The steady ringing of his steps echoed through the corridor. The metal grating under his boots seemed to shudder and bounce with each stride. He leveled his plasma pistol, it shook for a split second before a blinding burst of energy spat from the muzzle. With a near deafening pop the plasma bolt impacted the nearest Ork in the face, alien gore spattered him, steaming drops landing on his own face. There was another xenos right behind the slain one and it lunged for him. The brute seized the arm which held his pistol. The creature's grip tightened and it brought its choppa to bear, with great force it cleaved into his flesh, the bones of his arm shattering with the impact. He howled in pain and brought his power sword round, the tip sliding between the Ork's armor plates and finding purchase in the creature's vitals. The xeno dropped its weapons and grabbed him by the collar of his storm coat. It shook him... it called to him... its voice a distant echo despite how close it was... "Captain..." He could smell its alien stink, could feel the searing pain in his butchered arm... "CAPTAIN!"
His eye shot open, he was looking into the face of his adjutant. "Throne bless Captain, I thought we'd lost ya sah!" The pain in his arm was gone, he looked down at the gleaming metal of his bionic replacement. "Ya took a round in the eye, we thought ya been killed. Him on Earth, you're a tough bastard sah." He coughed hard and clutched at his adjutant, "Help me up..." leaning hard on the Fusilier he stood to his full height. Around him his men had arranged themselves into a perfect defense of an intersection just outside of the town they were pushing into... what was it... his head swam. "Easy sah. Doc dosed yah good. A lesser man would still be out." His grip tightened on the hilt of his sword, when had he drawn it? "Come on sah, let's get ya to a better piece of cova." He flexed the hand of his bionic limb, "No, over there. Get me to that hab unit."
The pair moved as quickly as they could to a half caved in hab, the door frame still intact despite the fallen roof. He leaned hard against the outer wall as his adjutant moved to sweep the room with his laspistol. "Emil, be careful..." the young Fusilier smiled, "Aye sah." A tense few moments passed after the Fusilier crossed the building's threshold, "All clear!" He staggered into the ruined hab, he located his adjutant in the gloom. "Saltzkhost..." the young Fusilier looked at the officer, "Aye sah. This is the outskirts of the place at least. We were rollin in good, then the lead Taurox took a hit. Guess that not all the Orks took the bait of the uvva attack." He clipped his sword back to his belt and felt inside his coat for the tactica map, his adjutant stepped over with a pen-lamp. "Here, we made it to the first rally point jus past this junction." It wasn't far. "Where's the armor Emil?" His adjutant drew a circle on the map with his finger. "The Lieutenant said he'd 'av betta vantage from that low rise till we secured the road in. Think he's nervous about getting his girl banged up." Despite his injury he laughed, it was well known that the Lieutenant thought of his tank as equal parts weapon, shrine, and mistress. "I trust his judgement on the matter. We need to get reorganized. What do we have going in?" His adjutant pulled a dataslate from a waist pouch, "The pioneer squad is fine, but twas their Taurox that got hit, it's still runnin least. Our squad is good to go, Doc, Krabich and Fozaker are held up on the other side of the road with our Taurox. We were waiting to hear from Tactica Command, or for ya to come to. So... what's the plan sah?"
He pulled his sleeve up to look at his wrist chronometer. "Too long... we're already behind schedule. We need to push on to the next rally point." The details of the operation jumbled in his head, something was missing. "Valrak! Where's Sargent Valrak with that damn Sentinel?!" His adjutant looked down and hesitated before he answered, "He uh... he's chasin the greens sah. Spotted something on the way in, don't ya remember? That's how ya got hit sah, stood up in the turret to try an spot what Valrak 'ad seen. Then the Orks opened up on us, hit the lead Taurox with a missile an ya got a stubber round in ya bionic eye." Another fusilier ducked into the caved in hab with the pair, he had a portable vox unit slung around his shoulder. "Sah! Lieutenant Drabzch boosted 'is vox, 'es got Valrak on the line." He smiled as he stretched his hand out for the vox handset, then brought it to his ear, the line fizzled with static before a garbled voice pierced the distortion. "BLASTED GREENIES!" It was Sargent Valrak, "Repeat Sargent." there was another tense moment of silence before the Sentinel pilot replied. "Aye sah... got a bit of a situation 'ere... damned lurking xenos popped a rokkit on me. I'm stuck 'ard in plaza or sumfink. I was givin chase when the bastards sprang a trap... I need 'elp..."
The Captain stood and returned the vox handset to the Fusilier, "We have to move now, secure that plaza before the Orks can knock out Valrak. Emil, rally the men and get them loaded up, we may have to force through another ambush before we reach that plaza. We may have to move ahead of our armor support. The first rally point will act as our fallback point if this whole thing goes tits up." The two Fusiliers saluted before trotting off to complete their orders, Captain Zitzkazan reached up and felt at his bionic eye for the first time since he was hit, he felt a well scored cut in the metal of his eye's outer casing. He closed his remaining natural eye and gave silent thanks to the Emperor.
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Monday, November 6, 2017
Uniforms and Insignia of the Usamlijan First Fusilier Cohort
Every fighting force on Jornath maintains it's own distinct uniforms and insignia. The significance of any particular element varies greatly between these units but all take pride in them, none more so than the Fusiliers of Usamlijan. The uniforms worn by the Fusiliers has changed with time, and the meaning behind some of the older traditions have been lost to the inexorable march of ages.
The current uniform for the Usamlijan First Fusilier Cohort consists of simple ocher fatigues, a tunic and trousers, as well as a beret for most field duty and daily duties, although there are instances of other headgear for ceremonial duties and specialist roles within the Cohort. The significance of ocher for Fusilier Cohorts from Usamlijan is disputed by historians, some cite that the color appears in a number of ancient tapestries that date from the time of the early founding of Usamlijan's early fighting forces; also quite likely is the use of the color by many Munitorium supplied fighting units early in Jornath's history following Reunification. This uniform is supplemented with a heavy all-weather coat with a large collar, Fusilier storm-coats are uniformly a dark grey meant to conceal and wear well under extended use. Also standard issue are the heavy plasteel capped boots complimented with puttees, able to keep out moisture and support the long marches common for Fusiliers.
The beret is a traditional hat of the Northern settlements of Jornath, a rugged and practical garment meant to keep the wearer warm and not blow off in the gusting winds common in the higher elevations of the Northern mountains; so its use as the primary hat for Fusiliers is a practical extension of Usamlijan's culture. For the freshly inducted Fusilier the beret is worn unadorned although a number of hat badges are used for a variety of distinctions.
The most common hat badge is the Caput Mortem, it is awarded after a Fusilier has participated in multiple combat operations. Its use has nothing to do with rank, many freshly minted officers do not have the Caput Mortem, while a particularly veteran Fusilier may even be awarded the Caput Mortem Optima, a decoration most often given before a pensioned retirement. Also common among Fusiliers is the tradition of pierced ears. While not officially a sanctioned practice of the Fusilier Cohorts, it is a ancient practice of the nomadic Northern peoples to denote marital status.
Also extremely prevalent in the current environment of war against the Ork invaders is the Insigne Honoris. The cerulean gem centered in a silver ring is awarded to Fusiliers who have acted in a manner beyond that expected of their station, extreme acts of heroism or fearless bravery against a particularly tenacious foe. Often given as a posthumous decoration the, Insigne Honoris is worn with pride by those who have earned it and still live.
Specialists within the Usamlijan First Fusilier Cohort often were berets of different colors than their fellow Fusiliers. All manner of medical ranks wear white berets to denote their status as protectors of life as well as fighting men. Other colors include black for Funerary Detachments and dark crimson for Lay-adepts of the Mechanicus who serve within the Fusiliers, the latter is most commonly spotted among vehicle crews in the role of Driver or Engine Soother.
Reserved for members of the Ministorum in service to the Fusilier Cohorts is the Aquilla. This most holly badge is a sign to all those in the bearer's presence that their souls are in the able hands of a zealous and pious warden of the faithful. While personal use of the Aquilla in the form of a pendant or pilgrim's charm is officially encouraged, its use as an adornment on any piece of uniform is strictly forbidden among the Fusiliers by any outside of the Ministorum and punishable by flogging. Another restricted adornment is the spaulders worn by officers, while often simple in appearance their presence helps enlisted men to recognize their superiors quickly in the heat of battle.
Uniform code allows for Fusiliers of all ranks to wear a variety of facial hair at their discretion, although somewhat idiosyncratically it also requires all members to shave their heads completely. Popular styles for facial hair are usually centered around mustaches though small beards are common. Many Fusiliers choose to shave their faces smooth as it interferes far less with re-breathers and other close fitting equipment.
Although not standard issue many Fusiliers have acquired the tight-fitting face shields worn more commonly by Grenadiers. While the provenance of these devices may lead to disciplinary action, the Fusiliers who wear such items swear by their benefits. Possessing both limited air filtering capability and low light amplification, it is unsurprising that these face shields are so popular.
The current uniform for the Usamlijan First Fusilier Cohort consists of simple ocher fatigues, a tunic and trousers, as well as a beret for most field duty and daily duties, although there are instances of other headgear for ceremonial duties and specialist roles within the Cohort. The significance of ocher for Fusilier Cohorts from Usamlijan is disputed by historians, some cite that the color appears in a number of ancient tapestries that date from the time of the early founding of Usamlijan's early fighting forces; also quite likely is the use of the color by many Munitorium supplied fighting units early in Jornath's history following Reunification. This uniform is supplemented with a heavy all-weather coat with a large collar, Fusilier storm-coats are uniformly a dark grey meant to conceal and wear well under extended use. Also standard issue are the heavy plasteel capped boots complimented with puttees, able to keep out moisture and support the long marches common for Fusiliers.
The beret is a traditional hat of the Northern settlements of Jornath, a rugged and practical garment meant to keep the wearer warm and not blow off in the gusting winds common in the higher elevations of the Northern mountains; so its use as the primary hat for Fusiliers is a practical extension of Usamlijan's culture. For the freshly inducted Fusilier the beret is worn unadorned although a number of hat badges are used for a variety of distinctions.
The most common hat badge is the Caput Mortem, it is awarded after a Fusilier has participated in multiple combat operations. Its use has nothing to do with rank, many freshly minted officers do not have the Caput Mortem, while a particularly veteran Fusilier may even be awarded the Caput Mortem Optima, a decoration most often given before a pensioned retirement. Also common among Fusiliers is the tradition of pierced ears. While not officially a sanctioned practice of the Fusilier Cohorts, it is a ancient practice of the nomadic Northern peoples to denote marital status.
Also extremely prevalent in the current environment of war against the Ork invaders is the Insigne Honoris. The cerulean gem centered in a silver ring is awarded to Fusiliers who have acted in a manner beyond that expected of their station, extreme acts of heroism or fearless bravery against a particularly tenacious foe. Often given as a posthumous decoration the, Insigne Honoris is worn with pride by those who have earned it and still live.
Specialists within the Usamlijan First Fusilier Cohort often were berets of different colors than their fellow Fusiliers. All manner of medical ranks wear white berets to denote their status as protectors of life as well as fighting men. Other colors include black for Funerary Detachments and dark crimson for Lay-adepts of the Mechanicus who serve within the Fusiliers, the latter is most commonly spotted among vehicle crews in the role of Driver or Engine Soother.
Reserved for members of the Ministorum in service to the Fusilier Cohorts is the Aquilla. This most holly badge is a sign to all those in the bearer's presence that their souls are in the able hands of a zealous and pious warden of the faithful. While personal use of the Aquilla in the form of a pendant or pilgrim's charm is officially encouraged, its use as an adornment on any piece of uniform is strictly forbidden among the Fusiliers by any outside of the Ministorum and punishable by flogging. Another restricted adornment is the spaulders worn by officers, while often simple in appearance their presence helps enlisted men to recognize their superiors quickly in the heat of battle.
Uniform code allows for Fusiliers of all ranks to wear a variety of facial hair at their discretion, although somewhat idiosyncratically it also requires all members to shave their heads completely. Popular styles for facial hair are usually centered around mustaches though small beards are common. Many Fusiliers choose to shave their faces smooth as it interferes far less with re-breathers and other close fitting equipment.
Although not standard issue many Fusiliers have acquired the tight-fitting face shields worn more commonly by Grenadiers. While the provenance of these devices may lead to disciplinary action, the Fusiliers who wear such items swear by their benefits. Possessing both limited air filtering capability and low light amplification, it is unsurprising that these face shields are so popular.
Like all banners carried by Cohorts from Usamlijan those of the First Usamlijan Fusilier Cohort feature ocher, heather grey, crimson and black. Also prominent is the slogan of "Prima" and the numeral "I" both of these are honors as well as denoting the the Cohort's number. Unsurprisingly the Cohorts listing as the First has led to a number of official and unofficial slogans, "First Among Equals" for example or the commonly used "Usamlijan's Vanguard". A notable honor present on the banners of the Usamlijan First Fusilier Cohort is the golden Aquilla, a specific award given by the Ministorum celebrating the defense of the Shrine of St. Bascilius during the early days of the War Against the Orks.
Friday, November 3, 2017
Operation Vengeful Deliverance
The Usamlijan Fusilier Cohort stretched along the coastal highway. It had been a few weeks since their forced march south to participate in the Central Theater operations around Mendorus Grove. The men had fought well, casualties had been around twenty percent, well within acceptable margins according to Tactica Command; no major loss of equipment assets either. As far as High Command was concerned the Usamlijan Fusiliers were in the best shape to carry out a highly important mission at the request of the Mechanicus Overseer of Prima Jama, Magos Logis Syntax.
Officers of the Cohort gathered around the open rear of one of the few Chimera armored transports operated by the Fusiliers. The clutch of men were sheltered by the armored forms of several Taurox and the imposing bulk of 'Matrem Collidis' one of the few Leman Russ Tanks permanently attached to the cohort. Men of every rank traded stories and lho sticks while sipping recaff and stronger things from dented mugs and flasks. Master Fusilier Chebzch stooped as he exited the rear hold of the Chimera. "Listen up! Captain 'as new orders for yas!" Captain Brechiaz clasped a dossier in one hand and a mug of recaff in the other, "Thank you Master Fusilier. This one comes straight from the top gentlemen. We've got orders to break off a detachment of the Cohort and conduct a raid on the nearby village of Saltzkohst. I don't have much intel on the condition of the xenos forces there, but make no mistake the greens are in control in that region. We've been selected to rescue a very important Magos who has managed to hold out inside of Saltzkohst since it was overwhelmed by Orks landing on the coast. He's been able to stay in contact with the Mechanicus of Prima Jama, but apparently he can no longer hold out within the village." The gathered officers mumbled and shuffled at the revelation of the nature of the coming mission.
Master Fusilier Chebzch banged his adimantite bionic arm against a fuel drum, "Oi! Quiet down! Briefing ain't ova!" The captain nodded and placed the dossier he'd been holding on the top of a stack of ammo crates that acted as a briefing table. "The Cohort will be splitting into three groups. The largest of these will continue the march north. I'm sure you've all noticed the lack of section leaders present today, they all have their marching orders and I will leave it to the discretion of the officers present as to how much of this trickles down to the men." Another low grumble circulated among the gathered officers and sergeants. "As for the other two groups, the first Fusilier Section under my personal command will form task-force Vengeance. Our main task will be to engage the Orks on the northeastern edge of Saltzkohst, we believe this is the where the majority of xenos are clustered and will foster the most reaction to our attack. I intend to draw the Orks into the muddy flat ground and punish them with concentrated heavy weapons fire." Sergeant Grazn punched the Fusilier next to him in the arm and let out a whoop of excitement. "Aye Grazn, your boys will get to put those autocannons to use, but our attack is just a distraction so we can achieve our primary objective. The Reconnaissance Company under Lieutenant Drabzch, will form task-force Deliverance, and will act as a rapid spearhead assigned to push into Saltzkohst from the south. They will rendezvous with the Magos and extract him using the Taurox transports seconded for this mission."
The Captain surveyed the briefing noting the looks on the Fusiliers faces, he recognized the mix of zeal and trepidation that preceded a planned engagement. "All of you have fought well, not one of you here should fear anything that the coming battle holds for us, even if death awaits us in this undertaking we will be in good company among the brave heroes of Jornath."
Officers of the Cohort gathered around the open rear of one of the few Chimera armored transports operated by the Fusiliers. The clutch of men were sheltered by the armored forms of several Taurox and the imposing bulk of 'Matrem Collidis' one of the few Leman Russ Tanks permanently attached to the cohort. Men of every rank traded stories and lho sticks while sipping recaff and stronger things from dented mugs and flasks. Master Fusilier Chebzch stooped as he exited the rear hold of the Chimera. "Listen up! Captain 'as new orders for yas!" Captain Brechiaz clasped a dossier in one hand and a mug of recaff in the other, "Thank you Master Fusilier. This one comes straight from the top gentlemen. We've got orders to break off a detachment of the Cohort and conduct a raid on the nearby village of Saltzkohst. I don't have much intel on the condition of the xenos forces there, but make no mistake the greens are in control in that region. We've been selected to rescue a very important Magos who has managed to hold out inside of Saltzkohst since it was overwhelmed by Orks landing on the coast. He's been able to stay in contact with the Mechanicus of Prima Jama, but apparently he can no longer hold out within the village." The gathered officers mumbled and shuffled at the revelation of the nature of the coming mission.
Master Fusilier Chebzch banged his adimantite bionic arm against a fuel drum, "Oi! Quiet down! Briefing ain't ova!" The captain nodded and placed the dossier he'd been holding on the top of a stack of ammo crates that acted as a briefing table. "The Cohort will be splitting into three groups. The largest of these will continue the march north. I'm sure you've all noticed the lack of section leaders present today, they all have their marching orders and I will leave it to the discretion of the officers present as to how much of this trickles down to the men." Another low grumble circulated among the gathered officers and sergeants. "As for the other two groups, the first Fusilier Section under my personal command will form task-force Vengeance. Our main task will be to engage the Orks on the northeastern edge of Saltzkohst, we believe this is the where the majority of xenos are clustered and will foster the most reaction to our attack. I intend to draw the Orks into the muddy flat ground and punish them with concentrated heavy weapons fire." Sergeant Grazn punched the Fusilier next to him in the arm and let out a whoop of excitement. "Aye Grazn, your boys will get to put those autocannons to use, but our attack is just a distraction so we can achieve our primary objective. The Reconnaissance Company under Lieutenant Drabzch, will form task-force Deliverance, and will act as a rapid spearhead assigned to push into Saltzkohst from the south. They will rendezvous with the Magos and extract him using the Taurox transports seconded for this mission."
The Captain surveyed the briefing noting the looks on the Fusiliers faces, he recognized the mix of zeal and trepidation that preceded a planned engagement. "All of you have fought well, not one of you here should fear anything that the coming battle holds for us, even if death awaits us in this undertaking we will be in good company among the brave heroes of Jornath."
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