-Chambers of Somber Deliberation- -Autarch Council Hall- -Craftworld Mymeara- -Cycle prior to deployment- "I cannot condone this deployment scale. It is far too large. A smaller detachment can perform the same job, better, in a slightly longer span of time." "Correct, but recent deliberations of the Farseers have indicated we do not have such time. The Lance is waking in power and the humans will discover it if we do not act." "When was this? 'Recent'? This was not disclosed to me any time prior. Why do these things always seem to occur behind my back," Autarch Bellisal smoldered. "It was merely chance, Bellisal. You were indisposed dealing with the grav-tank debacle," Autarch Faenir mollified. "Yes, and once again, I'm left to the sideline when such a crucial mission is discussed," Bellisal complained. "Just continue then, we have to move on," he conceded, not wanting to make a mountain of a mound. "Once more, we have a deployment of 58 aspect warriors from eight shrines with two pathfinders ready to aid in long recon. Three warlocks supporting alongside Spiritseer Larese with Farseer Ilidarian leading the seers," Faenir explained. "Wait, why is a Spiritseer in there? There are no wraiths on deployment," Autarch Saranyl spoke up. "She volunteered," Faenir answered. "And that's all she needed to get into the mission? That's out of line." "Not really, four warlocks were requested by Ilidarian and she still fits the bill." "Ok, I'll let it go, but I just do not see why the necromancer needs to tag along," she finished. Ignoring the complaint, Faenir continued, "It's a standard, single-objective warhost deployment scale so we need one Autarch at the head. I volunteer." "Whoa there, give us a chance," Bellisal said, "You've only operated on long-term, large scale deployments, where are your credentials for this kind of snatch-and-grab? I think Saranyl would be better suited." "I'm the one arranging it, and how else am I to grow capable of them if I am not permitted a chance?" Faenir retorted. "On a deployment that is not for such a critical artifact of our craftworld's history," Bellisal snapped, "You will stay your blade on this one." "I can take the deployment, but I find that the pathfinders still do not respect my authority," Saranyl considered as she looked over the deployment parameters. "I can handle the mission else-wise though." "I'm not so sure of that," Autarch Lenyrial posited, "You do command well with the aspect warriors but you will not have the regards of the spiritseer or the warlocks either. I do recall the fallout you had coming back from Jaruvael III." "I volunteer," Autarch Selhiat placed himself forward. "Yes, but you're still relatively new to Mymeara and cannot understand how crucial this artifact is," Lenyrial considered. "You're still too much of an outsider." "And that makes me better for the job," Sel explained. "I will complete the mission to the letter without my judgments being clouded by personal vendettas over this artifact. I care enough to make it happen while still being sure to complete it correctly instead of out of cultural vigor or nationalism. I may be Biel-Tani, but do remember that I left for a reason. As a former Ranger, I can also get it done quietly. I could certainly command your pathfinders." "A Biel-Tani fulfilling the needs of Mymeara. I almost find it insulting," Lenyrial said. "That's why I took up the mantle of Autarch, isn't it? I'm a Mymearan now, why are you being so exclusive when I have already commanded four victories for you?" "I agree," Bellisal spoke up. "Let's not have craftworld-fanaticism take hold in command as I'm sure the warriors are already plenty fervent. I'll vie for you, Selhiat." "Really?" Lenyrial complained. "Yes, really," Bellisal said, staring Lenyrial straight in the eyes. "It's the most sensible direction. Everyone else will be too emotional and he knows covert, small-scale deployments to snatch valuables like only a Ranger from the Chasm of Souls could know." Sel cringed a little having heard his past mentioned. "Sure, whatever works," Saranyl half-heartedly agreed. She had wanted the deployment. "I'll let it go," Faenir admitted. "Have at it, Selhiat. We'll run the details one more time, you'll be meeting the warhost at the deployment zone in just shy of a cycle. They'll meet you at the deployment zone." "We're not gathering in the War Chambers with the Exarchs first?" Sel questioned. "No, the seers found the artifact fairly late and we're too low on time, so you'll have to meet and brief them on the ground. It's a secure cavern located next to the maiden world's primary gate." "Wow, so we're flying by the seat of our pants. Extra caution will need to be taken to prevent losses if we're in that much of a rush." "Yes, now the maiden world's currently controlled by the mon-keigh and their seat of goverment is---" ------------- "So I can't even meet with the seers until I'm on the ground? Fine. I'll have to do a pre-brief as well then," Sel worried. "Unfortunately, yes. I think that covers just about everything. We need to arrange their departure in the next few millicycles, so this council meeting is adjourned until after the artifact is back in our hands. May the lights of Irillyth and Isha guide us," Faenir said. "May the lights of Irillyth and Isha guide us," the Autarchs chanted in return as they rose from their seats and moved from the council chambers. ------------ -Cavern of the Lost City- -Primary Webway Gate- -Planet of Vizius IV- -A subcycle from combat deployment- Autarch Selhiat walked from the webway chanting a mnemonic. "10B-5W-5D-7S-10Spec-7Spec-5F-9A-2Paths," he chanted, memorizing the units of his command, "10B-5W-5D-7S-10Spec-7Spec-5F-9A-2Paths." Opening his eyes as he left the gate, he found a cavernous antechamber and could see the units readying themselves in the chambers before him. He looked them over, counting and chanting. "10B-5W-5D-7S-10Spec-7Spec-5F-9A-2Paths," he said as he pointed out the individual units. "10B-5W-5D-7S-10Spec-7Spec-5F-9A-2Paths." A warlock approached him, "Autarch Selhiat?" "Yes, warlock--- ?" "I am Paramev. We are effectively ready to move out, but are waiting for your instructions." "Excellent, if you could notify the warriors that the warhost briefing is in thirty millicycles here and if you could also summon the chosen council of seers as soon as possible, that would be very helpful. I will be..." he glanced the immediate area for a standing, defensible building nearby. "...in that structure on the second floor." "It'll be just one moment, Autarch." "That's fine, I need a moment to prepare a briefing anyways," he jested.
~~ Briefing Room (OOC: Give it a cool name if you like) ~~ As the Autarch and the Shrines among with the Seer Council were gathered in what had become their Briefing Room, the operational center of the Warhost, so did Obvienne, one of the Pathfinders arrive. She headed straight for the Autarch, whispering words of her newest sightings into his ear for considering for his plan. "The Mon'keigh have no Astartes, only Regiments. As much as could be spotted it's to be assumed that they consisted of one armored regiment and two infantry regiments, around and within the capital. The other Cities are in reconstruction and barely guarded, the attack of the forces of Ruin must had been only a few days to a week ago." She stated just as the Spiritseer heard voices of old memories among the ruins. The dead were communicating with the Seer as so it was a specialized seer to communicate with those who had past on. Usually being only Wraith Constructs, but sometimes also those of who had fallen around. Larese could not just hear but literally feel how the lost souls from the Infinity Circuit itself communicated, but there was more... Memories... Images of Wraith Constructs flashing through, just now Larese Faress had to realize what was suspected since the dead started to talk, but it took this long until the memories became clear enough. Wraith Constructs were once many among these ruins, guarding the ruins. But they are gone now.... The memories started to fade away, but a rumbling noise, like a marching remained. Although the others heard and could feel it too. Dust came from the ceiling of the ruins. Three Wraithguards and a Wraith Lord marched forth, so old that their insignias and runes have completely faded. They gathered around the seer as it was Larese who was to designated to guide them, the only Spiritseer and it was sensed. Though, what kept the Constructs alive and guided? And how many more would be there? Each Warrior among the hall could see that their blades were covered in blood, old but perhaps only a few days to a week at highest. The City may have fallen, but the Guardians were still alive for that the brothers and sisters in the Infinity Circuit remain safe for these were the last line of defense. The Warhost calls, and the Warriors have answered.
Sel heeded Obvienne. "Got it. One armored, two infantry. Where's Brillyen? Any clue on unit distribution?" He asked as the caverns rumbled to life. Or un-life as it were...Sel was honestly surprised to see any operational constructs here, the fresh blood on their swords spoke volumes, and as the wraithguards and wraithlord stood readied before him, he scrambled over possibilities. Things may have just become much easier. Selhiat moved from his seat to the spiritseer. "Spiritseer Larese?" Sel beckoned. "I hope an explanation is forthcoming."
~~ Briefing Room ~~ "Brillyen left on his own." Is all that she said, having no idea where Brillyen might have ended up.
"I believe they are the guardians of the infinity circuit in this city, reawakened by the presence of the seers in our host, most notably mine.", walking over to the wraiths he bowed and extended his conciseness to the ghost warriors, finally letting them see clearly through the wraithsight for what must have been millenia. "Honored warrior, may I inquire how you have faired protecting the Circuit here? Have any enemies ever found this hidden city?"
Maiev shifted her weight as she examined the Warhost. What can this outsider possibly hope to do with these 4 Wraiths? Nothing, they will only slow us down, provide reaction time for the Mon'keigh. Perhaps there are more? Bah! There will need to be a great deal more to have any chance of doing battle with the humans, they already far outnumber us. Even so do you think a foreigner of Biel-tan can lead us to victory? I think not. He likely doesn't even know Mymeara's way of war. Maiev's eyes drifted to the Farseer next, she examined the way he held himself. He seemed somewhat... distracted. That Farseer seems just about as confused as a Mon'keigh who just learned their corpse emperor is dead. He's a pacifist. He'd prefer to avoid those who seek to destroy us. Probably has his head stuck in the Skein looking for someone who might comfort him. Like the Spiritseer there? That one? He's prompt to throwing fits, he should walk the Path of Mourning, that would suit him far better. Maiev continued her examination from where she stood in silence. Her gaze was cold like ice to any who caught her eye. The Dark kin, what is he doing here? Probably looking for some human soul to nourish his rash existance. But he is an Exarch now, hes more Craftworld Eldar now then before. It makes no difference, his dark tendencies still reside. The Dark Reaper Exarch. Maiev had heard of his endeavors from her warriors. He's too trusting of the Seers. If they told him procreation with a human would bring Ynnead to save us, he'd do it. Do not forget his unquenchable thirst for blood he's known for. As long as he does not drag the rest of us to an early doom I am fine with it. Lastly Maiev's gaze fell upon the Striking Scorpion, Korlynth. What is he doing here, does he think his Scorpions can accomplish something we can not? He has little regard for orders, I wouldn't be surprised if he just up and decided he was coming. Nor can he even attack something at ranged. I wager he'd miss a target with those mandiblasters a mere foot in front of him. An Astartes at that! Maiev sighed. All in all she was unimpressed, this Warhost seemed like some rag tag band of warriors that someone had just slammed together than a true Warhost.
The Wraith Lord answered in a psychic link. "A Mon'keigh fallen to the Powers of Ruin had discovered us, a Chaos Sorcerer, but he and his delegation was slain without hope to a return.... This occured a few days ago. Yet we are the only Wraith Constructs that still work after all this time. We have come to this very room as the War host called for war." It explained, lowering it's blade for the Spiritseer to see the human blood which still remained on the weapon.
"I thank you for your services to the craftworld and protecting your kin in the infinity circuit from the machinations of chaos." Relaying the information from the wraithlord to Sel, Larese continues to find out if any events happened for the last millenia or so.
The Wraith Lord denied as it had been asleep with it's kin until the intruders arrived. Having no information whatsoever what happened before that, not even why they were embodied into Wraith Constructs. Just that a Warhost called.... But the war never came... Though yet it had come! The Warhost returned and with it a new war!
Waiting for the briefing to begin, Korlynth lounges against a fallen column. He was well aware of how the other Exarchs viewed him, undisciplined and wild. But all warfare is deception, and to fool your enemies you must first fool your allies. When the Wraiths entered he continued to feign disinterest, but in truth he was beginning to get his hopes up that this mission might be worthwhile after all. Studying the Autarch, Korlynth wasn't impressed. He was an outsider and most likely ignorant of the Mymearan battle doctrine. However he had spent time as a Striking Scorpion so perhaps he isn't totally hopeless. Suddenly feeling a strange sensation crawling down his back, Korlynth turns to see the Banshee Exarch Maiev watching him. Flashing the uptight warrior a grin calculated to piss her off, he goes back to his practiced indifference.
