TALE - The Reunited Family

[simison]

The Jade General noted one of the communication officers, Junior Lieutenant Briggins, leave his seat before slowly turning in his direction. The Jade General was familiar with the reaction. Undoubtedly, the Lieutenant had a report for him, but was finding the Primarch's aura difficult to approach. He supposed it would be a mercy to simply have the Lieutenant voice the report from his spot, but he had no time to indulge the weaknesses of his subordinates. 

 

As though walking through a wind storm, communications officer marched towards him. The mortal managed through the outer ring of Jade's aura, which had successfully given him a three metre bubble that the other mortals studiously stayed out of. He understood that K'awil's nature was more lethal though not more powerful than Jade's Pariah nature, a curiosity that the Jade General had hoped to analyze during this joint mission. 

 

Finally, the comm officer stood in front of him. With a pained salute, Briggins said, "My lord, the last Patriarch wishes to surrender."

 

"Accept it, then order our forces to stand down approximately ten minutes after the enemy have done so."

[simison]

All around Kozja, life flourished. As a scientist, he quickly realized that the garden around him was divided into three sections. The section surrounding the entrance to this makeshift conservatory were occupied by nature's beauty, flowers of dazzling colors welcomed visitors into this sanctum. Despite the vast array of species from all ends of the galaxy, their caretaker had found an impossible balance of plants that emitted complementing colors that any human would find pleasing. Beyond this first section was an area devoted to a more practical kind of greenery. Vegetables and fruits stood in various stages of growth, some presenting plump bodies ready for the galley. Finally, at the end of the elongated room was the final third. Here, the gardener tended to a collection of some of the rarest plants in the galaxy. Kozja recognized a few of them representing species thought extinct. He had no doubt they had been procured at great cost and were probably the sole survivors of their species.

 

The Primarch of the Warbringers finished presenting his report to the Warmaster in preparation for the joint Warden-Warbringer campaign before he allowed his curiosity to get the better of him. "Warmaster-"

 

"Alex," The Warmaster insisted as he pruned a miniature tree. 

 

"Alex," Kozja said, "I know you've always had your hobbies, but why gardening? It doesn't seem fitting for someone of your station."

 

There was a pause as Alex put down his tools before turning to face his brother, his face a cross of mild amusement and somber reflection. "Despite the genius of our creation, despite all of our powers that we wield above the common man, they have one advantage we can't match." Alex watched Kozja expectantly.

 

The scientist within Kozja grasped the answer in seconds. "Procreation."

 

Alex nodded. "From an evolutionary perspective, you and I are nothing more than dead ends. Functionally immortal, but incapable of reproducing our own. And that is why I've always disagreed with you and our brothers who believe we should rule over humanity. Humanity will be the ones navigating the future, while we are artifacts of the present and eventual past. They should be ruled by beings who are just as involved in producing the next generation, while we serve as their advisers, guides, and protectors. This," he said as he swept an arm over the garden. "Is my attempt to close that gap between me and my charges. It is as close as I can physically come to creating life. A half-measure to be sure, but I have found that it is easier to see existence from a more human perspective, the more work I put into this garden. So, in a sense, this garden represents another aspect of my training as Warmaster."

 

Listening intently, Kozja absorbed his brother's words as his mind couldn't help but approach their infertility as a scientific problem to be solved. 

 

[This scene came to me in the middle of my shift, and I wanted to get it out before it faded.]

[bluntblade]

Reminds me, we need to establish what Alex and the others would make of Pionus' dreams of elevating humanity (except Kozja, whose views we're well aware of).

[Chief Captain Redd]

Daer'dd is ironically fine with it as it's not a gross perversion of humankind nor does it go near Astartes aka it's the exact opposite of why he was so willing to be persecutor.

[bluntblade]

*Prosecutor. Freudian slip, Redd?

[Chief Captain Redd]

I was just tired honestly.

[simison]

The training cage was stark and empty save for the training servitor who awaited instructions. Normally, this room for the Custodians, but being appointed as the Warmaster came with certain perks, which allowed Alex to enter the room. The room was located far from the halls of power, which, for once, suited Alex. Tonight was the last night of the celebration of his ascension. Tomorrow would be all military matters and farewells as he was to send his brothers back to the Imperium's front lines were most of them belonged. Alex couldn't remember a time when he had been so socially exhausted. Unlike what the philosophers and the propagandists portrayed, Alex had always known that the Primarchs, like any other pack of brothers, had their rivalries, their insecurities, and their favoritism which led to continual conflict between them. 

 

From the moment he had been embraced by the Emperor, Alex had striven to function as an intermediary, an ombudsman, to cool tempers and to bring his family together. A task most middle children found hard was intensified by the sheer size of the family (few mortal families could imagine a family comprised of twenty-one members) and by their own incredible powers. Despite the herculean task, Alex had done all he could and had prevented scores of arguments and fights breaking out between his kin, with a few exceptions thanks to the likes of Raktra. 

 

Yet, Alex had accomplished this task best by passing as a servant among his brothers. He cared little for glory, and it was an easy prize that had helped earned the goodwill, if not trust, of most of the Primarchs. But now that was impossible so long as he was the Warmaster. No longer could he work behind the scenes to bring his brothers together in quiet unity. The Emperor had already made good on his exit and was hidden somewhere in the depths of the palace, which meant this week had served as a preview for the struggles Alex would now meet on a daily basis. 

 

His exhaustion wasn't a particularly good sign of the times to come.

 

While the silence granted a kind of peace, Alex had not idly picked a training room for his retreat this night. Although clad in off-duty robes of royal purple, in his hands hummed the Spear of Terra. The golden haft gleamed in the light, while a teardrop blade extended from a cross in the form of an Aquila, the intricacies a signature of Daer'dd's craftsmanship. Even without channeling his psychic power through it, Alex could see golden fire faintly dancing along the blade, a testament to the Emperor's power contained within. 

 

Although many of his sons preferred the spear over the sword, Alex had not once parted with Xiphos since the Emperor had gifted him the weapon centuries ago. Although it would be short, time was still necessary to master this new fighting style. "Activate," he commanded as he walked towards the servitor.

 

"Servitors make for poor dueling partners," a voice called out from behind. The Warmaster lazily turned around and nodded to Pionus, who stood in the doorway with his signature trident, Leviathan. Noting the lack of surprise, Pionus continued, "I suppose you were expecting me." His eyes flashed to the servitor. "But, if you knew I was coming, why activate it?"

 

"And ruin your surprise?" Alex replied with a wry smile.

[simison]

Pionus shook his head with a smile. "What favor you show me brother," he said sarcastically as he entered the cage proper. He hefted Leviathan. "Is there a point to giving you a few rounds if you already know what I am going to say?"

 

"I haven't looked that far in advance," Alex reassured him as he pulled Aegis off of his back. Now, properly armed, he held the Spear chest-level, while he brandished Aegis in front of him. 

 

His nautical brother glanced over him before saying, "Your hand isn't holding the center. Shift your grip 3.5 centimetres toward the counter-weight. I assume Dear'dd spared no expense to make it absolutely balanced, which means you can use your weapon for either stabbing or slicing, but, like your sword, you need to be holding it at the perfect spot to maximise its potential.

 

Alex dutifully shifted his grip. "I'll have to get used to the smaller blade."

 

"Although, it's not that much smaller than Xiphos," Pionus said as he slid into his combat stance. "It'll take longer to adapt to the range you now have, and not to instinctively let you enemies get too close. Spears make for a poor defense if the enemy reaches past the blade. Since you're the one who needs the practice, I'll allow you the honor of the first strike."

[simison]

"You're too kind," Alex declared with a grin. A second passed between the duelists, an entire eternity formed and dispersed as a thousand moves played between the two gods of war. 

 

Robes make for poor armour, but they offered one advantage over cocoons of steel: speed. Pionus was almost shocked when he saw the Warmaster break the sound barrier right in front of him. A lifetime of martial discipline prevented an embarrassingly quick defeat as Pionus' arms swung into action, parrying the Spear of Terra. The room reverberated from the clash of metal against metal. The two brothers struggled briefly as their weapons provided conduits for their strength. In half a second, it became clear that Alex didn't have enough momentum to bludgeon his way through Pionus' guard. 

 

In that moment, the two Primarchs became blurs to the eyes of men. 

 

The Shield-Lord was famous for his defense. Aegis had been a tool that had protected Alex's life hundreds of times and saved hundreds of thousands of lives against the Imperium's many enemies. If a first-time observer had to judge Alex's preferred martial style from this duel alone, they would conclude that Alex was one of the Emperor's more aggressive sons. For Pionus was forced to stay on the defense as Alex rained blows against him with little regard for his own protection. Stab, stab, swipe. Pionus could only block and parry as he studied the blinding offense against him. A mind made for science and observation can be transformed into a powerful tool of war with a little wisdom. 

 

Even as the Warmaster forced Pionus back step after step, the Atlantean took notes of form and technique as Leviathan safeguarded him from the Spear of Terra. It was at the twelve-second mark that Pionus made an epiphany. The Warmaster, well aware of his lack of skill with a spear, was forced to rely on shock and awe for a chance at victory. Pionus smiled as he batted away his brother's weapon before he swung Leviathan against Alex. Aegis blocked the blow easily, but it didn't matter.

 

Alexandros had lost the initiative. 

[Chief Captain Redd]

Hope this doesn't step on anything Kelborn, but the inspiration hit! I will be reviving the gifts series fully (all 20 plus some others) though! So if I've not done a piece for your Primarch send me your ideas please for a gift.

 

 

Backbone

 

He was my newest brother, Andezo; the name was good, and Andezo was kind. It'd been The Emperor and I whom had gone to retrieve the Primarch. Andezo's admiration for me reminded myself of well me with Alexandros and Russ. He was a far better fighter than I was, but was a hunter as well. The culture of Mardum had sparked memories of stories my father Noodin had taught me of old Huron. So the bond was quick, I felt Andezo needed wargear, he needed a blade.

 

I'd seen him using a bladed whip of bones like a spine, it excited me; but even more, it gave me a reason to spend time in the collection. Fighting Eldar I'd come across a number of whip like weapons I'd collected a few and went to my workspace. I deconstructed the whips, finding all their ins and outs, looking at the elegant wire work and arcane nerve weapons, Vaul was a good Smith… I am better.

 

I went to my fault for a number of materials, first was Palladium for strength and flexibility, Gold Titanium for it's weight or lack their of. But I was after something once in a lifetime. It was the spinal column of ancient beast, they were broad, a sharp oval in shape each one virtually a rounded axe head. The whole spine was as long as I was tall, but it had a secret; Adamantium had mineralized and crystalized flawlessly into the aging bones fossilizing flawlessly, and creating impossibly hard bones. It took me a dozen drill bits but I'd placed a hole in each one. I then laminated each vertebrae separately in graphene, then shaping each edge into a flawless monomolecular blade. I weaved the palladium, gold titanium, and some other materials into a microweave rope. I had copied and bettered the Eldar tech into something more elegant, the weave was psychoreactive and could move with a thought. The energy field was amongst my finest, similar to that of my Gauntlets, I'd bettered it with phase technology and added the Neuro attacking Eldar tech. I fed each Vertebrae blade down the whip core, using a micro bond material that'd would atomically bond the two in place. I had two final touches, the hilt, I'd made it elegant as always, and had laced with gold, auric, and wraithbone circuitry. But the wood was virtually holy, it was from the great Wiigwaas that sat at the heart of my grand fortress, a millienia old Birch, larger than any Sequoia, and now still thriving the tree was the core of our home, this one branch was priceless to some.

 

The last bit was the tip; I'd just the thing, a tooth from a shark, it was as large as my hand. I'd poured resin over it to bond and strengthen it then laminating as I had the bond and adding a microweave of copper through out to carry the field currents. It was spectacular, It was singular, amongst my finest works. Weeks spent in the Heart of the Dragon led to this, I was almost jealous of it's quality. I'd give it to him on Terra, father called us there, all twenty brothers together it would be spectacular. I do hope Andezo likes this though.

[bluntblade]

*lack thereof. Also, I'd swap "excited" for "intrigued" with some reference to the challenge involved in making one. "Whip" and "excites" in close proximity make me think of that Rihanna song, and I don't want to think about that.

 

Wouldn't a microweave of gold make for a better conduit?

[Chief Captain Redd]

Gold is part of the palladium family. And it's actually not as good a conductor as Copper but it doesn't erode with air exposure. Graphene is also a better conductor than both.

 

I went with excited because for Daer'dd has no difficulty in crafting because it's innate for him. It's exciting because he's pondering what he can do with this uniquely shiney weapon, how far can he push those talents. I'll I'll improve the prose tomorrow whence I'm on my Mac.

[Kelborn]

Everything's fine, redd. Just need to decide what it should be, dear'did is crafting. :)

 

Funny thing is that I as well thought about a weapon made by him for andezo, which could be given to andezo a must trusted son, adewale as a gift: a spear which teleports back to his owner like Arjacs foehammer. :)

[bluntblade]

Maybe some claws? We don't have any Primarchs with claws

[Kelborn]

He already got his wrist blades additionally to his sword/whip

[simison]

"Hiyaah!" Pionus cried as he began his offensive. After countless hours spent in underwater combat, the Lord of the Scions Hospitalier always found land combat quaint for its comparative ease of movement. He demonstrated the difference as he launched several rapid strikes at the new Warmaster. Each blow was expertly blocked by the shieldsman, but Pionus noted Alex relied on his shield alone. In previous duels, Alex would defend himself with both shield and sword, creating a complex weave of defense between the two. Here, the Spear was held inactive by his side, another weakness revealing itself. 

 

The Ocean Walker thrusted again before snapping forward. In a fraction of a second, Pionus switched his hold and bashed Alex with the blunt end of Leviathan. The blow was too light to harm his brother, but that wasn't Pionus' goal as he slid around to Alex's spear side. The Spear of Terra came to life as Alex was forced to use it to parry the incoming blows. As Pionus had warned, Alex's defense was sloppy, on the edge of opening a clean blow to his opponent as he struggled to master his weapon's new range. Whenever Alex tried to shift so Pionus faced Aegis, Pionus refused to let him go. Hounding after Alex's biggest weakness. 

[bluntblade]

Might I suggest one thing for Pionus' style? He isn't reading the movements of Alex's weapons; he's watching Alex himself. Come to think of it, not having armour to obscure any of that might give him an advantage

[simison]

Might I suggest one thing for Pionus' style? He isn't reading the movements of Alex's weapons; he's watching Alex himself. Come to think of it, not having armour to obscure any of that might give him an advantage

 

How are they different? 

[bluntblade]

 

Might I suggest one thing for Pionus' style? He isn't reading the movements of Alex's weapons; he's watching Alex himself. Come to think of it, not having armour to obscure any of that might give him an advantage

 

 

How are they different?

Alex might be feinting one way, but there may be clues that say, he's going to pull that blow and sidestep, or something similar. This is theoretical, though

[simison]

The persistent assault earned the greatest reward. Forced back, Alex miscalculated as his right foot stepped back two centimetres too far. Pionus honed in on the over-extended stance and stabbed at the floor next to it. Alex tried to hop back, but it was too late. As he pulled his foot, Pionus twisted and swept up, Leviathan's head catching the foot and yanking it outward. The Warmaster caught himself, landing on a knee, but he wasn't quick enough to place Aegis between his temple and Leviathan's prongs. 

 

"Victory!" Pionus declared.

[simison]

Alex wore a wry grin as he took deep breaths. "It certainly looks that way, doesn't it?"

 

Just as covered in sweat from their bout, Pionus withdrew Leviathan and offered a hand. "Since I've bested the War-master, does this mean I gain the title?"

 

"You're welcome to it," Alex said as he accepted the hand. "It'd certainly be an interesting system, passing the title around in a series of duels."

 

Pionus pulled him up onto his feet. "Then again, let's not offer Raktra a means to becoming the most powerful warlord in the galaxy." He took a step back, eyeing his brother. "Actually, while we're on the subject, this isn't the first time you've been defeated in a duel. I'm not sure why you've insisted on the occasional duel between us brothers when you've lost over half of them."

 

Shrugging, Alex replied, "It's good to keep our skills sharp, and who better to test our abilities than against each other? I don't mind if it ends in defeat."

 

"Indeed," Pionus continued. "We've had a few dozen over the centuries, and, until today, we had an equal number of victories against each other."

 

The Warmaster quirked an eyebrow, unsure where his brother was going with this. 

 

"And yet, when I think about today's duel to all of the previous ones, I can't help but note that it felt different."

 

"I am using a spear today," Alex said with an innocent smile.

 

Pionus narrowed his eyes. "Yes, today is the first time we've dueled with you using a weapon you weren't already a master of. If I had to describe it, this duel felt more... real."

 

Alex continued to smile.

 

"...Alex, just how many times have you allowed yourself to be defeated?"

 

"Are you insinuating that I start duels with my brothers and don't give it my all?"

 

"No," Pionus began congenially, "I'm outright accusing you that you've thrown duels for the sake of my pride and our brothers'. Of course, being you, you would hide it as expertly as you could so that you appeared to lose the duel honestly. In point of fact, you're avoiding my previous question."

 

Scratching his beard, Alex pretended to muse over the matter. "I've had so many duels over the years, I can't recall which ones fit within your hypothetical situation. Although, sometimes the greatest of strategic victories require a tactical defeat," he finished with a wink.

 

Pionus shook his head, though he mirrored Alex's smile. "You and your sacrifices."

[bluntblade]

I think "to spare my pride, and perhaps that of our brothers" would fit better. I've never seen pride used in plural, unless it's regarding lions.

[simison]

Compromised. How does that look?

[bluntblade]

Bueno

[simison]

Circles Within the Circle

 

All throughout the Great Crusade, the Iterators and propagandists worked hard to present the Primarchs, the Emperor's created generals, as a unified body, completely loyal to the Imperium. Even before this myth was shattered by the Insurrection, the empire's many halls of power were all too-aware that the reality was far from what was presented. 

 

For a time, the myth held true. Icarion and Alexandros, first and second found respectively, forged a bond closer than most. The next two, likewise, happily pledged their friendship, strengthening the Primarchs as a whole. It would not be until the Great Crusade's sixth decade did another Lost Son return who would not settle well among his kin. Niklaas of Obsailes was a taciturn and often melancholic figure who was far more reserved than the others' more bombastic personalities. It would take the forge for him to become a close friend with Daer'dd, but the others he struggled to build deeper bonds.

 

When Kozja entered this fraternity, he possessed Niklaas' reserved, but it was rooted in a nobleman's bearing that added its own dynamic. His insistance upon a high level of decorum drove rifts between himself and several of his brothers who either desired a more easygoing friendship or saw his emphasized properiety pointless. Pionus' discovery brought some relief to the growing clashes of personality, but then Nomus' struggles with his own humanity provided more complication. Hectarion's easy rage saw a new degree of turbulence, but the on-going efforts of Alexandros and Icarion saw the Primarchs stand mostly as one with bickering kept well hidden or minimized.

 

Morro would be the first to truly reject the established fellowship. The infamous Lord of Styx could care less for what his brothers thought of him, and his dark reputation poisoned the views of him in return. Others would follow who would offer friendship, such as Koschei and Gwalchavad, while others would widen the fractures, such as Raktra and K'awil. The united brotherhood had died behind false words.Despite Alexandros' best efforts, who would work the hardest to bring his brothers together in peace, factions grew within the fraternity.

 

The Dauntless Few, or the Indomitable Few, were perhaps the most celebrated. Comprised of Daer'dd, Hectarion, Pionus, and Alexandros, they were some of the oldest of the Primarchs and were of such noble bearing that the populace cheered when they stood together, in part or in full. In war, they presented a potent balance of technology, aggression, speed, and defence. Any battlefield commander welcomed their arrival. 

 

The next well-known faction were alternatively known as the Paragons by their supporters or the Zealots by their detractors. Koschei, Gwalchavad, and Socraes formed a close circle based on their unyielding idealism. For these three, the greatest imperative was to see the Imperium's ideals spread and to be followed to the letter of the law. Although favoured by the Iterators, that same intensity of belief could cause conflicts both on and off the battlefield. So long as they were directed towards the enemy, enemies trembled at the endurance of the Godslayers, the mobility of the Wardens of Light, and the assaults of the Eagle Warriors. 

 

Outside of those two, the factions boundaries grew looser or smaller. The infamous Helriders cared little for each other before or after the Xenocides were completed. The more scientifically-inclined among them did meet to discuss a variety of topics but could often clash, such as Kozja and Pionus. Hectarion, Andezo, and Daer'dd were often grouped together by outside perspectives given the shared aspects of 'barbarism' among their legions, but Andezo did not get along well with the other two. 

 

Then there were those who stood apart on all things. Morro was one such individual who sought no form of companionship on his path. K'awil was another, reinforced by his potent Pariah nature. Strangely, Icarion could be counted amongst this group. Whereas the previous examples drove others away from them, Icarion embraced his brothers, but somehow stood apart from the factions due to his nature and his prestige as the First. This detachment allowed Icarion to navigate amongst the broken fraternity at will.