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Post by blinddeadmcjones on Oct 7, 2022 8:27:37 GMT -5
The convoy finds itself sitting for the moment, the vehicles idling and coughing in the cold. All around, the various units go about their tasks. Guardsman Hawke finds the cold ----bracing? An impromptu hangover cure? In any event, the air is frigid and takes the breath out of many of the soldiers. For Hawke, though. She spies something up in the trees, a fluke of luck or a trained soldier's instincts kicking in, who is to say. What is sure is that for just a moment, Guardsman Hawke spies several figures much further up the hill, moving from cover to cover in parallel to the convoy. For Lieutenant Kragg and Flight Lieutenant Germaine, the air is equally bracing. Is Kragg impressed by the relatively ordered dispersal of the soldiers under his command? Only time and his mind will ensure the answer to that question. For Flight Lieutenant Germaine however, two things happen almost at once. The Static of his Vox finally clears enough for a hard-edged feminine voice to come through. ++flight Lieutenant, this is the Frigate Spirit of Duty, your signal is spotty, but we are in orbit above and ----ble to provide lance strike if necessary.++ The second thing he noticed as he drew his laspistol was the same thing as Guardsman Hawke. Figures spotted in the treeline, several hundred meters away and visible for only the briefest of moments. But unmistakably humanoid figures. If the scout teams continue forward, they will reach the position within the next three minutes or so. ( Bellicosa, feel free to perform a roll of your choice to deal with the roadblock as you see fit. Germaine and Hawke, so far you are the only two to have seen the figures. Numbers are hard to nail down and they are relatively far away, but definitely people.) Frak! that is cold! hawke thought as she felt the chill pass through her, trying her best to suppress the urge to let out a hiss, just like that she felt immediately more alert to her surroundings as much as she hated it, why did i have the luck of drawing the short straw today...
she would've continued that line of thought, had she not noticed what looked like a group of people trying their best to remain unseen - and not doing a very good job of it if she was being honest - taken aback hawke squinted to try and get a better look, not quite believing what she was seeing, just like that they disappeared into the surrounding mountain range and tree canopy. for a moment she thought that she was just seeing things, illusions concocted by an exhausted and sleep deprived mind, but deep down - be it from veteran experience or cadian intuition - hawke knew that wasn't the case.
++boss, delta 6 reporting++ she immediately voxxed in on her microbead ++got movement on that hill, was blink and you'd miss it but we're definitely being ghosted++
why couldn't it just be an uneventful recon for a change?
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cyg
Junior Member
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Post by cyg on Oct 7, 2022 12:41:50 GMT -5
Krast stepped out into the brisk air, not that he really felt it anywhere through his carapace armor, but took a deep breath. It was good to be out of the Chimera, he never could stand the tight spaces of transports, though he had to admit he couldn't complain about the extra armor. He looked out, watching as the squads began disembarking. He noted that Baskmann was dogging some whiteshields, and witnessed the bearded Cadian getting them all into proper position. He shouldn't leave it all to his second, and started issuing orders directly to those around. [Rolled a 2 Flashy to issue orders and keep things running smoothly]++boss, delta 6 reporting++ she immediately voxxed in on her microbead ++got movement on that hill, was blink and you'd miss it but we're definitely being ghosted++ Krast's head whipped towards the reported hillside, eyes scanning. He didn't spot anything, but still trusted his scouts. ++Read that, Delta 6. You have a count on their numbers?++ At the same time as he asked Hawke for more info, he sent out a wider vox to those nearby. ++Convoy, reports of unknown contacts to our flank, anyone else see it?++ He stood, watching the hill side for movement as he listened to reports. His finger rested on the safety for his lasgun, tapping it as he watched, starting to realize the shit show they had come out to. Contacts as they had come up to a blockade in the road, on the high ground to them. Frak. He needed eyes up there now, and hoped the scouts he'd sent would give him something to work off of.
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Post by theredauthar on Oct 16, 2022 23:43:29 GMT -5
Cassim swears as one of the traps go off on the feet of El Dorado. At least any damage at worst a scratched paint job. Of course that in itself is quite the insult… He flips on the vox again, “Boots on the Ground we’ve got Traps! Watch your steps. I haven’t seen anything too bad, but they could be crippling if not careful!” He then switches back to the command channel, “El-tee, it’s Sonnam! With your permission I’d like to start cutting through the trees. Permission to unleash the emperor’s holy justice on these trees?” He fires up the Sentinel’s Chainsaw to emphasize his points.
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Post by blinddeadmcjones on Oct 17, 2022 6:46:47 GMT -5
++Read that, Delta 6. You have a count on their numbers?++ ++aahhhh....at least 4 maybe 5?...++ hawke replied after a moments hesitation, looking down the lasguns integrated scope sight to see if she could get a better look and hopefully spot them again, to no avail ++like i said it was blink and you'd miss it, i didn't get a good look at them before they disappeared++ [blinddeadmcjones Request: [4d3 f1 t3] Roll: [ , , , -] Result: -1][careful roll to see if she could spot them again]
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Post by alphazoid on Oct 18, 2022 18:24:30 GMT -5
Krast's head whipped towards the reported hillside, eyes scanning. He didn't spot anything, but still trusted his scouts. ++Read that, Delta 6. You have a count on their numbers?++ At the same time as he asked Hawke for more info, he sent out a wider vox to those nearby. ++Convoy, reports of unknown contacts to our flank, anyone else see it?++ ++aahhhh....at least 4 maybe 5?...++ hawke replied after a moments hesitation, looking down the lasguns integrated scope sight to see if she could get a better look and hopefully spot them again, to no avail ++like i said it was blink and you'd miss it, i didn't get a good look at them before they disappeared++ "Yep, right there," Lourn pointed at the spot in question. "Didn't get a good count. Definitely humanoid, though." He raised his laspistol and swallowed hard as the voice came through over the vox. Spotty comms. Just what we needed.
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Post by Fate's End on Oct 18, 2022 23:13:40 GMT -5
Here in the cold, the situation for the Guard has gone from mildly annoying to perhaps a touch concerning. Bellicosa is moving forward to deal with the roadblock, the rest of the convoy is dismounted and on alert . . .but if an enemy is to be had, they are higher on the hill and unknown in number. The unknown is something to be feared, this is a cardinal rule of many armies. Guardsman Hawke tries, but cannot spot the contacts again. Up the hill . . . there is only stillness and silence to match. The guard wait. Wait for an enemy to make themselves known. Wait for the Leman Russ to demolish the blockade. Wait for anything to happen.
Nothing happens. All is still and quiet. The chill settles back in as nerves fray for almost a minute of time.
And then. . . a booming voice shouts down from the hillside. The tongue is low gothic, and that is some small mercy for at least in that there is understanding. Masculine and powerful, the voice echoes around the surrounding hillsides and cliff-faces. "You're a long way from home, IMPERIUM! This is our land. Roll on back to your city!"
The speaker is as of yet unseen, but likely one of the figures spotted above on the hill. The scout teams of Draxin infantry pause their advance, the uncertainty of the situation above them and the sudden knowledge that foot traps are a possibility give them pause. Their sergeants vox back for orders. ++Lieutenant, no visible targets. Do you want us to keep pushing up and forward?++
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Zink
New Member
Posts: 24
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Post by Zink on Oct 19, 2022 23:43:36 GMT -5
Being on bodyguard duty had its perks - chief among them being the exclusion certain of duties, and removal from the many degrees of complexity command structures bring. Caerrick may have been deemed leadership material, and proved it fair enough to retain the rank as long as she did, but there was always a certain charm to the simple grunt work - turning off your brain to the greater scheme of battle, following orders and absolving yourself of personal responsibility. It was almost a guilty pleasure, to not have to feel personally responsible for the well-being of what would normally be her subordinate fireteams. Just Epsilon, and just her objective.
Her objective, that had actively removed himself from the safest command position in the convoy, to stretch his legs. It was a testament to Cadian camaraderie (and likely her knowledge of Krast's training) that she did not vocalize her concerns any great or forceful manner as he removed himself from the Chimera, only silently intoning to Hoyt to gear up and get ready for a full combat load - the Kasrkin following Krast swiftly out of the chimera to assume forward flanking positions on him. Ignoring the biting cold air as it sunk into the carapace plates and bulky fabric of her uniform, she kept her head on a swivel, surveying the landscape and every tactically relevant facet of it as the foot-element advanced to ready positions - waiting for Belicosa to make work of that obstruction.
Chatter from either of Epsilon proved to be elusive - mostly on the part of Caerrick's attentive focus towards keeping an eye on the horizon, and Hoyt being as expressive, and stoic, as a rock. Even at the mention of contacts from their forward elements, the most reaction provided was a slight tightening of their posture - an increase in readiness no doubt - though it was the blaring voice that echoed through the hills that finally spurred them to act.
["Hoyt, eyes ahead for fire locations - be discrete, contacts likely have full visibility on our position. Do not telegraph intent."] Caerrick silently issued her command over the local squad vox - making as little outward motion as possible beyond the upturn of a head to 'listen' in on the speaker's words, like many of the other soldiery present - though her mind was already racing with scenarios. Hoyt's affirmative click over the vox was a minor alleviation to her worries, the kasrkin already beginning to turn his head ever so slightly to absorb their current course.
(Rolling with Careful from Caerrick's statline for Hoyt, just to keep an eye out for anything misplaced on the immediate span ahead - oddly placed foliage, freshly upturned dirt, ideal firing positions) [4d3 f1 t3 + 2] Roll: [+, , -, -] Result: 1
A slight clench to her jaw, and the vox bead shifted to the command line. Best to get the warnings out of the way now.
{"Lieutenant, this position is exposed. Those contacts have established knowledge and presence in this terrain, I anticipate an ambush further in. Maintain vigilance and proximity to support elements for safety."} Part of her inwardly chafed at sliding into her mannerisms of issuing orders at the latter half of her statement, but there was still merit to her words, one that hopefully Krast was considering well. Being out in the field with no fixed indication of enemy positions was courting danger - safety behind relatively expendable guardsmen, even including herself, was the wisest course until the situation developed.
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Post by Warsmith Wolf on Oct 30, 2022 23:29:11 GMT -5
Blissfully unaware of one man's shouting over the roaring hell of their tank's sealed interior, the crew of 513 seem content to let their iron steed rumble onwards, crunching through the barricade as is its wont. One wonders if the imperious war engine would consider naming such an obstacle a barricade offensive to its lumbering might...
[4d3 f1 t3 + 3] Roll: [+, +, , ] Result: 5, + 3 Forceful = 8
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Post by Fate's End on Nov 1, 2022 22:51:06 GMT -5
In the sudden stillness surrounding the shouts from further up the hillside, there is a deafening crunching sound as Bellicosa makes quick and violent work of the barricade. Snapping and crackling can be heard from multiple bear-traps being crushed, as well as the ponderous rumbling of rocks, heavy logs and miscellaneous detritus are shoved aside, clearing the roadway deeper up and into the range.
Back just a short distance to the main convoy, Sergeant Caerrick is unable to spot any enemy personnel. But her swift inspection does reveal at least two covered and camouflaged positions just a few dozen meters further up the hill than the currently halted convoy scouts. The Draxin Light Infantry would likely have run into them given just a bit more time. Perhaps a reason for the sudden shout?
Again the voice booms, louder this time, steel and harnessed fury in every syllable. "ARE YOU DEAF, IMPERIUM? GO. HOME."
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Post by rodbob on Nov 5, 2022 22:07:58 GMT -5
Corporal Badork - 87th Mordian
Badork turned in the direction of the loud voice that was berating the Imperial force. He put down his minder
"Looks like it's smashing time Ickle George. Maybe you go stand behind me eh? I has big shield and am bestest at da smashing game." He said as he hefted up his slab shield and drew his battle maul.
"COME OUT AND FACE BADORK, WE'LL SEE WHO IS BEST AT SMASHING, MR LOUD VOICE!" He bellowed. [4d3 f1 t3+1] Roll: [+, +, , -] Result: 2 to intimidate the enemy)
"Hey Bossman, can BADORK go smash the loud man now?" He called out to the Lieutenant.
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cyg
Junior Member
Posts: 58
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Post by cyg on Nov 6, 2022 19:47:21 GMT -5
a booming voice shouts down from the hillside. The tongue is low gothic, and that is some small mercy for at least in that there is understanding. Masculine and powerful, the voice echoes around the surrounding hillsides and cliff-faces. "You're a long way from home, IMPERIUM! This is our land. Roll on back to your city!"The speaker is as of yet unseen, but likely one of the figures spotted above on the hill. The scout teams of Draxin infantry pause their advance, the uncertainty of the situation above them and the sudden knowledge that foot traps are a possibility give them pause. Their sergeants vox back for orders. ++Lieutenant, no visible targets. Do you want us to keep pushing up and forward?++ Krast had been chewing on the report of hostiles, taking in the convoys position and the possible routes he could divert them through when the voice boomed out over them. He snapped around, eyes scanning the area. Elevated, and in good cover, any defenders would be like getting ticks out of grox hide. Plus they didn't know what these fighters had, could be autoguns, could be a frakking lascannon. But he had a feeling that they didn't want a fight. You don't blow your best element of suprise to tell someone to leave. A slight clench to her jaw, and the vox bead shifted to the command line. Best to get the warnings out of the way now. {"Lieutenant, this position is exposed. Those contacts have established knowledge and presence in this terrain, I anticipate an ambush further in. Maintain vigilance and proximity to support elements for safety."}Part of her inwardly chafed at sliding into her mannerisms of issuing orders at the latter half of her statement, but there was still merit to her words, one that hopefully Krast was considering well. Being out in the field with no fixed indication of enemy positions was courting danger - safety behind relatively expendable guardsmen, even including herself, was the wisest course until the situation developed. {Copy that, Sergeant. Keep it steady, but see if you can move these whiteshields into positions if we have to cover a retreat. Weapons down for now, we're here for hearts and minds. Same to you, Baskmann.} he voxed back to Caerrick and Anders. He trusted them both to get things leveled out. He turned towards Badork and held up a hand, motioning the Ogryn to stay put. "Not yet, big guy. We're here for talking, not smashing. But I'll tell you first if we need that," He said calmly to the abhuman. He could just hear the Bellicosa doing her work on the road block, and the voice shout again. Well, time to see if he could pull something out his ass. He voxxed into the pilot of the command Chimera, and patched in to its external speakers. Not as loud as Bellicosa's but they'd do. With a crackle his voice was projected out so all could hear. ++Gentlemen, we apologize for stepping in on your territory, but we're not here to start a fight. I'm Second Lieutenant Kragg, here under authority of Colonel Quentin Everly and the God Emperor to offer supplies to those in need. As well, I'm here to speak to any locals in charge of nearby markets. We mean no ill intentions to those loyal to His Imperium, or those just trying to get by. So, what do you say we have a talk without guns drawn?++He finished his introduction, keeping his eyes scanning the tree line. He;d also slowly moved so he was standing near the Chimera's back hatch, just in case. He also hoped his name was recognized out here. [[Using stunt "Always got a Friend: Because Krast is Well Connected, once per game session he can find a helpful ally in just the right place."]]
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Post by theredauthar on Nov 15, 2022 14:55:00 GMT -5
Cassim grumbles to himself. They’re leaving traps for us, and the El-Tee wants to play nice?
He powers down the chainsaw on El-Dorado. It buzzes for a bit even after powered down, showing the machine spirit’s disagreement with the order. Cassim can’t blame it, but now isn’t the time to defy orders. No one has been hurt yet, at least none that Cassim had heard.
He glances at his long-las and sighs. He thumbs the com in a private line to the command squad. ++El-Tee, permission to sneak around. Maybe I can spot something of use or pick out some threats.++
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Post by Fate's End on Nov 17, 2022 19:58:18 GMT -5
The strangest things can happen in the space of a few seconds. A conversation can turn into a bloodbath, a life can be saved or lost, occasionally a bit of good can be done.
Today, at this moment. Reason, logic and perhaps a dash of hope combine to work a small miracle as the silence once again takes hold. Badork's fearsome bellow and the roar of Bellicosa removing the roadblock die away. Somewhere, for just a heartbeat, a bird calls out cheerfully. And a new voice, feminine this time, youthful and full of what might be referred to as "Youthful optimism".
"The Imperium's offering supplies?" She calls out, her voice sounding a bit closer on the hill. Not quite as far away as the original speaker. "If we come out, promise not to shoot us?" In the shout the fear is poorly hidden. Her voice shakes, clearly not wanting to die and knowing that currently the biggest advantage to those on the hill is the fact that they are hidden away. But the temptation of food for hungry bellies, blankets for frigid fingers, maybe even medicine for the wounded and the dying . . . the offer is far too good to pass up if true. And worth more risk than might be expected.
((Krast, your stunt has revealed a much friendlier spokesperson than the original speaker. Though your Ogryn BADORK might have scared her a bit.))
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Post by rodbob on Dec 12, 2022 5:34:41 GMT -5
He turned towards Badork and held up a hand, motioning the Ogryn to stay put. "Not yet, big guy. We're here for talking, not smashing. But I'll tell you first if we need that," He said calmly to the abhuman.
BADORK - Mordian 87th
"Awwww, dat's no fun!" Badork said with a sigh and shouldered his shock maul. "What's da point of having a smashin' stick if you don't get to smash with it?" He said to Ickle George.
He kept his slab shield up and ensured Ickle George was behind him. He wasn't going to take any chances.
Feeling bored now there was no chance of a fight, he began to quietly sing to himself:
"The tracks on the landraider crush the heretic, crush the heretic, crush the heretic. The tracks on the landraider crush the heretic, all through the hive."
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Post by Fate's End on Dec 19, 2022 23:03:28 GMT -5
two hundred forty seconds. It does not seem much, all told. A mere four minutes of time. When you're waiting for someone to show their face, however. It can be an eternity.
Four minutes the Guard convoy waited, El Dorado impatiently waiting for the permission requested to try and initiate a stealthy maneuver; Bellicosa finishing the paltry excuse for a barricade; the majority of the soldiers in the convoy keeping their eyes and ears open for signs of any part of this apparent trap that had not yet shown themselves.
Finally, after two hundred forty long, tense seconds, reports filtered in over the vox that two figures were making their way down the hillside. Eighty more seconds saw them escorted to the edge of the road before the pickets raised gloved hands and instructed them to come no closer. They had no visible weapons, but that didn't preclude a bomb or clandestine attack against the convoy or the Lieutenant.
One of them was a tall and muscular human in his late sixties. Grizzled features and silvered hair, dark blue eyes and a hateful, distrusting expression. He carried himself as a soldier of the Guard would, and seemed disdainful of the convoy and all it represented. The other figure was a woman, likely in her mid twenties. Frizzy black hair in a loose ponytail stuffed under a worn cap with earmuffs. A puffy, loose-skinned face that spoke of dramatic and unhealthy weight loss. She moved timidly, offering awkward waves to the sentries and the other soldiers of the Imperial Guard.
"You, you're the lieutenant?" She called out with some effort after spotting Krast and the Kasrkins nearby. It seemed that even if the Light Infantry had not been there, she would not have tried to approach any closer than the forty feet or so she should away from him. "You have proof of the supplies? --show us proof, and we'll take you to the camp, no trouble, no more roadblocks." Even as she spoke, her male companion glowered, spitting into the snow emphatically, but keeping quiet.
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