Corsair Radio: Morrigan's Charge (The Steiermark Campaign)

Congrats to to Jorn for his winning six word short story, "Unseen, unheard, the Callidus came calling". Keep on the lookout for another writing contest in the near future!

Ian and I played the second of our three game series in the Steiermark Campaign. In the first battle, Ian was able to seize Outpost Beta-19, but suffered some heavy losses in the process. This time, the Yell Hounds had assembled their forces for an all out assault on Guttrippa and his boys. Unfortunately, the good guys lost. Check out the IC's forum for a great battle report from Ian.

Just like last time, I decided to focus on one of the main characters in the narrative. This time we will view the battle through the eyes of Bran Morrigan, Reclusiarch and Chapter Master of the Yell Hounds. Makes sure to check out pictures from the battle after the story. From the darkness, comes their demise!

The Story

He had died once before. Brought to the brink. So close to the endless comfort of the God-Emperor's side that he felt awash in glory. Taken by the Black Rage, his madness in battle was unending. Fighting against an eldar raiding party on some unknown planet. He was a Blood Angel then, the crimson red of his past life peaking through chips in his now jet black power armor. His chain-sword was death, looping slashes and cuts that split the xenos in two. But, he did no see his true enemy. He fought the legion's of Horus, watched his primarch die again and again. Overtaken, unable to control his superhuman form. He stood atop the pile of bodies and screamed. A wretched, primordial scream. And then, in an instant, peace.

Chaplain Bran Morrigan tried to re-join his brothers. But, the Sons of Sanguinius feared him. He had risen from the dead. Their beloved Bran, his beautiful and ornate works of brass still hanging amongst the works of his fellow marines. They had mourned him, and now they feared him. At first, it tormented Morrigan. He fought along side them, but not with them. He sung the Emperor's prayers, but responses were tinged with doubt. Nearing his wits end, it was the great Lemartes who saved him.

The newly christened Reclusiarch Bran Morrigan was sent to Tirnan, a storm world in the Segmentum Obsucrus. He was joined by his fellow pariahs, brothers from the Blood Angels and their successor's who had survived the Black Rage. Together, there was no mistrust. No sideways glances. No fear. Together they were Yell Hounds.

Morrigan sung the proud litanies of his new chapter as he swung his Crozius through the green tide. Smashing and ripping, the sky port landing pad was thick with blood. He desired to drink it all. Fill a large goblet and relish in his victory. But, it was not meant to be. The cowardly inquisitor had escaped. His men's assault on Outpost Beta-19 was stopped just short. Realizing defeat, he activated his jump pack and launched into the sky. Bounding off the tower, he moved quickly to the rendezvous. Guttrippa was still alive. This battle was lost. But, the war was not over.

Bran had known death. Soon, the ork warboss would know it too.