(Chapter 28: A Wicked Sundering: Part 1)
The month of April would soldier on as an eventful one; given that not only were the Nostraman Loyalists with the aid of Konstance, Furiosa and their Legions making successful headway against the debauched cultists of Slaanesh. Who were comprised of the ruling nobility and elite, as well as some the most powerful cartels, crime bosses, and etc on Nostramo, but also their daemonic allies who while spry and incredibly agile were by both Matriarchs' assessments lightweights compared to their Khornate cousins.
(April 11th, 951. M30, 2:10 Pm, Stonebreaker, Ultima Segmentum, Olympia Majoris System)
It would be ten after 2 as Ben was currently aboard the Stonebreaker alongside Forrix, Lieutenant Kroeger and Barabas Dantioch, as part of an assembled war council to beat back the Drukhari incursion that had become a plague to the star system of Perturabo's homeworld.
"Now that everyone is here and assembled. I know that everyone here knows of the is why I won't waste your time, when its clear that business needs to get done, and done properly." Ben said to the warriors of the 4th in attendance
"Then what is our plan of attack, Tennyson? If we are going to bring these knife-earred cunts to their knees, then we need to make sure they go down, and will never get back up." Kroeger questioned wanting to know how they were going to go about this
"Luckily enough, Forrix and I have convinced some of the Forge Worlds in this system to help out. Which means that we will be getting support from your guys's Titans." Ben answered back as he and Forrx had during their assault against one of the Drukhari raiding forces made contact with a few Titan Legions
"Which Legions are coming to our aid? We will need a considerable amount of support from our allies to terminate the Xenos." Dantioch questioned
"Will have the support of Legio Krytos and Legio Argentum to help us combat the Aeldari scourge. We would have contacted a 3rd Legion to aid as support. However, Tennyson and I came to the agreement that it would be for the best if we stayed our hand." Forrix answered back
"Is there a reason why that is? Would it not present us a greater advantage to bring as much of our forces to bear against them? What our enemy lacks in numbers, they have shown to make up for in their otherworldly technology and weaponry." Dantioch queried as to why a 3rd Titan legion was not called to aid them
"Against any other enemy that would be the correct call to make, Dantioch. However, the Drukhari are nothing if not opportunistic in their approach to warfare…Even if we were to marshall our full offensive against one portion of the Aeldari to crush them. They would simply pivot their forces to another exposed area within our defenses. Then we would be forced to hound them as they repeat this process over and over, diminishing our forces in aggressive hit-and-runs disguised as retreats." Forrix explained to the junior Iron Warrior
"In essence we would have our forces bled dry, our resources depleted, and our men exhausted. All the while they remain as strong as they were in the initial phase of the campaign…As such marshaling our full offensive might in one concentrated point against them; will doom us all. More than that, it will leave us weak enough to where they can make a spearhead offensive directly toward Olympia…I needn't tell you how disasterous that would be, Barabas." Forrix further elaborated
"That is why we will be forcing them to fight on our terms, and punishing them for doing so. They may be conniving, mobile and duplicitious, but we are going to change the rules of engagement as it were." Ben told them as the Iron Warriors lieutenant looked particularly interested at this tidbit of information
"Now we are getting somewhere, Tennyson! Any chance to get one over on these Xenos bastards I will gladly take." Kroeger spoke eager to get in the mix and tear the Dark Eldar several new ones
"Glad to see that enthusiasm, Lieutenant. Because we're gonna be working on ramping up the formula of what you guys do...We'll have to if we're gonna make this work." Ben said back
"...You see the whole siege warfare thing you guys do and doing meatgrinder-style levels of attrition. It's good, hell getting down and dirty and blasting a sack of shit with bombardments of heavy firepower. That's great, but as I've been talking with Forrix here; we can do a lot more to make it so much more punishing to our opposition." Ben further spoke as he gave the floor to Forrix
"With Tennyson's help in combating the Drukhari so far. He has advised that we incorporate 3 new methods into our combat doctrine. That being subterranean assaults into enemy territory, infiltrating them with drop-pod and aerial assaults, and a greater focus on the deployment of Tactical Marines to sabotage enemy weaponry, ships and communications. In addition, we will be incorporating the use of more Assault Marines, armored vehicles, and our Terminator Squads to spearhead assaults." Forrix informed them
"Furthermore, our Techmarines will be working alongside Tennyson to provide us with new wargear…Apparently Tennyson has been working on a new pattern of not only Terminator armor but Power Armor in general. Alongside new armaments to battle our adversaries with." Forrix added
"It's going to be a month and a half to maybe two months before I get your new armor ready. Since I'm going to have to get a workshop set up to pump this shit out. However, once I do you guys are gonna be able to bully these knife earred sadistic bastards." Ben said before showing a hologram of the new patterns of Terminator armor and Power Armor he had been working on since Zenthon
"I present to you both the Juggernaut Pattern for your Terminator armors and what I like to call the Gojira Pattern Armor. These are gonna make sure that you can bulldoze your way through a sack of shit, have built-in force fields, and some other tricks to make you next to unkillable. All of which will be powered by an Arc Reactor that will keep you going for years at a time, before you need to replace it." Ben further spoke as he showed the holograms of heavily reinforced Power Armor and Tactical Dreadnought Armor
The Juggernaut Pattern looked as though someone had taken the standard of a Terminator armor and fused it with Iron Man's Hulkbuster armor to create a much meaner and titanic=looking armored behemoth, that held a central Arc Reactor to power it, its armor profile much more angular as well to better deflect and disperse enemy gunfire more evenly across its chassis. While the smaller Gojira Pattern armor was a much more heavily built suit of Power Armor that looked robust enough to tank blows from the Heavy-Bolter fire of Land Raiders and see it as inconviences, with its design more shaper and robust to give it an almost predatory yet mechanized design, as on the heels were built in Rambolts so as to allow them traverse any and all surfaces needed.
"I will give you credit where it is due, Tennyson. You are definitely crafty for a human." Dantioch spoke to the Ultimatrix wielder
"Thank you, but there's a lot more to cover. Since everyone here is going to have their parts to play. From Forrix making sure that our campaigns and assaults run like clockwork. Kroeger spearheading the infiltrations and assaults on enemy strongholds. Dantioch making sure that siege assaults and our defensive measures are on point. Among a lot of other heavy-lifting that all of us are responsible for…but if we do this right. Then we are going to basically be able to beat the living hell out of these guys like clockwork." Ben told the Warsmith
"And what will you be doing once you complete the creation of our new armor patterns?" Dantioch further questioned
"Simple, I will both assist Forrix in coordinating operations, as well as assisting on fighting these fuckers on the frontlines. I may be good at making tech like no one else. However, I will always love getting in the mix myself. Especially when lives are on the line and rotten bastards need to fucking die." Ben said with naked hatred towards the Drukhari
"Now I really like you, Tennyson…I have a good feeling that you and I are going to get along great." Kroeger said in liking the pugnacious attitude in Ben's voice
"I appreciate it and I can't wait to see what you can do either…Until that time, we have work to do, and battle plans to get squared away. So let's huddle up, because Operation Adamantine Nightmare is gonna rule." Ben said back with a grin as he and the assembled Iron Warriors began to plan out the full-breadth of said Operation to terminate the entirety of the Drukhari scourge
All the while as Ben was working alongside those of the 4th Legion to further plan their campaign against the Drukhari scourge, it would be on Nostramo however that Furiosa would lead her forces alongside Kharn, the Red Hand Destroyer Squads, those from the 8th Assault Company, and a squad of Astartes in Terminator armor. Wherein they were backed by a quartet of Rhinos, that were further flanked by a squadron of her Legionairres on Assault Bikes that were acting in tandem with Furiosa to rip through their enemies, as a azure and white cladden engine of war. Wherein the difference was notable that where before when they were under the savage call of the Butchers' Nails, they were nothing more than wrathful battle-lusting berserkers chomping at the bit for unhinged carnage.
But now the true strength of the World Eaters now shown through as they made their advance, where the soldiers of the 12th Legion would strike out against their enemies with an almost clinical focus to their attacks against their Slaaneshi-worshipping enemies. Wherein they wielded their Chain weapons with equal amounts unyielding ferocity and intense martial discipline, that saw them cut through cultists, possessed and chainblade/chainglaive wielding gangsters; with a tactical aggression that was almost awe-inspiring. Something that was amplified by the waves of Bolter and Plasma fire that rained down on their enemies like a deadly cascade, of punishing vengeance that punched holes through anything they touched with brutal lethality.
Wherein even with the uncanny agility and supernatural speed that was granted to them, both by their allowing themselves to be possessed by the servants of the Dark Prince, being bolstered by their gifts to grant them superhuman athleticism, or the daemons of the Prince of Pleasure themselves. It did not matter for the 12th as they continued to advance upon their enemy at full bore, either cutting through them with their various chainaxes, chainswords, and Thunder Hammers, or blowing through them with Bolters, Plasma Pistols and Guns. All the while spearheading it was Furiosa who not only used her prodigous strength and ferocity to shred and hack her way through any opposition in sight, with Gorefather and Gorechild, making any defensive her opponents made all but nill in her warpath.
It was with the addition that she no longer had the Butcher's Nails impeding her judgment, that she was able to fight far more creatively alongside her sons, given that now she would actively use her physicality and twin chainaxes to unleash combination attacks with her Astartes. Either by way of bullying her enemies into being surrounded by her and a few of the Terminators and Assault Marines so they could jointly shred them to a fine red mist. To using her sheer physical might to soccer kick a sizable handful of enemies into a barrage of Bolter or Plasma fire, using Gorefather and Gorechld to uppercut a group of cultists and possessed into the air; only to be spiked down into the way of her Terminators intercepting them with Eviscerators and Chainfists.
Something that was done much to the brutal joy of the Sons of the Red Angel, who felt not only the excitement of slaying their Warp-tainted adversaries alongside their Matriarch, but doings so with her in a way that felt almost dream-like in its execution. Given that they could finally fight alongside Furiosa as they were meant to, as she led them to fight against the treacherous Nostramans and their abominable allies; who were forced into an uneasy defensive against them.
With Furiosa being especially punishing to those that were daemon-possessed or outright Daemons of the Prince of Pleasure, as she unleashed her wrath against those who surrendered themselves to the youngest of the Ruinous Powers with extreme prejudice. The force of her nigh-titanic blows were such that with a single swing of either Gorechild or Gorefather would send near-deafening shockwaves of pure force; that erupted into the waking world with enough force to implode the eardrums of the possessed and make their eyes nearly burst like cherries being stamped upon. All the while any unlucky Daemonette unfortunate enough to be in her crosshairs were immediately met with bisecting cleaves, overhand swings that crashed down like mini-avalanches, or monstrous crosscuts; that were done with the lethal intentions of turning them into paste.
Yet the prevailing theme of it all as the Red Angel and her sons tore through their opposition, was the almost tangible sense of joy that was felt in finally being able to fight alongside their Matriarch as a dynamic yet unified engine of death and martial prowess. However, even unknown to Furiosa as she continued to lead the charge with her World Eaters, was the fact that her latent Psyker powers hadn't just been active in their full might. That her joy in fighting alongside and leading her men in battle had caused them to take a new effect that she was unaware of, as se and her men tore through the armies of cultists, possessed, corrupt guardsmen, and daemonettes. That it had emboldened the fighting sprits of her men by fivefold empowering them to such an extent that they fought with a strength a valor that equaled if not marginally surpassed what they once were under the bite of the Nails.
As such their warpath through the holdings of House Vascodol was one that despite the brutality they unleashed upon their enemy, carving them apart with relentless aggression, that it was done in the savage joy of doing it as a unified force. However, their advance was halted when Furiosa spotted something that gave her and her men pause as they were but some scant 30 meters away from the stronghold of the Noble House of Vascodol.
That being a Greater Daemon of Slaanesh that was fast approaching, the moment it spotted them in their advance; wherein Furiosa gave the quick orders to Kharn to redirect their forces to an alternative pathway to their objective. All the while she would fend of this abomination, with Kharn in understanding the seriousness of the threat approaching them spread the orders of the Vox channel to regroup and redirect their path to an alternate route. Meanwhile, Furiosa would meet the unnatural servant of Slaanesh and in putting their full back into their charge against them proceeded to spear the Greater Daemon through 4 buildings, collapsing them inwards as she did so.
The World Eaters Matriarch followed through in using Gorefather to uppercut them across the length of an apartment complex, the display of strength being such that the blow sounded more akin to the Mega-Bolter of a Warlord titan being fired than the swing of a Chainaxe. All the while as the Keeper of Secrets was recovering from the wound to their gut would they hear the quick footfalls of Furiosa bounding up the length of the apartment complex to that its head off.
With the towering androgynous Daemon managing to swiftly parry an overhand swing from Furiosa's Gorechild once she had closed the distance with one of its claws, before slashing outwards with its left to take off part of her face. However, Furiosa would land a roundhouse kick to its jaw with enough force to nearly send it skidding off the edge of the roof, the daemon letting out a mix of an ecstatic chortle, perversely lewd moan, and guttural groaning from the pain it had sustained. All the while, Furiosa herself had not come out of it unscathed, as one of the Keeper of Secrets's claws had cut across her neck making a shallow but zig-zagging gash across it.
"What abomination are you to be?! I have encountered your kind before, but none so obnoxiously whorish as you." Furiosa asked the Greater Daemon of Slaanesh who towered over her
"I am one of my Lord's greatest servants, Mnay'Salath. The Keeper of Secrets, Slayer of Craftworld Hreth-Drei, Master of the Salacious Cohors, Duchess of Debauchery, lieutenant of…" Mnay'Salath answered back before they were promptly blasted in the mouth by Furiosa's Spite Furnace
"I know that I should have let them continue for any valuable information…However, it felt great to silence that blathering." Furiosa spoke before holstering her plasma weapon and sprinting off to engage the wounded Keeper of Secrets
The towering form of Mnay'Salath crashed to the ground with a massive FFFLLLOOOMMM their lithe form shuddering from having nearly half of their jaw blown apart from the miniature hand cannon that Furosa wielded. However, the moment they began to swiftly rise to their feet; would Furiosa immediately descend downwards with a dual overhand swing of her chainaxes that roared to life, with the Keeper of Secrets managing to raise their pincer-like upper arms acting as shields to do so,. Yet the greater Daemon underestimated the Red Angel's sheer brute strength given that the concussive force behind the attack was enough to crater if not nearly cave in the ground beneath them, the reinforced rockcrete beneath them straining heavily.
The massive form of the Slaaneshi daemon being further driven into the ground; once Furiosa impaled Gorefather into the claw that was being used to block Gorechild, the chain weapon roaring as shredded it's way through the appendage. The shattering of their limb being shredded and exploding in gore elicited a lascivious groan of equal parts pleasure and pain from the feeling as the Greater Daemon then lashed out with its 3 other unwounded appendages at the speed a Bolter shell would be fired. However, Furiosa was able to quickly counter and retaliate against the attacks coming her way, the remaining pincer arm roundhouse kicked with such force that you could nearly hear the bones in said arm break.
The remaining two clawed limbs were dealt with when she used Gorechild to parry the one aimed to slice out her kidneys, before subsequently retaliating by driving Gorefather into his chest to tear out a hefty chunk of its ribcage. Then swatting away its other clawed hand in a wide arcing swing that sawed away at its pinky and index fingers, before swinging Gorechild to impale into its hand and began to use both Chainaxes to sprint alongside their arm. With Mnay'Salath attempting to rip their smaller adversary away from them, despite the pleasures that came from the chainaxe shredding and breaking through their arm, yet Furiosa was able to parry and shred her way from the pincers and claws that came towards her.
Neither of their limbs being able to stop her from making her way towards their shoulder to sever the arm that the remaining pincer arm was connected to at the collarbone, hacking through otherworldly flesh, sinew, and bone with the ease a practiced butcher would cut through meat. With Furiosa then leaping towards Mnay'Saleth's face intent on taking their head off right then and there, but was swiftly intercepted when they used their remaining lower-left clawed hand to catch them and pin them to the wall of a nearby building.
The Greater Daemon smirked in victory through its ruined jaw at having pinned down Furiosa, as it prepared to skin her alive and make her pay for ruining their glorious visage, but what they didn't account for was Furiosa to use her brute strength to quite literally break through their hold. Given that Furiosa through sheer physicality began to force her way out of being pinned by Mnay'Saleth's clawed fingers, so much so that forcing them open was snapping each finger in half, as she glared dagger at the Slaaneshi abomination. The Keeper of Secrets striked out with its free hand to prevent their adversary from escaping, but it was in vain as Furiosa in the split moment it took to quite literally break through the greater Daemon's grip and in the process shattering 3 of their fingers, did she headbutt the hand away.
Furiosa's skull smashed into the clawed hand so forcefully; that it caused their hand to almost snap all the way back onto their arm, with a loud CRRRUUNNCCCKKK, before the Matriarch used the footing of the building's wall too push off towards her adversary. The force of her doing so caused a small boom, as she propelled herself like a rocket to slingshot her way into the Daemon's stomach, the roar of her chainaxes being the only sound made as she ripped into the greater Daemon's abdomen. Wherein Mnay'Saleth gasped in pain and surprise as they felt the Red Angel begin quite literally tearing them apart from the inside, their abdomen in a matter of seconds turning it into a geyser of pressurized gore.
The Greater Daemon of Slaanesh being brought to their knees as their flesh bulged obscenely, their morbidly androgynous form being warped and contorted as Furiosa, ripped, cleaved, and tore her way through Mnay'Saleth's otherworldly innards. Wherein the spray of magenta-colored ichor and pulpified innards, quickly became accompanied by the sound of ribs and bones being shattered, as the Matriarch tore through their midsection, chest, and soon their collarbone. The muffled force of their insides being obliterated into chunky gore, was akin to a Krak missile bombardment going off underwater, as the geyser widened and became more and more violent with each passing moment.
All the way until, Many'Saleth's head soon exploded and with it everything from the collarbone down to where their lungs would be as Furiosa's burst out of it, covered in the abyssal gore of the Greater Daemon of Slaanesh. The Matriarch landed with a dull, slick thud, looking more disappointed than anything at the rather dismal challenge the greater Daemon had presented to her, before contacting Kharn over the Vox channel of the progress of things thus far.
"The good news is that we are currently in the midst of breaching the stronghold as we speak. The only bad news to report; is that we were delayed by 2-3 minutes, due to having to minimize the risk of civilian casualties; while doing so." Kharn reported to his Matriarch
"Good, I will be there soon enough. The abomination I faced was a minor delay…if anything I am disappointed by how quickly I was able to dispatch of it." Furosa said in disgust as the corpse of the Greater Daemon began to dissipate back into the depth of the Warp
"I am certain that we will find a challenge worthy for you yet. Our time here is not yet over." Kharn told her as Furioa brushed off some of the gore clinging to her armor
"I would hope so, so far there has been little if any challenge to us...It would be a disappointment if not for what was at stake." Furiosa said back
"In the meantime, hold the position. I will be coming to you and the rest of our soldiers in but a few minutes." Furosa told her equerry
"Understood, and for what it is worth. It is good to have our Matriarch truly fight beside us." Kharn spoke with a hint of appreciation in his voice before ending his transmission
'Hopefully, I will have further opportunities to show I am worthy of my station to you…You more than anyone deserve better of me, Kharn.' Were Furiosa's thoughts before she began bounding off toward the location of her men
(3 days later, April 14th, 951. M30, 2:10 Pm, Southwestern Nostramo)
It would be a few days later as Konstance Kurze was currently discussing their next plan of action, and while Vandrin was happy with the assistance thus far, it was how she was going about it that concerned the loyalist commander..
"While I am happy to have the assistance of your 1st, 10th, 13th, and 52nd Companies to aid my men. In addition to your other forces. I am more concerned about this next attack you are planning." Vandrin spoke
"I fail to see the problem. We are going to rescue the people of this planet, I fail to see how I could be any clearer." The Night Haunter replied
"The main concern that I have is you going alone…Even if it is to save our people, going alone to do anything while our enemies have abomnations from the Warp. That by itself is a heavy risk to take." Vandrin warned
"I am a Matriarch, and the Night Haunter, Vandrin. There is no risk to great that I cannot overcome." Konstance stated with utmost certainty in her voice
"You may be a 9-foot-tall demigod, Madame Kurze. However, that does not mean you are invulnerable or invincible. Besides, you need someone who will watch your back, should things become dire." Vandrin told her his piercing grey eyes staring back at her with utmost seriousness
"If something happens to you, because you were overwhelmed, or worse…Then the efforts we have gone through so far would be for naught. Understand that you are our rallying beacon against these daemon-worshipping monsters... We cannot afford to lose you, because you went in without reinforcements, otherwise everything will be hampered tenfold…You better than anyone instructed me, that anyone can be eliminated because of one simple mistake." Vandrin spoke knowing that anyone at any time could fall to one simple mistake
"...As much as I dislike the use of my own words against me. I cannot deny that you bring sound reason into this." Konstance replied with a small frown on her voice
"You were the one who spoke to them, after all. I am just putting them to good use to save a loved one." Vandrin said with a cheeky grin
"Do not push it." Was the Matriarch's sullen response
"Very well then, but I would suggest that you take with you that Zharost fellow of yours. He and a small handful of squads of your Marines would do well for this mission." Vandrin suggested
"Zel is one of the rare few I can reasonably trust right now to do this. I would ask Jago to assist me, but his mentality is not suited to rescue missions. Zhang is leading his men against House Jaheel and House Lucataros who are the most meddlesome at the moment…Not only that, but Fel and our Librarians will be most useful in making sure that this is done quickly and with little bloodshed or casualty." Konstance spoke in regards to her Chief Librarian
"If I may ask, what about him do you trust? By my brief accounts with him, he is a strangely taciturn and calming man, in comparison to most within your Legion." Vandrin questioned out of curiosity more than anything malicious
"Fel Zharost is someone that I trust, for the simple reason that I know he will never lie to me. More importantly, he is someone I can trust to always keep a promise…Next to Shang and Sevatar, he is the most trusted of my advisors." Konstance answered back with a faint smile upon her face
"From what I have seen of him, he is one of the rare few that I view as a truly honorable person. Although given how he both manages your Psykers and that intensity he carries within him like a heavy shroud. That is off-putting more times than not." Vandrin remarked
"While that is a fair assessment of him as a person, Vandrin. Understand that he is an incredible example of what it means to be a Night Lord. If anything he is the gold standard of what I expect all of my Librarians to be." Konstance further spoke in regards to her absolute trust in her Legions' Chief librarian
"I see and if that is the case, which I sincerely hope that it is. Then I see no reason, not to trust that he will not be a useful ally in your rescue mission." Vandrin replied
"Zel is someone I can count on without fail for missions such as this. In fact, it is a shame that I do not make greater use of my Librarians. They oddly enough are within the ranks of my Legion that share my ideals the most." Konstance remarked in how in retrospect many of her Librarians shared in her ideals for exacting justice
"Perhaps, it wouldn't hurt to invest in them more in the future. Say what you want, but Psykers are something spectacular." Vandrin said back
"Undoubtedly so, my successor. Especially with the information that one of your sons is a Psyker?" Konstance noted regarding one of Vandrin's children
"That he is, my eldest is a powerful Psyker, Konstance. One that has wished to join the Night Lords since he was a small boy. The only reason he was unable to was his duties here and House Skraivok's interference." Vandrin told the Matriarch
"Once this is over, I will consider having your son trained as a future Librarian of the Legion. The Night Lords can use every ounce of talent given…Perhaps, after this is done I will talk to Zel about mentoring your son." Konstance said to the resistance leader
"I would be grateful for you do so, Konstance." Vandrin replied with a thankful nod
"That being said, how will you be handling the fate of House Skraivok and that of Gendor? I know that Gendor in particular must be held responsible for his crimes. Especially, with his role in the corruption of your Legion." Vandrin inquired in regards to the Painted Count
"Gendor's fate will be something I will see to myself. His transgressions against not only myself, but my Legion cannot go unpunished...Which is why, I will be calling in assistance from one of my sisters to aid me." Konstance said her face twisting into a sneer at the mention of the treacherous Night Lord
"Which of your sisters will you call to assist you in hunting Gendor and bringing him to justice?" Vandrin questioned the Night Haunter
"It will have to be, Morganna, that I call to my aid for this. While I would ask Furiosa for further help, it is Morganna's expertise with the Warp, that will aid me the most in my endeavor. Especially, with he and his followers having any number of accursed gifts from their foul patrons." Konstance answered back in regards to whom she would be calling to help her aid in Gendor's destruction
While she would ask Furiosa and her Legion or Lorna's, as the two should she could trust the most in her pursuit to correct her Legion, it would be with Gendor who had willingly thrown his lot in with the forces of Chaos, that Konstance knew her best bet would be in calling Morganna for help. After all, who better to overcome those empowered by the Ruinous powers, than the one person who studied the ins and outs of the Warp better than anyone she knew bar even the Emperor.
"Then I wish you and your sister both the best in that endeavor. I can assume you know that hunting Gendor will not be an easy task…This not withstanding the fact that any other worlds he's helped to bring into Imperial compliance…At best they're unaware of the filth that lies in wait like a malignant rot and at worst…it is close to becoming another hellhole." Vandrin spoke while also warning her of the underlying threat at hand
"I am aware of that possibility, Vandrin. It is why, I will be enlisting the aid of my sisters to do a 'through' combover of said worlds. The threat that Chaos holds cannot be undersold." Konstance replied knowing that what needed to be done was going to be an ardous task to undertake
"I understand that more than enough as you can see, from what has become of our home." Vandrin said back with a small smile
"Nonetheless, I wish you and your men the best in this rescue mission of yours…Best of luck, Madame Kurze." The Loyalist leader further spoke
"Thank you, Vandrin. However, I have the feeling that luck won't be needed in this endeavor. If anything, I have the feeling that my return home has forced me to truly come into my own." The Night Haunter spoke as she could see it in her shadow that something had awakened within her…something predatory
(1 day and a half, 2:40 Am, Northwestern Nostramo, April 15th, 951. M30)
It would be the early morning of another April day on Nostramo as Konstance alongside her Chief Librarian Fel Zharost, 2 squads of Librarians, 2 squads of Assault Marines, and 4 squads of Tactical Marines led by Malcharion of the 10th Company; were currently en route to stage a rescue mission of the Planetary Defense force of the current sector of the planet.
"Are you alright, Madame Kurze? You have been unusually silent, which while not uncommon, is a strange occurrence." Fel Zharost asked the Night Haunter who had been oddly silent during their flight
"Is something bothering you that I should know of?" The Chief Librarian of the Night Lords further asked
"No, I am fine, Zel. I simply have many things on my mind. Between what has happened to my home planet, recent events with my beloved, among the state of potential corruption within the Legion…I feel that my silence is warranted." Konstance answered back in regards to why she had been silent for so long
"Fair enough, I simply wished to ask because something has been strange about you. Something that has been…odd as of late." Fel Zharost spoke in having noticed a poignant shift in his Matriarch
"Odd how? It would be prudent of you to elaborate." Konstance responded with an upturned brow
"To be completely transparent, your psychic potential since your return has seemed to skyrocket…At first, I wasn't sure if it was a trick of the eye, or your absence from the Legion. However, since our voyage to Nostramo and our time aiding the Loyalist resistance. I have been able to confirm my suspicions, or at the very least I think so…I cannot say without further aid what is happening to you." Fel Zharost said back as a hard swallow came from the Matriarch as she knew where this was going
"And I suspect you have also felt these changes within you as well." Fel Zharost further spoke
"I have.. and for the most part, they have been pleasant changes. My visions are becoming less nightmarish and…I can even see further into it. With much more clarity than before. Timelines where it feels so real, I can even interact with them and speak to futures unknown." I can see the truth of the tainted wretches and what they conceal in their ties to the Warp and the abominations within." Konstance replied fighting the urge to grin at how her foresight had allowed her to see the 'truth' within others
"That is…incredible. I did not know that your gifts for foresight had increased to that degree." The Chief Librarian spoke surprised to hear that her powers had progressed that far
"Neither had I at first, but since my return to the Imperium. I have not only been growing emotionally, but my powers have for the better…The best part thus far is that for the 1st time, I can see a bright future for myself, and it is beautiful." Konstance replied in allowing herself to smile albeit minorly at the futures of a family she's seen with Ben and her children
"And that is wonderful to hear. Yet I know that there is more to this…more that you have become recently aware of. Those of our Legion may not be able to see it, but our Librarians and myself who are psychically attuned. We can see that your strength in the Warp has manifested into something tangible. Something that follows you like a vengeful guardian at all times." Fel Zharost remarked at seeing the apparition hovering behind Konstance
"So you can see it too?" Konstance said back in acknowledgement of the phantoms' presence that stared balefully at the Chief Librarian with bright scarlet eyes that seemd far too...human
"I can and it is strange…despite its viciousness, it does not seem to outwardly seek violence. If anything, it seems borderline placcid." Zel Fharost remarked at the now shadowy 'dormant' form of Konstance's apparition
"...Yes, apparently it is only active during battle, or when the corruption of the Warp is near. Otherwise, it remains slumbering. Which I consider a blessing of sorts if you will." Konstance replied as she looked at the shadowy miasma-like form of her apparition remain incorporeal
"Then hopefully it will be such in the campaigns to come." Fel Zharost spoke
"Madame Kurze, we are approaching the mark within 5 minutes." Malcharion's voice rang out as he continued to pilot the ship
"Indeed, but until that time. Let us focus on what is ahead of us now." Konstance Kurze said as she felt the apparition behind her stirring into a more solid shape as they approached
With the airship that Malcharion piloted the airship wherein 3 more followed behind them, both as aerial support should things grow worse, and as extra vessels to store those that would be rescued from the prison in the return trip. With it not being much longer before they reach the prison in question; that was both being used to house the prisoners and where they were keeping them as potential sacrifices to be used in service to the Dark Prince.
Wherein the moment they landed onto the rooftop, would Konstance's Tactical Marines alongside her Librarians were quick to enact the first phase of the mission, which was to sever all power being sent to it, from the lights, security cameras, any Servitors being used in the any of surveillance. All the while Fel Zharost would direct his Librarians to use their powers to cloak themselves, their fellow Marines, and Konstance in a cloak of shadow and psychic dread that smothered any and all sound being made. Leaving them in a eerie silence that was bone-chilling, as other than the communication being made via Vox channel, would not even the sound of their armored boots crunching across the rockcrete as they infiltrated the prison were heard.
From therein, Konstance and her Astartes were quick to infiltrate the prison through the rooftop, the speed of which they swept into the premises; made them nothing short of midnight-blue and gold blurs of motion. Wherein the sons of the 8th Legion would make quick work to dismantle not only the prison guards within, but any cultists and possessed who were readying the prisoners for tributes to Slaanesh for more dark and perverse gifts, or to be used as meatsuits for daemonettes and the other fiends of Slaanesh's domain. The Night Lords alongside their Matriarch began to both unleash a devastating rampage and lightning-quick rescue of the prisoners and captives therein, with the operation being carried out on two fronts as Konstance surged forwards alongside her men.
Wherein Zel Fharost would lead his Librarians, the Assault Marines, and half the Tactical Marines in making rather short work of their corrupt opposition, whilst Konstance and her Tactical Marines alongside Malcharion began to free and safeguard the prisoners from their holdings. With the Librarians using their psychic powers to unleash horrific illusions upon their adversaries from within the pitch of the prison as guards and cultists alike were soon screaming in terror and agonizing pain from the nightmarish visions inflicted upon them.
The intensity of them being so much so; that they would rip out their eyes, their vocal cords going out within a matter of seconds from the feeling of them being melted from hellfire, savage mutants clawing apart their insides and feasting upon their bone marrow and innards like blood sausage. Among other such horrors from the feeling of barbed wire being threaded through their veins and nerves to carry out debauched acts that had their bones break within their bodies, as they were folded and contorted into shapes that would be cartoonish. If not for the morbid constructs being forced into man-sized flesh origami sculptures that were still screaming in terror from the illusions inflicted upon them, before using them as barricades for the Tactical Marines to use for unleash waves of Bolter fire from cover.
Speaking of the Tactical Marines, they would work alongside the Assault Marines/Raptors to attack from within the shadows, with the Tactical Marines on one hand either laying down suppressive fire to cut down cultists and corrupt prison guards alike, or continuing to make sure the power would stay severed from the Prison. All in order allow their Assault Marines/Raptors counterparts to unleash utter hell against them using Lightning Claws, Chainblades, Chainglaives, and Power Axes to unleash a bloody slaughter against any cultist, possessed guardsman or civilian in sight. Wherein the massacre within the prison, was only able to be seen through the occassional flashes of Bolter fire and Meltagun fire from the Tactical Marines of the 8th, whilst the Assault Marines/Raptors swarmed about from the shadows to rip and tear like nightmares made manifest.
All the while Konstance alongside Malcharion and the Tactical Marines and a small handful of Librarians, were currently hard at work freeing those trapped within the prison cells, with Konstance leading her half of the Tactical Marines to protect those being freed from corrupted Psykers, guardsmen, and possessed, as well as the occasional Daemonette. Wherein Konstance would amidst her Marines unleash her wrath against the followers of Slaanesh, mauling them and shredding them to ribbons Mercy and Forgiveness with a speed and ferocity that could rival the Khan at her apex. All the while using said Lightning Claws to blow shotgun, autogun, and lasrifle fire, either slicing the deadly projectiles out of the air to prevent them from hitting herself or the captives; being set free by her and her Marines, or using them to deflect them back at their owners with lethal precision.
With Konstance's almost valiant defense of the loyalist prisoners; being such that she would immediately leap to the defense of a mother fleeing with her small children, blocking a torrent of Warp lightning aimed to fry the family of 4 with Mercy; before redirecting the blast with Forgiveness to flash fry several Daemonettes above her. While she would command her Marines to either continue freeing the prisoners from within their Holding cells and the Librarians using their powers to teleport them to safety, where they could be gathered by those within the airships. She on the otherhand would be at the front alongside Malcharion putting herself at the frontlines to protect those she swore to protect and free from the treacherous dogs that dared to corrupt her planet.
Evident once more when she saw within the darkness a pair of Daemonettes going to swarm a group of teenagers to drag into the depths below, for all manner of debaucherous deeds; that would drive any sane man to lustful madness. As such she would intercept this by using herself as a human shield to take the brunt of the lightning-quick flurry of attacks, that would've skinned any normal person alive, as their attempts to drag the small group of teens into the gloom; was nullified by her acting as a human shield to protect them. The Night Haunter refused to move so much as an inch against the Daemonettes that tried to bypass their way through Konstance's fending them off to prevent so much as a single claw from being laid on her charges, the Matriarch standing in defiance of the servants of Slaanesh, as she fought against them.
Yet her defense against the growing swarm of Daemonettes to protect more and more of her charges; that gathered around her in the pitch-black gloom; like a gore-splattered savior; wouldn't be for long as she parried, slashed, deflected, and blocked against a dozen Daemonettes' coming for her and her now small horde of charges. Given that Malcharion seeing his Matriarch being surrounded would have a Librarian teleport to the fray, all the while Konstance's apparition who had gone away to defend a small group of children who had become separated from their parents until those of the 10th Company could arrive, would see this as well and burst into action.
The end result being that the Daemonttes would soon be made quick work of, as Malcharion with both Chainfists roaring and Konstance's apparition snapping back towards her, as fast as the crack of a bullwhip, would aid the Matriarch in making short work of their opposition. Given that with her apparition in play and Malcharion to help her aid in defending her small horde of charges, would it free the Night Haunter up to
"Madame Konstance, we seem to have a problem ahead of us. What are your orders, do we fire upon the hostages?" Malcharion questioned as he gestured to the possessed and Slaaneshi sorcerers ripping children, women and infirm from their holdings cells to be used as human shields
"No, Malcharion. Continue rescuing those within the holding cells as planned. I will handle this myself! These heretics will know my wrath for using the innocent in such a cowardly manner." Konstance commanded her eyes glowing a brilliant midnight blue as her apparition howled like a wrathul banshee
"Understood, Madame Konstance…Men, hold the line and tear these rotten swine to shreds!" Malcharion roared as he used his Chainfists to rip through a Slaaneshi Sorcerer attempting to summon daemonettes to swarm him and his men
"You loathsome monsters will know pain!…None of you will leave this place alive!" The Night Haunter snarled as she dashed faster through the pitch quicker than the space between a blink and a tear
With Konstance seeing those being taken hostage as human shields, would she dash towards the sorcerers and possessed with an otherworldly speed, for it was within one moment that she was dashing towards them like a Thunderhawk on bath salts. Then the very next she and her apparition seemed to melt into the shadow-like gloam, with not so much as a shift in pressure or a bootprint left as she did so, as the area was lit up amidst the chaos of firefights and psychic warfare…With it being precious few seconds later before Konstance reappeared from the darkness before the hostages, as the daemonettes and possessed looked at her in confusion before suddenly everything exploded in gore and viscera.
What with her apparition and her faster than they could perceive having torn through them; so fast and so violently that their physical beings barely registered being ripped apart, to the point of being liquified. Once that was in play she would lead the hostages who were still shell-shocked from the display of carnage in the flashes of what they were able to perceive to safety alongside her Marines, that were continuing to defend against the possessed guardsmen and cultists. Wherein they alongside the Librarians were able to do so to much success as they would throughout the fracas continue to free more and more of the prisoners with great efficiency, as they attacked from every potential vantage point possible.
All the while, Konstance was leading the charge like a wrathful spirit of retribution, Mercy and Forgiveness being shadow-wreathed arcs of vengeance that in tandem with the monstrous clawing swipes and punches of her apparition; were able to cut a swath throughout. With her apparition in tandem with Konstance's terrifying speed and being able to seemingly leap in and out of the shadows and reappear to execute her targets with equal amounts savage brutality and lightning-quick agility. This had made her terrifying to behold as her future sight was working in overdrive to allow her to not only slay the worshippers of the Dark Prince of Pleasure, but also act as a seemingly omnipresent vanguard to her charges.
Wherein she was able to quickly sort through every potential moment that could or would bring harm to the innocent civilians and or captive loyalists and guardsmen, before her mind would then almost instantaneously act on the quickest moth lethal solution to prevent it, So much so was her mind, body, and precognitive abilities acting in concert alongside her apparition to protect and defend those escaping; that she became a whirlwind defensive of blades and midnight blue armor. Not a single soul Warp tainted or otherwise being able to escape her protective fury, as she would stand the line in guarding over the retreating captive and prisoners; making sure that not a single daemonette, cultist, or sorcerer would get through her or her Marines.
The Night Lords in their combined efforts made a devastating display in freeing all they could and using their tactics, which at any other time would be to sew terror on a potent and wide scale, and instead using it to stage a carnage-filled, yet disturbingly effective rescue mission. Given that within the span of 8 minutes would they soon clear the prison itself, and gather those they had come for before Konstance, Macharion, and Zel Fharost would radio over the Vox channels that they had completed their end. As such in doing so would the Chief Librarian of the 8th Legion and his Librarians work in concert to mass teleport themselves, their Matriarch, the assembled forces of the Night Lords and the Prisoners onto the airships.
Wherein after everyone was herded onto them and secured; would Konstance order the place bombed in their retreat, in order to ensure that any that they had not killed in securing the prisoners and captives, would be consigned into oblivion. Something that was done without a moments' hesitation as the airships would unleash a coordinated storm of Melta, Concussion, and Krak Missiles in order to quickly turn said prison into a fireball of molten scrap. All the while, Konstance would sit beside Zel Fharost as she was currently coming off the adrenaline high of the rescue mission, as they were soon en route to one of the loyalist bases.
"Well done, Madame Kurze. From what our Marines and on-board Apothecaries are reporting thus far. We have sustained minimal casualties to our rescuees." Fel Zharost informed the Night Haunter after a few moments of silence
"Good and what of our Marines? Were any injured or killed in action?" Konstance asked
"From what I have had reported to me over the Vox channel. We have sustained zero if any casualties reported thus far." Fel Zharost told her
"That is good news…It is nice to know that our mission went well, Zel. Thank you for accompanying me, I appreciate it." Konstance thanked her Chief Librarian
"Of course, you are not only my Matriarch, but you are a treasured friend as well, Madame Kurze. I am always glad to assist you when needed." Fel Zharost spoke with genuine kindness in his voice
"Thank you for such kind words, it warms my heart to know this." Konstance replied
"You are quite welcome…Now then, what is our next plan of attack going forward?" Fel Zharost queried
"Once we have delivered those we have rescued to the drop site. We will then coordinate an attack on House Skraivok's territory…I believe we are overdue to pay Gendor's household a well-deserved visit." Konstance answered back as her features hardened in anticipation to punish those of Gendor's household
"Especially, since they dared to collaborate with Gendor against me. They will know twelvefold my wrath for daring to poison my Legion, Zel. I will not rest until their lands are burned to scrap, their gutless offspring butchered, their loved ones crucified as examples, and their numbers brought to nill…I will personally see to it, that with the exception of those who have sworn loyalty to Nostromo's true sons. That House Skraivok will be rendered naught but a memory." Konstance swore to her Chief Librarian in being dead set on the annihilation of said noble-house
(Umber Prince, Segmentum Obscurus, 2 days later, 4:10 Pm, April 17th, 951. M30)
Meanwhile, Gendor Skraivok was aboard his ship the Umber Prince to contact his ally within the Word Bearers legion and the one who introduced him to the glory of the Ruinous Powers, Lieutenant and esteemed Chaplain Erebus.
"What do I do now, Erebus? My men on Nostramo have informed me that the Night Haunter is onto me. If she or her elites in the Contekar, or much worse the Atramentar…If there is one thing that she and her inner circle do not tolerate. It is betrayal or deceit of any kind." Gender Skraivok asked the Word Bearers Chaplain
"Have Faith, Brother Gendor. The Ruinous Gods will provide all that is needed." Erebus said back his voice calm and reassuring despite Gendor's plight
"They have seen your shows of gratitude towards the blessings they have given you. Your shepherding those within the 8th to the one true path, has not gone without notice." Erebus added as the Painted Counts' nervous yet frustrated visage only intensified
"While that is nice to know that they have appreciated my work. It still does not secure me with a means to escape the wrath of my Matriarch! You and I both know that it is only a matter of time before she comes for me!...My followers are not being close behind either." Gender Skraivok exclaimed pounding his fist against one of the consoles of his holo transmitter hard enough to dent it
"Yes, that does present an issue. However, you are in luck, Brother Gendor. We have many who can aid you in keeping out of reach from the Night Haunter." Erebus said back with a calm and confident smile in contrast to the look of furious distress on Gendor's
"Whomever you have on hand, contact them quickly. I have a feeling it won't be long before I am hunted like one of the loathsome peasants on my former home planet." Gendor spoke knowing that it was only a matter of when and not if for when he would be hunted
"Luckily enough, one of those of my ever-expanding clergy of the true Gods of this galaxy, are clerics of Tzeentch. I will forward you the information by days end of their nearest location to you." Erebus told the Painted Count
"Are these clerics of Tzeentch powerful? I will need such arcane strength now that I will be forced to become a warlord of the stars." Gendor replied
"They are more than sufficient in their wizardry. Their blessings from The Great Architect has not only bolstered their psychic prowess. They have also become blessed with great sorcerous strength, so much so that even Astartes may find themselves wary of their spellcraft." Erebus said back in regards to the eldritch strength of Tzeentch's clerics and sorcerers
"I hope that they will have much to share with my forces and I…While we have gained great gifts from turning Nostramo and inducting those of the Night Lords, towards Slaanesh's service. I feel that in order to retain my supremacy over my lessers. That the additional power of one of the 4 great Gods is needed and quickly at that." Gendor said knowing that he would need further power to achieve his wicked desires
Whilst the Painted Count had become much more powerful thanks to his hidden worship of the Prince of Pleasure and converting those within the Night Lords to their side, he knew that in order to contend with his Legions' elite, and worse off the Night Haunter herself. That he would not only need to delve deeper into the strengths Slaanesh provided, but also seek the power of the others to further enhance his prowess to heights that would grant him power that could rival even a Custodes.
"While I will not dissuade you from gaining additional patronage from another of the Ruinous Powers. Understand that in doing so, the rituals, offerings, and deeds done in their name will multiply. The Chaos Gods are jealous gods, as such I will advise you tread carefully, Brother Gendor." Erebus advised to the Night Lords captain
"The only thing that matters is that I have the strength to carry out my desires. If I have to tribute an entire hive city's worth of souls to do this, then so be it. No price is too small nor too great for what I deserve!" The Painted Count declared to the Word Bearer Chaplain
"Very well then, if you truly believe this of yourself. Then by all means broaden your faith to that of the Master of Fortune…Perhaps in doing so, you may find yourself lucky to be elevated beyond simple mortality." Erebus said back with an insidious grin upon his marked face
"What is beyond that of being a Space Marine, Erebus? Other than the strength of a Custodes, I doubt there is much further I can ascend." Gendor queried as a wicked chortle escaped the Word Bearer
"Those that the Ruinous Powers favor can grant them the power to ascend to being one of their blessed servants. If you impress them well enough with your efforts, Brother Gendor. Then you may find yourself granted the glorious opportunity to become a Daemon Prince." Erebus answered back as his grin widened
"The power of a Daemon Prince is such that only the elite of Space Marines, the Custodes, and the Emperor himself could contest against their power. With such an ascension, you would be made immortal and everlasting…An avatar of their strength and will on the mortal coil." Erebus further elaborated on what it was to become a Daemon Prince
"That sounds absolutely incredible…At the very least, I now have a new ambition in mind." The Painted Count spoke as his mind now set a new goal to attain for all his sadistic pleasures to be furthered
"And I welcome your endeavor to do so. Just know that the path to such a thing will be a true display of your faith and service. The Ruinous Powers reward their faithful champions for their deeds and zeal. Doing this will put you amongst their ranks and exalt your might to levels you would dare not dream of.." Erebus replied his grin never wavering
"Trust me, Erebus. My faith will not falter in this endeavor you have brought to my attention. Not when Slaanesh has rewarded me greatly for my service…My newest blade speaks volumes of that." Gendor said back his hand resting on the hilt of his newest Power Sword that pulsed with sinister might
"Good to hear, and wonderful to see you remain faithful…Now then, contact your followers and tell them to keep their heads low. I have a feeling that the calm before the storm is fast approaching." Erebus spoke to the Painted Count who nodded in agreement
"While I despise the fact that I must lower myself to such things. Even I cannot deny that the necessity for discretion is needed." Gendor said back in acknowledgement of this fact
"It is good that you know this…There will be a time and place where you can fly the colors of our masters, Brother Gendor. However, that time will not arrive just yet, the window for such things has not yet opened. For now, bide your time and strength, you will surely need it." Erebus told the Painted Count
"What of you, Erebus, what will you be doing in the meantime?" Gendor queried as to what the Dark Apostle's further designs would entail
"I will continue to do as I always have. I will continue to lay the foundations for the Ruinous Powers to be worshipped as they deserve." Erebus answered
"While the task is now made far more difficult, it is not impossible to accomplish. The tides of fate remain on my side nonetheless." Erebus spoke cursing the unwelcome interference of this Ben Tennyson he had heard of from Kor Phaerom
"Fair enough, Word Bearer. I wish you the best and good luck to you as well." Gendor Skraivok said to the Apostle of the Ruinous 4
"To you as well, my brother in faith. The time for our gods to take their rightful place at the forefront, will soon take shape. All we must do is set the stage, persevere despite these loathsome setbacks, and keep the flame of our faith alight through these impending trials. Praise be to the true rulers of Mankind, praise be to the guiding lights that will bless humanity, and all our glory to the Gods on high!" Erebus proclaimed in response before ending the transmission
'So I can add the Daemon Prince of Chaos to my epithets as well. It seems as though my new ambition will allow me to have what I have always deserved…A kingdom and plaything all my own, where not even the Night Haunter, my former fellows, nor the Custodes will be able to stop me.' Were the Painted Counts thoughts as he now began to plot and plan how his ascension as a Daemon Prince would come to pass
And so as the battle rages on and on both ends do the Matriarchs of the 8th and 12th Legion wage war against the treacherous worshippers of Slaanesh on the lightless world of Nostramo. We see that The Painted Count is not only in league with Erebus, to not only gain the malevolent Captain of the 8th sanctuary amongst the clerics of Tzeentch. But now has been given a new purpose to soon ascend to the ranks of Daemon Prince amongst his new masters in the Ruinous Powers. How will things soon unfold as Gendor soon takes his place as a rogue Astartes in service to not only Slaanesh but soon Tzeentch, as the war for Nostramo rages on? Find out in the all-new installments of Ultimate Alien: Primarch Force!
Alright, that'll do it for this one as I hoped you guys have enjoyed this chapter and all that has gone on within it. Since things can only get crazier from here in the battle for Nostramo, and I am all here for it. So with that I will continue to give my thanks to everyone for their continued support of the story so far, as every favorite, follow and review on what you've like so far; has been a massive help, and I hope you'll stick around for more.
So with all that being said, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time. Wherein our next chapter will follow up on things as we get the destruction of House Skraivok and the treacherous nobles and criminal elite making a Hail Mary play to defeat the loyalists. So stay tuned for all of that good stuff to come.
Part 1 Theme Song: Black out the Sun by Sevendust
Random End Song: This Means War by Nickelback
Now then onto the reviews from last chapter.
Skull Flame: Oh yeah Chain Hammers are actually a thing, since they're used by both Orks normally and the Black Judges from what I've read up on, they are super nasty from the artwork I've managed to see. Also, Kharn and Sevatar being 'bash brothers' kind of friends is something that I thought would work, since the dynamic can kind of write itself more or less once you really get into their personalites. Also, as you can see Konstance and Furiosa are making it everyone's problem in the Nostraman Civil War, since this is also the best time to show that they are in the process of leveling up more or less, given that especially for Konstance she can really start giving it to the Slaaneshi rebellion that it is a crime and a death sentence to dare attack her homeworld and the people who actually look up to her. Also, it made too much sense for Gendor to be the leader of the rebellion and he will actually be a larger threat going forward, since with Erebus's help he's gonna start going down the route of becoming a potential Chaos Champion of Chaos Undivided and leader of the 1st warband of Chaos Marines if all goes accordingly. Furthermore, it made too much sense to me that someone is gonna look at Konstance and see her as their Superman more or less, and lastly in regards to the Harlequinns. While they are their own Faction they do work alongside both Craftworld and Dark Eldar, so I can definitely see Ceogorach having them get involved if only for how funny the amount of havoc will be caused from going after Ben and riling him up more or less.
KharaBella: Glad you like how things are shaping up into the story, since its taken me a bit to find my footing but I'm glad that its turning out into something more and more 40Kish. Also, with Sevatar's powers turning up as a murder of Crows, it kind of just wrote itself ngl...that and it only gets stronger and potentially worse from here on out. Also, with Konstance and how the Night Lords are turning things around; I wanted her to experience the fact that committing to being a real-deal hero is far, far tougher than what she imagined it to be. Considering that the redemption of not only her planet but her Legion is gonna be something that is a massive challenge, as she has to confront and deal with a lot of the wrongs she's done getting up to this point as the Night Haunter, especially when all she's seeing is another fresh new horror cropping up in front of her. Furthermore, her being seen as a superhero to the Nostraman people is something I'm glad I did; to show that for all of what Konstance did that it gave her people someone and something to believe in; that for the first time in a long time...things can actually get better. That said while Konstance is experiencing her growth as a hero, by the time we pull back to Ben...we're gonna see him start returning to some of what he was during the Chimera Wars against the Drukhari.
Guest: Here's the thing, I may do a bit where Ben gets captured by the Drukhari, just so I can have Ben do the funniest thing and go on a fucking rampage in the Dark City. Because I know full well that while Konstance, Perturabo and the gang would launch a crusade to get him back, I think that it would be funny to see him going nuts and ripping there everything up while there coming to 'rescue him'
smallszay: I will put it to you this way my guy...once Ben finds out that they're the reason why Slaanesh is existing to begin with, much moreso how they created them. That Commoragh will never be the same again afterwards is the only hint I'll give you. It has been a while since I've played Borderlands, but I get the general idea with where your going with it.