NationStates Jolt Archive

In orbit of certain worlds, earmarked for later visitation by the Scourge; portals began to open; small things, insignificances, enough to force free weapons that tumbled and gleamed as they struck the atmosphere of these worlds, plunging into the fires, only to emerge unscathed, smashing earthwards. Each, a gleaming, black blade.

These were mighty weapons, forged by the hand of the Lich King himself; powerful weapons, weapons that could take a mans soul. And so they would. The strong would be weeded out from the weak, and the mightiest would claim the weapons as their own; and the Lich King would find new servants, new disciples to instruct in his dark path.

Now; as the ground about the dormant weapons began to change; as blighted land and arctic cold began to envelope the surrounding areas; as the local wildlife shuddered and grew dark, violent...So too did the whispers begin.

The weapons called out to be found; and their power tamed. Or would their power scar and tame the spirits of those who sought them...?

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(Future Tech? Sounds more like fantasy...)

There was a rumor spreading through the backwater stations, stories really, about a prophecy of a Lich King and weapons of enslavement. Order citizens only heard of Liches and other creatures of myth and fantasy only recently, learning through their interactions with the other humanoid races. The stories were fantastic and a little vague, but only small consideration or interest was ever taken to those tales.

A small corvette class ship launched out into the void, carrying a small team of archeologists. If these weapons were real, it would be interesting to study them. There was a twist to some of those involved with the expedition, Draconic Order had been hit hard by a war with the Kazeci, and weapons of great power may end up helping them.

Rumor was fed and fattened, stories of mystical, powerful weapons that offered salvation tothose who took them up; weapons of such force that countless had fought and died for them, lieing upon long abandoned worlds, or in the far reaches of populated spheres; guarded by the living dead, those animated by the Lich King's phenomenal psychic force. He strode the stars, so legends told; a mighty warrior King, a phenomenally powerful and malevolent sorcerous necromantic being. His ship was a shadow against the tenuous fabric of space; a cold, chain-wrought thing, dwelling in the darkest corners of the galaxy.

They called out, to all who would hear them, offering whispered fragments of glory to all who would seek them. To some it whispered of glory and triumph, to others of vengeance and bloodshed; a chance to redeem lost honors and insults against their races. To the men of the Order, it mewled in dreams-turned-nightmares, of the power to lay low and drive back the hordes of the Kazeci, and hold the final keys to a glorious, bloodied victory.

Entering atmosphere of planet...

Five minutes till landing.

The archeologists were strapped in as the corvette made its decent to the planet's surface. The inertial dampners were working well, but the restraints were just a precaution. One of the archeologists was even reading a book while they made their decent.

They raised their heads; wolves ran across the snow blighted lands; howling to the skies, one turned, revealing white skull and bloodied teeth, poking through the fur. And so the pack pushed on; they knew their master's will; that these beings be tested...

OOC Sounds kinda like Fantasy/Future Tech like WH40K so Ill take a run at this

IC
A psychic hum issued out as a warrior not unlike the great human psychics before him strode on his homeworld which had recently been ravaged by war. What was once a jungle paradise was now a wasteland in areas and erradiated by the radiation from tactical weapons and scarred by lance batteries. Everywhere he looked he would see wreckage of some war machine either of the foul Chaos or of his own Chapter of Marines. He felt the hum as it steadily turned into a shrieking pain. He knew that whatever the source of the psychic shriek it was powerful and must be investigated. The warrior moved swiftly to his Thnunderhawk and without uttering a word the Thunderhawk took flight into the skies and swiftly but surely it arrived on the glistening white Battle Barge Aequitas. Swiftly the warrior disembarked moving with the utmost speed to his command bridge where he began barking orders over the comm, "All hands to alert status Amber. Landings teams Alpha, Bravo, Delta, Golf, Mike, November, and Zulu ready for drop pod deployment." He then turned to Sergeant Halder of the Seismic Fists saying, "Ready my personal guard for deployment in my drop pods. I want us to be first on the ground and the last off." Sergeant Halder nodded saying, "Yes Lord Nova. Should I also have Lord Keltor awoken and taken to his drop pod?" Nova smiled in turn saying, "Yes wake our dreadnought friend he could be of some use to us but do not send him down till I request it." Lord Nova turned and quickly proceeded to gather his personal items from his cabin. While in there he looked softly at a painting of John Mercer and Tusanco locked in battle against Chaos. He smiled remembering the time of tenative peace when Chaos was not within their borders and Reken stood as an ally. He then quickly grabbed his Force Sword and sheathed it in his holster on his Power Armor. Moments later he was in his drop pod prepared to descend to the planet where this source of immense power stemmed. He braced himself as he felt the vessel lurch as it folded space in time to appear above the planet where his mind drew him. And as the Battle Barge returned to normal space he felt the similar weightless lurch as the drop pod descended to the ground below and as the three drop pods marked with the sigil of the Imperial Republic of Dratheria landed with a resounding thud Ryan got a sense that this was something different. As they quickly removed their harnesses the doors dropped and they stepped out onto the planet's surface with arms at the ready.

More came; they could sense it.

The singular will of the Lich King drew them, these flies, these gnats drawn to the supreme slaughter. They would fight and die for the glory of the Blade. A sacrifice would be offered, and one would take up the poisoned cup it represented. The power of the weapon would fuel them, they would be made glorious; all by Ner'zhul's will.

The psychic scream grew to a deafening howl; a roar of soul-shaking energy and determination; a singularly focussed mental force.

Come...Take up the Blade...Come

As Ryan disembarked from the Pod he felt the shriek turn into a howl as he endeavored to block the piercing madness of it out and ignoring the call knowing all too well of the powers of warp taint. He turned to Sergeant Halder and spoke through the comm saying, "This isn't a Chaos or Warp taint but there is evil lurking about. Horror almost unseen it is like Chaos but different at the same time." He then turned calling to Lisor the Ultramarines Terminator saying, "Lisor move to point." Then while loping forward with his plasma combi-bolter and Force Sword in hand he ordered the Space Wolf Thortas, the Blood Angel Ky, and the Flesh Tearer Yuri to cover the flanks while the Hellblazer Orin, the Black Dragon Furis, and the Exorcist Helgor to cover the rear. As they moved forward Thortas commed something, "I smell............wolves and lots of blood we should be careful." With a nod from Ryan they fanned out and proceeded with loping strides across the terrain.

The archeologists had set up a small sensor grid around the ship after they landed, helping boost the ship's sensors to locate anything unusual. The underside of the vessel was scorched by entry into the atmosphere, but held well against the heat. The archeologists weren't armed well, they didn't expect anyone out here in the badlands.

OOC: Ugh, Dratheria, paragraphs man... Wall of text makes me not want to read it.

Icecrown: Terrans and Toss are effectively gone now. Whatever of my tech you've taken, enjoy it.

IC:

It would have been a Destroyer Squadron in any true Navy, 13 tiny ships floating the Grav Waves. Pirates. 12 Destroyers, useful against Fighters or Gunships, and a Heavy Cruiser, the Flagship of this blighted squadron.

"Hey Jimbo, we're gettin some weird stuff from the surface, some kinda powersource, might be good for raidin."

"Well, tell a few of the boys to suit up and check it out. See what they can find. I'll be along after 'em in a few minutes."

"They are strong; potent, my lord. We observe them and find them to be pleasing seekers of knowledge."

"Yes..." The whisper of Kel'thuzad drifted almost invisibly to the ears of the acolyte, who immediately bowed his hooded head. "How do they progress?"

"They proceed much as planned; one shall succumb to the Blade; the Lich KIng demands it."

"Indeed he does; and when they do, they shall know true power. Power unknown to most mere mortals; they should be pleased." The Lich rose, gazing out into infinite, the whirling energies of the twisting Nether whirling about his ship as it progressed homeward. "I shall confer with the Master when we return; my King shall be pleased with the progress. Continue to observe; we shall intervene only when nessecary"

"As you wish, Great Lord."

"What do you see, Judicator?" Arbiter Zursa and Judicator were both psionic, but toward different focuses. Although the Arbiter was a master of the soul, granting zeal to allies and woe to foes, the Judicator needed to use their knowledge of the minds of the universe to seek out the foes first. Apparently, a very visible foe had emmerged.

"I see a great darkness, tempting others to dark beacons. It seeks to grow by making the tempted fight until the weak perish. It may be an opportunity to show the power of Orthae Velve." The Arbiter meerly nodded in reply, took the coordinates from the Judicator, and left the meditation chamber where the Judicators sought enemies and made political decisions. Zursa had always prefered smiting to sitting, anyhow. After navigating a few halls, he made his way into the war chamber where the other Arbiters and the greatest Templar/Warden pairings awaited word on what the Judicators had uncovered.

"Launch a pair of corvettes to investigate these coordinates. I want Divines heading each vessel, as well as Templars and Wardens for the ground forces. The Judicator said there was a 'beacon' of darkness on this planet, among others. I want to see if we can destroy one of these before we try destroying them all." Men and women scrambled to fulfill the orders, but not before the customary verbal salute from all present, including Zursa.

"We spread the light to the black of night."

Orbit of ORS-1412, command cruiser Throne of Bhaal

"Really, Admiral, why is it that QUETZAL, or you and your command for that matter, have left the inhabitants of this hellhole alive? They represent an imminent danger to Otagia, no, to Humanity as a whole! We have a responsibility to prevent these things from spreading!"

Simmons sighed, rubbing his forehead.

"Viscount Erebus, I understand your concerns completely. However, the natives of ORS-1412 are safely quarantined, with no hopes of them escaping. As long as this fleet says in orbit, Otagia and human kind are safe. Neither I nor QUETZAL will allow a vocal minority to change his carefully debated decision. Now, if you don't have any more business to discuss..."

The Viscount stood, saluted the Admiral, and marched off down the hallway, nearly running into a QUETZAL avatar on the way out. Looking up, Alex smiled.

"Ah, QUETZAL. Good to see you. I assume you're here to discuss something?"

"Of course, Admiral Simmons. Sensors picked up an FTL gate opening in low planetary orbit. Something exited, very small and nearly impossible for our scopes to properly identify, and crashed to the surface."

"Shit... And I just finished trying to convince one of the local Humanis nutters that the Sucks are safe right where they are. Get a ground team over to the crash site immediately, I want a full quarantine, no blood-brains getting anywhere near the thing, capiche?"

"Indeed. An Avatar ship is already en route to the site, drones will be deployed to secure the area immediately. Oh, and Admiral?"

"Yes, QUETZAL?"

"We'd feel much better if you dealt with the matter personally. You've been good in the past with first contacts, if this turns out to be another one, your touch would be most welcome."

"Thank you, QUETZAL. I'll be right on it."

As he walked into his quarters and began strapping on his power armor, he smiled to himself. It had been too long before he actually did some field work, it'd be good to actually face some danger again...

More were coming; more with flawed souls, souls that the weapon could call to; it's wail was ever-present now; enveloping the world upon which it lay. The plague poured forth from the killing edge; a wave of near palpable malice and destruction; pouring into the air, destroying the land about it; seeking human life...

It found it in the settlements dotting the world.

They would not know it, not yet; they would not sense the change until it was too late, till they were all slaves to the will of the Lich King. The atrocities carried out when he scoured Northrend of life were being repeated; the weapon required countless to fight and die for it; to try it's wielder before he finally bore it.

The Lich King cried out for Champions; and the blades, on their various worlds; cried out with him. They needed the heat of a mortal hand about their icebound hilt; the embrace of a warrior, one who would bring them forth to taste blood and souls.

Ryan's psyker senses tingled and surged as he neared the source of power. Over the comms he spoke, "Alright folks we are nearing the source of the psychic tremors. I'd say another 7 klicks and we'll be near the target. Load your guns we might have to fight our way to this source. I sense something a kin to Daemon energy." With that Sergeant Halder, Yuri, Orin, and Helgor moved to the point position readying for fighting a daemon as the others formed around Ryan and they set out at a fast run with their large loping strides.

The Velven Corvettes came out of phasespace into orbit of the planet. There were already several factions present, as well as several beacons. On board the commanding vessel, Arbiter Davet saw only an opportunity to glory. "Judicator, are there any targets a safe distance from settlements?"

The Judicator popped her head out of the scan sphere, shaking her head. "Whatever being launched the beacons was targetting settlements. They are calling out to the people. Some have already been overrun."

"We will target an overrun location then If there's colateral damage, I want it to be someone we would have killed anyhow. Transmit a target to the other corvette, I want OTS missile locks as soon as we can. Oracle, hail the other nations explaining our intent."

The Oracle nodded and turned on the com transmitter, transmitting to the apparent command vessels and structures of each faction. "Attention. We are acting on behalf of the Holy Empire of Orthae Velve. We are targetting one of the beacons for orbital bombardment. Please evacuate any forces you may have at these coordinates."

The Aequitas sent a message in reply,

Do not fire we are conducting research and investigations on the planet as well our Emperor is on the surface leading the teams and three thunderhawks are en route to the beacon location as well as reports have the team within 7 klicks of the beacon. Should you fire it will be considered an act of aggression and you shall be open to retaliation.

With that message sent the Battle Barge brought full weapons and shielding to maximum power as did it's four strike cruiser escorts. And as all this was being done the shieldships moved into position for defense of the battle group and the planet.

The populace's were drawn to the weapons; the Banshees wail split the silence of the world; the moaning lumbering gait of the Undead that were called into his service; drawn to defend the Blades. Nothing else mattered to them, only Ner'zhul's commands; his insidious orders; his focussed determination that someone claim the weapon...

Powerful beings were nearby; the plague was all about them, the land itself seemed to be...Dieing. The air was full of chill wind and flies; mist and snow seemed to flit from nowhere; the weapons effect on the environment was profound, but nessecary. What was a Champion if he was not tested? What was a Hero unless he died; piece by piece; in pursuit of glory?

"Judicator, what is your analysis of the Dratherians?" The Arbiter didn't like being inhibited, especially by those who with noble purpose. He would fight if he could, but he considered the possibility unlikely.

"They have Divine support as well, Arbiter. Although we would inflict notable casualties, we would ultimately be defeated by Dratherian retribution." The Judicators were seldom wrong, unfortunately. Noble battle would have to wait for another day.

"Judicator, select a new target that won't harm the Dratherian task force. Oracle, explain to them that the new coordinates will not affect any non-corrupted lifeforms. Stress the importance of destroying such a dark device."

The Oracle nodded and turned to the transmitter. "We are selecting a new target that will not have any lifeforms in the killzone, corrupt or otherwise. We intend to test our ability to destroy the relics of evil and prevent the spread of corruption. Will you allow us to fire upon these new coordinates?"

Ryan and the other marines watched in horror as the undead rose and cultists began to move forward against the marines. Without hesitation the Marines let fire open up on them with Stormbolters and Bolters alike and as they did so in a wide firing line Ryan bolted forward and incredible speed drawing his Force Sword and combi-bolter and took flight while firing plasma and bolter shells into the masses below. As he flew he saw it a black crackling blade consumed in warp fire. He quickly dropped into the masses firing round after round at the cultists and swinging his crackling Force Sword into their ranks to cut down enemies that would approach. And as this was done a shrieking could be heard in the air as a large drop pod landed nearby with a thud and as the doors dropped a dreadnought could be seen lumbering forth.

The Aequitas sent a message,

I would not advise such recourse the full power of these items is not understood yet and we have inquisitors from the Ordos Xenos and the Ordo Malleus say that they can not be sure of the origin of the devices but that they have dealt with such things before and trying to destroy them will probably only feed their power as well as possibly create warp tears for daemons to enter from. Which can only create more problems give us some more time so we may retrieve a device and study it.

OOC: No Warp Fire or Daemons, I know it's all you know but please stop describing my pretty sword in your vulgar 40k terms ;)

IC:

Bodies fell, cleft in twain by the assaults of the marines; the dead fought on, weak as they were, they howled with bestial strength. Something had infused them; they were stronger than most mere mortals; their teeth and claws tore and rent; they slapped wetly against armor in vain attempts at attack, till the air was filled with blood and flies and damnation. A lumbering mass of flesh strode forth, swinging out with claw and tooth and cleaver and hook; guns fired from the obscenely sewn flesh of the Abomination...Ghouls, flesh torn and twisted, claws razor sharp, leapt through the fray, smashing forward against their foe.

It was, after all Ner'zhuls will.

Blood stained the ground, flowing in rivers towards the blade, nourishing it; feeding it. It howled and screamed and shuddered; a voice thundered in awe-inspiring might

Whomsoever takes up this blade shall wield power...Power Eternal....

OOC Warp fire or Eldritch fire is a term used by WH40K to describe psyker energy. Oh and that's their IC speculation they'll be able to determine more once they can examine your pretty little sword.

IC
The Marines continued to retaliate with Power Fist, Sword, and bolter in hand. They were amazed at the strength of the enemy but it was nothing new they had gone against the most foul of Hell and Chaos in battle and won. As the dreadnought came out it let loose fire with it's twin Autocannons and it's shoulder mounted plasma cannons into the mass of what could only be called creatures. As they would near closer in range he would use his lightning claw to strike at them.

The Arbiter couldn't help but be confused at this point. He walked over to the scan sphere at met the Judicator directly. "What's your analysis?"

"They fight the forces of Chaos itself, and assume that all evil must be aligned to it. However, evil does not have an order to it, so their fears are unfounded. I do not sense the presence of Chaos that the Dratherians fear. However, we cannot convince them otherwise. We will need to destroy the beacon from the surface."

The Arbiter nodded and returned to his command position. "Oracle, inform the Dratherians we will be launching ground troops to attack the targetted beacon directly. Have the other corvette prepare their task force for landing, as we will prepare ours."

The Oracle nodded and went about the transmissions. Shortly after, three troop transports launched from each corvette toward the planet surface. Four of them contain Conscript infantry, but one from each corvette held a pairing of Warden and Templar, the first and last solution Orthae Velve had to any ground-based foe.

The Aequitas sent another message,

We would not suggest sending troops as our own have met heavy resistance on the surface and are bogged down on their way to one beacon and these warriors are considered some of the best when it comes to fighting evil. We do not necessarily group this with the evils of Hell or Chaos but we know it is more similar to Chaos than Luciferian. Such evils aren't as easily combated by the forces of good that are empowered by the gods of light. Believe us in the fact that you will meet heavy resistance if you require it we can send a team of Black Templars and Exorcists down to assist you in battle.

The Arbiter walked over to the Oracle's station and took over the communicator himself. "I am Arbiter Davet, of the Orthaen corvette Valor. We will not waver in our efforts to destroy this evil. Do not assume we are unaware of what we are up against, my Judicator has observed your ground battle since it began, and our task force knows what to expect. We are willing to accept what forces you will spare, but not if it means putting your own force at greater risk."

On the surface, the six troop transports used light autocannons to clear a landing area. The first two down opened up with the Wardens. They wore simple enviromental suits with generator packs and extra armor attached. They wielded beam staffs attached to their wrists, but both wrists had triggers. They turned on a trigger on the off hand, causing a personal energy shield to form around them.

Next out of the Warden transports were the Templars. Since this battle was an open confrontation, they were able to use their exosuits, allowing the warriors to carry several times what a human could normally handle and standing at a full seven meters. Although there were autocannon attachments on their shoulders, their primary weapons were electrified greatswords proportional to their enhanced size.

The other transports dropped, releasing four regiments of Conscript infantry. They wore armored enviromental suits and wielded semi-automatic rifles, but they were soon much more resiliant as the Wardens expanded their personal shields to encompass the entire task force. Now the only way in would be by moving in close enough to attack, which required being fired upon by four regiments of infantry.

The task force advanced, without resistence at first thanks to support fire from the departing transports. Once they departed, however, the corrupted began pouring over the tainted terrain to break through the barrier. The task force pressed on as it fired, focusing its efforts on the front and flanks while the Templars and Wardens secured the rear, where only those who could move faster than the infantry could get close enough to break the barrier.

The Aequitas sent a message,

For some reason our scanners are scrambled around their immediate area and as it is Lord Nova does not wish for any reinforcements short of his Honor Guard which he still has one thing left in reserve. His Honor Guard keeps in it a Warhaund Titan which is en route here on a transport vessel. These reinforcements should help we will be sending seventy Black Templars (http://helbrecht.fm.interia.pl/templars.jpg), three Black Templar Dreadnoughts, ten Crusader Pattern Land Raiders (http://www.pictorsstudio.com/images/blacktemplars4.jpg), and two Predator tanks (http://www.gobiel.com/sonsofruss/webpage/pred1.jpg) good luck to you.

Drop Pods and Thunderhawks (http://www.ironhands.com/thawk_r1.jpg) rained down from the skies near the Orathaen positions crashing like meteors. As they landed Black Templars expelled from the Drop Pods and Thunderhawks to attack and destroy the vile unclean enemies. And as this was done Sergeant Xipherus came to the Field Commander and spoke, "I am Sergeant Xipherus of the Black Templars 13th Company. I have been ordered to assist you in whatever way possible. I can assure you me and my men well wipe this vile evil off the planet."

One of the Templars stepped out from the Warden barrier to speak to the Sergeant. "I am Templar Kaname Ostarte, commander of this task force. We're going to need to keep mobile if we are going to reach our destination with minimal casualties. Our forces will maintain the head because we have the barrier. Your forces would probably be best working as the rearguard and support fire. Is this reasonable?"

Meanwhile, from orbit, the Arbiters were doing their part for the forces below. Like Judicators, Arbiters were psionics with the ability to observe the mindsets of individuals and distant groups. However, rather than refining this ability like the Judicators, the Arbiters focusing on altering what they observe. In this case, it is increasing morale for the Velven and Dratherian forces below.

Sergeant Xipherus nodded saying, "That would most likely be the best course of action. However I have an idea we should move one of the tanks and five of the land raiders to the fore they should be able to mow through the enemy with ease." With that he raised his Power Sword and yelled, "No Pity! No Remorse! No Fear!" As he yelled, the cry could be heard recoursing through the Marines and they fought with renewed and increased vigour. The Marines began to push forward with renewed strength while Xipherus waited behind to talk to the Templar.

The loss of his minions was nothing to the Lich King; a passing concern. Those who wallowed in the embrace of the Plague would feel his power soon enough; these Superhumans would not stand long against the power of the Scourge. The howling voice echoed about them, the defences of the Blade faltering. Many of its forced defenders had fallen; many had sacrificed themselves to assure that only the truest of Warriors reached the weapon...

A phantom of armor and frost rose before the blade, screaming like the icy northern wind; smashing his enemies with a gleaming, seething mace; his fury manifest as a howling, chill power.

Whomsoever takes up this blade shall wield power eternal!

The voice of the blade howled, as the Revenant Guardian stalked forth, it's own icy whisper upon the wind

Turn back mortals; turn back; this prize is not for you...

Ryan stared in shock and awe as the creature before him took form and howled. He readied his sword flowing psyker energy into the blade in enormous proportions as it burned with Eldritch Flame he spoke, "And why is that? What is this evil beacon of power?"

Templar Ostarte readied his blade, sizing up the phantom warrior before him. The combined forces of Orthae Velve and Dratheria seemed to be keeping the other defenders back, so the matter was down to a battle between one spirit and two Templars, all of different nations.

"It is not for us because we are stronger than its temptation. It knows that we intend to destroy evil, not join it." Ostarte held his sword low and defensive to give his shoulder cannons a line of fire.

"I'll take the spirit. You have your heavy guns bring down the blade."

Xipherus nodded and yelled, "No Pity! No Remorse! No Fear!" And as he yelled the battlecry he beckoned to the remaining Predator and the five Land Raiders as well as several members of the Devastator Squad to line up shots on the blade. His Power Sword crackled as he yelled and he called the order. And all at once the blade was bombarded by plasma, bolters, stormbolters, heavy bolters, Devastator Cannons, Rockets, and Lascannons.

Meanwhile Ryan stared intently at the Guardian and armed his combi-bolter in case it chose to resist them.

Fools; you cannot undo the weapon! The will of the Lich King shall shatter you! Stand back while you still draw breath; while you still number amongst the living! This world is lost to you!

It lashed out against those who sought to end it; it's power a wall of icy rage; a crackling wave of sub-zero power.

The blade crackled and seethed. It had been forged in blackness and damnation; and it endured as a seething shadow amidst the orgy of limitless agony and destruction. The ground buckled and crackled, and still it endured; hovering, suspended by twisting, fel energies.

Callous fools! A voice boomed Resist and you will only incur my wrath. The will of the Lich King is not to be trifled with; leave my gift; your arrogant pride leaves you unworthy of glory

"Warden Vuliev, this is your Templar." Ostarte walked toward the spectre guarding the sword, firing his shoulder cannons toward the chest.

"Vuliev here. We have the beasts more or less pinned. How are things at the beacon?" Vuliev fired her beam cannon at a nearby spirit, the condensed energy able to strike its ghostly form as well as corporeal flesh.

"It has some sort of field that reduces temperatures dangerously. I think that if we can negate it with a Warden Shield so the Dratherians can melt it." A cultist had snuck around the main force and leapt at the firing Templar. He whiped his blade up, swatting it into a rock formation with the flat of his blade.

"I'm on my way, Ostarte."

Ostarte turned his vision bulb momentarily toward Xipherus, maintaining his fire upon the main spectre. "You catch all that?"

Xipherus was in shock as he saw that the devastating power which would be capable of destroying a fortress leaving the blade completely unscathed. As the vehicles and soldiers were hit with the powerful wave of energy Xipherus screamed out in defiance as he saw his unprotected battle brothers slain. As for the armored units they took heavy damage and were rendered useless. As Xipherus cried out in defiance as a drop pod descended through the skies to land incredibly close to where the warriors were standing. Suddenly the doors to the Pod dropped open and Queen Kyou Ragu of the Kuruda School stepped forth in her pristine white battle armor she drew the blade Kusanagi. Then she spoke, "The sword drew me here. A sword forged from light and crafted by the gods against a blade of darkness."

Meanwhile Ryan readied his blade and struck out against the Guardian with his Force Sword burning with Eldritch Flame. As he struck out with the blade he yelled in ferocity using daemon borne strength to drive his Psyker blade straight at the Guardian.

Reality rent; the blade called out in a searing scream of howling hatred. The rift widened, a gaping wound; resplendant in chill wind and energy; as a favored servant of the Lich King strode forth; his gleaming armor all at once seeming to be ornately carved of bone, and yet crackling with the black energy as though it were debased power armor. He chuckled wryly, a smirk crossing cold lips, robbed of life. Lank, white hair hung over his shoulders as he advanced, watching them all. The undead ceased to fight, instead bowing.

"Gentlemen...You seem rather, preoccupied with the gift so graciously offered to you. I must confess, I have seen Ghouls with more common sense; or perhaps it is zealous idiocy that blinds you to the roots of true power. Perhaps...Perhaps that is why you are broken; because you are unwilling to embrace the unembraceable...Oh, do not look at me as though you are shocked. There is little the Lich King does not see, or know, of the universe"

Xipherus raised his blade and prepared to charge the new man as he strode forth. But a quick arm forced even the hulking Black Templar back. Strangley the arm was no where near as big as his own and was small and somewhat delicate like that of a womans. He stopped his stride as he looked down at the beautiful blonde woman before him standing at 5'4 in full white form fitting Artificer Armor. At her side rests a red and black Katana pulsing with a golden aura.

She spoke, "Sergeant tend to your wounded men and fortify our position. We will need a defensable perimeter." The Sergeant took a second then spoke in a subserviant tone, "Yes my Queen." As the Sergeant turned he looked at the Templar and said, "That is the warrior queen of the Dratherian Empire and she wields the sword of the gods first wielded by John Mercer himself. That blade was forged in light and will slay the darkness here as it has on countless worlds. She commands respect show nothing less to her and do what she says." With that said Xipherus bolted off to the wounded calling for an Apothecary.

Then Kyou smiled as she walked forward and stopping but five feet from the warrior she bowed. As she did this she looked the foul creature up and down and down and tied a headband around her hair to keep it from her eyes. After completing this and tying it tight she bit her thumb to draw blood and on her cheek she painted a stripe in blood. She then said, "I'm invisible. There is no one who can defeat my Shadow Skill. My one single blow is invisible." She then cracked her bones and said, "Ready yourself for your end foul beast. WITNESS THE COMBAT KILLING SKILLS RAYPIA AND HAKEN!!!" With that she let loose two kicks each which let loose a blade of energy hotter than searing plasma. She then followed up with four bonecrushing kicks at the foul creature with 'god-like' speed.

A kick glanced off his armor as he dodged about her assaults; grasping the other blade as he moved across the battlefield; smirking like some inhuman fiend. "Such vaunted arrogance. I wonder if you hold the courage of your convictions; woman." Laughter now as he lashed out with the searing edges of the cursed weapons; new strength flowing through him; the Lich King's commands echoing as they had when he first took up his black devotion to the Lord of the Dead.

"And I do believe you mean Invincible" Grinning, lashing out, he hisses "Because I can still see you; and no one likes a senile and delirious ruler. One who thinks herself a God because she wields a shiny blade. It takes more than a weapon to attain Godhood; we of the Scourge know what it is to serve a true lord; you...You are fragmented; broken husks of an Empire that thought itself glorious. No final mighty battle, only a pop and a squeak; a nasty little blow from within and then it's soiled itself. How many craven races have wrought their will upon you over the years and left you yearning for that singular triumph?" As he speaks, he continues his assault; each word punctuated with a blow and a parry and a flurry of random assaults; always seeking to keep this queen on her toes. "I would not advise incurring the wrath of the Glorious Lich King"

Kyou laughed as she effortlessly dodged his strikes. She then smiled saying, "Oh this sword is not a god's sword but it is a blade of the gods of light. And as for your pious little attacks it is pointless. Few have stood against the Kuruda Style and survived. This style has slain creatures and warriors mightier than you. I am the Grand Sevalle Kyou Mercer!!!! And now I will demonstrate to you more of the Combat Killing Skills of Kuruda." With that said her body began to glow with arcane power and drew her leg back to deliver the Open Skill Flay a hand technique that created a a blade of pure energy to strike down the warrior. She smiled saying, "This is only the beginning you have not even witnessed the most powerful Skills of the Kuruda School."

An almost living, plaguey darkness crackled and seethed about his fist as he thrust it forward; meeting the blade of light in a hissing explosion; his onw energy forced against his foe, as the ground splintered beneath him; his eyes alive with the primal urge to slay in the name of Ner'zhul.

"A lesser being might feel fear at your deluded ramblings; but what do I care of your schools; your foreign words and arts. It remains that you art mortal; frail. Pitifiul. Your fear makes you weak; each of you; that zealous fear that the fire will one day over-run you, and you will be laid low by all consuming Chaos. We know this; we once cowered, fear-ridden and mortal; but the Lich King freed us; made us glorious. He drove back the Legion, undid the Demons, and carved his own, triumphant Empire. In the end; who are you to judge my might? I have slain more deserving warriors than you and your cowardly brood; I have brought the blessing of the Scourge to worlds full of worthier beings; in the end, you remain; a frightened, girl-child zealot; choking back her tears and her whimpers with the sound of her own voice as it delivers proclamations that none will accept."

He lashed out again and again against her, his armor scuffed and slightly battered, but still more than enough to put up a fight against his arrogant foe.

"I spit upon your words, and upon your judgements. I piss upon them; that is how much your authority means here." A gesture of his hand, and the Battle brothers who had fallen stirred, rising. "None are safe...The dead are his to command; here in the presence of the glorious Blight Plague." The portal enveloped them, and the Death Knight continued his onslaught; parrying her blows.

"You truly think you can make a difference here, while your homeland lies bloodied and in flames?"

OOC I do not see what good dead and harvested Marines do you except maybe as zombies that are pathetically weak. Their genetic material is harvested quickly in these situations because it is very valuable. So umm yeah they arent really worth much. Good luck with that.

IC
She smiled as she dodged his attacks with a good amount of effort., "My homeworld of Ashlianna lies untouched by the ravages of war. And my Souma is is very powerful so much so that the Ronwe consider me a threat. You still do not understand do you? Kuruda is an art of unaligned power which can be rarely controlled by those not ready for it. And these attacks are but nothing compared to my next set of attacks. Some of the lesser which were responsible for killing the Moon God an immortal demon far larger and most likely more powerful than you." Her body began to glow with a steady pulse of energy as she readied herself again. Then she yelled her Martial Words, "Kuruda Annihilation Technique, Sword!!!!" And as she moved with inhuman speed like that of an Imperial assassin she delivered kick unleashing a large quantity of souma in the form of a blade of pure energy. As she did so she moved with such speed that ot wud be near impossible for anyone to track her movements.

In space the Battle Barge Aequitas was a buzz with activity. A servitor walked up to Captain Jocer of the Ultramarines saying, "The Exterminautus Array is ready to fire should we need it my Lord." The Captain nodded and sent a comm message to the Velvean Vessels,

Greetings you should know Commander we have readied our Exterminautus Array should our ground forces not be able to complete their mission. This weapon will destroy the planet in no time and the Scourge will not escape however we do not wish to destroy the planet in this fashion if possible. For when the array is fired the planet will be consumed and left a dead husk in a matter of less than an hour.

Elsewhere on the planet Ryan struck out with his Force Sword against the Guardian of the Blade while it crackled with Eldritch Fire. He slashed out with his blade with psychic bolts flying.

OOC: Anything is of use to the Scourge in undeath. You have much to learn beyond your own self-absorbance, boy :) And pathetically weak? Undeath makes things stronger; they'll be very useful. I guarantee it

IC:

The Death Knight cackled as the energy seared his armor; lashign out in turn against this presumptuos fool of a girl. He savored every moment of visceral combat; relishing each sensation that touched his dead flesh, devoid of life, devoid of emotion. "Of course you have slayed Gods; of course you are unbeatable" He almost yawned "You bore me girl; a foolish woman with barely the strength to defeat me. 'I've defeated gods, I'm a martial artist'. Honestly; who do you think you are? You stand before a Death Knight of the Scourge and you seek to cow me with your achievements; please. I pity beings as self-involved and arrogant as yourselves. Thinking yourselves unbreakable, untill you shatter and burn. You bore me with your tricks." An aura of darkness surrounded him, blasts of raw, shadow energy hurtled forth against her; the power of the death coil and the shadow bolt taking and granting; he felt himself glutted on the darkness; fattened upon it. He let it slip; as though a thousand blades of utter darkness lashed out against her.

He took a step back, grinning impishly as he back-tracked towards the Portal. "I have what I came for; a prize unworthy of your vile, idiot get. If you will not take up this cup...Perhaps I shall find another. Another possessing of a brain; instead of a steaming, festering grey lump of unsatisfied, over-compromising ego"

"Looks like a damn war down there... I'm gettin Space Marines, unknowns, and something else. Hints of Protoss in there. Whadda we do?" The instant Space Marines appeared the relaxed attitude evaporated. They had numbers on the Space Marine Battle Barge, but they were horribly outgunned individually, though with such odds, it was an almost foregone conclusion who would win.

"Hmm... Ready the tubes, and go to maximum acceleration, no more hiding, we make a pass on the Battle Barge, blow past it at something like 50 thousand km, and call for backup all the while. These nmeddlers won't be too happy if we can get a few BatCruRons or CruRons in here. God Forbid a BatRon should be in the area to deal with these punks..."

"Actually I have something like 3 BatRons, 3 CLAC Squadrons, and some 10 Heavy or Battlecruisers within one hour of here. Not sure WHY there's so much out here, unless they know something we don't, but with the numbers that gives us, we can hold long enough for the first reinforcements to arrive, in approximately ten minutes, meaning the CLACs would arrive BEFORE they managed to make their first strike against the Battle Barge."

"Well then, get on it, wedges at full, all batteries ready, and punch it."

Transmission to the doomed Space Marines:

You better start sniffing your own rank subjugation jack, cause it's just you against your tattered libido, the bank, and the mortician forever! It wouldn't be luck if you could get outta life alive!

OOC No you dont get it a lot of what makes even an undead Space Marine so powerful is gone when the geneseed is harvested. Ok and Mini this might be fun but difficult so bear with me Ive got things a brewin with my gf tonite and Im not sure if I understand everything in ur post but yeah. Oh and this stuff is based off Shadow Skill.

IC
With a an attack similar to battoujutsu she struck must of the blades away from her body and what ones landed caused her momentary excruciating pain and nicked her armor slightly. Kyou smiled with her hand on her sword hilt, "Fool you do not understand. The Moon God was a great demon beast and a legend of our world in the ancient days. He was immortal when the moon was out and as large as most buildings. As the lunar phase reached it's climax he became more powerful. When my ancestor Elle Ragu fought him it was when his power was at it's highest. And she, Gau Bane, and Kyou slew him and held him captured till the rising of the sun when the attacks slew him."

With that said she drew the blade and moved with 'god-like' speed to stand between the knight and the portal. She then smiled as wings sprouted from her back and she took the form af an Angel. Laughing she said, "We aren't done Im having fun for the first time in a long time. I challenge you to a duel." She then pulled her blade back and it glowed with ethereal energy as she readied herself.

Captain Jocer knew what was happening before the servitors told him and he ordered the fighters and bombers to be launched as the prow lance batteries fired at the incoming vessels and torpedoes poured forth from their tubes and the space between the vessels was lit up with a brilliant flash of bright light. He then began barking orders, "Strike Cruisers open up all weapons on the attacking vessels. Show them no mercy. And call in for reinforcements." As the order was barked the ships opened full force and the shieldships activated their barriers. In that small instance the whole battlegroup was on alert.

Elsewhere another larger battlefleet was waiting in cloak. Commander Archon stepped forward on the bridge of the Crusader looking out of the viewport at the attacking battlegroup. Commander Archon hated these assignments he viewed that this fleet should be used to reclaim worlds from the Chaos Legions of New Terra and since the Queen comissioned him he thought this was going to be a boring assignment and now he was sure it was otherwise.

A servitor approached him saying, "Commander Emperor Nova's battlegroup is requesting assisstance. What should we do?" The Commander seemed to mull over the idea for a moment then in a soft voice he said, "They can handle themselves there is no need to make our presence known. Only decloak if enemy reinforcements arrive. By the way what is the status of this fleet?" The servitor consulted a datapad momentarily then said, "Besides the Crusader our Nova Barge we have 10 Emperor-class Battleships, 15 Retribution-class Battleships, 4 Battle Barges, 30 Strike Cruisers, and 10 Shieldships. Overall 70 starships. You should know sir there are no other forces in the area and that they have the Exterminautus array armed and they have no idea the Queen is on the surface."

Commander Archon smiled, "Aye that is a risk we must take however they will not use the array till the forces on the surface are either dead or evacuated. Especially with Emperor Nova there. Let us just wait."

OOC: Actually the geneseed is only needed to produce the organs, nessecary as the Primarchs are gone and thus unable to mass-produce. The point is that even if the geneseed is harvested, the improvements are still there; they're just not relevant because the Marine is dead. Is it just me, or do you only really know the basics of 40k? And just...Well, pretty much wank in "god-like" stuff and tales of slaying giant fictional demon beasts. I could probably write a better background than you spout. It sounds like a bad unpublished paperback.

IC:

"Please woman; wings? You embarress yourself with cosmetic alterations that have no truly relevant purpose. You challenge me to a duel? Next you'll be slapping me with a glove; or maybe bowing and courtseying. Honestly; you waste your time with your self-involved rants of past and quite entirely mythic glory. Stories, are simply stories, little ones. But we of the Scourge; we are the nightmares given form. You have not beheld the glory of Ner'zhul; but you shall. Each and every world shall know his fel embrace."

A voice echoed across the Miehmish communications; if they attempted to trace it, they would find it was a similar system to their own; in fact it was an altered form of their own, primal technology; from the days of old.

You have been our allies before; now be our allies again. The scourge shall not be stopped by these feeble Men. They think themselves superior; vaunted; but I can taste their hearts. They are weak. Aid us in cleansing them for the glory of the Lich King; and we shall reward you. They are above and below; better that you sunder them in the air, before you smash them into the dust.

OOC: Actually the geneseed is only needed to produce the organs, nessecary as the Primarchs are gone and thus unable to mass-produce. The point is that even if the geneseed is harvested, the improvements are still there; they're just not relevant because the Marine is dead. Is it just me, or do you only really know the basics of 40k? And just...Well, pretty much wank in "god-like" stuff and tales of slaying giant fictional demon beasts. I could probably write a better background than you spout. It sounds like a bad unpublished paperback.

IC:

"Please woman; wings? You embarress yourself with cosmetic alterations that have no truly relevant purpose. You challenge me to a duel? Next you'll be slapping me with a glove; or maybe bowing and courtseying. Honestly; you waste your time with your self-involved rants of past and quite entirely mythic glory. Stories, are simply stories, little ones. But we of the Scourge; we are the nightmares given form. You have not beheld the glory of Ner'zhul; but you shall. Each and every world shall know his fel embrace."

A voice echoed across the Miehmish communications; if they attempted to trace it, they would find it was a similar system to their own; in fact it was an altered form of their own, primal technology; from the days of old.

You have been our allies before; now be our allies again. The scourge shall not be stopped by these feeble Men. They think themselves superior; vaunted; but I can taste their hearts. They are weak. Aid us in cleansing them for the glory of the Lich King; and we shall reward you. They are above and below; better that you sunder them in the air, before you smash them into the dust.

OOC: Tough shit Drath. You're gonna be outgunned is basically what I'[m saying.

IC:

Reply:

We understand. THAT explains the Protoss-like signatures. We'll make them see exactly what it means to deal with superior firepower.

The Destroyers and Light Cruiser were already accelerating towards the first Battle Barge, trying to get a hard lock before they got close enough to unleash everything they had at maximum acceleration. Laser Warheads were devastating at just 30 thousand kilometers, and they could travel the intervening 20 thousand kilometers in just seconds. Whatever happened after that would be discovered when the LAC Squadrons made their runs.

OOC Some of the things removed by my Black Templars Apothecaries is different because these Marines have some augmentations that are not Canonical but watever. Oh and Mini I just fired at your vessels with full Lance Batteries and all weapons batteries and torpedo tubes you should reply to that.

IC
Captain Jocer turned looking wildly he commed a message to the surface and the rest of the ship, "We are commencing emergency beam out. All units will be returned to the Battle Barge. We'll beam out the others too I think it's time we turn this planet and everything on it to dust." All at once the entire amassment of ground forces were beamed up into one of the many empty cargo bays aboard the Barge.

After this was done Ryan ran to the bridge at an unbelievable speed. When he got to the bridge he looked at the Captain and said, "What are you waiting for demolish the planet and then get us some reinforcements we have the Queen aboard." The Captain looked shocked for a moment and nodded as he sent out another call for reinforcments. He then turned to a servitor and barked an order, "Start jamming the enemy communications dont let them get any more ships here. And open an FTLi field around this area we dont need any unexpected visitors."

A few minutes later the Aequitas fired it's Virus Bombs and the planet was bombarded heavily as a matter eating plague swept across the planet to consume all in it's path. When it finished it's work in a matter of no time everything on the planet would become soup and an apocalyptic firestorm would rain on the planet leaving nothing to stand in it's path as it had done to hundreds of worlds before it. Meanwhile the battlegroup unleashed the full fury of it's weapons against the Protoss vessels knowing that they could not afford to surrender.

On the Crusader Archon looked at his datapad while he rested in his command chair. All he was doing now was biding his time to choose when to have the fleet attack. All the weapons systems in the fleet were charged and readied for when they decloaked as was the standard operating procedure for all vessels in the Empire. He smiled as he was told that the Mass Driver crews were ready to arm the weapon when they came out of cloak. He looked at the servitor and said, "Decloak when they have cleared the battlegroup and then fire all weapons. Have the shieldships move into position for defense and activate their barriers when we decloak."

OOC: So you are infact attempting to assert knowledge of a divergence from actual canon? Wow; arrogant. Regardless, they'll be of use. Oh, and thanks for ruining the RP...Still there are other worlds; thankfully free of you.

IC:
Any event takes time; from the smallest movement of hand or eye, to the act of sundering an entire world. As his foes turned to atoms and dust and faded from existence; the Death Knight turned, and stepped into the portal. His comrades didn't matter; they were insignificant; minions conjured by the sword upon this world; it's natural inhabitants. The Dratherian's would have cleaved them with this idiot strike, just as surely as they were cleaving those others who had come from the other ships...

Foolish. Truly foolish.

As he walked the nether itself; pondering the futile actions of the fools; whose own ego had been sufficient to deny him the pleasure of having them corrupted, or even ripped limb from limb for his own amusment, he smiled at the thought of other blades, on other worlds; having surely more luck than this one had possessed. He let his fingers tease across the cool surface of the Runeblade. He would be home soon; he would report all he had learned to his Lord; what lay beyond the closed portal; visible now only to the limitless sight of the omnipotent, omniscient Lich King. Already he could detect the faint whisper in his mind...

Yes, their time would come. And when it did; it would be the cold hand of the Lich King, embracing those worlds that lacked his glory; that lacked the sight and guidance only divinity could bring.

OOC Some of the things removed by my Black Templars Apothecaries is different because these Marines have some augmentations that are not Canonical but watever. Oh and Mini I just fired at your vessels with full Lance Batteries and all weapons batteries and torpedo tubes you should reply to that.

IC
Captain Jocer turned looking wildly he commed a message to the surface and the rest of the ship, "We are commencing emergency beam out. All units will be returned to the Battle Barge. We'll beam out the others too I think it's time we turn this planet and everything on it to dust." All at once the entire amassment of ground forces were beamed up into one of the many empty cargo bays aboard the Barge.

After this was done Ryan ran to the bridge at an unbelievable speed. When he got to the bridge he looked at the Captain and said, "What are you waiting for demolish the planet and then get us some reinforcements we have the Queen aboard." The Captain looked shocked for a moment and nodded as he sent out another call for reinforcments. He then turned to a servitor and barked an order, "Start jamming the enemy communications dont let them get any more ships here. And open an FTLi field around this area we dont need any unexpected visitors."

A few minutes later the Aequitas fired it's Virus Bombs and the planet was bombarded heavily as a matter eating plague swept across the planet to consume all in it's path. When it finished it's work in a matter of no time everything on the planet would become soup and an apocalyptic firestorm would rain on the planet leaving nothing to stand in it's path as it had done to hundreds of worlds before it. Meanwhile the battlegroup unleashed the full fury of it's weapons against the Protoss vessels knowing that they could not afford to surrender.

On the Crusader Archon looked at his datapad while he rested in his command chair. All he was doing now was biding his time to choose when to have the fleet attack. All the weapons systems in the fleet were charged and readied for when they decloaked as was the standard operating procedure for all vessels in the Empire. He smiled as he was told that the Mass Driver crews were ready to arm the weapon when they came out of cloak. He looked at the servitor and said, "Decloak when they have cleared the battlegroup and then fire all weapons. Have the shieldships move into position for defense and activate their barriers when we decloak."

OOC: I'm gonna enjoy this. By the way, what kind of FTLi is that? Also, they are NOT Protoss ships. Idiot.

IC:

The Destroyers and Heavy Cruiser forged onwards. There was absolutely no effect from the barrage at this range. Even at 50 thousand kilometers the enemy wouldn't be able to touch them without using something significantly heavier than they posessed. Minimum effective range for a lance battery was 30 thousand kilometers against a sidewall.

In Transit:

The CLAC Squadrons were in the low Delta Bands, already working on a crash translation into the system, hot on their heels, just five minutes behind, were the Superdreadnoughts, the Heavy Cruisers and Battlecruisers were catching up fast, but they were far enough behiund that they would not arrive for nearly half an hour, their contribution would be mostly support at best, but their addition to the missile defenses and missile accuracy would be worth it.

Having fended off another assault by shambling and nightmarish creatures, the younger members of the archeologist team were shaken. They didn't want to go after something guarded by such powers. Although, having knowledge that these undead like things existed only confirmed the rumors of the artifacts, the older members forced the others to stay. This discovery was the break they were waiting for, not just for their own achievement, maybe getting rewarded with money or prestige, but in protecting and inforcing the Order's influence in the galaxy.

Their sensors had finally located a source of material alien to this world. The sensors had to sort through deep scans of the planet to try to find an annomally. The source was in the nearby mountain range, underground, within a vast tunnel network.

The archeologists gathered their tools and weapons, setting out for the find of their lifetime.

The tunnels had frozen over; frost caked the walls and spines of the caverns, glimmering, glistening death awaiting them beneath the cold earth. It shook and shuddered and shifted with the maddening cry of the blade, carried upon the wind; a whispering, seductive call, that would bring all who heard it to it; that would lead them to the heights of glory, or the depths of damnation...

It did not tell them truly. They only knew that it held a power and offered it; a power that drew near...

OOC Well you keep talking about Protoss sorry. Ohand remember Icecrown not everything has to be canonical on NS because well things get changed for improvement like my Marines trust me when I say you dont know everything about my tech that was integrated into my troops early on. And the FTLi field unleashes molecules into the surrounding space disrupting the fields vessels use to create their FTL (ie Fold Fields, Warp Fields, etc etc)

IC
Commander Archon smiled as the fleet moved as a silent invisible blade behind the enemy war vessels. These vessels were the best of the best in the Dratherian Military. And in it was the fleet flagship Crusader a Nova-class Battle Barge four times larger than your average Battle Barge with far superior firepower and the only one in existence. In old times it was used as the lead ship of the Chaos Emperor before his turning. The vessel's gargantuan form held a weapon rarely seen outside of the old Dratherian Military a Mass Driver. The Mass Driver had a long range being able to attack planets from the edge of a system the size of Sol System. The Mass Driver had an affect to destroy planets with ease as it converted the mass loaded into it into pure energy and the power setting would be set for an attack. Under normal circumstances this kind of weapon on a vessel would be a Planetbuster but this was not the case. This vessel like the old Shadow Stars was made for fleetbusting and being a vessel capable of defending itself against a large fleet by utilizing a force capable of devastating a planet rather than destroying it. Of course in this situation the weapon would only be used as a last ditch weapon because of it's power. As the fleet moved into battle position a subspace frequency was sent to the Aequitas and this frequency told them to advance on the enemy vessels at maximum speed. As the message was sent out the Battlegroup moved swiftly to engage the enemy vessels at close range

OOC Well you keep talking about Protoss sorry. Ohand remember Icecrown not everything has to be canonical on NS because well things get changed for improvement like my Marines trust me when I say you dont know everything about my tech that was integrated into my troops early on. And the FTLi field unleashes molecules into the surrounding space disrupting the fields vessels use to create their FTL (ie Fold Fields, Warp Fields, etc etc)

IC
Commander Archon smiled as the fleet moved as a silent invisible blade behind the enemy war vessels. These vessels were the best of the best in the Dratherian Military. And in it was the fleet flagship Crusader a Nova-class Battle Barge four times larger than your average Battle Barge with far superior firepower and the only one in existence. In old times it was used as the lead ship of the Chaos Emperor before his turning. The vessel's gargantuan form held a weapon rarely seen outside of the old Dratherian Military a Mass Driver. The Mass Driver had a long range being able to attack planets from the edge of a system the size of Sol System. The Mass Driver had an affect to destroy planets with ease as it converted the mass loaded into it into pure energy and the power setting would be set for an attack. Under normal circumstances this kind of weapon on a vessel would be a Planetbuster but this was not the case. This vessel like the old Shadow Stars was made for fleetbusting and being a vessel capable of defending itself against a large fleet by utilizing a force capable of devastating a planet rather than destroying it. Of course in this situation the weapon would only be used as a last ditch weapon because of it's power. As the fleet moved into battle position a subspace frequency was sent to the Aequitas and this frequency told them to advance on the enemy vessels at maximum speed. As the message was sent out the Battlegroup moved swiftly to engage the enemy vessels at close range

OOC: Wunderbar!

IC:

The Miehmish Destroyers and Saganami Cruiser unleashed their full broadsides against the first Battle Barge they encountered. The Destroyers alone sent out 60 missiles, and 36 bolts of laser light, all against the one target. The missiles detonated just seconds later, deploying their own laser warheads at 45 thousand kilometers out, but that would be the lkeast of the enemies worries. Light lasers and light warheads would do significant damage in the numbers represented here, but the heaviest hits would come from the Cruiser.

An additional 38 missiles, each individually more powerful than those used by the Destroyers lashed space, but even that was not the greatest threat, because mounted in the broadsides of the Heavy Cruiser were a pair of massive Graser mounts, 6 Decently large Lasers, and another pair of powerful Energy Torpedo Launchers. The Energy Torpedoes and Grasers were the greatest threats, Energy Torpedoes were EXTREMELY rapid fire, pumping out 4 bolts every second, and the Grasers, slower in rate of fire but extremely powerful in their own right, were the pinnacle of energy weapons, and they outstripped a simple Lance Battery by several orders of magnbitude. Whatever the enemy was thinking(or not thinking, as the case may be) they obviously knew NOTHING about what they were facing.

The CLACs were now less than a minute away, already in the Alpha band and translating downwards fast, the Superdreadnoughts were still hard on their heels, and whatever opponent was foolish enough to engage them would be utterly destroyed.

Reality twisted, reality warped, as on the edge of the system, reality was torn apart as the Armageddon Battle Cruiser Tore from the warp. The craft orientated itself, before noticing the battle in the system.

"Captain" the man said, looking up from the scanners. "The Agressor is one of our Emperors Holy Battle-Barges, but it bears a design unlike any we have seen before."

"What was there reasoning for agression would they have?" The captain asked.

"Probably none," One of the officers said. "Orders?"

"Get that Astropath to find out what the hell their doing!" the captain said. "And see if you can get them to stand down."

+++Commit to: Unidentified Battle-Barge+++
+++EST 03/8567INQUISITORIS 8353/1453+++
+++Transmission Clearance: Admiral Jariaus Horas+++
+++Author: Captain Marias Ariulas+++
+++Thought for the Day: Fools Make Peace with the Xeno+++

Those of the Battle-Barge, we are requesting to know what exactly transpired here, and why you use one of the Emperors Most Holy ships without his Divine Will. This is nessersary, for we do not wish to make war against possible Brothers in Saviour of Humanity.

Captain Marias Ariulas.

+++

The archeologists had found a suitable enterance into the tunnels. They had made their way deep down by the time the sun had set, though they were in darkness that required illumination already. By their calculations, that they checked three times, they were less than a mile from the source.

OOC By the way if you ever saw the anime Shadow Skill that's what Kyou is from just generations later.

IC
The battlegroup was beaten down and was in fact outgunned by the enemy assault force. Captain Jocer looked on as his battlegroup and in fact Battle Barge were devastated by heavy weaponry. As he looked on in horror the mighty Strike Cruisers were torn asunder by the enemy weapons detonating in massive explosions as they tried in vain to fight back.
The Battle Barge being well equipped to deal with this kind of situation was even torn to the winds and devastated by the enemy assault and the men and women inside were brought to their feet as explosions rippled across the surface of the mighty vessel ripping it to pieces. As Captain Jocer looked on he realized that reinforcements would arrive too late to help them and that now the enemy forces would overrun the area.

As Archon looked on in horror he ordered the fleet to decloak and ready for battle with the enemy forces who were now surrounded by the Imperium vessels. As the vessels decloaked and the space around the enemy rippled as cloaking fields dropped and an impressive fleet appeared in battle ready formation. The some seventy odd ships sat there weapons at the ready. As fighters poured forth from their bays to defend the mighty vessels from the attacks of bombers. Lance batteries powered as they closed in on the enemy position and transporters beamed out what little survivors there were from the wreckage of the Strike Cruisers and the Aequitas. A message was sent to the enemy vessels,

What is the meaning of this battle? Why would you accelerate to attack speed against our vessels? That is considered an act of agression by our forces. Can we meet a peaceful solution or must we engage in battle?

A servitor looked at Archon with concern saying, "We have incoming vessels traveling from the Warp. They appear to be similar in design to our own." Archon looked concerned at the information just given to him because the only nation he know like that was the Chaos Legions of Dratheria and the Lords of Chaos so he sent a message,

You mean the twisted will of Chaos, which he foolishly follows. We are one of the few nations that battle for the Imperium and we will not allow you to trick us into fighting against our own kind we are one of the last hopes for humanity. For we are true and will not fall easily. As for the assault they were using defensive tactics to defend against the vessels accelerating to attack speed.

+++Commit to: Unidentified Battle-Barge+++
+++EST 03/8567INQUISITORIS 8353/1453+++
+++Transmission Clearance: Admiral Jariaus Horas+++
+++Author: Captain Marias Ariulas+++
+++Thought for the Day: A Heretic can seek Redemtion, No Traitor can+++

You dare call us searvents of chaos? We Searve His will, through his word, Directly. Surely your Astropaths heard the Chorus that signaled his return, surely you heard his message to all who would heed his call.

I do not try and trick you, the Emperor himself has returned, and you are fool enough to not have heard it. This holds me to believe you are NOT true Searvents of the Emperor, or you no longer use the Navigator, the Astropath and the Psyker, for all these would know of our lords return.

Marias Ariulas

OOC By the way if you ever saw the anime Shadow Skill that's what Kyou is from just generations later.

IC
The battlegroup was beaten down and was in fact outgunned by the enemy assault force. Captain Jocer looked on as his battlegroup and in fact Battle Barge were devastated by heavy weaponry. As he looked on in horror the mighty Strike Cruisers were torn asunder by the enemy weapons detonating in massive explosions as they tried in vain to fight back.
The Battle Barge being well equipped to deal with this kind of situation was even torn to the winds and devastated by the enemy assault and the men and women inside were brought to their feet as explosions rippled across the surface of the mighty vessel ripping it to pieces. As Captain Jocer looked on he realized that reinforcements would arrive too late to help them and that now the enemy forces would overrun the area.

As Archon looked on in horror he ordered the fleet to decloak and ready for battle with the enemy forces who were now surrounded by the Imperium vessels. As the vessels decloaked and the space around the enemy rippled as cloaking fields dropped and an impressive fleet appeared in battle ready formation. The some seventy odd ships sat there weapons at the ready. As fighters poured forth from their bays to defend the mighty vessels from the attacks of bombers. Lance batteries powered as they closed in on the enemy position and transporters beamed out what little survivors there were from the wreckage of the Strike Cruisers and the Aequitas. A message was sent to the enemy vessels,



A servitor looked at Archon with concern saying, "We have incoming vessels traveling from the Warp. They appear to be similar in design to our own." Archon looked concerned at the information just given to him because the only nation he know like that was the Chaos Legions of Dratheria and the Lords of Chaos so he sent a message,

Reply:

We cannot. You are fools, and engage in war against those that are our allies. Surrender, you will soon be outgunned, especially with the forces of the True Emperor opposing you.

The CLACs dropped out of Hyper, scrambled their LAC squadrons, putting over 1,800 LACs into space, and setting them on a course for the opposing fleet, the LACs would be in attack range within just a few minutes, and the Carriers wouldn't be far behind, when they put their missiles and energy weapons into the fleet that had their Destroyers and Cruiser pinned.

OOC A work in progress

IC
Archon's message in return to the vessels of the 'Emperor' was brief,

It is difficult for many of our own psykers, navigators, and of the people who became astropaths many are not needed anymore for our own psychic channeling technology. Our navigators are rarely used unless a Warp channel must be opened. And as for many of our more powerful psykers it is hard for them to see outside of our own galaxy past the veil of Chaos. And the Emperor whom we revived through alchemy was twisted and rended into a Chaos servant who we battle constantly.

As the weapons batteries on the vessels powered up the fighters deployed armed their main weapons and readied for the incoming attacks. A message was then sent over the comm,

We will not falter easily to your attacks now our numbers and firepower will equal one anothers and with the reinforcement from the 3rd Assault Fleet we will be capable of reaping vengeance on you for the death of so many of our brethern.

OOC A work in progress

IC
Archon's message in return to the vessels of the 'Emperor' was brief,



As the weapons batteries on the vessels powered up the fighters deployed armed their main weapons and readied for the incoming attacks. A message was then sent over the comm,

Reply:

Our numbers, perhaps, are equal, you are however sorely outgunned still. Surrender now and we will be merciful.

Another volley of the Miehmish ships roared out, targeting another set of opponents with equal fury, and following hard on its heels was the strike from the massed Shrikes and Ciometerres. Cimeterres were perfectly suited for anti-fighter operations, with their heavy, dirty, and powerful nuclear armament they could wipe whole squadrons out of space with just a single massed volley. Their profligate light weapons, like the dozens of small PD clusters that dotted their hulls made them even more capable against light opponents. The Shrikes were more dangerous against Capitol Ships, launching their own missiles in rapid fire salvoes, while their single massive Graser mount chewed through armor and shields with equal ease. The Dratherians would be fools not to give in against the power that was facing them.

The vessels readied as the mighty shieldships brought their barriers to full power making it difficult ofr fighters to get through to attack the capitol ships. As this was done Archon turned to a servitor saying, "How long till the components from the 3rd Assault Fleet arrive? Once they get here we'll have a few heavy assault ships that will even out the firepower further. I think we'll need to have them pull a few ships out of the spacedocks. Perhaps some Midway Mk II Megacarriers and the two Phoenix-class Dreadnoughts. They'll be hard vessels to get rid of like this Nova-class Battle Barge which reminds me when will the Nova Sword be finished?"

The Servitor looked at a datpad and said, "Our reinforcements are but moments from folding space as for those ships they have been requested and are being readied for launch. Also the Nova Sword will be ready in a 3 NS years." The battleships began to issue anti-fighter fire as soon as the enemy ships would get in range however they would have trouble dealing with the Dragons and Vampires each which were superiority fightercraft equipped with cloaking technology. As for the Nova Battle Barge it readied it's weapons and adaptive shielding. This vessel would outgun many enemy vessels that would attack it however it wud not hold out indefinatley.

Meanwhile 50 vessels advanced from the rear of the Mini Miehm vessels. At the fore was the mighty flagships Dratheria's Sword, a Pioneer-class Fleet Carrier and the Tormentor the Tormentum-class Fleet Carrier which was followed by 30 Hades-class Quick Strike Cruisers, 5 Armageddon Class Battleships, 5 Apocalypse Class Battleships, and 18 Macross-class War Carriers. As they rapidly closed in on the enemy it was apparent that the pincer manuveur was dangerous indeed and with the FTLi at full power it would be difficult for the enemy to receive reinforcements. The Reflex Cannons would be in range in minor time so they could fire their mighty power. The 3rd Assault Fleet was one of the more powerful fleets in the Dratherian Navy. It comprised of vessels with such heavy firepower they were considered to be the most dangerous fleet in the Dratherian Military. A fleet like this was designed only for one thing to sweep past enemy defenses with the most deadly of force and at a plus to be fast while they did it unlike the cumbersome Dreadnoughts that were capable of so much damage. In moments some of the largest and most dangerous assault vessels would be n range to let loose a dangerous barrage of firepower. Around them thousands of fighters were waiting to attack the enemy when they came to attack range.

Kyle Gracchis the Harconan Commander onboard the Dratheria's Sword sent a communication to the Crusader,

The vessels that resemble our own are from the true Emperor you can trust them for now but we still have much to discuss with them and will meet with them in due time now it is important to get out of here safely. Unfortunatley the last vessels to be incoming will be all that can be spared. So our fleet will only comprise 150 vessels. This one is going to be difficult.

Moments later the 3rd Assault Fleet opened up full power with their Reflex Cannons on the enemy's rear vessels. And as the Strike Cruisers moved in quickly ahead of the main fleet they fired their Mk IV Heavy Plasma Cannons into the middle and rear of the enemy fleet. This was a fight for survival and with these new additions the field was leveled further and once the final reinforcements got into the system it would be even. Now it was time for an all out battle for survival.

The vessels readied as the mighty shieldships brought their barriers to full power making it difficult ofr fighters to get through to attack the capitol ships. As this was done Archon turned to a servitor saying, "How long till the components from the 3rd Assault Fleet arrive? Once they get here we'll have a few heavy assault ships that will even out the firepower further. I think we'll need to have them pull a few ships out of the spacedocks. Perhaps some Midway Mk II Megacarriers and the two Phoenix-class Dreadnoughts. They'll be hard vessels to get rid of like this Nova-class Battle Barge which reminds me when will the Nova Sword be finished?"

The Servitor looked at a datpad and said, "Our reinforcements are but moments from folding space as for those ships they have been requested and are being readied for launch. Also the Nova Sword will be ready in a 3 NS years." The battleships began to issue anti-fighter fire as soon as the enemy ships would get in range however they would have trouble dealing with the Dragons and Vampires each which were superiority fightercraft equipped with cloaking technology. As for the Nova Battle Barge it readied it's weapons and adaptive shielding. This vessel would outgun many enemy vessels that would attack it however it wud not hold out indefinatley.

Meanwhile 50 vessels advanced from the rear of the Mini Miehm vessels. At the fore was the mighty flagships Dratheria's Sword, a Pioneer-class Fleet Carrier and the Tormentor the Tormentum-class Fleet Carrier which was followed by 30 Hades-class Quick Strike Cruisers, 10 Dictator Class Cruisers, and 18 Macross-class War Carriers. As they rapidly closed in on the enemy it was apparent that the pincer manuveur was dangerous indeed and with the FTLi at full power it would be difficult for the enemy to receive reinforcements. The Reflex Cannons would be in range in minor time so they could fire their mighty power. The 3rd Assault Fleet was one of the more powerful fleets in the Dratherian Navy. It comprised of vessels with such heavy firepower they were considered to be the most dangerous fleet in the Dratherian Military. A fleet like this was designed only for one thing to sweep past enemy defenses with the most deadly of force and at a plus to be fast while they did it unlike the cumbersome Dreadnoughts that were capable of so much damage. In moments some of the largest and most dangerous assault vessels would be n range to let loose a dangerous barrage of firepower. Around them thousands of fighters were waiting to attack the enemy when they came to attack range.

Kyle Gracchis the Harconan Commander onboard the Dratheria's Sword sent a communication to the Crusader,



Moments later the 3rd Assault Fleet opened up full power with their Reflex Cannons on the enemy's rear vessels. And as the Strike Cruisers moved in quickly ahead of the main fleet they fired their Mk IV Heavy Plasma Cannons into the middle and rear of the enemy fleet. This was a fight for survival and with these new additions the field was leveled further and once the final reinforcements got into the system it would be even. Now it was time for an all out battle for survival.

A PINCER attack? Who lead this force, a general, or a man who had read too many dramas and stories? When the next wave of reinforcements appeared in about a minute they would have half of their forces between two opponents. Two sets of opponents designed to smash whatever got in their path.

The heavily armed LACs continued pumping rounds into the enemy ships, sending missiles and energy weapons downrange with equal glee, whatever managed to get in the way of those sheer numbers would know it had been kissed. Unfortunately their attracks did not come without loss, as the first Destroyer succumbed to the enemy fire, as first one shot, then another, and then a third managed to blast straight up her kilt, and shatter the relatively fragile vessel. The remainder of the original group battled on, pouring fire into the ship that had downed their comrade.

The CLACs entered the fray just seconds after the Destroyer was eliminated from the fight. Unleashing their broadsides into the nearest opponents, while waiting for the first of the Shrikes and Cimeterres to return to rearm. It wouldn't be long now, though the Shrikes could continuie fighting with just their massive Grasers, it would be harder, and more dangerous.

As the first of the CLACs missiles reached detonation range at 30,000 kilometers, spewing out its deadly lances of coherent light and radiation, the SD(p)s slammed into the system. More massive than any other vessel in this small armade, they were four and a half kilometers long, and so heavily armed and ammunitioned that they could fight for 2 straight hours before running out of missiles. Their first broadside would be absolutely devastating, because, where the other total broadsides had numbered in the hundreds of missiles, or the middle thousands for the LAC strikes, this first satrike from the Superdreadnoughts would dwarf any of those by an order of magnitude, somewhere in the neighborhood of 10,000 missiles would be available to fire from their pods by the time they reached attack range.

OOC Oh by the way I dont use Laser Warheads I use Anti-matter Torpedoes and Vortex Tordpedoes. Oh and bear in mind that the Dreadnoughts are firing all their torpedo tubes on their prow which is about 100 torpedoes per salvo.

IC
Archon shouted a cry of happiness when he saw the enemy vessels torn asunder. While he looked on he saw one of his Shieldships and two of his Emperor Class Battleships destroyed as they were bombarded with fire. He looked at the nearest Servitor and said, "Fire the Nova Cannons now!" He looked at his tactical display for a moment and saw what he was looking for two vessels that would make the enemy Superdreadnoughts quiver in fear.

They were over 5 Kilometers long and the only left in existence but their power was undeniable. They moved swiftly through space as deadly blades of justice. Their mighty centers glowed a golden energy as they approached on either side of the enemy fleet. Now they had executed their twin pincer attack as they were escorted by twenty Apocalypse-class Battlecruisers. And as soon as range was met Nova Cannons and Lance Batteries fired off into the enemy fleet now they were surrounded on four sides and as the Dreadnoughts moved in their massive energy pylons ignited with golden energy.

The Battlefleet fought with renewed vigour seeing this and more Nova Cannons were fired from the 3rd Assault Fleet. Soon the enemy would hopefully be overrun.

The archeologists had found a suitable enterance into the tunnels. They had made their way deep down by the time the sun had set, though they were in darkness that required illumination already. By their calculations, that they checked three times, they were less than a mile from the source.

At last they came upon a large cavern. Movement was slowed by all the stalagmites in the way, rising like pillars of rock toward the ceiling. A couple of times one of the taller members of the team had to duck under overhanging stalagtites that dropped down to about six feet above the ground. Anticipation was mounting as they had entered the chamber of which the artifact should be located.

OOC Oh by the way I dont use Laser Warheads I use Anti-matter Torpedoes and Vortex Tordpedoes. Oh and bear in mind that the Dreadnoughts are firing all their torpedo tubes on their prow which is about 100 torpedoes per salvo.

IC
Archon shouted a cry of happiness when he saw the enemy vessels torn asunder. While he looked on he saw one of his Shieldships and two of his Emperor Class Battleships destroyed as they were bombarded with fire. He looked at the nearest Servitor and said, "Fire the Nova Cannons now!" He looked at his tactical display for a moment and saw what he was looking for two vessels that would make the enemy Superdreadnoughts quiver in fear.

They were over 5 Kilometers long and the only left in existence but their power was undeniable. They moved swiftly through space as deadly blades of justice. Their mighty centers glowed a golden energy as they approached on either side of the enemy fleet. Now they had executed their twin pincer attack as they were escorted by twenty Apocalypse-class Battlecruisers. And as soon as range was met Nova Cannons and Lance Batteries fired off into the enemy fleet now they were surrounded on four sides and as the Dreadnoughts moved in their massive energy pylons ignited with golden energy.

The Battlefleet fought with renewed vigour seeing this and more Nova Cannons were fired from the 3rd Assault Fleet. Soon the enemy would hopefully be overrun.

OOC: I have no issues with that. Just remember, you're dealing with ships designed to DEFEND against hundreds of missiles going MUCH faster than any 40k torpedo can. A light cruiser can stop about 20 missiles on its own. Per salvo. 100 torps does not impress me.

IC:

The Miehmish ships fough on, messily outnumbered, but so powerfully defended and armed that they could easily hold their own. The CLACs and LACs poured fire into the ships using the Nova Cannon, powerful weapons, but too undirected, too much of a blast radius to cause truly effective damage when stopped by Wedges and Sidewalls on every side, leaving the greatest part of the blast to simply spatter, harmless as an egg against steel.

The surrounded group was hard pressed, blasting out attacks against every target in range, paying particular attention tro the largest ships they could get strikes on. Damage was accruing on the smaller ships, and even the Heavy Cruiser had taken a few light hits, but they were still in decent fighting trim.

The Superdreadnoughts were nearing attack range, they had plenty of Pods strung out behind them, and in just seconds they would unleash terror on the enemy. When Superdreadnoughts made their displeasure known, it was always felt rather painfully.

((Looks around the empty room.
"Hello?"
Listens to the echoing.))

Silence.

the wind seemed to have stopped howling; only a whisper remained, an insidious calling that would raw them nearer. The blade was imbedded in the icy ground; protrusions arcing around it like arms seeking to grasp at it's gleaming, black blade; shimmering in the half-light of existence; revealing it's tainted beauty.

It called to them with the hissed voice of a corpse; a strangely soothing and seductive tone; Come; take me; Wield me...

The youngest member of the team raced forward to retrieve the item, but was tackled to the ground by the older archeologists. They held him fast; his eyes were glazed over, controlled by the power of the artifact.

"We must use caution."

The leader of the expedition warned his colleagues.

"Bring the containment field."

One of the members brought forth what looked like a large briefcase. He placed it on the ground and pushed a series of buttons. The briefcase contraption opened and unfolded into a platform, small extensions signified force field generators. One of them brought along a robotic support arm, coming out of a machine on his back, it was connected to him through the movements of a digital glove. The plan was to place the artifact in the containment field without touching the item.

The robotic arm clamped upon the dark weapon.

(I wish people would bookmark their rps...)

The weapons whispering seemed to soften, trapped and ensnared as it was; as though at once alive and yet dead; sentient. Yet it was merely a blade; was it not? Wrought with runes and the most curious of magickal blessings; it reflected all the Lich King's power; his desire, his urge to conquer and defile. It was merely an instrument, and it would have time to act soon enough...

The sword was in containment quickly enough and the hold upon the young broken as well. The party took the container by the handles and began to move out of the caves.