Drunken Conquistador

[IC/OOC] God and Country - A low-fantasy renaissance NRP of religion and discovery

Kingdom of Beredia. Lazamenia.


Queen Joaquina hated being pregnant. Everything hurt and swelled, she got fat and moody. And every pregnancy carried a chance of killing her in the birthing bed. And yet as Queen, it was one of her duties to secure the succession line. And no matter how much she argued, apparently one daughter wasn't enough to secure the future of the Royal Line in the eyes of her husband. Or rather, in the eyes of that thrice-cursed Prelate, who held an unacceptable amount of influence with Andre-Maria.

Sometimes she even wondered if all the pain and anguish was really worth it. But then she remembered all the power and influence she held as Queen, usually that was enough to calm her doubts. Though at the moment said power and influence were beyond her reach. “You need your rest, wife. Don't worry yourself.” Her husband had said before locking her up in this bedroom weeks ago. And as much as it irked her, the Queen had to admit that she wasn't in conditions to do anything besides groan and puke, not with a belly this big. Joaquina had no wish to try her luck this time. A fifth failed pregnancy would just be too much for both her body and mind. Though the realization did little to counter he growing restlessness.

The Queen had to distract herself, but she doubted she would even be able to focus on a book even if she tried. So she settled on watching view out of her window. It was one of the many courtyards of the Alhena, sporting a large rectangular fountain surrounded by garden beds. From her vantage point Joaquina could see attendants and servants scurrying to and fro. Last she had heard, the High Pontiff was dead, but she was sure she had seen Duke Lavanca a lot in the Palace grounds alongside with a host of other commanders. This concentration could only mean that the army was mobilizing. Joaquina struggled to not fill the blanks with the worst case scenario.

Her thoughts were interrupted when her personal crier, one of the few luxuries she was adamant about maintaining all times, brusquely opened the door and stepped into the room:

“Announcing His Royal Majesty Adre-Maria of the House of Abravantes and the Infanta Real Marina-Josefa!”

And just as fast as he had entered the crier returned to his position outside the room. Replaced by her daughter and husband, in tow.

“How are you feeling, mother?” Her daughter asked, curtsying perfectly, or as perfect as an 11 year old could manage.

Joaquina gave her daughter a strained smile. In better days she would complain about her daughter's hair-it wasn't terrible, but still fell short to the standards of a girl of her standing-. The King didn't looked his best either, Joaquina knew her husband enough see the weariness in his posture and tiredness in his eyes.

“I'm feeling fine, dear. Don't worry.” The Queen replied, forcing herself to look cheerful. One had to keep up the appearances after all, despite her sorry state. “But what about you? It has been days since you last showed up to see your mother. Don't you want to get to know your little siblings?”

“I've been attending my duties as Infanta, mother.” Marina intoned solemnly and Joaquina noticed Andre's hand squeezing her shoulder. “Father is taking me along as he mobilizes the Exército!” So there was actually a mobilization going on. And if Andre-Maria was taking their daughter along then it meant the situation wasn't as bad as she thought. For all his faults, Joaquina's husband wouldn't allow himself to be distracted by the girl if the Timlukids were at the gates.

“I thought I was supposed to give her the news, Jo.” The King chuckled before his expression hardened. “But yes, we are mobilizing. Though I figured that much you knew.” He added, moving towards the window. “The Timlukids are moving against us and I intend to ride out and meet them before they have the chance to cause too much damage. I shall depart by the weekend, Prelate Hermogenes will stay behind to rule in my absence.” He looked straight at her, pointing to her swollen belly. “I presume that you shall accept the arrangement, considering your current condition.”

Joaquina nodded, doing her best to control her temper. It would no good for her to blow up at her husband, specially in front of her daughter. She hated it of course. Being left powerless while the Prelates. Saints, how she despised the man, ruled the nation like he had any rights. But she also realized that she wasn't in any conditions to handle the stress of acting as regent. Too bad it took a lost baby to learn that particular lesson.

Andre-Maria must have noticed her sudden mood change because he was soon kneeling by the bedside. Holding her left hand in his and looking at her as if she would break at any moment:

“You shouldn't worry. Hermogenes will take care of everything. Nothing will bother you.” He turned his head towards the Infanta: “And I'm sure Jo will love to keep your company here. It must be dreadful to spend so much time with only your thoughts.”

“I promise you won't have a single moment alone, mother!” The Infanta smiled as she approached the bed.

Another knock rocked the door before the guard entered the room:

“Duke Pedro-Matias de Lavanca requests your immediate presence, Your Majesty!” The guard shouted.

“Something must've come up...” The King muttered. “I have to take care of this, dear.” Andre-Maria turned to their daughter. “Keep your mother's company. I will send someone to fetch you for dinner.”

The Infanta curtsied and the King left. Leaving his daughter to drone on about what she had learned on what she had learned watching her father organize the mobilization and the Queen pretending to care about it.

Summary

-The Queen is pregnant.

-The Kingdom is going to war

-The heir is kinda annoying

Era of Succession(Closed)

@SigmaAfter thinking for a bit, I've decided that I'll invade you after establishing myself. The thought of an assimilating force itself being assimilated is just too good an opportunity to pass up, imo.

@Ragenaut

@Ragenaut Sounds good, may have to get through the totalists though, but if you arrive at the right time, the invasion I have planned could have some real meaning to it :) (Namely, fleeing in fear of being assimilated)

@Sigma

Say what again?! Sneaky assimilative assholes! You take care of one and another takes its place

Era of Succession(Closed)

Mantorok, Ulyaoth, Xe'lotath and Chattur'gha?@Ragenaut You wouldn't happen to have a certain Pius Augustus infiltrated somewhere else in the Galaxy, would you?

[IC/OOC] God and Country - A low-fantasy renaissance NRP of religion and discovery

Got a bit distracted, but Beredia still on the game. Expect a post this weekend at most

Era of Succession(Closed)

Totalist Union. Sector 0001. Centre System. Aboard Floating Fortress AA-#04.



Generalissimo Dollabela-Rybalksy sighed contently as he unwrapped the bar of chocolate. The good kind, reserved for the upper echelons of the Party instead of the things they gave out to the masses. He took a bite, almost moaning when it started melting inside his mouth. Oh how he enjoyed the privileges of command.

A beep from his console took the Director of Peace out of his reverie. Quickly recomposing himself, the Generalissimo accepted the call from his secretary, telling him that his guests had arrived. He ordered them in as he deftly wrapped the chocolate again, throwing it inside one of the drawers of his desk.

Moments later, one of his proteges entered his personal office. Tall, broad shouldered and stern faced, General Harold Lindsay was the picture of a proper Totalist officer. Though what really caught the Generalissimo's attention was his unshakable loyalty and willingness to obey without question. The General saluted and sat silently, waiting for his superior to start, as it should be.

“General, I have a mission for you.” That was one of the things that put Lindsay in the Director's good graces, he didn't had to sugar coat or flatter with him. “Consider it a personal task instead of a military one.”

Lindsay's reaction was almost imperceptible, but the Generalissimo knew his protege well enough to know that he was interested. Though he remained silent.

“As it has already been decided, you will be leading the vanguard of the landings in OLA-519. The defense there is led by General Bocanegra. Surely you've already heard of her.” He said disdainfully. “Our friend, the Director of Truth seems determined to remind the entire State of how she heroically defended the planet during these last two years. What I want from you is to access whether this Bocanegra is one of Fiannecci's creatures. Understood, General?”

“Yes, General.” Lindsay nodded. “Anything else?”

“No, not now.” The Generalissimo shook his head. “You are dismissed. Return to your transport and finish your preparations. We depart tomorrow morning.”

The General left and the Director quickly returned to his chocolate. He would deal with Bocanegra and the Collective later, hopefully Bocanegra was aware of the immense stupidity of supporting Director Fianecci. She was competent enough and it would be a pity see her career and life ruined because she was too stupid to not know to whom her loyalty was owned. But such were the necessities of politics.

Totalist Union. Sector 0021. System 092-B. Planet JHS-294



Dvarza's regiment had been rotated to the rearguard after the last major Collective offensive had been blunted. Though calling their current position rearguard was being charitable. The incessant pounding of long-range artillery could still be clearly heard, despite the music flooding the reinforced basement that had been re purposed as an officer's lounge. Not that it bothered the occupants of the room.

The Lieutenant sat in one of the corners, nursing a half-filled glass of Victory gin and talking with Major Karaj Kurlum, from one of the few Black Banner regiments deployed on the sector.

“…And these.” He continued, gesturing to his face. A thing of faded and yellowish skin with prominent veins and shiny cybernetic gray eyes. “Aren't actually direct results of the surgeries. But actually the modified Kalavrian cocktail that sometimes causes the veins in your body to become so noticeable.” The Major took a sip from his own glass.

“Why modify it, though?” Ilika asked, frowning slightly. “The Kalavrian cocktail is as good as it gets. I've had it once or twice, took me out of action almost instantly. And from what they told me, the slightest change in the recipe could end up killing someone.”

“No, no.” Kurlum waved her off. “The cocktail can be modified without presenting any risks to the user or affecting the performance enhancing effects.” The Major finished his glass. “It's difficult and there are very few right ways to do it. Most of them having results that are considered undesirable by most.”

“Like the veiny look.” Dvarza pointed out, refilling her own glass.

“And many varied kinds of pain.” Kurlum added. “As a matter of fact, this particular version gives an immediate feeling of burning inside your veins once you take it. As the time passes, it subsides to a mere dull throbbing pain.” He refilled his own glass as he sighed. “Unfortunately I'm growing resistant to the effects, even the initial rush doesn't has the same kick anymore.” He paused. “And that's not even counting the fact that the Black Banner modifications make me much more resistant to its effects. You said the cocktail took you out of commission instantly, the brew I take would give you a most agonizing death!” He finished, smiling widely at her.

“Oh.” Was all Dvarza said, realization dawning in on her. “You're an adept of the Pain vehicle.”

“Exactly!” Kurlum grinned at her. “It has been years since I've had free time to have a proper enlightenment session.” He downed half of his gin. “There are no monasteries here in JHS or even nearby systems, and the Collective hit the closest thing we had when they landed two years ago. So I take my pain when I can. And as long as it doesn't interferes with my duties at the front, Colonel Pardokht doesn't cares.”

“That sounds reasonable.” Dvarza nodded as she took a sip of gin, that was also her position towards the Adepts under her command.“So what? Do you just whip yourself during your free time?” The Lieutenant asked, smiling.

“I don't have the time for that.” The Major replied. “A proper whipping, that is part of a complete session, would leave me out of action for at least five days. Besides, self-inflicted pain doesn't really counts. That's what's great about the cocktail. Since we have to take it regularly there's no problem in suffering from it because it's not our choice.”

“Really? I've got a few adepts under my command and they don't seem to care about that.” Dvarza countered, trying not to think what kind of whipping would take a Black Banner out of action for almost a week.

“There are several different currents of thought within the Vehicle.” Kurlum shrugged as he moved to refill his glass. “I guess we will never found out who's right until we escape samsara.”

“Hold on a bit there, mate.” Dvarza took the bottle out of the Major's reach. “This is the second bottle you finish almost by yourself. Let a sister have her fun.”

“These things tend to happen.” The Major chuckled slightly.

“Laugh all you want, this is probably the last good bottle of gin we will be seeing in a long time.” Dvarza replied before downing her glass in one go, grimacing as she did so.

“Can't really blame them, can we?” Kurlum said, easily wrenching the bottle from the Lieutenant's hands. “The Directorate of Production has bigger priorities than Victory gin.”

“That doesn't make the bootleg booze any less horrendous. But you would probably like it that way, don't you?” She joked.

“Now that.” Kurlum replied, drinking straight from the bottle. “Would be self-inflicted pain.”

“Show off.” Dvarza glared at the Major, as the last decent booze of their stocks disappeared before her eyes.

TLDR

-The Totalist State is on the verge of counter-attacking

-Some minor political intrigue developing

[IC/OOC] God and Country - A low-fantasy renaissance NRP of religion and discovery

Kingdom of Beredia. Lazamênia.



The Alhena Palace in Lazamênia was a marvelous piece of architecture. Originally a mere hillfort built by a forgotten tribe of savages, it was turned by Recawith, the first true king of Beredia, into his capital. By the time the Timlukids first conquered Beredia, the hillfort had grown into a large town. That soon became the capital of the local governor. Centuries passed and when the Beredian knights finally kicked the Timlukids for good, there was no doubt on where the new capital would be. After all Lazamênia was the largest and richest city of the realm, and its palace was the only one worth of housing the Royal House.

Now, in one of the inner courtyards. Some of the most powerful men in Beredia had gathered to discuss the future of their kingdom under the pleasant shadow and breeze of the afternoon. The King himself, André-Maria. His trusted second in command, Prelate Hermogenes. Pontiff Mateus Pereira, the highest religious authority in the realm and almost a walking corpse. And Duke Pedro-Matias de Lavanca, the King's trusted lieutenant in the south. Notably absent was Queen Joaquina, who was too pregnant to do anything else besides languish in bed waiting for her water to break.

“The rumors are true then?” Duke Lavanca asked hesitantly, bringing a hand to his goatee as the King placed the letter bearing the pontifical seal back in the small table center table.

“Yes, the Presbyter General himself confirms it.” André-Maria replied, looking at his councilors, hands joined together in consternation. “The High Pontiff is dead.” There were no gasps of surprise or shock, His Holiness was an old man known in Beredia for his sickly disposition. Only a few short and murmured well wishes and prayers for his soul.

“This couldn't have come at a worst time.” The Duke sighed, covering his gaunt face with a gloved hand. “Now the whole continent will be too busy fighting for the seat to focus on the true enemy.”

“Fear not, my son.” Pontiff Pereira croaked with visible difficulty while sluggishly gesturing dismissively. “God and the Saints will intercede in our side.”

“But men and steel would also do wonders for our cause.” Prelate Hermogenes replied somberly, fidgeting with the rosary in his left hand, before taking a sip of juice. The King did not allow alcohol to be served when matters of state were being discussed. Specially one as important as this, when men needed all their wits with them.

“Well, we have to send someone.” The King countered, gesticulating slightly. “I doubt that we have enough influence to get one of our own elected. But we need to at least make the rest of the continent aware of the threat posed by the infidels beyond the mountains.” he paused, refilling his glass. “A High Pontiff at least interested in keeping the Timelukos at bay would lift a world of weight off our shoulders.”

“We should send Bishop Ananias.” The Pontiff coughed out, covering his mouth with a napkin. “He's a good man.”

The King glanced at the Prelate, as far as he was concerned the Bishop would be as good choice. But the Prelate was the one that actually understood the inner workings of the Beredian Church.

“An excellent suggestion, Your Eminence.” The Prelate replied amicably, placing a hand on the Pontiff's shoulder. “I happen to know the Bishop pretty well.” He then turned to the King. “I'm sure he will do our Kingdom proud in Aldmeria. And impress upon them the necessity of further care regarding the Timelukos.”

“I see no problem with the choice.” The King added. If Hermogenes thought he was a good pick then this Ananias was a good pick.

“I will inform the good Bishop Ananias immediately.” The Pontiff declared, with unusual energy. “It's a long way from Ilafrânia after all.” He paused as if to regain his breath.

“Now that this is dealt with.” The Duke started. “We must address the threat in the south.”

“If what you say is true.” The Pontiff replied, back to his frail self. “We must act decisively.”

“It is, Your Eminence!” The Duke snapped, blushing slightly soon after. “The Bandeiras are fighting raiding parties in the smaller passes and the lowlands.” He continued, more calmly this time. “Our merchants are being increasingly more harassed once they cross the border. And the traders from Sarbraz and Al-Vazan have stopped coming weeks ago. I also have reports from a few Marabeni merchants that both nations are mustering for a campaign. We need only to factor the recent marriages between the two realms and the origin of the raiders to know that we are being attacked.”

“I trust your judgment, Lavanca.” The King sighed. “Even if there's no invasion being planned, we can't let these raiders wander around our southern lands. It would do good to remind them what happens to their filthy lot when they enter Beredia.”

“Then do I have your leave to mobilize the southern Terços, Your Grace?” The Duke asked.

“We will mobilize the entire army.” André-Maria replied, rising to his feet. “If Sarbraz and Al-Vazan are working together we will need all of our strength to fight this coming war. Come, Lavanca, Hermogenes, we need to start preparations at once.” The Duke rose up with a nod while the Prelate helped the Pontiff to rise from his seat.

“I will take my leave now, Your Grace.” The Pontiff coughed again, leaning on his cane while gesturing for his aides to come to his aid.

“Your blessings, Eminence.” The King said bowing his head slightly as he approached the elderly clergyman.

“May God and the Saint watch over you.” The Pontiff intoned, resting his palm on the King's bald head. Before repeating the ritual on the other two men.

Summary

-Beredia is under threat of invasion as a few Timlukid factions mobilize for what seems to be another invasion.

-The Beredian Bishop is chosen and called to the capital to meet with the kingdom's Pontiff. The plan is to raise awareness of the Timlukid threat and get whomever is elected to send more support to Beredia.

[IC/OOC] God and Country - A low-fantasy renaissance NRP of religion and discovery

@Aristo

So, before I start my intro post: The part about the Timlukids preparing for war in the OP is just for flavor or are they actually preparing a Jihad-by-another-name? And if yes, would my kingdom, being at the border know enough to start preparing to defend itself?

Era of Succession(Closed)

Totalist Union. Sector 0001. Centre System. Totalist Centre.



The planet was the heart of the Totalist Union, the first to be colonized by the fleet of exiles and refugees fleeing from the Imperium so many centuries ago. At that time, the Centre was a rugged world of humid mountains covered by rainforest, originally called “Zemlya Natalia” by the original colonists. Not that many people within the State knew that, the Party saw no point in sharing this information with the masses, or even amongst itself. And if one were to look at the planet now, inhabited by many billions of men and women toiling endlessly under the watchful gaze of Party, one would be hard pressed to imagine the tropical paradise that the Centre once was.

Looming over the vast industrial parks and habitation areas, built into one of the last remaining mountain ranges of the Centre, was the Party Headquarters, colloquially known also as the Mountain Lair. A colossal complex that both covered and penetrated deeply into the peaks. Housing the beating heart and brain of the Party along with the massive army of administrators and bureaucrats needed to keep a planet the size of the Centre running smoothly and the impressive array of defenses necessary to keep this vital area secure.

Within this vast labyrinthine complex lies a room, isolated from the rest of the bustling corridors there is a briefing room. Spacious and somewhat luxurious when compared to the usual Totalist standards, though still dull and dreadfully utilitarian to an outside perspective. It's here that the Totalist Board of Directors meets semi-regularly. As a matter of fact, the current meeting is well underway.

“And to wrap up, the Cultural Commissars have been able to locate the hidden cashes in SHFR-938. We have already arrested the dissidents responsible. I expect to have the locations of their accomplices by the time I return to my office.” Director of Truth Fianecci intoned, a rare half smile on her almost reptilian features. “With the ongoing extermination of undesirable cultural elements going at full steam we estimate that it will take only a decade at the most to completely suppress any notions of unauthorized culture within the new territories.” She pressed a few keys on the table console. “The relevant documents, for any interested parties.

The Directors clapped politely.

“Very well, Director Fianecci.” Replied Director Dollabela-Rybalsky, the current first among equals within the Totalist hierarchy, actually managing to disguise his utter contempt for his fellow Director, the less said of their relationship the better. “And now I would like to bring the Board's attention to the situation on the front lines.” He cleared his throat. “Thanks to the efforts of the Directorate of Production, our forces are finally ready to expel the alien threat from our southern borders.” The Director smiled. “In a week our forces will be in position to counter-attack. And I will be taking direct command of the operation.”

The Directors clapped politely.

“Very good, Director.” Fianecci replied. “The Directorate of Truth could use good news from the front. It gets tiresome to praise last stands and strategic retreats every week.”

“Oh, I assure you, Director.” Rybalksy-Dollabela glared at her. “I will destroy everything that stands in my way. Your Commissars will have their hands full once I'm done.”

“My fellow Directors.” Director Shukar, in charge of foreign diplomacy, called out. “If I may intervene, it has recently come to our attention that the Collective is also engaged in aggressive campaigns against some of our neighbors. It may be in our interest to reach out to them.”

“You doubt our ability to crush these pests by ourselves, Director?” Tanzin, Director of Safety and known radical, challenged his colleague.

“I'm not saying that we can't.” Shukar replied carefully. “But if we were to take the initiative and form up a Coalition against this common enemy, we could make this war much cheaper and easier for us. While also securing our frontiers. At least temporarily while we deal with the bigger threat.”

“The State can stand alone. The State was triumphant, the State is triumphant, the State will be triumphant” Tanzin retorted, as usual quoting Party slogans.

“There's merit inn this proposal, Director Shukar.” Fianecci spoke up, several others murmured their agreements and Rybalsky-Dollabela himself was forced to admit that. And so the motion passed and the Board moved to the next subject.

Totalist Union. Sector 0021. System 092-B. Planet JHS-294



Ilika Dvarza's mouth was already watering when she grabbed the ration pouch from the storage room. The Totalist Lieutenant had just returned from a three weeks long aggressive patrol in the no man's land between the Totalist and Collective lines. Eating only hard, tasteless ration bars. When she heard that the bunker had received a shipment of direct heating rations Dvarza skipped sleep to enjoy the mystery meat before it ran out.

Walking into the mess hall, the Lieutenant found a place in one of the empty tables and drew her pistol. Inserting the barrel into the designated muzzle she fired a short burst and then ripped open the pouch. Relaxing in her chair and letting her nose appreciate the scent, the Lieutenant finally started feeling the effects of those three weeks as the effects of the drugs wore off. Dvarza really was looking forward to actually sleeping for the first time in weeks.

Then the bunker shook, dirt fell into the open pouch and another soldier cursed. If they were still alive then it meant the shield had held. She relaxed again, until the klaxons started blaring there was no reason to rush. So Dvarza enjoyed her meal, chewing laboriously and swallowing slowly. It was not everyday food tasted this good so one might as well enjoy it. The dirt barely registered at all. When she was halfway through the pouch the alarm started blaring. Sighing, she grabbed the remaining food and stuffed her mouth, swallowing everything in one go.

Rushing out of the mess hall, the Lieutenant retrieved a small vial from her pouches. Dvarza snorted the stimulant quickly. The effects were immediate and she rushed along with the stream of soldiers converging from the other areas of the bunker.

In six minutes she had already put on the vacuum-sealed helmet and had reached her unit's designated position in the trench. So far the enemy was nowhere to be seen, but the sounds of battle made it clear that other areas were already under attack. As they waited, more rounds hit the shield, creating miniature earthquakes.

Then the enemy finally arrived. A mass of “Stunties”, or Homunculi-K as they were officially called, emerged from the distant mist covering the wasteland right as Dvarza's helmet HUD started warning about the incoming enemy. She wasted no time in opening fire. Their front ranks were shredded by the Totalist fire, but the advance barely slowed down. As more and more enemies climbed over the corpses of their fallen comrades. A lucky shot killed the soldier on Dvarza's left but the Lieutenant paid it no heed, already crouched in the trench, reloading her gun.

When she emerged again it was to see that the Collective forces had brought even more troops. This time their actual soldiers supported by the damned walkers and heavy weapons. The Totalist artillery finally showed itself, sending clumps of Collectivist troops flying as rounds and rockets fell into the charging mob. Clouds of gas started emerging among the enemy as acid munition detonated over them. And still they kept advancing.

The lines of barbed wire and the minefield did manage to buy some time however. Time in which more ammunition was hurriedly brought from inside the bunker.

Dvarza's helmet, along with every other soldier in the front, was filled with propaganda by this point. Martial music accompanied boastful speeches and Party slogans were supposed to help keep up the morale. Though most veterans like Dvarza had long learned to tune it out, eventually, and focus only on the battle.

The last line of barbed wire was quickly pushed aside. And with the minefield completely spent the Collectivist abominations had apparently brought even more troops to close the gap that had been formed. And in no time they were scaling the ramparts of the trench, a volley of grenades did nothing to slow them down and soon the melee had started.

Knife in hand, Dvarza slashed at a bug-eyed Stuntie before it could regain its bearings before stabbing one of the back of the head of one of the larger Homunculi. A blow to her back sent her staggering forward, with her knife still stuck in the head of the alien abomination. The Lieutenant drew her pistol and fired away at the closest enemy, a twisted creature of flesh and metal. At least this time it wasn't anyone she knew.

Another soldier fell on her, which fortunately got her head out of the way of a blade. Quickly regaining her bearings, Dvarza pulled out the blade stuck in the body and dodged the grasping claws of an enemy cyborg before counter-attacking with a swift stab to the head that sent it crumpling to the ground. She stepped back into the communication trench, emptying her pistol on the chaotic throng before her, not caring who or what she hit. And as she did so, a hail of heavy fire cut through the melee, Dvarza didn't knew whether it was her side or the enemy firing. Regardless, the Collective monsters were then swiftly crushed as more Totalist reinforcements rushed in, Dvarza at the front being pushed by the soldiers behind her.

Picking up a bloodied rifle as soon as the melee ended, the Lieutenant took position at the lip of the trench, firing wildly at the incoming enemy. By now, the no man's land was half covered by gas and all Dvarza could see were the shadows of tanks and gunships dueling with the Collectivist's own armor trying to keep their infantry from getting surrounded. Then the radio crackled:

“Do not falter, brothers and sisters!” Commissar Nigri's voice cried out, drowning the music and propaganda being transmitted on loop. “The assault from these alien abominations has been beaten back! Our glorious Black Banner troops have cut off the enemy horde! It now remains to us the task of mopping up these wretches! Onwards, soldiers of the State! The Supreme Leader orders! GO FORTH AND KILL! NO MERCY! NO PITY! NO SURVIVORS!”

The troops, Dvarza included, took up the chant as they kept firing at the Collectivist forces, still advancing despite their thinning numbers, behind them more soldiers arrived to bolster the attack. Then a blinding flash and an explosion that drowned out everything else, several mushroom clouds grew out into no man's land up to the horizon. Dvarza and the rest cheered as their HUD's finally blared the assault orders, fixing her bayonet in place the Lieutenant was one of the first going over the edge. Behind her a swarm of screaming Totalist soldiers followed by their heavy armor while overhead gunships and aircraft flew at incredible speeds, unloading their deadly cargo within the ranks of the enemy.

Era of Succession(Closed)

@Drunken Conquistador

Homunculi: Serve humans again!?! No! We shall never be slaves again!!! *turns around and is enslaved by AI* :p

Also, if you need help in finding fitting images, just ask :)

Also, and this is entirely up to you, want to have an ongoing conflict with the Collective? If not, no problem :)

@Sigma

Consent is irrelevant, Comrade Homunculi. We have ways of enlightening new populations XD.

Well, for the Totalists I was looking for kinda of a retro ww2/50's look for things. If you have any sources like that.

As for the conflict. By ongoing you mean we're already fighting them for some time or get attacked at the same time the Fal Empire was?

Era of Succession(Closed)

@Drunken Conquistador Yeah, no problem :)

And looks like our factions will be able to get to know each other alot better... :P
youtube.com/watch?v=wcinzmfZeCc

@Sigma

Excellent. I'm sure your people will be an excellent addition to our camps