@DeranVendar | "My apologies. I imagined that we would be playing by the same rules as our opponents. If we want to carry the banner around with us then by all means."

OOC the rest of the post is coming shortly, I just didn't want to push out a huge wall and drown you in it

<"Macragge's Honor"> @DeranVendar @Avenging-Angel @matt23

"Well, if you ask for my opinion..." Forrix replied to Davian as they stepped out in the open, "They prepared this scene with great care but they couldn't really prepare for everything. This is what I think will happen. They won't fire at us at this range, but they will the moment we cross the first trench. I suspect they will have people in first two bunkers that will fire on us the moment we are between the first and the second trench, we would have little cover or room to maneuver, and it would be only logical for them to do so."

"However their true force will be located in the third trench, possibly devastators or some other ranged specialists. Despite harrying us, they will count on us pushing forward to their first 2 bunkers. That is why troops in those buildings will be lightly armed in order to retreat the moment we reach it, perhaps even set traps to blow it up and prevent us from taking hold. Of course, their retreat will be covered by those Ultramarines in the 3rd trench and we won't be able to give chase. Also, I don't really think Corvo would leave the banner unprotected so I expect few of the Ultramarines in the last three bunkers, maybe one or two, just to provide additional covering fire in case we manage to survive the barrage two times and reach the 3rd trench," Forrix finished with his analysis of the battlefield.

Abaddon kept his silence while Captain of the Iron Warriors spoke and only broke with a remark it once he finished, a remark aimed at Arnock. "Focus banner bearer, we need your head in this. Don't think what you have to lose, think on what you have to gain by winning," First Captain growled and pointed at the "enemy" banner flying far across on the other side of the battlefied. "Taking Ultramarine banner right in front of their noses, aboard "Macragge's Honor", while he is watching?" his head nodded in the direction of the balcony.

Up there, they saw black armored terminator elite of the Luna Wolves standing next to familiar form of Iron Father Korda as well as a great number of humans standing and cheering. However, in the center of the balcony now there was a number of Ultramarine terminators, their armor mix of gold and blue, they standing guard around a figure of great power who apparently also came to spectate the bout. He was also armored in matchless artificer armor of supreme craftsmanship and his noble face was set in stone. Roboute Guilliman stood there, stoic as ever, and his sheer presence had a palpable effect on the mass around him.

Abaddon on the other hand, only managed to grin. "If you are feeling nervous now, think what fair Captain Corvo and his men might feel now that their Primarch is watching? Too much pressure is not always healthy and imagine if a worm crawls into their minds about what would happen if they lose?" he chuckled, "It will numb them down, not much but quite enough for us to exploit that."

He turned and loaded the bolts into his storm bolter before speaking to Hadrian. "You will be our wild card. We will push forward and reach the first trench. Once there, we will stop and open fire on the first set of bunkers and keep the Ultramarines occupied, Forrix can go first so he can check the trench for mines or traps. Me, Forrix, Davian and Arnock will remain there and fire but you Hadrian, you will crawl to the far side of the trench and try to cross the line will nobody is looking at your direction. You will sneak, you will crawl, but you will reach one of the two first bunkers and take out anyone inside undetected. Once the bunker stops firing we will advance, undoubtedly make the warriors in the other bunker retreat and that is when you will shoot them in the back."

"We will advance and fire but while we are doing it, you will use your jump pack and crash into Ultramarines holding the 3rd trench. It doesn't matter how many of them are there, you will fight them and distract them in order to buy us time to cross the field. If you fall so be it, you will be avenged by us the moment we reach the trench. Afterwards, we move in and routinely take out those remaining and claim the banner for ourselves."

"Any objections or remarks?" it was clear that this plan consisted of lots of "ifs" but the sheer conviction blazing inside Abaddon's eyes could not be ignored. He will win here, one way or the other.

EDIT:

Abaddon's attitude was infectious and as the first captain laid out his plan Davian saw little issue with it even as it delved into territories he wouldn't of ever considered in most scenarios such as the proposed likelihood of sacrificing Hadrian. Perhaps it was some measure of Horus' own irrepressible charisma displaying itself in gene-son. Regardless Davian hoisted up his weapon and gave a nod in the affirmative ready to roll out. Dirty a thought as it may be Emperor's Child relished the possibility of shaming the Ultramarines in front of their own Primarch and making a poignant statement on the superiority of Fulgrim's own sons and what they could do, especially with the right allies.

"Aha! It seems he fulfills the prophecy his name wrought! A swain ought to know his place!", gloats the Job, attempting to outmaneuver his opponent by moving into the direction opposite of his shield. His grip on the spear remained firm; though his concentration was impeded by talking and arrogance, Isaiah was still intent on maintaining his distance and utilizing the full reach of his bladed weapon, jabbing low and with care.

<"Pride of the Emperor" - Apothecarion> @Vulpas

"Korda...my friend...But how did they escape, why did you let them escape?" Rylanor grumbled and there was another sound of bolts cycling through various modes, his gauntlet with in-built storm bolter moving around dangerously. "Ancient still has to come with the terms of his new body," Fabius interfered, "So I suggest you make your next question short so we don't overstay our welcome."


<Fighting pits aboard the "Conqueror"> @Grall_Stonefist @Casavay @EvicusDasan1

OOC small note - you spotted some of you doing 2 damages in one turn, this is because your roll managed to score a crit Keep in mind, enemy can do that as well.

I - @EvicusDasan1

This time around, Caphen's strike was true and he stabbed the White Scar's shoulder, hitting one of the muscle tendrils and drawing blood while also making Shin grunt in pain and miss with his next attack.

"That was fast brother," the White Scar replied as he brought up his sword to defend himself, but then quickly changed tactic and slashed downwards, aiming it straight at Caphen's skull. "Let's see if you can dodge this!"

Caphen 1 - 1 Shin Dunn


II - @Casavay

Job's taunting apparently worked as Corswain shouted something incoherently and lunged forward, only to find the spear once again sailing past his guard and stabbing him in the stomach. His "charge" was brought low by a sharp pain however before he could retaliate, Isaiah seized the advantage and stabbed once again, this time hitting the Dark Angel straight in his chest and drawing third and final blood.

"DAMNATION!" Corswain roared as he realized he just lost and threw his weapons away in an angry manner, after which he turned around and stormed out of the arena, leaving Isaiah alone to receive various cheers from the crowd.

"Brother Isaiah of the Emperor's Children wins the duel!" World Eater shouted from the stands, "Rejoice! If you wish, go out and refresh yourself or take another weapon. If not, you can remain here and your next opponent will join you soon!"

Isaiah 3 - 0 Corswain. Flawless victory. Isaiah wins and moves into quarterfinals!


III - @Grall_Stonefist

Indeed this time, meteor hammer didn't surprise Skava'tar and he let the ball hit the side of his shield. However as it slid off, he opened up his guard and threw his hammer at Denatus, who despite yanking the chain backward failed to score the hit as the Salamander rolled beneath it almost instantly.

The hammer hit Destroyer straight in his face and his vision blurred for a second as a blood vessel burst in his eye socket, but his other good eye saw as the Pyre Guard barreled forward, bringing his shield first straight into his chest.

Denatus 2 - 2 Skava'tar

he face hurt like hell, striking himself like that was stupid, but new terrortory with new weapons, he shouldent have gorne for such a predictable attack until he knew more of the hammers power, then with his remaining good eye he saw the salamanders follow up.
The shield bash to his chest, throwing him further back, luckily it dident draw more blood, Denatus cursed under his breath, he dident want to fail allready, so much could be done if he won.

Sure that a swing to end the fight was incoming, Denatus first threw forth the other side of the chain, casting it as a feint, before he made a jump roll away, the part he still held in hande lapse from the length after striking his own face, sudden tensed up as the arstartes moved his intire body, and with what he knew of the weapon so far, he attempted to complete his role with the hammer circling over his head and heading back on the right side of the salamander with great momentum on short chain.

Caphen attempted with all his might to roll out of his way to the side and slice the back of the scar's knee.

Still silent Caphen knew this opponent was not one he could taunt easily seeing as he was not a lesser creature such as the lizardfolk.

Macragge's Honour
Hadrian nodded along with Abaddon's plan, already thinking about how to try to avoid detection. Clutching his bolt pistols the Assault Marine waited for the advance to begin, glancing up at the stands. The presense of Lord Guilliman made Hadrian grin, overly-ambitious people trying to please their betters would make easy mistakes and there was only one person better than the Primarchs.

Arnock thumped the standard on the ground, "We fear nothing. We shall make the hearts of every Ultramarine on this ship pause a moment in shock as we rip the standard out from their frozen hands." He took a did breath and put away any thought of negatives. He imagined the feeling of another's standard in his hand, it would be a great honor for the Legion. "I am ready to stomp out the hope these Ultramarines have for victory."

<Fighting pits aboard the "Conqueror"> @Grall_Stonefist @Casavay @EvicusDasan1

OOC concluding the first round for the 2 remaining guys. Also if you wish, you can change\take additional weapons for the fights ahead.

I - @EvicusDasan1

Caphen successfully rolled out of the way and he heard as Shin's blade smashed into the sand, casing a small tremor. Being a little bit wounded, the White Scar was unable to dodge Sergeant's blow that hit him at the side of his knee and made him flinch in pain. Still, his reactions eventually proved to be to slow as Caphen capitalized on the hit and brought his sword up once more, scoring a gash across White Scar's thigh and thus getting the third blood.

"Well played brother," Shin Dunn bowed as he acknowledged his defeat even before the World Eater announcer stepped up. "It is settled! Caphen of the Emperor's Children won the duel! You can go out and get some healing if you wish or stay in the arena and await for your next opponent!" he spoke while the White Scar slowly marched out of the arena, allowing for the games to continue.

Caphen 3 - 1 Shin Dunn. Caphen won and is advancing to quarterfinals.


III - @Grall_Stonefist

The meteor hammer once again came around and once again, the Salamander tried to block it or ride the blow with his shield. However this time he did a mistake and over-calculated the meteor hammer's trajectory and the sheer strength behind it. The modified wrecking ball came at him and Skava'tar brought his shield up to block but the hammer went straight through it, breaking the shield and smacking the Pyre Guard hard in his arm, breaking it at his elbow and drawing extra blood.

"Ugh, that was...not a good move by me," Salamander managed to smile as he slowly got back up on his feet and despite his broken arm, he offered his other one to Denatus in congratulation. "Good job brother Denatus, you deserved the win."

At the same time the crowd and the announcer cheered at the destruction wrought, for it satisfied their basic needs. "WHAT A MOVE! Salamander's arm lies broken at Destroyer's feet! He won and earned our cheers! Stay in the arena or go refresh, either way your next opponent will arrive shortly!"

Denatus 3 - 2 Skava'tar. Denatus won and is advancing to quarterfinals.


<"Photep"> @Uriel1339

"Come then, sit with us," Thoros offered and all three marines found their place behind the large table filled with all sorts of replenishment. "Alright, here's the deal. I'm not a Librarian nor have the affinity for the art, so perhaps we should find a Thousand Sons brother to explain it better, but they would probably offer to borrow you a book first, so to skip that at first, I'll just keep it short and simple."

"It involves lots of superstition by those who would speak against our movement, but basically, it's about controlling the Warp and using its resources to our own needs without the risk of death. The psyker gene is something few legions want to admit even exists, but to some like us, the Thousand Sons and the White Scars, it has been a part of our lives and traditions. Because of that, our noble Primarchs have devised a plan for gifted marines to join up in specialized ranks we would call Librarians. They would conduct the warp in the safest way possible and train others to do so as well, thus not risking anything and not allowing that those brothers who before, when discovered that had such abilities, were executed on spot or worse. Sanguinius and Magnus already plan on petitioning the Emperor on this subject and the discussion may very well happen even now! That is why we have gathered here, if the debate is to be had now we are to be united and of singular purpose."

"Ah, I hope I made some sense back there...It's much easier if you hear Ahzek speaking about it."


<"Macragge's Honor"> @DeranVendar @Avenging-Angel @matt23

"Alright, let's move out!" Ezekyle ordered and they were off. Forrix and Abaddon led the way, the Iron Warriors Captain moving in slightly ahead in order to check for any possible traps or pitfalls, while the trio of Emperor's Children trailed closely behind.

Forrix turned out to be right as they were not fired upon until they got to the first trench line, when a number of bolts came flying their way from the first two bunkers. They went down in the trench and they saw, or better they heard, the fire was evenly "placed" - 3 seconds of short bursts, 1 second of silence, then 3 seconds of bursts and it kept on going in circles, fire coming from both bunkers but from different spots in them.

However, Forrix was not to be fooled. "Child's trick. Each bolter has a different sound to it and I count six different bolters in total, however the fire disposition is not as wide as it should be. Every bolt from each of the bunkers is flying in the same area of few millimeters which means...there is one shooter in the left bunker and another in the right, they are just using this tactic in order to trick us into thinking there's more of them here than we think."

"Agreed," Abaddon himself was taken a bit back by Iron Warrior's perfect analysis and nodded in respect before turning to Hadrian. "This is your signal Hadrian. Go up the trench and try to crawl your way up to the "upper" bunker. Rest of us, provide covering fire!" he ordered bringing his storm bolter up and unleashing a concentrated salvo on the right bunker, forcing the Ultramarine shooter inside to get down.

OOC @Avenging-Angel you can emote making your way up to the "upper" (left) bunker and remaining hidden while you do so. Inside, you'll find one Ultramarine firing on your comrades and you'll be able to attack him first. Also, I'm not sure but didn't power weapons have that option to set their power fields on stun? If so, you can try to do that or devise another way of trying to take out that Ultramarine, just be advised, I will do a roll for your attack.