Ch. 5.2- Brutes, Marines and Futtershy in between
Chapter 7
A week in Paradise-(Part 2)
Fluttershy
________________________________________
"As an Astartes, one is trained to not to feel any emotion outside of righteous fury. Mercy and Compassion are concepts that are rarely demonstrated or seen, even amongst your battle-brothers. But, as anyone who has ever been around Fluttershy knows, it's almost impossible not to demonstrate these ideals. I had spent my entire life killing, but when I did so in front of her, it was the first time I ever felt shame."- Srgt. Longinus, on his dealings with Fluttershy
"Every race seems to have a special ability or trait. Humans are clever and resilient. Sanghelli are great fighters with a strong moral code. Asari are neutral and bang everyone. Eldar are reserved but powerful. And ponies… well, somehow they've weaponized cuteness. One can resist their charm the same way a snail can go FTL; you can't."- Capt. Cassius
________________________________________
+Day 3 of Contact
9:55 A.M.
Fluttershy's Cottage/ Forward Base Aquila
Thought of the day: A busy mind is pure mind.
Life was starting to get into a routine, the sense of awe and wonder settling down into a sense of normalcy and acceptance. Much of the base had been (hastily) assembled, and none of the Imperials' daily activities interfered with Fluttershy's lifestyle of peace and calm. Granted, it did take awhile for the meek Pegasus to convince them not to kill every animal that happened to pass by, to reassure them that she could handle any fauna problem, but with great helpings of reasoning, pleading and using the cutest puppy eyes that any of them had ever seen, they acquiesced to her conditions.
The whole situation was still rather disconcerting for the Imperials. Having to work with naive and cute little xenos on a daily basis didn't sit well with some of the more… devout members, especially the Chaplains and Confessors. Even though all of them had sworn to the Emperor to accept the equines, but it would be a lie to say that none of them thought, even for a minute, that perhaps the aliens put some kind of spell on Him, bending Him to their will. And if they were able to achieve that, who knew what else they could do?
But while the higher ups- from the Inquisitor to the Captains to the Chaplains- seemed uneasy about it, everyone else was slowly warming up to the ponies. Since all the animals now avoided the cottage like the plague, so Fluttershy had nothing to do but mingle with the big scary humans. She seemed rather at ease with the giants- even with the Imperial Fists, when they came down- but seemed to be closest with Longinus. And then, of course, there was Faber and Derpy, who had somehow became the comedic duo of the camp.
This leads us to what's happening right now…
"No, Derpy!" The corporal had shouted at the ditzy mare. "I don't want to go meet your boyfriend! I've got more important things to do than make social calls!"
"Hold up, buttercup," The Pegasus countered, flying around the trooper to look him in the eye (not an easy thing, considering her wandering eyes). "First off, the term is 'coltfriend'- we've been over this, words are different here. Secondly, Doctor Whooves is not my coltfriend. He's simply a friend, who happens to be a stallion. And thirdly, I just thought it would be nice if you two met. He always goes on about technology, so maybe he would like you too. Especially with your robot arm."
"Bah!" Faber snarled. "My cybernetics are not for show and tell! I think if I even let you touch it, the Magos would blow a circuit and have me executed! Speaking of which, why don't you just take him? The Mechanicus knows everything there is to know about technology."
"I'm not going to bring that creeper!" Derpy cried out. "He has been asking all kinds of weird questions about 'pony breeding', and watches us like a foal-fiddler. I'll be sent to Tartarus before I let him anywhere near my Dinky and Sparkler!" Many citizens in Ponyville could attest with that; you don't fuck with Derpy's family; as cute as she is, she'll break your legs.
"I wouldn't worry about that, Corporal." Longinus called out, again sneaking up behind them. "He went over to Pinkie Pie's house earlier today. Something about 'understanding the complicated nature of equine xeno genetics'."
"Good luck with that." Fluttershy spoke up. "Not to say anything bad about Pinkie- but, well, I've heard talking to her can be very… confusing."
The Astartes and the Pegasus were always quite a sight. It seemed as of the first day of settlement, some kind of arrangement or understanding was made between them, somehow making them "friends" if rumors and observations were true. The strangest part about it was the now Fluttershy was always riding on the Marine's armor, laying on the shoulder guard like a wolf pelt, almost like she were using him as a personal taxi. People would joke about it, but never to their faces (Guardsmen didn't want to insult a demigod, and the Space Marines were too professional to mind it).
"Hey, Fluttershy," The gray mare chirped, "Have any plans today?"
"Why yes, Derpy," She promptly answered, flying off and landing daintily in the dust. "I actually have to AJ's farm to pick up some supplies. She's always nice enough to grant me a discount, if not completely free."
"Would you mind if I were to come along, Fluttershy?" Longinus inquired. "I haven't been to Sweet Apple Acres yet. The Inquisitor is always on us about 'obtaining intelligence' and 'doing reconnaissance', as if we didn't know how to do our job."
Fluttershy shifted awkwardly, trying to think of a good excuse. "Um," She stammered, "I don't think that's a good idea, Mr. Longinus. Applejack is busy with bucking apples, and she always wants to meet guests personally, so-"
"What about her siblings?" He countered. "I'm sure one of her family members would be able to talk to me."
"Uh, um… I think they're helping her with the harvesting. It's a family activity."
"No matter. I don't have to talk to them. I'll just walk around the property, see what I can see, and leave before anyone is the wiser."
Fluttershy was running out of ideas, save one. She didn't want to lie about her friends, and she felt that AJ wouldn't be happy about it, but they all knew the rules. The humans were not supposed to see each other.
"Okay, Mr. Longinus. I didn't want to tell anyone this, but Applejack and Big Mac are, well, rather shy. They don't always like having unexpected guests coming over. They are okay with me and my friends coming over, but if you showed up, you might startle them."
"And what would be so wrong with that?" The Astartes argued.
Fluttershy whimpered, a truly heartbreaking sound. Everyone near her felt quite uncomfortable. Derpy was very familiar with that sound; whenever the yellow mare made it, she was guaranteed to get what she wanted, not out of manipulation, but because it gives everyone in earshot became crushed with guilt.
Longinus had heard a similar sound come from her before; and even to this day he couldn't believe that the little xeno could affect him so…
________________________________________
Two days prior
Perimeter of Forward Base Aquila
Howls could be heard piercing the quiet of the night. The Guardsmen and Astartes recalled that it sounded like the lost 13th Company of Space Wolves. Fluttershy told them it was Timberwolves. Quite an intimidating creature, as she described it; twice the size of a pony, made of wood, very hard to kill. What was a nightmare for the ponies was welcome opportunity for the soldiers.
Finally, they get to shoot something.
While the Guardsmen stayed put to maintain the perimeter, the Marines went out for the hunt. The wolves were clever beasts, no doubt- but the Astartes had fought against the likes of Orks and Tyranids, and no animals were smarter then them. It had taken maybe an hour for them to slay over a hundred of them through the forest, a few techmarines and apothecaries taking a few corpses back for study (a living moving creature made only of wood- fascinating).
Towards the end of the night, Longinus had separated from the rest of the squad, looking for any stragglers. He found one. It was in a shallow ditch, growling at… Fluttershy? Indeed, she had snuck out in the night, and was talking to the beast in some weird language. As she spoke, the timberwolf growled louder, and took a few steps closer. The Pegasus retreated, looking very pale.
It was plain to see that the creature meant to kill the pony. That was something he could not allow.
Quick and silent as death, the Astartes rushed to the xenos, drawing his chainsword. Before anyone could even blink, Longinus stabbed the sword through the back of the timberwolf's neck, sending it all the way through the mouth. Pulling the trigger, the chainsword whirred to life, and green ichor splattered the ground and bushes. The blade came out; the body flopped to the ground, dead as a doorknob.
All this happened in about three seconds.
Fluttershy looked aghast, appalled at what she saw. "W-why did you do that?" She asked.
"That beast was going to kill you." Longinus explained, as if stating an obvious fact.
"No she wasn't!" The pony cried out, full of sadness and anger.
Huh?
"She was a mother," She continued, her eyes getting teary. "She was running away from you because you killed her entire pack. She was pregnant with cubs, and was asking me to hide her."
The Marine was quiet, but felt a growing… unease. A strange feeling was welling in him, one he hadn't felt since he was a mortal.
Fluttershy was crying now, tears running down her face. "I was telling her that I would vouch for her, that none of you would harm her while under my protection. She was just a poor, innocent creature, and you just slaughtered her like a heartless monster!"
She flew away, her sobs echoing strangely in the forest. Longinus looked at his sword, then at the body, then back to his sword. He wondered aloud, partly to himself and partly to the Emperor, "What the Hell just happened?"…
________________________________________
Longinus had doubted that the creature was indeed sentient (and when one of his battle-brothers ate the brains of one timberwolf, they confirmed that indeed they weren't), and thus didn't care that he killed the creature. He would've done it a thousand times if the situation demanded it.
But it wasn't the killing that bothered him. It was the fact that he had shaken Fluttershy so badly.
It had occurred to him that what he had done went against what she stood for. Her talent was working with animals and creatures. She had been implementing that by trying to protect the pregnant monster, when he had come in and slayed her charge without a moment's hesitation.
Longinus wondered what was more discomforting to him; that he had traumatized their xeno host, or that he actually cared what she thought.
Either way, he felt compelled to "apologize" in some manner, or at least explain himself to the poor creature. Longinus had a talk with her, basically saying he was sorry for doing that to her, but that it was part of his duty to take out any potential threats. Fluttershy understood, saying it was her fault for not trying to stop him.
Point being, after that talk, it was an unspoken agreement that the Astartes wouldn't put the Pegasus through that type of trouble again.
So, as Fluttershy whimpered before him, he knew he really didn't have a choice in the matter.
"Fine," He sighed, "If it matters that much to you, I'll stay here then."
"Really?" The Element of Kindness perked up.
"Yes, its fine. You can go on ahead." He didn't have to check out the place now. Besides, if he really wanted to look at the farm, he could always sneak over and do some scouting from the forest and no one would even know he was there.
"Oh, thank you, Longinus." She praised, flying up and wrapping her arms around his neck in a hug. It caught him by surprise, and to a bystander it looked like he had grown a yellow and pink beard. She then released him, and flew off down the road. Longinus simply walked off to the landing zone; perhaps he could pick up some new weapons or something.
That left the familiar mailmare and guardsman on the road again.
"You sure you don't want to come along? There'll be muffins."
"Leave me alone, xeno scum!"
________________________________________
10:55 A.M.
Sweet Apple Acres
There was a clacking sound as two swords collided, again and again. The two combatants warily stared each other down, waiting for a potential weakness to exploit. Asides from an obvious difference, the fighters were –surprisingly- evenly matched. As they were watched, the swordsmen fought with a certain intensity not often seen.
The smaller one would jump around like a Yoda-impersonator, using his natural speed and agility to keep his opponent moving, even jumping over him at times. The larger opponent had much more reach and experience, keeping the challenger at a distance, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
The giant slashed at his opponent, missing as he ducked and weaved. The midget saw his chance, and leapt over his foe. However, the giant had been counting on that, and swiped his feet underneath as he landed. While he was on his back, the giant planted his foot on his chest, and raised his weapon to strike.
"Time."
N'tho looked up. "How long was that?"
"Five minutes, twenty-three seconds," Vasquez informed him, "Twice as long as last time."
"Nice," Spike gasped out. "Uh, N'tho, your foot, could you please-"
"Of course." The Sanghelli lifted his cloven foot, and helped the little dragon up. No need to break the little guy's ribs after a little sparing with fake swords, right?
They were on the edge of the UNSC-CAR encampment, far enough away from the hustle and bustle to not be in the way, but still within the limits set with AJ and Trixie. Since the meeting at Rarity's, Spike had been coming over to learn about fighting from the Sanghelli and his buddies. While many troops thought it strange that the group leaders would accept this little bugger, N'tho saw something in the dragon. When he had been playing with the sword, he was displaying techniques and speed that he himself took years to master. Sure, he was clumsy and his footwork needed some fixing, but Spike had proven himself to be a quick learner.
Besides, Spike could provide a bountiful harvest of Intel on the natives, as he would often ask their opinions on all kinds of things. Alan noted humorously that Spike had taken to N'tho (and vicariously Cassius and himself) much like how the human had taken to his Uncle Billy. Apparently, father-figures were in short supply in Ponyville.
"Nice job, little guy." Alan complimented the dragon, giving him a canteen. "That's almost as long as mah time."
"Thanks." Spike drank greedily. "Still fell for the foot swipe, though."
"Remember to curl up and roll out when you land." N'tho instructed. "You're small and quick, play to your advantages. And keep working on your footwork. There were a few times that you crossed your feet. Even at a distance, I could've rushed in while you were off-balance and taken you."
"Still," Cassius pointed out, "It's rather impressive how quickly you have improved. It's been two days, and you are progressing through techniques that usually take years to understand."
Spike smiled, and tried not to blush. It was rather unbecoming of a warrior.
As they headed over to the makeshift cafeteria, Alan asked, "Hey Spike, what's the deal with those tattoos on all the ponies' rears? Is it some kind of clan marker or somethin'?"
"Oh, those are cutie marks."
"Huh?" The aliens grunted.
Spike tried to think of the best way to explain. Cutie marks were something everyone on Equestria knew about, so it never really had to be explained. "Cutie marks are a representation of a pony's special talent. They get it around adolescence, and it defines what makes each individual unique. It's something that only occurs on its own, and only ponies and zebras get them."
The others nodded, understanding the concept. "So," N'tho questioned, "Trixie's wand and sparkles represent, what, magic?"
"That's what Twilight's mean, actually. Trixie's represents showmanship and stage magic, which is just illusions and stuff."
"'Kay," Vasquez countered, "But Applejack's represents her talent for apple-farming, right?"
"Yep."
"So why does Rarity have a diamond design when she makes outfits?"
Before Spike could answer, the gang heard a commotion coming from a nearby tree house. Apparently, the CMC were trying to explain the very same concept to a pack of Ungguoy. And they weren't getting very much sympathy.
"So let me get this straight." Corporal Digdug, the leader of the Grunts (and obviously the smartest) asked. "You girls spend all your time doing all kinds of dangerous and ridiculous stuff, all in the hopes of getting some magical tattoos and some form of validation?"
"Yep." Scootaloo chirped.
"Darn tootin'." Applebloom exclaimed.
"Absolutely." Sweetie Belle declared.
"… Don't you think that's a bit, I dunno, shallow?" The Grunt questioned.
The fillies scoffed, shocked at such an appalling accusation. "We are not shallow!" Scootaloo shouted. "You won't believe the crap that we go through at school. We get bullied, trolled, get all kinds of injuries looking for new talents- what are you doing with your fingers?"
"It's the galaxy's smallest violin, and it's playing for you."
"Digdug, be nice." One of the Grunts cautioned. "They just childrens. The big sisters, they beat us up if they find out."
"Its okay, Jimjim. Applejack and Rarity are not going to kill us because we set them straight. If anything, they might kill you 'cause you shot at them."
"I no shoot at pony! I shoot at bird! Why no one listen to Jimjim?!"
"That's my point right there, girls. You have no idea how hard it is to be an Ungguoy. We are always the first one into combat, the first one to die, and we never get any credit for it. My father got killed by a Spartan. My brother got eaten by the Flood. My sister's mate got launched out of an airlock on trash day. And for all that we do, none of the other races give us a second glance. So don't come to us to whine about the lack of a magical tat on your ass."
The fillies looked rather sad after their semi-scolding, and trotted away feeling humbled. Jimjim told his commander, "Wasn't that kinda mean?"
"I don't think so. Besides, they'll probably forget about it by tonight. Younglings have short memories. Let's go get some grub, I'm famished."
As the methane-breathers went about their business, Spike turned to N'tho and demanded, "Aren't you going to do something about them?"
"What about you?" His teacher countered. "The fillies are your friends."
"Yeah, but the Grunts as your troops. Isn't it your responsibility to discipline them or something?"
"They didn't say any lies. Their lives are that genuinely crappy, and it's not a bad thing to be humbled once in awhile. And if they were truly crossing the line, you would've felt compelled to intervene. Wouldn't you?"
Spike was about to argue the point, but it occurred to him that the Sanghelli was right; if Digdug was really being a dick, his sense of nobility would've kicked in, and Spike would beat the crap out of him. His hesitation was noticeable, and N'tho made a "there you go" gesture.
Unbeknownst to the others, Cassius was watching an interesting sight. As his friends continued to head to the cafeteria, he told them, "Hey, my Spiker has been acting up lately. I'm heading over to the Workshop, and I'll catch up with you."
"That's cool." Alan said. "We'll see you later."
The others walked off, but the Brute kept his eyes locked. On the other side of the farm was a little yellow Pegasus with pinkish hair, carrying a saddlebag. She had a little skip to her step and was singing a happy little tune, as if to say to the world, "I'm being adorable, and there's nothing you can do to stop me!"
She was the cutest thing Cassius had ever seen. And she didn't know that she was being followed…
________________________________________
Fluttershy had finally arrived at the farm. She was happy to get out the makeshift camp filled with giant cyborgs and trigger-happy humans. But she certainly didn't expect a full-on military base on AJ's farm, completely filled with humans and multiple alien races. It was definitely a good thing Longinus didn't come along. He would've certainly, as he put it, "Commit holy exterminatus in the name of Gulliman and the Emperor."
She didn't know what "exterminatus" was, but it certainly didn't sound nice.
All the same, it was definitely a good day to be outside. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, even the slight roar of the Pelicans and hum of Phantoms added to the gentle ambience of the moment. She sang a nameless tune, and felt lighter than air as she skipped across the farm. She was wondering where Applejack was when she heard-
"Ay, Sheila, whatcha got there?"
She turned around, and saw that she was being surrounded by a trio of bird-like lizard people. They had creepy red eyes, with tufts of feathers spread about their bodies like a case of rabies. The aliens would twitch their heads and arms this way and that, and were circling her in a rather predatory manner. Overall, they were very frightening.
Fluttershy tried to keep a brave face. "Oh, I'm just here to get some stuff from Applejack. Have you seen her?"
"Orange horsey?" The one who spoke, probably the leader, said. "Nope. Don't know, don't care. She ugly." The creature sounded weird. There was an odd fletching sound to it, like there was two of them. She heard it before with Garrus, but he was always friendly and nice. This one, however, sounded angry, greedy, and strangely… lustful?
This was really starting to head south. Fluttershy started backing away. "Well, uh, okay. I'll just go look for her then, if you don't mind. You all look busy, and I wouldn't-"
"We no busy, Sheila. " The creature hissed, his companions getting closer and closer. "Why not come with us? We show you good time, right boys?" The creatures hissed, looking her up and down, appraising her. One of them was even licking its scaly, disgusting lips.
Before things could get any worse, Fluttershy got herself some backup. Not a mighty Space Marine, but a big ape adorned in golden armor.
The Jiralhanae walked over to them, roaring and swearing in an alien language at the Kig-Yar. The Jackals tried to act all nice and innocent, but their Brute leader wasn't fooled. With a roar and a pointed finger, the Kig-Yar got the point, and with an annoyed and disappointed look walked away.
The Brute grunted, and turned his attention to the Pegasus. "Those Kig-Yar didn't hurt you, did they?"
"Oh no." She told him. She didn't want any trouble because of her. "They were okay. You don't have to worry, they didn't do anything."
"Don't bother flattering them." He snorted. "Those Jackals would've robbed you of everything if they were being nice. You don't want to know what those creeps do when no one is watching them."
"Oh my." Fluttershy didn't think she wanted to know what they were capable of. "In that case, thank you for saving me, mister, um…"
"Cassius. And your name is 'Fluttershy', right?"
"Yes, it is. While we're talking, you wouldn't have happened to see Applejack around, have you?"
"No, but I can help you look around. It's probably better to have an escort you around, lest those Jackals try to make another move. Come with me." He turned and began walking, and the Pegasus followed.
The rest of the day, Cassius and Fluttershy were all over Apple Base, as it would eventually be called. They did eventually find AJ, and got the supplies Fluttershy came for. She also got a full escorted tour, meeting with his friends and commanders, seeing the various weapons and vehicles, the whole nine yards. She even talked a bit to Spike, who was looking more mature and defined every day. Fluttershy, who considered herself an excellent judge of character, found everyone except the Kig-Yar to be really nice and sincere, going about their jobs with a sense of duty and honor she'd rarely seen.
And Cassius… well, Fluttershy thought that he was to these people what Longinus was to the Imperials: Her protector. She would later find out that Jiralhanae had a stereotype of being warmongering, bloodthirsty berserkers. But she found Cassius to be quite the opposite. He was caring, smart, gentle, just a generally nice guy. Like Big Macintosh, only more talkative.
At the end of the day, she said her goodbyes to everyone, and went walking back to her home. As she strolled down the dirt road, she thought, I bet it would be really nice if Cassius and Longinus got to meet each other. They'd have so much to talk-
She stopped in her tracks. She realized that, while Cassius might not have a problem with other visitors, Longinus and his friends most certainly would. He had told Fluttershy of all the times she had gone about slaying filthy xenos, how ponies were, as of right now, the only aliens worth sparing from holy fire. If he met Cassius, or Garrus, or any of the others…
Fluttershy whimpered in the evening quiet. This was getting way too dangerous, too close to home. She couldn't bear to imagine what types of hell could come if things went bad…
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So, here we are at the tenth chapter. Seems like Fluttershy has a way with big powerful aliens, doesn't she?
+ Luna+ Inception= me gusta
Is Spike becoming a kickass swordsman? You tell me?
Derpy's trying to make friends, and the CMC got burned by the Grunts, the cannon fodder of Halo? Definitely.
Btw, sweet episode today. Scootaloo
Every thing about this fimfic makes me tingly inside.
1767970 the way you described him fighting (like yoda) i would say he could take on a few ponies and win. who know, maybe more than a few? seeing as their projectile weaponry is lacking(excepting unicorns).
1768172 But he's not going to be fighting ponies now, is he?
We've got bigger fish to fry.
My father got killed by a Spartan
-Digdug
be proud, your father died by the hand of a DEMI-GOD not all the unggoy get that privilege
If shit hit's the Fan. Spike gonna be with The Halo Guy's
1768192
I think halo is a pretty cool guy, eh kills aliens and doesn't afraid of anything.
1768185 i know that much, he might not fare so well against a squad of imperial guardsmen(in a similar fashion to how a lot of jedi died in order 66) but he could probably match a single spacemarine using his chainsword, in the short amount of time it would take to slice through it(assuming energy swords have the same cutting ability as w40k energy weapons(melee) )
here is another point, are you running halo from the video games, or halo from the books. the way i understand it is that the books were nerfed to make the video game playable. also, i know the boltgun's level of win, what about the needler from the books, those two weapons seem somewhat comparable, is this true?
1768280
The boltgun fires miniture rockets that by alrights shouldn't be able to be fired by a guardsman as the recoil would destroy their entire arm, the needler on the other hand fires very small needles that while deadly to lightly armoured troops like marines, or in this case guardsmen, they don't do that much against spartans, and Space marines are better than spartans in every respect. Just poutting this out there. Also, did anyone else find it weird that Luna's voice changed in the new episode today?
1768325 as to that i was referencing the explosive quality of both weapons. the boltgun relies on conventional explosives(and yes i know of the many variants), and the explosion of needles looks similar to plasma explosions(halo) we know for a fact that plasma is effective against space marine armor, so it might have a 4-3+ ap (not as good as the plasma rifle) and a relatively low strength, 3. My w40k weapon stats come directly from the 4th gen space marine codex.
1768349
Ah, fair enough then, the stas for the needler you've written actually look pretty cool.
1768188 Notice that his family dies in rather heroic ways, yet his in-laws end up dying in rather funny ways (see trash airlock).
1768192>>1768246 Why not join Halo? You may not be the most lethal force on the battlefield, but they're certainly the coolest-looking. Everyone who's ever played multiplayer knows that Spartans have mad swag.
1768272 That did baffle me though, in Star Wars; as a jedi, you're supposed to know where each blast is going. Wouldn't you then be able to block every shot. Further, I've seen reports that, while more than a match for untrained or unskilled force users, Spartans would last very long against actual Jedi Knights or Masters, like Vader or Yoda (especially when you consider the Force Unleashed and its OPness).
On the subject of lore, I'm using both. The books certainly will give alot of background for the universe and whatnot, but when it comes to the actual combat, it will be more centric on the games.
I don't remember them mentioning needles in the books, but from the games i'd say there's a slight edge over bolters. While bolters are certainly explosive and deadly, especially in short range, Needle guns can follow a target, and Needle Rifles can bounce off stuff anf go long distances. Thus, the Needle is a more effective long-range weapon.
1768354 im pretty sure it would be rapid fire too.(meaning no close combat charge if firing) and 24" range(again like the bolter due to its tracking ability reducing the need for firing ahead of moving targets)
1768368
uhhmm i dont think gettin eaten by the flood is a heroic way lawl
1768371
I think it would probably be an assault weapon, I mean it is still a pistol, and can the elites always seem to fire it on the move, plus you could then model a marine to have a needler and an energy sword.
1768325>>1768325 I've heard arguments on both sides vis-a-vis Spartans and Space Marines. Spartans tend to have better armor and shielding (unless its made out of adamantium, I'm not sure). They are also genetically selected and modified from a process that washed out 50% of its membership, compared to the Astartes, when, if they don't have an unstable geneseed, pass remarkably well. Spartans are also better trained, using modern day special forces training compared to basically amounts to WWI tactics. Thing is, Marines will always end up winning, because while there's only a few hundred Spartans, there are thousands and thousands of Marines, who get replaced year after year. Its rather ironic, in a 300 kind of way.
)
TF>> No, but at least he died a hero, protecting the universe from highly mutated space zombies. Much better way to go than the way Grunts died in ODST, when you shot their head and confetti came out (Something tells me that would be Pinkie's favorite part of the game
Fight, Soon
Also
+ puu.sh/1yLhU = Weaponized Cuteness
1768382 if you revert back to models, then yeah you could totally have a elite with a needler in one hand and a energy sword in the other.
ANOTHER POINT: also what about Halo plasma? since the Author has said that he relies on the games for combat, then the covie plasma weaponry SUCKS compared to ANY plasma weapon the imperium has. plasma rifles cant melt their way through anything in the game, which puts then at a severe disadvantage.
1768397 Exactly.
Can't promise fighting, but there will be weapon pointing and death threats made...next time.
1768403 Meanwhile In Canterlot puu.sh/1xJ2X
1768401 Damn, you got me there.
While it takes many shots of plasma to take down a shield, doesn't it take only one or two shots to go through armor?
Well, hold up.
Then again, maybe Tau and Tryanid plasma is just more potent.
1768412 Well Compared To Marine To Covenant Armor, The Marines Can Withstand A Shitload Of Covie Plasma
1768412 try shooting a concrete baricade with a plasma pistol. i relise the games run under game physics, but if you also fire at a GRUNT with a plasma pistol, it takes 4-5 shots. a w40k plasma pistol can very easily kill a space marine(single shot). which has power armor. go figure.
1768420 im not trying to tear apart the internal logic here, but there has to be a rather large rebalancing to the weapons.
1768422 What If, Marine Plasma Eats Armor, But Aren't Effective Agaisnt Shields ? Seeing They Don't Use Em
1768427 i coould see that working under the stipulation that covie plasma has a high electrical charge(i dont know if thats possible under book/game cannon) the reason for that being is there would need to be a difference other than temperature of the plasma. also, w40k plasma(imperium) weapons can explode and kill the user. those two thing when together should work to balance.
1768437 I Belive The Marines Plasma Weapons Are Supercharged By Heat Meaning That Organic Just Has An Horrible Death, While Covies Relies On A Overload Of Electricty To Use Plasma Guns This Would Explain The Inefectivity Against Armor, Also Don't Forget The Normandy Crew Will Make An Appearance Too
1768445 mass effect has no energy weapons. they also have no shields that block energy weapons( all my knowledge of mass effect comes from a friend). if either or both factions turned against the mass effect teams they would die. horribly. they do however have the best rail gun capacity i know of(lightspeed or near it). it would be useless in atmosphere.
1768427>>1768437 Yeah, that could work.
but the Italians gave us Ferraris and Fiats
.
Hey, aren't plasma weapons kinda hard to come by? I mean, you can get an old "crappy" plasma pistol in the Imperium, sure. But if you the high-grade, can-melt-through-just-about-anything plasma, you have to go to the Tau.
It occurs to me that the difference between weapons from the Imperium and the Tau is like the difference between american and foregin cars. Sure, the Imperials got the classics, but the Taus can blow up stuff and play your iLibrary while you do it. Remember children, America made the Cadillac,
Yeah, I know I'm ranting now. Its 3 am over here. Sleep, my old foe, is winning another one.
1768453
Yeah, when it comes to combat, Mass Effect and Star Trek are the runts of the space opera litter. You can get some sexy alien babes in them, but you can't fight anything more dangerous than a few minor ships from any other universe.
1768454 Well Tau Weapons Fire True Plasma At High Velocity, While Imperial It's Not So Fast Not So Good Quality, Still Would Melt Your Face,
1768453 The Mass Effect People I Believe They Have 1 Or 2 Beam Weapons I've Seen Ingame But They Have Biotics, That Gives An Edge, Also They Rely On Kinetic Force For Their Weapons, So It Would Be Effective To Overcharge A Marine Nanos Or A Covie Shield And Fill Them With High Velocity Bullets
1768464 star trek only if the borg are not involved. otherwise yes.
1768453
Mass effect as kinectic barriers which ar effective against collectors partical gun things, so there shields might hold against covie plasma.
1768472 it depends on whether the barriers are effective against particle clouds. plasma acts a lot like a gas, with the exception of atomic structure due to excessive temperature.
1768472 Particle Guns Don't Work On The Same Concept Of Covie Plasma, They Are A Mix Of Particles Fire At High Velocity, Like A Small Fission/Fusion Shot With Electrons And Stuff
1768467
As much as I hate to say it, on a grand scale, biotics are rather weak. Compared to things like psyker, Force or even magic, its seems to be of rather limited use and abilities. Honestly, if there was a fight between Jack and Twilight, I bet Twilight would win. Jack may have power, but Twilight's power (in some respects like fellow psykers) can manipulate reality, and is way more versatile.
You could also look at it like this: Biotics come from within, from what the individual is able to muster out of themselves.
Harmonic Magic, while also somewhat from the self, is also dependent on the enviornment and those around you. Much of the magic we've seen has been either drawn from the world around them, or from the bonds and relationships built between friends.
Psyker power is built upon emotion, which is manifested through the warp. While this allows the individual to draw much more power, it also opens up the possibility of being overloaded, and succumbing to the dangers of the immaterium.
And the Force, I think, is energy taken not just from life, but from the universe itself. While also powerful, the Force has a mind of its own, and can manipulate events as it so chooses (see birth of Anakin Skywalker).
1768503 Well , Still How Many Psykers Can Make The Dark Matter Holes And That Thingyies?
1768518
Dunno. How many biotics can spew warp fire from their mouths? When I look at the wiki, one of the many talents the Librarians have is spewing warp fire. There's a cool picture of it and everything.
If biotics were a 5, magic would be a 5 1/2, and psykers would be a solid 8. When they're powerful, they're really powerful.
1768529 I Feel Magic Is More Powerful, Because , Not Many Chances Of Chaos Warp, Corruption And Etcs, Also Time Travels And Moving The Sun/Moon, Teleporting
1768547
Sorry For Being A Dick, But Do You Really Have To Capitalize Each Word? It's Killing My Eyes As I Read Through The Comments.
1768605 Excuse Me , And Yes I Do Have To, It's A Kind Of OCD
1768529 WARNING WARNING, 40K NUT INCOMING sorry, just wanted to get that out the way. psykers in 40k are massively varied, and not just in terms of ability. they go from Omnicron level Psykers who are sightly lucky or can always get that last parking space, though only on a subconsciously level, to Alpha-Plus level Psykers who can rip these beauties in half with their mind: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NkLgHKVMeYY/TlIr33qlH-I/AAAAAAAAACQ/YxhyLTc8OPU/s1600/Warlock+titans.jpg so more like 2 to 12 in my opinion.
. also, on the subject of shields, while imperials don't use them as often as troops from mass effect and halo, they do sometime use them. do the words 'iron halo' or 'Rosarius ' ring any belles?
however, they are also almost always corrupted by you friendly local chaos god. also note that for psychic power, a Alpha-Plus level Psyker once said to the emperor that his powers are just a drop in the ocean compared to him. also, bolts (the projectile that is fired out a bolter) are .75 self propelled rockets, not grenades. you'd be better to think of them as very small semi-automatic rocket launchers. i really don't want to do a 40k curb stomp here, just trying to help
1768547 as said earlier, the emperor noted that stars are far easier to move in this galaxy, and psykers CAN teleport, it's just a little more dangerous.
psykers (EXTREMELY powerful one, but still psykers) have been known to stop time. again, really sorry if this looks like a curbstop, but 40k is set 37,448 years after HALO and 37,815 years after mass effect. for humans to still be around, the must be pretty advanced. hell, im worried about us lastin another 1000 year, let alone 40,000.
that's all for now.
if there is one thing i learned about 40k is that everything is over-powered in some way, shape or form when compared to other universes
bah, wh40k is kinda meh since xeno hate you, chaos gods want to enslave you, imperium doesn't give a single crap about lives and so forth. also imperium successfully lost almost all technologies after the dark ages and death of the emperor. imean, come on, worshiping mechanical stuff? feeding 1000 psykers to the Golden Throne daily? nothankyou, i'd better serve eldars, at least they're exotic and not so creepy.
who am i kidding, my plan in case of getting in wh40k universe would be:
1. find out my whereabouts
2. end myself (80% probability)
As far as I know, Tau Plasma weaponry is actually LESS effective than Terran varients because Terran/human ones focus on raw power (And sometimes explode) while Tau weapons focus on repeatability and non-explodyness.
Also, you have to remember that technology is sanctified by the Mars priesthood, so advancement doesn't really happen alot.
And if we're trying to jam Mass Effect, Halo and 40k into the same timeline? Give me a break, that ain't happening without some seriously massive godmodding-all-over-the-shop-till-you-drop.
I'm done.
edit: I am enjoying the story, author, this was directed more at the comments
Imperium plasma weaponry have been known to be as hot as stars.
“Plasma weapons work using hydrogen fuel suspended in a photonic state in either fuel flasks or backpack containers. As the fuel is fed into the miniature fusion core inside the weapon, the hydrogen energies into plasma, held in the core by powerful magnetic containment fields. When fired, the fields dilate open and the plasma is ejected via a linear magnetic accelerator in a bolt of superheated matter akin to a solar flare in appearance and temperature. For this reason plasma weapons are sometimes called ‘sun guns’ by the common population.” Deathwatch Core Rulebook, p.147 - **
I also got a lot of things on psykers abilities if anyone's interested in those.
1768743
Yeah, I remembered seeing the iron halo
Such as
An Alpha level controlling massive hordes of sentient beings. Granted i also have lower levels as well.
“Kor’sarro had witnessed even warlike orks fall back in the face of such a barrage. He had known tyranid bio-organisms, bred for nothing but war, to falter against such a weight of firepower. He had seen only two types of foe continue forwards against such odds. On the third moon of Woebetide, whilst serving as a Scout many decades before, he had faced an Enslaver plague, and watched as ten thousand mind-slaved meat puppets, each formally a stoic Cadian shock trooper, were compelled by their alien masters to cross a minefield a hundred kilometres deep into the combined fire of the White Scars, Red Hunters and Celestial Lions Chapters. The other occasion had been on Delta Arbuthnot, when a potent, alpha-level psyker had forced an entire planetary population of ratling agri-serfs to rise up against the landowners in an orgy of bloodshed, even though they were armed with no more than shovels and their foes with automatic weapons.” Hunt for Voldorius, p.157 – **