Psyker Landshark

Warhammer 40K: His Angels of Death

Black Templars - Karia Crusade

Founding Chapter: Imperial Fists
Founding: Second Founding
Chapter Master: High Marshal Helbrecht
Homeworld: N/A (Fleet-based)
Fortress-Monastery: Gloriana-class Battleship Eternal Crusader
Colours: Black with white
Specialty: Close-quarters shock assault

Void Strength Present:
Tenacity of Sigismund: Strike Cruiser
Graftus: Hunter-class Destroyer
Reductor: Hunter-class Destroyer
Tempest Lance: Gladius-class Frigate

Ground Strength Present:
Total strength: 45 Firstborn, 20 Primaris, 20 Neophytes, 1 Dreadnought
Marshal Hartmut Otmar
Castellan Reinhardt
Apothecary x2
Chaplain x2
Techmarine x3
Sword Brethren Assault Terminators x10
Sword Brethren x10
Crusader Squad (5 Firstborn, 5 Neophytes) x2
Primaris Crusader Squad (5 Primaris, 5 Neophytes) x2
Assault Intercessors w/ Jump Packs x10
Bike Squads x2
Predator Annihilator x2
Dreadnought
Rhino x4
Land Raider Crusader x2

History:
Hastily assembled from the remnants of a previous crusade that had taken heavy losses in its victory, the Karia Crusade hurtles at full speed towards the system. As the commander of the previous campaign, Marshal Hartmut leads a contingent of Black Templars in Karia's defense. While the crusade has received a small influx of Primaris Marines in an attempt to shore up its numbers, it is not nearly enough to replace the casualties inflicted against it previously during its campaign against a Khornate invasion.

Additionally, while the Karia Crusade has been entrusted with one of the Chapter's Black Swords and the Armor of Faith, the previous Emperor's Champion fell in combat at the conclusion of its last campaign, and no new Champion has arisen as of yet.

Recruitment & Training:
As usual for a Black Templars contingent, aspirants are recruited from Chapter Keeps on various worlds that the Templars have touched down upon. When roughly two dozen Neophytes are available at a Chapter Keep and have been approved by the keep's Castellan and the Chapter's Apothecaries and Chaplains, they are dispatched to a crusade fleet for the next stage of their induction.

Under Marshal Hartmut's force organization, the Karia Crusade has a higher proportion of mechanization in its ranks, as it had not lost as much materiel compared to battle-brothers in previous engagements. This contingent focuses heavily on mechanized assault, with virtually no Marines on foot without transport of some kind.

Notable Relics:
The Indomitable March: Artificer Armor based on the Mk. III "Iron" pattern, worn by Marshal Hartmut.
Aquila Favonia: Eviscerator chainsword, wielded by Sword Brother Geraldus.
Champion's Wargear: The Black Sword and Armor of Faith carried into battle by the Emperor's Champion. Currently lie unused.

Notable Members:
Castellan Reinhardt:
Leads the Assault Terminators into battle. Led a heroic defense of Hive Tertius in campaigns past. Armed with Terminator armor, Thunder Hammer, and Storm Shield.

Sword Brother Geraldus:
Leader of Assault Squad Geraldus. Notable for having beheld Rogal Dorn in the flesh before he was selected for the Primaris project. Armed with the Aquila Favonia and a Jump Pack.

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

Ranbu no Izayoi

---

Sakura flowers blowing in the breeze. A slight chill in the air as the sun set. The sky a clear blue without a single cloud to block the sun. It had been one of the many fantasies she had dreamed about when she thought about expressing her true feelings for Izayoi, the person she loved. She imagined her standing there in her pristine and masterfully crafted armor with a faint smile. Instead, Ciradyl was standing in her blood-stained dress and Izayoi was covered in the grime of battle.

Delicate hands pulled and twisted the edge of her dress as she struggled to find the right words to start the conversation that needed to be had. No more secrets. That much was necessary…no…required. Perhaps it was best to address what Hien said.

“I know it will likely take the approval of everyone but I would like to formally join you on your journey, if you would have me.” She had defaulted to the comfortable eloquent tone she had first greeted the Kirins with.

Ciradyl’s presence now that Hien was assuming full control of the resistance would only hinder operations going forward. After all, Ciradyl knew nothing about waging a war. Everything leading up to now was about survival, nothing else. The right move was to remove herself from the situation. There was also the issue of Renzo, but his fate she had left to Chisaki. One last loose end to close.

"I am not opposed to this, but my bias is evident and the decision is not up to myself alone." Izayoi said, considering. Only Arton and Galahad had presented any sort of strong reaction to the entire matter, but they were outvoted should they choose to speak up.

"Regardless, you already know the one stipulation I have. I am in agreement with the dragoon: do not try something like this again." She said firmly, looking Ciradyl dead in the eyes. "With that said, is there anything else you wish to speak of before we all turn in for the night? I imagine you will need to prepare your people for a transition of power."

That it would fall upon a group consensus she had expected. Nothing about their party suggested a strict hierarchy but it was clear that Izayoi and Galahad possessed the most influence being hardened veterans. Ciradyl had hoped Izayoi would accept her but it was still nice to be assured. Her softer gaze met Izayoi's but she did her best to express her resolve. ”I understand. I shall not allow such weakness to overcome me again.”. A flash of disappointment at herself appeared in her eyes. It would be difficult to adjust to more casual relationship. There was little chance she would be forgiven a second time

“The preparations had been progressing since I first spoke to the Skaellan agent, Esben, one night. He made me realize between Hien and Chisaki, I would no longer be needed. They have stepped into their roles exactly how I had hoped.” She spoke as if she had been ready for this day for a long time.

The brief pride suddenly fell flat. How much longer would she delay? There would be no chance of moving forward if this wasn't resolved. Ciradyl bit down on her tongue a little. “Izayoi, there is something I have been keeping from you…” It was now or never. ”I…was in love with you.” She felt her chest tighten the moment the last word left her lips.

Izayoi nodded as Ciradyl explained how prepared she was to commit to this course of action. Though barely two weeks’ time wasn’t much. She started to comment, but stopped as Ciradyl continued further. Izayoi fell silent.

Of all things, she hadn’t quite been expecting this. Considering Izayoi’s upbringing, Ciradyl had been just about her only close female friend in her life. Izayoi had never quite considered there to be any romantic undertone in their association, but perhaps she’d simply not been looking all that closely. Regardless, she was obligated to respond.

"Ciradyl…" Izayoi said slowly, choosing her words carefully. "It is good that you specified ‘was’. I am a widow of barely half a year and still in mourning. And I hold no attraction to women."

This was absolute truth. Izayoi had spent the year in between the end of her apprenticeship and falling into Lord Kaien’s service simply trying to find out what to do with herself. During that time, she’d realized her preferences in this regard for certain.

Those few moments before Izayoi’s reply felt like an eternity and the pressure of waiting was crushing. It was not difficult for Ciradyl to guess what the base of her reply would be, but it was the execution of her rejection she felt anxious for. Regardless of how it cut, she was now ready to accept she had been facing a wall instead of a locked door. A genuine smile came to her lips as the incredible weight was lifted. ”Even if you did, I do not believe it would change anything.”

Her smile grew as she said those words. ”I have come to better understand you over these years, more so since your return. The people we are now, no matter the attraction, would not be compatible that way. This I have painfully realized. Instead, I hope we can forge a deeper, different kind of bond as trusted comrades in arms.”

Thank the gods Ciradyl was being a mature adult about this. Izayoi wasn’t quite sure what she would have done had the Faye decided to act like a spurned maiden.

"Of course. Perhaps I won’t need to defend you, this time. I imagine one grows tired of that."

”It is not so terrible from time to time.”

The meeting had made Ciradyl realize something important. It was easy to imagine the worst possible scenarios to the point one was unable to make a move at all. Not everything can be executed perfectly and achieve the optimal outcome. A sly, mischievous grin that Izayoi had only seen before the war with Edren overtook her smile. ”I am eager to see what new exploits I can add to your ballad. I might even be able to write a play.”

"So help me, should I ever find your manuscript, I will burn it." Izayoi rolled her eyes in exasperation at the change in tone, half serious at the very least. "Truly, you’ll ensure I’ll never be able to show my face in public again should I survive this upcoming ordeal."

She felt a giggle leave her lips involuntarily at Izayoi’s fierce reply, that at least had not changed all these years. It was cathartic to laugh like that again and she felt the awkwardness that had shrouded their reunion fade. Whether or not she felt similarly, Izayoi was without a doubt her best friend in this vicious, uncertain world of theirs. The levity in her eyes softened. She had been a wife, a mother, and then a widow all in the time she had been gone.

”What was she like? Your child.” Her tone was soft, gentle as was her eyes as she asked such a delicate question. Ciradyl wanted her to know it would be okay not to answer. There may have been plenty in Osprey that would collapse in shock at the idea of the great butcher as mother, but not Ciradyl. How pleasant it would have been to visit and be called Aunt Ciri.

"Suzume?" Izayoi’s expression softened at the inquiry, a genuine smile running across her mouth, however slight it may be. "Always so spirited. Filled with energy. Curious, as well. I often had to keep a closer eye on her than I would have liked, lest she fall into the river or agitate an animal."

A few more moments passed in silence, with Izayoi reliving memories of the last three years in her mind.

"She was colic as a baby. Isshin had to reassure me that this was perfectly ordinary. Repeatedly. Fortunate that you’ve inured me to high-pitched screams within the theater over the years." She shot Ciri a casual smirk.

Ciradyl had remained quiet as Izayoi spoke about her precious daughter. To see that hardened expression loosen even the slightest amount made her nearly overwhelmed with joy. Whatever irritations she might have had about her going missing for six years vanished. It seemed like her child was a real firebrand just like her mother. A part of her wanted to cry over never being able to see the family that gave her such happiness, but the joy expressed in Izayoi’s eyes prevented her.

”I wished they would have shown a little restraint…” She feigned an exasperated look, then let out a short laugh.

”Who would have guessed that the great Izayoi’s greatest challenge was motherhood? What an amazing young lady. I will remember to ask my parents to thank him next time I offer my prayers.” A warmness carried in her voice along with a hint of longing. It was not because of the love she had confessed earlier, but that she had missed out on such a moment in her life. No, that was only a part of it.

”Who could have guessed that it would be you who started a family first?”

"I believe your mother once lamented that I might before you." Izayoi remarked dryly. "You would have had less of a challenge, I am sure. I hardly remember my birth parents, I had not a clue what I was doing." To say nothing of the fact that she had functionally been raised by a madman obsessed with the sword.

”That certainly sounds like her.” Ciradyl hung her for a moment. ”In theory, you might be right. It sounds like you managed alright and I’m sure Isshin was there to support you. All you had to do was send a letter and I could have helped as well.” She mimicked a hurt expression.

Izayoi rolled her eyes at Ciradyl’s obvious overacting, settling into a comfortable silence with her old friend as the night went on.

Warhammer 40K: His Angels of Death

Black Templars - Karia Crusade

Founding Chapter: Imperial Fists
Founding: Second Founding
Chapter Master: High Marshal Helbrecht
Homeworld: N/A (Fleet-based)
Fortress-Monastery: Gloriana-class Battleship Eternal Crusader
Colours: Black with white
Specialty: Close-quarters shock assault

Void Strength Present:
Tenacity of Sigismund: Strike Cruiser
Graftus: Hunter-class Destroyer
Reductor: Hunter-class Destroyer
Tempest Lance: Gladius-class Frigate

Ground Strength Present:
Total strength: 45 Firstborn, 20 Primaris, 20 Neophytes, 1 Dreadnought
Marshal Hartmut Otmar
Castellan Reinhardt
Apothecary x2
Chaplain x2
Techmarine x3
Sword Brethren Assault Terminators x10
Sword Brethren x10
Crusader Squad (5 Firstborn, 5 Neophytes) x2
Primaris Crusader Squad (5 Primaris, 5 Neophytes) x2
Assault Intercessors w/ Jump Packs x10
Bike Squads x2
Predator Annihilator x2
Dreadnought
Rhino x4
Land Raider Crusader x2

History:
Hastily assembled from the remnants of a previous crusade that had taken heavy losses in its victory, the Karia Crusade hurtles at full speed towards the system. As the commander of the previous campaign, Marshal Hartmut leads a contingent of Black Templars in Karia's defense. While the crusade has received a small influx of Primaris Marines in an attempt to shore up its numbers, it is not nearly enough to replace the casualties inflicted against it previously during its campaign against a Khornate invasion.

Additionally, while the Karia Crusade has been entrusted with one of the Chapter's Black Swords and the Armor of Faith, the previous Emperor's Champion fell in combat at the conclusion of its last campaign, and no new Champion has arisen as of yet.

Recruitment & Training:
As usual for a Black Templars contingent, aspirants are recruited from Chapter Keeps on various worlds that the Templars have touched down upon. When roughly two dozen Neophytes are available at a Chapter Keep and have been approved by the keep's Castellan and the Chapter's Apothecaries and Chaplains, they are dispatched to a crusade fleet for the next stage of their induction.

Under Marshal Hartmut's force organization, the Karia Crusade has a higher proportion of mechanization in its ranks, as it had not lost as much materiel compared to battle-brothers in previous engagements. This contingent focuses heavily on mechanized assault, with virtually no Marines on foot without transport of some kind.

Notable Relics:
The Indomitable March: Artificer Armor based on the Mk. III "Iron" pattern, worn by Marshal Hartmut.
Aquila Favonia: Eviscerator chainsword, wielded by Sword Brother Geraldus.
Champion's Wargear: The Black Sword and Armor of Faith carried into battle by the Emperor's Champion. Currently lie unused.

Notable Members:
Castellan Reinhardt:
Leads the Assault Terminators into battle. Led a heroic defense of Hive Tertius in campaigns past. Armed with Terminator armor, Thunder Hammer, and Storm Shield.

Sword Brother Geraldus:
Leader of Assault Squad Geraldus. Notable for having beheld Rogal Dorn in the flesh before he was selected for the Primaris project. Armed with the Aquila Favonia and a Jump Pack.

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Renar Hagen

Brennan. Again. For the third time in as many months. Second time in two weeks. Evidently, this was some sort of cosmic joke. The mission objective was vague, as well. The lord of Brennan went mad? As much as Renar would like to have a man of such influence in their, well, his pocket should they manage to cure him, that still necessitated success in the first place. The Iron Rose were knights, not investigators or healers.

Regardless, it was either follow along or openly defy orders. So following along it was. Unlike some of his compatriots, Renar had no problems riding. He pulled his mount up to where Sirs Rolan and Gerard were conversing, nodding to both.

"Sir Rolan. You know something of alchemical concoctions, yes?" Renar began in a low tone, not wanting to be overheard. "I daresay both of us know there's very few untraceable poisons. Worrying if it is one, but we can likely rule that avenue out, yes?"

Really, the fact that Renar knew something of poison specifically was cause for concern when one was aware of his background.

@Eisenhorn @The Otter @HereComesTheSnow

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

Three days later…

”What will we do with a drunken sailor?”
“What will we do with a drunken sailor?”
“What will we do with a drunken sailor?”
“Early in the morning!”

True to his word, Captain Bikke had graciously offered free passage aboard his ship the moment Mizutani Tane’s head was presented to him. The Kirins, with a sudden, coincidental last-minute reunion, had boarded the Scurvy Fishman the day before after taking a day to ensure all their affairs and supplies were in order, shoving off from port relatively unbothered in the wake of the chaos from their raid on Mizutani’s manse.

”Way hay and up she rises,”
“Way hay and up she rises,”
“Way hay and up she rises,”
“Early in the morning!”

Hien had seen the party off from the safehouse, still rather wary of exposing himself in public at the moment. Nonetheless, he’d given warm farewells, including a private word with Izayoi that left the two of them seeming less tense with each other to a degree. The aforementioned samurai leaned against the railing on deck, her ears twitching slightly with each verse of the infernal sea shanties that Bikke and his men kept belting off.

"Now that we have nothing but time," Izayoi said to the young woman standing next to her. "Perhaps you’d care to elaborate on where exactly you have been, Neve."

The collective efforts of the rest of the Kirins had caught Neve up on the events she’d missed from the moment of her disappearance up through now, and this was the first moment the white mage had to explain just what she had been up to during that time.

”Shave his belly with a rusty razor,”
“Shave his belly with a rusty razor,”
“Shave his belly with a rusty razor,”
“Early in the morning!”

@Marlowe

ArrowFell: The Wizard Queen's Court

I'm convinced Rodey didn't post until the week where I'd be doing nothing but chopping up Tyranids after work just to troll me

Iris Ascendis

Alright there we go, got a post in juuuuust before Space Marine 2 is out. See you guys in like, I dunno, a week.

Iris Ascendis

Iraleth Kyrios

As Iraleth continued in her pursuit, her Adapa pinged, and the Inheritor's helmet tilted slightly to read it even as she crashed through yet another doorway. Right. Davil. He'd been in the back of her mind still, and Iraleth did want to save him from whatever predicament he'd landed in. But...

Ciara's desperate flight was endangering so many more people. It would be downright immoral to concentrate on Davil at this time instead of her. Iraleth murmured a quick prayer for forgiveness under her breath, hoping that Davil would survive whatever what he was going through until she could make it to him. Her shield hand scrawled a quick response on her own Adapa, sending the message out as quickly as she could.

"Aid Davil if you can. I will handle Ciara. Thank you."

Iraleth caught up to Ciara just in time to see her drain Ozhiah and Hildegunde, teleporting away not a moment after.

"Damn her!" She howled in fury, stopping just long enough to throw enough healing to stabilize the two of them (mostly Hildegunde, really) before continuing in her pursuit, sending a second message on her Adapa as she did so.

"Hildegunde and one of Leuvalt's worthless parasites are downed. Ciara's work. Send medical aid."

Ciara may have been able to teleport, but she'd hit rebound faster before Iraleth did. Shifting through space had to be more taxing on the body than maintaining her Ethos, and when Iraleth caught up...

@ERode @Sifr

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

Ranbu no Izayoi

"I destroyed myself giving Osprey this chance and now there is barely anything left to give. I thought, just maybe, if I submitted myself to some kind of punishment I might get some of the pieces back...but reality is hardly that fair."

Izayoi's expression softened at that. Ciradyl was already absolved in her eyes, but this? She understood. More than Ciradyl knew, she understood.

"You are not alone in that matter. The stories and tales circled back to Kugane during the war did not speak of what I had to do to attempt to defend our home. To this day, I regret no small amount of it. I turned myself into a monster to safeguard Osprey, and all of it was for naught in the end. Massacres, mass executions, I held children hostage." She exhaled slowly, entirely willing to expose herself in this moment if it helped ease some of the pressure off Ciradyl.

"Your sins were at least against the deserving. Mine often were for the sake of expediency."

Hien coughed, standing up and making to leave.

"Well. As...interesting as this all was, I believe that any hypothetical treachery was entirely deserved against those in question, even if I do feel somewhat guilty for benefiting. Regardless, I know nothing of this, but will have to resort to delivering punishment to appease the masses for killing fellow Ospreans during a time of occupation should all of this ever come to light. So...don't let it. I daresay I could get the sentence reduced to exile at best, but it still is something that all of us would rather avoid. Regardless, you all have a good night. We can begin final preparations for your departure in the morning."

"Indeed. I will see you off. We may not have fought together for long, but-"

"Oh, you're going."

"...Excuse me? My lord?" Izayoi's last two words were punctuated by a slight hiss.

"You heard the priest. This matter concerns more than just us. Besides, Valheim will be seeking to expand, regardless. As much as I'd like to have you with us here in Osprey, it would be the wrong choice, tactically."

"..." Izayoi remained silent for several moments before she afforded Hien a single nod.

Iris Ascendis

Oh shit, like your home? That blows, damn.