The Rains of Tirnan (My Black Library Short Story Submission)

A couple months ago, Black Library asked the public for short story submissions based on the Deathwatch, Chamber Militant of the Ordo Xenos. I have always dreamed of being a published writer, especially for the Black Library. Putting my mark on the Warhammer universe would be a dream come true. So, I worked for about a month or so writing my own 500 word short story, The Rains of Tirnan. The story focuses on Brother Jael of the  Blood Angels and his fight against a tyranid lictor and his chapter's curse, the red thirst.

Now, I am no Dan Abbnett. But, I did really enjoy writing this and figured I would share it. It was a really fun exercise, and good practice for the next time the opportunity comes around. Anyway, let me know what you think. I see this hobby as having four main creative outlets: modeling, painting, playing, and writing. While some of us may only partake in one or two of these outlets, I think it is important to flex your creative muscles whenever you can. We all have a story to tell, so tell it!

Until next time!

The Rains of Tirnan

The blood was everywhere. Running and mixing with the thick clay mud at the roots of the redwoods, forming a sickening ichor under Jael’s ceramite boots. These two men were on their way to the mines when it caught them. Was it two? Yes, Jael only saw two heads. They were torn limb from limb, large holes dug into their empty skulls. Their bodies split and cut into what seemed like a dozen pieces. The wounds were fresh, made within the last few minutes. Suddenly, Jael felt weak. A great thirst had overtaken him. The Red Thirst. No water could quench this. He needed blood.

This sensation was unmistakable. Twenty seven years prior, on the deathworld of Carthag VI. The planetary defense force was decimated in the fighting against the swinehordes of a now dead warboss. One of the men lay fallen, dying at his feet. Jael felt a sudden urge to drink the poor man’s blood. The guardsman’s eyes were wild with fear as Jael eyed him. But, in that moment, he was brought back from madness. Eremiel, the sanguinary priest, quietly sung the litanies of the primarch into Jael’s ear. “Do not fear the blessing of Sanguinius”. The priest understood the desire, but the terrified comrades of the dying soldier would not. 

Now, the Blood Angel was trembling. Jael felt helpless. Overcome by his desire. Eremiel was not with him now. No one was. He was alone in the rain, save for the remains of the two dead Tirnans. The clouds above him swirled a hellish red. Crimson rain swelled into huge droplets. They felt soft as they hit his tongue. He tilted his head back, mouth open wide. He drank in the blood falling from the sky. 

His scream echoed through the forest, "Control yourself, brother!”. Jael was shaking, black helmet thrown into the blood-red mud at his feet. A black bird flew below the soft gray clouds above. The rain felt warm running through his hair. He heard it as it fell through the leaves of the trees above him. Fumbling as he fell to his knees, his hands sunk into the ground. The world around him pulsed to the heavy beating of his hearts. Senses heightened to every movement, every sound. 

Jael heard clicking, movement, and a low sloppy growl. He turned in time to avoid the talons as they fell into the mud. Jael tumbled and rolled under the rending claws and took to his feet. The lictor was hard to see, its carapace mimicking the trees and undergrowth behind it. Two large talons reared above its body. Claws dug into the mud of the forest floor. Raising his bolter, Jael fired kraken rounds into the tentacled maw of the beast. The tyranid made an awful screech, cocked its hind legs and shot into the trees above. It left a trail of acid blood burning into the ground. Jael blinked, readied his combat knife, and began searching the forest canopy. The hunt was on.

Shield of Baal: Deathstorm (BA Starter List)

Blood Angels v. 'Nids are coming in a new Stormclaw-esque box. The price is right, too. At $125 you are getting $129 MSRP worth of models plus Captain Karlaen. This is a great offer for a new BA player. Death Company and DC Dread are troops, and Terminators are always a fun unit on the table. Depending on your options, you are looking at around 750pts. I'd build it like this:

Captain Karlaen

Death Company x5

- Jump Packs, Power Fist, Infernius Pistol

DC Dreadnought

- Blood Talons, Magna-grapple

Terminators x5

- Heavy Flamer or Assault Cannon

Hopefully Karlaen has some cool rules (Blood Hammer, anyone?). But, the best news about this release is that the codex is coming soon! Looking forward to some relics and new warlord traits.

Until next time!

Up Next, Shield of Baal: Blooddeathstorm

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.

Inquisitor Josep Arador running away from the fight, like a bitch

Death Company Dreadnought, SMASH!

Outpost Beta 19

Terminators assaulting the southern wall

These guys jumped onto the landing pad and smashed face.

Never saw it coming. Ironic, huh?

Uh, can I have my power fist back?

The Black Rage (Empathy, Understanding, and the Sons of Sanginius)

Voting ends Sunday, 11/16, for Corsair Radio's Six Word Short Story Contest. You can vote using the polling widget on the right of this post. Make sure to pick your favorite story and vote before then!

Art is so important to us because it can serve as a mirror, reflecting how we view our world. I think that I love science fiction and fantasy so much because it allows me to confront my own fears outside of the real world. I can enjoy stories full of anxiety and emotion and still feel protected, guarded from my own personal daemons. I can see these fantasy worlds through the eyes of characters (Aragorn, Spock, Han Solo) who struggle, but still persevere and make the most of every moment. The Blood Angels, my new 40k passion project, are no different.

I have suffered from anxiety for as long as I can remember. I check to make sure the door is locked three times before I go to bed, I envision my escape from nearly every location I enter, and I worry about my loved ones constantly. All that said, I still live a very happy life (a beautiful wife, two kids, a good job, and all the miniatures my 17 year old heart could desire). But, this specter of anxiety almost always follows me. These emotions are what draws me to the Blood Angels.

I just finished Deus Encarmine, by James Swallow, and I began to see that myself and Rafen, the protagonist, weren't so different. He is a loyal servant to the Emperor and his Chapter, but still a speculative man under the constant fear that The Black Rage will overtake him. That he will succumb  to "The Flaw" inside of him. Personally, I find this really inspiring. Amidst this great fear, Rafen and his brothers are still able to put their lives on the line for what they believe in. They persevere.

Now, I don't believe that my anxiety is anything like reliving the death of Sanginius (hell, I don't even have a primarch). And, this is all a part of a fantasy universe. There are real people who suffer and overcome things much greater than I will ever know, whose strength does and always will inspire me. Rafen and the Blood Angels's inner strength really adds to my hobbying life. When I model, paint, and play with my toys I relax. Like a long, deep breath. When I read on my morning commute, it is my meditation. I hope that when you enjoy this hobby, you can find the same peace. 

Until next time!

From the Darkness, Comes Their Demise (The Story of the Yell Hounds)

The Yell Hounds are my custom Space Marine chapter (using the Blood Angels codex). The concept is based on the Yell Hounds of celtic myth (more here). They are currently fighting against Guttrippa in the Steiermark Campaign, so expect more fluff and stories about the Ghosts of Tirnan.

Chapter Yell Hounds

Founding Chapter Blood Angels

Known Descendants None

Chapter Master Reclusiarch Bran Morrigan

Homeworld Tirnan

Colors Crimson and Grey

Specialty Covert Operations/Assault

Strength ~100 marines

The Black Rage has had devastating effects on the Blood Angels and their successors. Many space marines have died due to the overpowering psychic impact of this curse. But, thanks to their superior genetic make-up, some marines are able to conquer their emotions. These men, veterans of countless battles, and have purged many threats to the Imperium as members of the Death Company. Unable to find solace in the silence of death, these survivors are tormented by their experience. Their battle brothers see them as pariahs, the ghosts of their lost friends. In these uncommon situations, the survivors are sent off to Tirnan to join the Yell Hounds.

The Yell Hounds are experts in covert operations and close quarters combat. These warriors are known throughout the Imperium for their ferocious bloodlust in battle. They wear no heraldry, only simple grey armor with a crimson red helm. The Hounds are an incredibly close brotherhood of fanatical warriors. Survivors of the Black Rage. Led by the wild Reclusiarch Bran Morrigan, they live by their chapter's battle cry: "From the Darkness, Comes their Demise!"

The Battle at Outpost Beta-19

Guttrippa's Gambit is a part of the larger Steiermark Campaign hosted by G3 Santa Cruz Warhammer Club. The campaign pits Ian's Ork Warlord Guttrippa against the combined Imperial forces of Reclusiarch Bran Morrigan of the Yell Hounds, Ordo Xenos Inquisitor Joseph Arador, and the mysterious Vindicare Assassin X-04. This edition will focus on X-04, and the skirmish for Outpost Beta-19. For the full battle report, check it out at the Independent Character's Forums.

+ + + + + TRANSMITTED: Holy Terra

+ + + + + RECEIVED: Steiermark

+ + + + + DESTINATION: Steiermark

+ + + + + DATE: 0.132999.M40

+ + + + + TELEPATHIC DUCT: CONFIDENTIAL

+ + + + + AUTHOR: CONFIDENTIAL

+ + + + +  SUBJECT: X04

+ + + + + THOUGHT: Exitus Acta Probat

X-04,

The Ork Warlord Gutrippa and his warband have been located near Sachsenheim. Find and eliminate him before he can further consolidate the xenos threat on the continent.

>>ATTACHED PLANETARY DATA DOWNLOAD<<

>>PROCESSING<<

>>DOWNLOAD COMPLETE<<

The Green Tide

Silent. Forever silent amongst the chaos of battle. Still, above the Orks breaking through the defenses. X-04 wasn't even sure that the Imperials knew he was above them, mists of red blood amongst the Green Tide. There was nothing the Scions could do. They were outnumbered. Their support, Morrigan's wild Yell Hounds, overcome by battle lust landed too far from the outpost. Many Orks died that day, but not the Ork. His target, Warlord Guttrippa. He had one chance, and missed it thanks to the ineptitude of the haflings. They could have moved back to safety, given him more time. Instead, they all died. All save the Inquisitor. 

He'd report this back to Terra. He had failed. But, it wasn't over. 

X-04 met the Reclusiarch at the rendezvous point. He swore he saw dried blood around his mouth.

"Any survivors?"

"None. We drank the blood of many xenos today. Praise Sanginius!"

"Not Guttrippa. That was your mission. You..."

"Don't tell me what to do, coward. Why didn't you kill him from afar? Did your honor unsteady your hand?"

"..."

"Listen, Vindicare. The Ork is as good as dead. Let him revel in his victory today. Tomorrow, the Yell Hounds strike. From the darkness, comes their demise."

"From the darkness, comes their demise"

+ + + + + TRANSMITTED: CONFIDENTIAL

+ + + + + RECEIVED: CONFIDENTIAL

+ + + + + DESTINATION: CONFIDENTIAL

+ + + + + DATE: CONFIDENTIAL

+ + + + + TELEPATHIC DUCT: CONFIDENTIAL

+ + + + + AUTHOR: CONFIDENTIAL

+ + + + +  SUBJECT: Yell Hounds

+ + + + + THOUGHT: Exitus Acta Probat

Target escaped. Yell Hounds are preparing for planetfall. Inquisitor captured. He's as good as dead.

>>ATTACHED PLANETARY DATA DOWNLOAD<<

>>PROCESSING<<

>>DOWNLOAD COMPLETE<<

Hunting the Green Menace (Steiermark Campaign)

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaggggghhhh!!! (Art by Skirill)

Tomorrow, I'm playing my first game of a mini-campaign in the Battle for Steiermark. The event, hosted by G3 Santa Cruz, is really impressive in its depth and detail. The story is focused on an Ork invasion of the planet, and the Imperial response to purge the xenos threat. The setting allows for one off games, mini campaigns, and large apocalypse battles (and showcases some really beautiful models and terrain). The Steiermark campaign has played out over a couple years at various locations, and I am looking forward to adding to the narrative. It really shows how much background adds to the game, and has really got my creative juices going.

I plan on using the campaign as an opportunity to grow my new Yell Hounds (Blood Angels) army, and to use my newly painted Vindicare Assassin. This is going to be a really great opportunity for me to stretch my gaming, painting, and storytelling muscles. Keep on the lookout for a battle report in the near future.

Until next time!

Death Company, I can't deny!!!

One of my favorite things about modern 40k is allies. It opens up a universe of possibilities, and allows for added depth to already complex individual armies. It also really helps you walk the fine line between narrative and competitive play. Now, I love my Eldar. But, There are times when I just want to smash face and use T4 models. 

RAAAAAGGGGEEEEEE!!!!

Following the corsair theme, I wanted to make a renegade Space Marine force. The idea is these guys are teetering on the brink of Chaos, but are more mercenaries and less noise marines. Reading over some fluff and different codexes, I came across one of my favorite units. Blood Angels Death Company. Their special rules really give off a wild mercenary vibe. And, they have access to some fun toys. So, I picked up some stuff and decided to start a small allied contingent of Death Company. I'll update with a list, some pictures, and how these Lost Angels ended up on Tirnan.

Until next time!