Tybrus's Den for His Take on the Son's of Russ

[Tybrus]

I am going to be posting a number of items in the coming days about my take on the Sons on Russ. I will post pictures of as my army takes shape and over all get in touch with Brothers in this section of the boards.

 

To start I have been playing 40k since RT days of deodorant tanks, and Squat Guardsmen. My love of the Wolves comes from a strange cultural heritage blend of Scandinavian and Native American. I was drawn by my wolf totem to the Space Wolves out of the Rouge Trade book when the armor was grey and our chapter bade looked more like a taco bell Chi Wawa Ganger Tag. Then when the first codex came out that pretty much was the first fluff book outside White Dwarf that just showed me huge Space Marine Vikings in Space I was sold.

 

Ok so years later and more armies then I can count I have had most of my wolves on the shelf with the “One of these day I am going to get back into them and redo that”. Well the new codex gave me the push I needed go ahead and buy some new fig’s and get to work on something that isn’t yellow for a bit.

 

That said, as much as I love the Wolves as they are; the creative side of me that has been in role playing games, and writing fiction (Armature) for 30+ years just says there is far more story to tell then what is in the fluff so far.

 

In this vain, I want to talk about my views on some of the fluff I am writing up with my wolf brothers here and get your views and thoughts. I am fully open to all debate so long as you offer me your reason behind any thought. Even if it is something as simple as “I don’t know why but it feels wrong to me” I just need the feedback of a reason to help craft my own response.

 

The First Topic I want to talk about is “Path of the Úlfhéðnar” or My Take on Mark of the Wulfen. First let us define the classic use of the term Úlfhéðnar as:

 

“The Úlfhéðnar (singular Úlfhéðinn), mentioned in the Vatnsdœla saga, Haraldskvæði and the Völsunga saga, were said to wear the pelt of a wolf when they entered battle.[2] Úlfhéðnar are sometimes described as Odin's special warriors, with the pelt from a wolf and a spear as distinguishing features.”

 

However, though this is the classic use of the term I am going to refine the definition further to how I will use it within my own fluff take for the Sons of Russ.

 

“The Úlfhéðnar (singular Úlfhéðinn), The chosen of the All Father, Emperor of Mankind will feel a longing call within them during the bloody trials young Space Wolves face during their time as bloodclaws. Some Feel the call of the Ancients in their bones and become distant from their other pack mates. Answering as if to a unheard call they find solace only in battle or battle training, becoming reclusive and of a singular focus. The young bloodclaw will start spending less and less time with his pack and more time outside the Fang hunting the froze wastes alone. By this time the brothers battle prowess will have already gained him much reknown and he will have already come to the ever watchful attention to Member of the Úlfhéðnar. It will be during on of these lone trips that the young brother will be approached by a member of the Úlfhéðnar. What happens between them is known only to those who walk the path but when the youth returns he is clad in the fresh skin of a large Blackmane Wolf he has killed with his own hands, and his head is clad in an caged construction of ancient iron work, symbolically as well as physically sealing them away from their brothers to stand alone as the Ax men of the All Father himself. When in battle they become taken over by a killing rage, their already super human strength and speed increased beyond even their own normal limits. Every waking moment devoted to combat drill and training, becomes a fluid dace of death. Weapons flowing around the Úlfhéðnar as a manifest vengeance of the All father himself.”

 

Rules Wise: Ok this is the Grey Hunter Mark of the Wulfen Pack Upgrade. Nothing else.

Model / Conversion : I have 3 of these done and as soon as I get my camera up and running I will post Pictures. Until then here is the basic idea.

 

The Models all have the Wolf pelt cloaks from the new packs as well and the large rune engraved shoulder pads. They have different chests and legs, but the most primitive was my aim, with the wolf skull, rune carved, and wolf pelt being my picks. Legs were random. For the heads They have the Caged Heads from the Warhammer flagellants set. I can’t find a good picture on line but it looks like enforced re-bar well kind of. I will post as soon as I can. For weapons they get twin close combat weapons, one has twin chain axes, one has twin chain swords, and the other has no arms yet.

 

Anyway let me know what you think of this fluff, and I will post pictures as soon as I can. I have a lot more topics for this, So I will update the Topic tread. Feel free to PM me as well if you like.

 

Following this I will post the start of a story I am working on it is still very draft format but I want some feedback as I go with my wolves.

[Tybrus]

This is the Start of a Story I am working on, Still a DRAFT, and very WIP...

 

 

The torch light played along the walls of the great feasting hall, bedecked with trophies and standards of glory past. The deafening sound of riotous merrymaking poured from the hall and filled the corridors of the Fang. All of the Great Companies were in attendance; with Ragnar and his men returning only hours before. The Great Wolf himself moved among his brothers openly, drinking and enjoying their company as the feast carried on long into the night. Even three of the most ancient and revered dreadnoughts were present, letting their great resounding voices boom out tales of glory and honor, that few save Logan could recall first hand. The stocks of ale had been well tested this night, with an endless stream of thralls bringing in fresh barrels and removing empty ones. Great feats of strength, skill, cunning, boasting and ale consumption had made the time pass quickly. The return from a successful campaign was always a time for celebration but this was the culmination of four great campaigns that had spanned five decades. With the destruction of all remaining Chaos forces in the Har-Grove System by Lord Ragnar the Wolves had great cause to enjoy the company of their battle brothers, and for a short time, focus only on the matter at hand; Food, Ale, and Games.

Perhaps it was this atmosphere that lead to the events of that night, perhaps it was the great amounts of Ale, or the relief of warrior’s home from a long campaign. Perhaps it was the tales of the old ones of times long past and shrouded now in the mists of time and age that lead to what was to come. Or perhaps it was something that was as fated to be as Ragnarok itself, as woven into the fabric of time as the events that would lead to the unfolding of the story. I know not young one but I know this, I was there that night, and I saw the fire in our lord’s eyes, and know the truth of his words. As sure as I am a son of Russ I tell you this now, the words The Great Wolf spoke that night were true, and you had best mind them well pup.

What started it you ask? I will tell you pup, but mind your betters pup and listen up, do not mistake my age for feebleness, least I teach you more then you are ready to learn! Good; now sit down and I will tell the tale. What started it you had asked, well it was nothing really that started it, nothing more then any other night like this. Young Sven a bloodclaw from Ragnar’s Company was testing his skill against Gudrik one of the Great Wolf’s Grey Hunters. It was to be a test of blade and skill, a contest for the Honor of their respective packs, and it was a contest till the blood. Sven was well known as a master with the blade, and even Ragnar himself had said the lad was “one of the quickest with a blade” he had ever seen. Not that it mattered; Gudrik was no pup mind you. He had served as a hunter for the Great Wolf for nigh on forty years by then, and had earned honor and glory on more worlds then Sven had even set foot on. I don’t mind telling you old Gudrik was looking forward to putting the whelp his place. The great Wolf had given his blessing for the match and a space was cleared in the center of the hall.

 

The Great Wolf was seated with Ragnar nearest the match so both would have the best views. Ragnar was speaking softly to the Great wolf, but my ears have always been keen, and it was a bet they were making on the outcome of the fight. Ragnar was sure his pup would win, and he was willing to back it up. The Great wolf ordered that more casks of Ale be made ready before the match; so that Ragnar and himself both had two full horns each before the match started. Sven and Gudrik were making themselves ready; both were stripped to the waist and were looking over the selection of weapons for the match. Gudrik a stocky slab of muscle if you ever saw one, selected himself a hefty axe, which he lifted with both hands easily and fluidly. Taking a few practice swings, whirling the axe in ever more intricate patterns around his body faster and faster. He was making a good show of his skill and even Sven was caught looking a few times as the veteran warrior displayed his prowess. Not to be outdone Sven quickly selected a traditional longsword and smiled to Gudrik. Taking the weapon in hand Sven slowly walked towards the center of the space that had been cleared for the match. All eyes were on the youth and he knew it. Tall even for us, his build was far more slight then that of Gudrik. Where Gudrik had raw muscle, Sven was lean hunger, caged in flesh. Standing in the center of the clearing at ramrod straight attention Sven suddenly leapt into the air spinning is legs backwards over his head to land in a crouch on the floor weapon outstretched before him. Then in a flash the blade was in motion, I could hear the blade cutting the air, and see a blur as it spun around his body, but that was all. Never in all my years have I seen anything like it. Sven came to a halt in Salute to the Great wolf and his Lord then smiled at Gudrik and took his place for the match. Gudrik only grunted in return and took up his own place. Venerable Brother Agnar’s hulking armored dreadnought form stood in the center of the clearing. No judge was needed mind you but due form called for it, and the honor fell to Agnar. The claws of his close combat weapon snapped open and closed as the ancient dreadnoughts mind wondered the millennia of memory he had experienced. The Great Wolf thundered for silence and the entire hall became as if a tomb. Only the sounds of hushed whispers could be heard. “Brother Agnar, if you please” commanded the Great Wolf. With that Brother Agnar turned to face each of the combatants’ in turn his massive booming speaker of a voice filling the entire hall. “The Challenge has been set and answered in like form, does either brother wish to put his tail between his legs before we start?” he said his photo-receptive optics coming to rest on the young Bloodclaw. As you can well guess the hall could not be held silent any long, as an explosion of laughter erupted from are gathered brothers. To his credit Young Sven held his ground firm saying only “ I think I can contain myself long enough to finish the match, most honored Brother” which only poured more fuel on the riotous laughter and comments being hurled from all around. Even The Great Wolf himself was smiling at the pups comments. Brother Agnar never being one to put off a good fight simply said “Have at it” and lumbered back out of the cleared space so that the two combatants could get to grips faster.

 

 

Sven the youth that he was let lose with a massive howl and charged into the fray sword spinning around his body in tight circles. Gudrik took two simple steps forward to meet the pup and set his feet to receive the charge. Sven dropped low anticipating the older wolfs plans, or thinking he had. Just as he was about to launch Gudrik brought up the haft of his axe batting away the lighter blade and deflecting it away from his body. Sven tried to reverse his attack by spinning with the deflection but Gudrik had counted on this move as well. Just as Sven threw himself into the spin and away from the blow Gudrik slammed forward with the haft of his axe smashing his full weight and strength right into Sven’ face; Sven off balance and spinning away as he was only served to help by adding his own momentum to the blow. Gudrik let his force carry him forward snapping Sven’s head backwards and knocking him on his back. The blow had shattered Sven’s nose and even his enhanced body could not stem the flow of blood pouring from his nose. I tell you true pups I have seen bolter rounds that have caused less damage! Sven dazed but clearly not willing to concede bounded back to his feet in one smooth motion. During all this the hall had once again erupted into shouts and taunts, so loud I doubt even Great Heimdall himself could have heard what was being said between Ragnar and the Great Wolf! Not that it mattered mind you for Ancient Brother Agnar’s voice was already booming throughout the hall again calling for silence, as he stepped between the two warriors. Sven’s hackles were up and he was itching for a brawl but the pup held his place as the ancient dreadnought took his place between him and his would be prey. “The Match is Over, WINNER GUDRIK!” announced the booming mechanical voice. Only to have Gudrik quickly step forward saying “My most revered Brother, I think there has been a Mistake, this match is to first blood, and I see no blood yet”. The ancient brother turned to face Gudrik slowly his optics whirling wildly as he did so. Before another word could be spoken the Great Wolf himself stood and walked to Agnar’s side “I think that Brother Gudrik might be right, Brother Agnar for I see no Blood either!” The Dreadnought pivoted to face the Great Wolf his optics still attempting to focus. Then and explosion like thunder split the hall, bounding off the great walls and reverberating throughout the Fang, the booming sound not of weapons fire, but of mechanical laughter. “My High King you are correct, my optics machine sprits are indeed in need of appeasement, I have clearly misjudged this match.” Sven anger building was pacing back and forth like a caged beast. The laughter of his brothers filling his ears, even as the blood from his nose formed a solid hardened mask on his face. Looking back now it might well have been that moment that started Sven on the Path of the Úlfhéðnar, but no one can no for sure with them. The Great Wolf’s eyes meet those of Sven and the youth instantly backed down. The Great Wolf could see the fire that burned in Sven’s heart and knew the young warriors pride had already taken a blow, one more might break him. “Approach” The Great Wolf commanded! Sven and Gudrik laid down their arms and approached their lord. Logan drew them in close to him place a hand on the shoulder of each. Sven looked awestruck as his lords hand came to rest. Keen as my ears are I could not make out what was said between them. I know only that Logan turned back and bid one of the thralls to bring him a drinking horn. The Great Wolf passed the horn to Gudrik who took a mighty swig and handed it back. Turning he then handed the horn to Sven who slowly, almost reverently took the horn himself and did like wise, passing the horn back to the Great Wolf. Logan seized up the horn and drained the rest himself before letting out a chilling howl. I didn’t think, none of us there did we felt it, could feel the beast tearing at our souls to run wild, the whole hall was filled with howls, then the Fang itself. I have no doubt that Russ himself heard that cry and bemoaned not being with his brothers.

 

TBC...

 

 

________________________________________

[hendrik]

By this time the brothers battle prowess will have already gained him much reknown and he will have already come to the ever watchful attention to Member of the Úlfhéðnar. It will be during on of these lone trips that the young brother will be approached by a member of the Úlfhéðnar. What happens between them is known only to those who walk the path but when the youth returns he is clad in the fresh skin of a large Blackmane Wolf he has killed with his own hands, and his head is clad in an caged construction of ancient iron work, symbolically as well as physically sealing them away from their brothers to stand alone as the Ax men of the All Father himself. When in battle they become taken over by a killing rage, their already super human strength and speed increased beyond even their own normal limits. Every waking moment devoted to combat drill and training, becomes a fluid dace of death. Weapons flowing around the Úlfhéðnar as a manifest vengeance of the All father himself.”

 

Rules Wise: Ok this is the Grey Hunter Mark of the Wulfen Pack Upgrade. Nothing else.

Model / Conversion : I have 3 of these done and as soon as I get my camera up and running I will post Pictures. Until then here is the basic idea.

 

well in my opinion this makes the mark of the wulfen guy look a bit more like a lone wolf or one that will definetly become a scout. The way i see it the mark of the wulfen is the equivalent of being wolf bitten like ragnar is, eg yellow eyes (althought the latest grey hunter fluff contradicts this, saying all grey hunters get yellow eyes, but still bein gone of the pack, just the one guy they always let go first so to speak since they know how savage he can be.

The part that most bothers me most is that they get their head caged in. To me this doesn't sound wolf like and it kinda reminds me of the imperials thir fist of pain or how is it called? No wolf likes to wear a helmet. it hinders him a lot! so i see no reason why one who likes to go out and hunt would hinder his own senses which would help him in finding a prey.

my 2 cents

 

 

 

 

 

PS: i like the short story=)

[Aenar Deathclaws]

I also like the short story. Keep it going...

Sven is for the friend of ragnar in the black library books ? Or is it an other one?

 

The only thing that I don't like as said Hendrik, is the fact toenclose the head of the SW marked.

They do rely on their acute senses and they would miss it with this type of helmet or cage. That's the only thing I would change...

 

Aenar waiting for the rest of the story... :lol: :lol:

[Tybrus]

Thanks for the feed back guys, and I see the point about the pain glove refrence.

 

(Fast Edit: No Sven is just my own Sven, no one in my store is from any 40k works other then Ragnar and Logan and even they get my own spin)

 

I had planned to go into depth a bit more on this aspect, and I see now I should have done so in the above post.

 

My thoughts on this is that the Helm is of an ancient design crafted by the first of the Úlfhéðnar as guided by the All Father (Kind of the way the Emperor gave commands to build the golden throne). THe Helm is crafted of anicent iron moned from the heart of the Fenris. They are then etched in runes to channel the connection between the Úlfhéðnar and The spirit of Fenris, The All Father, and The Úlfhéðnar that came before him.

 

Now that the way I see this is that those that walk this path are much like the Norse Beserkers(1) (Where the Norse Úlfhéðnar derive from)

 

(1)Berserkers (or Berserks) were Norse warriors who are reported in the Old Norse literature to have fought in a nearly uncontrollable, trance-like fury, a characteristic which later gave rise to the English word berserk. The name berserker arose from their reputed habit of wearing a kind of shirt or coat (Old Norse: serkr) made from the pelt of a bear (Old Norse: ber-) during battle.[1] By some; in the Danish ethymological dictionary version 3 (Politikens nudansk ordbog med etymologi) it is stated that ber (bear) is less plausible than berr (bare). Icelandic Sagas also support this, see Thorolf's Saga where it at one point writes about the berserkers who go to battle without a shirt on in order to prove that they truly are immune to iron weapons.

 

Now then if you look at the Úlfhéðnar of My wolves in this light, and add to it, that when they truly become a Úlfhéðnar and accept the ( I have yet to find a term for the helm I really LIke yet as a propor name) then think about the last Matrix movie. Where Neo gets hi's eyes burned out, and then can see the world with new eyes. Though he seems to be physically limited they truly see far more then anyone else as they are linked via a spitial and almost psysic (Remember how Wolves use Runes over true psyics). Now then, to then let us add to the fact the concept that this sense is only alive and feeding them information when in combat. It is also the purest form on sense that borders on pregognition when active, and is addictive. The Úlfhéðnar start to only feel aline if you will when in combat. THey crave the sense of being fully alive, and conection (almost like a emperor's children marine, but think of it in a more noble link to the Emperor) That when you feel the All Fathers power flowing thourgh you powering you to cut down his foe, and knowing you were born to be his weapon, born to be his hands, and claws, and that only when in combat can you serve.

 

So the cage is symbolic but also a potent link to the All Father.

 

Thoughts?

[ironking]

loving it... you have done a lot of research!

 

show us the pics already!

[Warhorse47]

Thank you for an excellent tale. Well told Brother!

[Aenar Deathclaws]

I'm sorry to be stubborn. You've done a lot of research but personnally I would rather see a wulfen with a big bear or wolf pelt on the back.

A bit like the guy on the bottom left of this pic.

http://i25.tinypic.com/30afjb7.jpg

 

But definitely no helmet...

 

After, it's my vision of the wulfen ... and as I want the rest of the story... Keep it going, it's excellent :wallbash:

[hendrik]

well to make it simple, i think we're going to have to agree to disagree.

both of us have a completly other view upon the mark of he wulfen and what it means. a thing i consider, how would you incorporate complete wulfen in this theme? because it's quite clear how savage these are (for example in wolf's honour)

still i apreciate the time, work and sweat you put in your wolves, so thumbs up for you;) :D

[Tybrus]

well to make it simple, i think we're going to have to agree to disagree.

both of us have a completly other view upon the mark of he wulfen and what it means. a thing i consider, how would you incorporate complete wulfen in this theme? because it's quite clear how savage these are (for example in wolf's honour)

still i apreciate the time, work and sweat you put in your wolves, so thumbs up for you;) :)

 

Agreed Hendrik, and unlike some of the posts on the boards I am nto looking to prove I am "Right" on anything, everything I post here is my take on the Son's of Russ, and as I said they are molded from my own beliefs, cultural upbringing, and taste in both modeling and writing. So where as I may well expand on the why I think something, I have no desire to force anyone to follow my way of thinking. Look at this more like Quantum Physics and these are just additional theories for debate.

 

As for your question I will answer that with the end of my story and a post of my conversion project I have been working on for the last 2 weeks. I will say that I have had to do extensive greenstuff work and custom building for this project.

 

I also plan to expand on my concepts on Fenris Wolf Packs, Thunder Wolf Cav, and more. Much like Tolkin did I am crafting Norse Myth into my take on the Wolves to from something new. I will be posting them all here for debate as well, as I find talking with the brothers here on BnC to be very helpful and fun, and I think the final product is greater then the sum of my effort.

[hendrik]

i'm already looking forward to them;)!

may the allfather guide your scalpel/fingers/brushes/pen/what else you need during this project!

[Tybrus]

THanks Hendrik I will try and get thinks posted as fast as I can for this...

[Tybrus]

PART TWO

 

The rock exploded into flying shrapnel that ricocheted off my armored chest. Explosions filled the air around me, and the smell of burnt flesh and human waste was strong on the air, death and lots of it had come to this city. Somewhere off to the right I could hear the deep rhythmic pounding of an autocannon, followed by more explosions. I was sheltered behind what was left of a wall in what might have once been an administration building. The rest of what was left of the pack was also concealed as best they could, awaiting the coming orders. I knew my hands were working the action of the bolt pistol again, checking it for the tenth time in as many minutes. Then I heard a voice come over the tac-net personal frequency ‘Check it once to know it’s loaded and ready, then leave it brother, it will be there for you when you need it.’ It was Brother Olaf with his study deep growl of a voice; he was a mountain of a marine that had been assigned to our pack to help keep us young Bloodclaw’s in check. The old Wolfguard had worked his way to the front of the building we were concealed in, but somehow he was still able to keep a watchful eye on every remaining pup, while reporting back to our Battle Leader, as well as staying in constant contact with the battalion of guardsmen we were moving up to support. Even in the middle of all this, the old wolf had still noticed my nervous habit, I could feel heat rushing to my face, and was glad for the week’s worth or dried dirty and grime that covered it. Being on campaign was nothing like I had expected. We had made planet fall 3weeks before to support the local Planetary Defense Forces that were under attack by an at that point still unknown enemy force. The small training strike force that my pack had been assigned to had been dubbed “Puppy Patrol” by Battle Leader Gunnar when he had been given command. It was to be a simple patrol to shake down a few of the younger packs, and get our feet on the surface of another world for a while. My mind still swam the idea of being so far from Fenris. The strike force had been made up of 4 Bloodclaw packs each of which had a Wolfguard assigned to keep on eye on us. Only one pack had already been blooded prior to landing, and to say that had been “very limited action” was being kind. Battle Leader Gunnar had also enlisted Brother Ingemar and his pack of Grey Hunters to help with the training as well as having Sigfinn’s pack of Wolf Scouts, and 2 Landspeeders assigned to round out the force. At the last moment Gunnar had loaded the “Fang of Russ” an ancient Land Raider Crusader into the hold. Rumor had it after we made landfall that Gunnar had seen a dark omen in our future that make him bring the “Fang” with us, though Brother Olaf said it had more to do with Gunnar’s deep distaste for marching then any witchery on his part. Either way it would prove to be a gift from the All Father indeed.

 

‘Lund, Ivar’ Brother Olaf barked over the tac-net ‘Your on Point now lets find those guard, move out’. The incoming fire had let up and we were on the move again. That was the way of life in what was left of Tibal city. Tibal had once been an industrial center, but no longer. It was now nothing more then a burned out husk of what it had once been. The markings; burned, carved, cut, and painted in both paint and blood; around the ruins of the city left little doubt as to the cause of the destruction, follows of the dark gods, curse their names. It was their vile touch that had caused this city to burn. Looking around once more as we slowly started to pick our way again through the all but abandoned city; my senses were alive for any signs of danger. Lund and Ivar were about fifty feet in front of the pack and slowing leading the way through the rubble. Wreaked PDF vehicles and bodies lined the streets; the fighting in this section had been brutal, and close. Many of the bodies we passed showed signs of close combat, but it grew harder to tell over time as more and more of the bodies had been mutilated along the way. The sounds of weapons fire had all but stopped again, but that was normal as well. Since our force had secured a landing zone, and rally point at the heart of the city in the first days of the fighting this was how it had been; brief storms of all hell breaking loss followed by long spans of silence and tension. That was how it was now, silence and tension.

 

Of the Remaining Planetary Defense Forces only a hand full still fought on. Battle Leader Gunnar’s plan had been to rally the PDF and await the arrival of Imperial reinforcements; however the state of Tibal city and her remaining PDF had proved that this was a lost cause. Most of the planets population, including a large majority of her defense forces had gone over to the dark powers. Either that or had just gone crazy in the first days after the arrival of The Blood God’s followers. In the bloody days that had followed the crazed attack, most of the Imperial Citizens had been rounded up and offered as sacrifices in foul offerings. The vile, hastily constructed piles of skulls and pools of blood still filled the city. Those nearest the rally point had been cleansed with holy fire, but here in no mans land the crude offerings still stood. The worst of it was that those citizens left in the city had started to come back out, and a number of them were brining offerings to these new shrines. Any found doing so were treated as Heretics, caught siding with the foe, and granted a quick death, which was far better then they deserved. Sigfinn’s scouts had explored the city and found that only the largest manufacturing facilities still had power, and were running. They were guarded by the Archenemy’s own; and the populace of Tibal; or at least those still alive were being held inside.

 

A Battalion of PDF troopers in route to the rally point had been caught in an ambush near the out skirts of one such area and were pinned down and unable to pull back and exfiltrate the skirmish. Lt. James G. Ortega had been leading the Battalion since becoming the highest ranking office left alive 3 days ago. He had started to move his men towards the Space Wolf’s signal and rally point when they had landed in this ambush. Sgt. Bushmill gripped a meltagun he had “found” along the way to his chest as he looked at the smoking hulk of what had up until a few seconds ago been the command APC for the Battalion. “Sarge” as everyone called him was a short, stocky, bulldozer of a man, with no hair to speak of and a shining metal plate that covered the left side of his face housed a whirling augmetic eye. ‘Bushmill’s a good man, a hard man, he grew up in the guard, the REAL guard, not some back water PDF like me’ Ortega thought as he ducked at the sound of incoming fire. Bushmill just shook his head slowly and smiled “ L.T. its gonna miss my a mile, its to high pitched to land close’. ‘Now this one’ he started to say has he threw himself against the wall Ortega was crouched behind, just as a massive explosion sent dirt and shrapnel flying around them, and bouncing off the wall. ‘What Sarge?’ Ortega yelled brushing the lose dirt from the field map he held in his hands. ‘I was going to say, ‘Now this one is going to be close, but I think you already know that now’ he said smiling. ‘Did you tell the pickets to expect relief from the east?’ Ortega asked as the Sergeant sat down next to him in the closest thing to a C.P. they had with the APC gone. ‘Yeah I let the boys know where to look, and what to look for, but Space Marines or no I don’t see how we are going to get out of this mess with out a bit more help then what they are sending… Sir’ the sergeant said as he checked the charge on his weapon. ‘Those damn whatever they are have us surrounded and are slowly tighten the nose and last time I checked I didn’t have a Squadron of Leman Russ’s in my Pocket to make us a breach.’ Ortega let “Sarge” speak his mind for the most part, the man was a thirty year veteran, and highly a decorated guardsmen. He valued his opinions more then anyone else at this moment, but he could also tell the man was on the edge. ‘Sergeant Bushmill, that will be quite enough, if don’t think we have a chance then maybe you would like to throw you lot in with the Archenemy?’ the young lieutenant snapped, and glaring at the older man. Lieutenant Ortega in his torn uniform and slight frail build was all of twenty-two years old and only a reserve office at that. Bushmill started to lunch to his feet weapon on the rise, but the young Lieutenant only stood his ground, eyes burning with a fire Bushmill had not seen there before, well before the attacks had started. Ortega looked him in the eyes as explosions rained around their position. ‘I might be young, I might not be the best for this job, but I am what you have, and I will do whatever it takes to get us out of this’. Bushmill’s mind flashed back to a dozen worlds and a dozen different officers he had severed with. Ortega was young, he was new to command, but at that moment, he was what Bushmill needed most. He was an officer that was in charge, REALLY in charge, and not going to take any lip, but most of all, he was an officer that would tell his men he would get them home. They may have to walk through hell to get there, but he would get them home again, and right then and there Bushmill believed he would. ‘Yes Sir’ was all he could say.

[hendrik]

a good and well written story! :lol:

 

i have discovered some minor "details that don't convince me" like in the third alinea you mention that it are the followers of khorne who are attacking them and that the campaign has been going on for 3 weeks but in the last alinea the guardsmen seem unsure of what's attacking them?(it could also just be my interpretation that they don't know). i find this a bit wearid, especially since it's khorne and not alpha legion for example.

 

also, for an attack of followers of khorne, who vastly outnumber the loyal defenders, there is ,in my humble opinion,a bit too much shooting going on and not enough close combat, afterall it's still khorne they are fighting.

 

i hope you don't find this critisism annoying or anything, if so, just mention it;)

 

further, have an ale on me!

[Tybrus]

a good and well written story! :)

 

i have discovered some minor "details that don't convince me" like in the third alinea you mention that it are the followers of khorne who are attacking them and that the campaign has been going on for 3 weeks but in the last alinea the guardsmen seem unsure of what's attacking them?(it could also just be my interpretation that they don't know). i find this a bit wearid, especially since it's khorne and not alpha legion for example.

 

also, for an attack of followers of khorne, who vastly outnumber the loyal defenders, there is ,in my humble opinion,a bit too much shooting going on and not enough close combat, afterall it's still khorne they are fighting.

 

i hope you don't find this critisism annoying or anything, if so, just mention it;)

 

further, have an ale on me!

 

I Never mind critisism at all. and one of my hopes on posting was to get some feedback on my "take". That said let me answer your questions...

 

1) As for the guard not knowing who they are fighting, there are a couple of reasons for this (And you are correct they don't know). In my view of 40k and this is sometiumes backed up in flujff and sometimes not but I think it is how "If this were real" kind of thing things would have to work. That said I don't think the public, or even the gurad as a whole would know much about chaos. Remember even giving voice to a chaos gods name gives it power. My view is that the populious of 40K knows there are Bad things out there. They know they worship "Dark Gods" and seek the destruction of the Emperor. However, anything more then that, would be kept out of the hands of those that don't need to know. A guardsmen would know they are facing "The Arch Enemy" but knowning Khorne from say Nurgle is more then they can tell.

 

I started plaqying 40k back in the RT days and back then even when marines would fight Chaos they could be mind scrubbed and returned to the chapter. Only the Grey Knights retained knowledge of chaos. I Always liked the idea that the public knows there are things that go bump in the night, but no clue what those things are. In my take only the Marines really Know what Chaos is, just as they only know the true story of the Heresy.

 

2) As for your 2ed point about to much shooting. You are more then likely right, but my thoughts are as follows, and (If I bother finishing the story and from the responce so far I might not bother) The true Khorne follows are few in number, a fallen chapter leading the raid. However a HUGE uprising of cult followers are what are holding the city. In my view ex-guardsmen cultists wouldn't just throw down their weapons and claw at people. THey would round them up at gun point (Or fight as they had been trained when needed) until they had prisioners to play with. THose captured however, would face very bloody fate at the hands of the new cultiests. As most of the planets guard has gone "native" if you will and turned (As you can tell by the part of the story talking about people coming to make offerings) they are still fighting as guard would fight (Shooting, tanks, Artty, etc) however, what happens in the chaos camps is what is yet to be seen.

 

Hope that answers your questions, or at least shows how my mind is working on this. I hope that if anyone else besides Hen is reading this to hear from you, and if not thanks for the feedback Hen.

[hendrik]

i'm pretty sure more of us like it tybrus;) i think it just has to do with a lot of us more fluffy greybeards being a bit less active these days. if you really want advise you should contact only in death, he's by far the best SW writer i've met on this forum!:D

 

from the point you have upon chaos it indeed looks a bit liek they wouldn't know who fights them although i'm pretty convinced most imperials know of chaos by now actually. atleast i get this impression from reading the book wolf's honour. have you read it? it might be really helpfull because it's about a similar scenario as your story is going.

 

oh yeah, a late merry christmass to you!:)*have an ale*

 

PS: you'd better finish this story *reaches for his meltagun*

[Tybrus]

Thanks for the support Hen, I will get more posted as soon as I can get to it.

 

Merry Christmas to you as well and enjoy a tankard of Ale yourself mate.

 

If im lucky someone else will post on the part 2 of the story, but maybe people are confused as it does not follow the 1st part of the story /shrug.

 

Anyway Thanks for the support Hen...

[Aenar Deathclaws]

Very good story. I like it :P

 

I'm also waiting for the rest. Indeed a bit confused by part 2 of the saga.

But nonetheless keep it coming...

[Tybrus]

Thanks for the support Aenar. I will get another post up as soon as I can, and Hen can put the Meltagun down, ill finish everything up, so no one is left confused. Posts might be kind of random as Im having some health problems right now, but I will get to finishing everything as soon as I am able.

[hendrik]

a wise decision my friend! :tu: hope you get better soon!

[Warhorse47]

Tybrus, get your health lined out. We will keep a warm spot by the fire for you!