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Iron Gauntlet 2011 - February Challenge


Brother Argent

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And then there were 28...

 

If I count correctly.

27, no? Unless there's more Loyalists than first accounted for... 28. A sneaky Loyalist somehow got into the Challenge, unnoticed by me :ermm:

 

Ludovic

I'm sad to say I'll be withdrawing as well - not what I wanted, but I'm not going to be done in time. My model didn't arrive as soon as I'd have liked and I'm not ready to paint it and get it in a finished state; not to mention I haven't really started on the rules, either. I'm still going to work on the Wardens, but not as part of the IG this year.

Done.

 

I was born into an age when giants fell, a time when an empire was brought to its knees by the very men who built it. I have lived through the second great death and rebirth of humanity. I have survived the Great Scouring, and I have led warriors against the traitors who dismantled an empire so that it could never be rebuilt, even in a million lifetimes. I am an Astartes, and I am nothing.

 

But, I am not dead. Yet.

 

“Caphon” The single word, my name, brings me back to reality as memories fade into nothingness. The room I'm in is bright, draped in the clean white livery that has become my own since the end of the Great Scouring, the Second Founding, and dawn of a new era. The walls are blank. Fitting, I think, but I chase the thought away. Things are still the same, and there is no new start, no clean slate.

 

The Chapter Master is kind to me. He is patient, waiting for my attention to leave his offer, the offer the High Lords of Terra have given the Chapter, and my lingering memories, and return to him. I do not know how long he has waited, and I am guilty for wasting his time, and in all fairness he is wasting his own with me. I look from the blue eagle behind him, where I have lost myself, to his face. He smiles, and continues. I sit and listen.

 

“This is a great honor, Brother.” Brother. It leaves a filthy taste in my mouth. It is a word I always hear, always embraced by my kin, but brotherhood has never comforted me. Not since the Heresy. Not since Calth. The Chapter Master is fair to me with those words. I am several centuries his senior, though neither of our bodies would show it. I nod. I understand the opportunity presented to me, but I am still reluctant to take it.

 

Sergeant Derii. That has always been my place. I have never left it since the Second Founding. Always Sergeant, never Captain, never Chapter Master, though I have lived and served under more captains and chapter masters than I care to remember, in both blue and white. There is little I care to remember now. I have remembered too much already. If only I could forget, but I don't, and part of me never wants to.

 

“Yes, Chapter Master, but I am not worthy of it” My words are weak now. I am a warrior, not an iterator. And inside, I am conflicted. I am being given the power to tear the Eye of Terror asunder, and purge its denizens from this dimension and all others, with Astartes prepared to complete my work even long after I'm gone, but I do not know if I have the will or the presence to tame it. I have never built. I have only fought and killed. He shakes his head, and puts his arm on my shoulder.

 

“You are far more worthy than any Astartes in this Chapter, Caphon. You deserve to be Chapter Master, far more than I. This is your opportunity to do something more.” He watches me as my eyes drift from him back to the blue eagle. It envelops me and I begin to fade in its regal color again. He squeezes my shoulder, it is a gentle touch, and my eyes dart back to his.

 

“Caphon, you may think that they have broken you,” He is firm with me, scolding my reluctance. My pain. My fear, “but you have risen above that, and forged yourself into something even greater.” Greater? you are nothing. The devilish voice is drowned out by his. “You have had your hand in cleansing the galaxy. You have fought alongside Lord Roboute Gulliman himself. You have lived through the greatest turmoil the galaxy has ever seen, and will ever see again, and now it is time for you to lead the next generation of Astartes.”

 

Me? The voice whines, you are no chapter master, you are no leader. I smother its voice with my own. “Thank you, Chapter Master. I will think on this.” The smile I give is forced as I rise and turn to leave the white room. I can think on this alone. I need to think on this alone. My steps comfort me. I am not dead, but I am still nothing.

 

“You have time yet, Caphon. Consider everything you can give back to the Imperium of Man. For Gulliman and for the Emperor.”

 

For Gulliman. For the Emperor. The words chase after me, and I respond, though I do not know if it is only in my mind, or a whisper so soft not even he could hear it,

 

“I will, Chapter Master.”

 

In my quarters, there walls are bright white, but there is nothing keeping me from remembrance. Right here, right now, there is nothing in the galaxy greater than this decision. The Great Scouring is over. Or, so it is said. In my mind it never ends, and it never will. And you never want it to. But, I put that aside and close my eyes, and then the memories come.

 

We were neophytes, in the shipyards of Calth, when below us, the world was illuminated by unnatural flares. From the observation decks, we saw everything. These were traitors. Kin who chose a path to ruin, and led a war against their brothers. Traitors fighting to keep us from saving the Emperor. Terra. Humanity itself. And we were powerless because we were neophytes. I was powerless because I was a neophyte. I was nothing, and in my millennia of service that has never changed.

 

When power came to me then, I embraced it. Regal blue was soon bathed in red. The Great Scouring was a reclamation, and for me it was so much more. It was relief. It was inner peace that could only come from weathering the unbearable storm. Treachery paid in blood for all the blood spilled. Lives for all the lives taken. Everything for the Emperor, forever bound to the Golden Throne. Ultramarines. We conquered back the galaxy, but it would never be the same. The white armor proved it well enough.

 

Even after, when we were divided, the blood toll was not appeased. The Great Scouring had whet its appetite, my thirst, and it would never end, not until every traitor had paid for the destruction they had caused. Blood stained white all the same. Never mine. Always theirs. We were the watchers of the Eye, and I thought that would be my station until the blood toll was satisfied, or I could no longer collect it.

 

I will never forgive them. I will never forget their betrayal. Never forgive. Never forget.

 

These thoughts race through my mind. My hands tremble. My eyes are shut tight to hold back tears that should never exist, and when I open them, I stare into the face of death, printed by my hand on my helm. My face. This was the face of rebirth. It has been mine since Calth. It was mine through the Great Scouring. It will be mine when I'm finally dead. This is the mark that shut them away in the Eye of Terror, and shut me away in servos and ceramite. I have decided. This is the mark that will bind my Astartes to me. It will embody everything they are. True servants of the Emperor. And nothing at all.

 

And nothing, nothing at all.

Even after, when we were divided, the blood toll was not appeased. The Great Scouring had whet its apatite, my thirst, and it would never end, not until every traitor had paid for the destruction they had caused. Blood stained white all the same. Never mine. Always theirs. We were the watchers of the Eye, and I thought that would be my station until the blood toll was satisfied, or I could no longer collect it.

 

It's appetite, isn't it?

 

Otherwise, good stuff. ;)

EDIT:

My story's already linked on the previous page, in case anyone wants to have a read.

KHK - is the symbol at the end the aquila? Also, very nice, although... it was... Hmmmm. Something I can't place, but something just doesn't seem right. I still enjoyed the story, though, and it was well worth reading.

 

Silver - Although I'll finish the short story, it won't be before the end of February. I'm dropping out of the challenge as well.

Silver - Although I'll finish the short story, it won't be before the end of February. I'm dropping out of the challenge as well.

 

Thats okay, neither will I. You have until the 4th of March due to tchallenge starting later then I hoped. Do you think you could get it done by then, perhaps. I'll also be somewhat lenient with the closing date I think or else, from the looks of things, we'll basically loose everyone from the challenge.

I've got about three different plausible stories revolving around pivotal events, any of which could be called the Aurora Chapter's "founding" in one way or another. I'm not allowed to go to sleep tonight until one of them is finished and posted here.

 

Also, I'm going to be watching Independence Day for the first time in like twelve years before/while writing, so that may have an effect on what gets writ. Just a warning. :)

Okay, here's my part of the Iron Gauntlet February Challenge:

 

First Chapter Master Gregoire

 

http://i716.photobucket.com/albums/ww164/earlofgrey/Special/chaptermaster_02.jpg

 

RULES

 

WS:6 BS:5 S:4 T:4 W:4 I:5 A:3/4 Ld:10 Sv:2+/4+

 

[245 points]

 

WARGEAR

- Artificier Armor -

- Iron Halo -

- Power Fist -

- Power Sword -

- Bolt Pistol -

- Frag + Krak Grenades -

 

SPECIAL RULES

- They Shall Know No Fear -

- Combat Tactics -

- Independent Character -

- Orbital Bombardment -

- Inspiring Presence -

- Feel No Pain -

- Relics of the Chapter -

 

Notes:

  • Wargear modifiying the stats has already been incorporated into the above stat line.
  • "Relics of the Chapter" functions like the old "Master-Crafted Weapons" special rule: both the power fist and the power sword count as master-crafted and may re-roll one failed hit roll per turn.

Gentlemen and/or Ladies, I give you a thrilling tale of the Marines Exemplar, the result of two days of furious writing.

 

Without furthur adieu, my half of the Iron Gauntlet Challenge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part 1

 

The warriors stood on opposite sides of the holo-display. They were all Space Marines, the Emperor’s Angels of Death, but they couldn’t have been any more different. On one side stood Logan Grimnar, the Old Wolf; Chapter Master of the Space Wolves, surrounded by his bodyguard. On the other side stood Commander Maxim Absolon and Captain Raoul of the Marines Exemplar. The Wolves were all clad in blue-gray Tactical Dreadnaught Armour. Various fetishes hung from it; canine skulls and necklaces of teeth. All were helmetless, showing their beards. Several, including Grimnar, wore wolf pelts draped over their backs like capes. Absolon and Raoul, meanwhile, wore ebony power armour with arms and shoulders as red as fresh-spilled blood. They were both helmet less as well, but their faces were aquiline and clean shaven. The multitude of purity seals and devotional icons they wore were a silent testament to their piety.

“Greetings, Master Grimnar. The Emperor’s blessings upon you.” Absolon said.

“The same to you,” the Old Wolf replied. “We all know why we’re here, so let’s get on with it.”

He gestured with his hand, and the holo-display came up between them, displaying the local sector of Imperial space. A variety of icons moved in a variety of directions.

Grimnar began to speak. “As you can see, Abbadon’s forces are moving to engage us on several fronts. Reenforcements from many chapters are en route, but we cannot wait for them. We need you to deploy your men to bolster the defenses of several worlds in danger of falling. Can you do this?”

Absolon nodded. “You are much more experienced than I, and this battle plan seems sound. My brothers shall be deployed as you need them.”

“Good.”, said the Old Wolf. “There is one task; however, that requires special attention. There is a jungle moon here-“He gesutured with his hand, zooming in on a small verdant world “- that contains an Astropathic way station which handles most of the communications for the Belis Corona system. Abbadon knows he has to take this world before he can assault the system. We need someone to extract the staff and take them to safety.”

 

Absolon nodded again. “I understand. I will personally lead my men and see to it the staff is brought to safety. Raoul, what say you?”

“I have no objections, lord.” The Captain said humbly.

 

“Good,” said Grimnar, “now go back and prepare your men. The traitors will arrive at the moon soon. The Allfather be with you.”

The Exemplars turned and left the command center. Outside, two Space Wolves stood sentry, bolters and axes in their hands. A banner hung from a parapet, bearing the wolf’s head icon of the Space Wolves.

“I am not sure about this course of action, Master.” said Raoul. “The Space Wolves may seem like warriors, but more than a few smelled like drunkards.”

“ None the less, they are our battle-brothers and I will not tolerate any disrespect toward them.” replied Absolon.

“Still, Master, I have some…reservations. The Space Wolves are still sons of Leman Russ. Their gene-seed is…less than pure.” Raoul continued in a slightly disdainful tone.

“Raoul, cease now or I shall see to it your penance will be long and painful.”

“Very well, Master.”

 

 

 

 

Part 2

 

 

The Thunderhawks screamed through the atmosphere, their fronts glowing white with the heat of reentry. Inside both, 30 veteran battle-brothers of the Marines Exemplar prepared for imminent battle. Commander Absolon spoke into the vox, addressing the entire strike force. “We are here to extract a group of Astropaths and bring them to safety before they fall into the hands of vile traitors. It is likely the traitors are here, so be vigilant.”

 

The Thunderhawks broke through the atmosphere, screaming through the sky. Below them was an endless expanse of verdant jungle that seemed to go on forever.

“5 minutes to arrival.” the Thunderhawk pilot announced.

“Acknowleged.” replied Commander Absolon.

 

 

Colonel Jobe surveyed his forces from the cupola of his personal Chimera. The False Emperor’s lapdogs would know misery today. His thoughts were interrupted by the crackle of his transport’s vox unit.

“Colonel, Astartes transports have been spotted. What are your orders?’

“Continue to the target. We can deal with the Emperor’s slaves soon enough.”

 

 

The Thunderhawk landed and the ramps crashed down onto the jungle floor. 60 veteran battle-brothers rushed out to meet whatever enemy might come head on.

 

 

 

Part 3

 

The traitors advanced on the Space Marines like a relentless tide. The Marines Exemplar were holding them back, but it was obvious to all involved that in time they’d be overrun.

 

Commander Absolon fired his storm bolter into three traitors at close range, turning their torsos into bloody pulps, even as he carved through another with his lightning claw. The 1st Company veterans decimated the traitors with their focused volleys of bolter fire and well placed grenades, but for every one that fell there was twenty more to take their place. Several battle-brothers had fallen to enemy fire already.

 

“Get the staff on the Thunderhawks, we need to leave!” Commander Absolon shouted.

 

 

The Marines executed a fighting retreat to the Thunderhawks, simultaneously ensuring the Astropaths and their handlers came to no harm. The Thunderhawks unleashed torrents of heavy bolter fire, killings scores upon scores. For a brief moment, it seemed the traitors would be pushed back. The Marines took the opportunity and loaded onto the transports, which took off with a mighty roar of it’s engines.

 

 

Colonel Jobe saw the Thunderhawks lifting off and flew into a rage. He grabbed the vox from his communications officer and shouted orders to his men.

 

“Don’t let them escape! Bring them down!”

 

 

 

 

The Thunderhawks climbed upwards, even as the 5th Columnus unleashed a torrent of heavy weapons fire at them. Volley after volley of krak missiles flew upwards, joined every now and then by the searing red beam of a lascannon.

 

“Deliverance flight, evasive action.” the Thunderhawk pilot said into the vox, even as the transport shook violently enough to throw the Marines inside against their restraints. The Thunderhawks plunged through the chaotic storm of fire, dodging as much of it as possible with surprising agility. Blows rang against its hull as it took hits on its fuselage and wings.

 

A blow like the fist of an angry god struck the rear of the ship, and it suddenly seemed the ship was starting to descend. Just then, the pilot spoke.

“Lord, the engine has been hit. We’re going to crash.”

 

Absolon nodded grimly, dropped to one knee, and began to recite the Litany of Devotion. Many of his battle-brothers joined him.

 

Oh, Emperor, to you we pledge

our faith, our honor, and our loyalty….

 

 

The Thunderhawk began to rise up slightly, and for a brief moment it seemed it would clear the jungle canopy. The moment was all too brief, and the Thunderhawk began to fall to the ground once again. Then the world exploded into flame.

Silver - Although I'll finish the short story, it won't be before the end of February. I'm dropping out of the challenge as well.

 

Thats okay, neither will I. You have until the 4th of March due to tchallenge starting later then I hoped. Do you think you could get it done by then, perhaps. I'll also be somewhat lenient with the closing date I think or else, from the looks of things, we'll basically loose everyone from the challenge.

Unfortunately not. Though I'm told I right well, I know that I write slow, and it will most definitely be too late for the scale of story I want to write for such a momentous event.

Thats okay Thirst, I still haven't started writing my own entry yet, and I've got two to do (Iron Dragons and Exculpators). For that matter I've barely worked on either of them's IA so far. I better get cracking, eh?

 

It would be sort of awkward if you failed your own challenge. :fakenopic:

Yes. Particularly twice in the first challenge. Just a pity that I think we are gonna loose about two thirds of the challengers in the first challenge. And it wasn't even that hard a challenge I thought. I knew we'd loose some but about twenty, thats just ridiculous.

Yeah, sure. The idea is to basically make/write/dioramaise(is that even a word) about a momentous event that shaped your Chapter. The only reason I used tohe word 'founding' was to indicate that it was to be a really significant event of change for the Chapter. As for those whom are mentioning their Chapter Masters, you are going t olike the next Challenge.

 

I should have started the March challenge a few days ago but completely forgot. A quick check to see if anyone would object to me rolling out the March Challenge before the Feb Challenge finishes? I was hoping to line these up by month but that doesn't seem to be happeneing yet, does it?

Well, I intended to write a story and complete a model with rules. I realized that I couldn't finish the model to the standard I wanted in the time allowed. I have completed the story of the Hounds of the Hunts' founding.

 

The saga of the Hounds begins...

 

A lone cargo hauler traverses the dark abyss of space. Its two-man crew are very unsettled by their cargo. He is a monster, an Angel of Death, but he is without a Chapter.

 

“That cargo space is reinforced?”, asks the pilot.

 

“Yeah, I checked with the Techadepts before we left, “ replies the crew chief.

 

“Good, ‘cause the fragger back there gives me the creeps. Makes my skull itch, he does.”

 

“Did you see his armor before he removed it?”

 

“Yeah, they say that fur was the scalps of his enemies.”

 

The communication system of the cargo hauler crackles to life and a deep, gravelly voice rasps over the link.

 

“If I wanted your scalps, they would already adorn my belt. I stay to my oath to my Father despite my desire to teach you some humility. You only need fear me if you turn from His light.”

 

The rest of the voyage was made in silence. The two crew members are now afraid for their lives. Upon docking at a sprawling facility on a small mysterious moon the solitary Astarte exits the ‘hauler and is directed to the central spire of the facility.

 

The silent armorless marine makes his way to a familiar room where he has received past mission briefings. The room contains a single chair and a massive desk. The lighting is dim at best with the far end shrouded in shadows. He had never been brought here without the trappings of war before, nor had he ever undertaken this trip with such secrecy before. As the skinsuit clad marine enters he realizes that there are three other beings present. The three figures awaiting him are unfamiliar. There are two hulking monstrosities flanking the desk in the deep shadows. Threats by themselves, but the greatest threat in the room is seated behind the briefing desk.

 

“This is the last time you will be brought here. You have surpassed every expectation. Now you will pick your own Hunts and lead your brothers in the service of your Father. You have one last mission. It is to claim your home world and establish your own saga. You will be given a fleet to transport your brothers.”

 

The shadowy figure hands over a rolled parchment.

 

“This decree names you and your brothers the Hounds of the Hunt. It grants you rights to a home world of your choosing. It also names you Houndmaster of this novice Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes. Your armor awaits you with your new fleet.”

 

The shadowy figure and his two hulking guardians begin to leave the chamber. The newly appointed Houndmaster unrolled the parchment. Below the flowery script is the wax seal of the High Lords of Terra.

 

The shadowy figure stops in the threshold of the chamber.

 

“Don’t disappoint us. You must not forsake His Light.”

 

The first Houndmaster makes his way back down to the spaceport. It appears that all of the movable equipment and supplies in the clandestine facility are being packaged to be moved. The Houndmaster is somewhat puzzled by this development, but he has a mission and will not be distracted from this goal. He calls out his brother Hound who seems to have just arrived.

 

“Brother, how far away is the fleet?”

 

 

Madwolf

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