Black Hand Company Centarius Chronical

[kaser]

DeVeen, what had he done to deserve the honor of fighting in a battle which the Warsmith himself was to oversee personally? Captain DeVeen’s promotion had been swift, unexpected and recent. What had he done while Slavic was fighting bloody battles on Tiorl 7 in the name of the Warsmith? He was babysitting a recently conquered dwarf planet, or moon, regardless it was an insignificant feat. Captain Slavic felt the twinge of an insult and he gripped the pommel of the twin swords on his belt as he thought over these events.

“Perhaps this is a trial by fire for the young DeVeen?” He asked aloud, his most senior champion by his side. “Where is Captain Zward? Surely a man of his caliber would happily answer the call to war.”

“That is a possibility sir.” The Champion replied. “And I believe the Warsmith ordered him to the Saru system.”

“Unfortunate…” The Captain scratched his gruff and prickly face. “He’s a grand warrior; I’d be honored to fight by his side here.”

“Yes sir,” The Champion nodded. “However we have DeVeen and his detachment, surely that is something gained?”

“Indeed,” Slavic nodded back and dawned his Mark 3 armored helmet. “We must press this attack to make way for his deployment. Inform your peers to sweep this complex and kill any who dare to resist. Put the remaining survivors to work in the mines when we have the opportunity to begin operations.”

“Yes sir!”

Aboard the Battleship Dark Sun, flagship of Warsmith Kane’s fleet stood the Warsmith himself. He was clad in his power armor, a black fur lined cape flowing over his back, his mighty war-hammer resting over his shoulder. Another figure stood nearby on the observation deck of one of the launch bays, just behind him. It was the Tzeentchian sorcerer who they had picked up on Tiorl 7.

“Something troubles you my lord?” He approached cautiously with his long golden staff in hand.

“Leaving a senior officer on this rock with a relatively new commander,” The Warsmith’s lips contorted. “It is a bad tactical choice.”

“Do have faith in your subordinates my lord.” The sorcerer attempted to sound reassuring. “You shall not be gone long if all goes well. Once the Ork, Tau and Imperium fleets meet head on there shall be no more need of this hit and run deployment.”

“I am well aware of this; even our careful deployment is probably just a dose of paranoia.” He stroked his thin beard and turned to the Tzeentchian. “Even so, prepare yourself for a hot drop with the good Captain, there maybe unforeseen problems... A healthy dose of paranoia goes a long way, don’t you think?”

“But of course my lord.” The sorcerer bowed his head and strode off the bridge to make the final preparations.

[kaser]

“Him,” Koriaro pointed at a human prisoner as he walked threw the holding area with his bodyguard of four Iron Warriors. “Oh and him, he’ll do nicely…as will she, yes. Take them to the altar for preparation.”

“I do wish he’d stop stealing from our labor force.” Captain Slavic smiled a bit to his senior champion. “They were hard to acquire.”

“My good captain,” Slavic turned to see Captain DeVeen approach. “Do the sorcerer’s methods bother you?”

“Only the fact that he slows our progress for his own…eccentric needs.”

“Indeed well his eccentric needs should prove useful.” DeVeen was much younger than Slavic and it showed. He was clean cut with thick locks of hair where Slavic had an unshaven stubby beard with a crew cut. “As I hope to be with your guidance Captain, the Warsmith has instructed me to follow your lead and assist with strategy.”

“So I’ve heard.” Slavic signaled for him to follow and they began the walk back to the command post. “Currently our main task is to keep this mine in our control and in operation; shouldn’t be a difficult task with both our detachments here.”

“And we are to just sit here? What of the other continents and our enemies?”

“In due time dear Captain.” Slavic patted his shoulder and grinned. “I doubt the conflict will end before you get into it.”

On the other side of the facility a strange shrine had been hastily built under Koriaro’s orders. A large clearing had been made and the sorcerer had carved strange runes and symbols into the hard ground with staff. Pieces of metal had been welded together to form more of these symbols around the circular clearing. Those “lucky” few he had chosen from the labor force were arranged sitting in a pattern not easily figured out, except by those gifted in the dark arts. In the center of the circle stood the sorcerer, staff in one hand and large book in the other.

“And with this humble offering to my lord, Tzeentch, Changer of Ways, I request guidance for this situation. Bless me with your insight oh great and mystical one.” The sorcerer pleaded to the sky and then began chanting from the large book in his hand. Strange words escaped his helmet as the eye on its forehead glowed and aura filled the air. He continued chanting until the aura was so thick that one felt as though they would suffocate.

The four Iron Warriors assigned to him stepped away from the circle and their charge as a blinding light pulse from the symbols in the ground and made of metal. Soon the light filled the area and then in an instant it was gone. The bones of the labors lay fused into the ground, the aura remained but the symbols had calmed. The sorcerer still stood in the center.

“Tzeentch smiles upon us this day.” He mused aloud and slammed the book shut. “Go inform our Captains that I must speak with them immediately.”

Without question one of the Iron Warriors jogged off to deliver the message.

“Such visions, such power…” Koriaro hissed to himself. “All is clear and all shall be ready…but there is work to be done, much work…”

[kaser]

“You heard what the sorcerer said,” Captain DeVeen repeated his argument for the third time today. “We must act quickly if we’re to gain this valuable artifact, think of what we could do with something like that.”

“You’d believe that sociopath?” Captain Slavic looked up from a table which had maps and various papers scattered over it. “I’d take anything he says with a pinch of sodium.”

“Surely there are other reasons to investigate this planet further,” DeVeen was grasping at straws, he not only wanted this artifact but he also wanted to go out and prove his military prowess. “Because currently all I see us doing is sitting in this mine while we send scouts out into the snow to freeze their butts off.”

“Very well!” Slavic slammed a fist on the table. “You take your detachment out on this hunt for the artifact, report back all findings and use this as an opportunity to gather intelligence.”

“Finally you see reason-”

“No, I see an opportunity.” Slavic quickly cut him off. “By scouting out the lands of this world we can better prepare for our eventual expansion when the Warsmith returns and to discover where the enemy would be most likely to attack from.”

“Excellent idea Captain, I’ll ready my troops immediately.” DeVeen saluted and left the room leaving Slavic to his work of fortifying the facility incase of any future attacks.

Out near one of the entrances to the mines Koriaro read aloud from his book in one hand while he carved symbols with his staff along the walls and on the rock itself. The runes glowed with an eerie blue light until the chanting stopped; they then slowly faded back into whatever they were carved in.

“Koriaro,” Captain DeVeen’s voice called out, the sorcerer turned and saw him approach with a bodyguard of four Iron Warriors. “Captain Slavic has seen it fit for us to scout out a few areas on this planet. I’d appreciate it if you’d accompany us, you’d abilities could be of use in the tracking of our quarry.”

“Oh but of course Captain.” Koriaro bowed. “It’s good to see that Slavic sees reason at last.”

“This is an opportunity…”

[kaser]

Koriaro surveyed the plantation, or rather what was left of it. The stable and barns were still in one piece, the labor’s quarters had a few holes in them and the owner’s house was for the most part in one piece. Iron Warriors weren’t necessarily well known for their subtlety when on the attack. He looked down at the stack of bodies before him, most were PDF who’d either found a cozy assignment or turned on their comrades and fled their units. Most likely the first option as they seemed coherently organized and armed, not that it really mattered, they were dead after all and why should he waste his time ponder such things. There was work to be done.

“It’s a shame that my first battle on this rock was against such unworthy opponents.” Captain DeVeen approached from behind. “I was hoping for at least a solid defense, instead I get this, farmers!”

“Tzeentch has a plan for us all Captain,” The sorcerer nodded his head. “We must all accept this; you will find your great battle.”

“Indeed,” The Captain quirked an eyebrow, he may have accepted Koriaro’s methods in aiding the Warsmith but he did not appreciate his ideology. It reminded him far too much of an uncontrollable zealot. “I suggest you do what it is you needed to do here, we should be on our way to the next objective.”

“Yes, yes of course.” Koriaro waved his hand and pulled the book from his belt and began carving symbols in the dirt. “While I will be able to task this spell it will not be as powerful as it was at the shrine, what with such a hastily converted altar.”

“I have faith in your abilities…” DeVeen stepped back and let the sorcerer work.

The runes glowed as they had before as he chanted from his book, the words he spoke impossible to understand at times. He circled the mound craving the symbols at almost random as he went, the bodies had been arranged in a unique pattern, similar to the one from his shrine. At every new symbol carved an Iron Warrior placed a still living laborer or servant and stood behind them, his combat blade in hand.

“I see fear in your eyes,” Koriaro looked at each of the laborers and servants as he made another pass. “Do not fear I am bound by my honor to make good on my promise of freedom. You shall be free and at peace once more as though none of this would have transpired.” He continued circling. “Oh Lord of Change your faithful servant requests your wisdom yet again. Guide us to what it is we seek, I make this humble offering before you. Accept, hear my plea for knowledge.”

The head of his staff began to glow along with the text on his book as he began chanting again. He gave a nod to the Iron Warrior on his left; the warrior jammed his blade into the servant’s back and threw her to the ground. Then the next one did the same, then the next, and the next, until finally all the victims had been done away with. Koriaro watched with eager anticipation, the symbols and bodies began to glow. He stepped forward into the light of the circle as the Iron Warriors stepped back.

When the light died down after about a minute the sorcerer stepped out, he slammed his book shut and dropped it to his side. “We have been gifted with Tzeentch’s blessing. We must leave however, we must move onto a new objective and quickly.”

[kaser]

The group of three thunderhawks set down carefully on the barren surface of Genesis, the bay doors dropped open and the Iron Warriors disembarked. Among them stood the sorcerer Koriaro, he gazed at his surroundings searching for what the powers demanded he find. From another thunderhawk came Captain DeVeen, he glanced around wondering what could be so important on this rock.

“Koriaro,” He barked threw his Mark 3 helmet. “Do enlighten me as to why we’re here.”

“We are in search of Death, captain.” The response unnerved DeVeen and his warriors, ever on the lookout for treachery from the potential madman. “We must make haste, time is of the essence.”

Koriaro led the Iron Warriors towards the co-ordinates indicated by his master. He knew that despite the Captain's worries that whatever was out there was expecting them.

The group emerged into a clearing, the high winds kicking up dust all around them. The Iron Warriors spread out and began to set up a temporary defensive parimeter, it would not do for the meeting to be unexpectidly interrupted.

As time dragged by Koriaro showed no sign of impatiance, his quiet confidence grated on the Captains temper, not for the last time he wondered wether or not he was actually in command on this expedition.

The change was subtle, at first DeVeen's senses could not register it but the air had taken on a crisper feel, as if charged with eldrich energy. There was a flash of green light, and from within the Iron Warriors perimeter figures emerged.

The figures stood a tall 6 ft metalic bodies gleaming despite the dust around them, their souless eyes impassivly regarding those around them, bringing their large scythe like weapons to bear in equal measure on the largest concentrations of DeVeens Warriors. Deveen felt extream discomfort for the first time in a long while he experienced the clawing touch of his own mortallity upon him, if rumour had it the millenia he had existed were as nothing to even the weakest amongst these terrors. DeVeen noted to his satisfaction the Koriaro fared the gaze of these demons with less courage than himself. The sorceror had seemed to shrink away from the creatures, clasping his unholy marks as he did so. Once the sorceror felt he was a comfortable distance he turned to regard the shortest of the figures. The machine was armed with a strange staff device, and wore a billowing cloak. DeVeen did not want to ponder the fashion sense of machines, he was more concerned as to why Koriaro had led them into this mess.

Koriaro remained perfectly still as the Necron Lord took an offered data pad, whithiin moments the Lord had made whatever adjustments it deemed neccessary and once promptly returned the item. As the metal demons began to vanish once again DeVeen thought he saw a momentary flicker of relief from Koriano, maybe he wasn't as confident as he appeared.

After their brief meeting DeVeen’s thunderhawks took off, soon to be joined by several others with further support craft. DeVeen looked in amazement at the information the Necron's had returned plus the thought of their alliance. Finally the chance at a great battle and he was to lead it, Captain Slavic must be informed quickly of the urgent news.

“Trooper,” The Captain turned to a man at the vox. “Send a priority transmission to Captain Slavic; inform him of what has transpired and what we are set into motion to do.”

“Yes sir!” The trooper nodded and began to work the controls.

[kaser]

“This wall needs to be higher and thicker,” Captain Slavic was making his rounds at the camp, inspecting construction and productivity. “And we require more gun emplacement here, here and here.” He pointed at three different positions.

“It will be done Captain,” An Iron Warrior stood beside him; he wore the title of Foreman, one of many who were to direct operations. “However until the processing of our new labor force is complete it’ll take time. We’re burning threw more captives than I’d like.”

“When the Warsmith returns he’ll have plenty of labor for us to use,” Slavic looked at the Foreman hard. “And do you want to be the one to explain why the defenses of the Iron Warriors are lacking?”

“No sir!” The Foreman stood at attention. “It’ll be done by nightfall!”

“I knew that I could count on you,” The Captain looked in the direction of the communications bunker and saw one of their traitor guardsmen jogging over. “And also be sure to double the amount of mines and barbed wire at all positions as well.”

“Excuse me, my lord,” The guardsmen halted before him, saluted and held out a piece of paper. “Urgent transmission from Captain DeVeen.”

“Oh?” Slavic took the paper and began reading it. “What has whelp done now?” He mused, however after a few moments of reading his face hardened and an expression of anger overtook his features. “That fool, I knew I shouldn’t have trusted him with Koriaro!”

“Dismissed trooper!” The Foreman barked at the guardsman and he scurried off. “What is it sir?”

“Prepare all defenses, set our security status to “red” and divert half our mine workers to construction duty.” The Captain crumbled up the paper and threw it to the ground. “Be advised to expect potential attack from any direction.”

“Yes, sir!” The Foreman picked up the paper and read it with a nod.

“Oh…and inform the Foreman in charge of labor to alert me when DeVeen’s shipment of prisoners arrives, I’d like to personally inspect them.”

[kaser]

Captain Slavic walked along the rows of new captives so generously supplied by Captain DeVeen on his recent raid of a farm. Most of them were horrified, a few tried to look head strong and some were just blank with shock. They were right to be in the state that they were they were surrounded by giants in metal armor carrying weapons that blew large chunks from ones body. A foundry was puffing black smoke from its multiple stacks as it processed ore and crafted building material. Parts of the ground were stained red with the blood of the fallen, brutal “Foremen” they called them oversaw everything. Even though the only visible difference between them and any other of these giants was that they held a baton and wore a whip on their belt, both surged with electrical energy.

“Take the men to be processed and placed in the mines or on construction crews, whichever one is seen fit.” Slavic barked with an amplified voice over the pounding of metal and the roar of machinery and drills.

“What of the women sir?” The closest Foreman waved his baton in the general direction of a row of female captives. “They’re not as fit for the mines or foundry, their flesh is weak and our ability to process labor is slow. I’d rather not waste the time until operations can be put to full capacity.”

“Put them in domestic service then,” The Captain approached the row. “Have them prepare the meals and keep the halls orderly in the guardsmen barracks and facilities. I’m sure they’d appreciate the gesture.”

“Yes sir, excellent idea.” The Foreman nodded and began barking orders to the captives and other Foremen to get them to where they need to be.

A traitor guardsman officer approached the Captain. “Sir a report from Captain DeVeen.” He gave a salute and held out the paper.

“Ah… now what,” The Captain snatched the paper and waved the officer away with a flick of his wrist as he read the report. “Hm he seems to be making some progress. Make a note to send supplies and some more troops to DeVeen when we send the thunderhawk back.”

“Yes, sir.” The Foreman nodded and turned to tend to his duties.”

“Oh and by the way.” The Foreman turned to face his Captain. “When the women are put into the barracks…insure that no ‘incidents’ occur between them and the guardsmen. We are Men of Iron and do not need such things in war, we shall not have our auxiliary act in any other manner.”

“Of course sir,” He heartily agreed. “Leave that to some deranged cultists, I’ll inform my men to execute any who attempt such acts.”

[kaser]

“My lord Warsmith!” Captain Slavic greeted his lord with a bow and then salute. “You’ve returned with the Dark Sun, all is well in space I assume then?”

“All is as well as can be hoped when in a war,” The Warsmith removed his helmet and surveyed the complex from the clearing which was slowly being converted into a proper landing pad. “You’ve done well here, the mines are operational, we have a functional command center, well defended… and I understand that we’ve unearthed something?”

“Yes my lord,” The Captain gestured for him to follow. “Koriaro is down there now inspecting the structure; he’s quite obsessed over it.”

“I do not doubt that,” They entered a large building which was still under construction. It resembled a keep from medieval times only much larger and with far more modern weaponry. “And DeVeen how goes his progress?”

“The Captain has made some headway on an assault into Tau territory, nothing too grand however, just some refugee camps.” Slavic shrugged. “He also raided some plantation of sorts, brought back some labors from there and the refugee camps.”

“Interesting,” The Warsmith rubbed his chin as they entered what looked to be a communications room. “I have new orders for him. I’ve been brought up to date on the Bane of the Ancients; I’d like to acquire it.”

“Of course sir,” The Captain nodded. “Hopefully this discovery will help our efforts greatly. Koriaro has also been performing his ceremonies…”

“That is not enough, we must be more pro-active in our hunt,” The Warsmith walked over to a table with a few maps laid out over it. “I want Slavic to remain where he is for the time being, he is to begin hunting down cults and other groups, anyone who might have information must be brought back here for questioning. So I want you to head to the western most continent and do the same while I remain here with my forces to continue production and excavation.”

“Yes my lord Warsmith,” Slavic saluted. “I’ll have the message delivered to DeVeen before I leave.”

“Begin with this small village to the south near the coast, considering their proximity to the mines they may know something. Then make the jump to the other landmass.”

Deep in the mines Koriaro was hard at work wandering the recently uncovered temple; he ran his hands over every piece of scripture he could find. A whole team of laborers and their Foreman had been redirected to continue the careful excavation of the grounds. Several squads of Iron Warriors had also been stationed in the mines and temple due to the nature of Chaos it was always best to be prepared than be caught off guard by the unknown and unpredictable.

“I can taste of power of this place,” Koriaro hissed. “Inform the Warsmith that I maybe occupied for some time down here, there are many possible mysteries…and clues to be discovered.”

[kaser]

“Be swift and silent, Men of Iron.” Captain Slavic whispered into the vox built in his helmet. “Remember this is a priority mission.”

Slavic’s marines understood, they were to infiltrate as close to the fishing village as possible before attacking. No tanks, or vehicles were to be deployed and no support from air or allies in orbit. The task was made easier however by the evergreen forest and the morning mists they traveled threw.

“We are to capture as many of these people as possible, keep collateral damage to a minimal and insure your fire is true.” He whispered. “Is everyone in position?”

“Alpha squad in position near the road.” The Sergeant sounded off in his helmet followed by the others.

“Beta in position at the barn.”

“Omega reporting, we’re in position near the docks.”

“All squads, attack!” Slavic spoke firmly into his vox and looked out from the forest to see Beta and Alpha squad rush out from their position and fire the first rounds.


The battle had been swift; the population had no real warning. What few PDF troops had been stationed there had been neutralized quickly. And while the town militia was brave they were hopelessly outclassed, some even dared to use old black powder weapons against the Iron Warriors.

“A crude but bold move I’d say,” Slavic ran his hand over the cannon that had been fired at him only minutes earlier. “Report on the situation sergeant.”

“Fighting has ended sir,” Slavic’s top champion announced. “Most of the townsfolk have been captured while we only managed to capture a few of the PDF. One of them is an office however and they’re all being prepared to be sent back to the Mining Complex.”

“Excellent, tell the men that they may investigate whatever they wish in the town until our thunderhawks arrive. Alert me if they find anything useful.”

[kaser]

An explosion rocked the ground Captain Slavic stood on; he stood in a small bombed out building with his bolter in one hand and his sword in the other. The attack on this settlement hadn’t gone as smoothly as his previous one. Rather than fishermen he faced what seemed like trained soldiers, their fire was accurate and consistent opposed to the random and scattered fire from before.

“Alpha Squad, report!” He barked from his helmet as a round from a battle tank struck just outside.

“Sir, we’re receiving heavy fire in the form of missiles and what seems like heavy bolter fire.”

“Advance slowly and with caution, we can not underestimate this enemy.” Slavic ended the transmission and poked his head out of a window. Across the square sat a large tank with a few heavy weapon emplacements flanking it. Resistance had been much stronger than anticipated. But then again Koriaro had advised them where to attack first so it was either meant to kill the Captain or to advance his own goals…perhaps both at the same time. “Bravo what’s your situation?”

“We’ve stumbled across a weapons cache sir,” The voice in his helmet replied. “I’ll bet they have them scattered all over. We’ll investigate further, the next building over has been throwing a lot of firepower our way.”

“Omega, status?”

“We have cultists sir,” the Sergeant stated the obvious. “There’s a shrine located in a warehouse…or barn…large structure. It’s fairly large and is overly decorated, looks like a Slaanesh cult. We also think we have some recently sacrificed people, not too sure though…not even sure if they’re dead. Disgusting creatures these Slaaneshi are sir.”

“Understood secure the building and await further orders.” Slavic said sternly. “Don’t touch anything. I’ll be there as soon as we’ve secured this city.”

That would be a task, if these people had anymore of the caches Bravo had found then the fight would be long and grueling. Just the thing a good Iron Warrior looked forward to, at least as far as Captain Slavic and his men were concerned. They’d slowly gut these cultists with a dull rusty blade and then investigate further.

[kaser]

“Sir, Tyranids incoming!” An alarm sounded as the Sergeant in command of the bunker peered out the slot where the trooper was pointing. “Larger swarm than before sir, hundreds of small ones and few larger ones.”

“Trooper,” he barked to the long range vox operator behind him. “Send a priority transmission to the Warsmith. Tyranids have been engaged at our position.”

Heavy bolters and autocannons rang out in bursts from the bunkers flanking the Sergeant’s position. He gave the command with a hand signal and his own structure’s weapons began firing. Those with bolters and flamers stood at the slots in a line, their weapons trained on the swarm.

“Steady, steady.” The Sergeant stood with them, his bolter held at the ready. “Wait until they get within effective range…” After a few strenuous moments the swarm was nearly upon them, its numbers shrunken but still threatening. “Open fire!”

At almost exactly the same time the other bunkers began firing off their volleys as well, the noise was deafening and the carnage amazing. The smaller ones were exploding in gooey masses of tissue as well as being roasted alive and charred by the flamers. It was fortunate that the Iron Warriors were so thorough with their defenses, the minefield and barbed wire fields they had placed were invaluable.

After about fifteen minutes of bolter fire all was silent, the smoke from the flamers, heavy weapons and grenades was beginning to clear. All over the jungle of barbed wire there lay pieces of Tyranid hung up and scattered about. There were no sign of any survivors from the swarm but the Sergeant was sure there would be more.

“Inform the Warsmith that we’ve held our ground and that we should prepare for further attacks.”

[kaser]

(Reposted from a battle report as I thought that this was also an important part of hte side story.)


“Will this work sorcerer?” The Warsmith walked around the newly constructed altar, although larger and supposedly better able to call forth the warp…it was still primitive.

“Of course Lord,” Koriaro had just finished carving another symbol on the ground of the altar. “All we require are sacrifices to appease the powers of the warp, and of course…a host.”

“Did you have anyone in mind?”

“As a matter of fact…” The sorcerer turned his gaze in the direction of the domestic servant quarters. “There was a female which caught my eye; I believe she was acquired from one of Captain DeVeen’s raids, the one on the plantation?”

“Ah in that case,” The Warsmith waved with a flick of his wrist summoning two Iron Warriors from their positions around the altar. “Go with these two and bring this person to me. Then let us get on with this ritual.”


Koriaro returned shortly with the female he desired, the Warsmith looked her over and saw nothing particularly special about her. However he knew the sorcerer had insight that he did not and nodded in approval.

“Very well, let us begin.” He put his hand on the girl’s head. “You have a very glorious future ahead of you my dear.”

“Indeed she does,” Koriaro nodded and signaled to his escorts. “We must prepare her for her ordeal.”

The two Iron Warriors led the female to the center of the altar, there were runes carved in the ground all around it, there didn’t appear to be a spot untouched by them. At nine points around the altar there were large poles with six still living bodies hanging from each. The warriors placed her on a stone platform on the center, it was covered with runes as well, however these seemed to flow around the rock they were carved on. There was also a large piece of metal in the shape of a nine pointed star with chains hanging from it.

Koriaro tenderly began wrapping the chains around her waist, arms, legs and neck as he recited words which had no meaning in phrases that made no sense. He pulled his book into his hand and began chanting as a servitor brought a tray of various liquid.

“Soon you shall be one with the warp, destined for glory among the gods. You need not be afraid for glory is eternal and you shall receive unending glory.”

[kaser]

(Reposted from a battle report as I thought that this was also an important part of hte side story.)

The Warsmith paced around the altar as he watched the Sorcerer work, it was all nonsense and gibberish to him but Koriaro seemed to know what he was doing. The runes and symbols on the ground, altar and his books were glowing bright blue. The head on his staff glowed as well as he waved it around in seemingly random patterns as he chanted. The Warsmith watched as the chains around their offering began to glow as well, he watched the girl with an unusual curiosity.

Somehow this was to culminate in a new weapon, an Oracle as Koriaro called it. Whatever it was, he had assured him that it would prove a potent weapon and information source.

“Sir!” The Warsmith turned to see a blue flash and several silver armored figures appear. “We have contacts!”

“The False Emperor’s lackeys,” The Warsmith roared and dawned his MK 3 helmet and lifted his hammer into the air. “Kill them all!”

Several squads had already been engaged by Iron Warrior squads but one was of particular interest to the Warsmith. It was a group of the Grey Knights led by one of them in terminator armor. With a grunt he charged into the group and struck one of them in the chest crushing it inward, another was struck on the head almost knocking it off. He had not tasted battle for some weeks but he had lost none of his usual prowess. Soon however he was face to face with the terminator, his halberd glowed with a blue light.

After a series of blows and counter blows, one almost striking the Warsmith in the head, he managed to get the Grey Knight on his back. Without much time to react he jumped onto the Knight’s chest and with a single downward stroke crushed in his helmet with his large hammer.

“My Lord Warsmith,” He heard Koriaro say calmly, he turned to face the voice saw him standing at the edge of glowing altar. “What a wondrous event, Tzeentch surely smiles upon us!”

“And how does he do that Sorcerer?” The Warsmith heaved his hammer over his shoulder and stepped off his kill.

“He weaves fate in such a way as to give us further sacrifices for our endeavor!” The Sorcerer shouted with glee. “Quickly my lord, have the armor and corpses of these pathetic creatures marked with symbols of ritual by my vanguard and placed on the altar grounds. Such a magnificent opportunity can not be lost.”

The Warsmith looked at him for a few moments then nodded; he saw the potential logic of such acts before the Dark Gods. Soon the armor was defaced by the eye burning symbols of Chaos and the corpses within defaced as well. They were hung on the outer rim of the altar as the sorcerer continued his spell casting.

[kaser]

(Reposted from a battle report as I thought that this was also an important part of hte side story.)

Slavic approached the altar where the Warsmith and Koriaro waited, Koriaro was still near the center, chanting and reciting strange spells from his book and mind. The Warsmith stood tall at the edge, his hammer over his shoulder.

“My Lord Warsmith,” Slavic kneeled before him and then rose with a salute. “You honor me with this request.”

“I only give honor to those who deserve it Captain.” He nodded towards the area Slavic had come from. “You both deserve such honor for your actions here.”

DeVeen kneeled and then rose with a salute as Slavic had done just before, the two stood side by side before their Warsmith.

“Come, join me in a pray to the Dark Gods.” The Warsmith grinned at the reactions of both men. Slavic stood unsure for a moment, he was not a devout followed of Chaos but understood a bit of healthy piety, he followed. DeVeen’s heart swelled with pride, he was no cultist but he knew well that the Dark Gods affected more than just the warp, to pray with his Lord was an honor he’d never imagined he’d ever earn.

The three Iron Warriors stepped into the glowing circle, only a few inches from where they had stood before it was noticeably different. The air felt energized and thick, the ground was warm to the touch and there was a peculiar taste floating about. As they neared the center they saw Koriaro standing atop the round piece of stone which was covered in glowing runes. Near him stood a girl wrapped in chains which also glowed, she had marks on her body as well that resembled the ones that skittered across Koriaro’s book.

“My Lord Warsmith,” He hissed as the three stepped onto the altar. “Welcome to our future, please pay homage to the gods here freely. They shall bless us this day, the least we can do is thank them.”

“Indeed,” The Warsmith placed his hammer before him and dropped to one knee resting his forehead against the handle. His two Captains followed suit, Slavic drew one of his swords and DeVeen swung his halberd out and followed the same motions. The two waited patiently for their Lord to lead the prayer and after mumbling a few words he spoke up.

“Oh Dark Gods of Chaos, we thank you for the opportunities you have given us on this planet and past battles. We submit ourselves before you as warriors eager to tear the False Emperor from his throne in your name. Khorne, Lord of Blood and Slaughter, we have spilt the blood of many men here in your favor. Nurgle, Lord of Decay, have we not earned your favor from previous events? We hang the dead in the air and let them rot for all to see and to be feasted on. Slaanesh, Prince of Pleasure, have the honeyed words of our sorcerer not reached your ears? Is there no pleasure gained threw pain in our dungeons and labor camps? Tzeentch, Lord of Change, has our manipulation of events and the following of your whispers not earned us your favor? Dark Gods of Chaos, I am Warsmith Viktor Kane and I kneel hear as both champion and respectful admirer of Chaos in all it’s glory.”

The two Captains kneeled in awe of what they’d just heard; they looked to their Warsmith and saw him mumble a few more words before rising. Koriaro had his head held back and his arms out the whole time.

“The Dark Gods hear you my lord,” He hissed blissfully. “They hear your words!”

“Then may they act on them accordingly.” The Warsmith looked to the girl. “If they favor us then they’ll grant us our one desire here.”

“Yessss,” Koriaro hissed. “The spells are complete, the ritual almost finished. I will now attempt the binding.”

The Warsmith and his Captains stepped back off the altar and watched as Koriaro began reciting a spell, he held his staff up high as the head glowed brightly.

“Let this signal help guide you oh great Oracle so that you may claim and new home!” he proclaimed with a shout.

[kaser]

The Thunderhawk set down in the Dark Sun’s landing bay, the ramp dropped and the Warsmith walked down followed by Koriaro and a girl wrapped in chains.

“My Lord Warsmith,” They were greeted by a man dressed in a naval uniform. “Welcome back sir. I trust all went well?”

“More or less,” The Warsmith took of his helmet. “Are all the transports being unloaded?”

“Yes sir, the cargo is being stowed as we speak.”

“And the good Captains Slavic and DeVeen, have they arrived yet?”

“Yes My Lord, they await you on the bridge.”

“Excellent, inform all Fleet Captains to prepare for a warp jump then. We’re leaving immediately.” The Warsmith began to stride out of the hanger followed by his sorcerer and their newest addition. “And Koriaro.” He said out of no where.

“Yes My Lord?” The sorcerer tilted his head.

“Begin sifting threw whatever artifacts we were able to bring with us. I’d like a report on your findings before we return to the Eye.”

“Of course My Lord,” He bowed his head. “And what of the Oracle?” The two Astartes looked down at the creature.

“Commodore!” The Warsmith barked and was soon answered by the naval officer by his side. “Inform the Master of the House that we will require another seat in the dining hall.”

“Yes sir!” The Commodore saluted and went to relay the message to his staff.

“We have a great many things to discuss…”