Fallen Muse

Eldar: The Path to Eldrad (WH40k RP)

"Since the time of The Fall, our race has been haunted by what we, in our reckless pursuit of hedonistic indulgence, gave birth to. Though our dreams once overturned worlds and quenched suns, we are now but fitful shadows clinging to the edge of existence. All the stars in the sky cannot blot out the hateful glare of the Red Moon's Eye. The birthing place of The Great Enemy pulses with all the malice of a daemon that is dreaming, casting its shadow over all we have ever done and all we ever shall. Every twisted strand of Fate and casting of the Runes leads me to this time, to this place, and it is clear that the final battle awaits me at the ancient Crone Worlds. A conflict the likes of which has not been seen since the Mon-keigh warred amongst themselves, and their corpse of a seer fell to his traitorous son, is coming and all my steps lead towards it, no matter that I walk other paths. I see the stars stained red with the blood of the Mon-Keigh and, though their wars do not concern me and I would gladly let them destroy one another, I know that to avoid this fight is to condemn my race to inevitable doom. And though all I see is darkness, I know that I will not flinch from my destiny."

Eldrad Ulthran, possibly the most powerful psyker born of the dying Eldar race and of Craftworld Ulthwe, was lost, attempting to halt the destruction of Cadia by a Blackstone Fortress. He foresaw his fate in utter darkness, and marched to war regardless, and indeed the legendary Farseer was considered dead and lost to the Eldar, soul claimed by Slaanesh, She Who Thirsts, but some small hope remained in the hearts of other Eldar. While he was ordained with many spirit stones, many of which have long become dead and lifeless, some of these few remaining stones retain their spark of light, indicating that the soul of Eldrad may not yet be lost in full, trapped somewhere in the Realm of Chaos, seeking escape or rescue, though no living Eldar has had the ability to track down any lead on finding a way to confirm or deny such an incredible thing, although the hope alone is kept alive.

A gifted seer, thought to be just reaching the beginnings of his powers, died abruptly within the Craftworld of Ulthwe itself, but not without good reason. A powerful vision, that led to such a lethal end to his life, came upon him, and he fervently spoke of what he saw to those around him, of what brought credence to that faint hope of the ability to rescue Eldrad. He spoke, in his dying moments, of war and bloodshed, on planets distant and near, and of the eventual return of Eldrad, striding out amongst his peers. He uttered the word of one planet, Savaash, and finally perished, his spirit interred into the Infinity Circuit, while the information he had given, in his last moments of life, was shared and investigated. For indeed, the planet of Savaash was indeed a real place, occupied by the Monkeigh Imperial Guard, who referred to themselves as Catachans.

Ulthwe looked to its denizens, a call for volunteers for this mission, only taking 200 of the most talented Eldar from all paths that would come forward with masterful skill and good reason to the expedition. And the call was indeed answered, and 200 of the most potent and powerful Eldar of many paths came forward to seek out Savaash, and wherever the strands of Fate might lead them, for the sake of Eldrad, the most powerful of their kind, his kin amongst the Craftworld Ulthwe would go forth, with the flames of war and the honed minds of warriors, all to seek this means of reclaiming the soul of Eldrad from She who Thirsts, or from wherever he ended up after his loss during the 13th Black Crusade might have cast him to, all for the sake of finding the truth behind the visions of a lost Seer.

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So, in short, the players will be taking the parts of various Eldars, who walk along the varied Paths from the Craftworld Ulthwe to seek the way that was forseen by the now dead Seer to try and bring about the end events, the return or, at least, rescue of Eldrad from his current fate. Obviously, his actual location is unknown, but the search is starting on a Catachan held world of Savaash, and so off they will march in search of the next step forward. So, would anyone be interested in this at all?

Warhammer 40,000: Tales of the Inquisition

Both assassins acknowledged the Inquisitor's gesture, that alerted them that he was indeed aware of their presence, and as the first Psyker walked into the room, the Callidus skulked over to the space above the Inquisitor, and without a word, she dropped down, making not a sound as her lithe form landed, rising into a guarded stance, not openly hostile, but guarded, as if she was ready to handle any trouble that might arrive with utterly lethal force. One hand rested on the grip of her Neural Shredder, ready to draw should anyone present cause trouble, or attempt harm upon the Inquisitor's form. This was probably of some surprise towards those who were not part of the Inquisitor's retinue, but the assassin said not a word, simply watching everyone in the room for any indications of trouble or hostility that might arise, that were worth acting against. Beyond that, at this moment, the Callidus said nothing and did not make any moves towards leaving her position right by the Inquisitor.

In the shadows above her though, having not moved from her post was the Vindicare, who observed that the Callidus had indeed dropped down like she signalled the Vindicare, who turned her scope onto the doorway. If someone entered who was not supposed to be there, and threatened undue violence against the current group, they would likely find themselves far more amiable with a round clean through the head, the Exitus rifle dispatching another threat to the Inquisitor and Imperium. She wasn't moving, and with the motions of her fellow assassin, attention was probably focused on her. Since it was rare for more than perhaps one assassin to be seen working with an Inquisitor for any length of time, it was a deception and more effective way to hide the Vindicare from sight for now, until it was time for her to reveal herself, for whatever reason that may prove necessary with.

As the Interrogator walked in, the pattern that the Vindicare had changed. She trained her scope dead over the blank woman's heart, without a second's hesitation, she could fire and make that woman nothing more than a ghost, even less so, if one believed being blank meant having no soul, which meant she would be delivered into complete and utter oblivion, should she make a move against the Inquisitor. But this was from shadow, and only at most, an inch of movement, so it would doubtfully be clear that such precautions had been taken, and she was being deliberately targeted. The Callidus seemed to relax now, instead of become more tense, but in fact, without a glance or warning, engage any single person in the room without warning and make a rather serious attempt on their life, but for now, she seemed not to move, perfectly relaxed and content where she was.

Warhammer 40,000: Imperial Guard idea

Co-GM checking in here.

Warhammer 40,000: Tales of the Inquisition

I shouldn't have to.

Warhammer 40,000: Tales of the Inquisition

We're waiting on Matt and Crazy. Need your posts so we can start moving things along

Warhammer 40,000: Tales of the Inquisition

@crazy guy looks good get to posting

Warhammer 40,000: Tales of the Inquisition

@Mortarion, Very Cool character I'd say it's approved. Also about the two characters we're kind of full I feel a little guilty about having two myself, but i already had them planned before the interest was even made. Go ahead and make a post.

This message brought to you by your friendly neighborhood co-gm

Warhammer 40,000: Tales of the Inquisition

About the same time the Inquisitor was on his way to the complex that would be the retinue's HQ, a Vendetta was flying a supply run towards the front lines, a highly risky affair in the current situation, but vital towards that position being able to continue to hold its ground against the Chaos raiders. What the crew of the Vendetta did not realize was they had two stow away guests on board as well, and that a specific complex they were making a slow fly over, so they could be registered as friendly by the Anti Air being fielded by the guard, would give these two guests all the time in the world for them to disembark. These two guests were the Vindicare Anastasia Dona, and the Callidus Frika Stadheim, both utilizing their stealth suits to avoid being spotted by the crew, who were too busy elsewhere to notice anything unusual without the suits assistance, and as the Vendetta slowed down to register on the AA Grid as friendly, both the Callidus and Vindicare made their moves, quietly exiting the rear of the slow moving and low flying Vendetta, managing an utterly silent landing on the roof of the command bunkers, which placed them a good bit of time ahead of the Inquisitor, even if they wasted time before entering the complex proper.

But the two assassins were not here to waste time, they knew their marching orders, and they needed to get off the roof in case an artillery shell landed close enough to be dangerous. Opening an emergency hatch on the roof, which the codes were acquired prior to this moment, was opened by the Vindicare, allowing the Callidus to drop in first, blades at the ready in case trouble was already waiting for them within the compound. The Vindicare sealed the roofway hatch behind her, and not a moment too soon, as several shells caused the building to shudder, but the two assassins were safe. Deployed ahead of the Inquisitor, they swept into the building, registering the gross security hole that they had exploited to enter the building so easily for future rectification and possible exploit, depending on the situation that they found themselves in. But the unused passageway from the bunker's roof hatch let them out near the Inquisitor's requisitioned bunker, another violation of security that would need to be monitored and dealt with, when the time came. But for now, the two stuck to the shadows, making sure the room was secure as the Inquisitor arrived and went about his business, appearing oblivious to the two assassins being present, which was all part of that particular plan, in case things went south.

The two assassins silently slipped through the shadows, melding like they were naturally part of the environment there, not a word spoken, not a single bit of noise made as they moved into overwatch positions in the room, hand signals only visible to each other used to maintain complete and total silence, as to not betray their movements and positioning. They were setting up the most optimal position to watch the Inquisitor and ensure no harm befell him while he was on this world, although this duty was obviously constant regardless of the planet they resided on, but for now, it was here, in this underground bunker complex that they would be launching this operation from that required their overwatch, so once they settled into positions, they remained motionless and silent, monitoring any and all that might enter the room, ensuring none meant the Inquisitor any harm.

Warhammer 40,000: Tales of the Inquisition

@Mortarion don't feel like there is no chance though. People will drop I am sure so openings will be available as this progresses

Warhammer 40,000: Tales of the Inquisition

Name: Frika Stadheim

Gender: Female

Age: -Classified-

Appearance:


Equipment:
Inferno Digi Ring
Neural Shredder
C'tan Phase Sword
Poisoned Microblades
Polymorphine drugs
Stealth suit

Personality: One would expect an assassin of any sort to not be the most friendly, laid back sort of person, but Frika Stadheim is rather notable just because of this. She does not take well to what she considers frivolous wastes of time that don't involve preparation or execution of plans for the enemies of the Inquisitor, and by extension, the Imperium of Man. This unflinching, harsh, and strict outlook on her life and duty make her quite disciplined in the process however, this does not really endear her very much when it comes to team dynamics, which isn't normally a problem for assassins. She takes her job deathly serious, more so than others might, focused solely on the execution of her orders to the letter, and regardless of the complaints and suggestions of those working alongside her. But this strict discipline is useful and not a negative trait in her position, more often than not, so its often tolerated, at worst.

Her off duty persona is little different, often compared to just a stick in the mud, catching and dragging everyone else down into her serious, strict mire that is hard to escape easily, if at all. Focused training, changing her appearance via Polymorphine, meditation, study on battle orders, intelligence, and other such business aspects of her job are the sole things most find her undergoing, if they happen to stumble upon her at all. While she is prepared for any moment of a job coming up, more often than not, she is left to her devices, most people not fond of her solemn, apparently shallow outlook on life, even if this is hardly the case. Its, short and simple, that the life of wearing many faces when not amongst close allies, always assassinating and invading the lairs of the enemies of Man, leaves little time for such luxuries that others often enjoy, even those allied to her beyond a vague sense.

Position in Retinue: Assassin

Name: Anastasia Dona

Gender: Female

Age: -Classified-

Appearance:


Equipment:
Exitus Rifle
Exitus Pistol
Spy Mask
Stealth Suit
Rosarius Belt Buckle
Specialty Ammuntion for Exitus Rifle

Personality: As one would also expect of a sniper assassin of the Vindicare caliber, on the job, Anastasia is a highly focused, strict and to the letter member of any mission, alone or in support of others. Much like the Callidus assassin she is often compared to, she is an ice queen that rains death from on high, regardless of the defenses, distance, or difficulties such a task would put between her and her job. At a glance, one would think she was little different in mentality and personality than her fellow assassin, beyond the tools of the trade that each of them are equipped with to do their jobs, but this couldn't be farther from the truth, since unlike her fellow assassin, Anastasia has quite the different outlook and personality once the team is no longer on the battlefield.

Away goes the harsh, cold gaze, strict tone of voice and actions, and tense, focused movements and actions. Off duty, as it could be called, Anastasia is quite opposite of her on duty persona. More than comfortable cracking a smile or a joke with others of the team, she often times is far more approachable than one would consider such a lethal combination of death and grace, and she can often use this to her advantage to pull a fast one on others, pulling jokes and other such jests with other members of the group she happens to be traveling and working with at the time. This can be surprising, but when compared to other, far more solemn and unapproachable people in this line of work, she can be considered an Emperor sent gift, someone who actually has a sense of humor and can be worked with outside and during work, assuming one doesn't mind the harsh shift between the two.

Position in Retinue: Assassins

History: While the efforts of Vindicare Anastasia Dona and Callidus Frika Stadheim before crossing paths with Inquisitor Xersus are classified, its not hard to find information and figure out why they were assigned to his retinue, and why they have not been recalled yet. Veterans in both their fields, Anastasia and Frika were assigned to aid the Inquisitor Xersus upon his request, actual request and not order, for aid on a specialty mission that required unique talent from the Ordo Assassinorum, and since Xersus did not just bluster in, and demand their best, he actually got cooperative aid, since it aligned with their personal goals as well. At the time, Xersus was hunting a cabal of sorcerers hidden amongst the higher Nobles of a hiveworld, those that would have fled well before the Inquisitor could ever have gotten close, and required the special talent of the Callidus. At the same time, they were numerous enough that one Callidus, as lethal as she may be, would not be enough, so they also loaned him a Vindicare, a rare, but not impossible, situation that the Inquisitor found himself in.

While Xersus did not expect the generally likable nature of the Vindicare, his plan was set to be put in motion. Anastasia was on overwatch, while Frika had shifted into a maid that was disposed of prior to the mission, and sure enough it worked, Frika got close enough to eliminate the leader of the cabal, and corral the others in the right direction. While the Inquisition moved its forces in on all fronts, it was unnecessary in total. Between the vicious blade work of Frika, and the unwavering marksmanship of Anastasia, not one cabal member lasted the night. Xersus did not immediately inform the Officio Assassinorum of the mission success, although he did in time, the recall order for the two assassins never came. Xersus found this odd, but he did not question it too closely for now, choosing to allow the two to remain part of his personal Retinue, and serve as specialists in their individual fields.

Beyond this initial operation, the Vindicare and Callidus would prove more than worth their keep on numerous occassions. From carving down the forces of the Chaos daemons and worshippers, from afar and up close, to sniffing out new members of his task force and retinue, or those he was oft resorting to hunting down for various reasons, he made good use of the Polymorphine using Callidus to sniff out many potential recruits over the years, while the Vindicare made good use of her rifle and scope, picking off threats and keeping an eye on things the Callidus couldn't keep close to without blowing her cover, utilizing the two to spy and keep an eye on those around him, both untrusted and trusted, and they would often times be given orders to watch friends as well as foes, should the need arise. The Inquisitor trusted the two assassins as much as he was willing to trust most of the time, a rare honor to be sure, and one reserved for those who proved their worth. Whether this was earnest, or a hidden agenda by the Officio Assassinorum remains yet to be seen.