The Faceless Master

[Exthalion]

Uriel had decided fairly early on in this battle that shooting the enemy as anything but a last resort would be a bad idea. He was not a particularly good shot, his weapon was not calibrated for the engagement range, and it was dark and they were under cover. In short actual combat in these circumstances would be best considered as a very dangerous pastime in which his life was worth far more then he had the potential to gain.

As such moral support was a much better role to play. He spoke loudly, loud enough their opponents could hear him. With any luck they would try to shoot him and he, being completely behind a rock would be fine.

"Take heart my friends, for within the vastness of the firmament we are not forsaken among the uncountable stars.

Even now the light of Terra under Sol is upon us. For we serve the Lord of Mankind and upon us his favor rests. Stand firm in this test, and rejoice in it. For we are given the chance to prove our faith where others must profess only with words.

Let our deeds be like a fragrant offering, rising before the sight of the Emperor.

Oh Lord of Earth, if it be your will this night, have mercy on these poor children who oppose your servant.

In service of mankind it becomes necessary that some men must die.

If these are faithful and sacrifice required of them, then let their souls be gathered to your bosom.

If they serve heretics and evil men then let them be destroyed utterly and not the smallest fragment remain to continue service to the ruinous powers.

For the deaths of the righteous is cause for rejoicing for they are called home to your throne yet the blood of the wicked is a testament that their foul memory endures.

Oh Lord of Mankind in your name we endure, in your light we are sheltered, in your strength we are supported, in your eyes we are known."

If, as he suspected this was all some elaborate Inquisitorial test then hearing him proclaim the Emperor so loudly and in what, he hoped, was so pious a fashion that they might consider negotiation. It need not be that they all must die this night.

Then again, if they did stop shooting the situation would most likely only last long enough for his companions to get more favorable targeting solutions.

Either way he came off looking pious and he might come off as clever in battle.

Either way, it would be all according to plan.