>>5842357

The broken antlers of the false Kurnous. And the moment they were within your hand, the seemingly one side fight once more became a struggle of two forces of equivalent force and stability. Wielding the prongs of the antler like you would a hunting knife, you switched to the offensive, keeping your head and shoulders low as your lunged and surged towards the deer headed opponent, making up for every step you took in retreat.

Catching the heads and hafts of his spears between the prongs of his discarded horns, you gradually closed the gap. Lifting the spear by its head, turning and using your free arm as a shield as it slid down its haft, locking the weapon in place before freeing it to catch its twin, stabbing down from above, twisting yourself around like an eel in a net as you stepped forwards, facing Kurnous with your back, advancing with a movement technique usually used to disengage from a disadvantageous nearness to one's opponent but now used aggressively.

Kicking off the ground, you turned your body, facing him with your shoulder, tossing the antlers from you right hand to your left, allowing the spear you had caught to drop as you took the antler in a reverse grip, wielding its broken end like a dagger as you charged and slammed shoulder first into Kurnous already bruised chest. You winced, a stab of pain screaming from your stomach, as he buried the fingers of one of his hands, now empty, into the shallow cut on your stomach, widening it and tearing it deeper as you jabbed his own natural weaponry into his gut in retaliation.

Your airborne tackle and thrust has sent you both to the ground.

With a slap, you force his fingers from the gouge across your midsection, and with a hammering blow, drive the antler deeper as you fall ontop of him.

He grips your neck and flips you, rolling on his back and using the lifting of his hindquarters to provide thrust and leverage to his two kicks that throw you over his head. There is a crack you feel before you hear it, but you wiggle your head out of his grip before he can cause any lasting damage to your trachea or spine.

Catching yourself with your hands, you flip over to stand on your feet, and rub your neck as lunges forward to stand, steam rising from his snout as he tears out the antlers you had buried into his gut, tossing them aside, holding the weeping wound with a hand now dyed red. Making him resemble one of Kurnous' contemporaries. You could feel the indents of his powerful fingers around your throat as you adopted the century tortoise stance, blood dripping down your stomach from where he tried to gut you with his barehands.

"Fierce" Is all he says in response from being nearly gutted and split through by his own abandoned horns "But this brutality is born of pragmatism, rather than madness"
Cont

>>5842359

"Self control is an ideal I strive ever towards" You answer, with a nod, wiping blood from your hands as he does the same, raking his bloodied fingers over the crushed grasses "As is efficiency in all things. I deemed piercing your belly to be the best and quickest way to turn this fight to my advantage"

"Begin" He warns, throwing himself at you, with one spear in hand again, but an unsettling glow in his emerald markings.

"Ah, the winds heed your call, lesser of Kurnous" You exclaim, excitement pulling your lips into a grin and drawing your eyes thin "I suppose my use of spirit's touch means such powers are now allowed in this duel"

He doesn't answer, but his usage of sorcerous energies drawn from the Emperyean and combined psionic resonance of the craftworld's idle minds is enough of a response. But your eyes are not focused on his magically charged attack, but instead the wound left behind in his belly by your latest attack. And the limpness of his neck. And the bruise spreading across his breast.

Three weak points, but you know they are not the only ones.

What is your next move, Lieren?

>Catch the spear with a defensive psykerist technique, creating a vortex between your Yang and Yin energies to deflect and absorb the Winds he beckons to strengthen his attack

>Duck down and lunge forward, pressing both your hands flat, on atop the other and form them into the spears of the fog panther style, driving them into his gut to try and rip and rend the wound there open wider.

>Channel the "The Five Daggers of Winter's Embrace" and thrust your arm forward to try and splinter the spear before it can be wreathed in the wind of the wild

>Dodge the attack by leaning back, clapping your hands behind the head of the spear, enduring the backlash of the energies now housed within and tear it free to throw it at not Kurnous' throat

>Write in

>>5842360
>>Catch the spear with a defensive psykerist technique, creating a vortex between your Yang and Yin energies to deflect and absorb the Winds he beckons to strengthen his attack

>>5842360
Going to channel Cu Chulainn here

>Catch the spear with a defensive psykerist technique, creating a vortex between your Yang and Yin energies to deflect and absorb the Winds he beckons to strengthen his attack
>Write in
Once the spear is in our hand using the suitable element to empower ourselves and shoot power down it towards his own body extending out and piecing into his wound...letting the Ice bloom within, thorns and winter blossoms goring him from within and outward.

"A spear is a scared weapon, it is a pact between Hunter and Hunted, a proof of duty and battle."

>>5842406
I had similar thoughts.
Wind isnt part of the Wuxing, nor is air.

But his spear is probably made of wood, and nature is usually represented by it, correct me if I am wrong Malal.
Metal chops wood, so we probably want to use a lightning oriented technique used here.

Incidently wood peirces earth, so if that is what thr power draws on. . Hmm.

>>5842360
>Counter the spear thrust with a metal aligned lightning bolt to try and disarm the spear.

>>5842419
Wind is classified under Wood. Fire as such is the counter you want.

>>5842360
>Form a blade of soulfire to consume the wind and as a weapon against Kurnous
>You’ve done it once before unconsciously and you shall do it again, channel Khaine, show them all them that Khaine still lives
Really want to see how everyone reacts to Lieren wielding the power of another Eldar god.

>>5842406
Support

>>5842435
In the generationn cycle yeah. The fire would be empowered by wood. But in the destructive cycle metal is meant to utterly destroy wood.
Either works.

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>>5842524
>>5842461
>>5842456
>>5842435
Wood is fed/beats water, Water beats/feeds metal, metal beats/fed by earth...all that jazz. We have several elements to play with and can select whichever is suitable to front boost ourselves. aka the spears metal. send ice crawling up and through then bloom it spiking out; Lieren is smart I am not.

>>5842536
ill level with you, we got elemental options and im getting all turned around, dang wheel

>>5842360
>>Catch the spear with a defensive psykerist technique, creating a vortex between your Yang and Yin energies to deflect and absorb the Winds he beckons to strengthen his attack

Ayo time to slow down your winds buddy

>>5842360
>Channel the "The Five Daggers of Winter's Embrace" and thrust your arm forward to try and splinter the spear before it can be wreathed in the wind of the wild

>>5842524
>>5842536
>>5842537
We don’t access to the Metal element right now. We can use Water through Yin soul, Fire through Yang soul, Wood through lightning (yes that’s wood), and Earth through telekinesis flinging rocks around but we lack a convenient sort of Metal qi.

>>5842360
>>Catch the spear with a defensive psykerist technique, creating a vortex between your Yang and Yin energies to deflect and absorb the Winds he beckons to strengthen his attack

>>5842360
>>Write in
>Mantle Arianka
if we channel a god we might be ab;e to overcome this. even if we don't overcome it it will probably be enough that it gives him pause, and then we can strike.

The Lightning Lord's must trusted friend sat alone sipping some blissfully refined and fresh tea leaves, a batch from the Imperial Gardens and a sobering reminder to simpler times, more blissfully ignorant and comfortable ones. He was sat alone in his study for the men and women moving about him were not people any longer; they were tools and extensions of his will as the Sigillite and the Grand Master~.

Some scholars argue time, the universe and all things are cyclical. From the oldest myths of old Terra and the Mythics of the Aeldari to the decade long plays of the Necron, patterns appear, figures recur... dooms persist and hubris remains. Malcador patiently worked through both dusty tome and archival stack fresh information flooding in from the Noctis Labyrinthus of mars which was no small feat given how the Red robed wardens were so adamant that none venture there; but no matter.

The Crusade was advancing at a rate beyond their projections which had been revised since the loss of the Primarchs, a timetable which was now under revision once more given the more contributions of several be it Magnus beginning to commune with his own sons from prospero itself, the resources and data provided by Lieren or even the stellar triangulation and 'Lighthouse' project of Perturabo. Even Horus was swiftly reforming several legions into shock assault forces whom were now clawing their way beyond the system! Four Primarch and all of this?...it was a tragedy of the most ancient fables just waiting to happen. He could see the clashing of personality, the contrast of ideals; the danger resting therein. Such demigods born into flesh? Such events almost write themselves like the Titanomachies of old. Yet of all those so far two were the most pressing; Lieren and Magnus.

1/2

>>5844726
The latter a scholar of such focus and militant belief, one whom had seen so much; would he accept the Imperial Truth, could he be trusted with the Great Secret?...or will he delve and discover it even if forbidden? Magnus was a time bomb of untold yield which could be weaponised by either side if not handled with care; Ignorance is the Greatest Sin the Crimson King had said... sooner or later the Master of Mankind would have to personally handle him for already his was warpforging and enacting psyker science beyond supervision. How many civilisations had been laid low by one daring, one cunning soul whom begun with best intentions and opened the Pandora's Box?

The Former was a different kind of threat, a threat Lieren so embodied that cyclical concern of the Sigillite; a hunter from the wilds and becomes a hero of the people, toppling the old order so unbreaking in their ideals in time they either perish for them or become a villain. The Aeldari tales and their similarities were clear enough, but old fables of Terra tell of a playful Godling reborn and journeying the world bringing merriment, alcohol...rebellion...zealotic madness and hidden cults; a godling destined to replace his Father the Master of Thunder. Already the Primarch of Chimera was refered to in hushed tones as 'Prince', already he'd gathered a force of soldiers, expunged chaos and now if reports were to be believed, recruited a techno cult... he was his Father.

But in such a case were the Emperor to meet his mirror or the Mirror meet him; could they coexist? Even if they could... would the people accept one or the other? If Magnus was a bomb Lieren was a Virus...

A shangralai proverb came to mind 'A mountain has room for but one Panther'.

2/2

>>5844727
I'm more worried about Angron than I was before, slannesh might go for him. Not only that but we have a deamon with a personal grudge (whom we technically have the true name for) and a court of angry hunters

>>5842360
>Catch the spear with a defensive psykerist technique, creating a vortex between your Yang and Yin energies to deflect and absorb the Winds he beckons to strengthen his attack
Also yoink

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>>5845014
A template brothers!

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>>5845015
"They did what?"

The Accuser
What had been a quiet but warm hall had become one cold and still, all relaxation had faded and all notions of familial bonding lost to the cold outside as the doors had bene thrown open and Lorgar had returned from his unofficial exile.

Eight primarch had gathered upon Fenris, in the Halls of Russ to celebrate a great victory; Sanguinius, Horus, Ferus, Magnus, Lieren, Angron, Morterian and Fulgrim. The Wolf King sat in the place of honour toasting his Sons until Lorgar game and shattered the great oaken doors letting in the storm beyond and the dark.

Arms were raised and alarms sounded since the Bringer of the Word had seemingly appeared from nowhere to make his entrance. Something about him was different but before any could ask he'd levelled his finger and levelled his accusation;

“Father is a Deceiver! He created us with Warp magic and infernal pact! You have to kno-”

He was cut off as Horus bodily slammed him into the floor and Russ had his weapon already mid swing but then a voice called out.

“WAIT!”

Magnus had spoken and a great pressure fixed all in place, eyes widened at such a display of power not only for its strength but sheer audacity in the Wolfen Halls?! Unphased Magnus continued voice now calm.

“Lieren, Angron...is our Brother lying?”

All eyes turned to the Emperor's Tracker and Empath.

They both knew without difficulty for their brother let himself be read, open and clear. He'd spoken true, but now another issue...they glanced at one another.

Their words will shake the Imperium itself, if both answer no...they will live a lie and in time it may come to light, if they answer differently chaos ensues... if they confirm it....

---
A fun scene I had in mind because of implication and how would they all respond to the truth?

>>5845014
>>5845015
>>5845016
Nice anon, must be content night

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Calling the vote now, sorry for the wait

Catch the spear with a defensive psykerist technique, creating a vortex between your Yang and Yin energies to deflect and absorb the Winds he beckons to strengthen his attack:6
-Once the spear is in our hand using the suitable element to empower ourselves and shoot power down it...etc:2

Channel the "The Five Daggers of Winter's Embrace" and thrust your arm forward to try and splinter the spear before it can be wreathed in the wind of the wild:1

Counter the spear thrust with a suitable elemental blast: 1

Form a blade of soulfire to consume the wind and as a weapon against Kurnous+ Attempt to channel Khaine:1

Attempt to mantle Arianka:1

Total votes:10

So Lieren will try to catch the spear with a defensive technique, creating a vortex between his palms formed of Yin and Yang to deflect the blow and absorb the energies strengthening the thrust

Writing now

>>5845014
>>5845015
>>5845016
All Incredible. Can't wait to see the template see some use

>>5844726
>>5844727
Always love a Titanomachy reference, and love all the myths Big E was reflecting on. And the "He was his father" "If magnus was a bomb, Lieren was a virus" were just masterstrokes imo. Also I am stealing this proverb and making it canon 'A mountain has room for but one Panther'. cause its sick
>>5845051
That was a fun scene indeed, and an intriguing one as well. Could go many ways and I love how you set it. Good work!

Before I forget. We should bring Yongrui with us to the Mathoth. I think he’d have a great chance of convincing them of return to humanity’s side.

However, you can also see your own weak points. The breaks in your guards, the chips in your armor, the gaps in your defenses, so obvious they might as well be glowing to your eyes. Even a lion may be humbled by mice. But this is no mouse you face. The Not Kurnous is, if one were to use Shangralan wildlife symbolically to describe both of your strength, martial skill, and natural killing talent, you would both be Panthers or one of their near cousins. The former Apex predators of the mist swept world that have barely noticed the advent of firearms and more lethal and devastating weaponry finding its way into the hands of their formerly favored prey.

There is another proverb that comes to mind, one that doesn't have much basis in reality, but whose words yet ring true and illuminate your battle sharpened mind. A mountain has room for but one Panther. While in actuality so long as there is enough prey animals to go around, numerous panthers can share a mountain as their territory if they do not kill each other claiming their piece of it, the proverb's meaning serves as a warning to you now. To think you could freely strike those weak points without having your own taken advantage of, while the shade of the huntsman is within a pace of you, bearing a spear and threatening you from all angles as he once again pulls you within his striking range, would be the height of hubris. Foreseeing the outcomes and seeing that the chance of you launching a successful attack without being wounded in turn is too low for comfort, you turn your fighting instincts to finding a defensive action to the hart headed warrior's aggression. And that approaches success rate is much greater than meeting his assault with one of your own. Blinking, you measure the options before you, discerning the method most likely to succeed without requiring exhaustive or excessive movements, that can create an opening you could leverage to strike one of the last breath of Kurnous' weakpoints and strike it hard.

In the pantomime you envision in your mind, of how each theoretical defense could withstand and proceed following the shade of Kurnous' next strike, you find the most effective answer to his charging thrust. The winds of the Emperyean, stagnant in the halls of the craftworld's walled piece of the spiritual realm rush to wrap and enshroud his single spear, infusing into its haft and head, empowering his lunging stab, empowering its piercing potential and thus its lethality. You can see that the "Qi" he is using, is aligned to the vision of the old growth forest surrounding you. The diagrams of the wuxing and all its cycles flash through your mind's eye as you take your stance, dropping your center of mass and tracing the toes of your left foot as you drag it in front of the right to face your attack, hands raised defensively and parallel to each other.

But simply knowing the counter of the magic he calls up, what will overcome or destroy it, is not enough.
Cont

>>5846521

You must draw it in to trap it, use the winds caged within to empower its chains and then seal it its dominating force. Taking a deep breath, you create a vortex of opposed energies between your palm as the spear homes in on its target, the center of your chest between your twin hearts. In the higher hand, you summon the gilded fire raging within your soul, the waters of the golden sea spilling ever out from you. And from the hand beneath it, you call upon the cool silver moonlight within your heart, the cold waters and frost. Together, they are harmonious, swirling together in a vortex in the form of the symbol of the cosmic force they embody. Yang and Ying. Positive and Negative. Fire to harness the Qi of the woodlands of dying dreams, Water to strengthen the winds Kurnous' will calls, and the iron of the spear head to reject and overcome the spear itself and the magic it is now imbued with.

Breathing out, the spear passes the even horizon of the vortex of golden, ethereal flames, and lapping, silvered moonlight. There is a spark, a sundering of air, a pausing of theory. The verdant winds spill into the whirlpool held between your hands, compressing and growing stronger as you draw them in and add them to the waters pressed and held between your palms. The forest grows around you, drinking in the frost spreading from beneath your souls, before it wilts. A haze of heat rolls out from the crucible four elements within your hands, flash fires bursting in the now yellowed, dried grasses and withered tree branches. River stone, Ozone, Ash and wrought iron fill your lungs as your curl your fingers into a cage, narrowing your eyes as Not Kurnous snorts, not understanding the Wuxing but recognizing the Uncanny resemblance of Asuryan's rune the vortex of Qi bares, and mistaking the Vibrant gold and ever darkening silver in the shape of the Yin yang symbol for it.

And that is his fateful mistake. The shade, for a moment, believes you are calling upon the dying embers of the phoenix king and is blinded to all other possibilities. If he is insult, or enraged, you cannot tell, as you are blinded as the energies within your hands boil over and reach critical mass as false Kurnous, instead of pulling back, denying you the wind you use to fan the flames, pushes forward and spills more of the magical energy into the collapsing star of four elements within your palms. The spear point passes the invisible barrier and it to turns to fuel, as you channel all of the power you've taken and cultivated between your hands into it.

The haft shatters. Kurnous's remnant stumbles as the vortex spills out in a blinding light that flickers from incandescent white to pitch black, consuming and feeding on itself much like the soul of its channeler. This is the light that blinded you to.

However, you can still see, sensing the Qi still through your eyes extra-normal sight, and spotting the spear head glowing, oversaturated with Qi, like a beacon in the night.
Cont

>>5846526

Easily found. The orphaned steel point vibrates in your hand, radiating with power and the strength of steel. And what is the riddle of steel but the strength of man? His will and conviction.

Spear head in hand, The memory of Kurnous calls the other spear to his hand, blinking and still dazzled by the distraction of explosive metallic Qi roaring through this wild place as envisioned by the waking and dreaming collective consciousness of Ulthwe.

He's pulling back to hurl it into the blinding cornea of light, sun and moon, that you yet stand hidden within.

What is your next move, Lieren?

>Ducking and lunging at him, using the empowered spear head as a knife as you take the opening presented to you, and stab it into the antler made wound in his stomach

>Flick the spear head like a dart, catching it with wires of Qi, and using it like a rope dart. The shade of Kurnous was confused by your Shangralan sensibilities, so use a weapon you are certain he and his kind have never seen in action before, whirling and spinning the dart defensively, before you can close in and launch it into his neck

>Refine the spear head and the Qi inside of it, and use it as a focus and kindling for the technique "The water becomes the void, as the void becomes the water"

>he can surely sense the spear tip as a mass of Empyrean energy, use it as a diversion to tackle him to the ground and use the Iron Tortoises boxing to pound him on the dirt

>Write in

>>5846528
>Flick the spear head like a dart, catching it with wires of Qi, and using it like a rope dart. The shade of Kurnous was confused by your Shangralan sensibilities, so use a weapon you are certain he and his kind have never seen in action before, whirling and spinning the dart defensively, before you can close in and launch it into his neck

>>5846528
>The water becomes the void, as the void becomes the water
Wouldn’t that that technique utterly destroy both the spear and Kurnous?

>>5846528
>Refine the spear head and the Qi inside of it, and use it as a focus and kindling for the technique "The water becomes the void, as the void becomes the water"

>>5846528
>Flick the spear head like a dart, catching it with wires of Qi, and using it like a rope dart. The shade of Kurnous was confused by your Shangralan sensibilities, so use a weapon you are certain he and his kind have never seen in action before, whirling and spinning the dart defensively, before you can close in and launch it into his neck

>>5846528
>>he can surely sense the spear tip as a mass of Empyrean energy, use it as a diversion to tackle him to the ground and use the Iron Tortoises boxing to pound him on the dirt

>>5846528
>Flick the spear head like a dart, catching it with wires of Qi, and using it like a rope dart. The shade of Kurnous was confused by your Shangralan sensibilities, so use a weapon you are certain he and his kind have never seen in action before, whirling and spinning the dart defensively, before you can close in and launch it into his neck
time to get our own aspect warriors.

>>5846468
Your praise humbles this anon

>>5846528
>Flick the spear head like a dart, catching it with wires of Qi, and using it like a rope dart. The shade of Kurnous was confused by your Shangralan sensibilities, so use a weapon you are certain he and his kind have never seen in action before, whirling and spinning the dart defensively, before you can close in and launch it into his neck

>Write in
If it provides an opening grab the discarded broken Antler on the ground so that when we are in a way connected to his neck if he pulls us in we have something to stab him with.

>>5846528
>Use it as a ropedart.

Yes, this is too cool.

>>5846528
>>Flick the spear head like a dart, catching it with wires of Qi, and using it like a rope dart. The shade of Kurnous was confused by your Shangralan sensibilities, so use a weapon you are certain he and his kind have never seen in action before, whirling and spinning the dart defensively, before you can close in and launch it into his neck

>>5846528
>Flick the spear head like a dart, catching it with wires of Qi, and using it like a rope dart. The shade of Kurnous was confused by your Shangralan sensibilities, so use a weapon you are certain he and his kind have never seen in action before, whirling and spinning the dart defensively, before you can close in and launch it into his neck

Eat this

I've been thinking anons, if we are presented with the option I propose we try to convince 'Last Breath of Kurnous' to remain to guide his children because what they need right now is hope and their father. IF we win this and are at a point of control tell him this and using what we learned from the old one stuff, our own experience when we created the Blade of Love we make use of our location; sculpt this Last Breath into a Crown or something so he can guide, advise and do whatever needs be then offer it to Eldrad.....or really blow minds and give it to Florant our Disciple Ranger~

I think it will work because we have experience, we have a tested example, we might have a willing person actually assisting us, local resources and belief. Phoenix Lords keep coming back because soul gem and armour trickery...im sure we can pull this off. Also the idea of Stag Kings being sacrificial and coming back over and over is a mythological note.

>>5847794
I wholeheartedly disagree. The Final Breath of Kurnous is best course of action is to died and pass the torch to a successor like Lieren.

>>5846528
>Flick the spear head like a dart, catching it with wires of Qi, and using it like a rope dart. The shade of Kurnous was confused by your Shangralan sensibilities, so use a weapon you are certain he and his kind have never seen in action before, whirling and spinning the dart defensively, before you can close in and launch it into his neck

>>5846528
>Flick the spear head like a dart, catching it with wires of Qi, and using it like a rope dart. The shade of Kurnous was confused by your Shangralan sensibilities, so use a weapon you are certain he and his kind have never seen in action before, whirling and spinning the dart defensively, before you can close in and launch it into his neck
catch this yah

>>5847794
Well for now we have to defeat him in this trial/test. Is clear he wants a talk later.

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Just popping in to warn you that there might be a wait, not a long one, but I won't be able to update today at least and maybe not tomorrow, if nothing else goes wrong. I rarely have the opportunity to foresee delays or communicate when they'll happen. Not this time.

Hurt my ankle somehow, and it hurts if I'm not laying down. If it persists, I'll probably miss tomorrow. No idea how it got hurt, it may be the curse since it just started aching out of nowhere

>>5848744
Stay healthy Malal, can't die on us before the Horus Heresy. Also holy shit, I just realized you've been doing this for 3 years. Thanks for all the quality writing and entertainment.

>>5848744
"SUMMON THE APOTHACRY! BROTHERS GATHER THE TECHMARINES AND MAKE READY A DREADNAUGHT!"

>>5848744
Have a good rest Malal

>>5847794
It’s worth noting, before I start my argument, I support none of the dead members of the Eldar Pantheon returning because the Eldar have an autistic obsession with the past that actively undermines their survival, trying to bring dead gods back actually does go against the Journey (what with accepting death and all that), and bringing a dead god back would empower fucking Biel-Tan who want to rebuild the Eldar Empire which will lead them to recruiting other Craftworlds and undermining the human Empire Big E wants to make. That’s a terrible situation. Seriously just because “fate is the salve of fools” does not mean your actions will make things better at all, you could just make things worse than canon 40k.
I think that Kurnous will become a sort of false hope that Tzeentch would revel in as he can lure the Eldar collectively into thinking they can rebuild their Empire.
Furthermore self-resurrection is Asuryan’s thing seeing as he’s the Pheonix King and the Pheonix Lords are named such because they are followers of Asuryan. Kurnous is more likely to have a “you successfully hunt him you take his place” gimmick. Kurnous’s form is more a flavor thing unless Lieren’s victory leads to Kurnous offering Lieren to fuck his wife, fun fact the phrase “give him the horns” likely came from people observing horned animals fighting during mating season.

>>5849728
you know that's a fair argument that i'd not considered. I was looking at the last breath as a still living thing like a dying man's final final moment thus he ain't "dead" he's 99.999% dead. Though your points about the other Craftworld is a reasonable thought chain. Wise words about accepting being dead though, good point.

So I’ve been wondering. What kinds of enlightenments do you guys want to achieve?

>>5850147
Well enlightenment is kinda its own thing not really "what kind do you want". It's universal peace/truth. I do hope at some point we look inwards once more and balance the two sides of us which we can spiritually split into.

>>5850163
I think you misunderstood me. The enlightenments in this quest are more self-imposed blessings achieved through greater understanding than anything else.

>>5850193
I want us to do a self discovery path which walks us backwards through stuff, we started on Shangrala, we've explored some of the warp, next stop Terra to work stuff out there, then finally...Moloch where we discover how we were made, where the Primarch began. Find the specific essence that we were born from so we can truly know ourselves.

>>5850317
Moloch isn’t a thing in old lore.

https://youtu.be/Kw1-B9FGYTA
----
Two hundred years of planning, two hundred years of meticulous manipulation through third and fourth hand contacts and the prices of untold members of the Silver Prince's Court but finally... FINALLY the Flayed Fox would have her revenge upon the Primarch whom had foiled everything upon Shangrala! This effort had not been such an enjoyable task as those long Millennia but there was a deep satisfaction, a gluttonous pride building within her knowing the deep was night done, the trap inescapable.

Six layers did her trap have, On the surface a simple rebellion of a dozen systems within the sub Sector which drew the Chimera legion into her hunting grounds, next as the cubs of the Panther scour and burn, cleanse and purify with their accursed crafts they would discover a secret sect of slavers and degenerate mutants; drawing away his Panther Company Sons and spreading them across a hundred worlds Hunting her puppets, all leading to the revelation they themselves are in fact thralls of other puppets... the Celestial Hunters of the Drukhari. Lieren would spring into action personally and swiftly upon discovering the location of their capital ship the 'cunning' Primarch ambushing it during a supply run and infiltrating it's crew as he'd done before. But it is a all as she desired and now only three layers deep he is alone in her paw.

Fourth now alone on that ship having surly turned it into a ghost ship he will discover in their logs a lost treasure the Hunters were going to trade and will go to the meeting himself, bringing him to the place of her choosing, he would expect treachery naturally but not that of Daemons for the Aeldari do fear their cousins so. He would arrive upon the world; a Crone world. The travel through the present Webway course blinding him for he wouldn't know to where he travelled...his father's light does not shine in those tunnels and so once he emerges; the gate will close and burn.

By now surly the ogre will know he has been tricked will find himself beset by all the denizens of the Immaterium, a thousand, thousand Daemons would descend upon him, when all hope is lost, he will let the golden ocean loose and incarnate the form of another...and that would doom him. The Primarch would embody an ideal or concept, maybe an ideal or even a person? It wouldn't matter, for he would be empowered to and when he dons the mask it will be so empowered it will consume him. He will become that mask....only that mask.

He would become a single thought, a piece of the warps tide for if he is but that thought, he will have no sense of self and so he would not be...not dead, not alive simply; lost.
---
TLDR; Fox's plan to pull a Schrodinger on Lieren, just a dope way to get beaten

>>5851239
That’s nice and all but that’s not how it works. It’s literally that South Park step profit! meme that overlooks how Lieren has used his channeling technique in the warp before.

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Update. Real life has hit me with a low blow and I am currently to stressed to write because of it

>>5851640
Anything we can do to help?

>>5851640
Are you dying or something?

>>5851640
Gonna a break? Hope things improve.

>>5851640
Take all the time you need

So anyone read "the ending and the death vol2"?

Quite a few interesting things in there especially if they carry over here.

The Emperor stood towering over three of his Sons his face an unreadable mask, the every one of his Golden Companions present spread through the sprawling underground biological engineering complex that spanned a small moon. Magnus, Lieren and Perturabo were silent having not resisted and had all security forces stand down when the surprise raid had come. Malcador had received reports of assets diverted, gathering of artefacts and worrying rumours about periods of time these sons were all missing together. Their first work had pleased him beyond measure; The Golden Paths. But what he had found here was something more troubling...not bad...not good.

This barren moon had become a research and development hub for what were simply being called; Men of Jade. The naming convention alone brought alarm and he hald expected to find engineered automatons of warp spawned stones or other matter like Aeldari Wraithbone, instead he found this place was a crucible of flesh. These three had taken it upon themselves to engineer what files detailed as 'the next step', they had taken the human genome and gone over it with the eyes of scholar, engineer and sage. They had cut and sown, grafted and expunged so much, genome dead ends, redundant DNA chains, they had added to it, a third strand which would develop not from protein chains but warp spawned fibre.

Untold thousands of tanks held protoforms, homuculi like things born of very real parents but removed from the womb and placed here to be crafted. He had asked them to explain their plans for this strife echoing work. Apparently a simple plan, improve humanities capacities in ever regard, an infectious gene treatment which would spread across all the species through simple breeding. He had revived their studies, their methods; they were not skirting the edge they were standing upon it with only one another to ensure neither other fell.

He wanted to condemn them and put the place to the torch, but as he looked over his own sculpted companions, even at those sons whom he'd crafted he was...unsure, his gaze lingered upon Lieren's brand and he felt a dark thing chuckling in the back of his mind. Chaos that devours chaos.. fates and prophesies throw to the winds with the Second Son's every action...would his own plans be safe?

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Not dead, but I'm still not able to right. The worst case scenario that got me stressed, seems like it won't come to pass, so for the foreseeable future I will have a roof over my head. However, nurgle paid me a visit and a combination of nausea and migraines means I still can't write, but at least what had me troubled before got solved.

So once I feel better, I'll call the vote and write the long overdo update

>>5856827
We believe in you Brother! Thanks for the update

>>5856827
Malal, Thats more then fine brother.

>>5856827
Rest and take it easy, your health and safety comes first

I just read the whole quest again on a long travel, holy shit so much detail and subtle hints that add up later, I really want to know what happened to that aeldari we shared tea with, maybe a few more fun cut away? I really dug the Russ one where he was sure he smelt a Valkyrie. So much damn good stuff and fun characters!

So I don't clog the thread with an Omake I wrote i've put it hear.
---
https://textdoc.co/9JFaQxWYr6LfPwlz
---
Hope all gets better soon!

Get well soon, im still catching up to this magnificent quest. Does Lieren have a flagship? if so what's the name of his ship?

>>5859576
>Does Lieren have a flagship?
Kind of?

>>5859576
We don’t even have a fleet yet though the way things are going we might end up building our own webway and an armada of ensouled ships which will have interesting consequences.

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>>5859576

>>5859631
Lol

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>>5859631

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Calling the vote at long last, sorry for the massively long wait. My head is cleared enough for me to write, but I still got a cough that makes it feels like I'm about to hack up a lung, but I'm okay to write atm. So I will

Flick the spear head like a dart, catching it with wires of Qi, and using it like a rope dart. The shade of Kurnous was confused by your Shangralan sensibilities, so use a weapon you are certain he and his kind have never seen in action before, whirling and spinning the dart defensively, before you can close in and launch it into his neck:9
-Use any opening to grab the antler and use it as a dagger: 1

Refine the spear head and the Qi inside of it, and use it as a focus and kindling for the technique "The water becomes the void, as the void becomes the water": 2

he can surely sense the spear tip as a mass of Empyrean energy, use it as a diversion to tackle him to the ground and use the Iron Tortoises boxing to pound him on the dirt:1

Total votes:12

So Lieren will flick the spear head like a dart, and with wires of Qi turn it into a ropedart, a weapon unknown to Aeldari eyes, spinning and whirling it defensively until he can close in an launch it through the shade's throat

Writing now, after far too long

>>5859631
And this sent me into a coughing fit I was laughing so hard. Good shit anon

makes me imagine Lieren's first encounter with the navy or admech

>>5859563
Fucking Brutal, this made me feel a whirlwind of emotions and it was a delight reading Lieren and Angron just wrecking shit for the Dark Eldar, I'd give three thumbs up if it was physically possible to
>>5854886
Spooky, very evocative writing here as well
>>5851239
Captured the perspective of Huili Jing well here, I feel

>>5858267
I really liked writing that Russ Cut away, was heavily inspired by Robert E Howard's Frost Giant's daughter conan story for it, and I am glad you've been enjoying the quest

>>5859576
And I am glad you are as well

And thanks everyone for being understanding and wishing me well through all this bullshit that keeps getting heaped onto me

>>5861845
If Lieren points at a ship and says "my wife" the toaster fuckers would instantly be like "I see you are a man of culture to"

For a moment, your perception shifts and pulls back from you. You are an observe amongst the ghosts and dreamers in the mists, watching a battlefield etch itself on canvas as the artist's brush dance and flicks, detailing and refining posture and color. The broken antlered doppelganger of a felled deity, tanned muscles pulled taught containing power enough still to rend a planet apart with hoofbeats alone, pulling back his mighty trunk sized arm to hurl a spear with all of the force of a cannon shot through the air, electricity arcing from his palm to the connective point of his arm and shoulder and roiling up the length of his spear's haft, waiting to take flight like a well trained hawk.

Between him and his opponent, stands a sun, the glowing heart of the forge, a blinding explosion of the slumbering potential of metal within all ores. Electricity whispering through copper and gold, heat resting in iron as black ashes turn it to steel. And withing the raging cornea of the Yin aligned Metal Qi, stands you, drawn in a Shangralan style in opposition to the the Aeldari painter's best attempt to render you within their society's sense of aesthetics.

And thus, the most efficient and effective strategy is revealed to you, as your sight returns to its roost within your eyes. Despite how similar at times man and Aeldari may be, both are alien to the other, even if they can learn to live as sworn brothers and sisters or according to the same philosophy and world view as one another. And thus, neither's fighting style or martial traditions are compatible in the way that they have strategies, counters and answers for every potential method of attack or knowledge of what sort of weaponry or moves the other party may make use of our perform.

A curious weapon, that you have never used yourself but have seen martial artists practice with and use in tournaments you attended while traveling to fulfill your duties as grand architect. The Rope Dart. A simple yet lethally effective weapon. One you never had reason to use personally, and whose effectiveness has been greatly overshadowed by the advent of firearms upon the mist swept world. Especially considering the requirements for the masters of the rope dart to even consider taking a prospective student on as their understudy. For as simple as its construction is, wielding it with any effectiveness requires mastery and long practice of certain martial arts and the Chain whip, as well as extreme hand eye coordination.

You, by happenstance, fulfill these requirements, but have always preferred a firearm in hand rather than rope dart. It is simply more efficient for the purpose you require of it, killing. But ah, the rope dart is capable of so much more than piercing like a bullet is, it can slash, snare, strike, bind, twine and encircle. Very versatile. But, with the right materials and usage, it could be made a bulwark as well.
Cont

>>5861877

You doubt the proud rope dart masters you've seen perform on the tournament grounds or festival streets would be capable of such a thing without use of specialized materials. it is a simple restriction of their body's limit of strength.

Limits you far exceed.

So you flick the Qi charged spear head forward with two fingers, before snaring and wrapping it tightly with wires of Qi rising from the tips of your fingers and with the same skill as a spider weaving its web, draw the wires together to form a rope of pure psionic energy. Your right hand will serve as the anchor, holding the end of the rope, while your left controls it and the dart tied to it.

Beginning by spinning the spear head turned dart, you deflect the spear head launched through the sun fading into the tip of your rope tied spear head, advancing with your controlling hand forward, dragging your foot across the ground as you emerge from the light. the memory of Kurnous has a bow in hands. The spear he tossed spins in the air and with a predatory mind of its own comes plunging down. With a flick of your wrist, the rope twists, catching its haft and pulling it from the air. With a thrust of the arm, the rope flies through your fingers and by catching and sharply tugging, it releases the spear towards the last breath of Kurnous as he draws back the string of his bow.

He sides steps, dodging with contemptuous ease as you spin the dart counterclock wise, shattering the two arrows he fires as you advance again with the same odd gait, hopping and then dragging your back foot forward. Almost a hare, bounding on two feet. Lips taught, both you and the shade of Kurnous size the other up, but his eyes are narrowed and focused more on the flickering movement of the rope of light connected to your glowing spear head. The look of seeing something completely unknown and unexpected. He's trying to analyze the movement of the rope and dart, so he might understand its capabilities and use in battle. And he's watching the movement of your legs, searching for telltale signs of the beginning of the carp's dance.

You slide closer, and The not kurnous begins a song, each arrow he looses as rapid as machine gun fire sounding like the cries of songbird as you widen and shrink the circumference of your rope's spin as he maneuvers around the battlefield searching for an opening in your formless defenses. Splinters rain upon you, already green and sprouting with new growth as they fall to the ground, you stand in place, keeping track of the stag headed illusion through the flight of arrows, switching from circling the rope dart in front of your self, the spinning it at your side to whipping it around your back. And for a moment, you feel like a street performer, using hard earned skill with this curious weapon to fill your purse, to the awe of the crowd and contempt of those who respect its history.
cont

>>5861878

But while you've only see a few of such performances, all of them included the performer shooting the dart at moving targets. Usually they were the same thrown plates they had been smashing by spinning the dart as you have been, cheaply manufactured and easily cleaned up. Once you had challenged one to hit your palm without you catching the dart. A task they failed at, but which amazed the crowd and saw the beggar's purse filled to bursting. Idly wondering how that man was doing as you continued the "performance" reducing every arrow sent flying your way to splinters and dust, you waited for the will of dead Kurnous to close in or pause in his barrage.

Realizing he was getting nowhere with bow in hand, he retrieved his spear and closed in, just as you were hoping he would. Slipping around his thrust, you spun the rope around his spear, catching and locking it as with another jab of your arm sent the end of the length of Qi rocketing up the haft and directly up at false Kurnous' exposed throat. He just blinked, still utterly baffled by the odd weapon in your hand

He grunts, grasping for his throat as the spear head pierces through it with a spurt of blood and a gasp from the crowd of dreamers and slumbering souls

Then he grabs the rope, which is wrapped around the entirety of your left arm and the fist of your right.

He's aiming to rip it out of your hands or else pull you along with it. A bold strategy.

How do you counter it Lieren?

>By dispelling the rope and drop kicking him, a move you had learned from your son Nikephoros!

>Overload the rope and dart with Psionic energy and explode them both

>Pull back the rope and try to free yourself from his grasp before its too late

>Dance closer to him, wrapping both of you in the rope and forcing both of you to fight hand to hand!

>Write in

Happy to be back.

>>5861868
Kek, they'd crown him as their king

>>5861879
>Write in
Lean back legs bent as if in a pose to resist his pull or next move, however it is but a ploy the moment it has slack from him advancing on us or pulling us we whip it around his bleeding neck and squeeze letting him of both blood and air. Our position will allow us to launch aside or do whatever needs be done. He'll this might simply entangle him!

>>5861879
>Dance closer to him, wrapping both of you in the rope and forcing both of you to fight hand to hand!

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>>5861879
>By dispelling the rope and drop kicking him, a move you had learned from your son Nikephoros!

>>5861879
>>Write in
Pull on the rope greatly, mimicking an attempt to contest of strength but when Kurnous increases his, kick off the ground explosively like a panther, using his strength to add to our own close even more rapidly for a drop kick.

>>5861879
>By dispelling the rope and drop kicking him, a move you had learned from your son Nikephoros!
We are full on wrestle mania up in this bitch, and I'm loving every minute of it.

>>5861879
>By dispelling the rope and drop kicking him, a move you had learned from your son Nikephoros!
No need to dispel the rope launch, kick and then yank that thing out spraying blood everywhere.

Wait a fucking second, hold the fuck up. The gene spliced abhumans one of the ship sisters (made of living metal) with the digigrade legs, tails and other stuff whom specialise in technology....

They look like necron Crypteks specifically Orikan.

>>5861879
>By dispelling the rope and drop kicking him, a move you had learned from your son Nikephoros!
I wonder what the eldar are thinking. Their god-daddy challenged some monkeigh demigod to a duel and then that monkeigh proceeded to stab him, suplex him, crush his balls with his mind, cast spells at him and gracefully dance at him. If we ever tell Emps about this I imagine the unprecedented levels of smugness and pride radiating off of him could attract the tyranids. Glad you're back, Malal!

>>5862096
I was imagining something like kaminoans.

>>5861879
>>By dispelling the rope and drop kicking him, a move you had learned from your son Nikephoros!

>>5862096
Just reread their description and they're definitely just kaminoans with human faces.
>pale skinned, tall and with elongated fingers and partially digitigrade legs
They don't have tails though, that was the Lomb and they lose the tails as they mature. Because they're frog people.

>>5862417
> They don't have tails though, that was the Lomb and they lose the tails as they mature. Because they're frog people.
https://youtu.be/3tTHn2tHhcI

>>5861879

>By dispelling the rope and drop kicking him, a move you had learned from your son Nikephoros!


My son, I would like to congratulate you!
>Of course Father! Ah, have I done something especially commendable?
Yes, Nikephoros, you assisted most splendidly, if indirectly, in a recent cultural exchange with the Aeldari. Well done!

>>5861879
>>Dance closer to him, wrapping both of you in the rope and forcing both of you to fight hand to hand!

>>5861879
>false Kurnous
So Lieren doesn’t even consider this to be the real Kurnous.
>>5861879
>>5861868
I think Kelbor-Hal would be way more interested in the Ship-Sisters than the rest of the Mechanicum will be.

>>5861879

>support >>5861885

>>5861879
>By dispelling the rope and drop kicking him, a move you had learned from your son Nikephoros!
"Enough of the old, have something new!"

>>5861879
>By dispelling the rope and drop kicking him, a move you had learned from your son Nikephoros!

>>5861879

>Dance closer to him, wrapping both of you in the rope and forcing both of you to fight hand to hand!

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Calling the vote now, sorry for the wait, it was the machine spirits rather than ill health this time.

Lean back legs bent as if in a pose to resist his pull or next move, however it is but a ploy the moment it has slack from him advancing on us or pulling us we whip it around his bleeding neck and squeeze letting him of both blood and air. Our position will allow us to launch aside or do whatever needs be done. He'll this might simply entangle him!: 2

Dance closer to him, wrapping both of you in the rope and forcing both of you to fight hand to hand!:3

By dispelling the rope and drop kicking him, a move you had learned from your son Nikephoros!:8

Pull on the rope greatly, mimicking an attempt to contest of strength but when Kurnous increases his, kick off the ground explosively like a panther, using his strength to add to our own close even more rapidly for a drop kick.: 1

total votes:14

So Lieren will dispel the rope and use one of the moves used by his sons in CQC, taught to him by Nikephoros, THE DROP KICK

Writing now

>>5862774
He does have special eyes, notice how he always refers to him as the shade, last breath, will..etc of Kurnous?

>>5865060
Who would expect something so brutally simple after we fought with such complexity and grace but a moment ago!

"While the cliff jumpers dance may be enchanting do not forget those legs also kick"

Which in turn requires the response to be equally as brazen. Which you are accustomed to. Particularly when facing the denizens of the great sea in personal combat. Their unnatural vigor and strength requires even a man of your superhuman physique to fight tooth and nail, and to fight creatively and inventively and take actions that men of lesser vision and capability would deem suicidal even for a primarch. Visions of your first conflicts with spirits of evil minds and wicked nature flicker through your mind's eye, offering advise from your past battles as how to best bring the Last Breath of Kurnous to his knees, to satisfy him, succeed in the trial he has ordained you to partake, and prove yourself worthy of the mantle of the task, of the austere duty to free fair Isha, to settle the angst of the last, fevered thoughts of a good man. A good man slain and devoured by foul spirit that names themselves a god that perhaps is the one you hold with the greatest disdain, the deepest contempt and whose name you would scorn with Vitriol and curses unbecoming of a man of your station and manners.

Sie Nie! Just thinking that most repugnant devil's name rouses the dark fury that some name as the ogre's wroth, the black rage that you have kept well caged and chained since you're beginnings!

But reflecting on that hedonistic wretch and their servant, Huli jing, you are granted inspiration from your own past. The day you burned the messenger in flames! And ended the kingdom and dynasty of Yan, that had rotten from root to blossom from her machinations!

Not Kurnous expects you to jealously hold onto your weapon, to not give up the advantage hard one, to fight conservatively. He knows not to expect you to restrain your capabilities and martial skill by fighting honorably, having learned first hand that you will take every advantage presented to you even in a friendly spar, at least when you're sparring with a peer of equivalent strength, might and guile. And he expects you to be cautious, so much so that even with a spear head roiling with psionic energies lodged in his throat, he tries to use the weapon wrapped around his arm and buried in his flesh against you, gambling that you will not let go of it, knowing to do so would be giving up your one advantage in this fight and knowing that you know to give it up would make you both stand on equal ground again and give him another chances to test your mettle and intuition. Which is what this Trial is for, to see if you're the kind of hunter who can contest the wiles of chaos and the powers of discord, to resist their temptations and twart their ambitions with shrewd wit and martial prowess!

And how better to display the qualities he seeks in the man he would trust to complete the final wish of the spirit he is a pale shadow of, than to slip from this trap and strike him, simultaneously.
Cont

>>5865132

And the attack you would launch at him, is one you know the remains of the progenitor of the Aeldari has never seen before. A technique brought to Shangrala by the scions of your genetic template, that was included in your Century tortoise style when you invented it on Nuceria, that you had first scene when Nikephoros was sparring with his fellow Captains. A daredevil's move, that only the hot blooded would contemplate performing in a real battle!

The Drop Kick.

Breathing out, you dispel the Rope of Qi and disconnect from the will of dead Kurnous, his hart's eyes subtly widening as he is momentarily stunned by what he sees as an admission of defeat. His surprise turns to shock and disbelief as you charge across the five paces distance between you and him and kick off the ground, launching yourself towards him like missile fired. Lifting you hands above your head, you lean back and like a bucking horse, kick with both of your legs at his upper torso and throat.

Both your feet plant on his chest and neck, pushing the spear point deeper into his throat and spreading the bruise on his body, spreading it across his chest to his shoulders and down towards his gut. He stumbles back, and grabs both of your legs, holding you in place as he stomps forward and uses the force of your collision to spin himself and you around, five rotations before you can react. He is going to toss you. You will not let him.

Thrusting with your legs again, you slip through his vast, strong hands and wrap your legs around his neck. Sitting up and throwing your weight towards the ground, you take control of his spin and pluck him from the ground. Both of you are in free fall, but by turning yourself completely around, you redirect your descent, and land hands first as with your knees you slam the shade of Kurnous head first into the ground for the second time in your bout.

and you see his cervine lips twitch into an impressed smirk the moment before you both collide with the ground. But you catch yourself in a handstand, while he is once more planted like a shoot of bamboo as you flip your legs forward and stand back on your feet, hands raised as the spear and claw of the fog panther style as you wait for the memory of Kurnous to stand.

He does so slowly, carefully, dusting off the leathers he wears as he sits himself up, legs crossed and the crown atop his head broken completely. The verdant tattoos he wears fade and dim as he breathes out, blood dripping down his temple and oozing out of his throat.

"Ages before your birth, I dreamt of a hunter who strode through the mists, his way only lit by the golden and silver fire in his eyes" He muses as the mists surrounding you thicken and turn as white as rice congee "Who hatched from a stone egg, and faced the evils and injustices of the world with a will and spirit valorous and indomitable. And swore an oath to free my beloved from her imprisonment"
Cont

>>5865133

The fight is over.
You have passed the test to prove yourself worthy of the name you gave yourself.
By breaking his antlers, you have proven your mettle as a hunter, that you can stand as the enemy of his enemy by your own merit.

"I see now, you are indeed him, Lieren of Shangrala, Lieren of Nothing, friend of the Aeldari" He states, standing and clumsily cupping his fist as his body begins to grow ethereal and vanish into the mists "That last move was most impressive, for how simplistic it was. I concede. You are worthy of that name, and the duty it implies"

"While the cliff jumpers dance may be enchanting do not forget those legs also kick" You answer with an old proverb, nodding in turn as you look at the fading spirit with great concern

"Do not mourn me, for Kurnous is long dead, I, his tears and regrets, shall linger wherever the wild winds brush against the faces of his progeny" He laughs back as the mists grow, and the chatter of the souls within the infinity circuit and the still living remembers of the audience grows more indistinct as you feel yourself drawn back to the material realm, ushered out by the entity you had just faced, now satisfied that you can fulfill the oath you gave to Isha

"I cannot help but to grieve that the wild places they wander have been deprived of their warden, that kindly Isha is made a widow, that your name is disgraced by your misbegotten heirs" You answer sadly, head still bowed "But, all things in time fade from this world, all things must die. Spring gives way to winter, and all things follow suit. I would not have been able to best living Kurnous, but even to match his shadow, is something I can take pride of until I myself am reduced to dust"

You cannot say until your hair greys, as it has always been of an iron hue.

"Grieving for a god that is not your own" he chuckles "Or, you are instead mourning a fellow hunter, shedding your tears in a show of respect of another lover of nature, who lived and died in its cycles"

"I have yet to meet any entity I deem worthy of the title of god, but I weep for every benevolent spirit tortured by the hordes of discord" You answer simply

"Not even Isha?" He asks, as you and him become isolated from the rest of the shielded realm of the craft world "Not even Arianka?"

There faces do come to mind, but only when he speaks them. Instead, when you contemplate the ideal of Goddess, only Kanzeon's visage appears, rising to fill the darkness of the mind from the depths of your loving heart.

"Spirts" You answer simply but politely "I mean no offense, but I am not a religious man. I will not deny others their worship, so long as it does not empower that which I abhor"
Cont

>>5865134

"Hmm" The shade of Kurnous hums in the white void "I suppose that is for the best. A hunter who cannot catch their quarry by themselves and with their own strength, is no hunter at all. But, you are cut from a different cloth than your own progenitor. But enough talk, the winds blow me away, and I'd shame that which I am a reflection of, if I did not reward you for indulging my curiosity"

"There is no need" You answer, waving your hand and sleeve

"But it is a necessity. Without quiver and bow, without sharpened spear, without long fangs or branched antlers, how can a man be expected to hunt gods? With his bare-hands?" The stag headed specter laughs and laughs, a flash of emerald light crossing between you and he.

What is the reward the last breath of Kurnous has granted you for breaking his horns, Lieren?

>One of his broken antlers, to do with and use as you will

>A vision. a lesson of how the Aeldari god of the hunt strung his bows, as if you were a student of his, in another light.

>A gift of the same nature as that given to you by foul Chun Qiang, and noble Arianka. Ears that can discern and understand the language of all beasts

>A hairpin of living wood and white and pink flowers. A sign of Isha's favor and your promise to see her freed.

>Write in

>>5865135
>A vision. a lesson of how the Aeldari God of the hunt strung his bows, as if you were a student of his, in another light.
At the end of the day, we came here for an exchange of information. This is only fitting.

>>5865135
>A vision. a lesson of how the Aeldari god of the hunt strung his bows, as if you were a student of his, in another light.
>A hairpin of living wood and white and pink flowers. A sign of Isha's favor and your promise to see her freed.
One of these.

>>5865135
>A vision. a lesson of how the Aeldari god of the hunt strung his bows, as if you were a student of his, in another light.

>>5865135
>>A gift of the same nature as that given to you by foul Chun Qiang, and noble Arianka. Ears that can discern and understand the language of all beasts

>>5865135
>A hairpin of living wood and white and pink flowers. A sign of Isha's favor and your promise to see her freed.

>>5865135
So hard to pick.

But if you have too, though I dearly desire super hearing.
>Watch how they string their bows.

Supernatural archery babyyyy

>>5865270
Honestly none of the options are that good in my eyes. Understanding animals isn’t great with all the baggage it’ll bring, just like the eyes. People don’t seem to realize the eyes were a curse and fuck up anyone who isn’t primarch level. While speaking to animals sounds like a neat (but niche) power, he’ll have to live with the fact that he can understand animals with all that entails and Lieren will have to change the way he thinks to adapt to it.

>>5865135
>A gift of the same nature as that given to you by foul Chun Qiang, and noble Arianka. Ears that can discern and understand the language of all beasts
We can straight up speak to the Panthers now! Holy shit the old Cow!?

I really want the bow for aspect warriors tho but I can't deny a chance to be more chimera

>>5865281
You know what that's fair changing my vote from >>5865283 into

>A vision. a lesson of how the Aeldari god of the hunt strung his bows, as if you were a student of his, in another light

I really do want some manner of mark though, something to play up the Chimera thing, maybe a simple thing like a sampling of those tattoos. ..ain't the spear head still free to pick up?

>>5865135
>>A hairpin of living wood and white and pink flowers. A sign of Isha's favor and your promise to see her freed.

>>5865283
>>5865287
One “curse” I’ve been interested in getting is splitting his soul into eight pieces with each piece representing if Lieren lived a very different life.

>>5865135
>>A vision. a lesson of how the Aeldari god of the hunt strung his bows, as if you were a student of his, in another light

>>5865135
>Write in
As a hunter it is only right he learn the great trails of old and so is marked by the Last Breath as hes' been gifted before. A runes appear upon his hand wrapping around his wrist; keys to oldest places in the Webway. The mark also acting as guidance to navigate this place between realities.

>>5865416
That sounds more like a Hoec blessing.

>>5865135
>A gift of the same nature as that given to you by foul Chun Qiang, and noble Arianka. Ears that can discern and understand the language of all beasts

>>5865135
>A vision. a lesson of how the Aeldari God of the hunt strung his bows, as if you were a student of his, in another light.
Alright super archer lieren

>>5865135
>A gift of the same nature as that given to you by foul Chun Qiang, and noble Arianka. Ears that can discern and understand the language of all beasts
RoR Budda mode ears let's fucking go

>>5865659
Honestly, I'm pretty sure that gift would give us pointed Aeldari ears. If that's the case, I can see it spinning into a bunch of rumors about Lieren being the secret bastard child of the Emperor and some Aeldari maiden.
I don't know about you, but that seems hilarious to me.
>>5865137
>>5865135
>A gift of the same nature as that given to you by foul Chun Qiang, and noble Arianka. Ears that can discern and understand the language of all beasts
Changing my vote to this for maximum potential comedy

>>5865659
>>5865670
Doubt it. Blessings from what we seen don’t physically change the person rather all the options thus far only change the person spiritually, curses are seem to always come with a physical change however.

>>5865135
>A hairpin of living wood and white and pink flowers. A sign of Isha's favor and your promise to see her freed.
Proof of an endorsement from Kurnous and Isha would help get the eldar on our side.

>>5865762
Only those that hold them in high esteem would, so only Exodites and certain Craftworlds would be swayed. Also that benefit isn’t exclusive to the pin. You can get a similar, if lesser, benefit from the other options. Kurnous’s archery would lead to aspect warriors gravitating towards Lieren to learn from him.

>>5865135
>>A gift of the same nature as that given to you by foul Chun Qiang, and noble Arianka. Ears that can discern and understand the language of all beasts

>>5865135
>>A vision. a lesson of how the Aeldari god of the hunt strung his bows, as if you were a student of his, in another light.

>>5865762
Frankly with how many farseers and souls of the infinity circuit spectated our match, I think we're getting the eldar rep boost rather quickly.

>>5865135
>A hairpin of living wood and white and pink flowers. A sign of Isha's favor and your promise to see her freed.

Vulpine eyes stared out of the darkness into the bleeding limp form of Scalpha; daughter of the Hunt. Her body was broken and missing both an arm and a leg... torn from her by those damned Panther's that stalked the mists. How they escaped she had no idea, to busy working her alchemist's trade while the Hunt master...father lounged within his own chambers.

“Sweet child, favoured daughter what has brought you so low?” purred the voice which sounded sweeter than the screams of mourning mothers.

“Away from me spawn of Sai'lanthresh” she waved a black stone dagger at the creeping shadow drawing closer through the dread mist.

“Do not fear frail fawn, I bring you glad tidings and an offer~” the daemon cooed lovingly.

The Apothecary strained to stop tears rolling down her cheeks as the doom of her people loomed over her six eyes peering out the dark, six paws of blackest shadow surrounding her cutting off escape. She wanted to close her eyes but those harrowing eyes enchanted her.

“I offer you escape, freedom...revenge darling, a chance to prove yourself superior to that foolish father whom doesn't appreciate your talents, your skills.”

“You lie! You seek only to taunt me.” the shadow was so close now she could feel...heat from it? As if the shadow were burning?

“No, no, no young daughter. The one whom wounded you so also wounded me. That makes us sisters in suffering does it not? We share an enemy.” The shadows were embracing her now, arms of ebony gloom holding her like a mother she'd never known, cutting her, holding her to warmth, pain, belonging.

The moment was disturbed as her fathers ship erupted into fire, the camp was ruined...her kin were dead and though she wished to laugh at their weakness her own situation wouldn't allow it.

“Such pride-” the thing pulled itself from the dark revealing exposed muscle and bone, a bestial tongue licking at her face cutting her where it passed as if it were a scalpel.

“What is the bargain?” the scared daughter asked tears finally flowing as the great Enemy held her to it's bloody chest.

“One you can't refuse to sweet morsel” a grin of a thousand thousand teeth surrounded her.

>>5865135
>[1] A vision. a lesson of how the Aeldari god of the hunt strung his bows, as if you were a student of his, in another light.
>[2] A gift of the same nature as that given to you by foul Chun Qiang, and noble Arianka. Ears that can discern and understand the language of all beasts
---
If my post ends in odds I pick [1] if odds I pick [2], i follow the old ways.

>>5865936
well i mean tto say evens the second time so thats
>[2] A gift of the same nature as that given to you by foul Chun Qiang, and noble Arianka. Ears that can discern and understand the language of all beasts
Forgive me im druink

>>5865937
Maybe you shouldn’t vote while fucking drunk.

>>5865943
nahh She whom thirsts commands me to drink Hillrock Solera!

>>5865135
>>5865762
On second thought I'll change my vote to
>A vision. a lesson of how the Aeldari god of the hunt strung his bows, as if you were a student of his, in another light.
A giant magic bow sounds pretty good.

>>5865970
I personally want archery for developing Astras.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astra_(weapon)
Turns out Hindu mythology had magic fucking nukes.

>>5865135
>A vision. a lesson of how the Aeldari god of the hunt strung his bows, as if you were a student of his, in another light.
...shit, I like every option.
I'm gonna follow my gut, but I am flip-flopping by the second.

The hairpin sounds like a discount coupon for every Aeldari shop, ever.

>>5865997
Would it help your decision making if I pointed out the Interex uses laser bows?

>>5866050
Not particularly?
If we ever interact with them, it would make for a neat coincidence we could bond over, I guess.
Or is there something I'm missing here? I will confess I am not too knowledgeable on the details of the lore.

>>5866059
Interex are cyborg centuar empire that got a warning about Chaos from the Eldar though we’ve derailed the timeline enough that the Eldar might set up a meeting between Lieren and their leader.

>>5866071
I did not know that the Eldar were the ones who warned them. I guess that would makes for some interesting concurrence for everyone involved to chew on.
...I still like the other options too though.
But hey, an extra pro to add to the list I guess.

I like that we (Lieren) are exploring the possibility of alliances with xenos instead of succumbing to the same bitter resignation that no other species can be trusted. I also like how that same hope seemingly still also exists in the oldest and most powerful entities we've met on good terms, including our father, despite thousands of years of (chaos influenced) betrayals.

In the grim darkness of the far future, we hold a blazing torch to light the way to long-lasting prosperity!

>>5866239
Funny how you say that. Lieren is hypocritical and self-deluded in part because he’s been so successful but I think it’s very likely the Mathoth will genocided in the end because Lieren has no way to convince them.

>>5866299
he's not hypocritical in any manner. He's also not self-deluded given he is very realistic about all he's been exposed to, the worst you could say of him is he's lacking in galactic awareness because he's not actually encountered specific races whom are ill irredeemable (which is largely due to writing shortcuts in many ways because 30/40k is a war game at the end of the day).

>>5866370
Lieren is absolutely prone hypocrisy and contrarianism when acting on impulse because he’s prone to extremes. The last fight even showed off his wild propensity for extremes but much of the quest has been spent reigning in his extremes so he doesn’t undermine his goals. Remember how how he almost killed Yongrui for killing his friend or those times he opposed technology just to wind up using it (it actually surprising how much he does this). He’s the kind of guy to proclaim a virtue as valuable only to dismiss it so he can achieve some goal. Like recognizing the value of honesty only to lie and deceive to prove a point or recognizing the value of honor only to backstab someone, Lieren’s actions aren’t defined by what is virtuous or not (despite his insistence on the importance of virtue) but by whether it follows his directives and achieves his goals.

>>5866467
At some point we need to write the verses of the journey we have player wise and maybe a meta of Lierens views on some sort of document or pastebin just so we can stay on track and not lose trace as players

>>5866579
Someone wrote up the tenants of the journey in a pdf file at some point but I don't have it.

I've been doing a little research gents about our distant and bound patron; Arianka. Turns out she has another name Astasis which is pretty misleading because she aint a god of total braindead order and stillness she's "purity of form" so to speak which is why the chaos gods especially Birdbrain really hate her. Which reminds me we need to keep an eye out for those various keys (which our frosty self may have given information about).

Our AUs Curze unironically may end up bound to Solkan whose titles include but are not limited to; Father of Vengeance, Lord of Vengeance, The Merciless and Fist of Retribution. He's the guy whom in Old World lore gave the Witch hunters their powers. Also such a character really would suit a conquest and forced ordering of that night damned world.

Alluminas would most certainly be a problem for us however, he wants everything to be locked in place, unchanging, unmoving and purest light....big no no to life itself. Daora is something to do with lore and pure data so very much someone whom will peer over Magnus or Perty.

THis also led me down a rabbit hole regarding the Old Ones and their ties to the 'Umbra' whom may/may not be fragments of a shattered old one thanks to Silverslut. According to their lore they are drawn to brightly lights in the warp as they use shadows to create very real dangers and in general are fucking devastating creatures*. They may well be drawn to Lieren's soul and given we're effectively a burning bazaar of Golden Flame in a localised warp effect we might soon be orbited by these creepy things.

>>5865135
>A gift of the same nature as that given to you by foul Chun Qiang, and noble Arianka. Ears that can discern and understand the language of all beasts

https://youtu.be/qc_z4a00cCQ
Just remembered this was actually a thing.

>>5865135
>A gift of the same nature as that given to you by foul Chun Qiang, and noble Arianka. Ears that can discern and understand the language of all beasts

Dad is going to tell us to wear ear muffs everywhere cos we're getting knife ears

>>5865135
changing my vote from the vision to
>A gift of the same nature as that given to you by foul Chun Qiang, and noble Arianka. Ears that can discern and understand the language of all beasts

>>5865135

right now it's a close race
>A gift 9
>>5865223
>>5865601
>>5865659
>>5865670
>>5865827
>>5865937
>>5867208
>>5867470
>>5867644

>A vision. 8
>>5865143
>>5865270
>>5865287
>>5865333
>>5865632
>>5865838
>>5865970
>>5865997

>A Hairpin 4
>>5865143
>>5865242
>>5865302
>>5865844

Write-in:
>As a hunter it is only right he learn the great trails of old and so is marked by the Last Breath as hes' been gifted before. A runes appear upon his hand wrapping around his wrist; keys to oldest places in the Webway. The mark also acting as guidance to navigate this place between realities. 1
>>5865416

>>5867648
What could we even use the gift for? It doesn't really seem as useful as the other options. Also, I hope it doesn't give Lieren knife ears.

>>5867721
I think we're all holding out for something specific it unlocks which might have been easily over looked. Maybe we can understand chaos spawn, we can banter with Fog Panthers, maybe understand some Xenos? (kroot or skaven?)

>>5865135
>>A vision. a lesson of how the Aeldari god of the hunt strung his bows, as if you were a student of his, in another light

>>5867737
Chaos spawn are explicitly not beasts to Lieren’s eye and nature is absolutely cruel and callous. Many animals would say shit that would piss Lieren off, especially cats.

>>5867810
I'd argue nature is simply nature, few creatures do things for the sake of cruelty as they lack the mental capacity for it. This may be because of lack of cognitive brain power or simply that do manage to achieve sentience but few if any reach full sapience to a viable level for morality.
-

Also I just realised if Lieren ends up semi worshipped by a sect of the Aeldari it may mirror what the Emperor did with the Mechanicum. Would be a funny little parallel that dad could tell us off for and we can say "sure thing kettle"

>>5867814
Cats are one of the only animals known to commit torture for entertainment or spite. Cats are also way smarter than people give them credit for they’re just lazy little shits that like putting in effort when they don’t have to.

>>5867821
*to not put in effort

>>5865135
Magic ears so we can show up with a pack of Panthers to complete our wild hunter gig and tell Russ his wolves think he needs to hurry up and find a mate or is he gay?

File: Laughing_Panthers.png (569 KB, 1080x1081)

569 KB PNG

>>5867842
Forgot picture

>>5867842
I’d say archery is more important if you want to play up the hunter aspect. Bow is the archetypal hunter weapon after all.

>>5867842
Why would animal speak make himmore of a hunter? I say it force him to be less of a hunter.

>>5867842
Hunters generally can't talk to animals. Talking to Russ' wolves would be pretty funny though or maybe Fulgrim's pet eagles could gossip with Lieren. Do any other primarchs have pets?

>>5868185
>>5868011
>>5867862
I solo play WoW:HC as beastmaster hunter that's why

>>5868189
Dude. Talking to animals would drive him to act more like buddha and less like a hunter. Anyone that isn’t some sort of violent psychopath wouldn’t want to eat something they can talk to.
Also WoW is dogshit and has been for the last decade.

>>5868249
I assume thats why his is playing Hardcore classic

Communicating with animals seems useless since lieren can already read almost everyone perfectly thanks to his cheating golden eyes.

>>5865135
>A vision. a lesson of how the Aeldari god of the hunt strung his bows, as if you were a student of his, in another light.
I'd prefer the hairpin but that's not winning.

I'm thinking that anon's are worrying to much about the negative effects of speaking to animals, Lierens eye's could already tell him if animals have enough of a inner world that killing them is act of pseudo homicide and since he hasn't decided to swear off meat or go full vegan I am betting the power is more like mind reading then striking up a conversation.
Plus the arrow lesson will force Lieren to specialize into having a bow if he doesn't want to waste his ranged combat potential and the voters seems to like Lieren having a very broad arsenal, imagine if Lieren could only use his spear unless he wanted to waste a great deal of his close combat ability.

>>5868365
I am once again advocating for the option that gives the most Eldar street cred.

>>5868189
>>5867845
>>5867842
Fine I'm changing my vote to the bow so Malal can call the vote easier. I guess teaching some Aeldari it will be neat

>>5868365
Issue is not the mutation but who Lieren is. Lieren is going to have spend time actually (which I hate because it takes time away from other stuff that would actually progress goals or interaction with characters I actually like) and force him realize that nature isn’t as idealistic as he likes to thinks (prompting another plot thread and more characters to distracts us from our goals). Animal speak will not only require Lieren to undergo introspection but there will be way more characters to deal with when we barely have time to hang out with friends, family, and allies between our job and our desire to spread PROSPERITY throughout the galaxy we already have to just drop in an entirely new category of characters to deal because people want to play Dr Dolittle. We have an entire interstellar empire that we need to help set up and trillions of humans are suffering throughout the stars the desperately need saving and I have no interest in hearing Lieren’s pet cat complaining about how the food is too dry and how it keeps pissing on his clothes out of spite because he feels neglected I have too much experience with that shit.
This is a case of players going ooh shiny over something new when the Hairpin would be the best narrative option and Archery plays into the hunter aspect better as well as Lieren’s self-improvement aspect. Archery really gets crazy at the higher levels.

>>5868365
Also you misunderstood how his eyes work. His eyes see the truth but Lieren himself can still interpret the truth adding some bias to his perspective.

>>5865135
>>A vision. a lesson of how the Aeldari god of the hunt strung his bows, as if you were a student of his, in another light

In case I forgot to vote before. If I have just ignore this one

File: 1660261368666321.png (1.03 MB, 1047x1200)

1.03 MB PNG

Calling the vote now, sorry for the long wait, needed to get Christmas shopping done. Also was worrying over my newest Gunpla Acquisitions, Dilanza Sol, Gundam Calibarn and also a Hexagear model, Weird Tails.

Also found some new 40k music I really like

https://youtu.be/Lf5XQ6GW3BQ
https://youtu.be/NcAOXCG0BPs
https://youtu.be/tyO30SND-Ys

>>5867648
Thank you for the assist, so with>>5867806
>>5868310
>>5868383
>>5868576

The > vision lesson of how the Aeldari god of the hunt strung his bows, as if you were a student of his, in another life

is what Lieren will be rewarded with

Writing now

>>5867845
Most excellent meme, Anon

>>5865934
Interesting~ and a lil spooky. I like it, good work!

Suddenly, you are amid a dream. Sat in a clearing that is both sunlit by gently blanketed with mists. A merging of the familiar woodlands of the wilderness of Long-Jia, and the memories shared to of the native lands of the Aeldari, passed on from the tales of their myths and history those who follow the path of the Journeymen have shared with you and the spiritual realm you're gradually drifting away from.

Beneath you is a deer hide, tan and speckled cream, somehow large enough to be stretched and laid out beneath you. The sky seen past the light tree covering is blue-green with clouds that only exist within paintings or puppet theaters, swirled and honey gold. Frowning, your eyes sink from the sky and see what or rather who sits before you. It is Kurnous, in his full splendor, complete as he was when the spirit was still living, gargantuan and stretching towards the sun and the clouds, taller than any of the eons old trees surrounding both of you. Beneath him is the stump of a tree felled in some distant cyclopean era, padded with a hide of a deer much like the one you're sat atop.

Before you is a low table, set atop with a silk woven from lotus fibers, left undyed except for the bleaching of the sun. Set on the silk, are numerous kinds of fibers. Sinew, Rawhide, the fur from a horse's tail, linen and various other materials that can be woven and made strong enough to be suitable for stringing and primitive bow. And on your lap, is a bow that seems to be grown from wraith bone yet flecked with the gold silver of star metal. Rubbing your chin in thought, you look up to see the silent giant that is Kurnous holding out his callused hand, gnarled like the roots of old growth forests, tattered with scars yet fatherly and gentle in the way only a teacher can be. These are hands much like Guozhi's own.

Between his fingers, he holds a length of silk. Ponderously, he plucks it from his open palm with two fingers, and demonstrates how to string a bow. Something you're well aware of, but never put into practice during the days when you had to hunt to survive and feed your village. The local wild life was simply too durable and thickly hided to be hunted with bows and arrows, particularly the fog panthers who at the time could only be hunted by a party of strong spear men working in unison like a pack of wolves or Mist Jackals, arrows sized for ordinary men would more oft than not fall from their hides without so much as leaving a wound. And you soon had designs for mass produced fire arms, which were themselves soon replaced with more complex and effective evolutions.

But the moment you see how Kurnous lifts up the string, you are enlightened. This is more ritual than a simple stringing of a bow. Every movement is purposeful and imbues the string with the winds of the Empyrean, the currents of the great sea, the energy of the warp. And you watch with rapt attention, but in austere and respectful silence.
Cont

>>5868732

Kurnous shows the process over a span of time that feels like years, going to great lengths to show every movement in detail, how he bends the bow, how he secures the string, how he notches the arrow and pulls the bowstring back. And then he repeats it with each material, each time waiting in silence, bidding you to repeat and copy his method down to the subtlest of motions. And with each bow you string, your understanding of the Hunter Spirit's reason for showing you this, a memory of a life that never was where you were his direct student and apprentice, increases.

This knowledge is valuable. How he strings his bow that could kill instantly. And soon, you are capable of stringing a bow exactly as he did, without a bow and without a string. With Qi, the Long-Jianese term for Psionic, soul or Warp energies, you are able to replicate an unseen bow and string, and through going through the motions of drawing the string, are able to fire an arrow formed of that same essence, compressed and sharpened and made lethal through simple intent of purpose, by adopting the manner and presence of dead Kurnous and borrowing a meager shadow of his competence as a hunter and his efficiency of killing. The only difference between his arrow and yours, is that his is hued like new growth, like Kanzeon emerald eyes, but yours is split between gold and silver.

The hart headed spirit smiles with humble pride as you stand beside him, and neither of you holding a bow, draw back your arms, and fire ethereal arrows that could fell even the most stubborn of beasts, that could grip the heart of devils and squeeze the life from them in moments.

You would not dare name this most lethal psykerist technique, for you did not create it. Kurnous did. it was an ability innate to his existence, a skill that was born into the world with him and until now had been stricken from it with his death. A single, emerald tear falls from his eye as the two of you watch your arrows fly, the sun in this memory of what could've been in another life, for both of you sets, and Kurnous turns his back from you, reaching down to pat you once on the shoulder in a wordless show of praise. Commendation that from simply watching with your truth revealing eyes, that you were able to grasp a lesson none of his children had been truly capable of understanding. An insight handed down to you from the wistful dreams of a dead spirit, who learned for a different fate, not for himself, but for his beloved and his children.

"How Kurnous strings his bow" you reflect, bowing your head, feeling tears flowing from your own eyes "That is how this gift shall be named and remembered, oh venerable hunt master"

But he is gone. And the memory of what might've been if you were taken on in your youth as his student, if Sie Nie was never born to glut themselves on his essence and that of his kin, if you or he had come into being in another Era.
Cont

>>5868733

Like the dreams you once had, if you had arrived on Shangrala just a few years earlier in time to rescue Cui Fu or numerous others from the toxic rearing that ruined them as men and sent them down paths of darkness and sin.

More tears fall, twinkling like snowflakes beneath the light of a full moon unobscured by fogs or mists.

You awaken, due to Guozhi patting your brow with a piece of cloth dipped in cold water. The scent of blood rises from beneath your nose, and a cursory wipe brings back flakes of dried blood from your upper lip. You eyes alight and you sit up, your old teacher sighing in relief as Eldrad sits, serene and unaffected but with a ember of intrigue glowing in his almond eyes.

"Seeing your wanderings first hand is like nothing else I have witnessed in my long life, Lieren of Nothing, No wonder many have been inspired to follow the path you trailblaze without so much as meeting your gaze" He utters calmly, but his eyes radiate with the question "What did you see? When you vanished from the observable portion of the safe currents of the warp within Ulthwe's wards and seals"

How do you answer Eldrad, Lieren?

>Explain all that needs to be said and nothing more, you were tested. If the lesson has not been passed on before you, Kurnous must've had a reason

>Simply request the supplies you were given in your memory of what wasn't, and show Eldrad how Kurnous strung his bows.

>"This humble hunter has been given the blessing to fulfill the oath he spoke to fair isha, a great honor that I shall be proud to have received until the day I to give my last breath to the uncaring winds of time"

>Ask if you may meet with some of the aspect warriors of the craftworld, they would appreciate the lesson more than the scholarly Eldrad

>Write in

Also, any cutaways you're interested in seeing? Any character in particular?

>>5868735

>Write in
"In the wild he walks,
Hunter meets the Faded One,
Whispers in the wind.

Antlers clash and spark,
Nature's dance of life and death,
One another Test.

Crown of gods now cracked,
Hunter's worth unveiled, revealed,
Mystic bow takes form.

Stags' secrets bestowed,
Strings of magic singing true
Father's final gift"

Show Eldrad and Guozhi the key parts of our encounter with the exception of our little private bit when all faded to white. Then tell him specifically what our reward was a lesson a Father would want passed down tot heir children after their death as is the way.

>Ask if you may meet with some of the aspect warriors of the Craftworld, they would appreciate the lesson more than the scholarly Eldrad
A key thing to note is also offer to those whom wandered the Exiled Path like Rangers and stuff for they returned home and knew their loyalties even out in the wilds.
---

Remember lads we can't linger to long as we've got a wedding! We shall discipline the denizens of the Drukhari "Hunters" soon enough, dad would not be impressed.
---

As for Cut aways, maybe a few more of how our Legion is doing? Maybe some more of our more far flung butterfly effects? Perhaps a view from some of our Rogue's Gallery or even a splinter of what the chaos gods are up to since the warp may well be in upheaval?

File: loretta's greatbow.jpg (125 KB, 1200x675)

125 KB JPG

>>5868735
>"This humble hunter has been given the blessing to fulfill the oath he spoke to fair isha, a great honor that I shall be proud to have received until the day I to give my last breath to the uncaring winds of time"

>Ask if you may meet with some of the aspect warriors of the craftworld, they would appreciate the lesson more than the scholarly Eldrad
Nice, magic bow. For a cutaway how about something with Lieren's legion? Maybe from the perspective of the new legion master Dae-Hyun appointed when he left for Shangrala?

>>5868735
>Explain all that needs to be said and nothing more, you were tested. If the lesson has not been passed on before you, Kurnous must've had a reason

"Gather those whom are willing to listen, those who wish to learn."
>>5868800
>>5868735
Let's go write im

>>5868733
> With Qi, the Long-Jianese term for Psionic, soul or Warp energies, you are able to replicate an unseen bow and string, and through going through the motions of drawing the string, are able to fire an arrow formed of that same essence
I think we could use that bow to shoot psyker powers at our enemies.
>>5868800
I think it’s more important to set up a proper void ship fleet and learn from that Old One we found then going straight for the Dark Eldar.

>>5868735
>Ask if you may meet with some of the aspect warriors of the craftworld, they would appreciate the lesson more than the scholarly Eldrad
If I hear another Aeldari refer to us or our compatriots as "Mon-keigh" after this, I'm gonna vote to break our foot off in their ass.

>>5868834
I mean, the Dark Eldar and Biel-tan still exist.

>>5868838
There is more than enough rope for all of them my friend.

>>5868800
Sorry keeping the Haiku but changing the vote,
>If the lesson has not been passed on before you, Kurnous must've had a reason
Demonstrate the skill to Eldrad and tell him any Hunters whom seek this lesson must seek us out, we will teach if someone proves worthy just as we had to, such power can't be thrown around so easily.

>>5868862
Thought about this for second and think I came up with a good test.
>Any who seek to wield Kurnous’s bow must hunt a creature of Chaos without any weapons of war and must do so singlehandedly. As proof of their hunt, they must take trophy, bring it before me and tell me their tale of how they hunted it before they cast it into the fire. Only then will I decide whether to teach them.

>>5868735
>Simply request the supplies you were given in your memory of what wasn't, and show Eldrad how Kurnous strung his bows.
>Ask if you may meet with some of the aspect warriors of the craftworld, they would appreciate the lesson more than the scholarly Eldrad
If Kurnous taught us this technique so that we it may help grant the Eldar a different fate from his, then it is only right we teach it to his children as well.
>>5868800
+1 for the Haikus too, good shit

>>5868735
>Explain all that needs to be said and nothing more, you were tested. If the lesson has not been passed on before you, Kurnous must've had a reason

>>5868735
>>5868800
+1

I want to see our beloved Kanzeon and how she is holding up.

>>5868862
>>Ask if you may meet with some of the aspect warriors of the craftworld, they would appreciate the lesson more than the scholarly Eldrad
He tried passing it down. The eldar couldn't completely figure it out due to not having eyes like Lierens.

>>5868735
>Ask if you may meet with some of the aspect warriors of the craftworld, they would appreciate the lesson more than the scholarly Eldrad

>>5868735
>>"This humble hunter has been given the blessing to fulfill the oath he spoke to fair isha, a great honor that I shall be proud to have received until the day I to give my last breath to the uncaring winds of time"

>>5868800
>Support

>>5869004
> He tried passing it down. The eldar couldn't completely figure it out due to not having eyes like Lierens.
A fair position but how can you be sure?

>>5868735
>>5868800
>>5868862
Support! As a mortal fellow to them, as a person not treated as their divinity, the Aeldari will not be as blinded to the lesson by their reverence in their Father. Even if they still hold their bigotry, their own pride will see them try all the harder to learn what we did, and although we will be carefully selecting who learns this technique it would devilish and evil to fully deny Kurnous's final lesson to his children

Did we ever learn just how many brothers we have? I feel like learning all we can about what our father intended for our brothers could help us with rehabilitating the worse-off ones.

>>5869487
Yes. Magnus told us.

>>5868735
>>Explain all that needs to be said and nothing more, you were tested. If the lesson has not been passed on before you, Kurnous must've had a reason
If ones worthy want to learn they will seek us.

>>5869419
It's literally mentioned in the update you illiterate fuck

>>5869540
Yet there is an option that directly contradicts that statement Kurnous made.
>Explain all that needs to be said and nothing more, you were tested. If the lesson has not been passed on before you, Kurnous must've had a reason
How about that? The most likely answer is Kurnous never actually found someone that could live up to his standards, whatever they maybe, like perhaps part of the lesson is not just blindly repeating what you see. Remember Kurnous never told them the answer, he showed them and expected them to just figure it out.
There is also possibility that maybe this “vision” was was in fact a different version of Kurnous than what the Eldar remember.

>>5868735
>>5868807
>Simply request the supplies you were given in your memory of what wasn't, and show Eldrad how Kurnous strung his bows.
>Ask if you may meet with some of the aspect warriors of the craftworld, they would appreciate the lesson more than the scholarly Eldrad

Voting and supporting these.

>>5868735
>Simply request the supplies you were given in your memory of what wasn't, and show Eldrad how Kurnous strung his bows.
>Ask if you may meet with some of the aspect warriors of the craftworld, they would appreciate the lesson more than the scholarly Eldrad

>>5868735

>Simply request the supplies you were given in your memory of what wasn't, and show Eldrad how Kurnous strung his bows.
>Ask if you may meet with some of the aspect warriors of the craftworld, they would appreciate the lesson more than the scholarly Eldrad

>>5868800
love to include this haiku too.

This skill is a gift.

We could wander the webway from craftworld to lilaethan and they would welcome us with open arms for a ceremonial display of kournos drawing his bow.

I just realized, we are *going* to get Harlequin attention for this Kurnous stunt.

>>5870000
Do you think they'll attempt some eldar "diplomacy" and jump us on the way back to Shangrala? Stupid fucking clowns and their stupid fucking clown god.

Our wedding is just asking for u invited guests, we're gonna have mandrakes in the shadows under people's chairs, craftworlders looking entirely out of their depth surrounded by humans as they try to understand us, Angron might rock up, a customer or the Emperor might fucking jump in, he'll even Trayzen might be skulking about seeing what to grab while Orikan is there to see who keeps screaming 'salve for fools'.

Not even including the clowns rocking up, the chaos gods seething and looking for a chance to crash the party and not to mention the fact we are doing specifically this before the big day, a literal 'stag night'.

>>5870024
-_- our security is not that bad or naive.

>>5870024
This is pretty silly scenario anon invented.

While we await Malal i've been thinking about Legion organisation and i've come up with an idea/theory for structural reform and so on. The idea in short is forming a solid defensive core (building on our legions rep and skills so far) and then developing specialist teams which launch out of held lines surgically. over time our sons earn more independence, i've structured it like a son's life. Starting learning under a master and held close, then allowed to venture out supervised, then out alone.

In practice our legion will be divided into several types; Shield Companies, Spear Companies and Hunt Companies.

Upon becoming a full fledged marine one will enter a shield company which would focus largely on holding ground, building and developing a locale culturally and militarily. This is so they can be under more direct supervision and guided through more advanced training where facilities may be required.

Upon being blooded in a number of battles leaning discipline, our culture and restraint they will be moved to the Spear Companies whom are granted a little more freedom as it will be they whom conduct our strikes and attacks led by our Legion's 1st Captain. They will learn the methods of striking and eliminating an enemy while still working alongside a Shield Company.

If enough time passes and skills develop one may enter a Hunt Company; these are our elites whom are granted a large amount of freedom which through their time in the pear they will have earned and shown they can be trusted, shown they have the correct temperament and will. Hunting Companies are our roaming forces, our espionage and hunters, the ones whom Lieren will more often go with when heading out. Now i'm actually going to make a hot take here; I propose we actually keep the Brotherhood of Panthers as a human only organisation to keep with its more humble origins, something for our base born to aspire to. Our Astartes will get something of their own.

>>5870481
To quote something I just read: “ It’s better to follow your own path however imperfect, then to follow someone else’s path perfectly.”

>>5870498
that's how chaos gets you.

>>5870481
The idea of modifying the gene-seed implantation process to allow the adults would undermine a lot of this as thry would already be trained.

File: 1625340147713.png (599 KB, 1024x1500)

599 KB PNG

Calling the vote now, sorry for the wait, got Rogue Trader and got a little too into it.

Haiku write in:8

Ask if you may meet with some of the aspect warriors of the Craftworld, they would appreciate the lesson more than the scholarly Eldrad:14
-Any who seek to wield Kurnous’s bow must hunt a creature of Chaos without any weapons of war and must do so singlehandedly. As proof of their hunt, they must take trophy, bring it before me and tell me their tale of how they hunted it before they cast it into the fire. Only then will I decide whether to teach them.:1

"This humble hunter has been given the blessing to fulfill the oath he spoke to fair isha, a great honor that I shall be proud to have received until the day I to give my last breath to the uncaring winds of time":3

Explain all that needs to be said and nothing more, you were tested. If the lesson has not been passed on before you, Kurnous must've had a reason:5

Simply request the supplies you were given in your memory of what wasn't, and show Eldrad how Kurnous strung his bows.:4

total votes:17

So Lieren will explain what he saw through Haiku, and then ask if he may meet with some of the aspect warriors of Ulthwe, knowing they will surely appreciate the wisdom entrusted with him more than a scholarly soul such as Eldrad.

Writing now

>>5868800
I have been planning something involving something along the lines of one of those cutaways suggested here, actually

Before you answer the farseer's unspoken demand for answers, you clap your hands together, mimicking Guozhi's own habit of clapping his hands in front of himself thrice, forming an unseen triangle with his motions before putting his hands together as if offering his prayers, a remnant formed from the time he had spent as a Monk and had to put forth a facade of being an adherent of the ill judgements and banal cruelties of the eight celestial courts. Whose worship nearly vanished over night with the deathknell of the Yan and their dynasty. It was a emotive gesture that had spread throughout the wanderers of the fog sect and you had even spied some of the students of the secular schools you established using it for various interactions, at times replacing the traditional greeting of a cupped fist and bowed. Though mostly the scholars to be used it as something of a rite to invoke good fortune on their exams or the surprise philosophical or mathematical quandaries some of the more puckish natured amongst the teachers and lecturers you hired enjoyed to spring upon the idle or indolent attendee of the various schools you have found across the numerous provinces of Long-Jia.

Eldrad's eyes flicked over to your aged mentor the moment you first struck the palms of your hands together, immediately identify the origin of the ceremonial movement.

Then raising two fingers and flashing a somewhat roguish grin, you gave the guiding light of Ulthwe his answer through Haiku, for poetry was truly the only way to impart the true significance of the vision you were privilege to witness, simpler words, lacking refinement and verbal artistry would render the account a pale simulacrum of the experience. And Eldrad Ulthran deserved to hear of your experience with not just utmost clarity but through a display that speaks deeply of the reverence and humility you felt to be trusted with such a dream, so as not offend him or give off the impression you were overtly prideful or else lacking enthusiasm or comprehension of the magnitude of the gift to be taught even a portion of lost Kurnous' craft. A misunderstanding you'd abhor to allow to take root, considering how much, as a fellow hunter, you value the lesson.

"In the wild he walks, Hunter meets the Faded One, Whispers in the wind" You begin ponderously, giving each syllable their deserved weight and solemnity. Eldrad takes a sharp breath and lifts his chest, but otherwise does not move or alter his expression, keeping a magnificent gambler's Mein as Guozhi grunts in astonishment while stroking his well cultivated and gloriously long beard in reflection of just beginning of your answer

Continuing, you lower your fingers and bow your head, keeping your hands pressed firmly together as you say "Antlers clash and spark, Nature's dance of life and death, One another Test"

Eldrad's dark eyes, already glowing with curiosity flare with intrigue as he takes in and digests the second part of your message
Cont

>>5871637

The Farseer is enjoying the rare challenge of decoding and divining the deeper meaning of your words, though it is just as clear that he is having little if any difficultly uncovering it as it is that he is deriving some form of entertainment from the petty trial, taking to it with a glee that you would have thought would've long been drained from one as ancient and world weary as himself.


"Crown of gods now cracked, Hunter's worth unveiled, revealed, Mystic bow takes form" You say, grin only growing as you have nearly as much fun telling Eldrad the Haiku as he is having puzzling it out. Guozhi of course, understands your wording as well as he knows the length of his carefully groomed facial hair.

"Stags' secrets bestowed, Strings of magic singing true, Father's final gift" You say, tying off your poetic answer by clapping your hands again and making a subtle movement of your chin and neck that in Aeldari is one of the many ways of asking another permission to share thoughts with them. Eldrad answers affirmative with a motion performed primarily of his species curiously tapered ears, and Guozhi, who can tell when others, especially his own disciples are about to utilize wind whispering to speak gives permission with a polite but quick bow.

And so you show them what amounts to a slide show of your encounter with the lingering shade of felled Kurnous. The moment the image of the fragment of a dead god's will is shown through the unseen communication, Eldrad takes another sharp breath but quickly composes himself, remaining as still as if he was carven of crystal as he watches in silent fascination of your encounter while Guozh is much less...reverent than the farseer, being no worshipper of any power besides perhaps Kanzeon, though his veneration towards her is more akin to the respect and regard that a child shows to their mother.

"Once again you have surpassed expectations and managed to surprise me by a feat that most amongst my peerage would mock as the delusions of a mind prone to fantasy" Eldrad says with a dry rasp of laughter, his speech severe but you can sense that he is barely keeping at bay his astonishment at what you had encountered and the kind of encounter you had with that individual "I'm certain some would be more willing to speak her name and damn themselves than admit that a mere "Mon'keigh" was privilege with meeting a shard of our long dead gods, much less do battle with it and earn their blessing to..."

"Do something suicidally bold that to all other men seem reckless but to this youngster's eyes is simply the most efficent means of enacting his will and undoing the ambitions of those poor fools who have made themselves his enemies?" Guozhi asks coyly as Eldrad's composure cracks slightly as he bares his teeth in a bemused smile

"You speak as if the dark gods are merely an obstacle for him" He chuckles, Guozhi's young blue eyes sparkle with pride
Cont

>>5871638

"He's survived the tribulation of the six of them, because he refused to scrape and kowtow before them" He answers "And I believe Carys could speak of her own involvement of that event"

"That nearly snuffed out her own life, I was witness to my own students exceedingly reckless behavior that day" Eldrad answers with a nod, but not a dismissal, as most would expect to receive from an Aeldari, particularly one of his standing, even if they had not been as brash and impudent as your teacher had chosen to be. He must be fired up from your earlier meal, and so his tongue has become an edge sharper than it is usually

"I was more terribly wounded during my encounter with the first of the fools" You say as Eldrad makes the unwise decision to wet his throat with a gulp of cooled water that is soon sprayed across the ground by the insulting epithet you have given shadowy Be'lakor

"No wonder Carys become enchanted by your book" He remarks snidely, though in good humor and meaning no insult "Still, to see that you spared with even an illusionary Kurnous does inspire something approaching jealously within my heart, though I have, as you, long mastered my emotions. By necessity. Though I must still wonder, what it is that shade rewarded you with, as you left the end of your encounter with that "spirit" unknown to both me and your own teacher"

"Of course" You say with a nod "Allowing me to explain clearly, though I know you have already reasoned what it was I have received as prize for proving myself to the spirit and earning his esteem"

"Oh of course" He cackles, eyes flashing with amusement "I wouldn't be deserving of my title of farseer, nor my reputation as a diviner if I hadn't. But understand, that even though I know you are a man that performs feats many would deem impossible by the sheer magnitude of them, I must hear the words from your mouth, though you have spoken them already, to truly grapple with an accept that the answer you hid in your flowery words is nothing is a reality rather than the day dream of a hopeful fool"

"You are no fool Eldrad" You quietly argue, though you knew Eldrad's reasons for pressing you to repeat your answer, since some of his so called peers may be unable to understand the meaning of your Haiku or accept the reality of the situation even if you present your hard earned knowledge to them directly "What I received as my reward for besting that spirit in a friendly spar, was nothing more than a lesson a father would want passed down to his children after his death, as is the way of any inheritance"
Cont

>>5871641

Eldrad takes a deep breath and wipes a fand across his face, pausing as he draws in more air to his lungs, ruminating long and deeply on your answer, though he had already understood it when you first spoke it to him with flowery and poetic speech, only now that he has timed to contemplate it and hear it again does the true importance of what has occurred in front of him sink in and causes a maelstrom of emotions within the other wise controlled and calm mind of the farseer

"Incredible" He applauds with a burst of laughter "Simply incredible. Next we meet, will you come walking into Ulthwe hand in hand with Kaela Mensha Khaine, reforged and whole once more, yet with his madness distilled from him"

"Do not speak such things!" Guozhi scolds, waving his walking stick in the air "Or else he may take it as a serious request and rise to the challenge!"

Eldrad merely smiles wrly

"I have one request to make in return" You state, head still bowed by eyes locked on Eldrad's own, burning as you speak "If it would not be arrogant and presumptuous of me, a mere guest permitted entrance to the sanctuary of your people, that I, Lieren of nothing, may meet with some of the noble warriors of Ulthwe, and those who walked the road of the exile as well, if any are present upon the craftworld currently"

"I think you'd find it more difficult to leave if you did not offer to impart your recently acquired wisdom with the aspect warriors of the craftworld, though I would in no way assist any misguided attempts to restrain you to extract the insights of the god of the hunt, if any of my kinsmen were truly so shortsighted, foolish and" Eldrad pauses frowning as his brow wrinkles in exasperation "Suicidal"

"I do not kill when it is not necessary" You try to comfort, knowing that it will not treat the worries that have made Eldrad's brow furrow and are the source of his concerns that some hot headed members of the craftworld might act rashly if they were made to believe you were trying to guard the teachings of their species purported father selfishly and keep them to yourself and those the haughty minded amongst them would deem undeserving of a such a boon

"A cold comfort" Is his answer "I will send a missive and inform the other seers of the council of the veracity of your claims, to head off any tragic misunderstandings made by the more imprudent natured amongst Ulthwe's guides and wardens"

"You have my thanks, great farseer" You speak, cupping your fist and bowing as you sit down and take the wetted cloth offered by Guozhi to wipe the blood from your lip and chin.
-
"A pox upon you firebrand, a pox upon you and all who rally beneath your smoke wicked banner" The desecrated knight slurred, bile and blood spilt out on the hoarfrost of the mountain Elazar Burueliza and the other members of the Flaming order of the progenitor, some of who were also members of the hidden school of fire of the Nameless order he also counted himself as a founder of.
Cont

>>5871644

The man, if the wretch could still be considered such, wore the regalia of a fallen noble house of such finery and craftsmanship, he must've been a scion of the house that had escaped the revolution and their pyres

It mattered little his identity, for he, a coward to the end, had fled into the snow, leaving his followers and fellow cultists to meet their ends by the sword, torch and superheat plasma. But he had not escaped as he must have during the liberation of the Bask people, because the dancing flames of the hovels and burning piles of pagan corpses had revealed to Elazar his escape route, and atop a horse gifted from the stable's kept by Lieren's family, a Cui Warmonger, Elazar had ran down the would be champion of discord and miscreant spreader of bedlam and numerous half sorcerous diseases, and pierced him through with a lance tipped with a power field, exploding a hole through his armor and ribcage, leaving a gaping, bleeding hole out of which steaming blood and half cooked entrails spilled.

"Ready the fuel, this one shall be burned here" is all the knight said in reply to the curse spoken by the remnant of his most hated of enemies, grabbing the reins of his steed with one hand as he gave a dismissing wave with his other.

The scion of the purged house lost his dignity in his final moments, beseeching the knights for mercy and recanting his wickedness as they doused his prone,, crippled form with the fuel they had brought with them into the unforgiving wilderness for just this purpose. The Skipping Clouds they preferred to use were far too refined of machines to require so crude an energy source.

But it made a perfect conduit for the punishment of the few who remained hidden in the snow who still swore fealty to the devil who had threatened Mari, the loving mother of the Bask who had caged herself with the corruption to protect her flock selflessly. A gift that could never be repaid in full, especially by a man in search of redemption like Elazar himself.

But, one less villain seeking to harm the goddess of the rime, was enough to calm the guilt Elazar felt for his actions upon the distant world of red sands. Looking at his open hand, Elazar saw the shadow of a burning straw doll. A clenched fist banished the vision and affirmed the righteousness of his actions this day.

Those burned this day were well aware of the vileness of the devil's they courted. The flames were what they deserved
-

While it was not difficult to earn an audience and gather a conference of a number of Aspect warriors and other martially inclined denizens of Ulthwe to receive the same lesson given to you in a memory of a day that never was and could never be, you quickly hit a snag as you began to instruct the proud warriors.
Cont

>>5871646

Having explained as delicately as was possible, and having Eldrad nearby to calm their nerves and assuage their suspicions, it was clear that some of those who had heeded your summons had come not to open their minds to receive your wisdom, but to challenge it or else out of sense of duty and injured pride to oppose and question the veracity of your claims, despite the backing of one as well respected and revered as Eldrad Ulthran was amongst his people, especially the denizens of his home craftworld.

You always welcomed a debate, and so when a pugnacious young howling banshee approached you and named you a charlatan in not so polite terms, you were more than willingly to meet her in this clashing of tongues and words

"The primitive sport you Mon'keigh believe to be hunting would have been unworthy of the attention of Kurnous, you have come to steal away more misguided youths and lead them to damnation away from the safety of the homes" She accuses, and she is not entirely wrong, for you do notice one of her fellow Howling Banshees shooting a glare in her direction that is all too familiar. Yin Lei wore the same expression when you, laughing, showed him a poster depicting you as an ogre with a plump young woman tossed over your shoulder while you crushed a very inaccurate depiction of Gao Liwei beneath your foot

"It is your honeyed words and silvered tongue that make you dangerous, more than anything else, to be able to convince so many to believe and place their hopes in such a cruel lie, proves that despite your posturing, you are no friend of Ulthwe" She spits, eyes narrowed, furious that you would make such an outrageous claim as meeting even a reflection of one of their lost gods, let alone be taken aside to be taught by him like you were counted amongst his progeny as well "But another deceiver currying favor for his own ambitions"

Even Eldrad seems stunned by her boldness, particularly because she voices her disbelief so openly and harshly in his presence, after he had vouched for the truthfulness of your, admittedly, nigh unbelievable claims.

Guozhi however, who the young howling banshee gave as much attention to as if he were a pet monkey chained to your hip, smirked, knowing exactly what would soon befall she who rose to challenge you.

None spoke, but you could see a number in the gathered audience agreed with her and shared her suspicions
Cont

>>5871649

How do you answer this challenge, Lieren?

>"If you are so sure of my deceit, why do you not sit and string a bow with me? And test for yourselves if my words are naught by hot air"

>"You have every reason and right to not trust me, even if you know not of the treacheries I committed upon my own world. But I urge you, nay, plead with you to give me a few scarce moments of time to prove myself earnest and reveal the inheritance the father of the Aeldari has left for you"

>"You are lucky Kanzeon is not here, she would've slapped you harder than your mother ever did for speaking to me in such a manner. But very well. Eldrad, You have my permission to delve through my mind, and through your own mastery of psykerism, reveal what I witnessed in the ethereal halls of Ulthwe!"

>Simply smile, and demonstrate the highest level you've reached of "How Kurnous Strings His bow" to the Banshee and the crowd

>Write in

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHzrEuqFHC4

the guy who made the three songs I linked last update made another one, might be my favorite of the four actually.

>>5871650
>Simply smile, and demonstrate the highest level you've reached of "How Kurnous Strings His bow" to the Banshee and the crowd
Give them a taste of what to look forward to and they will hunger for it.

>>5871650
>Write in
"You do not accept the words of a most venerable Elder as if i deceived him while accusing me of coming here for the young; curious. Your temper reminds me of mine own fiancé and despite your chill I find it refreshing; it is good when one seeks to protect their young so I shall simply have to show you. Daughter of Khaela Mensha Khaine I ask...

>"If you are so sure of my deceit, why do you not sit and string a bow with me? And test for yourselves if my words are naught by hot air"
----
We don't want to send them all searching among their dead for shards nor plead and look weak before them, a simple challenge, a simple revelation.

>>5871650
>>Simply smile, and demonstrate the highest level you've reached of "How Kurnous Strings His bow" to the Banshee and the crowd

>>5871650
>Simply smile, and demonstrate the highest level you've reached of "How Kurnous Strings His bow" to the Banshee and the crowd
Behold wailing whore, big ol bow!

>>5871650
>Simply smile, and demonstrate the highest level you've reached of "How Kurnous Strings His bow" to the Banshee and the crowd

File: alinor delenda est.jpg (23 KB, 550x281)

23 KB JPG

>>5871649
>The primitive sport you Mon'keigh believe to be hunting would have been unworthy of the attention of Kurnous
What the fuck does this even mean? How exactly is eldar hunting any different from normal hunting? I fucking hate elves.

>>5871650
>"If you are so sure of my deceit, why do you not sit and string a bow with me? And test for yourselves if my words are naught by hot air"

>>5871650
>Simply smile, and demonstrate the highest level you've reached of "How Kurnous Strings His bow" to the Banshee and the crowd

>>5871650
>Simply smile, and demonstrate the highest level you've reached of "How Kurnous Strings His bow" to the Banshee and the crowd
>"If you are so sure of my deceit, why do you not sit and string a bow with me? And test for yourselves if my words are naught by hot air"

>>5871650
>>Simply smile, and demonstrate the highest level you've reached of "How Kurnous Strings His bow" to the Banshee and the crowd

Which of the eldar would follow/emulate the path of Kurnous? The Rangers? I wonder if there are any here at the craftworld just in time for this gathering.

>>5871650
>"If you are so sure of my deceit, why do you not sit and string a bow with me? And test for yourselves if my words are naught by hot air"

>>5871650
>"If you are so sure of my deceit, why do you not sit and string a bow with me? And test for yourselves if my words are naught by hot air

>>5871650
>>Simply smile, and demonstrate the highest level you've reached of "How Kurnous Strings His bow" to the Banshee and the crowd

>>5871650
>Smile and demonstrate

>>5871650
>Simply smile, and demonstrate the highest level you've reached of "How Kurnous Strings His bow" to the Banshee and the crowd

So gents what we planning to do to ensure our homeworld and people dont become slops because of how good life is? how do we intend to ensure our soldiers remain educated and all our rulers remain grounded/brave.

I dont like to imagine Shangrala or any world ruled by someone whom has not experienced war first hand, i dread a world where soldiers jsut become unquestioning brutes.

>>5872733
Oracles had an answer for that.

>>5872733
Using the memory technology for how it was intended?

>>5872733
They aren't slops though what ? Have you read something else.

I don't think you realize the share amount of work and progress put in the Shangrilian Allied Army. The majority of armies be from the Long Jia Empire, Bask Republic, Vishnu Province, Shuni Kingdom, Angra Tribes etc.... receive now a full modernized training with an exemplar discipline and excellent models of dead and living heroes, alongside better martial traditions, and with access to martial arts developed by Lieren. For equipment they have access to actually good armors and weapons, making them quite strong and capable to be on equal ground of powerful armies like Dark Eldars Kabals. There is also a strong veteran core from the wars done so far, and multiple units of established orders of elite units.
Education has been improved and there many circles of journeymen. There are many academies and schools too around both civilian and military ones.

We have the technology for show memories plus recordings and videlogs of many battles, and so far with someone like Jinhai leading the Long Jia Empire, Shangrila will only benefit and create a strong dynasty. With the Journey being spread it is unlikely military matters will be just follow orders and there will be and are far more regulations and decisions to take. If a siege happens bombing a city will not be considered has an option, unless the population doesn't risk to die (deep bunkers/vaults) in mass for example. And in general there is a preference for go for military targets now.

>>5872853
I think he was referring the slow fall to cultural standards and becoming like the rulers before just slower with our supervision

>Shangrala and Journey Inspired Aspect Warrirors

>Goldweb Widows
A warrior temple founded by one of Lieren's first Aeldari followers whom once walked the path of the Warp Spider but in time developed her skills in previously unseen ways and when combining available technology with those of the Primarch hatched a new Spider to stalked the circuits and webway.

Goldweb widows integrate the Golden path technology used by the Primarch to refine their teleportation abilities and creating pocket domains to ambush from before swiftly transporting themselves to a distant anchor elsewhere. Their weapon of choice is now the 'Sling Stinger'; roped dagger like blades which pierce hide and armour if used one way or may be used to restrain of used another... restrained foes they may just abduct back tot heir distant anchor or simply abandon; dropping the poor soul into the warp directly should enough grapple the target.

>Spear Striders
The First Emperor of Long-Jia was witnessed by many of the earliest disciples of the Journey spear dancing to relax, in time his craft was simply adopted by some warriors whom also heard of his prowess in combat. Eventually a strange honour guard like Temple formed; duelists and protectors for the res tof their kin; with a playful side to them.

Armoured similarly to the Swooping Hawks of old these warriors glide and prance through battle only just above the humble ground oft only using their spears to direct themselves thanks to the small anti-grav generators upon their backs. Many view they are swift and lethal but their true danger comes from their Gravetic spears; weapons which upon triggering increase gravity within a small bubble pinning target in place if not simply crushing them under their own amplified mass (making them even more deadly to larger foes whom rely upon armour)

>Horned Watchers
Many call them Lieren's chosen Temple, they are the Hunters of the Dead Father. Those whom mastered the art of crafting his bow anew, most of the temple come from exodite worlds all to eager to honour the past and protect their homes the rest are largely those whom wander to exiles path and explore the deep wilds of the galaxy becoming true hunters.

They wander armoured lightly with only their new equipment; the 'Mist Mantle' to hide themselves. This device simply allows them to passively use their peoples inborn psionic nature to mask their presence until they act to suddenly while also allowing the deployment of a mist like smoke screen in times of need. Otherwise they bring only a spear for their greatest weapon is one only summoned in times of need; The Father's Bow.

----
Just some things we may well inspire or even work towards depending how things go in future?

>>5873508
Spider development seems fun and sounds like a round about way of using D-cannon tech

>>5872977
Feels a bit far fetched. I don't think these new traditions and culture can be easily destroyed/replaced.

>>5873508
Good ideas.
Spear Striders would likely use a lot the Carp Dance style if they are inspired by Jinhai.
Funny that they call the Horned Watchers the most favoured when the Brotherhood of the Panther would be still kicking around.

I’m curious how we can improve upon the psyker bow. Can we experiment with different materials? Can we attempt to change the structure of the bow? Can we imbue different concepts into the bow?

Merry Christmas!

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I had some time and sorted something out

>>5874534
Issue, Brotherhood of the panther requires a hunt with the primarch. This limits them to those around with us in our lifetime and doomed to obsolescence in the following centuries.

It should also be "Lieren to legion master to brotherhood."

And lastly, I follow a previous Anons belief that the brotherhood should be left to mortal men, and a new brotherhood formed for astartes.

Solving the first and third issues, We have em hunt something very dangerious with a spear.
Might even ask Russ when we find him to let us use Fenris for the trial location.

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Calling the vote now, sorry for the long wait, got caught up in the festive cheer. Late merry christmas and happy holidays, got some beard oil and some windchimes.

Simply smile, and demonstrate the highest level you've reached of "How Kurnous Strings His bow" to the Banshee and the crowd:10

"You do not accept the words of a most venerable Elder as if i deceived him while accusing me of coming here for the young; curious. Your temper reminds me of mine own fiancé and despite your chill I find it refreshing; it is good when one seeks to protect their young so I shall simply have to show you. Daughter of Khaela Mensha Khaine I ask...: 1

"If you are so sure of my deceit, why do you not sit and string a bow with me? And test for yourselves if my words are naught by hot air":5

total votes: 14

So Lieren will simply smile and demonstrate "How Kurnous strings his bow" to the crowd, not raising his voice in argument to answer the young banshee's challenge/ insults

Writing now

>>5874534
This is some quality work, looks straight out of a codex, very nice and well written as well.

>>5873508
Nice lore write up anon, might steal some from this. Liked how you wrote each Journeyman AW's blurb and the names you chose for them, which are very fitting. Not sure which is my favourite, thought it would be the goldenweb widows when I first started reading this, but the other two are just as cool

>>5874557
One thing I wanna write is Leman and or the Lion experiencing Shangralan wild-life, or Lieren experiencing Fenris' or Caliban's

Or that dream I had when the quest was younger where Lieren was dueling Alpharius and Omegon atop sea ice. Which was sick as hell btw

It just dawned on me that the whole “coloring their armor” scene we had with the marines was reminiscent of how Deathwatch does their colors

Your eyes and their piercing gaze however, is pulled back the warrior who was brazen enough to speak her mind. She shudders, restraining a wince as your contemplative attention settles over her, but she does not look away even though she had removed her temple's tell tale helmet to proclaim her incredulity of your claims. Claims backed by the eldest and most venerated farseer of Ulthwe, a hero not only of the craftworld but of the Aeldari peoples as a whole, Eldrad Ulthran, a man for whom you personally hold a deep sense of respect. How couldn't you? It was his voice that earned you guest rights to the craftworld and an audience with her seer council, even if it was Carys who approached and beseeched him to breech the etiquette and common sense of Aeldari life to permit you that audience and welcome you, a human, into his home. And it was through that audience and his wisdom, that Angron was found and through your hand, assisted in freeing not only himself but the entire world of Nuceria from beneath the heel of tyrants.

What an impertinent child, to ignore the wisdom of her venerable elder so blatantly and to accuse one he has given his sponsor and approval of treachery. It is, however, not your place to scold her and doing so would make you appear to be an even more arrogant breed of "Mon'keigh" in her eyes and from the perspective of those who share her view that you are purposefully "Corrupting" the youth of their society. The Journey resonates with many hearts, but its teachings are not to be forced onto others. If one is willing to follow you down the road without end that you have built from your personal world view and beliefs, they are welcome to come and learn, but any who tries to leash and drag others onto the path misunderstands the Journey and its teachings and makes a mockery of them.

Looking at her scowling face, framed with shockingly red hair that would require a vivid pigment dye to appear on a human scalp, you smile and mercifully lift your eyes away from her as you pull your arms from your sleeves and lift your chin. Just by stepping forward, you impress upon her and the crowd the disparity between their bodies honed for war and battle, and yours that your father constructed for conquest alone. The Banshee senses hostility where there is none, raising her guard much like a feline would when approached by a stranger with an unfamiliar scent. But to her surprise and the relief of those in the crowd who like her, do not know of your gentle and permissive character, you step past her and command the attention of your audience of those devoted to the refinement of their skills as warriors and the art of killing and battle, with a thunderous clap of your hands.
Cont

>>5874620

The stagnant air in the foyer you had requisitioned becomes whipped into a whirling breeze by the clap, lifting your iron hued hair, which you have, for the comfort of your audienced tied into a knot of Aeldari style, as well as the hair of those nearest to you. Including the impudent banshee and Eldrad.

The eyes of the crowd alight, and Guozhi cackles mirthfully as you demonstrate the highest level of skill you've reached with the art of "How Kurnous Strings His Bow" , careful to not overly weaken the boundaries between worlds as you draw upon the memory that never was as you channel your spirit into the palms of your hands, and carefully line your fingers with it like you were etching them with the geometric web of the great plan or marking them with the arcane sigils from which you derived the null denouncement charm. But these markings are taken from the rune writing of the Aeldari, a more archaic form of it that you have altered somewhat to suit your needs and strengthen the string of the unseen hunting bow.

With one hand wreathed in fog like golden flames and the other sparkling with silver dust, you gracefully yet ponderously trace both hands through the air in a somewhat exaggerated fashion, miming the motions of stringing a bow while standing. Replicating an unseen, intangible bow with your soul-stuff and pyskerism, you take in a deep breath, at which point several onlookers do the same, their natural psionic senses revealing to them the invisible bow you've strung as the air in the chamber grows colder, cold enough for the humidity in your breath to become fog itself.

Bowing your head, you flick your eyes to the Banshee, whose own sage hued eyes have widened with disbelief stronger than that which she held towards you, now that you have proven your claim no idle boast or fantasy of a unenlightened Mon'keigh mind. But you are not a petty man, and so look away as to not expose her too long to your revealing stare.

Breathing out, you lift your back and thrust out your chest, as you lift up the bow hewn from your will alone as if you were aiming its arrow for a flock of birds flying over head, and then with the other hand, notch the arrow of silver and gold flames and pull back on it, drawing a "solid" mass from it to serve as the haft and feathering of the psychic arrow as the raging flame forms its head.

You can feel Eldrad's stare boring a hole in your back, this is the first time he has seen the technique demonstrated. And despite his seniority to you in years and as a psyker, he to is learning from this demonstration. You cannot disappoint your host, and as thus, perform the end of the display of the technique as well as you're capable of.

The arrow soars through the sky like a falling star. You were careful not to aim it so any present were to fall in its path, firing exactly where nothing living was in the way.
Cont

>>5874622

If anything got in the way of its flight or was fixed in your vision, the arrow would seek out their heart or other vital organ if the target would not be felled by simply losing the key to their vascular system, or if they had no heart at all to begin with, and kill them instantly. It is an assuredly lethal technique, that even the craftiest of entities and conniving of souls would be hard pressed to find a counter to.

Breathing out the last of your breath, still holding the pose of drawing a bow, you drop the hand "holding" it and lower the one that sent the arrow on its flight. There is silence. Most of the aspect warriors' attention is still focused on the arrows flight, even the older and more experienced amongst them is entranced by the sight, but all of them are amazed by the display of the technique passed down to you by a memory of a teacher you never knew. The doubt some held towards what you had claimed to encounter and the blessing bestowed by what you met wandering the halls of the protected reserve of the warp, has been completely dissipated now as the arrow itself gradually fades into nothing but glittering light that falls and vanishes in the air above the heads of the furthermost row of onlookers.

"That is the highest level I've attained of How Kurnous Strings His Bow, forgive me for being unable to recreate the skill in its fullness, but that is the domain of its wielder alone" You state with a respectful nod of the head, as you to watch the arrow vanish from this world "But to reach even this level of expertise, one must first start with the basics. Tell me, how many of you know how to string a bow properly?"

The silence is deafening

"I thought as such. Bows are archaic weapons in both our societies, but there is something admirable of their usage. Just as I have not forsaken the humble spear when given access to more refined weaponry, you to shall take up the weapon of your distant ancestors again, if you wish to learn how the greatest of them strung his bows and hunted with them" You state joyfully, smiling with an approachable warmth.

"If I must" The banshee grumbles, trying to retain a measure of pride by acting as the superior between the two of you "It would be a great shame to our heritage if a...Mon'keigh is the sole inheritor of father Kurnous' forgotten teachings. So you shall give me a demonstration of the first steps of preparing for the hunt, as a primitive would"

You smirk and she glances away. What she had really met by saying that was "Please teach me master" but she was incapable of swallowing her pride and speaking it plainly. Some look upon her in disbelief for the heights of her arrogance, but Eldrad gives her a knowing look much like your own.
Cont

>>5874623

"Then I will need suitable material to make bow strings with, for one must know how to craft their tools if they are to master them" You answer plainly "And if any others wish to join this follower of the storm of silence, please, do not allow etiquette to restrain you from approaching me to request I teach you as well"

And, either excitedly or reserved and haughty, one by one, the audience of wanders, warriors and true devotees of war approach you to ask to be taught how Kurnous strings his bow.

And so does Guozhi. And when you ask why your aged teacher in his twilight years would seek an artifice of war, the cunning old man just laughs and with a mischievous look in his youthful eyes answers

"I might as well give my next life a head start on their lessons" He snickers, while the first of your students in bow stringing look at him like he is a deranged old man for speaking of such things as reincarnation.

"Thank you for this gift, Lieren of Nothing" Eldrad wind whispers directly to you as he observes your lesson "So much was lost to us in the fall, to receive even a fraction of our past glories..."

"Indebts you to nothing" You reply quickly before he can utter the words "It is merely the right thing to do, delivering an inheritance to its rightful owners. If you must put a value to this exchange, consider it a show of my gratitude for the role you played in seeing my brother and his world free to find their own destiny, despite the beliefs of your fellow seers"

"If only all of the race of humanity were as pure hearted" he answers wistfully, smiling as the two of your exchange glances, before he frowns "if only all of my race not so short sighted. I wonder, if you had been Kurnous' student in truth, if you were born an Aeldari..."

"If you were born upon Shangrala, if you born a human, would you be the same man as the greatest seer of Ulthwe? We'd like to think no matter the circumstances of birth, we would be the same as we are in this life" You reply sagely as you wag your finger at the Banshee, who has torn her forth bow string in ten minutes of attempting to string her bow, her fingers red and raw with the signs of failure "But our experiences shape who we are, even if our souls play a role in forming our personalities, contemplating what ifs and could've beens seriously is a swift road to madness"

"I was just amusing myself musing of what could've been in another life, but I do not think, if you were born amongst us before the fall, you would've fallen victim to the arrogance and wickedness that corrupted the aeldari of that time" He answers, amusedly, though he speaks a great compliment that you are greatly humbled to receive
Cont

>>5874625

"And if you were born upon Shangrala before my time, I would not have to have contested a tyrant's rule, oh wise seer" You answer his compliment in kind, with a wry smile as you reach up and catch an arrow launched by a Dire Avenger with fumbling hands, and cut short your mental conversation with Eldrad, as you rise to impart upon the avenger the proper way of handling a bow

What do you do before you return to Shangrala with Guozhi, so as not to be late to your own wedding, Lieren?

>Leave behind a written instruction for the most capable of your bow stringing students to study, separate from the journey, so they may continue their practice and guide their juniors in the art without your presence

>Offer those learning how to string and use a bow an invitation to Shangrala to continue their practice under your direct tutelage, and even if they refuse, offer any who follow the journey to come with you and your mentor

>Deliver a tangible show of your thanks to Eldrad and the Seer council. A jar of soil and sand from Nuceria, gathered from the gladiatorial arena you as Kynigos raised fighters in. The free land of Angron given as a memento and reminder to them all fate is the salve of fools.

>Curious of the way of life of the aspect warriors, ask permission to visit their shrines and speak with their local leaders, the Exarchs, who have become consumed by their path

>Write in

Local Mon'keigh humiliates haughty space elves

>>5874626
>Offer those learning how to string and use a bow an invitation to Shangrala to continue their practice under your direct tutelage, and even if they refuse, offer any who follow the journey to come with you and your mentor
>Deliver a tangible show of your thanks to Eldrad and the Seer council. A jar of soil and sand from Nuceria, gathered from the gladiatorial arena you as Kynigos raised fighters in. The free land of Angron given as a memento and reminder to them all fate is the salve of fools.

>>5874626

>Leave behind a written instruction for the most capable of your bow stringing students to study, separate from the journey, so they may continue their practice and guide their juniors in the art without your presence

>Offer those learning how to string and use a bow an invitation to Shangrala to continue their practice under your direct tutelage, and even if they refuse, offer any who follow the journey to come with you and your mentor

>Deliver a tangible show of your thanks to Eldrad and the Seer council. A jar of soil and sand from Nuceria, gathered from the gladiatorial arena you as Kynigos raised fighters in. The free land of Angron given as a memento and reminder to them all fate is the salve of fools.

>Request from Eldrad a star map of where we can find potential allies