The Fall of Faustus

Deathguard and the Canis Aureus versus Bay'bee T'au and Pax'nera Septs

Last night Jamie achieved his first solo victory against me in a year of playing Warhammer 40,000. It was a momentous event and an amazing time. Due to the huge scope of the game and our armies' rivalry, I decided to kill off my high Lord Jackal once and for all. Faustus had been responsible for the fall of the T'au and the loss of one of their home systems. Now the Pax'nera Sept are on the rise and have a huge boost to their confidence. 

The last stand of Vlees.

The Fall of Faustus

Faustus had been so sure of victory on his return. He had heard the good news from the Charadon Sector. The Aureus had formed an alliance with the Deathguard in order to preserve the temple world of the wolf mother. They had waged war against the T'au forces and victory had been absolute. Not one of the xenos had survived.

Dropping from orbit, he had been quick to engage the enemy T'au commander. Swiftly, and with a brutal impact, the Jackal was knocked prone by two heavy punches. His armour cracked and open, his chest exposed. Faustus called to his demonic masters but there was no answer. Furious, the crazed psyker ran at his assailant. Steadying his aim, the Commander aimed his heavy burst cannon. The shots tore through the High Lord Jackal's exposed torso and he fell to the ground dead. Despite being more powerful and his senior, Vlees had no rule over the High Lord Jackal. Silently he watched, waiting to see the warrior's rebirth once again. He had known that Faustus had come back from death seven times before and each time led the Aureus to greater victory. The Ancient silently watched the smoking corpse of Faustus, clearly his time was over. Observing the battlefield, the Ancient witnessed his last two terminators fall to the huge volley of firepower from the T'au firing lines. Over one hundred shots tore the two warriors down. He advanced as he heard the death throes of his last remaining comrade, Danor. Danor had been his navigator out of the warp, a long and trusted ally in the last twenty centuries. His death provoked no feeling that could overcome the Lord's soul tearing and perpetual agony, but he was aware, deep down he had lost something he could never replace. Vlees had seen the field of battle most days that he existed in the warp. He respected this new foreign enemy. The T'au had fought efficiently and with great tactical prowess. Never before had he seen his men fall so fast in the line of fire. As he strode up the battlefield the xenos brought their firepower upon him, every weapon exploding with energy and hate. Sure in their victory, they gave no mercy to the lone Jackal. The impact of the volley would have been enough to obliterate a landraider. Over a hundred shots glanced off of his runic armour. Others collided deep within his extraordinary, indomitable form, the raw power surging through his core. Before him stood the forces of the Pax'nera Sept. He could smell a mixture of surprise and fear, which swiftly was overcome with the excitement of victory.

Not wanting to waste anymore resources the Pax'nera Sept fell back. The supplies had been held and the pickup had arrived. A great victory had been achieved. They had finally crushed the Canis Aureus after a year of unrelenting punishment, annihilation and withdrawal. Faustus was dead. The High Lord Jackal was one of the five great leaders, now that he had been defeated the T'au hoped it would diminish the threat for some time.

***

Deep within the storms of the warp She chuckled in a deranged hysteria that travelled across time. She had known many warriors but none as devout as the Jackals that worshipped her. Clutching her sword in her massive perfect hand she raised it to the daemonettes before her. Thriving in the anticipation of battle they eagerly awaited her command, leaping with fervour and glee. Slaanesh had been kind to her and she would give him the pleasure that he so deserved. Elevating her mighty claw, she sent forth the Horde of daemonettes to support the unbeliever. Once the Horde had left the confines of the twisted hall, The Huntress turned, continuing to torment and absorb Faustus' tortured soul. They emerged flickering and incorporeal at first. Women savage and twisted with the taint of chaos. Sexualised monstrosities, moaning and wailing in delight. Vlees began his advance and readied his axe. The Jackal understood the ferocity of what he was about to face. He stormed forth into battle, moving with a speed and elegance that his sheer bulk disguised. Once complimented by Russ himself for his vigour in battle, Vlees had known little equal. Using his knees, axe, feet and claw, he tore the horde apart. Every attack meeting its target and each blow fatal. He did not tire, he knew no rest. Wracked with the touch of the dark gods, he slew the daemonettes with ease separating bone and flesh. Eternal agony was the price of his power and he considered it a worthy toll to pay. The mute Lord ceased his fighting immediately as the daemonettes knelt around him. Vlees could hear their breathing, it had diminished; becoming relaxed and sedate. Comprehending his position and the task he had faced, the Jackal knew he had passed this test. Striding up to the tallest of the daemons before him, he placed his hand upon her face. No words exchanged, the daemons rose and turned to face the north. He could take this battle to the T'au without the further loss of life. The Jackal Lord knew the power of daemons and was grateful for the force that had granted him such raw, unrelenting power. He understood how to fight and lead better than most of his peers, but he lacked the knowledge of the warp. Twisted and Corrupted his body was tainted but he had kept his mind focused and true. He had slain greater daemons and been cursed by sorcerers time and time again but his will knew little equal. He would never be a slave to Chaos, but he would harness its power in revenge for the honour of his Chapter.