IRON HEARTS CH. 14
BATTLE OF FIST !

...there are no hexes.

OH GOD HOW DO I GAUGE MY MOVEMENT.

rolled 3 = 3

>Fire right flamer
"Ghoul in sight."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_OlWVTQPJA

GHOULS !
FLOCK , OPEN FIRE, TEMPLARS, DONT GET SWALLOWED ! STAY THE LINE !

HEXES.

ACTION PHASE !

REPOST ACTIONS.

Forward, Brothers, to victory!

>move 3SW

rolled 4 = 4

>>16254995
>Fire right flamer

"Understound adjudant."

rolled 1 = 1

>Move 2 hexes S
>Fire left flamer at ghouls through the gap between friendly units.

>enter Line formation, pierce attack overwatch south ghouls, autoguard South

rolled 6 = 6

>Move 3 W
>Sing a song of protection against claws and fangs for the nearby Templars.

rolled 9, 2, 3, 4, 3, 7 = 28

>Move 1 Length South.
>If Burst fire takes only 1 ammo per burst, fire two bursts at the ghouls to the south. If it takes the whole magazine, fire one burst, then reload.
>Move North 1L, then turn to face South.

Repostan'

>Run 5 SW
>Auto-guard, facing S

>>Move E2 face oncoming ghouls preparing to strike any that come in range.
"Brothers hear me!"
>Rooks move in and engage the ghouls
>Ranged units gun anything down in range.
>Clerics I trust you to figure out which spells to use and possibly fall back slightly
>T2 Help me guard the Cleric.

>>16255018
I'm C1, sorry.

rolled 8, 3 = 11

Move and jump to the SE front of T1, landing on the ghouls and stabbing closest enemies with bayonet x2

>Song of battle!

ACTION PHASE END.

>Move in front of the S unit
>Move shields to block South
>Ready for Parry
>If Use one Action to prepare my Unit with the Litany of Steel<Pray>

>Move 3S
>Overwatch for ghouls the mechs and such missed

>>16255060

prayers and songs are turn ending actions possibly to take effect next turn.

>There seems to be two [A1] on the map, I don't know which is me

If I'm the one on the left:
>Jump 2 hexes south and down (From level 4 to 2)

If I'm the one on the right:
>Run 1 hex southwest, 3 hexes south, 2 hexes southwest

posting here cause i depred on the other thread

rolled 5, 6, 8, 5, 8, 1, 4, 1, 4 = 42

CONSERVE AMMO , FLOCK, GUN DOWN THE ENEMY AS THEY APPROACH OUR TEMPLARS. !

>prone,
>Shot who is left

ENEMY PHASE
20 glory collected.

>>I've missed so much
>>I have no idea whats going on anymore
>>Fight the good fight gents.

>Yeesh I should have mentioned this earlier and done it better myself. Infantry fall back. Templars and Armsalves protect our squishies.
>Armor Hold the front line for Aeon.

>>16255349
>Get in the IRC, at least, C. You were missed at Kolstec.

>>16255349
>Get in irc more often!

>>16255372

Acknowledged, Command. Will be jumping down to mix it in a bit with the enemy alongside the armor next phase.

>>16255349

We're playing as Aeon for a mission or three, dude. If you want and can, join in. Previous thread should still be on the board that details Aeon units and faith and glory and all that good stuff.

COUNTER ATTACKS HAVE TAKEN EFFEECT,

ENEMY RELEASES A 2ND WAVE !

ACTION PHASE !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB8xhaHTfAA

Aeruleus you fool ! PULL BACK OR YOU'LL GET SWALLOWED WHOLE !

>Fortify this ridge
>If that isn't a turn ending action, go into overwatch

rolled 7 = 7

>Move 3 NW, 1 N
>Sing a Song of Battle.

>>16255435
ENGAGING FULL GUARD.

Autoguard South
Move formation 1 N
Overwatch melee Pierce South

"WHOO HAH! Let's tear up that armor coming our way with some of our own eh? Infantry fall back behind our armor to give em room to play with these monsters."

>Move back up onto L2 before facing the enemy once more.
>If unable to move NorthEast as far as possible hopefully behind Rk1

rolled 8, 3, 5 = 16

>Move South 1 L.
>Activate shield to block incoming overwatch fire from the South.
>Fire burst at light tank directly South.

rolled 6, 6 = 12

Shooting single shot at larger tank's turret, shooting single shot at tank south east of me, moving 3L north.

rolled 2 = 2

>>16255435
>Fire Left flamer
>move back 1 hex

"Enemy armor spotted adjudant."

>>16255435
>Pray they Absolution of Armor

rolled 4, 3, 8, 5, 5, 9, 3, 2, 10, 5 = 54

>>16255435
>Deploy somewhere, preferably the left side of level 2 next to our other Shepherd
>Fire upon nearest enemy infantry using single shots, Shepherd called shots to their knees, flock using normal shots

>s 1
>song of protection vs explosives/ap

>>16255453
"I know when to strike where they are weak and to shift away from their positions of strength, this is not my first battle and by Alexander's favor it shall not be my last."

>Move 2 S, 1 SE
>Ready shields to block SW
>Overwatch attack 3 SW
>Ready to Parry

> Stand Ground
> Build Barricades extending to the 1.5 platform
> Give execution order to Aureleus if he doesnt escape the Ghoul mob by the end of this turn.

PULL BACK ! THE ARMOR HAS COMETH,
DO NOT ENGAGE THEM !

Form a wall! Let none get past! Brother Wight, come up to the ridge! My shields shall face their attacks!

>move 1SW
>Form a line and Auto-guard S

PHASE END

ENEMY PHASE.

9 glory gained
.2 faith gained

>>16255960
Why did I only move 2 north?

>>16255960

Kezare shoulders aside the tank round with his shield as he strides forward into range, raising his rifle with one hand and firing a burst of fire upon his assailant, not taking much time to aim as he unloads the remainder of his magazine at the Vosskon tank.
"I will send you to your foul gods, heretic!"

>>16256083

Hold up, man. It's enemy's turn. Let's wait on making moves until it's our turn.

>>16256133

That was just fluff. You'll notice I didn't actually make any actions.

>>16256005

zombie drag down

ACTION PHASE !

rolled 2, 3, 1, 4, 1, 6, 5, 5, 6, 1 = 34

>Fire 4 on ghouls to the south, 6 on the soldiers behind them

rolled 7, 1, 1, 4 = 13

>>16256225
Autoguard S
Advance 2 S
4 piercing attacks against Stormtrooper squad and Ghoul, priority being Stormtroopers

>move 2w, song protection against explosives

>Move 2 N 1 NW
>Ready shields to block Southwest
>Pray that I don't get hit like that again

"Most exalted clerics, we have been battered but still live. Your blessings would be most appreciated. We offer up our names to Alexander."

rolled 10, 3 = 13

>>16256225
BY FIRE BE PURGED

>Fire both flamers at the two stormtrooper squads in front.

rolled 8, 9, 8, 6, 8, 10, 1, 1, 4, 6, 1, 7 = 69

" you two erect a cross on this hill, we are keeping it ! "

THE REST OF YOU GET THOSE GUNNERS !

> 6 flock double taps the assaults down yonder

rolled 6, 8 = 14

>>16256225
>move 3 hex S
>Grab and throw the armor at the artillery
>move 1 hex N

"Artillery and Duhallan spotted adjudant."

>Reload.
>Shield SW, facing towards the enemy tanks.

Kezare flips his rifle sideways while pressing the eject, flinging the empty magazine away before quickly loading a fresh one, hunkering down behind his shield as he does so.

>Move 3 West
>Shields South
>Accumulate Faith

>>16256225
>Deploy at church
>Move 3 E to level 4
>Construct holy symbol

"Let the glory of Aeon guide you in battle."

rolled 9 = 9

>Song of healing on the armslaves.

Deploy at church.
Move 3 south
Use shield and overwatch south.

rolled 1, 6, 3, 2, 3, 5, 6, 4, 4, 7, 10, 6 = 57

" HEALING SONGS, WE NEED HEALING SONGS ! "

Into the flames of war, brothers! Form a wall of steel!

>jump down SE behind the armblades
>move 2SE beside the armblades
>auto-guard SW

Action phase end.

Enemy Phase.

Only CHurch Order Units can deploy from churches, recoveries for everyone else are the cross.

Game is on Break

Will resume tonight. at approx 7-8EST

>>16256605
Templar Daein flicks the gore from his spear. "May you find the peace in death you could not in life. Your death serves the greater glory of Aeon."

With that, he turns to face the new front.

>>16256605
Next Phase if I don't make it back, Some one have me Running Jump attack that Dullahan or Artillery.

Morning bump

Bump for the bump gods.

So if we were to coincide the events of this battle with the defense of Kolstec, where would the Ragnyll defense be right now? The big gun just fired off once, and that blimp just showed up.

Ready to jump in when this starts back up.

>>16261171

>I'd put the defense somewhere around a little past the halfway point. I just wonder what will happen on our end once Asmodeus shows up at Kolstec.

>>16262721

>You change one letter in your trip and all of a sudden it changes

command is taking a nap, it look like this will start at 7:30/8:00

>>16262844
you there with him? try not to tire him out so much.

>>16262887
No I'm not, he just finished eating and running another game so his "brain need to slow down a bit"

getting some stuff from the store.

REPORT IN OR GUIDE YOUR LOST BROTHERS FOR YOU !
GAME STARTS IN 15.

I answer the call to defend my brothers.

Prepared to bring ruination upon the enemy.

"Reporting in! Grenades and bullets shall not impede our glory!"

>>16264162
I stand ready.

>>16264162
I'm here.

>>16264162
still here command

Stops praying for his fallen shield brother and Aurelius. "I am here, let us slay any further Voss scum that show their face so that the dead can be properly sent into the arms of Alexander."

Ready to fight!

hiii~

Current roster, those with ? marks are on the field but haven't reported in. They'll need botted, if we don't have volunteers to do that I'll end up needing to do it.

[Rk1] Tankred
[Rk2] Celia
[Rk3] Paldin

[Kn1] Kezare

[Qs] Makkor
[S2] Book

[C1] Silver?
[C2] Akodam

[A1] Sadon
[A2] Sleyth?

[T1] Wight
[T2] Daien
[T3] Iksender

>>16264175
>>16264381
>Forgot to mention that we might have too many Rooks at the moment, depending on how much it costs to put one on the field or even if we can you might hafta switch.

>>16264426
>If a rook is unavailable, I will choose Knight.

I'm here!

>>16264381
>>16264488

Looks like the gang's all here. Shall we to war?

>>16264441
>You'll get stuck in a Kn but its gonna cost us some Glory so don't play hero. Or Makkor won't have to execute you.

>Got it.

.
ENEMY PHASE HAS BEGUN !

I RETURN TO SERVE

>Ah, dammit. I need someone to bot me for next action phase. Real-life calls

Here

>>16264976

Nevermind, I'm back. False alarm.

SCREECHES BELLOW FROM BEYOND THE RAVINE, GARGOYLES EMERGE FROM THE NIGHT ! THE SONG OF PROTECTION STAYS OUR GROUND BUT THE FIRES OF HELL ITSELF LICKS US !

>ROOKS ! YOU TWO ARE UNDER HEAVY STRAIN ! YOUR SITUATION IS CRITICAL !

> Do not give up hope however, Metatron sends us another knight in this dark hour !

ACTION PHASE.

rolled 10 = 10

>Running jump attack the giant Dullahan

rolled 2 = 2

>Move NW, 2 N
>Sing a Song of Passing for those we have lost.

>>16265103
Run 5 nw
Autoguard W and S

clean version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxKhhMdbU5I

Kn3 , DEPLOY

rolled 10, 2 = 12

>>16265103
>Punch Duallahan
>Fire right flamethrower at the raptor
>back 1hex N

"Sheperd, my armor need repair."

>>16265103
>Can't tell if I survived under the explosion or not. Though knowing my luck Templar Wight has fallen.

If alive however retreat N2 E1

rolled 1, 3, 1, 1, 3, 2 = 11

>Move 2 SW
>attack 6
>Shields to South

rolled 1, 3, 8, 2, 10, 9 = 33

>Move 1L SW, coming into range with the gunship with the commander in it.
>2 bursts to the command gunship.
>Move 1L E, 1L NE.

>HOLD GROUND! continue song protection vs explosives, just like last turn

Imam shouts as she stands protectively alongside Akayas, "Please! strike down the beasts! Young lady Akodam can only do so much!"

>>16265156

>I don't know if Parry is implied with the shield positioning, but if not I want to make clear I was saving some actions to parry

"Templar Wight! Stand tall, we shall reinforce you!"

The armslaves leap forward and engage the enemy with extreme ferocity. (Geez what nice rolls to see).

rolled 9, 4, 6, 7, 1, 7, 3, 8, 1, 5 = 51

>If possible, turn the nearest Gargoyle to our side. If not, then only do everything else here.

>Move west 1, southwest 2, ending up on level 4.5
>Roll some boulders down the mountain to hit the enemy arty
>Remaining actions double fire upon nearest gargoyle, called shots to the wings

rolled 4, 4 = 8

-Move 3 southwest
-single shot targeting predator with officer's cockpit
-single shot targeting farthest gargoyle within range's head

>>16265103

"Endure, Brother Tancred! We'll see if we can draw their fire!"

>run 3W, 1SW
>auto-guard SW

>Seeing as S1 is inactive I'm requisitioning his flock to repair me

rolled 1, 7 = 8

>>16265126
>Other 2 rolls for my other 2 units

rolled 9, 6, 8, 7, 4, 5 = 39

WIGHT NEEDS YOUR HELP,
USE THE HOLY SIGN WE ERECTED EARLIER AND FORTIFY IT !

> A SQUAD BUILDS A FORTRESS CHURCH
>REMAINING 6, GUN DOWN THOSE MAURAUDERS.

>>16265197
Three length that is, if I need to specify.

rolled 1 = 1

>move 2L E
>punch tank

phase end.

>Ok Depending on how next phase goes. Now that I realize there's an S1 and Qs is not it... *Smacks self* Surviving mechs will be repaired by it.
>Clerics Songs of Healing and Protection would be loved.
>Book help shoot down any more air units.
>Mechs take out any heavy targets if you're still living.
>I'm going to Pray for a Miracle with any remaining Glory we have.

>>16265276
>Damn, I meant to say 2L WEST

ENEMY PHASE
> THE SONG OF PASSING WASHES OVER THE FIELD CLEANSING IT OF ITS ILLS
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPW549JJFss
>Faith increased to 3.6!
THERE IS HOPE YET !
>SHEPERD BOOK STRIKES A WING !

ENEMY PHASE !
[terror count pending...]

ACTION PHASE !

FAITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS HAVE FALLEN !

rolled 3, 9, 4, 3, 8, 5, 10, 1, 8, 4, 7, 4 = 66

I'm back.

>Move all units back into cover
>Double shot the lower of the two gargoyles to the NE

rolled 7, 9 = 16

-Get on the back of the gargoyle holding me while slipping free.
-stab it in the back of the head
-While moving off the back of the gargoyle and heading toward the ground, shoot the gargoyle north of me in the head,

rolled 4, 4 = 8

>>16266664
>Move 1 hex S
>Punch Duallahan
>get in position to punch second duallahan and punch it
>if second duallahan is dead retreat NE
>otherwis place myself back to cliff and brace for impact

>Pray Using as many glory points as needed + to smite the foes facing them with Holy Blades of Alexander

>Don't know if dice is needed for Miracles but I might as well roll

Wight kneels in horror of the loss of so many of his brothers and sisters. With tears running down his cheeks and fury burning in his eyes the Templar begins praying for swift justice against these foes.

rolled 4 = 4

>Yeesh forgot how to roll

rolled 3, 5, 4 = 12

>Run and Charge at the Artillery
>Attack the crap out of it
>Shield NE

rolled 5, 9, 2, 1, 7, 9 = 33

>6 attacks on the monster SW of us
>Shields towards the thing we're attacking, preparing the remaining 3 actions to parry
>Back up NE 3 squares, shields and facing remaining towards the monster

"Back, Templar Daein! Back to the clerics!"

rolled 4, 1, 4, 7 = 16

>>16266664
Move 2W
Enter Tight formation, all units on one hex, two autoguarding vertical two autoguarding S

Four attacks at the big duhallan

>>16266732
"Tankred is down, I repeat Tankred armor has fallen."
"Those fists of mine are burning red, they are telling me to grasp victory."

rolled 4, 1, 6 = 11

Kezare, seeing Akodam's guardians fall, rushes over to keep the cleric safe, using his shield as a barrier while firing at the nearest target.

>Move towards C2, shield. Use shield to protect the cleric, if possible, take any hits the cleric might take myself.
>Fire a burst at the downed garg to finish it off.

>>16266754
"There can be no retreat for me. Make haste, Armslaves, protect the Clerics. I will buy you the time you require, and vanquish this monstrosity in doing so."

rolled 9, 7, 5, 3, 3, 3, 9 = 39

>>16266664
>Shepherd double fires into gargoyle's head to the N
>move 3 SE to the Cleric
>2 squads double fire upon furthest NE gargoyle
>1 squad constructs barricades around the cleric, preferably facing S

rolled 9 = 9

>Song of Passing for those who have fallen.

>>16266754

>Throwing in dice rolls if necessary for parry actions

rolled 10 = 10

"Tancred!! NO!" Iksender shields himself from the blast as the might Rook was ripped apart by machine gun fire. "You will pay double for that, filth! FOR AEON!!"

>Move 3SW
>Attack enemy infantry group N

>Hopefully this suicide attack will distract those tanks for you guys. Godspeed, all of you.

>>16266751
For the Glory of Aeon

rolled 8, 9, 4 = 21

>>16266818

>Whoops wrong field

>song of healing to cover the retreating templars

"Imam! Akayas! G-Get back up! Healing time!"

rolled 6, 9 = 15

(If I actually need to hurt it before trying to escape and the above moves are invalid, use this instead.)
(or, just use this)

-Stabbing the head of the gargoyle holding me x2
-push off its body to reach further SW

rolled 7, 1, 3, 10, 5, 3 = 29

AIM FOR THOSE BAZOOKA MEN, DONT LET THIS CHURCH FALL !

Makkor looks up at the sky-clawed knight, fiddling with a dial, he presses a switch to a remote set to detonate the doomed man.

" Take the enemy down to the gates of valhalla with you, friend "

> Detonate K3

> gun down the bazooka men
> take cover behind barricades
> detonate switch
> 2 people pray along the song of passing.

rolled 5 = 5

>>16266754
>>16266795

It is too late for me as well. Me and my neophytes shall keep them distracted as long as we can. Die well, brothers and sisters.

Cast in the name of Alexander, YE NOT GUILTY!

>Awaiting Deployment

>I just had a look at the background of the map. The zeppelin's gone. That means those brain tanks have taken the field. It's so strange, seeing all that carnage from afar.

. . .. .

The song of passing plays over the battlefield.

A lone cleric witnesses the dying wishes of all who stains this blood soaked hill

A lone commander looks over the desperate struggle and asks for a miracle

will gods answer you this mad moon ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwvlg1Lf-k8

>>16267349

Uh... that's not where I expected to end up. How'd I go Northwest when I moved Northeast?

>>16267393

>My orders got botched too, mate. Ah, well. I'll roll with it.

>>16267349

>No big deal this might work out better anyways
>Anyways back in character

"In the name of Alexander - the moon! Look at the moon!"

>>16267421

>Also is it me or do I have the strange feeling Asmodeus is about to be summoned way over yonder? That is the ibonyte river turning red, right?

>>16267421
>>16267349

"Brother-Veteran Iksender! Look to the sky!"
"The moon!"
"What is that?"

Iksender could only look upwards after pulling his spear out of the bloodied corpse of his foe. "I...I do not know, my neophytes."

>Also, look! The ibonyte in the ravine in Kolstec has turned to blood--Asmodeus has taken the field!

>>16267471
>>16267421
>>16267421
"Stand strong, Brothers. No fool moon shall forestall the judgement of Alexander upon our foes."
Daein raps his spear against his shield.

"Come, foul spawn of Voss, break yourselves upon my spear."

Kezare kneels beside the cleric, his shield raised. He can only barely see the events transpiring on the horizon from where he is, but he quickly looks back to the remaining enemies on the field.

"Return your minds to the battle at hand, brothers! Alexander casts his gaze upon us in the hour of battle! BE SURE HE IS NOT ASHAMED!"

rolled 2 = 2

>>16267349
Mid prayer the templar's gaze lifts to see the moon with it's maddening face. Wight sneers before dropping his head once more, foul works were about this Eve but perhaps the glory of Alexander would rain down upon them to protect the faithful

Graaah Good fight Brothers, I may not make it past this but at least the Glory of Aeon and you all will persist.

>Pray for the miracle of ressurection, that the fallen may return
"May Alexander Himself return those who have gone from us, Have faith, Siblings!"

The 2nd wave has mounted our front !

Demonic forces have begun approaching our location.. a gate has been opened not too far from here...
. . . .

Templar Wight... what are your -

>>

Alexander's light

What is this ...

FORM UP, HELLGHAST WE GOT PEOPLE TO SAVE !

FOR RAGNYLL !

REINFORCEMENTS ! RAGNYLL HAS ANSWERED OUR PRAYERS !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buobW1zVQuQ

LET'S NOT DAWDLE

ACTION PHASE !

>>16267720

"Now is the time! CHARGE! Drive the Voss from our sight!

>Also, hexes needed

SHOOT DOWN ZE BIRDIES

SHOOT DOWN ALL ZE BIRDIES !
AHAHAHAHAHHAHA

rolled 6 = 6

>Song of Battle

rolled 4, 2, 6 = 12

>Reload.
>Move South, fire a burst at the flying demon directly south when in range.

rolled 9, 3, 7, 8, 1, 1 = 29

>Running Jump Attack the Closet Demon
>If actions remain Jump off it and attack the Closet Demon and repeat if I can.

As I'm assuming that miracle didn't refill my magazine

>Duck behind cover
>Reload

hexes.

Assume Line formation
Autoguard South
Overwatch Melee Piercing attacks S


"COME WHAT MAY, STAND STRONG BROTHERS! WE FIGHT FOR WHAT IS RIGHT, TO PURGE THE DARKNESS FROM THE LANDS OF MAN!"

rolled 8, 5 = 13

>>16267697
>>16267676
>Move S2 Heroic leap/drop toward the demon there
Stands, shield raised and weapon at the ready toward the demon's approaching. Wight was prepared to die for the sake of protecting others by stopping these foul monsters here. Just as he had begun a cry of war gunfire caught his ears, planes were making a pass overhead, firing upon the demons. However there was something off about these reinforcements, were they fallen soldiers whom came back one final time for vengeance against the Voss? The templar did not care, he would pray for their peace later now he needed to lead his men.
"Alexander has answered our prayers. RISE MY BROTHERS THIS IS WHERE WE MAKE OUR FINAL STAND! LET NONE SURVIVE!!!"
Wight runs forward toward the closest demon leaping toward it to strike with all his might.

rolled 3, 4, 3, 8, 6, 3 = 27

>Move south, between the two stormtrooper squads
>3 attacks on the left squad
>3 attacks on the right squad
>Shields set to SW, S, SE
>Ready 3 remaining actions to parry

rolled 6, 4 = 10

>>16267720
Botting for Celia since she apparently is not here.

IT'S SHOWTIME!

>Move 1L S
>Pick up tank
>slam tank down on the heavies behind it.

Hey buddies! Still alive?!

rolled 7, 8, 4, 2, 8, 9, 4, 7, 9, 5 = 63

>Move 2 SW, 1 S
>Squads reload if needed (Shepherd still has 1 shot in magazine)
>Shepherd single shot to the gargoyle to the SW
>1 squad each targets one of the three closest Gargoyles

>Song of battle
"We fight with the heroes Alongside us, Alexander Protects! May he return our own lost in time..."

>>16267720

>It's so beautiful. It's just so, so beautiful.

Iksender's men look up as the roar of Hellghast air power screams across the battlefield. "Alexander BE PRAISED!" He shouts at the top of his lungs, turning to his neophytes. "DO NOT LET HIS BLESSING GO TO WASTE, MY CHILDREN! FOR THE GLORY OF AEON, INTO THE FRAY!!"

>Move 1N, 1NW, beside the Vanguard Knights
>STAB ANY ENEMIES IN RANGE TO THE WEST

rolled 4, 5, 8, 7, 2, 7 = 33

>>16267783

>With hexes, I can amend my move action to: "Move 3S, between the two stormtrooper squads;" The rest remains the same.

"Push the devils back! Alexander's glory be praised!"

rolled 8 = 8

>>16267789
>>16267710
>>16267706

>You bastards...you magnificent bastards...you came back. I'm crying right now, dammit!

>>16267801

>also, rolling for my action

>>16267817

>Bleh, ignore the dice in this post, use the ones from >>16267783 as I intended

Meanwhile, two BiTanks stalked the edges of the battlefield. Oddly enough, neither vehicle seemed to be crewed by any pilots whatsoever, and were moving as if they had minds of their own. Crudely scrawled on their sides in cheap paint were the faded words "ISARA MK2" and "ISARA MK3"...

" CHARGE WITH THE INTENT TO STRIKE THEM DOWN WITH HOLY FIRES, B ! "

" WE OVERWHELM THEM, NOW TIGHTEN THAT GRIP ROUND THEIR THROATS ! "

" WE ARE THE TWIN FISTS OF AEON AND RAGNYLL HAVE YOU ANY SENSE AND REASON DROP YOUR WEAPONS AND MERCY MAY SEE YOU BACK HOME ALIVE !!!! "

>CAPTCHA I DONT GOT TIME FOR YOU SHIT.

> MOVE IN RANGE TO OUTGUN.
> FIRE ON ANY VOSS THAT DOESN'T SURRENDER RIGHT HERE AND NOW.

Action phase end.

rolled 4 = 4

>>16267849

NO QUARTER, BROTHER-ADJUTANT! WE SLAY THESE HERETICS TO THE MAN!

rolled 7, 4, 5 = 16

>>16267817

>Dice for parrying, if necessary

A faded voice comes up over the radio.

"Clip those Voss birds' wings!"

"Let those bastards have it! For Ragnyll! For Aeon! For glory!"

"FOR THE LIVING!"

>>16267746
Rip? Looks like hell really wouldn't take you.

Wouldn't have it any other way.

And we fight on....

>>16268152
Hah hah Taste my steel you hell beasts

and on...

>>16268152
Blood washes over Wight and his shield brother's as they attack the demon before them, and he shouts out to his fellows.
"FIGHT ON BROTHERS! OUR FAITH IN ALEXANDER HATH GUIDED OUR HANDS TOWARD VICTORY! NOW GRASP IT FIRMLY LEST THE REMAINING BEASTS STRIKE OUT IN FEAR!!!"
Continues attacking any nearby enemies after making sure the demon is truly dead.

>>16268231

"KEEP IT UP, MY CHILDREN! VICTORY IS AT HAND!" Iksender pulls his spear out of the guts of a dying Voss soldier before facing the enemy once more. "ALEXANDER'S GAZE IS UPON YOU! DO NOT FAIL HIM, NEOPHYTES!"

and on . . . .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53b8v3vw2AQ&feature=related

>>16268231
Now this my brethren is GLORIOUS COMBAT!

High caliber bullets rake the ground as the duckies strafe targets on the ground, moving straight forward at full speed as an excited voice comes through on the open frequency.
"The only way forward is straight through! Let's do this!"
Another, decidedly less enthusiastic voice also comes through.
"And look... no cliffs this time."
"Would you please get OFF that subject?!"

>>16268231

Sadon and his compatriots assault the enemy head-on, backed by holy firepower. Their glorious acts of fervent violence inspire the Voss forces to prostrate themselves in surrender when granted the chance for pardon by the Aeon Shepherds.

>>16268236

>As Templar Wight clashes with the Demons before him, he feels a warm sensation flow through his body, invisible hands supporting his shield arm and guiding his spear hand to strike, and a voice ringing in his mind.

"Hail, Brave Warrior of Aeon! I am Hammers of the West! For too long these foul demons have disturbed this land! For too long they have spit up on the warrior's way!"

"Hear me, Templar Wight! Though I may be without body, I shall fight by your side and guide you, as a warrior spirit, as had my predecessor and those before him!"

Daein stands unmoving, silent, reverent. He offers his prayers to those who fell, and those sent by Alexander from beyond the veil of death to secure the future of the living.

The greatest disservice one can do for the dead is to make their passing meaningless. None that fell here died in vain, for Daein and his brothers would live on.

" WIGHT , WIGHT, ARE YOU THERE ? THIS IS FATHER ZWEI, I HAD A VISION THAT I WILL SEE YOU AT THE GATES OF THE RISING SUN,
WIGHT

WIGHT ! "


===

Mission Complete.

====

>>16268270
Covered in blood and heavily wounded, Sleyth searches the field for more opponents, his vengeance and blood thirst not yet satiated.
Ayan and Cirial his subordinates and family we taken from him in the midst of battle no amount of prayer could givehim solace now. Breathing heavily he staggers back into battle.

picture...

Kezare lowers his rifle, smoking from the rapidity with which he'd been firing over the course of the battle. Only now, after the battle had been won, did he allow himself the luxury of looking upon their rescuers, the Ghosts of Ragnyll, as they faded away.

"... True warriors never die. They simply fade away."

Iksender takes off his helmet, throwing back his head, laughing as his neophytes begin to cheer. They had lasted out against the horrors of war. Truly, Alexander's grace had been upon them this day.

"For the glory of Alexander, we claim this victory! In remembrance of the fallen, we sanctify this ground." Iksender shouted out the battle rites over the jubilations of his neophytes.

"Praise be to Alexander, glory be to Aeon!" His children shouted in turn.

Iksender and his neophytes raised their spears to the moon, the speartips crossing as they swore the oath.

" Alright men, mop up the dead and look presentable for Alexander himself, and when you're done, we'll have a big hearty meal of Ragnyllian molesteak, and aeon cuisine. Welcome to the bigger badass family of Aeon you sinners "

Sadon and his companions remain silent, their duty in battle complete. They ritually cleanse their blades and shields of gore, and quietly praise Alexander that they had been so blessed as to all survive.

>>16268304
Blinked as something, a spirit spoke to him, almost guided him. The templar was wary but spoke to the spirit kindly,
"Well met then, Sir Hammers. Though I believe it is the right of fallen heros and warriors to be given their chance to rest, if you will aid me in my duty to protect those whom still live then I welcome you."
Half a smile came to the templar's face before he began the grim duty of collecting the rosaries and cross necklaces of those who had fallen, far more had than Wight hoped but sacrifices are always made by heros. It was during this time that Father Zwie's voice came over the radio, a bewildered look accompanied by a true smile of happiness came over the man upon hearing it.
"Father, I and a small contingent of Aeon troops survived a heavy encounter with monsters and Voss, but what weighs heavily on my mind is that they were aided by demons. Hopefully we will arrive to your location soon Father so we may discuss this."
It was a bright new dawn, and Wight would ensure that those he protected saw many more even if it might cause him to never see another again.

>>16268417

"The others, they leave, to return to the land beyond. But I, Templar Wight, I will stay, stay and guide not from above, but from the realm of the living."

"You and your men have done a good job here tonight. Enjoy the dawn's light, for yourself and those who cannot."

"I also suggest you to pick up a war hammer. Your spear has blunted in your fight with that demon; in fighting the undead, smashing is much more effective than stabbing."

Amidst the victory cries and cheers of the victors, a pile of wreckage that used to Brother Tancred's Rook stirred.

Out of the ruins of the once proud machine stood Tancred, still defiant and full of righteous zeal as had been before the battle. Both his body and his armor were ruined, but his soul was still intact, and that was all that mattered. Despite the fact that he was on the verge of death, Tancred still endured.

There was still so much work to be done.

>Obviously, since he was "killed", Tancred gets no exp for this mission.

>>16268391
Sleyth collapses, his muscles given out and his vengeance fulfilled. They had made it through the fight but all that was left was a void in the pit of his stomach. Luckily it would easily be filled at the banquet tonight.

"Food you say Makkor?"

>>16268479

Yes - My father worked the foundries on Kolstec. The molesteaks were rich with the gunpowder taste of the earth so creamy were their meats that we hardly ever needed to use any dairies from Aeonian pastures.

That was my last meal with him, before leaving for my Ragnyllian pilgrimage.

>>16268599
Hrmmm sounds good, whats on the wine list for tonight these sinners may have the morels of manged dog but I hear their cooking is quite divine, as are their hostesses.

Mission was 10 xp.

Faith Exp at 4.

retain points for now ; Aeon progression would require hammering out.

Page Croix watches the spirits disappear over the horizon, and wipes a single tear from her eye. The glory of Alexander truly is a wonder to behold. To witness such an event within her life, she feels honored, and humbled. It came not without it's price though, and she still has duties to uphold.

"It has been a hard day, my children. One with many losses, and many trials. But by the lord's grace, we see the light before us, and breath life yet another day. Those who have passed did so with honor, and courage. They will be remembered as they pass onto the loving arms of the father, and all who have passed before us. Turn now in your Gunbibles to the book of Browning, Chapter 19, Verse 11, and attend to your holy implements."

As her flock knelt to strip and purify their weapons, she gathers her fallen, and blesses them so they might pass peacefully. She had always known death in the third person, something that came gloriously to brave warriors, and terribly to cowards and evildoers. The people before her didn't look like people ascending to the heavens. They just looked like sad, frail corpses. The spirits who saved them, they were like this too, she imagined.

She quietly kisses the forehead of each of the fallen, before rallying the flock to bury them. "Sleep, children. We'll make the monsters go away."

>>16268674

For wines I believe I will use the same one, my Inquisitor got me when I was conscripted:

A glass of milk, and their lives.

>>16268677

>Book of Browning, Chapter 19, verse 11

I love you, Croix. I love you so much right now.

>1 squad of 3 unidentified infantry killed: 3 XP
>4 Stormtroopers killed (2 from 2 squads): 4 XP
>1 Dullahan Asssist: 1 XP
>Mission Complete: 10 XP

18 XP, not counting whatever Faith XP is supposed to represent - is this correct? This is the first time I've played a combat role and I've not been able to figure out exactly how XP works.

Okay, let me see if I can get my kill tally right:

>2 Rocketeers behind the easternmost tank
>3 Ghouls after that that were initially part of the 2nd wave that, apparently, I also stabbed as soon as they spawned
>2 Ghouls (I can't tell--lotsa bullets were flying during that last action phase) that were stabbed by me.

So that leaves me with...7 kill points to tack on to that 10 xp for the mission accomplished, 17 exp total. Good day, I'd say.

The night had claimed the life of more than half the knight that were present. In fact she was technically the sole survivor seeing as Kezare was only a squire.

"May Alexander watch on them. May he also be thanked for this victory and allowing me to keep serving my lord. I didn't see her with Hellghast dead there may still be hope."

>2 Ghouls killed 2xp
>1 Demon killed No clue I assume 2-4xp
>10 for mission
>So depending on exactly what faith xp is for Wight's got 14-20 xp.

>4 Ghouls: 4 exp
>1 Voss Light Tank (assist): 1 exp
>1 Command Gunship: 2 exp I assume, unless command vehicles are more.
>1 Gargoyle: 3 exp if I remember right
>1 Demon (Not sure if kill or assist): 1 exp unless Demon assists are more.

11 kill exp + 10 mission exp = 21 normal exp and 4 faith exp.

Also have no clue whether anyone gets any xp for the Miracle. Also it's been brought up, how much Xp/glory/whatever's gonna be needed, will it cost to gain new hammer maids. I only ask since it's been said they have perma death. Also there's been a question on Cleric xp gain, and what/when they gain.

For Cleric progression, exp will be counted thus,

> Number of survivors/converts/ at mission's end.

An upcoming announcement on Aeon Exp progression will be posted soon.

I AM READY FOR THE NEXT BATTLE.

After the long trek to meet up with Father Zwei the Templar Wight took time to sup while explaining everything he of the battle and the fate of Inquisitor Derf, without whom Wight knew not the entire reason why the unit was there in the first place, to the wizened older man. As he went on Wight, also informed Zwei of his intentions to write a report to the Church informing them of the current predicament, to ask for orders, requisition supplies, and perhaps even see where he would sit in the time to come. Wight was on a thin line, as he was just a Veteran Templar and as such only had his current position as Commander of the unit due to Field Promotion, the report would decide whether or not he kept the title proper that came with Commanding an Aeon Verse or if someone would arrive to replace him.

In respect to upgrades, What's it gonna take for me to get my hp converted to Armor? I will pay however much EXP it requires.

AEON BOOK OF ASCENSION CHAPTER 3.0

FOR THOU HAST BESTED THE ENEMY IN GLORIOUS COMBAT BE THEY FOUL DEMONS OR RIGHTEOUS PEER IN FIERCE CONTEST;

THOU HAST ACCRUED THE FAVOR OF ALEXANDER THE RESIDING GOD-KING OF MANKIND, THOUST CANST THROUGH SILENT DEDICATION OR HOLY WORKS, ASCEND THEIR TOOLS OF FAITH, SHARPEN THEIR SPIRITUAL BLADES, OR PURIFY THEIR HOLY BODIES.

WITH EXPERIENCE THOUST CAN ACCOMPLISH THE FOLLOWING :

> Spend 10 XP for a +1 upgrade or a qualitative upgrade at the price of one stat.
> Spend 20 XP for a QUANTITATIVE BELIEF that is dependent on FAITH. Much like Cleric Hymns, Beliefs can boost stats, Health, strength, or even your divine ammo. Protections must be specific, Damage boosts must also be specific.
> Belief will remain active throughout the battle, and though one can purchase up to 3 beliefs only one can be active for YOUR UNIT [yourself and your flock] at all times.

>Prayer , Wish well for your comrades, as you may transfer exp to them

Verse 2 of the Book of Ascension-
Clerics may upgrade seperate from their hammermaidens , learning songs from practice and visions or bettering their holy presence. For the maximum of 6 upgrades. [6 for maids 6 for cleric]
New Hammermaidens may be trained with 15xp, but general upgrades will be 10. If all hammermaidens are wiped out their progression track is set back to 0 until a new one is assigned to you.

Command, I would like to purchase two Regular upgrades.
>Firstly, Another action. because I need more stab.
>Secondly, I will sacrifice 1 Move to convert my HP to Armor, gaining the immunities and weaknesses thereof.

Daein looked at the various dents upon his armor and shield, from the clumsy strikes of Ghouls and withering barrage of bullets from Voss infantry. Beneath his helmet he scowled.

"Insufficient. Lord Alexander, I pray, bless this armor so that I might be a shield to the faithful, and a terror to the enemy."

And it was that Daein's armor was made immaculate once more, and blessed with the strength of Adamant.

>6exp remaining if all upgrades approved.

>>16279121

Command, I'd like to request a clarification on how parrying works. Is it based on the directional facing of our shields? Is it possible to parry blows from monstrous melee attackers, such as Dullahans? What determines a parry's success or failure?

25 total EXP, spending 20 on a belief.

[Faithful Alacrity] aka [Faith Time]
Kezare believes that the battlefield is for the swift and the bold. As faith rises, so too do his reflexes and reaction speeds, allowing him to perform precise actions in a fraction of the time it would take for any normal human to do the same.

For each point of Faith, increase number of actions by +1.

>>16279416

parries are instant success, but work for only as many actions as you have alloted for it. It is also direction specific.

against automatics a parry can only do so much. enemies in melee are quickly countered against once parried in melee range which makes Armslaves close combat specialists.

>22 XP

Purchasing a Quantitative Belief: [Pain is a Hollow Threat]

It took the heretics two days and a thousand stones to finally execute the pious Sadon by pressing. Up to his last breath, he uttered naught but prayers to Alexander's glory. His stoicism inspires these Armslaves to cast off the worldly burden of suffering.

>Increase Health by 1 for each point of Faith

>2 XP remain

>>16279701

So ranged attacks can be parried, just minus the counter-attack? Sweet!

>>16279737
>Gonna go ahead and point out that buying HP dependent on faith is a terrible idea, because if Faith dips, you die.

>>16279771

Alright, sure. Let's consider my 22 XP up for grabs still until I figure out what would actually be useful to use, I guess.

Shame, I liked that flavor.

>>16279825

And by up for grabs, I don't mean throwing it all in the pool. I need the 20 XP, but I'll pass out the 2 additional to anyone who could use them to get an upgrade.

"Keep it up, Neophytes! Thrust strongly and forcefully into your opponent!" Elias Iksender eyed the neophytes as they practiced their combat drills, thrusting their spears into straw dummies with scavenged Voss armor. He methodically stepped to the side of each of his charges, critiquing them as he watched them attack their targets. "Sister-Neophyte Gwendolyn, do not be afraid to extend your whole arm with each thrust--look, your spear barely goes through his back armor! Brother-Neophyte Iraklis, the head is too small of a target to precisely aim for in combat--your thrusts are several seconds slower than your fellow Neophyte's! Aim for the chest, for the lungs!" Iksender beat upon his chest with his fists at that line. "If the enemy cannot breathe, he cannot fight! Brother-Neophyte Lucien, your shield is a tool of protection, not of destruction! Leave the shield-bashing to the Armslaves and their kind!"

It had been some time since they had weathered that battle on the Hallow's Eve. The Neophytes had progressed well in their training, though there was much more to be learned in the coming days. It was amazing, the miracle that had happened there--in an instant, a field full of ghouls that surrounded him and his neophytes had become a firestorm. Ragnyll infantry and armor had appeared all around them, as some winged vampire and two Ragnyll jets flew by, spewing death. And as suddenly as they arrived, they were gone, disappeared like the morning mist upon contact with first light of the dawn.

>>16279889

There was one thing that nagged him, though--he was sure he saw an Aeon girl about their number, fighting and shouting laughing like one of them. His thoughts drift back to what he heard transpired at Wassau before shaking it from his head. "What strange times we live in," he muttered, his thoughts drifting to the battle. Him and his Neophytes--indeed, most of the Aeon force--would not be alive right now, had it not been for that miraculous rescue. He allowed himself a smile as he remembered how proud his children had made him that day.

But, thoughts for another day, another time; there was training to oversee.

>Purchasing +1 Action, 7 xp left
>4 Faith xp left

>A question: is faith xp a completely different entity from the normal xp obtained from killing enemies and completing missions?

>>16282831

Faith exp is just bonus exp gained depending on faith accrued at the end of the mission, so it's added to your normal exp.

>>16282868

Really? Awesome. Then in addition to that +1 action, I'll take +1 health.

So, total upgrades:
+1 Action
+1 Health
1 xp into the xp pool
0 xp left

Assist dulahan1
Assist 2 demons 2
Assist 1 helicopter 1
3 Mg units 3
3 ghouls 3
artillery piece 3
mission xp 10
Total 23
Hrmm would command allow a QUANTITATIVE BELIEF to increase actions?

>>16279737

As an alternate idea to this, would faith-based health regeneration be outside the realm of possibility?

>>16283961
Actually How much would Dr against bullets cost?

nope.

>>16287610
>>16287610

1point in DR is 10 exp.

Or gain bullet immunity for 10exp but lose 1 point in a stat.

Adjutant Makkor fished out the inquisitorial charge given to him. He had not exactly bothered with reading the details on it due to a ceaseless Voss assault.

The march was soft on his feet and for the first time it made his mind wander. They were to approach Ragnyllian property, with a HouseFather as Liaison it was only proper to address what business they were going to have coming here with him fir-

Makkor shook his head.

The paper flapped in the wind.

Like a surprised child he snatched it murderously and opened it again. Read it.

Re read it for what seemed like 45 times before contemplating having someone else read it for him for fear of mad demonic tricks.

" Establish Contact with the Valknyres. Determine if the Vinculum Gate has opened. Containment edicts 666 and 777 apply"

" If no affirmative answer arrives, Crusades 3 through 10 will investigate. In force if need be "

" In force ?!"

" IN FORCE ?! "

Makkor nosed down on the signature.
" by coalative order of Puritanis , Lanista, Exodia, "
Yeah that's all three all right.

All three roundtable leaders of the purification discussions. They were the trigger to make the checks. The blind team sent to die or come back babbling of demons and gates. Makkor pocketed the order.

How he damn well wished that the waxen seal on the damn thing wasn't so obviously broken by his gloved hand.

>>16289121
Wight decided to speak with Makkor before they had the chance to properly talk with Father Zwei once they reached Kolstec. The templar was still stern faced from his prayers for the dead as he arrives at Makkor's tent.
"Adjutant Inquisitor Makkor, may I have a word?'
Upon being let inside Wight would inquire as to what if any notes, reports, orders were left from Inquisitor Derf so that he might know why they were here.

>>16289277

" Well ? What do you think ? "
" We can't very well up and kill ourselves nor can we tell them that nothing's happened" Makkor swigs a bottle of water.

The note left carelessly on a wooden stool. Pressed down by a consecration bottle filled with Sacram.

A victory compliment should it be appropriate and well deserved.

Now, it was simply needed.

>>16289377
Wight's stern face had grown dim upon reading the document left behind by the late Inquisitor. His mind was racing, if they reported the knowledge of the demons and therefore the opening of the gate back to the Church a full blown Crusade upon the continent would happen. Many innocents would be lost due to the purge, Wight couldn't let this stand. Even if his own people, the Church which provided for him and aided his strength sought this bloodshed Wight knew what must be done.
"Makkor, how much time before we're to report back on our knowledge of the Gate? Fore if there is something that can be done I am willing to face the consequences for it to be done. You know I would rather fight my own then allow innocents to burn."

>>16289444

" Time ? you're betting time to see how long it will take before the Isognosts will confirm that the Valknyres will make a repeat of a millenia old war from ages past ? For all we know they must already know it if not have it confirmed through testifying eyes.

No, Wight, I do believe that your only hope is is to either forget about this, and drink that bottle or spin Ragnyll in a new light. To admit that whether dead or alive, that they may actually be able to clean up for themselves and close the vinculum gates themselves- or destroy them altogether. Hahaha I can't believe I'm reciting names from childhood fairy tale it's like

some fantasy ! "

>>16289503
A sneer grows on Wight's face as Makkor acts as if all were lost when they, warriors of Aeon still stand. And that very thought is what drives the templar to nigh heretical action grabbing Makkor by the collar and dragging the man close so that the Adjutant Inquisitor was sure to hear every word.

"Brother, you speak as if all hope were lost for us and any innocent upon these lands. WE STILL STAND! Do you not question why Alexander had blessed us so during our battle before? I believe that our God has tasked us with aiding those of just heart still fighting against the tide of darkness in these lands, in shutting the Gate. However if need be..."

Wight releases Makkor with a light shove as he turns to walk away leaving the Adjutant where he lay sprawled on the floor.

"If need be, I and any who would stand with me will fight for the defenseless, protect the meek, and bring light to this dark corner of the world. Even if it be against the Church herself..."

With that the Templar walks from Makkor's tent without another word, no matter what came in the coming days he knew that in the road would be turbulent.

>Buying 1 bullet Dr and 1 more Squad member and the Red Altskin.

>>16289569
Daein stands a few yards down the path from the Inquisitors tent. He heard nothing specific, but enough to merit concern. He hails the exiting Captain.

"Hail, Brother-Captain Wight. That seemed to be a heated discussion, is there something troubling you beyond the fate of our fallen?"

He matches the senior Templar's stride. "The daemons, perhaps?"

>>16289675
Would probably never learn of Makkor's original intent as he strode from the Adjutant's tent, calling for the Verse's Brother's and Sister's attention. After nodding agreement to the fellow templar.

"Yes Brother Daien, something which will trouble us all soon enough, come help me gather our Siblings and I will explain more."

Wight intended to inform of Aeon's plans as well his own to those who currently followed him.

"Siblings, Soldiers of Aeon. We have survived a most hellish night of trials with the aid of each other as well as the guidance of Alexander. However a new hurtle approaches, as we witnessed last night the Vinculum Gate has opened and demons have begun springing forth. The Church had originally sent us here to find out if that were true, and they intend to sweep down and destroy all in cleansing fire. Innocent, villain, hero, and monster alike; I will not allow the innocent to remain unprotected. As such my intentions are to close the gate once more, slay those who had opened it, and then..."

The templar stopped a moment to swallow and look upon the faces of his Siblings in arms, the faces of the men and women who stood beside him.

"Then, if the Church still intends to sweep down upon this land so touched by darkness to still purge it of the living then I will remain to defend the defenseless against even our own Brothers till breath no longer fills my lungs. I will be labeled a heretic and probably won't survive, however I will stand for what I see is right. I do not ask that you give up your lives to join me, I merely wish to explain my intent to you. My beloved Siblings before I have fallen."

Wight grows silent, his head however remaining held high despite the saddened look upon his face, he knew his duty.

Well I'll be dam-... *ahem*
Good to see that there's more survivors. The flock was certain that we would be meeting Our Lord Alexander before we could accomplish his will. We owe you our lives for drawing the ire of the Voss forces, and as long as His Glory sees fit for us to serve him in life, we will not falter in the face of the tasks he has set before us. The abominations that defy his Will shall not be suffered to exist!

>>16289934
Wight's words ring in his ears, the gate open, the hundreds of thousands of lives a Crusade would cost. The notion pained him, though none of his anguish could be seen outwardly, and his voice did not waver when he spoke,
"I can see no path more righteous. The events of our last battle have solidified the will of Alexander in my eyes. Protect the weak, those who cannot themselves take up arms against those that seek to do them harm. If this is your cause, I shall follow you into the very maw of Hell itself."

Daein plants his spear into the dirt, turning to the rest of the assembled. "For Alexander, For Mankind, and FOR THE INNOCENT!"

>>16289934

Templar Wight feels a warming sensation on his shoulders, the familiar feel of the spirit.

"Noble Templar, know that I will accompany you in this task, as will your brothers and sisters. To do the right thing is oft a terrible burden when alone; and at such times, count upon your kin, alive and dead, to stand with you."

"Alexander and the spirits of Ragnyll heard your pleas, warrior, and answered. Do you really think after such event, we and your men, will abandon you if you are condemned by mere mortals, miles away, sending others to die to fuel their mortal plots?"

"Have more respect for yourself, Warrior, and those who follow you."

>>16289934
"So it's finnally time for the Aeon to show our true colors Eh"

Sleyth continues to eat a spiced molesteak on a stick.

"Hah I joined so my blades may drink the blood all the horrors and wicked of this world. They have no taste for the Innocent."

Sleyth walks up to Wight and puts his free hand on his shoulder.

"Honestly I relish the opportunity to show those in power the true meaning of the scriptures they preach, and for as long I draw breath and your cause remains just my skills, brother, are at your disposal."

The rev realizes this might not be the best time...
*ahem*
I'll just wait outside.
>waits just out of earshot

Tancred's words rumble with a deepness and strength that defies the fact that he was on the verge of death just scant hours earlier. Such mortal concerns could not dampen his zeal.

"I HAVE SWORN TO SERVE YOU UNTIL THE END, BROTHER WIGHT, AND TO THE END I SHALL FOLLOW."

Squire Kezare had left his Knight unit, coming down to the same level as his foot slogging brothers and sisters, in order to hear what Brother Captain Wight had to say. He frowns at Wight's words. As a young member of the Crown Knights, he's rather impetuous and hot-headed, and it shows.

"They intend to sweep aside the innocent and guilty alike? This is not what Aeon stands for. What, should we claim that we should go to any means necessary for the sake of the end goal?"

Kezare spits on the ground.

"No. The day may come where all hope seems lost. The day may come where we lose our faith. The day may come where we must fight our own brothers and sisters to the bitter death... but the day will NEVER come that we cease to protect the weak and innocent. You have my word that I will follow you on this endeavor, Brother Captain."

>>16289934

"Brother-Veteran, you have led us well. These past few days have been stressful, yes, but through fire and fury and a little bit of faith, we have prevailed. We have lost many along the way, but their sacrifices shall not be forgotten.

"It would be grisly if things came down to that, brother against brother. Indeed, I do not think that such a large schism would have happened to the Order since it's founding. But you are right--there is no reason that they should kill so many--daemons and heretics are one thing, but innocents are an entirely different matter. And I will not stand by while the Order slaughters those who they see fit!" Elias slams the butt of his spear into the ground as he says these words. "I stand ready, Brother-Veteran. Guide me and my children well. Our spears are yours to command."

"I will follow you that we may close this gate before these lands become too tainted to save. I will not harm the innocent, but neither will I allow those corrupted by the demonic touch upon this world to walk free. I stand with you, Brother Wight."

Sadon's squad members remain silent, as the Armslave nods his head at Wight's declarations. So often, the more zealous of the order treated War as an end of its own - they would forget that it was but a tool for peace. An Armslave that loses sight of the greater picture, of the reason that he fights, is naught but a feral beast, rabid and a danger to those around him. And so this proposition sat well with Sadon.

>For 20 XP, purchasing the Quantitative Belief: [Pain is a Hollow Threat]: Squad members regenerate a 1/2 heart of health for every point of faith at the beginning of the Action phase.

>>16290307

The Only acceptable regen ability for humans.
> Roll d10 rating equal to fate to regenerate one heart that turn.

" My - "

Housefather Zwei interrupts.

" That is quite the story. " He looks over at the table where the other Templars eat heartily as if they haven't eaten in weeks.
" Iksender, would you mind passing the bread ? "


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Hey, guys. My PC went up in flames so I won't be around for a while.

>>16290509

Holy shit man.

I see you show up only to say you won't be here?

And I thought you loved us man.

>>16290462

This works as well.

Voicing her opinion would only have herself killed. She was more or less aware of the content of the letter due to her lord signing it but she had to hide it even if it was only powder to eyes. She had another mission to accomplish. But she had to announce it to the replacement. In this case Makkor.

"Adjudant Makkor, seeing as we arrived to Kolstec the contract with your inquisitior, now you, has ended. From now on I am no longuer under your command and will act as ordered by my lord only. This mean I will take my leave, I have someone to find."

Isane was pissed, in more ways than one. She only felt slightly buzzed drinking from the bottle she just recently tossed, missing the rubbish bin completely. The scattered shards glisten in the desert sun, making a satisfying crunch as she steps over them.

This whole Aeon mess stunk, and she aimed to find out what was causing the odor. The reason behind this Wight person's Verse being here could be nothing but sinister, and who better to ask than the recently arrived commander himself. The others on her list, House Father Zwei, the Inquisitor Makkor, and even Major Mana herself, who was from Aeon, will be spoken to immediately after.

It was not a difficult task to locate a man of his stature, and she easily finds him within his tent, apparently praying. Giving a slight cough to announce her presence, she doesn't wait for a reply before saying her piece.

"Awfully strange for an Aeon verse to be all the way out here, on Ragnyll land. Ya guys not know how ta read a map, or perhaps is there some ulterior motives behind your little sojourn in foreign land?"

Isane doesn't make any attempt the bitterness in hervoice as she glares narrow-eyed at the Templar, awaiting his response.

>>16293274
Had heard the movement of the Private before she arrived however Wight finished his prayer as she vented her worry unto him. The Brother-Captain was praying for the innocents, that he and his men might be able to aid them. As Isane finished her questioning rant the templar stood turning to her with his saddened eyes.

"If only not knowing how to read a map were the case. You and your unit will know soon enough so I've no fear telling you now. The Church originally sent us to investigate whether or not the Seculum Gate had opened or not. If this were true, and it is, then they intend to cleanse this land much like they did long ago."

The sorrow fades from Wight's eyes almost immediately with his next words as determination and belief that his path was right strove him forward to take a step closer to the private.

"However, as I said those were our orders that came with the original Inquisitor that led us. I know not the entirety of Makkor's intent since he seems lost in a sea of doubt, but I and at least most of my Siblings have decided we shall not stand to allow innocents to die. We will attempt to close the gate and any of us that survive that endeavor will stand against any others who would harm those unable to fight for themselves. Even if we must stand against the Church itself."

There was no way Isane was going to show just how much this new development phased her, not in front of some overzealous Templar. Not one to be outdone, she too takes a step forward, though in her case it was obviously done in an attempt to intimidate.

"Ya know, this wouldn't have happened if you Aeon punks didn't stick your damned nose in other countries' business. Who in the fahk gave you the right to be all high and mighty, and decide whether we live or die? Why don't ya just go back to yer little *Church*, and let Ragnyllians take care of Ragnyllian problems, eh?

>>16293597
Wight didn't back down as she stepped forward as well, despite what some in the church might believe the private was right. And it was because of that Wight stood to defend the weak even from his own country.

"Who gave mere mortals the right to decide whether you live or die is the reason why me and my men are going to do what we're going to do. The Church will label us heretics, they will call for execution upon all of us, and they will attempt to purge this land regardless. We stand with you Ragnyllian, my Siblings and I will stand with you till the end; because it is what's right. If you would not have us aid you then your pride makes you weak, you and your people have suffered from these years of almost constant warfare. The innocent Ragnyllians suffer due to that, and I cannot abide by it any longer."

The templar felt almost as if he should place his hand upon the young woman's shoulder, it was obvious she was as concerned about the future of her people as he was if not more so. But Wight felt that such a gesture of comfort would seem hollow.

>>16291513

Someone to find ? You're walking into Ragnyllian territory with half a billion cross of a towering warmachine and expect to gun it on your own looking for this person ? What's you're game here , madame knight ?

>>16293836
"Game? I don't need to find her, she's here unless she's dead. and I didn't see her during the fight yesterday so she's probably alive."

It felt pointless to her, talking with someone so stubborn, despite Wight's stubbornness concerning his decision to aid Ragnyll, even against his own country. She won't admit she may have been in error with her words, and smiles inwardly, realizing that she too is acting just a stubborn.

But still, it only partially changes things. Putting her hand on the Aeon commander's shoulder and squeezing past the point of uncomfortableness, she stares directly at him and replies.

"You wanting to help us now just feels like a hollow gesture ta me at this point. I can't stop ya from doing so, as it would be foolish to decline free help, and I'm not exactly in a position of power to do anything about any of this. So ya want to maybe be the first Aeon to do something good for a country besides yar own? So be it."

Releasing her grip, she makes ready to leave, waiting first to hear Wight's reply.

>>16293867

The adjutant cocked a brow.
" A Hellghast Soldier ? Funny way to desert. Unless your charge with the Lanista is involved. Then I suppose that changes things. Since I'm just an adjutant and Wight's only a Field Commander in name I can't do a thing about your priorities.

However, on the first sign of transgression against Metatron or even this Verse, I hold the overriding authority to have you evaporate against the upper atmosphere.

In the meanwhile, do try your best to retain the chain of command, since this Verse is strung tighter than a cleric's toy piano.

>>16293875
The grip on Wight shoulder which had mirrored his own thought of comfort but used by the woman was meant as a gesture of a different sort. Still the templar stood unflinching his emerald eyes gazing back directly into Isane's face as she finished speaking. Her words cut him deeply, for they were right, on looking back the Church seemed to care nothing more for anyone other than its own. However Wight hoped to change that if he survived the coming days, Alexander had guided him thus far and he wasn't about to back down. As Isane turned to leave Wight's only response was to wish her well, since nothing he could say would change her opinion on the whole of Aeon and the Brother-Captain wasn't looking to become some famed hero anyway.

"May Alexander and any of your Gods watch over you and your fellows."

"So there we were, right on the front! Brother-Rook Tancred had been reduced to a steaming pile of metal and holes, and we sought to have our revenge upon these heretics. As soon as my neophytes pulled their spears from the guts of the dying Voss rocketeers, bam!" Iksender's eyes went wide and his fist smacked into his hand as he recounted the story of the battle to the mixed company of Hellghast troopers, some looking on with rapt attention and others sparing an occasional glance. "The second wave of Voss troops had arrived! Ghouls, stormtroopers, tanks, and more! They quickly surrounded me and my neophytes, though we tried to kill a few as they came! We had thought it hopeless as we looked into those ghouls' lifeless eyes, their arms outstretched to tear our limbs out of our sockets. We were too far out in front for anyone to help us. We thought ourselves doomed."

"But then," Iksender's voice is toned down to a forced whisper, "something miraculous happened. The moon gained the strange grin of a skull, and at the top of The Fist, a blue light, pure and holy, shot upwards in a column."

"It was here that our rescuers were heralded by the thundering of cannon fire! Two Ragnyll jets roared past overhead, led by a winged man who cackled as the trio shot down the Voss Gargoyles. Behind us and farther down the front, Vanguard Knight squads had miraculously appeared, shearing into undead mass. And in the midst of our Sheperds, tanks and Ragnyll assault troops came, spreading their fire against our foe. It was Alexander's blessing that we were saved that day, and it was not put to waste."

Iksender allows himself another drink from his glass before continuing. "The amazing thing was, soon as we had claimed victory against the ghouls and the first light of dawn peered over the horizon, these soldiers faded away. Most of us would not be here today, were it not for those ghosts."

>>16294497

>Take that bit as a jumping point for you Ragnyll boys to rp reactions and whatnot. I gotta run to classes. :P

anyone has the Aeon unit stats image file? the thread where it was in, isn't archived I believe.

>>16294817
>It's archived, just whoever did so completely fucked it up.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/16200441/

>>16294497
Truly a miracle, Brother! We saw the light from the forest, and knew that Alexander had answered our prayers.
>Brimstone turns to address his flock
You see! Alexander rewards those who stand firm in their belief! Doubt and evil cannot stand before the might of our Faith.
>turning back to Brother Iksender
My flock has courage and faith aplenty, but we will not last long on our own out in this devil-ridden land. It would be an honor to mete out Alexander's Will alongside you and the rest of our Brethren.

"Awwww, COME ON! You're telling me that I have to to THIS," Gunther motioned to the pile of still smoking scrap that was once Brother Tancred's Rook, "into THAT." He then motioned to Celia's relatively intact Rook.

"EVEN IN AEON WE HAVE HEARD STORIES OF YOUR VERSES' MECHANICAL SKILLS. DO YOU NOT ACCEPT THIS SIMPLE CHALLENGE?" Tancred rumbled, still covered in bandages and casts due to injuries sustained in the last battle.

"I guess I'll see what I can do." Gunther grumbled. Looking over what he had to work with, he supposed that it was workable. Luckily Ragnyllian vehicles worked on similar principles with Aeon ones. He could grab some Isara's spare actuators and hydraulics and use them as stand ins for the Rook's parts. While he was at it, he supposed he could even replace the slagged armor plating with good old Ragnyllian Ibonyte enriched armor plating, similar to the stuff covering Isara. With enough time and resources, he could make these Rooks just as good, no, BETTER than what they used to be!

"Paskal, get the rest of the crew, and fire up the coffee pot. We're in for a long day."

>>16295841
Now with a trip oh god.

>>16294012
"Accusing me of desertion?"

She takes an envelope with the seal of the previous inquisitor.

The letters in it contain a demand of help from the crown and the reply of House Lanista various promises of favor from the inquisitor and the duration of her contract which end when they reach a ragnyllian city.

"Here are the modality of my engagement and the loan of my rook to this verse, it was signed by the inquisitor that requested the crown help and the head of House Lanista who is my superior. If you wish to keep my service you are free to petition House Lanista. But unless I receive new orders from them the only person I have to answer to is my lord."

She takes back the letters and leave to find who to talk to if she wants an audience with Hellgast commander.

>>16294835
Thank you Private.

it appears that the stat sheet for the Rook and Knight are corrupted. could someone provide me with the sheet?

Benedictus stomps up in his Rook.

"GREETINGS BROTHER WIGHT AND INQUISITOR MAKKOR! I HAVE JUST ARRIVED IN A TIMELY MANNER, CONVENIENTLY JUST IN TIME TO REPLACE THE DESERTER."

>>16296214

>>16296421
As an addendum, Command has ruled Rooks are being increased to Six armor with DR1

Springer and the Strider team had finished maintenance on the vehicles the previous day, and had little to do to occupy their time. The Aeon Knight pilot, Kezare, had left his unit in the same hangar as the Striders, and it sat there in an open, dormant position... which looked precisely as if the Knight unit was kneeling in prayer.
"Do those Aeon kooks HAVE to be so preachy in everything they do?"
Sanders looks over at it, scratching her head. "Well, whatever you think about it, those Aeon Knight units are pretty slick. Makes you wanna take a peek, huh?"
Sellers peeks up, worried as always. "Wouldn't we get in trouble for that? We probably shouldn't mess with machines we know nothing about..."
Springer looks the Knight unit over, tilting her head to the side. "You know what. Screw the rules. Get your tools, I wanna know how this thing ticks."
Sanders tosses the burning end of her cigarette to the floor and steps on it as she picks up her tool kit, making her way towards the Knight. "Should be interesting..."
Sellers looks between the two others as they make their way to it. "Bu- but... awwww, maaaan..."

Thirty minutes later...

"Well, it's all, uh... KIND of similar to our stuff I guess. But I don't see how they keep this shit from breaking down all the time, it's too high maintenance. This is a logistical nightma-."
"WHAT ARE YOU HEATHENS DOING TO MY GLORIOUS WAR MACHINE?!"
"Oh SHIT."
"Dammit Sanders I thought I told you to lock the door!"
"... Oops."

>>16296659

Kezare had responded to the Strider pilots messing with his Knight in the same way most Aeon Crown Knights would; forcefully.

Springer responded by kicking him in the chest with her robotic leg, sending him sprawling to the floor backwards, which he responded to by picking up a wrench, met by Springer using the ratchet she'd been holding to fend him off with it. Sanders and Sellers watch on, somewhat dumbfounded, as the two fence with a pair of mechanic's tools.
"Guys, guys, just calm down, this is all-"
"HEATHEN! TOUCH NOT THE SACRED WORKS OF METATRON, FOR IT IS NOT MEANT FOR THE HANDS OF THE FAITHLESS!"
"YOUR MECHS ARE SHIT HOUSE! I COULD DO A BETTER JOB BUILDING A MECH!"
"BLASPHEMER!"
"BROKE BACK BITCH!"
"URAAAAAH!!!"
"ORYAAAAAAA!!!"
"Oh dammit..."

>>16296671

Eventually Sanders and Sellers did help Springer out. Aeon soldiers tended to be more concerned with close combat, so he seemed to have almost gotten the upper hand over her, at which point Sanders tackled him to the ground, with Sellers arm barring him. The three of them manage to immobilize him completely, using a variety of holds. Springer yells into his ear from where she keeps his arms immobile in a full nelson.
"CALM THE FUCK-"
"ARGH! UNHAND ME, FOUL BITCHES!"
"DOWN!"

>>16296729
Benedictus's rook stomps up.

"CEASE THIS COMBAT AT ONCE."

>>Coolant Flush activated

"PERHAPS THIS WILL COOL YOUR ANGER."

A stream of coolant sprays forth from the Rook, knocking the combats over and blasting them across the floor.

Brimstone raises an eyebrow from where he and his men are polishing their weapons. One of the men pipes up.
"Think we should do something Reverend?"
"No, no, I think they have this under control." He glances back at the coolant-soaked infantry dubiously. After a moment, the layman speaks up again.
"Folk sure are strange."
"Indeed."

>>16296811

"AUUUUGH!"
The four pilots go sprawling across the floor, covered in coolant fluid. Sanders and Sellers stay on their hands and knees, coughing up some of the stuff.
"Oh god... this isn't poisonous is it? I got some in my mouth..."
"S-ss-sssoooo cooooold..."
Springer and Kezare, on the other hand, simply attempt to stand up to resume their quarrel, only for both of them to slip and fall back to the floor.
"THIS ISN'T OVER, HEATHEN!"
"OH I'LL TEACH YOU A THING OR TWO ONCE I GET OVER THERE!"

"WHAT IS HAPPENING?" Tancred asks, trying to turn his head to find the source of the commotion. However, this was a difficult feat due to the heavy neck brace he was wearing. "ARE WE UNDER ATTACK?"

"Nah, it's just the Strider pilots being idiots as usual." Gunther sighed as he started welding one of the Rook's arms back together. "I swear, ever since Winters went off and got himself killed, the Strider unit's discipline just went straight to hell."

"DOES THAT MEAN-"

"I meant metaphorically, you crazy bastard."

>>16296881
"BEHAVE YOURSELVES."

With that, the Rook stomps away.

>>16296881
"On second thought, perhaps we should go check on them. Just to be sure."

Brimstone rises and, flock in tow, walks over to the hotheaded pilots.

"Excuse me..."

The fight continues. Brimstone nods to one of his men, who fires a single shot into the air.

"Now, what are you all up to over here?"
He eyes the combatants with a sly grin.
"Greased wrestling isn't exactly condoned by the church, Brother."

>>16296963
The Brother-Captain had continued his prayer after the encounter with Isane, completely oblivious to the scuffle which broke out between the strider pilots and one of his own Knight pilots. However the gunshot roused his attention and Wight rose from where he knelt with a frown upon his face, they were guests currently and if his siblings were causing trouble there would be heavy consequences.

"What in the name of Alexander..."

Wight strides from his tent rousing a dozen or so neophytes to aid him in whatever must be done. Within moments the Brother-Captain and the neophytes he gathered arrive at the hanger where everything was going down, the sight of the brawlers scattered and covered in coolant, the Shepard Brimstone and his flock watching as well, causes a mild fury to grow in Wight's chest. His rage was evident in the booming sound of the templar's voice.

"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE!? Neophytes detain Brother Kezare for now, Reverend explain quickly before my temper flares."

>>16297173
"Just a friendly team-building exercise, Brother."
Brimstone gestures to the drenched pilots.
"Promoting some, ahem, brotherly love, between our forces. Isn't that right gentlemen?"

>>16297173
"We had a bit of an unexpected surprise when one of the Rooks walked up and lubricated the contestants though..."

>>16296963

The three Neophytes under Iksender's command had been cleaning their armor in a portion of the Kolstec armory allotted to the Aeon forces when all three shot up at the harsh crack of weapons fire.

Gwendolyn was the first to react. "What was that?"
"Gunshot!"
"It came from the vehicle bay! C'mon!" Lucien hadn't even fastened his helmet, leaving it on the workbench as he grabbed his spear and shield and ran out the door. Iraklis quickly followed, leaving in a flash of cloth and steel, leaving the bewildered Gwendolyn in the middle of the armory--confused, flustered, and alone just as Brother Iksender returned from a storeroom in the armory.

"I can't seem to find any more cleaning oil to replenish the holy cleaning agents we have been carrying for the past several days, so it seems you three will have to--" Elias' voice dropped in mid-sentence as he saw a flustered, confused, and now embarrassed Sister-Neophyte Gwendolyn in the armory. Alone. And no Lucien or Iraklis in sight.

"They left without me, Brother-Veteran Iksender."

The Reverend take Wight aside for a moment.
"I can't help but notice that tempers seem to be burning a bit bright around here, and the way I see it, last thing you need right now is to split the camp in two..."

"Springer, Sanders, Sellers stop acting like rabbid dogs and get to cleaning that mess. Also the next time I hear you've been playing with an Aeon mech without the consent of the owner I'm ending you to their inquisitor."

She calls an assistant.

"Find a another hangar for the Aeon mech before some idiot get another bright idea."

>>16297215
>>16297276
>>16297323
Slowly calmed as Brimstone explained his variation of the story, the large templar's hand coming down to rest on the Reverend's shoulder giving it a light squeeze before speaking.

"I see, have someone send for Brother Iksender to get the rook who was involved. I'd like him locked down for the evening, the rook was not in the wrong for stepping in between a scuffle no matter how friendly. However there are better ways to do such. I do not necessarily agree with you that the templar's burn to brightly however Reverend; we've been in this Ragnyllian city for less than a day and already a 'team building' exercise that I had no idea was happening, and someone has fired a weapon for what I see is very little reason. I would not like to insult our hosts Reverend, our Siblings must remain true to their teachings and remain cool headed."

>>16297457
"I'll see to it that me and my boys help out in any way possible. You seem like a good man, Brother. Oh, and I never said the templar burn too brightly. Only that some of the men's tempers are... and anger can be dangerous, even in the most righteous man."

Brimstone nods to his men, who holster their weapons and, with some mumbled assent, step in to help the strider pilots clean up the mess.

"As for the Rook..."
Brimstone gestures to the massive imprints from the walker's passing.
"Shouldn't be too hard to find."

The Sargeant and retinue had been sitting quietly atop Isara whilst enjoying a relatively peaceful lunch while the Captain was off servicing the Aeon walkers. Ex-Sister Dalian and the new younger Wolf-Team member, Ex-Sister Tatiana, had been quite adamant about staying distant to the Aeoni guests. Hodr and Odette were glad to oblige, it seemed reasonable to feel a bit of unease around the faithful spears of the church which they had left in order to stand beside a foreign non-believing warrior. And Isara's spacious hull was the nearest thing the Hellghasts had to a private sanctuary.

Gunshots and the rumbling of the Aeon contraptions had changed all that.

Sarge sighed as he kicked back with a skin of Iceval's reserve whiskey.
'damn'd kids... Guess ev'n your Preachy-types got'to deal with em.'

"We Aeoni... we aren't. All like that, sir.."

"Ahem-- You shan't be preaching about us with such a slack demeanor, Hodr"

"Sisters' got you there Mister Hund."

Groan.
'...'
'Even you 'dette? S'like i'm always outnumbered these days....'

>>16297305

"Those idiots," Iksender mutters under his breath, quickly pacing toward the vehicle bay. "Impulsive, headstrong, complete disregard for the safety of the unit as a whole--"

"It was *my* fault, Brother-Veteran Iksender. A--as the senior Neophyte of the group, I should have enforced a greater sense of discipline on those two while you were away." Gwendolyn shook her head, looking ahead toward the hangar as a small group started to gather.

"I don't blame you for their insolence, Sister Gwendolyn." Iksender looked back to glimpse at the young girl. "I'm sure you did all you could while I was off in the storeroom."

Gwendolyn looked up, unsure of what to say. "Bu--But I--they--" She gave up, allowing herself a sigh. "Yes, Brother. Of course."

"In any case, I hope that whatever caused this mess is almost over." Brother Iksender and his Neophyte charge strode through the crowd, finally coming upon a strange sight: three Ragnyll pilots and Knight pilot Kezare, covered in some slick fluid, the newly arrived Shepherd Brimstone and his flock some distance away, and his two other young charges nowhere in sight. "I hope Brother Wight has gotten this situation under control," Iksender groans, shaking his head.

>>16294023
Isane manages to keep from rolling her eyes, though she goes ahead with a smile he can't see.

"Heh, no god would take me, I'm a Hellghast."

And with that she departs. She plans to speak with one of the others possibly connected to this next, be it the Inquisitor, Zwei, or Major Mana, but first she needed more alcohol, and heads to her own bunk.

A little while later she pushes past her tent flap, alcohol in hand and already half-full, though with her current mood half-empty would be more appropriate. Her own commander should be easy to seek out as well, and before she knows it she finds the Major, speaking with to a group in the vehicle bay, apparently the scene of some recent commotion. Ignoring the others she walks right up to the Vrank, giving a half-hearted salute before saying anything, her breath reeking of alcohol.

"Major, permission ta speak freely? And preferably in private? The Aeon aren't originally here to help us, that's for sure. And while this Verse seems dead-set on going against its orders, we still got the rest of the entire *Church*..." She says the name with easily noticeable spite, "...bearing down of us, not giving a single thought about who they cut down to get their way."

Isane pauses for a moment, lowering her voice ever so slightly.

"You're from Aeon, you obviously still have connections, with your family or otherwise. Where do you stand on all this?"

>>16297541
"My apologies Reverend,my mind is muddled as of late with the problems we all shall face. Yes as I said I agree that our Siblings need to work on keeping their heads cool. Even myself, now Brother, I ask of you to also teach your flock to remember that their instruments of war are just for that and nothing else. We have no need to anger our hosts. If you'll excuse me however I do believe I see brother Iksender approaching."

With that the Brother-Captain pats Brimstone on the shoulder before striding toward his fellow veteran templar. Stopping Iksender before explaining everything he knew as well as charging his Brother with finding the Rook responsible for the coolant discharge and informing the behemoth of his wrong doings. Requesting that the Rook lock itself down for the rest of the evening in penance.

>>16297702
"I don't care, I'd rather ship them off back home than deal with them but maybe IronCommand want them to stay to stay. They seem even worse soldier than you lot and that's a feat. As for family tie I saw my granfather twice, maybe three time. He was always kind to me so I'd loathe having to fight him. If that's what you mean."

>>16297650
>>16297457

"I would be happy to assist in finding Rook Benedictus, Brother Wight, but I have...lost...two of my young charges. I shall try to find the Neophytes post-haste, and then I shall get help find the Rook that escalated this mess. Perhaps I can requisition some help from the local military force." Iksender looks around the crowd, finally pinpointing out a Mobile Artillery soldier talking with his teammate. "You! Demoman, come here!" Iksender pointed with his spear for effect.

The man stepped out of the crowd, a slightly perplexed look on his face. "Is something wrong, sirs?" He didn't know whether to salute or bow or simply stand still. He opted for standing still.

"What is your name, Hellghast?"

"Paisley, sir. Julian Paisley--you know, I've always believed that--"

"Very well, then. Julian Paisley of the Hellghast, you are being temporarily requisitioned to help in the retrieval effort of two of my young Neophytes! You are to assist Sister-Neophyte Gwendolyn in her search." Iksender turned to his remaining Neophyte, switching his tone to a deep whisper. "They couldn't have gotten far. Search the crowd first--they could be hiding. Then, the hangar in general. I will search around the mess hall and the barracks--they could be hiding out and getting into more mischief. If you find them, you know the signal."

"The whistle, right?"

Iksender smiled. "Good girl." Iksender turned to the still-confused Mobile Artilleryman. "She will lead you where you need to go. Now off with you two! I shall search elsewhere."

>>16297822
It seems the Major was as difficult as ever to speak to. Not wanting to bother with getting another unclear answer, she salutes lazily, turns on her boot heels, and exits the building. She needed time to clear her head and collect her thoughts. The garden appealed to her, but she rather not run the risk of dealing with anyone else in her drunken state. Pausing in the center of the courtyard, she looks around before making her way towards the armory...

>Mana, there's something irking me. How exactly did the Major know the reason (Springers and her squad investigating the Aeon mech) behind the fight when no one but the participants witnessed it? It feels as if you don't enjoy most interactions with other players, but it's just courteous not to meta-game.

Springer, Sellers, and Sanders all stand beneath their respective shower heads, rinsing away the coolant fluid. Sanders looks at Springer through the corner of her eye, a wry grin on her face.
"Soooomeoooone's got a cruuuuuuu-"
"Shut. Up."
"... To be fair, you DID kick him in the chest with your robot leg."
"He tried to kill me! With a wrench!"
"Yeah. After you kicked him in the chest with your robot leg."
"He overreacted!"
"I think he reacted just like anyone else would if they got kicked in the chest with a robot leg."
"... I don't need to receive sage advice from a pot head..."

Kezare had been detained by several of the other verse's soldiers, and was currently being held in some secure location. When questioned as to what he'd gotten into a brawl with three Ragnyllian soldiers over, he had only one thing to say:

"She kicked me in the chest with her robot leg!"

Daein stands alone along the riverbank, examining the remains of the dark ritual that took place. This was advanced sorcery indeed. Who, or whatever was responsible had departed, but the malice still hung in the air like the stench of death. He turns to see his Acolytes approaching from Kolstec.
Daein: Report. What information have you gained from questioning the populace?
Acolyte Pietro: Senior, it was as you suspected, the being responsible was indeed a Demon. According to the inhabitants and local garrison the fiend called himself 'Legion Asmodeus', The second Voss general of Terror. He was vanquished by the Hellghast unit, with support from what was described as artillery fire, in the shape of a holy symbol.
Daein: Excellent work, Pietro. Take the others, and await my arrival in camp. I must speak with the good Father who blessed the Ragnyllian artillery.

The Acolytes place their clenched fists over their hearts and bow, then set off at a brisk pace for camp. Their enthusiasm was not lost on the senior Templar, who despite his heavy new armor, made haste to arrange a meeting with House Father Zwei.

Daein thinks for a moment, and decides it would be best to include the Captain in his meeting with Father Zwei, and share his new-found information, courtesy of his clever acolytes, who had left their Aeoni heraldry and armor behind when they questioned the citizens of Kolstec.

He finds Captain Wight leaving the vehicle housing, following the guards who were escorting Kezare to his quarters.

"Good evening, Captain. I fear there is something which requires your attention...perhaps best said in private for now. Would you accompany me to the House Father's quarters?"

>>16299322
Wight walked away from the disaster that happened in the vehicle hanger, with thumb and fore finger rubbing his temple. The Brother-Captain was not pleased that on their first night as guests of Ragnyll that something like this happened, however the approaching figure of Daein snapped the templar out of his thoughts.

"Greetings Brother what is it that's on your mind this eve?"

Wight listens intently as Daein explains what he'd learned about what Hellghast had faced while they themselves fought for their lives. They spoke of what it could mean as they approach Father Zwei's quarters, perhaps the Father could explain further a few things about that battle.