Disclaimer: I do not own anything pertaining to the Warhammer 40000 universe, which is the exclusive property of Games Workshop Ltd. I do not own anything pertaining to the Warcraft universe, which is the exclusive property of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Chapter 2: Objective
As I stride up the path, I look around to observe this new world. The first thing I notice is a large collection of islands floating in midair. I sneer at such an obvious display of sorcery. The arrogance of those weaklings truly knows no bounds. A growl of surprise interrupts my mental tirade. I look up.
A large shimmering blue reptile is standing on the path I front of me, and my autosenses are telling me that this…thing is phasing in and out of existence. As its growl of curiosity turns menacing, I smile behind my helmet and raise my chainsword.
"BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!"
A quick swipe embeds my chainsword in the thing's skull, ending the fight before it even began. As its body crumples to the ground I stare disappointedly. Such weakness is sickening. A second growl draws my attention, and I look up. Ah. There's more than one.
-o0o-
Countless bodies later, only one last phase-lizard remains. It roars and lunges forward, its jaws spread wide in an attempt to bury its fang in my ribcage. A ridiculous attempt, and one that comes to a brutal end as I simply shove my chainsword down its gullet, its teeth tearing a bloody path as it rev the motor. The reptile drowns in its own blood as its jaws feebly gnaw at my arm. My gauntlets resists all attempts to be pierced, and even breaks a few of the reptile's teeth.
As I wrench my arm from the creature's maw, a growl of disgust escapes my lips. So weak! All of them, slow and clumsy as a pregnant grox! If I am to die on this strange world, I am sure to have many years ahead of me, since so far nothing seems to be more dangerous than an Imperial Guardsman armed with nothing but that ridiculous book they are required to carry.
Fortunately for you, Hamilcar of the Gorehounds, there are things on this world more dangerous than a Guardsman. And yes, you will face some in combat.
I whirl around, chainsword drawn and roaring with anger. "Who said that?"
Now, now, mortal, put the weapon away. You can't hurt what isn't in your plane of existence.
I snarl, uncaring. "Show yourself!"
I hear the telepathic equivalent of a sigh. I remember when I was that insistent…
Suddenly, a ghostly image appears before me. A sharply gaunt, inhuman face with a long cranium that extends back over the being's shoulders. Two long, black horns flare out to the side before curving back alongside the hideously elongated cranium. The head perches on a thin, wiry neck that connected to an equally wiry body, all of which is clothed in skin the color of freshly spilled blood. A Bloodletter of Khorne, or what looks very much like a Bloodletter at any rate.
I lower my chainsword, still wary. This may still be an illusion concocted by some foul minion of Tzeentch. The image bares its teeth in a hideous attempt at a smile.
But no longer. So tell me, Hamilcar… It leans closer. Would you like to know why you are here?
I growl. "My purpose for existence is to spill blood and claim skulls for Khorne, so that his name may be glorified."
The image laughs. Good, good! A servant who knows his calling. However, I was asking whether you would like to know why you are here, in this strange place.
I hesitate, and the image grins again, guessing my thoughts. You think me an illusion crafted by a servant of the Great Coward to lead you astray? Fear not. I swear by the End of All Things that I am a Bloodletter of Khorne, not some pitiful caricature.
I finally relax. To swear an oath on the sword of the Brass King is to tempt his eternal wrath, whether you break that oath or not. The fact that his image has yet to be devoured by the Hound of Vengeance says that he was not only an actual Bloodletter, but also a mighty warrior, well respected in the ranks of daemons.
"Hn. You dare much to swear by His sword.", I say.
Well, I am a lieutenant of U'zhul's, the Bloodletter preened. I raise an eyebrow. Second only to the most powerful of Bloodletters? A mighty warrior indeed.
But enough about me, said the Bloodletter. Let's talk about you. In a nutshell, you have been sent to this world to bring its inhabitants to the worship of Khorne. You must find the strongest warriors, the most dangerous monsters, the most powerful sorcerers, and slay them in the name of Khorne. Then all will see that your strength is Khorne's strength, and your god is the one god. Do this, and you will be rewarded.
I stand, silent. "…I must find the strongest enemies this world has to offer, and kill them?"
Exactly. The rest will take care of itself. said the Bloodthirster.
Slowly, a bloodthirsty grin spreads across my face. "I think I can manage that."
The daemon returns my grin, even though it is hidden behind my helmet. Excellent. If you require additional information, feel free to contact me.
"How?", I ask.
Simply make a sacrifice and invoke my name, which in its full form is unpronounceable by mortal tongues. For the sake of convinience, you may call me Ash'baal. Oh, and my first piece of advice would be to find a local advisor as soon as possible. One who has lived in this place all his life will undoubtedly know where the most dangerous beasts and men are.
-o0o-
Jorad clung desperately to the neck of the large blue dragon he was currently perched upon. Tyrygosa was flying as hard as she could towards the Dark Portal, and as a result, Jorad was being mercilessly buffeted by the wind. Jorad grit his teeth and tightened his grip. We have to tell the Alliance about that thing, so don't fall off now, Jorad. he thought to himself. Little did he know that they would be the only ones to bring news from the Outland for a long, long time.
Author's Notes: The long update time is inexcusable, but, in my defense, I spent the last two months living in hotels and traveling by plane to three different continents with sporadic internet access. The next Chapter will regrettably be delayed for about a week, due to crappy internet.