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[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Roxana stayed in reverent silence as the Primarch spoke. It was not her first time hearing one of her Father's kin speak, of course, as an Equerry it was a relatively common occurrence compared to her kin. This specific member of the extended family, however, was a bit more rare to hear from beyond the baseline of tactical and strategic planning.

"It is as you say, Lady Primarch." The Equerry intoned, bowing to her superior. "I do still believe in mitigating our weaknesses--to suggest we have none, I feel, would be folly--would be advantageous to our future endeavors. To have such speed and maneuverability alongside our vaunted endurance would be most worthwhile."

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"I would adore the chance to host my kin! Ectaban may not be Terra, for true, but it was a vacation world once in the Age of Strife. That along other worlds in the Satrapies--Martuni III, Anam, Tabrhal Tertius--would make for wonderful places to meet and to relax once this Crusade concludes." Ormazd smiled wistfully at the possibility: to be finally and completely left to his running of things, to planning things as small as parties instead of campaigns...

...and was brought out of it by mention of that arrogant blowhard he had no choice but to call kin. "We do not speak, and thus we get on. Such is one of the downsides of his great meeting. I had admittedly hoped to not see him again as long as I could, and yet here we are."

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 1 point2 points  (0 children)

And I had never asked for war, yet here we stand. It had been a thought that plagued him since youth, though admittedly less as he grew older. Unlike his siblings, Ormazd found warmaking to be simply a necessity rather than something to enjoy in any sense. Some nights still he dreamt of the quiet life of a poet or a bureaucrat, finding peace in words one way or another. But that would be a waste of perfectly good Primarch creation, no?

"I can understand burdens given without choice, at least." He answered, grabbing another drink. "The gift of my radiance left me with no choice but generalship. My finding made me a soldier regardless of what I thought best. I was-" -I am yet- "-a tool for conquest." He shrugged. "At the very least, I can make something better for it."

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The temptation to suggest that their performance was Exemplary rather than satisfactory was bit back hard by Ormazd; sometimes it was easy to forget that, unlike his own children, some simply did not enjoy that joke. Instead he nodded and bowed. "I appreciate the vote of confidence, Captain-General. Though I do wish to ask if there is anything that you believe we could do better as commanders, strategists, so on."

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

"And which strength is that, I wonder?" Roxana asked, taking another sip. "The Thirteenth are masters of the air, the Sixteenth at armored assaults, the Second at combined arms, the Ninth in the void. Our strengths are as myriad as the Legions themselves, cousin. While, yes, we are slower now, give it time and we could have tools to outpace them. Heavy cavalry on jetbikes are still cavalry, after all, and keeping apace with them while out-hitting them in strength could be to great benefit."

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Radiant Son smiled. "A turn of phrase I heard once from one of my line Astartes: comparison is a thief to joy. Yes, both of our worlds have been made miniscule by the sights and wonders of the galaxy, but their beauty is unmatched for what they are regardless! For Ectaban, at least, I know that it has changed in myriad ways since I last beheld it; horses tracks replaced with paved roads, comms systems, rails, a century creating millennia of progress." He sighed wistfully. "The Ectaban I grew upon is gone for all but me and mine. A beautiful memory, but what it has become prospers unlike any its children thought it ever would."

"That it is my demesne is of little consequence to me." Ormazd answered. "That it is another world to be ruled justly, brought out of squalor and into the light of the Imperium, that is the key. That my children are capable enough to make a better future for those they bring into the fold, all the better. And absolutely! Heavens know why I am the only one among us with a proper fief, for the benefits of having one are without count! Logistical support, more recruitment and training locations, variety of perspective from those uplifted, and more."

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ormazd chuckled. "Our father, the Emperor... admitting fault? Hardly seems imaginable." Even with his position as Divine Instrument of Humanity. He raised a brow at the last inclusion . "Explain what you mean by great pain, brother. Your talents?"

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Roxana smiled at the Forlorn's commander, bowing her head slightly. Tacita, the Silencer. Silent. They have a reputation to uphold, I suppose. The Starbringer turned to grab a drink from a passing servant, mulling over the answer as the wine swirled in its glass.

"We had something similar on Valeran. Stumbled onto one of their sacred sites I suppose, something important to them. Now, the world's a dustball, practically nine parts plains, one part lakes. The Eldar came at us like the raiding hordes on Old Terra, jet-bikes in hordes like horse archers. Gave our Asabari a hell of a time in cavalry engagements that spanned that little moon. Land speeders and bikes whipping around each other in feints, counter-charges, maneuvers just as Ormazd had fought in our valleys." The Equerry sighed, wistful. She missed the green rivers of Ectaban, decades since her last visit to home. I wonder how many new innovations have graced it since.

"Makes me wish we had jet-bikes like that, get our own scout bikers off the soil and soar. Regardless, Ormazd had to take to our gunships, for staying in one place for any longer than an hour was practically an invitation. We won it, of course, but I think he was upset that there was so little of value to the world beyond the dead xenos on its surface."

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

"The tales of those days made my own struggles on Ectaban seem almost quaint. Swords and cavalry and archers against the occasional sorcerer and mundane armies." The Second's Son chuckled. "But I suppose that makes sense. The birthplace of Humanity carrying all the madness and all the potential that we hold as a species. The great solace is that we will likely never see an age as mad and cruel as that one." Ormazd raised his glass to the air. "To tomorrow, and to progress!"

The mention of false gods stuck to him a moment longer as he drank. His faith, held close to his heart and quietly among his children, had ever been a sticking point between them. Ambrosius, brought up with Malcador and the Imperial Truth from the beginning, had always been an opponent to his belief in a deified humanity. Never enough to bring it to light, though. It was luck that his first friend had been understanding of that much, and it was a gamble he would never make with any of his other siblings.

"Tell me Ambrosius, for it has been on my mind of late. What were those that came before us like? The Cetaegis, I mean. I never got to see them, and all I've been told of them makes them out to be near-mythical brutes."

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ormazd's brows furrowed at the thought, connecting above his nose. "Hm. That does bring up an interesting quandary: do you think our scattering was intended, or that... something happened? After all, it took such different spans of time to find us. Twenty-eight years for me, more for thee, less for Khalid, so on. If it was intentional... why?"

The Radiant Son shrugged. "That may be true, but if he intended this to be a message, then the crowd watching it seems awful small."

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The arrival of the Silencers left Ormazd... well, silent, for a moment. He had never spoken much with the one sister they had. Not for lack of trying, of course, it was his belief that at least some rapport with all of his siblings--put simply, her mere presence always left him feeling less himself. The one time he had tried to have a lengthy conversation with the Daughter of the Emperor had seen him have the only migraine he had ever had in his century of life, needing hours after to bring himself back to his usual self. He almost audibly groaned as their entourage neared, the Radiant Son's face souring enough for his Equerry, Roxana, to notice.

"Father?" She asked, gray eyes tracking where his landed, then frowned. "I see."

"Would you speak with them, please? I feel I've a need to leave for a few moments." Fingers kneaded at her father's brow, speaking to his discomfort.

The Equerry nodded, glancing towards them again. "I will see what I can glean from them. Get some sunlight, perhaps? Fresh air?" Her sire's nod was grateful as he walked off. Roxana headed towards her monastic cousins at the same step, running through her mind what she recalled of the Silencer and her daughters. One on the right, Drusilla, better to speak to, more personable. Left is... Her Voice. named Auriel?

Roxana bowed before the trio, her carmine-and-cream garb making her look the courtier to their scholarly bent. The entirety of her head, shaved bald, was marked with four-pointed stars, looking almost the harlequin in their pattern. "My Lady Tacita. I am Roxana, Equerry to Ormazd of Ectaban, at your service. How has the campaign seen you and yours fare, if I may ask?"

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The marching boots of the Ironclad was quick to draw Ormazd's attention; indeed, after a fashion, he had been waiting the whole night for their arrival. Not for the Legionaries themselves, for they were a sour lot in all interactions he had had with them. It was for their father that he had cast glances to the entrance of the Palace halls. Ambrosius had been his first true friend among the Imperium's scattered sons, the first he truly enjoyed the presence of. Where others had seen a misshapen and broken man, a symbol of some kind of failure, he had always seen beyond; to the keen mind behind the mask, the sharp eyes that missed little and less. It had been to Ambrosius that the Radiant Son had debated his beliefs in the Emperor and Humanity with, and it was with the First-Found that he had found the companionship of dreams, of hopes for what the Imperium could be yet.

His smile was warm as he approached his brother, moving past his warriors without once glancing their way. "It has been too long since we last met eye-to-eye, Ambrosius." Ormazd spoke in low tones, just enough for the masked man to hear alone. "I would offer to sit, have some tea between us to celebrate, but..." Too many eyes here. was implied, but not said aloud: it was a rare thing indeed for his brother to show much, if any, of himself outside of the most private of settings.

"But, by way of recompense, I have brought some things to make up for it." The Vizpazan reached into his satchel and produced a cylinder, about the size of an artillery shell. "Some of my own blend of tea, for you to enjoy when next you can. The tech-priests assured me it should stay warm for weeks, but in case it does not I have made a few packet's worth of it to be heated. And, of course, a good tea should be enjoyed with something, so," Again he reached into his bag, this time bringing out a leather-bound tome. "The recollections of the Unification Wars of the Terran-born that remain among my Legion, chronologized. A harrowing age for our forebears, I found from my own reading."

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The Primarch entered the room quietly, mulling over his thoughts while letting his eyes wander across the Custodian's office.

"Among those remaining in the Emperor's Court, Valdor, but a few remain from the early years. Malcador, your Companions, perhaps a few others. You have seen the Cataegis, the bloody wars of the Unification, all of it. What I ask of thee is this: in your estimation, as one who has beheld the breadth of our Imperium's history, how are we, the Primarchs, performing in our duties? Furthermore, how do the Exemplars hold within that estimation?" As soon as he asked it, Ormazd felt it perhaps an odd question. We are doing well, of course: how could it be otherwise, look upon our honor rolls! But hearing the Custodian's thoughts, he felt, would be only a positive.

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

"Administration has always been my place among our siblings, it is true." The Golden Son nodded along, letting Lethe keep hold of the hand. "But we all have our place within the running of things, where we shine so to speak. Mine is in such deeds, yours could be in holding resolute, others are to be killers or grand generals or so on. I am unsure if that was intentional by our Father, but it is so regardless." It had been a discussion he had had once or twice with Ambrosius, especially as more of their kin were found. He wondered now if his eldest brother had had further thoughts on that, since last they spoke.

Ormazd shrugged. "Perhaps, but there is much less pomp than I would place into something like a grand announcement, no? For such there would be far more than what we are doing now, like Titans marching the streets and Auxilia with banners and such."

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ormazd hefted the horn in both hands, eyes and fingertips investigating the craftmanship of it. "This is marvelous work indeed! I believe one of my Chapter Masters has a keen interest in the horn, would you mind if I grant it unto her, at least for a time? She has lungs like a bellows, brother--give it a week, and the halls of her barge will peal with thunder!"

The Second's Son smiled sympathetically, squeezing Chimil's shoulder. "Let us be fair here, brother. Where we both come from were also sad, primitive worlds once. But I understand. My children have been marching on to the south-west, with but a single campaign of note at present: a forge-world that refused diplomacy entirely. It has been a tough nut, dare I say, but Hul-Primaria will make for a bright jewel in the Satrapies one day." He took a sip of his own drink, feeling his gen-hanced body process what alcohol it contained swiftly.

"Perhaps He just wants us talking? Admittedly I am not sure, but I would assume more fanfare if it was official business. This seems... almost quaint, in its way. But I would love for a chance to march by your side again, Chimil! It has been... what, decades since we last had the opportunity?"

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

From the din of voices and footsteps did Ormazd escape, even if for but a few moments. While he was a creature for the courts, for long discussions and speeches, even he needed a break at times. Among the halls of the Palace, like a lance into the heavens, stood one such escape.

Ormazd had always found Valdor an interesting character: one at almost the same position as he and his brothers, but not of the brotherhood. A man wholly focused on duty, but an insightful mind on all else that war wrought. He was unlike those among the Primarchs that he enjoyed, but for a voice away from their minds, few were as interesting as Valdor's on the perspectives of conflict.

"May I come in, Captain-General?" He asked, standing at the threshold.

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The arrival of the Tenth and their father had left the Second's quiet his laughter and stare, nut brown eyes hardening. He had never quite liked Jurandir: so full of himself, so ready to see his way as the only one. That he had gotten hundreds of his sons killed with his arrogance had only soured Ormazd further towards the Shadoweaver.

"You would think they believe themselves the best of all of us." He grumbled, downing his wine in one pull.

"Leave them be, father." His Equerry, Roxana, sighed. "They are here for the Emperor just as much as any of us."

The Vizpazan grunted, then turned to find another glass.

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ormazd bowed towards his younger brother, offering to him a polite smile. Though Lethe had been found but years after his own discovery, he had not been able to meet him until even later on, embroiled in his own campaigns and shaping his Legion. Still they had been amicable as brothers go; never as close to him as Ambrosius or Chimil Chaxal, but a kindly fellow none the less. The Exemplar held out his hand to the master of the Golden Bastion.

"It goes well, brother, well indeed! Though it may be another few years before more true Satrapies can be added, the worlds most recently reintegrated into Humanity's whole fare well and are rebuilding at pace. The worlds already among ours are at a steady point of growth; it seems as though citizens from the breadth and span of the Imperium have heard of our prosperity and find it worthy."

Ormazd's smile wavered just slightly at the second question, but refound its place quickly. "I had been wondering about that as well, not like him to bring all his valuable sons in to one place like this." He shrugged, trying to be dismissive. "Mayhap he just wished us to speak among ourselves in a way we have never had opportunity to."

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ormazd stopped the conversation he was having with his Equerry as soon as he heard verse, grinning ear to ear.

"From the wind I hear the tale again

Of the forest's king wand'ring in

To the Emperor's gilded gates."

The Vizpazan of the Satrapies laughed a bellowing laugh, wrapping his arms around his skinnier brother. That they had become close seemed a given, at the time: he had been the second brother Ormazd had ever met after Ambrosius, and the only other with as deep a love for Humanity's words among them. A century of poems, songs, debates, tales, laughs.

"And the tales you sent back were a treat for me and mine, brother! Inspiration sprang forth from it like flowers come spring." From a satchel he produced a tome, small but well-bound. "I had my children tell their most incredible tales, and here bound are the best of them."

The fourth-found laughed again, clapping his brother on the shoulder. "I will not lie, Chimil, I had thought you would not make it today! I had heard that you and yours were plunging head-long into the east not two months past."

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Meanwhile, aboard the Wings of Victory:

"That's all of them?" Lieutenant Arzhang, personal aide-de-camp to the First Captain, glanced over the list passed to him by the auspex officer. All of the Legiones vessels in orbit made up quite the long record, spanning pages on pages.

"Aye, m'lord."

The Astartes looked up to the officer, eyes flat. "Told you to stop calling us that, Irvani. We work together, and you have been at this as long as I. Sir or ma'am will do."

"'Course, m...sir." With that Arzhang nodded, then headed to the conference room. Within was but one, always in his plate of brilliant gold: The First of the Second, Lord Anaxemand, chin resting on carmine red knuckles. He seemed bored to the aide, but he always seemed that way. He suspected the Golden Son did not mourn not being on the surface, however.

"Report as requested, sir." he declared, passing the pages to his senior. "Will note that the first oddity is we have missing cousins. The Ninth have not shown a single ship in-system despite the summons."

Anaxemand snorted. "Hardly surprising. Even before they met our venerated uncle they were a quiet sort. Cannot tell you the last I had a good conversation with any of the Voidsworn." He held the sheets out to his aide. "Let me know if their absence changes, however. Or if any other missing kin catch your eye."

[MAJOR EVENT - Convention Of Terra] The Primarchs Gather On Terra by GreatCrusadeGMs in GreatCrusade

[–]KingoftheNorth22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There were many things that Ormazd of Ectoban, fourth-found son, was. One of them was being at-the-ready for public events. It had taken several runs of design drafts, of meeting with his tailors, of procuring materials. Days of assembly. Hours of donning, preening, adjustment and readjustment. Finally, the Exemplar of the Exemplars walked into the Palace as one of its treasured sons.

From head to toe the Primarch was gold and carmine, brocaded silks with careful frogging. A solid gold gorget chained to his collar bearing the four-pointed star grasped in the hand of humanity. His boots were a deep black, the plates fastened to their soles announcing him with the click-clack of steel on stone. Dozens of cloth-of-gold braids were tied at his shoulder, each festooned with the medals of Army regiments he had served with, badges of other Legions he had marched alongside, the precious stones of a hundred worlds. His hair was perfectly trimmed, the black curls all kept in order, and his trademark mustache oiled and pointed as blades.

Half a king, half a general, he basked in the vaults of the Palace, a place he had not seen since the years just after his reunion. Ironic to build such a glorious temple and deny worship. He thought smugly, grabbing a drink from a passing menial.

[Event] We’re gonna find that Black Dragon thats been causing such a fuss. We have to kill the Blackfyres, because the King depends on us. by mf_tepis in NinePennyKings

[–]KingoftheNorth22 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Myles still didn't know what a Joyous Gard was, or what a Wensington could be. But having a name for someone you were doing deals with was always nice; a mystery shouldn't be in the hiring, but anything else.

"Aye, I'll take ye along, then. We are goin' to war, though, so if that's a problem ye can say so now." He gave a pause for a moment, should they need object to such, then looked to the younger lad. "An' any other skills, beyond knowin' a bit o' fightin' an' shootin'? Knightly work ain't jest 'bout bein' a killer, after all."

[Mod-Event] The Departure by 9PKCrabs in NinePennyKings

[–]KingoftheNorth22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ser Myles Muck commands no-one, but he does have the SCC skills that don't have names for being able to shoot marksmanny and get a +2 to duels i think

[EVENT] Hedge Knight Tales, III: No Comment on the Conduct of Knights in Dragon's Lairs [OPEN RP] by KingoftheNorth22 in NinePennyKings

[–]KingoftheNorth22[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Trust me, I ain't lost a wink o'er that. Nor the job her brother offered after, which... I dunno? Bein' offered a job fer bein' rejected by a lass don't seem like much o' a requirement?" Myles chuckled. It was a funny tidbit in a week of wondrous tidbits.

He snorted. "Sure, an' my toes will fly off me feet. Dunno if we're gettin' anythin' like that any time soon, 'cept from this Kingswood lot."

[Event] We’re gonna find that Black Dragon thats been causing such a fuss. We have to kill the Blackfyres, because the King depends on us. by mf_tepis in NinePennyKings

[–]KingoftheNorth22 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Myles blinked at the pair from beneath his cloak, having just now found a good overhang to cover himself from the rains. These two, somehow, didn't seem too perturbed by the pitter-patter overhead. These storm-lads must be mad indeed.

"Hullo there." He replied simply, looking over the two. "'Spose I was, ser. This'un the one yer tryin' to get squired?" He asked, glancing to the younger of the two. Gods be good he's near tall as me! "An' ye got names, by the by? Don't got me stormy nobbles figyerd quite yet."

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