Besides, I doubt training will continue today."
Estrith fixed him with a steely gaze. "This isn't a request, Orion," she retorted, producing a specialized tool—a human-sized Narthecium—bestowed upon her by the Khan for her invaluable service to the expedition.
As Estrith diligently tended to his wounds, she couldn't help but voice her concern. "They told me it was supposed to be a simple training simulation," she murmured.
Orion acknowledged her with a solemn nod. "Makima had different ideas. I decided to indulge her request."
Her expression clouded with worry. "Orion, you're one of the strongest warriors I know, but you came dangerously close to dying. I mean, not even on Elegia at the Bloodworks facility did that happen."
"You're right," he conceded without protest. "Makima is a formidable opponent. It seems Cruxis has chosen his Grand Champion well." Despite the seriousness of the situation, a hint of amusement danced in his eyes. "But she still has much to learn."
As Estrith continued to tend to his injuries, she remarked, "You seemed to be enjoying yourself during it."
Orion blinked in surprise. "What?"
"The Dominion had pict-capture of the duel," she explained, her frown deepening. "After you lost your helmet, I saw you smiling."
He was momentarily at a loss for words. "I suppose... the adrenaline of combat can be exhilarating."
"You were on the brink of death," she reiterated, her tone edged with frustration. "Yet, you seemed... alive, in a way I haven't seen in some time."
A pang of guilt tugged at his conscience. "Estrith... it was just the heat of battle. A momentary rush. Nothing more."
She regarded him with a mixture of concern and understanding. "I hope so, Orion. I truly do."
Struggling to find the right words to reassure her, Orion extended his bloodied hand, gently clasping hers. "I promise you, it's nothing. Just a momentary lapse in judgment," he murmured, his words tinged with uncertainty, even as he tried to convince himself otherwise.
Whether Estrith truly believed him remained uncertain, but she returned his smile and squeezed his hand gently. "Just... exercise a bit more caution. I can't always be there to patch you up."
"Quite unfortunate, really." A small smile graced his face, "You have such a gentle touch compared to the other apothecaries."
"Hmm, don't I know it," She gave him a smirk, "I could say the same about you..."
Orion coughed awkwardly, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks as he realized the implications of her remark. At least Estrith was smiling again. Still, something had happened in that duel, and the Knight-Warden wasn't sure what it entailed. He needed to look into this.
As Orion and Estrith exchanged playful banter, they remained oblivious to Makima's gradual return to consciousness. Quietly observing them, Makima's attention lingered particularly on the Knight-Warden.
He proved far more intriguing than she had anticipated. The Empress's assessment was correct; Orion would indeed be a formidable ally in future battles. However, Makima sensed that he deliberately held himself back, resisting a side of himself that could grant him even greater power.
Unlike many other adversaries, Orion demonstrated strength, skill, and keen intelligence. He saw through some of her illusions and deftly evaded her coin trick—an accomplishment reserved for only a select few. While Astartes were inherently dangerous, the Angel of Humility embodied a level of destruction beyond comprehension, unbeknownst to him.
Observing Orion's interactions with his wife, Makima surmised that the bonds he forged with his spiritual beliefs weighed heavily upon him. The conflicting burdens of duty and love threatened to consume him. Yet, she recognized that judging him for his struggles wasn't her place.
Makima resolved to keep a vigilant watch over Orion, patiently awaiting opportunities for him to embrace his darker tendencies. She yearned to witness more of this hidden side of him, to delve deeper into his complexities. A realization dawned upon her—an unexpected attraction to the Knight-Warden had taken root within her.
The Empress warned Makima that she might become interested in the Daemonsbane. Now, she knew that was indeed the case.
---
@Daemon Hunter Alright, done with this one.
There was an anxious feeling among the Khan's expedition. It reminded too many about the Stratios Expanse and the build-up to that compliance. Even so, life maintained its steady rhythm, and many were grateful to be untroubled by the currents of uncertainty that swirled beneath the surface of the expedition.
Yet, Orion couldn't shake the feeling of impending upheaval looming on the horizon. A great battle approached, and knowing he was embroiled in two prophecies made him uneasy. He wasn't one to dwell in pessimism, but the Knight-Warden was a realist who understood that tranquility was often fleeting these days.
His thoughts, however, were preoccupied with a more immediate concern—the delicate task of training the Grand Champion of the Celestial Dominion, their newfound allies in the expedition, a task which he had yet to carry out. There was quite a bit of backroom politicking. While the Imperials greeted this new alliance with cautious warmth, whispers of suspicion lingered in the air, casting a shadow over this mutual arrangement. Many feared the Dominion's intentions, foreseeing a potential betrayal.
Orion remained hesitant to embrace such cynicism. Nothing was ever simple, and Khan wasn't about to provoke a war. Yet, he couldn't ignore the underlying tension within their midst, a silent storm waiting to unleash its fury upon their fragile unity. Besides, this was a problem for the Warhawk's inner circle.
Khan, Arkhas, and Jubal worked tirelessly behind the scenes, grappling with their strategies and proposals. Had Ori been here, there would already be a hundred different contingencies in place, but Arkhas and Jubal weren't the types to spend hours focusing on "what-ifs" but rather the most potentially likely outcomes. While Arkhas and Jubal urged for immediate action, eager to capitalize on their clandestine advantage within the Dominion flagship, the Khan remained steadfast in his resolve, refusing to squander their trump card prematurely.
Amidst the ceaseless deliberations and strategizing, a semblance of tranquility pervaded the expedition, fostering an atmosphere of cautious calm. While shrouded in ambiguity, the ongoing dialogue between the two fleets maintained a fragile equilibrium, allowing everyone to keep an unspoken facade of normalcy.
Orion found solace in his daily routine. Training sessions with his comrades—the Wardens, the White Scars, and the Terran Raptors—offered a respite from the weight of uncertainty in the air. They were strengthening their camaraderie on the training grounds as a testament to the bonds forged from the last war.
Amid his duties, Orion found moments of reprieve in correspondence with Charvon Lyons, his sole contact within the Dominion. They opened an informal dialogue through their letters, seeking common ground through mutual learning and understanding. If nothing else, Orion figured it was a good way to learn more about a specific subset of the Dominion.
Yet, amidst the flurry of activities, Orion spent time with his loved ones—Estrith and Aelred. Though Aelred's newfound responsibilities often claimed his attention, Orion cherished the rare instances when they could come together as a family. He was getting older now and found new bonds among his comrades.
That and other more passionate strands as well. Estrith's subtle observations hinted at Aelred's burgeoning reputation as a charmer, drawing the affection of many admirers—a trait that both amused and concerned them. Orion, however, wasn't about to question his son's choice of companionship.
Besides, he and Estrith were enjoying their own time together…
Some time on the Bǎochuán…
Navigating the realm of romance as a Space Marine was an unconventional endeavor, to say the least. The notion might have elicited incredulous stares from many, but for Orion, the experience, albeit peculiar, held a unique charm. Despite the inherent strangeness of it all, there was an undeniable allure to sharing intimate moments with his wife.
Orion and Estrith had decided to spend some time alone on the Bǎochuán exotic arboretum deck, a favorite of most couples. However, the pair sought solace in each other's company amidst the lush foliage and ethereal glow of bioluminescent flora. The Knight-Warden always saw some glances directed to him and his wife. By all accounts, they were an oddity—a union between two radically different worlds.
Orion found sanctuary in the quiet moments spent with Estrith, away from the scrutiny of others. Seated beneath the canopy of a towering tree, their reflections danced upon the tranquil surface of a pond adorned with iridescent fish. In the soft, muted hues of twilight, the scene exuded an aura of enchantment, casting a spell of romance upon the couple.
"This tranquility," Orion murmured, his voice carrying the weight of introspection, "it's... serene. Nothing more, nothing less."
Estrith responded with a soft hum, nestling closer against his side. "Words often escape the depths of such moments," she mused, her gaze drifting over the tranquil landscape.
"I'm not known for eloquence," Orion admitted with a casual shrug. "But there's a certain beauty in simplicity, isn't there? This place, this moment—it's a refuge from the storms that rage beyond these walls."
A faint smile touched Estrith's lips as she regarded her husband. "A sanctuary amidst the chaos," she agreed, her voice carrying a gentle understanding. "But even amidst the chaos, we can still have moments like these."
The Knight-Warden's expression turned thoughtful, his gaze lingering on the horizon. "It's a strange dichotomy," he mused. "To find solace in peace while my brothers brave the fierceness and horror of the Maelstrom. Sometimes, I wonder if I should be there, fighting alongside them."
Estrith's gaze softened with empathy as she reached for his hand. "Your duty lies not only on the battlefield, Orion," she reminded him gently. "You fight for the Imperium but also for moments like these—for those you cherish. Your brothers understand that. All those among the expedition do as well."
Orion met her gaze, finding reassurance in her words. "Perhaps you're right," he conceded with a faint smile. Estrith wasn't wrong. She had long since figured enough about Orion to say the right thing. It must have been that woman's intuition. Yet, despite her reassurances, a nagging sense of doubt lingered within him.
That uncertainty had been in his mind these last few years. As Orion often reflected on his past deeds, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had fallen short of his and the legion's mandate. Yes, he had served the Khan and his sons faithfully, perhaps even exceeding the expectations of an outsider thrust into their midst. But deep down, he knew there was more he could do, more demons the Knight-Warden could defeat, more darkness he could dispel.
The memory of his encounter with the Dryad and Ent creatures on Elegia resurfaced, a reminder of the fleeting victory that had eluded him for so long. Since then, Humility had only been unleashed against more mundane threats, and the absence of true adversaries dulled his skills.
Restlessness stirred within him. Orion felt an uncomfortable, primal urge to unleash the fury of Humility upon the forces of Chas. He was like a caged beast, confined by duty and responsibility, yearning for the thrill of battle and the taste of victory. He and Humility shared that much now.
Orion's gaze drifted to the tranquil surface of the pond, the ripples reflecting the tumult of his thoughts. Amidst the swirling currents of restlessness and longing, a sense of clarity emerged. He yearned to break free from the constraints that bound him, to embrace his true purpose with unbridled passion. He needed to embrace being a daemonsbane.
But as he felt the comforting presence of Estrith beside him, a sense of calm washed over him like a gentle tide. He found solace and reassurance in her embrace, reminding him of the joy of being a husband and father. In moments like these, that familiar weight seemed to fade into insignificance.
With a soft sigh, Orion acknowledged that there was no shame in cherishing these simple pleasures, in finding fulfillment in the quiet moments shared with loved ones. There was no shame in this, or so he told himself.
Sometime later, on the Swordstorm…
The Warhawk sat upon his throne, looking bored and frustrated over one thing or another, with a pensive Yesugei at his side, while Jubal and Arkhas seemed unhappy. It made Orion a little on edge since they called him to the bridge of the Khan's flagship.
Addressing the gathered commanders, Jaghatai Khan spoke with a tone that betrayed a hint of urgency, "The Celestial Dominion has just announced the appointment of their new Grand Champion amidst great fanfare and celebration, as decreed by their Empress. However, our focus lies elsewhere. We must remain vigilant, for they will soon arrive, per our arrangement with Lyesymth."
The Knight-Warden allowed a small exhale of relief to escape him. It seemed this summons wasn't to deliver unwelcome news. Still, the gravity of the situation wasn't lost on him. "And I am to be their instructor," Orion recalled the agreement.
Jaghatai nodded, his expression serious. "This must remain a closely guarded secret, at least for now. We cannot afford any misunderstandings or speculation about the direction of our alliance. Once news spreads, it will undoubtedly stir controversy within the Imperium," he added, a hint of apprehension clouding his features.
Arkhas stepped in, his tone firm. "The terms of this agreement are flexible. Your primary role is to impart your knowledge of daemon-slaying, but beyond that, discretion is key. We cannot risk divulging more than necessary to the Dominion."
Orion absorbed the instructions but couldn't satisfy his curiosity about the shared prophecy with this Grand Champion. It made it challenging to remain completely detached from this arrangement.
Turning to Yesugei, Orion sought counsel from the stormseer. "Do the spirits offer any guidance or warnings?"
The Stormseer regarded Orion solemnly. "Exercise caution around this Grand Champion. They wield formidable power, yet they are counted as an ally."
Jubal interjected skeptically, voicing concerns about the true nature of this alliance. "This partnership is born of convenience. The Dominion's secrecy about their Grand Champion raises suspicion. What if they're a xeno? And what repercussions await us if our favored champion is seen training one?"
"The handling of such matters falls to me," the Khan asserted from his throne, his authority unwavering.
"Be that as it may," Yesugei continued once more, "The spirits don't believe the captain is in danger. That is all they can say on the matter."
Orion's unease was palpable as he voiced his concern. "It feels like I'm stepping into this with limited visibility," he admitted. "Training someone whose allegiance doesn't lie with the Imperium, particularly in the finer points of daemon-slaying, puts me in an awkward position. These are closely guarded secrets of the legions." Yet, beneath his apprehension, a sense of duty lingered to share this knowledge, even with an outsider.
"Exercise discretion," the Khan reiterated, echoing Arkhas's earlier caution. "Avoid entangling yourself in any political quagmires, but if you find yourself in one, ensure you emerge unscathed." It was a directive tinged with the pragmatism of a seasoned leader but also a final warning to the Knight-Warden.
Nothing more could have been said on the matter. Orion would just have to play this by ear.
A few weeks later…
Another fleet entered the system, joining the ranks of the two assembled forces. Leading the Dominion flotilla was a Deimos-class battleship known as Ogun. This vessel was not simply referred to as "Ogun" but bestowed with a true name that resonated with its formidable power and the significance of those within its hull.
Those onboard Ogun brought an announcement. The Sixth Grand Champion had been chosen from the Crux. As word spread of the selection of a new Grand Champion, the Dominion citizens erupted in jubilation, commemorating the occasion with fervent celebration. However, the exuberance seemed excessive to the Imperials, akin to declaring a great victory. Even the arrival of the Emperor could scarcely have elicited such widespread excitement.
Yet, amidst the revelry, tensions simmered beneath the surface. The Imperials remained perplexed, reluctant to comprehend the cause of the enthusiasm, which soon turned into a dismissive disdain. Thus, it was only a matter of time before a spark ignited the powder keg.
It didn't take long for it to get lit. Within the confines of one of the more notorious taverns aboard the Bǎochuán, a group of Dominion citizens, unaware of the nearby presence of Imperial soldiers seeking respite, engaged in raucous celebration, toasting to the health of their Empress and her new Grand Champion, that this must have offended one or more of the Imperials.
Incendiary words were exchanged, and each side quickly accused the other of instigating the confrontation. It was not until a pair of White Scars scouts and a trio of Old Guard veterans became tangled in this that the situation escalated into a full-blown brawl, igniting violence within the tavern's confines.
The altercation aboard the Bǎochuán escalated into a shameful display, culminating in the arrest of each participant, including the Astartes involved. What began as a drunken brawl teetered dangerously close to spiraling into a full-blown riot, resulting in several injuries, including the loss of an Imperial's eye. What should have been a minor incident swiftly morphed into a significant ordeal.
Fortunately, Lyesymth demonstrated restraint, opting not to escalate the situation further. Instead, he merely requested a public appearance from the Khan to greet the Grand Champion. Reluctantly, the Warhawk agreed to the request.
As a result, Orion found himself thrust into an even more uncomfortable position. He was also keenly aware now of just how popular the Grand Champion was, and if he did anything to paint them in a bad light, he might gain the Dominion's ire.
Two days after the incident…
Orion was finally going to meet this Grand Champion. Naturally, recent events have complicated the situation. After the incident on the Bǎochuán, the Dominion suddenly had "security" concerns and altered a bit of the arrangement.
Originally, the plan was for Orion and Champion to train on the Bǎochuán. Instead, the Dominion requested that the Knight-Warden board Ogun and train them there. This alteration sparked controversy, with Arkhas expressing concerns about the potential risks to Orion and the expedition if a command staff member was taken hostage.
Despite the reservations expressed by his comrades, Orion decided to go. All he asked was that Estrith come with him, citing that if he were just injured, she could help him since no one in the Dominion knew how to treat Astartes. Lyesymth found that both agreeable and sensible.
It was a good idea since Estrith could spot anything her husband might have missed. Plus, she had more training regarding escaping detainment due to her Clear Sky upbringing. If nothing else, it would be nice to have someone he could trust watching his back.
As they boarded the shuttle bound for Ogun from the Swordstorm, Orion glanced at his wife, noting her composed demeanor. Her hand reached out and gently grasped his. Even when faced with the unknown, she wasn't afraid to follow him. Her calmness put him at ease.
When they finally arrived and landed on one of Ogun's hangers, Orion and Estrith were greeted by an honor guard of Dominion soldiers and a pair that stood out. As they stepped off their shuttle, they were greeted by an honor guard of Dominion soldiers, among whom a pair of individuals stood out.
One was an older male, likely a ship's captain judging by his uniform, while the other was a young, determined-looking woman exuding an air of regal authority, albeit dressed like a servant. The Dominion soldiers saluted Orion with formidable-looking weapons, and he could see a pair of humanoid aliens in their ranks.
Approaching the pair of Imperials, the ship commander introduced himself, "Welcome aboard, Ogun, Captain Jesk," he began, extending a respectful greeting. "I am Saajid el-Bari, the Admiral of this vessel, and I greet you in its name."
However, before Saajid could continue, the young woman accompanying him interjected hurriedly. "I am Steward Despina, speaking for the Chosen of Cruxis," she announced, her tone suggesting urgency. Orion noticed subtle signs of subdermal cybernetics around her face and neck, indicating enhanced capabilities.
"I must apologize, but we'll need to cut formalities short. The journey has been long for Lady Makima." Despina remarked, ignoring the visibly annoyed admiral, although he maintained his composure and gracefully acknowledged Despina's words.
"Steward Despina attends to Lady Makima, our esteemed Grand Champion," he explained, emphasizing the importance. "Our lady had only recently completed a small tour of the inner worlds and is somewhat, shall we say, restless."
"Steward Despina attends to Lady Makima, our esteemed Grand Champion," he explained, emphasizing the importance. "Our lady had only recently completed a small tour of the inner worlds and is somewhat, shall we say, restless."
Orion merely nodded, acknowledging the situation. "I see. I can understand if Lady Makima wishes to begin training immediately; we can skip formalities." Despite his disappointment at not being able to explore more of Ogun, he was intrigued to learn a few things about the Grand Champion.
Admiral el-Bari now turned his attention to Estrith. "This must be your companion. Lyesymth told us you were bringing a specialist physician just in case."
"That's correct," Estrith replied with a polite smile. "While I might not have the exact training and tools of Astartes apothecaries, I know Astartes physiology and, more importantly, Orion quite well."
"I see, I see," Saajid nodded understandingly. "Forgive me for asking this so late, but what might I call you?"
"Estrith Jesk," she responded proudly, her smile unwavering. Both the admiral and steward blinked in surprise at her declaration. "I'm his wife."
The Knight-Warden couldn't suppress a hint of embarrassment at his wife's forthrightness, though he couldn't deny the small feeling of pride as well. "Her presence here isn't a problem, is it?" he inquired, anticipating the response.
Despina quickly regained her composure and dismissed the concern with a casual wave. "Not at all."
"Indeed, it shouldn't pose any inconvenience," Saajid concurred. "Shall we proceed? I can provide a brief tour en route to the training room."
"We'll take the quickest path," Despina interjected. "Lady Makima has waited long enough."
Orion, intrigued, couldn't resist probing further. "Is she growing impatient?"
"She's simply restless," Saajid clarified, drawing a sharp glance from Despina as they set off with the honor guard. "But let's not judge her too harshly. It's unwise to confine a spirit meant to roam freely."
Unless that soul was dangerous, Orion nodded in reluctant agreement. "What kind of person is she, then?"
"A prodigy, to begin with," Despina replied, her tone tinged with pride. "A true scion of our Empress. Cruxis made an astute choice in making our lady their champion."
Orion's expression remained unchanged. "That doesn't quite answer my question," he remarked, his tone neutral.
Saajid couldn't help but roll his eyes at Despina's retort. "Reserved and dangerous sums it up well," he acknowledged, though he hastened to clarify, "Not dangerous in the sense of imminent attack, mind you. Lady Makima operates on a different level—constantly assessing, analyzing, and strategizing. If you find yourself in her sights, it's best to cooperate until she's satisfied."
Despina bristled at Saajid's characterization, but Estrith interjected with a more diplomatic query before she could retort. "What are her interests?"
Continuing the line of inquiry, the steward added, "Lady Makima finds solace in training, experimenting with new calculations, and honing her...unique talents." Despina interjected, glancing meaningfully at Orion, "One of which, Daemonsbane, is bound to intrigue you. You should inquire about it."
"Why not explain now?" Orion challenged, his skepticism evident. "I prefer to enter any encounter fully informed." However, he couldn't shake the suspicion that the Dominion had its reasons for keeping him in the dark.
Despina's smirk only deepened, a glint of mischief dancing in her eyes. "Where's the fun in giving away all the surprises?" she teased, her tone laced with amusement, much to Orion's chagrin.
As they delved deeper into Ogun's hulls, it became apparent to Orion that the Dominion's intent wasn't to apprehend him. It took them approximately thirty minutes to arrive at their destination, affording Orion a glimpse into the ship's condition and crew and allowing him to ask a few questions.
The interior of Ogun bore the marks of age, yet it exuded an aura of meticulous maintenance. Saajid eagerly detailed the ship's history, recounting its illustrious past as the flagship of the Empress during the Age of Configuration. The crew held Ogun in high esteem, a fact palpable in their prideful demeanor. When Orion inquired about the ship being referred to as "Ogun" rather than "the" Ogun, Saajid asserted that the vessel was imbued with a living essence.
"Ogun hears and knows everything. Best not to say anything that might offend him."
Despite Saajid's explanation, Orion couldn't shake the feeling that the crew's perception of Ogun differed from the reverence typically bestowed upon machine spirits by the Mechanicum. They seemed to think the ship was truly aware.
Meanwhile, Estrith engaged Despina in conversation, seeking to unravel the steward's connection to Makima. It seemed she had previously served as the attendant to the last Grand Champion and assumed her current role as Makima's aide at the Empress's behest. A strange set of circumstances hinted that Despina was probably far older and wiser than she looked.
As they approached the training facility, Despina's enthusiasm for Makima became palpable, her words brimming with admiration and respect. Estrith's nodding agreement only reinforced the reverence in the air, akin to a proud parent speaking fondly of their child—a sentiment Orion had encountered many times while he and Estrith raised Aelred. Everyone always wanted to brag about their child.
Finally, the group reached what Orion saw as a rather expansive training facility. Stepping into the chamber, Orion couldn't shake the feeling of entering a sacred space, although maybe it was more like something sacred had been placed in it. The honor guard stationed themselves outside, leaving the Imperials and their hosts to venture further. Then, as if they crossed a threshold, a strange sensation washed over Orion, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of a coin being tossed into the air with a hypnotic repetition.
At the heart of the chamber sat a figure cloaked in a techno-organic suit of synskin, its verdant hues pulsating with an eerie lifeforce that seemed to echo the wearer's every breath. It was a woman, based on the lithe figure. Beside them lay a peculiar assortment of weapons—a sleek revolver of advanced make and an ornate throwing glaive, each bearing the mark of meticulous craftsmanship.
They noticed the figure responsible for the coin flips, and their backs turned to them. A single braid of black hair cascaded down their back, reminiscent of the Callidus assassins Orion had encountered in the past. A faint hum filled the air.
"Lady Makima," Despina's voice rang out, tinged with deference as she addressed the woman. Even Saajid hesitated to approach, opting to linger at a respectful distance. "The Angel of Humility has arrived." Orion didn't like being called by that title as an introduction, but he held his peace.
Makima deftly caught the coin mid-flip, her movements fluid and precise. "Ah, finally," she remarked, her voice carrying a weight beyond her youthful tone. With a graceful turn, she faced Orion and Estrith, revealing her obscured visage behind an ornate metal mask. Orion couldn't shake the feeling that it resembled a death mask of ancient nobility.
Standing face to face with Makima, Orion couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that permeated the air around her. Despite her outward appearance of humanity, an undeniable aura of otherworldliness whispered of something beyond mortal comprehension. Humility, by comparison, felt warm and familiar.
It was akin to being in the presence of a predator who could roam freely yet sated for the moment. Unlike the restrained energy of a Primarch like the Khan, whose potential for unleashed power hung palpably in the air, Makima exuded a different kind of presence—a subtle but potent force.
Approaching with a fluid grace that belied her muscular frame, Makima exuded a feminine strength that commanded attention. Though Orion couldn't help but notice her attractiveness, he pushed aside any irrelevant thoughts, focusing on the task at hand.
"The Empress spoke highly of you," Makima observed, her voice soft yet carrying a weight of authority. "But you seem...restrained."
Orion raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Nice to meet you, too," he quipped, his words laced with sarcasm. "And is restraint such a bad thing in your eyes?"
Makima hummed in response, her fingers deftly flipping the coin as she contemplated his question. "Lack of restraint is not the issue," she remarked cryptically, her gaze piercing yet inscrutable.
As Makima's gaze shifted to Estrith, Orion sensed a subtle shift in her demeanor. There was a flicker of something in her expression, almost as if she were unsettled by the connection she perceived between Orion and his wife.
"Who is this?" Makima's voice held a tinge of curiosity, her eyes lingering on Estrith as if searching for answers within her.
"This is Estrith," Orion introduced, idly noting Makima's unusual reaction. "My wife and a physician who will tend to my wounds."
Estrith greeted Makima with a small smile and a wave. "Hello."
Makima's attention seemed momentarily diverted, but then she spoke with a tone that carried a hint of both intrigue and confusion. "Her spirit is tethered to you," she observed, her words tinged with a sense of uncertainty that left Orion puzzled. "Are there others tethered as well?" Her uncertainty was evident in the question.
Orion couldn't quite grasp the significance of Makima's observation. "Is that a problem?" he inquired, seeking clarification.
"Is it?" Makima echoed his uncertainty, her voice trailing as if lost in thought. "I don't know. How strange," she mused, her words accompanied by bewilderment. Even behind her mask, Orion sensed her gaze lingering on him intently. "You are becoming more interesting by the minute, Angel."
"Good to know," Orion remarked, sensing a positive turn in their conversation. "I suppose we are off to a good start, then," he added before recalling the purpose of his visit. "Your Empress wanted me to train you."
"Yes," Makima nodded solemnly. "We have many battles ahead of us. Enemies of the warp, of humanity, must be destroyed. You despise the monsters too, yes?"
"I do," Orion affirmed with a grim determination. "With all my being."
Makima nodded, a hint of relief evident in her demeanor. "Good. The Empress has provided me with targets for our alliance. The monsters taint them. They must be eliminated. You will teach me how to destroy them, and I can teach you how to bind them."
"Bind them?" Orion echoed, his curiosity piqued. "You know how to bind daemons?" The prospect was both intriguing and astonishing. "And you believe you can teach me?" He was filled with questions, eager to learn more.
"Not hard, not really," Makima replied casually, her fingers ceasing their rhythmic flipping of the coin. She extended it toward Orion, revealing a furious, daemonic eye embedded within the metal surface. Orion's eyes widened in astonishment; even Estrith couldn't suppress a gasp. Saajid and Despina averted their gaze, clearly repulsed.
"This one couldn't be destroyed," Makima explained, her tone tinged with pride. "So I bound it within my precious coin. It can see and hear everything, but it has no means to scream anymore." She paused, allowing the weight of her words to sink in. "Cruxis gave me the ability to do this, but the Empress taught me how."
She resumed flipping the daemon's prison, the metallic clinks echoing in the chamber. "I don't think it's like me doing this. But I've had this habit since I was a girl. An unfortunate circumstance for it," she remarked casually.
Orion nodded slowly, his resolve evident in his expression. "I prefer to truly kill them."
"As do I," Makima admitted, her voice hinting determination. "My Empress says you can do that. I want to see it someday, and then I want to do it myself." With a deft motion, she caught the coin again, her gaze fixed on Orion, even through her mask. "I want to become a Daemonsbane."
After that declaration, Makima wasted no time. She gathered her weapons and motioned for Orion to follow her. Meanwhile, Estrith and the others were off to a nearby spectators' room. "I expect the two of us to cause a little destruction," she explained to Orion as they made their way to an actual training field.
As they walked, Makima started speaking again. "You are an enigma, Angel."
"You can call me Orion," he replied, straightforward but amicable. "If we are going to work together, we can be a little more personal."
"...Yes, personal," Makima echoed, her tone uncertain. "Regardless, the Empress warned me, but I thought she was just trying to excite me."
"Excite you?" Orion questioned, intrigued by Makima's response. "Why do that?"
"Because I get bored easily," Makima admitted candidly. "Initially, she promised I would save the Dominion, but that has since changed with the end of the Fateweaver." The death of one daemon changed so much, she reflected. "Then I was stuck trying to find a new one until we learned of your expedition."
"So..." Orion paused, processing her words. "Are you only here because your Empress ordered it or because something about me excites you?"
"Both?" Makima replied, her tone tinged with confusion. "Cruxis might also be interested in what you can offer, but I don't know."
Orion's curiosity was piqued. "What does Cruxis want, exactly?"
"I don't know," Makima admitted with a shrug. "They mind-wiped my memories of the encounter. I couldn't even begin to tell you anything more than what I know about daemon binding. All I know is that the Empress speaks for them, and I am to obey her."
"Isn't that a bit concerning to you?" Orion cautiously probed. "Your mind has been altered, and you are expected to obey the Empress without question?"
She tilted her head, seeming puzzled by the question. "Does it bother you that you are expected to do the same for your Primarch and Emperor?"
He didn't have a quick rebuttal to that. "We Astartes undergo hypno-conditioning, but I am still free to conduct myself as I see fit."
"You are an anomaly in that regard," Makima admitted. "The spirits of others are connected to you. Having a wife is odd."
"I have an adopted son as well," Orion added, sensing her surprise. Her momentary pause encouraged him to continue, "I also have a horse if that means anything to you."
"What's a horse?" Makima shook her head, dismissing the topic. "Nevermind. You are strange—stranger than I anticipated, which makes you interesting. I will have more questions if you survive our training exercises."
Her blunt assessment took Orion aback. "Are you planning on making this training deadly?"
"Of course," Makima replied matter-of-factly, her honesty surprising him. "How else would we learn if not with the looming specter of death as our instructor? Better yet, how would we feel alive otherwise?"
Makima's words certainly didn't harbor any ill intent. But then she gestured toward Humility. "Your sword wishes to taste my flesh and spirit. I won't let it. Not yet. It wants to taste yours first. So I do hope you survive. I'd hate to deny it its chance."
Orion couldn't recall a time during any training session against Matticus or Slayer when they were ready to kill him at any moment. A brother never intended to land a killing blow against another. As much as Orion wanted to dissuade Makima, he realized that was likely impossible. If nothing else, this was probably a strange test in her mind.
"That's considerate of you…" he idly responded, mentally preparing himself for what was coming. She wanted to spill some blood, but Orion wasn't about to let her—not without a real fight.
As they reached the training field, Orion wasn't surprised to find it fashioned after a makeshift woodland environment that stretched about half a kilometer. It was an unconventional choice for a training ground, but he could see the logic behind it. However, what did surprise him were the signs of rusted vehicles and bombed-out emplacements scattered throughout the wooded area—a clear indication of a simulated battlefield.
"I'll be on the other side," Makima explained. "Take about ten minutes to familiarize yourself with this. Oh, and don't worry about outside collateral; a void shield will surround this field, so we're free to do as we please."
Orion merely nodded, adjusting his grip on Humility. He had his bolt pistol and a few grenades at his disposal—a modest arsenal, but it would suffice. With the assurance of the void shield, he felt more at ease about unleashing Humility's full potential.
"I hope you have fun and don't die," Makima said with a hint of excitement. Her initially reserved persona began fading away. "Show me what makes you the Angel of Humility."
"With respect," Orion remarked as he started moving toward the opposite end of the training field, "You don't want to see that." That was reserved for the monsters in the warp.
Within a few minutes, Orion noticed a glaring issue with the training field: everything was real—trees, bushes, grass, etc. While it lent an air of authenticity to the environment, it posed a significant risk to his tactical options. A fire could quickly turn the field into a smoky hellscape, severely limiting visibility. Although he had his helmet, navigating through dense smoke would be challenging, especially in combat.
Secondly, Orion noticed another concerning aspect of the training field: scattered throughout were active munitions. Among the burnt-out vehicles and bombed-out bunkers lay old bombs, fuel canisters, and ammo dumps. The presence of these volatile materials meant that anyone reckless or desperate enough to set one off could trigger a catastrophic chain reaction. With the risk of fire spreading quickly and igniting the munitions, the training field could become a lethal inferno in no time.
However, while the hazardous conditions of the training field posed challenges, Orion remained undeterred. His experiences fighting on daemon worlds had taught him to navigate chaotic environments easily. Mundane hazards like scattered munitions and potential fires were mere obstacles to him, minor challenges to overcome.
Ten minutes passed, and Orion felt a sense of urgency to begin. He secured his helmet and drew Humility, its blade gleaming with readiness. Surveying the field, he knew this wouldn't be a game of stealth or strategy; it was a test of raw combat prowess.
A sudden realization struck him: initiating the blaze now could give him a tactical advantage if the field was destined to become a raging inferno regardless, and it would be on his terms. With this in mind, Orion aimed a nearby fuel canister with his bolt pistol, unleashing a shot that sparked an explosive reaction.
Orion amplified the chaos by unleashing torrents of Conversion Energy from Humility. Waves of burning light and incandescent energy beams rippled across the field, igniting dormant explosives and fuel reserves.
In moments, the faux woodland setting transformed into a scene of pandemonium found only on a battlefield. Explosions echoed through the air, sending plumes of smoke billowing skyward, and the crackling of flames mingled with the inferno's roar as it consumed everything in its path.
As the hellfire engulfed more of the field, Orion couldn't help but wonder about the safety protocols of Ogun's atmosphere scrubbers, ensuring those outside the void shield remained safe from smoke asphyxiation.
In his contemplation, a brief flicker caught his eye, triggering his instincts just in time to dodge a spinning glaive hurtling toward him. The weapon defied physics, spinning with effortless grace and deadly precision. Its deadly silence added an eerie quality to the scene as it sliced through the air, seemingly returning to its wielder after its lethal trajectory.
Makima's preemptive strike caught Orion off guard. Despite his efforts to remain vigilant, her cunning tactics proved to be a step ahead. In a matter of seconds, three shots echoed from the eastern direction, each finding its mark on his shoulder armor, roughly 50 meters away.
While the ceremite held strong against penetration, the impact left strange imprints on the surface. Orion's confusion swiftly turned to alarm as each shot detonated with the force of frag grenades, sending shockwaves rippling through the air.
Stunned by the unexpected explosion, Orion narrowly avoided the returning glaive's deadly arc. Before he could fully recover, another trio of bullets found their mark, this time striking his leg. Once more, the impact was followed by explosive detonations, further rattling his senses.
Though physically unharmed, Orion recognized Makima's strategy. Whether she aimed to compromise his armor's integrity or test its durability remained uncertain. Determined not to yield ground easily, Orion retaliated, directing a wave of Conversion Energy toward her position, aiming to disrupt her calculated assault.
Orion quickly calculated Makima's weapon capacity, realizing she had exhausted her revolver's ammunition. With this knowledge, he resolved to maintain relentless pressure, denying her the opportunity to reload and forcing her reliance on the glaive alone. Determined to exploit this tactical advantage, he intensified his assault, figuring he could finally counter her.
Swiftly capitalizing on his advantage, the Knight-Warden surged toward Makima's position despite the hindrance posed by the swirling smoke and flames. Although these environmental hazards posed a temporary obstacle, Orion knew they wouldn't impede him for long. The radiant aura of Humility absorbed the ash and smoke, granting him fleeting moments of clarity amidst the chaos.
However, a new challenge emerged: Makima's bio-synthetic skin defied detection by his scanners, rendering her invisible to his technological aids. Forced to rely on his instincts, Orion closed in on her location, determined to press his assault. The glaive streaked toward him again as he neared, but he deftly evaded its lethal arc.
Yet, Makima's weapon revealed a new trick and threat: It stopped mid-air before unleashing a surge of energy that momentarily disrupted his power armor's systems, causing it to falter before he could pull up Humility to strike. Though not enough to hinder him, the haywire field imposed a brief delay as his armor recalibrated, akin to a respite for his machine spirit to recover.
Observing the glaive's retreat, Orion couldn't help but marvel at its seemingly autonomous nature. The maneuver had drained considerable energy from the weapon, suggesting it possessed a will of its own, probably a Dominion version of a machine spirit. It was becoming increasingly apparent that Makima had an arsenal of tricks at her disposal, far more than he had initially anticipated.
Though he had missed the opportunity to prevent her from reloading her revolver, she might have exchanged the glaive for her firearm, at least temporarily. This development wasn't necessarily disadvantageous for Orion; facing her at close range with Humility while she only had her revolver might present opportunities he could exploit.
With Makima's whereabouts still eluding him, Orion focused on honing his senses, relying not just on his helmet's scanners but also on his instincts. His Occulobe gave him a further advantage in this duel. The rules of engagement seemed nebulous at best, but he understood the essence of the challenge: to outmaneuver and outsmart his opponent, regardless of the unconventional circumstances.
As Orion's beam attack pierced through the smoke, he observed a flickering silhouette, confirming his suspicion of Makima's presence. Without hesitation, he surged forward.
However, as he closed the distance, another figure materialized to his left. Before he could react, bullets struck his arm, each exploding into a searing plasma upon impact. The sudden pain jolted Orion, but the Knight-Warden quickly repositioned himself and unleashed a storm of energy around him.
With no time to waste pondering the nature of Makima's abilities, Orion focused on maintaining his momentum. As the smoke momentarily cleared, his helmet's scanners detected a power surge emanating from a different direction—the telltale sign of Makima's glaive. He had only a fleeting window before it closed in on him.
Reacting swiftly, Orion retrieved a chaff grenade from his belt and primed it in one fluid motion. Dropping it at his feet, he relied on the smoke and the disruptive electromagnetic particles to provide him with a brief cover, effectively cloaking his movements from Makima and her glaive.
With a sense of urgency propelling him forward, Orion assessed his options. Time was ticking away, but he remained calm and focused. Plunging Humility into the ground for stability, he swiftly retrieved two grenades from his belt, primed them, and hurled them in the direction from which Makima's bullets had originated.
As expected, the grenades intercepted the incoming projectiles and detonated mid-air, confirming his suspicions. "Got you," he muttered triumphantly. He primed the third grenade with a deft motion and drew his bolt pistol in one fluid sequence. Emerging from cover, Orion launched the third grenade with precision. If he were right, Makima would instinctively want to shoot it down.
With Makima's position now exposed, Orion wasted no time. Aiming his bolt pistol, he fired a trio of shots toward her shimmering figure, each bolt streaking through the smoke-filled air with deadly accuracy. While she could have deflected the bolts if she wanted to, her dwindling ammunition supply left her with only two bullets remaining in her revolver.
As one of the bolt-rounds found its mark, Makima reappeared, her organic armor seeping blood and who knew what else from the impact, making it far easier to spot her now.
Orion didn't have time to savor the victory, as her damn glaive promptly arrived and lacerated the front of his power armor. Ceramite was tough, capable of resisting even medium arms, but the glaive managed to pierce it. His multi-lung had been hit, and while that wouldn't stop him from breathing, Orion could feel blood pooling in his remaining lungs—a minor inconvenience for a Space Marine.
Orion took careful aim and fired the remaining rounds in his pistol magazine at the flying glaive, effectively deterring its continued assault. Quickly realizing that the glaive was returning to Makima, he seized the opportunity. Amidst the lingering chaff smoke, the Knight-Warden grasped Humility and unleashed successive waves of energy toward Makima while steadily advancing.
Now that Orion could see Makima in action, he could watch her dodge and dip out of his attacks with stunning ease. No movement was wasted, and every action seemed designed to build up to something. He couldn't allow her time or a chance to think up a counter.
As Orion closed the distance, he focused on keeping Makima off balance. Within ten meters, he witnessed a remarkable display of Makima's skill. In a rapid sequence of motions, she retrieved the daemon coin, flipped it into the air, aimed her revolver, and fired a single shot at the coin.
Despite every instinct honed over centuries of service and his expertise as a daemonsbane, Orion felt the urgency to evade this attack narrowly. Upon impact with the coin, the bullet surged with an incomprehensible speed, defying even the keen senses of an Astartes.
He was lucky, but just because he dodged in time didn't stop the brief explosion that followed only a dozen centimeters from the right side of his head. The blast began to scorch his helmet, rendering his optic scanners useless. Without hesitation, the Knight-Warden ripped off his helmet, seamlessly continuing his charge toward Makima.
Closing the gap to a mere three meters, Orion encountered Makima wielding her glaive as a makeshift shield, which partially deflected his strike with Humility's blade. Now engaged in close combat, Orion noticed Makima's organic synthskin armor leaking profusely, indicating significant damage.
Yet, despite her injuries, she matched his relentless assault with surprising resilience. It was evident that Dominion and Cruxis had engineered her physiology far beyond ordinary human limits. Perhaps she couldn't beat Orion in a straight-up fight, but she could at least keep up with him.
Amidst the fiery chaos enveloping them, a lethal ballet unfolded between Orion and Makima. Her glaive proved resilient against Humility's strikes, forcing Orion to rely solely on his blade's inherent power field, which made him unable to utilize the amassed Conversion Energy.
Undeterred by the challenge, Makima relentlessly launched a barrage of slashes and thrusts with her glaive, aiming to land a fatal blow on the Knight-Warden. He would have succumbed to her onslaught countless times if Orion had been any other adversary.
This confrontation presented a unique test for Orion, unlike any he had faced against daemons. While it was intended as a training exercise, the intensity and juxtaposition of violence bordered on amusement for him. In truth, this battle stirred a sense of exhilaration within him.
As the duel persisted, Orion couldn't shake the suspicion that Makima found a similar thrill in the combat. The clash of blades and the dance of death seemed to elicit a mutual sense of enjoyment between them.
Humility pulsed with potent energy, poised for release. With a single strike, Orion could engulf Makima in a blazing inferno. Though she might have been calculating countless steps ahead, one misstep would leave her vulnerable.
That misstep arrived sooner than she probably anticipated. Orion methodically maneuvered Makima toward a less favorable position, edging her closer to the engulfing flames of a nearby bunker. Despite her attempts to retaliate with her glaive, Makima faltered in close combat against Orion's relentless assault.
Her critical error unfolded amidst the chaos of an exploding ammo dump, showering them with searing shrapnel. While Orion sustained minor injuries, his power armor provided ample protection, as did Makima's organic armor.
Makima tried to give herself distance, but just as she backflipped away, Orion had ample time to aim Humility at her retreating form. Even at this distance, he'd incinerate everything within a twenty-meter range. It was over. He'd win in the next moment.
Yet...something stopped him. Despite the heat of battle and the urge to vanquish his foe, Orion realized they were engaged in a deadly dance, not a fight to the death. Though his instincts clamored for victory, he was bound by his identity as the Angel of Humility, a daemonsbane, an Astartes whose actions were governed by discipline rather than impulse.
Instead of unleashing Humility's devastating power, Orion surged forward again, catching Makima off guard with his swiftness. As she deflected his attack with her glaive shield, she simultaneously aimed her revolver at his concealed face, revealing her fatigue and confusion beneath the mask.
Despite the chaos of the raging firestorm, her words reached Orion's ears. "I have you now," she declared amidst the turmoil. "But moments ago, you had me at your mercy."
"I still do," Orion retorted grimly, exerting pressure with Humility against her force shield. "I could unleash Humility's power right now. Even if I miss... I won't miss." His smirk mirrored her resolve as she responded by cocking the hammer of her revolver. She didn't seem too keen on his response.
However, Makima surprised him with her next proposition. "Shall we call this a draw?"
Orion hesitated, glancing at her revolver. "Are you going to holster your gun?"
"Are you going to cease your attempts to kill me with your blade?"
Their standoff lingered, tension thick in the air. Eventually, Orion relented, easing the pressure and withdrawing Humility. Makima followed suit, lowering her pistol. "You seem mobile enough," she remarked, her tone indicating her injuries. "Could you carry me? I fear I'm bleeding out."
"...Very well."
With their duel concluded, they begrudgingly acknowledged the stalemate. Yet, as they parted ways, Orion couldn't shake the feeling that, despite their agreement, Makima might have emerged as the victor in the end.
When Orion arrived carrying a wounded Makima, Estrith's initial reaction bordered on anger, though her concern for Makima quickly took precedence. Saajid and Despina, visibly shaken by the intensity of Orion and Makima's duel, wore expressions of deep worry, especially Despina, who fretted over the extent of the Grand Champion's injuries.
Saajid, displaying a mix of disbelief and exasperation, didn't mince words. "What in the Empress's name happened in there? You were supposed to engage in a friendly duel, not attempt to kill each other!"
Makima dismissed his concerns with a wave, even as Orion supported her weight. "We both enjoyed ourselves," she remarked casually. "But rest assured, the next training session will be considerably tamer." She then turned to Estrith. "Would you be so kind as to tend to my wounds, Orion?"
Though internally bleeding and likely suffering from plasma burns, Orion acknowledged her request with a nod. "She's losing a significant amount of blood... although some of it might be due to her organic armor," he observed, noting Estrith's reluctance to accept an outsider's assessment and Despina's evident displeasure at the intrusion.
Makima's quiet command persuaded her Dominion companions to comply despite their initial reluctance. Once inside a nearby medical facility, Estrith immediately examined Makima's injuries, leaving Orion to tend to his own wounds and assess the damage to his armor and Humility.
For the next three hours, Orion found himself immersed in the meticulous healing and repair process. He couldn't shake the feeling that the Honor Guard accompanying them kept a vigilant watch, ready to intervene if needed. It became apparent that Saajid and Despina had engaged in a discreet argument before Saajid departed, likely to report the incident to the Khan.
Orion suspected that as long as the Khan received word of his survival, the incident would be swiftly resolved.
Eventually, Estrith approached Orion, her demeanor no-nonsense as she finished tending to Makima's wounds and administered a sedative to ease her discomfort. "It's your turn for examination," she stated firmly.
"I'll manage," Orion grumbled, eager to depart. "I just need to visit an apothecary. Besides, I doubt training will continue today."
Estrith fixed him with a steely gaze. "This isn't a request, Orion," she retorted, producing a specialized tool—a human-sized Narthecium—bestowed upon her by the Khan for her invaluable service to the expedition.
As Estrith diligently tended to his wounds, she couldn't help but voice her concern. "They told me it was supposed to be a simple training simulation," she murmured.
Orion acknowledged her with a solemn nod. "Makima had different ideas. I decided to indulge her request."
Her expression clouded with worry. "Orion, you're one of the strongest warriors I know, but you came dangerously close to dying. I mean, not even on Elegia at the Bloodworks facility did that happen."
"You're right," he conceded without protest. "Makima is a formidable opponent. It seems Cruxis has chosen his Grand Champion well." Despite the seriousness of the situation, a hint of amusement danced in his eyes. "But she still has much to learn."
As Estrith continued to tend to his injuries, she remarked, "You seemed to be enjoying yourself during it."
Orion blinked in surprise. "What?"
"The Dominion had pict-capture of the duel," she explained, her frown deepening. "After you lost your helmet, I saw you smiling."
He was momentarily at a loss for words. "I suppose... the adrenaline of combat can be exhilarating."
"You were on the brink of death," she reiterated, her tone edged with frustration. "Yet, you seemed... alive, in a way I haven't seen in some time."
A pang of guilt tugged at his conscience. "Estrith... it was just the heat of battle. A momentary rush. Nothing more."
She regarded him with a mixture of concern and understanding. "I hope so, Orion. I truly do."
Struggling to find the right words to reassure her, Orion extended his bloodied hand, gently clasping hers. "I promise you, it's nothing. Just a momentary lapse in judgment," he murmured, his words tinged with uncertainty, even as he tried to convince himself otherwise.
Whether Estrith truly believed him remained uncertain, but she returned his smile and squeezed his hand gently. "Just... exercise a bit more caution. I can't always be there to patch you up."
"Quite unfortunate, really." A small smile graced his face, "You have such a gentle touch compared to the other apothecaries."
"Hmm, don't I know it," She gave him a smirk, "I could say the same about you..."
Orion coughed awkwardly, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks as he realized the implications of her remark. At least Estrith was smiling again. Still, something had happened in that duel, and the Knight-Warden wasn't sure what it entailed. He needed to look into this.
As Orion and Estrith exchanged playful banter, they remained oblivious to Makima's gradual return to consciousness. Quietly observing them, Makima's attention lingered particularly on the Knight-Warden.
He proved far more intriguing than she had anticipated. The Empress's assessment was correct; Orion would indeed be a formidable ally in future battles. However, Makima sensed that he deliberately held himself back, resisting a side of himself that could grant him even greater power.
Unlike many other adversaries, Orion demonstrated strength, skill, and keen intelligence. He saw through some of her illusions and deftly evaded her coin trick—an accomplishment reserved for only a select few. While Astartes were inherently dangerous, the Angel of Humility embodied a level of destruction beyond comprehension, unbeknownst to him.
Observing Orion's interactions with his wife, Makima surmised that the bonds he forged with his spiritual beliefs weighed heavily upon him. The conflicting burdens of duty and love threatened to consume him. Yet, she recognized that judging him for his struggles wasn't her place.
Makima resolved to keep a vigilant watch over Orion, patiently awaiting opportunities for him to embrace his darker tendencies. She yearned to witness more of this hidden side of him, to delve deeper into his complexities. A realization dawned upon her—an unexpected attraction to the Knight-Warden had taken root within her.
The Empress warned Makima that she might become interested in the Daemonsbane. Now, she knew that was indeed the case.
---
@Daemon Hunter Alright, done with this one.
April 5th, 2024 Omake Rewards
- Location
- Elsewhere
The Alcatraz Group
Alright, omakes. First up we have a rather fun one covering the Alcatraz Group, an organization that has roots in the Dark Age but is not long fallen from its height. It's a good look at how it came to be, and I enjoy the view into how the Dark Age operated. As for your reward:
[] +10 to a roll of the GM's choice
[] Integrating the remnants of Alcatraz into the Death Guard will not cost Mortarion an action (fluffed as Corvus helping out based on their information on Alcatraz)
[] Integrating the remnants of Alcatraz into Ravenloft will not cost Corvus an action
Auro: The Singing of Harmonious Nechronal
Here we have a rather fun omake covering Auro forging his Nechronal Rune. It's a rather fun omake, covering how he's able to make the Master Rune, and I do like the parallels between him and Qaramar as the rune is being forged. The concept and Exalted are linked as you surmised, and I find the interaction rather fun to see play out. As for your reward:
[] +10 to a roll of the GM's choice
[] +10 to Auro's rolls for the turn (Years 56-60)
[] Increased chance of trait gain for Auro next turn (Years 56-60)
The Black Covenant Part 2: The Black Temple
Next up on the omake agenda we have a lengthy omake that was so long it was split in two. The Black Covenant series is fantastic, covering a very unique set of daemons that have been trying to work in opposition to the Daemonsbanes. This omake in particular is fantastic with the emphasis on strategy among the various daemons and getting an excellent understanding of the fight scale involved. As for your reward:
[] +15 to a roll of the GM's choice
[] Wardens will get a guaranteed trait the first time they defeat their Black Covenant (this trait will vary notably based on how it was done)
[] Asking the Eldar for information on the Black Covenants will not cost a favor provided another item is bought/sold
A Caged Beast
And last up is an excellent introduction of Makima, the Dominion's Grand Champion. This is a great omake. It introduces her, sets up a relationship between Orion and her, and has a thrilling fight scene. Orion and Makima's actions and reactions within the duel were excellently done, and I particular enjoyed Estrith's observations of the duel. As for your reward:
[] +10 to a roll of the GM's choice
[] +10 to Makima's rolls for the turn (Years 51-55)
[] Increased chance of trait gain for Makima and Orion this turn (Years 51-55)
Alright, omakes. First up we have a rather fun one covering the Alcatraz Group, an organization that has roots in the Dark Age but is not long fallen from its height. It's a good look at how it came to be, and I enjoy the view into how the Dark Age operated. As for your reward:
[] +10 to a roll of the GM's choice
[] Integrating the remnants of Alcatraz into the Death Guard will not cost Mortarion an action (fluffed as Corvus helping out based on their information on Alcatraz)
[] Integrating the remnants of Alcatraz into Ravenloft will not cost Corvus an action
Auro: The Singing of Harmonious Nechronal
Here we have a rather fun omake covering Auro forging his Nechronal Rune. It's a rather fun omake, covering how he's able to make the Master Rune, and I do like the parallels between him and Qaramar as the rune is being forged. The concept and Exalted are linked as you surmised, and I find the interaction rather fun to see play out. As for your reward:
[] +10 to a roll of the GM's choice
[] +10 to Auro's rolls for the turn (Years 56-60)
[] Increased chance of trait gain for Auro next turn (Years 56-60)
The Black Covenant Part 2: The Black Temple
Next up on the omake agenda we have a lengthy omake that was so long it was split in two. The Black Covenant series is fantastic, covering a very unique set of daemons that have been trying to work in opposition to the Daemonsbanes. This omake in particular is fantastic with the emphasis on strategy among the various daemons and getting an excellent understanding of the fight scale involved. As for your reward:
[] +15 to a roll of the GM's choice
[] Wardens will get a guaranteed trait the first time they defeat their Black Covenant (this trait will vary notably based on how it was done)
[] Asking the Eldar for information on the Black Covenants will not cost a favor provided another item is bought/sold
A Caged Beast
And last up is an excellent introduction of Makima, the Dominion's Grand Champion. This is a great omake. It introduces her, sets up a relationship between Orion and her, and has a thrilling fight scene. Orion and Makima's actions and reactions within the duel were excellently done, and I particular enjoyed Estrith's observations of the duel. As for your reward:
[] +10 to a roll of the GM's choice
[] +10 to Makima's rolls for the turn (Years 51-55)
[] Increased chance of trait gain for Makima and Orion this turn (Years 51-55)
- Location
- Elsewhere
For that, he'd need to beat them again for it, it's not retroactive. And it does apply to Kesar and his Black Covenant. Although in full honesty they're unlikely to act against him for a long time.
- Location
- USA
going with this
- Location
- Elsewhere
In that case I'd count it, provided they're the only one involved. So if Oriacarius helps Durante beat his BC, then only Durante gets the guaranteed trait. If it's just Ori, he'd get it. And if it's say Ori and Maticus, one of them would get it.
I see, so the main Daemonsbane the Black Covenant is targeting is basically first in line for the trait unless they aren't present. Does the guaranteed trait then only apply the first time said Daemonsbane fights any Black Covenant and defeats them? In this scenario let's say Ori beats Durante's BC and then faces his own later, does he get a second guaranteed trait or does that only apply to the first?
- Location
- Elsewhere
It'd just apply once per hero. So in that case Oriacarius would just one trait guaranteed.
In Dreams, I Arrange An Explosive End.
TinyGladiator
Just another SVer
- Location
- I move alot.
Hiya! Decided to make a quick omake on Solarus, the Mad Bomber of the Eleventh Legion, because I was suddenly struck with inspiration and this Epsilon conflict needs all the help it can get!
-----
In Dreams, I Arrange An Explosive End.
In my hands is flame. In my bones is shrapnel. In my brain is the sparks of thought that design countless way to blow everything up.
With a flex of intention the fire becomes a tiny sun. The celestial object of constant, roaring interactions between fuel and heat. I crush the star and witness an explosion that will reach towards the edges of the galaxy and shape its future in the aeons to come. I laugh even as I fail to truly feel what I had done.
Lucid dreaming can only get you so far. Believe me, I've tried to test the limits and they are annoyingly present.
My name is Cetenus Solarus, Captain of the Eleventh Legion and Daemonsbane of the Eternal Wardens, and I'm trapped by a damn abominable intelligence.
My last memories of the waking world were struggling against several large drones and priming a few thousand different explosives, hearing disdant booms from a hundred locations, then getting knocked out. Knocked out! That wasn't fair, I hadn't even manage to overload the generators of the orbital station.
I should have read up on the First Captain's contingencies more, perhaps that would have saved me. The battle was heavily lopsided and while we achieved a decent amount of progress in our goals, the results were terrible. So many of my brothers lost to that damn machine, perhaps all of them if I was the only one still alive. So little damage done, I certainly didn't prepare nearly enough bombs. The irreplaceable Gloriana I was on could be debris by now.
Would it be weird to carve the Cherished Son onto my armour? Didn't even belong to us originally, and still seemed to possess a small degree of corruption, but I had grown attached to it. The firepower of vessels meant to be the flagships of the Legions just had an appeal to them, you know?
Thankfully the infinite foresight of Oriacarius had prepared me for being sedated for what had to be years. Lucid dreaming was useful for many threats, from psykers to daemons. Didn't think I'd use it for this.
I wove landscapes from my memories. Workstations I was very familiar with. Computer interfaces for me to type and draw and simply contemplate my work. Bombs, rocket launchers, mines, artillery, turrets, torpedoes, reverse-implosive spikers, overcharged runes. Just the usual.
I know the machine had to have tried to read my mind, yet I didn't hide away what I conjured in my dream domain. I had felt that it didn't manage to get anything from its attempts to see what was going on here. Ancient artifice couldn't compare to the willpower and mental fortitude that the Eleventh Legion was trained for.
I'd stare down an Archdaemon if I had to, I wasn't going to blink against some over-designed cogitator.
I did have to admit that Epsilon did use explosives exceedingly well. No truly colossal detonations from what I had seen, not that I had seen much, but the finesse was something praise-worthy. They made things to last back in the Dark Age of Technology, and seeing plasma blasts so focused was just inspiring.
So inspiring that I was gonna find a way to use them when I broke out of this damn
I was angry at the machine, I had to admit. Immensely frustrated for being kept sedated for so long, and the deaths of those under my command, and my failure to escape or hit it where it really hurt. All my remaining bombs were probably defused and being torn apart by its drones, maybe even hacking into a few, possibly being ready to use against my brothers which was aggravating on a very deep level.
I could understand some of Scotty's own rage. Where his was based on faith and the teachings of Mars, mine was on seeing my creations being corrupted. Perverted. Used on those they were meant to help and protect.
With that rage fueled my desires of escape, but alas I was trapped. So deep in a slumber that was rare for any non-Dreadnought Astartes to experience for so long. I tried to mentally activate the micro-bombs imbedded in my body but nothing happened. I couldn't escape.
Instead my rage was diverted to what would happen afterwards. Designing bombs. Mostly to be used against robots, drones, vehicles, ships and other types of machinery.
I had a lot of ideas.
I knew escape wasn't inevitable. I could die at any moment, so unable to act against any outsider attacker.
Or something strong enough to actually attack me in my sleep could try its luck. The dreams of a Daemonsbane in what was once a Warp-filled region, consciousness projected outwards from the safety of a body. I hadn't noticed any daemons coming to attack me but it was never uncertain.
Aside from suddenly manifesting psychic powers, which I read the contingency on but knew was possibly worse than a typical last resort if it just randomly happened, my best hope was for my father to return which I knew he would.
My Primarch was many things and an uncaring leader was not one of them. His fury could shake the Immaterium if stoked enough. Did he even know I was still alive? I knew that he'd come for me as soon as possible. The idea he wouldn't was... well, in full honesty, it wasn't too unlikely. The Maelstrom was full of terrible things. I recalled the Emperor of Mankind having to charge in to face a moon-ship before I attacked Epsilon. Another of those was a much bigger issue.
Aside from something on that level, I knew he'd come. Whether it was in half a decade or one in full, I knew he'd come leading my brothers to free me. I'd just have to be ready to meet them and help assist the battle and all future ones
Of course, anything was possible. That massive war between the Khornates and Orks could end and send forces and either damage the AI enough for me to escape or it willingly wakes me up to help stop that onslaught. Or I could just die there too.
Escape wasn't inevitable.
But that wouldn't stop me from preparing for it. To meet with Wardens or to help an AI against something worse.
Call this the 'Solarus Contingency'. Always have an explosive ready to go off.
-----
In Dreams, I Arrange An Explosive End.
In my hands is flame. In my bones is shrapnel. In my brain is the sparks of thought that design countless way to blow everything up.
With a flex of intention the fire becomes a tiny sun. The celestial object of constant, roaring interactions between fuel and heat. I crush the star and witness an explosion that will reach towards the edges of the galaxy and shape its future in the aeons to come. I laugh even as I fail to truly feel what I had done.
Lucid dreaming can only get you so far. Believe me, I've tried to test the limits and they are annoyingly present.
My name is Cetenus Solarus, Captain of the Eleventh Legion and Daemonsbane of the Eternal Wardens, and I'm trapped by a damn abominable intelligence.
My last memories of the waking world were struggling against several large drones and priming a few thousand different explosives, hearing disdant booms from a hundred locations, then getting knocked out. Knocked out! That wasn't fair, I hadn't even manage to overload the generators of the orbital station.
I should have read up on the First Captain's contingencies more, perhaps that would have saved me. The battle was heavily lopsided and while we achieved a decent amount of progress in our goals, the results were terrible. So many of my brothers lost to that damn machine, perhaps all of them if I was the only one still alive. So little damage done, I certainly didn't prepare nearly enough bombs. The irreplaceable Gloriana I was on could be debris by now.
Would it be weird to carve the Cherished Son onto my armour? Didn't even belong to us originally, and still seemed to possess a small degree of corruption, but I had grown attached to it. The firepower of vessels meant to be the flagships of the Legions just had an appeal to them, you know?
Thankfully the infinite foresight of Oriacarius had prepared me for being sedated for what had to be years. Lucid dreaming was useful for many threats, from psykers to daemons. Didn't think I'd use it for this.
I wove landscapes from my memories. Workstations I was very familiar with. Computer interfaces for me to type and draw and simply contemplate my work. Bombs, rocket launchers, mines, artillery, turrets, torpedoes, reverse-implosive spikers, overcharged runes. Just the usual.
I know the machine had to have tried to read my mind, yet I didn't hide away what I conjured in my dream domain. I had felt that it didn't manage to get anything from its attempts to see what was going on here. Ancient artifice couldn't compare to the willpower and mental fortitude that the Eleventh Legion was trained for.
I'd stare down an Archdaemon if I had to, I wasn't going to blink against some over-designed cogitator.
I did have to admit that Epsilon did use explosives exceedingly well. No truly colossal detonations from what I had seen, not that I had seen much, but the finesse was something praise-worthy. They made things to last back in the Dark Age of Technology, and seeing plasma blasts so focused was just inspiring.
So inspiring that I was gonna find a way to use them when I broke out of this damn
I was angry at the machine, I had to admit. Immensely frustrated for being kept sedated for so long, and the deaths of those under my command, and my failure to escape or hit it where it really hurt. All my remaining bombs were probably defused and being torn apart by its drones, maybe even hacking into a few, possibly being ready to use against my brothers which was aggravating on a very deep level.
I could understand some of Scotty's own rage. Where his was based on faith and the teachings of Mars, mine was on seeing my creations being corrupted. Perverted. Used on those they were meant to help and protect.
With that rage fueled my desires of escape, but alas I was trapped. So deep in a slumber that was rare for any non-Dreadnought Astartes to experience for so long. I tried to mentally activate the micro-bombs imbedded in my body but nothing happened. I couldn't escape.
Instead my rage was diverted to what would happen afterwards. Designing bombs. Mostly to be used against robots, drones, vehicles, ships and other types of machinery.
I had a lot of ideas.
I knew escape wasn't inevitable. I could die at any moment, so unable to act against any outsider attacker.
Or something strong enough to actually attack me in my sleep could try its luck. The dreams of a Daemonsbane in what was once a Warp-filled region, consciousness projected outwards from the safety of a body. I hadn't noticed any daemons coming to attack me but it was never uncertain.
Aside from suddenly manifesting psychic powers, which I read the contingency on but knew was possibly worse than a typical last resort if it just randomly happened, my best hope was for my father to return which I knew he would.
My Primarch was many things and an uncaring leader was not one of them. His fury could shake the Immaterium if stoked enough. Did he even know I was still alive? I knew that he'd come for me as soon as possible. The idea he wouldn't was... well, in full honesty, it wasn't too unlikely. The Maelstrom was full of terrible things. I recalled the Emperor of Mankind having to charge in to face a moon-ship before I attacked Epsilon. Another of those was a much bigger issue.
Aside from something on that level, I knew he'd come. Whether it was in half a decade or one in full, I knew he'd come leading my brothers to free me. I'd just have to be ready to meet them and help assist the battle and all future ones
Of course, anything was possible. That massive war between the Khornates and Orks could end and send forces and either damage the AI enough for me to escape or it willingly wakes me up to help stop that onslaught. Or I could just die there too.
Escape wasn't inevitable.
But that wouldn't stop me from preparing for it. To meet with Wardens or to help an AI against something worse.
Call this the 'Solarus Contingency'. Always have an explosive ready to go off.
Oh, you don't need to vote on it.
Jam already picked that since he's the omake writer for it.