The Story of Our War

[W.A.Rorie]

The Story of Our War

 

The Story of Our War is the journals of war from the Legions played by the Metal Head Armory members. Representing the Legions and Forces during the Heresy are:

 

• @GameRanma- Adeptus Custodes | Alpha Legion | Solar Auxila
• @The_Oni_of_Hindsight- Iron Warriors | Iron Hands | Adeptus Mechanicus
• GrimmWeiss- Word Bearers | Daemons of the Ruin Storm | Thousand Sons
• Ramah Storm Set- Imperial Fists | Solar Auxila
• Unkle Sterben- Emperor's Children | White Scars
• Zakharov- Dark Angels
• @HeiYu13- Xeno Threats
• @W.A.Rorie- Raven Guard | Death Guard | Sisters of Silence | Knight House Makabius

[W.A.Rorie]

A Story of Death or Victory- Angels of the XIXth Legion, Raven Guard

 

 

Dramatis Persona:

• Landon Mar-Garet, Remembrancer assigned to 707th Expeditionary Fleet, Narrator
• Primarch Corvus Corax, XIXth Legion
• Chaplain Luang Pu, XIXth Legion,  61st Company, 707th Expeditionary Fleet
• Praetor Ya Ksha, XIXth Legion, 707th Expeditionary Fleet Commander, 505th Company Commander
• Centurion Yut Hakon, 505th Company, 707th Expeditionary Fleet
• Master of Descent Ritt Hirong, 505th Company, 707th Expeditionary Fleet
• Moritat Kriang Sak, 505th Company, 707th Expeditionary Fleet
• Seeker Sgt Rom Ran, 103rd Company, 707th Expeditionary Fleet
• Assault Squad Sgt Charn Chai, 505th Company, 707th Expeditionary Fleet

Chapter I

 

    I often pondered how I would start this tale, but I could never find the words to start. I have tons of notes on things I have seen and heard before and after the battles took place. I saw the wounded, the dead, and the dying on the flight decks of the various ships in the 707th Expeditionary Fleet. I watched Astartes leave and never return. The transports returning damaged if they returned at all.  I once saw a battle unfold before my eyes, it was battle that should not have happened, nor should I have seen in person or even been there to witness it.  I am getting way ahead of myself. My name is Landon Mar-Garet. I am from Albia on Terra. I have written books on historical figures and events from Albia and eventually from around Terra. My writings gathered the attention of the Emperor and I was chosen to be an Imperial Remembrancer.

 

    As a Remembrancer, my job as given to me by Holy Terra, is that of a documenter, as journalist, if you will. Even as I write this, I wonder if it will be read by others. I am one of lucky few, given the opportunity to join the Emperor’s Great Crusade, as the Legions bring the worlds back under the Emperor’s light. This will be the story of my time, or better yet, retelling of the battles of that the Adeptus Astartes, I witnessed. I am full of fear, dread and worried about my death, yet these Superhuman warriors of the Adeptus Astartes, train, fight, and appear invincible. I know they are not, and some of them will be injured, lose limbs, and some will even face death. These individuals know no fear.

 

  While I would loved to been assigned to the XVIth Legion and seen the Warmaster, it was not meant to be. I was assigned to 707th Expeditionary Fleet. I did see a Primarch, I did not speak to him, but I was in his presence. It was the Raven Lord. The Primarch of the XIXth Legion, Raven Guard, Corvus Corax. My hands are still trembling. His sons are massive, and they are dwarfed by him. I do not want to speak ill or make assumptions about him, but he seem irritated and full of rage, but I am not sure that is the right words. There were others in the room, ranking Raven Guard Officers, I believe. I did see a marking on one their legs, an eagle head with lightning bolts behind it, that seemed like it was honorific marking. These Astartes looked as to be child being reprimanded for something they did wrong, And then he told the largest one of the Astartes in the room that he was  "Fleet Commander of 707th Expeditionary Fleet" and to make way as soon as possible. And then the Raven Lord looked at the assembled Remembrancers and said "take them with you," in a growl. And with that I never saw The Raven Lord again. 

 

  During our Journey to the Khymara System, our (the Remembrancers ) main point of contact was with XIXth Legion Chaplain Luang Pu. He would instruct us on the traditions and doctrines of the XIXth Legion. Chaplain Luang Pu was well spoken, was able to provide spiritual and moral guidance and held many meetings with all the Remembrancers. If it was not for him the journey to Khymara would have been a lot worse. Traveling through Warp is a very hard on the soul.  As hospitable as Chaplain Luang Pu, he was intimidating. His armor was dull black like his XIXth Legion Brothers, he stood out by the orange robes he wore when out of his armor and the orange sash while in his armor. He calls it his "Kasaya".  I am not sure if he named his robes or is it part of the XIXth Legion tradition. Chaplain Luang Pu's right leg is cybernetic from the knee down, but thanks to his Astartes Physiology, he is still fast.

 

  All the Astartes of the XIXth Legion in the 707th  Expeditionary Fleet wear the same campaign badge, the Raptor Imperialis, or so I was told that what it is. During the Great Crusade, the Raptor Imperialis was a sigil worn by those Imperial troops who had personally fought alongside the Emperor. In the latter years of the Great Crusade, the honour was usually found only amongst the more senior Terran Astartes of the Space Marine Legions who had seen significant action during the final campaigns of the Wars of Unification.  As I would later find out, all the XIXth Legion Astartes in the 707th Expeditionary Fleet, were Terran Born.

  Other Officers of the XIXth Legion interacted with the Remembrancers. Not necessarily in friendly fashion either .  Commander Ya Ksha of the XIXth Legion avoided me, well all of the Remembrancers in the 707th Expeditionary Fleet, for a long time. Commander Ya Ksha was large, even for an Astartes. It was not until we departed Khymara that he spoke to us.  

 

  “I have fought in the Great Crusade. I fought next to the Emperor. I fought next to my Primarch, Corvus Corax. I have proven my loyalty to XIXth Legion and the Emperor, time and time again. I have earned my laurels of command. I have been made the overall commander of the XIXth Legion assigned to the 707th Expeditionary Fleet . The 707th Expeditionary Fleet served with the Warmaster Horus Lupercal before our Primarch rejoined the Imperium. Our Primarch had the 707th Expeditionary Fleet was deployed to Khymara on the fringes away from many of the battles bringing worlds into Imperial Compliance. Now the 707th Expeditionary Fleet has been recalled and deployed to Tarkath Front. My Brothers and I are not from Deliverance, we are Terran, and we wear the Raptor Imperials with Pride. I am Ya Ksha of the XIXth Legion, Fleet Commander of the 707th Expeditionary Fleet and Commander of the 505th Assault Company.  I have fought next to the Traitorous Warmaster Horus Lupercal, and I will bury my Raven’s Talons all the way to the knuckles into Horus’s chest at the first chance I get, for the honor of my brothers, the Emperor and prove my loyalty to my Primarch. ”

 

But I am digressing, again. I don't think I am ready to talk to Khymara,  yet. I saw things, I am scared, and I am afraid to write about it.

 

 

Chapter 2

 

   The 707th Expeditionary Fleet traveled through the Warp from the Khymara Sector to Warzone Tarkath, Dravik Maw's System. I, Remembrancer Landon Mar-Garet, have been spending a lot of time with XIXth Legion Chaplain Luang Pu. I was on Paraxia in what would become know as the First Defense of Praxia. I was there when the XIXth Legion armored forces led a force of Custodes, XIIth Legion, and Vth Legion against the Forces of the IVth Legion, XVIIth Legion, and the forces of the Adeptus Mechanicus turned on us. I can not even bring myself to talk or write what I saw except to Chaplain Luang Pu. I feel the tears pooling around my eyes and running down my cheeks just thinking about it. I survived and will write about what I saw eventually. Just not right now.  Chaplain Luang Pu has ensured that I am safe, at least for now, mentally, spiritually, and physically.  The story is the Warmaster Horus Lupercal has turned half of the Legions against the Emperor. The 707th Expeditionary Fleet and XIXth Legion remained faithfully to the Emperor.

 

   What is in or what is Warzone Tarkath, Dravik Maw's System? Once a dumping ground for dead fleets and rusted war machines, Dravik’s Maw now fuels the Tarkath war fronts with scrap munitions and jury-rigged armor. Its forge-slums and salvage gangs strip anything that still holds a charge, shipping parts to the system’s forges. Battles here are desperate and dirty—fought over the bones of old wars to arm the next. I am told that the some of our allies from Khymara Sector,  VIIth Legion and Adeptus Custodes from Khymara received the call and are traveling near us. We will be joining forces loyal to Emperor, Ist Legion,  different fleet of  the Vth Legion and a 2nd Fleet from the VIIth Legion. The XXth Legion and XIVth are in the sector and supposedly Loyal.  The Traitorous IVth Legion and XVIIth Legion that we faced on Khymara fled before the Fleet could engage them in a ship battle. Advance scouts are saying those forces have reinforcements from their Legions waiting plus a few more. 

 

   When the Fleet broke orbit from Khymara, my fellow Remembrancers and I finally saw and heard the 707th Expeditionary Fleet Commander, the Commander of the 505th Assault Company. Praetor Ya Ksha. Praetor Ya Ksha is huge for an Adeptus Astartes. Not as large as the Primarch of XIXth Legion, Corvus Corax, Praetor Ya Ksha is still the largest Adeptus Astartes, I have ever seen. As the Commander of an Assault company, he is often seen with his Company Officers, Centurion Yut Hakon, Master of Descent Ritt Hirong, and Moritat Kriang Sak. Moritat Kriang Sak was a quiet individual. Partial because few would speak to him out of fear and those that tried and were not part of the XIXth Legion, stared at them until they left.  Centurion Yut Hakon and Master of Descent Ritt Hirong were always busy preparing plans with Praetor Ya Ksha for the upcoming drop. 

 

     The 505th Assault Company was not the only company in the 707th Expeditionary Fleet. The 103rd Recon Company, 996th Armored Company, 32nd Heavy Company, and the 61st Infantry Company all from the XIXth Legion. The 505th Company were going to be the first boots on the ground for the XIXth Legion, 707th Expeditionary Fleet. I may have not been in the Strategy Meetings but watching the XIXth Legion Javelin Land Speeders, exclusive Shadowhawks, Darkwings, and Whispercutters being prepared for missions in the hangers. All three aircraft classes were Kivhar built specifically for the XIXth Legion with range of stealth enhancing technology, including rad-shrouded armour plating and quantum field repellors. The additional systems used by the craft required a higher degree of maintenance along with sacrificing some of the craft's internal hold space, reducing its troop-carrying capacity slightly. The 505th Company's Assault Squads, Veteran Assault Squads, Dark Furies, and Destroyer Assault Squads are training harder than the other squads with the exception of Sgt Rom Ran and his Seekers, I believe Chaplain Luang Pu called them. 

Edited August 21 by W.A.Rorie

[W.A.Rorie]

 

IVth Legion

Prelude

 

"You should be happy you weren't rusted, brother!" Krugen boasted, the loud hailers blaring through the landing bay.

"I thought losing Khymera to the XIX and especially the VII would have you executed!" He mused, cycling the action of his plasma arm.

"But 'HE' made you a Warsmith? Is this an obtuse joke only he understands?"

The Warsmith watched Krugen pace the landing bay, his large dreadnought frame unable to enter the troop bay.

"But I am chosen to be interred in this machine? I led that campaign. I crushed the thinking machines of the dark age and freed that planet! You lost the planet to them after you took command! Come out and face me! You will answer for him you coward!"

 

+++APPROACHING LANDING ZONE+++

 

'Good, leave him to his own devices here.' The Warsmith mused, eyes still locked to the pacing mechanical beast 'If Krugen survives, they shall retrieve him-maybe the slaughter will calm his humors.'

 

The bay doors open and the contemptor rushes outside to the sound of lasgun fire and screams.

 

++++++++++

++++++

++++

 

The Warsmith watches the pict capture, the beams of light piercing Krugen's frame, his reactor failing, and disappearing in a ball of light.

 

Looking back up to the landing bay, Krugen paces, shouting for the Warsmith's presence. His dreadnought frame is unchanged. only a trickle of blood seeping from eyes and mouth vent of the machine's face plate.

He checks the timestamps of the pict capture. '3 cycles ago...'

He brings up another capture, one from earlier that solar year, Krugen is impaled on the spear of a Custode Achillus, his reactor failing again. The ball of fire melting the filagree down the Achillus's armor.

 

Yet the next cycle he is in the ship's land bay, ready for deployment...

"I will need to view this personally".

 

-Vicbron Xand. Remembancer for Warsmith Hector Carnifex "Butcher of Khymera"

[W.A.Rorie]

A Story of Death or Victory- Angels of the XIXth Legion, Raven Guard

Chapter 3

 

   I would be told the events that happened after the mission during the debrief with 707th Expeditionary Fleet Commander, Praetor Ya Ksha aboard the Shadow Bird Surat Thani, as we returned to the Fleet from the Planet's atmosphere.  Did I mention that Praetor Ya Ksha, selected me to accompany their mission. Praetor Ya Ksha knew my name. I Remembrancer Landon Mar-Garet, was called out by name to accompany Praetor Ya Ksha, Assault Squad Chai and Seeker Squad Ran on the first mission.  That is also when I learned about who else was in our fleet.  I have been with the fleet for years and I only Interacted with other Remembrancers, the Crew of the Various ships in the fleet and the Warriors of the XIXth Legion.  I was completely unaware that a Small Contingent of Solar Auxilia of the Therion "Velites" Cohorts were attached. Then there was her.

 

   Her was Alyssah Respus, Knight-Centura, Chamber of Oblivion, Anathema Psykana, Sisters of Silence. Remember I have spent years around Adeptus Astartes and I have a healthy fear of them. Knight- Centura Alyssah Respus I was terrified of her. Her armor in gun metal in color, she a had a Purple cloak with a inner cream colored cloak, her skin was a healthy hue of pink, with her bright red hair worn as top knot. Her weapon was almost as tall as she was. She was not large and muscular like the Adeptus Astartes but appeared to be frail but fit, Once you were within a few feet of her you just felt this dread.  Or worse yet when she stared at you and you could feel you soul being ripped apart. I want to learn battle sign so I can speak to her or anyone apart of her order, but according to Chaplain Luang Pu, there is a Novitiate that is with the Sisters of Silence that can translate for me.  Knight-Centura Alyssah Respus was on Surat Thanii, with me. Her novitiate was not. 

 

  Back to the mission....

 

    Running almost completely silently on gravitic Impellers for propulsion, the Kiavahr designed and built Whispercutters are exclusive to the XIXth Legion, allow Assault Squads and Dark Fury Squads to drop from above the targets or drop off elite infiltrating units with its open-topped air-frame. Currently 2 Whispercutters 10 had men from Assault Squad led by Sgt Charn Chai and Praetor Ya Ksha aboard. Once confirmation that their target was in the area, they would drop. As the seconds ticked by, the 11 Jump packed equipped Raven Guard Assault force waited. Once the 5 XIXth Legion Seekers led by Sgt Rom Ran on the ground gave the signal, the Murders in Black would go to work.

 

 

Edited September 3 by W.A.Rorie

[W.A.Rorie]

 

IVth Legion

Part 1

 

"Aye Sire, that looked like it hurt! Your piano playing days are over!" Vigilator Shen exclaimed.

"Let me help you up, my liege! "I hope there wasn't a beauty contest soon your grace! I heard the IVX have good dentists.

"In all seriousness my commander: the apothecarion will be here soon, and I have what we came for."

 

------------------------------------------------------

 

"Is the device working with Krugen's armor?"

"Yes m'lord, it actually stayed attached with 36 temporal displacements."

"That is all mortificator."

 

The heavily cyberized marine bows and limps out of the command chamber. Another figure enters the chamber standing with stiff posture, holding a whip that seems to move on its on accord.

 

"Young Warsmith! It is good to see you well! I have procured the stockpiles of weapons from Khymera and local volunteers. They are not well trained but you will not be outnumbered again!"

"My thanks Overseer, you are dismissed."

"My Lord." the Overseer gives an ancient Terran salute, and marches out of the command chamber.

 

Now alone, he removes his helm and touches the metal plate that covers right side of his face, and his cybernetic eye with his remaining flesh hand. Light foots steps approach the entryway. A non-augmented serf approaches meekly, holding a dataslate.

 

"M'lord, Urgent astropath message from the Iron Lord's command ship."

"Let us take a look at what they have sent me, you are dismissed little one."

"Yes, your grace!" he scrambles away, falling over himself while leaving the chamber.

 

Hector opens the data slate: 'The Iron lord watches your progress, do not disappoint him like your predecessor did.'

Hector lets out a long sigh and places the slate down and opens a tool kit to tune his arm.

'That fiddle will be played again, Terra damnit"

[W.A.Rorie]

  

A Story of Death or Victory- Angels of the XIXth Legion, Raven Guard

Chapter 4

 

 “Movement, sir,” whispered Seeker Sgt Rom Ran over the secure vox.

 

    Assault Sgt Charn Chai glanced over at Praetor Ya Ksha. Praetor Ya Ksha gave the Sgt a nod and they all jumped off the Whisper Cutters landing behind some ruins.  

 

   “10 Traitor Tactical Astartes, Rhino, and 5 Astartes designate unkown, unknow designate,” Seeker Sgt Rom Ran signaled his Praetor using Battle sign.

 

   “Be cautious,” Praetor Ya Ksha signaled back.

 

    The 5 unknowns Astartes moved forward on leathery wings. They landed in front of the Seekers and began looking and sniffing around. The Rhino moved forward and the lights illuminating the Word Bearer Daemonic Word Bear Veteran Assault Marines and then the Seekers.

 

   “Engage,” Praetor Ya Ksha yelled!

 

    Seeker Sgt Rom Ran and his team opened with Kraken rounds into the daemonic Veteran Assault Marines. Two of the Warp Corrupted Veterans fell. Assault Sgt Charn Chai and his squad jumped into the remaining Veterans and smashed another two to the ground. Their Sgt Backed away. Then four Assault Marines collapsed armor on fire. The Word Bearer Preator walked out of the Rhino and engaged the Assault Marines in hand to hand dropping another 3 assault marines. The remain Assault marines could not withstand the Word Bearer Praetor and begin to pull their wounded squad mates out of combat. The Seekers gunned down the last daemonic Veteran.

 

   Praetor Ya Ksha jumped pas the Rhino tossing a melt bomb on it severely crippling it, but the Rhino surged forward smoke billowing out it. The Seekers were charged by the Wod Bearer Preator and 4 of them were thrown around the Ruins. Praetor Ya Ksha engaged the Tactical squad before they could get off a shot. They learned when why his units are called the Murders in Black. Not one Word Bearer Tactical member survived.  

 

  Seeker Sgt Rom Ran was set ablaze by the rhino as the Word Bearer Praetor was screaming “Fight me,” at Praetor Ya Ksha.

 

   Praetor Ya Ksha engaged the Praetor and could see the Warp possessing him. But it was to no avail. Praetor Ya Ksha was faster, and he buried his Paired Raven’s Talons into the Word Bearers chest to his knuckles and then bisected him.  With a hiss the Praetor’s body disappeared.

 

  “Whisper Cutters retrieve us. Stormbird Surat Thani, prep for casualties and armor repair. No KIAs. I need to speak to Knight Centura Alyssah Respus, ASAP,” Praetor Ya Ksha said into his vox.

[W.A.Rorie]

Adeptus Custodes

Part 1

 

 

Zhao stared at the dreadnought that now housed his friend Guan, fury boiling at what he had allowed to happen. He had come to this planet with his protégé to meet Orion, a Praetor of the Imperial Fists, and deliver a friendly ribbing over the man’s insatiable hunger for more Solarite power gauntlets.

 

After the exchange, Zhao and Guan began making their way back to the landing pad when the first missiles struck. Moments later, several squads of Space Marines advanced on their position. Zhao leaned toward Guan and whispered, “Follow my lead.”

 

With supernatural speed, Zhao sprinted toward the enemy, his paragon spear spitting fire as he closed the distance. He got close enough to glimpse the madness burning in the eyes of the enemy leader before he deliberately collapsed, feigning death. Guan followed his example, loosing a blood-curdling scream before falling across Zhao’s body.

 

As the assault marines closed in, Zhao suddenly roared, “Gotcha!” and teleported both himself and Guan to the safety of his ship.

 

Only then did he realize the truth—Guan had been grievously wounded.

[W.A.Rorie]

Imperial Fists

Part 1

 

 

The thump of boots on the metal plates eched through the dead scrap piles of the field, kept in time by the very training he had when search turned to recovery. Orion's warders had lost radio contact before they were too far from extraction, marking choice pieces of salvage to repair the ships in orbit. Yet their check in passed without a word, leading other legion troops to dig through the various husks of ships and building ruins looking for the praetor. The scan held heat signatures still left, and as he rounded the corner of a ruin left barely standing in defiance to gravity the Imperial Fist sergeant found their commander. Kneeling in a pool of red, smoke still lingered in the low ceiling as Orion turned his head to note who entered. Marines in the red and gold regalia of Thousand Sons with power fist sized holes spread around the ripped open room, yet the praetor wasn't without his own holes in his armor. Another warder laid in the corner next to him barely recognizable with the number of bolter wounds he sustained in the short fight that cut off the radio.

 

"Is that you, sir? I worried you dead when you spat the words of traitors." The trooper rushed forward to check on the praetor, yet even through his helmet it was obvious he couldn't tear his eyes away from the mutilated corpse and the solarite power gauntlet attached to it. They were rare, yet every sergeant had been gifted one while under the command of this praetor from Terra. "Marines of Terra are just built tougher, sergeant." Was the near jovial tone from Orion, unmoving from next to the warder. The golden solarite power gauntlet of his stained bloody in the battle and the many hearts he torn from the chests of psyker marines. "How many warders still live?" "Ah... Four, sir." His head fell, even the living would be incapable of fighting for some time. Yet somehow they weren't as bad off as the one who led the shield wall. He started to kneel and grasp at the body of the dead sergeant, suddenly feeling the weight of the same gauntlet on his shoulder. "Then leave him to me, sergeant. He did his duty." His jovial tone flattened, nearly as threatening to his own as he roared into the face of his enemy. The powerful man fiddled with the dead until the gauntlet came free, offering its unblemished gold form to the trooper sweating in front of the praetor. "You saw this and wanted it, didn't you?" "Y... Yes, sir." The exasperated huff of a man caught in his curiosity and envy came from his voice microphone. "I give this to those who wish to shake hands with the custodians of The Emperor himself. In exchange they are tasked to bring as many of their squad back alive, even at the cost of their body." He growled out his words, as if he was poking at the legionary in front of him for weakness. A momentary flinch had him return the rare weapon back to his chest and pick up the rest of the warder. "You are not worthy of its weight. Call Sagittarius to my ship. I will need his expertise with these new Arakne turrets I have heard about."

 

If psykers could get past a wall of shields, then it was time to reinforce with a wall of bullets.

[W.A.Rorie]

A Story of Death or Victory- Angels of the XIXth Legion, Raven Guard

Chapter 5

 

    The 2 XIXth Legion Whispercutters approached the rear of the Stormbird Surat Thani, a Warhawk VI Pattern Stormbird, for a combat high speed extraction. The Warhawk VI Pattern Stormbird is larger than the more common Sokar Pattern and has been serving Praetor Ya Ksha and his clan for multiple decades as part of the Yndonesic Bloc during the Unification Wars on ancient Terra. Surat Thani was performing aerial command and control duties, retrieval, and Med Evac for for the XIXth Legion forces on the ground led by Praetor Ya Ksha and take them back to the fleet in orbit.  The rear landing bay was open and the Whispercutters flew in at speed and landed on the deck in the cargo hold. The injured were being triaged as the rear decks closed. Praetor Ya Ksha looked like a nightmare come true. His Black and white Armor was covered in blood, guts, and ichor, none of it was his own. He waved off an apothecary as XIXth Legion Chaplain Luang Pu and I, Remembrancer Landon Mar-Garet approached him. 

 

"My Lord, Knight-Centra Alyssah Respus, is awaiting you in the ready room, as you have requested," Chaplain Luang Pu. 

 

"Sgt Rom Ran, Sgt. Charn Chai, check on your wounded and meet us in the Ready room," yelled Praetor Ya Ksha.

 

    We entered the room, and I was immediately hit with the nauseousness, I felt in Knight-Centura Alyssah Respus's presence.  If she had the same effect on the Adeptus Astartes with me, they made no gestures that it did. Her armor, was a polished dark metallic in color which stood out against the flat black of the XIXth Legion Armor. Her paragon blade was sheathed across her back, restricting her purple cloak from moving. It was almost as tall as she was. Her red hair and pale skin was always focal point.  She began "speaking" with her hands in battle sign. 

 

"Greetings, Praetor Ya Ksha. I am glad to see the battle did not fell you. I understand that you wish to speak to me about something you saw or witnessed?" translated XIXth Legion Master of Signals Pa El said as Knight-Centura Alyssah Respus signed.

 

"Well met, Knight-Centura. We encountered Traitors from the XVIIth Legion. Sgts and their squads encountered something that is under your prevue, so I will defer that to them. I fought and slayed the enemy warlord and watched as his body disappeared. And then called for retrieval," said Praetor Ya Khsa. 

 

"Remembrancer, please leave us. You will be briefed later," said Praetor Ya Ksha to me. 

 

"Yes my lord," I responded as I left the ready room. I could feel the Surat Thani begin to climb and the force of the acceleration as engines reaching full power. 

 

   It was hours later, when I was summoned to meet Praetor Ya Ksha in the arming chambers on the Shadowed Guardian, an Adeptus Astartes Battle Barge of the XIXth Legion, flagship of the 707th Expeditionary fleet. A Battle Barge is the largest ship in an Adeptus Astartes fleet, and can hold Multiple companies of Adeptus Astartes plus their Support. I have been on Shadow Guardian many times over the past few years now and have not been allowed to fully explore it.  I am assigned to the Blade of Midnight Light Frigate along with the other Remembrancers and that is where my room is. I have a shared sleeping quarters on Shadowed Guardian with the other Remembrancers, I believe there is 6 or 7 of us sharing the space. 

 

 "Remembrancer Landon Mar-Garet of Albia, Terran Born. Novelist" Chaplain Luang Pu said almost introducing me to someone but I did not see anyone I was not aware of. 

 

   Chaplain Luang Pu was in his black training Tunic with the white Raven Guard Logo and XIXth beneath it.  Standing next to him in a semi Circle around him was Seeker Sgt. Rom Ran, Assault Squads Sgt Charn Chai and Veteran Sgt Naksu Mastexr, Centurion Yut Hakon, Master of Signals Pa El, and Brother Ruexbrr Thuk-Naman, an Armored Support tank commander. Praetor Ya Ksha stood in the center of the semi circle. They were all dressed the same.  And then she walked into the room, Knight-Centura Alyssah Respus, fully armored. I felt nauseous again. She looked at me, as if she was staring through me to my soul. I am not a psychic or I do not think I am.  

"Remembrancer, do you know why I specifically chose you to be here," asked Praetor Ya Ksha. 

 

"No, my Lord." I responded as I grimaced in pain. 

 

"You serve 3 purposes to 707th Expeditionary Fleet. First and Foremost, the Emperor wants documentation of the events and as a novelist that is your primary purpose," Chaplain Luang Pu stated as he walked around the training mat.

 

"Second, you have an wealth of knowledge, are a sage, someone that is capable of storing, processing, and accessing vast tracks of information and that could help us in the coming days. What can you tell me about Andratus System," He asked

 

"The Andrastus System, long known as the crucible of law and punishment within the Galcoran Reach, sits wreathed in the glinting, mineral-rich asteroid field known as the "Andrastine Halo". Its two primary worlds embody the system’s dual nature: "Andrastus Prime", a densely fortified hiveworld and seat of the Imperial Provosts, and "Pyrefall", a volcanic furnace world dotted with open-pit mines and the forge-prisons they feed. The Halo itself is a constant harvest of stellar rubble, dragged down through orbital elevators to be refined by the labor of the condemned, " I replied. 

 

"The Primarch would burn this system," responded Centurion Yut Hakon. 

 

 Praetor Ya Ksha raised his hand to silence him. 

 

"You were promised to be told what happened in Dravik Maw's System and that is why you are here, to be briefed. And They need to prepare for the next battle. Time is limited. Master of Signals Pa El and I will stay on Stormbird Surat Thani again performing command and control. Knight-Centura Alyssah Respus will be on board with a few of her Sisters form the Chamber of Oblivion as back up," said Chaplain Luang Pu as a Servitor came in carrying a stack of books and Dataslates. 

 

"You will be given a private room to aboard Shadow Guardian, so you can create your documentation and review these books and dataslates," Chaplain Luang Pu said as he gestured to to the servitor. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[W.A.Rorie]

A Story of Death or Victory- Angels of the XIXth Legion, Raven Guard

Chapter 6

 

 

   I can not tell you how long I was in my room reading the books and dataslates. The room was decent size and I had a servitor bringing me food. I rested briefly and would resume working. I reviewed all of it, going back and forth between book and data slate. Taking notes. Book after book. Dataslate after dataslate. Reading and rereading. Then review it from another book or dataslate. Constantly. I must have read the 30 plus books and dataslates 5 times each. But I never left my room.  There was a knock on the door, and suddenly I was hungry. It was like every time the servitor showed up I got hungry. Like the story of the old Terran physiologist Ivan Pavlov's experiment with the canine.  I hope I was not an experiment. 

 

"Enter," I responded regaining my composer.  

 

"Remembrancer Landon Mar-Garet, greetings,"  said Chaplain Luang Pu stand at the door of my room. 

 

"I hope you don't mind the interruption but I figure you were hungry and would like to see someone other than a servitor, since you been in your room for a week," he continued.

 

"7 days......I had no clue," I exclaimed and stood up.  

 

" Let's eat and go for a walk then," Chaplain Luang Pu said. 

 

"That sounds great," I said.

 

  I looked at the meal, Chaplain Luang Pu, brought for me. It was a tray of meats, fruits, and vegetables along with a cold cravat of a creamy, sweet, and spiced milk tea. Chaplain Luang Pu explained that tea and food was similar to what was served by his tribesman back on Terra as he took a sip from his glass. The tea was delicious. The creamy sweetness of the orange tea and helped accent the salty taste of fish and assorted dried meats. The fruits and vegetables were ripe and amazing.  I was holding a reddish brown fruit that seemed to have a leathery shell. 

 

"That is a Lychee, you need to peel the shell. The insides are like a grape," Chaplain Luang Pu said as he grabbed one and peeled the skin away, showing the translucent white flesh inside.

 

I mimicked Chaplain Luang Pu peeling the Lychee and at the fruit from the shell. I was shocked in the moistness of the fruit. 

 

"Chaplain, why are you here," I asked. 

 

"Because you have been holed up here for a week. And I need to check on your spiritual and mental well being. Plus I figured you would like to share a taste of my home. While we are both Terrans, I'm from Yndonesic Bloc and you are from Albia," said Chaplain Luang Pu, as he peeled another Lychee fruit. 

 

"Albia, Dusk Raiders, Death Guard, that's what that was," I jumped up frantically going through the dataslates. 

 

 Chaplain Luang Pu gave me a puzzled look. I read a line that was trivial but I had read it in various books.  I grabbed a dataslate and ran with the thought running through my head. And there it was.

 

"The principal components of volcanic gases are water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur either as sulfur dioxide (SO2) (high-temperature volcanic gases) or hydrogen sulfide (H2S) (low-temperature volcanic gases), nitrogen, argon, helium, neon, methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen," I read aloud.

 

Pyrefall is volcanic furnace world dotted with open-pit mines and the forge-prisons they feed. The Warmaster is sending XIVth Legion to engage us, not the IVth Legion at Pyrefall. It is strategic move to goad XIXth into an open conflict. Iron Warrior Warsmith Hector Carnifex, is in system. And after the Battles of Khymara, I would not put it past him to help build a trap to contain the XIXth and use the XIVth to do so. A Prison world needing liberation. Atmosphere beneficial for the XIVth Legion. Given enough time, the IVth Legion could set amazing trench works for the XIVth to use against us," I say as begin looking for a map of Pyrefall.

 

"Look here, these connect the mines to forge-prisons and other mines and more forge-prisons. It is an established trenchline 2 to 5 meters deep about 10 meters wide and running the entire length of Pyrefall.  If the IVth got here sooner than us. They could possible stage resupply areas here, reinforce here, and create traps here. The XIXth can't allow the IVth and XIVth Legions to take the prisoners hostages or turn them against the Emperor so it must be open war in the trenches, a show of force, like the Primarch Corvus Corax would want. Rescue the Slaves, Destroy the Oppressors. But that is a suicide," I continued to ramble on. 

 

"Remembrancer, I think it is time we took a walk," Chaplain Luang Pu said to me. 

 

[W.A.Rorie]

Imperial Fists

Part 2

 

  The radio crackled with static and the angry voice of the Tribune Zhao. Crimson blood found its way into the speaker of the nuncio vox that survived the turmoil of reaching the front lines under sniper fire, the warder looking back to Orion and the conclusion of a quick "interrogation" of what he thought was the only warsmith in the sector. Elsewhere among the rest of the field, the booming rattle of accelerator cannons riddled the buildings and another predator nearby with enough dents to halt its advance as well. 

 

"Ah... Message for you, Praetor." He spoke, the creaking of the broken predator they hid behind nearly drowning out the request. His laurel helmet turned and stepped forward, tossing the thunder hammer he pulled away to the ground with a dismissive sigh to take the receiver, nearly grabbing it with the disruptive field of the solarite gauntlet he wore before changing hands instead. 

 

"Zhao, good timing. I found your point of-" The praetor started, the jovial tone interrupted by the voice on the other side. 

 

"You sent us to the wrong men, Orion! What am I supposed to do with a siege breaker and his minions?!" The Tribune verbally choked the other side, better he taken the brunt than any of his wardens...

 

"Any other time it would have been the right one. Two warsmiths in the same area is unheard of." He replied, nodding his head to the disgruntled abuse. "But, I do have the other one right here." He turned to look for the shattered bionics of who he had caught charging into his shield wall, but alas the small reprieve was all it taken to disappear from the field among the other running boots. "Or I did. It won't be easy finding him again. Speaking with the Ravens may be your next stop, Zhao."

 

It wasn't more than a click of the dial and the line was cut, channel changing to the field lines for the battle still wrecking havoc in the area. His men weren't out of the woods yet when snipers and scout vehicles could come around, and his warders were supposed to hold that line in the sand. He had plans with all this equipment, and he needed a bit of time to speak with Sagittarius...

 

He had to figure out the logistics of a whole new building, after all. They don't pop up overnigh

[W.A.Rorie]

IVth Legion

Part 2

 

 

"Hey boss!" Shen exclaimed with sarcastic enthusiasm. "You almost lost your head! needed to staple your throat to keep it on!" The Warsmith reached for his throat, and made a gurgling noise "Nah, boss, that is gone, it's on the ground over there. You are tougher than I expected." "Going to need the Apothecarion and Mortificator to fix that. Our expendable militia saved your life, their witch stopping the blood loss" Shen explained. "Let's get out of here."

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

"How are you holding up boss? You will sound much more authoritative and powerful with the replacement, trust me." "I am alive Shen, to continue the Iron lords bidding it seems" Booms The Warsmith's voice, the hollow and metallic sound reverberating in the surgery suite. "I cannot control the volume of my OWN VOICE!" he roared, smashing the steel surgery table next to his bed with his cybernetic fist, needles and scalpels flying. The Mortificator shuffles in, "My Lord! I need you to be awake to calibrate it. My apologies, I had 2 new inductees to the cult of steel to stabilize and place in sarcophagi."

 

+++++++++++++++++++++

"This Witch will work for us?" The Warsmith rumbled.

"Yes, my lord he is the one that saved you with his powers." Shen explained.

"Are the 'creatures' necessary?" The Warsmith seethed pointing at the gaggle of multi-colored lizard bipeds around the Psyker.

"They seem to be a native to Praxia, the milita call them... Kabulds? after some old-world folklore? They are subservient to the humans from that world. and obey their orders, sometimes literally." Shen expounded.

"Fodder for now, give them no rations, no beds, they are on their own. Have the Iron Circle arrived?"

"Yes, your loudness, but the forgelord and mortificator cannot seem to activate them."

"They will stay in storage for now." The Warsmith lamented. "And Krugen?"
"He exists your deafeningness, returning after each foray of death." Shen answered.

"Bring him to the mortificator, have him prepared for battle."

"As you command." Shen said in mocking robotic tone.

[W.A.Rorie]

Adeptus Custodes

Part 2

 

  As two squads of Iron Warriors infantry sprinted toward separate terminals, they began unlocking the cells of captured prisoners. The clatter of opening gates echoed through the chamber—until they noticed the Custodes closing in. One of the Iron Warriors barked a command over vox, calling in heavy support to open fire on the fast-approaching golden giants, hoping to cut them down—or at least slow them long enough to finish their grim task.

 

  The firepower of the IV Legion was not to be underestimated. A Custodian in Zhao’s squad went down under a storm of missiles and autocannon shells. Zhao smiled grimly. At last, he had found them—the Iron Warriors responsible for the atrocity at Khymera. And where the Iron Warriors were, their Warsmith, Hector Carnifex, could not be far. Zhao swore he would find the man who had unleashed nightmares upon an innocent world.

 

  One enemy squad finished releasing several prisoners and began to withdraw—just as Zhang’s squad made contact. The squad ahead of Zhao completed its work mere moments before he reached them. He would not let them escape.

 

  “Where is Hector Carnifex—your Warsmith?” Zhao bellowed.

 

  The Iron Warriors hesitated for a heartbeat, confusion flickering behind their helmets—just long enough. In a single, fluid motion, Zhao cut down half the squad. His Custodes surged forward, cutting down four more, until only the sergeant remained.

 

  The Iron Warrior glanced at the terminal, confirmed the data transfer was complete, and turned to flee. As he ran, one of Zhao’s Custodians hurled his misericordia. The blade struck true—but lodged harmlessly in the marine’s pauldron.

[W.A.Rorie]

A Story of Death or Victory- Angels of the XIXth Legion, Raven Guard

Chapter 7

 

  The Raven Guard descend upon the ruins. Praetor Ya Ksha and his assault squad moved down the Southern streets. Centurion Yut Hakon and his Assault squad moved down the middle of the city behind the Sicaran. Seeker Sgt Rom Ran and his team ran down the Northern Street.

 

“Contact, hab block, roof,” yelled Sgt Rom Ran, as bolter rounds rained down on his team.

 

The Sicaran opened fire as the Seekers became casualties. The assault element moved up and came under fire.

 

“It’s an ambush,” yelled Praetor Ya Ksha. “Activate Decapation Protocols”

 

Centurion Yut Hakon charged forward and engaged the Death Guard Commander. Centurion Yut Hakon’s was unable to hurt the enemy Praetor and was smashed to the ground. His Assault faired better against the Death Guard tactical squad but was severely depleted.

 

Praetor Ya Ksha and his assault squad finally recovered from the initial ambush and charged the Death Guard Centurion. Praetor Ya Ksha slayed the Centurion. The trap was sprung and the Death Guard Veterans opened fire.

“All units, fall back,” said Praetor Ya Ksha.

“Stormbird strafing run! Make these Traitors pay,” he said as he dropped smoke bombs and began to fall back.

[W.A.Rorie]

Thousand Sons

Part 1

 

"So this is how it is." Praetor Rassool looked across his remaining men. They suffered far less casualties this time since they finished repairs on their brother Osiron Dreadnaught but they still did not secure what they needed. "Lieutenant, how long will it be before Zahir returns from his scouting?" 

 

"Perhaps 2 or 3 days if they did not encounter trouble." Raad skimmed the data logs for his departure. "If we are lucky we will not need to borrow from our allies."

 

"And the Xiphon?" Rassool knew their pilot was recovered and ready to fly. "Our 'top gun' is itching to be back in the skies as soon as he can."

 

Raad hesitated, "MOST of the damage is repaired but we are running behind with ammunition. Can we expect more from those of Iron?" 

 

"Yes, and more than just ammunition." Rassool pulled a file and turned back to his Lieutenant. "We may be getting some bodies soon. Though not in the manner we asked for." 

 

Raad read the message and glowered at the end. "We... will need a specialist from the mechanicum for these. I can fix robots. Not the flesh of a near dead. We can send a request for someone of the Lacrymaerta discipline. Though the bureaucracy may delay unless there is a particularly interested Magos on board."

 

Rassool nodded and started walking back to the temporary workshop. "Get the Rhino back to working order. Whatever weapons we got that still operates will do." He paused at the door before he sighed. "I asked for bodies and this is what we got. We will make due."

[W.A.Rorie]

A Story of Death or Victory- Angels of the XIXth Legion, Raven Guard

Chapter 8

 

 "Remembrancer Mar-Garet," yelled Praetor Ya Ksha as he entered the Stormbird Surat Thani. 

 

  "Yes, my lord," I responded. 

 

The next thing I know is this giant Adeptus Astartes had me lifted me 3 feet off the ground so I could stare in to his black cold eyes, his bloody Raven's claws around my neck. Luckily for me the were powered off.  I may have vacated my bowels. I was trembling.  His hand was squeezing my neck, restricting my air flow. He is going to kill me. And I have no clue for what. 

 

  "It was an ambush. the Death Guard Traitors, were waiting for us. We barely got out of there. Mass causalities on our side. Tell me, why I should not severe your head from your body right now, Remembrancer," Praetor Ya Ksha said with pure rage. 

 

  'My lord, He did tell you it was a trap," calmly said Chaplain Luang Pu. 

 

  Praetor Ya Ksha turned and looked at the Chaplain. His ire was still up. 

 

  "My Lord, the Remembrancer did try to warn you. Who ever is in charge of the Traitor forces were trying to distract us,"  a voice said appearing from the shadows. The new voice wore a Corvid Jump pack and had Raven's claws as well. 

 

  "I hate retreating and this is twice, I have had to do so," said Praetor Ya Ksha as he stared at me.

 

  I was losing consciousness. And then he dropped me to the floor. I was out. 

 

  I came too. I was in my room aboard the Shadowed Guardian. Chaplain Luang Pu and Apothecary Phae Thy were with me. 

 

  "Apothecary, let Praetor Ya Ksha know that Remembrancer Mar-Garet is awake," Chaplain Luang Pu said. 

 

  With a nod, the Apothecary left the room.  A few minutes later the Apothecary returned. Centurion Yut Hakon entered the room with another Raven Guard Sgt in a pattern of armor, I did not recognize, it was pitted and damaged with its adamantium color showing through. 

 

  "Remembrancer Landon Mar-Garet, this is Destroyer Assault Sgt Ya Phis. The information, Centurion Yut Hakon was able to gather during the "ambush" will help his squad in the near Future," Praetor Ya Ksha said as he entered the room. 

 

  The room turned black after Praetor Ya Ksha entered. I did not pass out, again, but my room was covered in shadow.  

 

 "With me are the Murders in black, my Dark Fury's lead by Chooser of the Slains Pu Kha and Kha Takn. It is time for you to learn the true purpose for you being here," Praetor Ya Ksha said with a sly smile on his face. 

 

 

 

[W.A.Rorie]

A Story of Death or Victory- Angels of the XIXth Legion, Raven Guard

Chapter 9

 

 

Solth's Bounty

Classification: Paradise World

Role: Garden World, Seat of System Nobility

 

  I, Remembrancer Landon Mar-Garet witnessed the Battle of Solth's Bounty. As in I was on the ground for the battle, The fury of the XIVth was something to witness.  Solth's Bounty, was beautiful trees, grass, forests, lakes, and gardens, There was also nobility,  That is what brought the III Legion to Solth's Bounty. Their vanity.  Praetor Ya Kasha led his forces on to the Solth's Bounty.  Praetor Ya Ksha knew that the Emperor's Children Praetor vanity would lead to the Emperor's Children forces suffering major causalities to distract them for slaughtering the nobles on the planet until they could be removed by Loyalist forces. The plan worked. We left the field bloody with the dead of our enemies.  Once again the XIVth left the field of battle, injured, battered, broken, and bloodied. Praetor Ya Kasha, was a causality early on, as was the plan, to cause as much havoc in the enemy lines and he had to be the one to draw out the Emperor's Children Praetor. 

 

  After Praetor Ya Ksha fell in battle, the Dark Furys "The Murderers in the Black," did their job,  murdering all they faced, I have not seen anything like it.  The Emperor's Children 20 man Assault squad shoot and took 2 of them out. The remaining 8 Dark Furys killed 16 of them.  And eventually killed them all, and took out Saturnine terminators as well. At one point, the remaining Emperor's Children force engaged the Dark Fury's and allowing the other XIVth Units to do work. "The Murderers in Black" is a major understatement.  Their matt black armor, covered in blood and ichor. Watching squads falling to the their dual Raven claws, I am a writer and a story teller. 

 

 The Seekers engaged a tactical squad and removed them off of the objective nearest the comms tower.  Centurion Yut Hakon engaged the Emperor's Children Centurion and killed him quickly.  Assault Squad led by Veteran Sgt Naksu Mastexr disabled the comms tower while Centurion Yut Hakon engaged in melee. The enemy Saturnine Terminator Squads opened up making the Assault Squad and Centurion casualties. The Sicaran opened up a few times killed some tactical squad members, but the Enemy Warlord was standing near the objective.  The  Seekers engaged the Tactical Squad removing 4 members of the squad as the Smoke Rounds hit the ground signaling for the XIVth to fall back.  The Nobility was removed from the planet but it area was controlled by traitor forces.