Edit: A few lore nerds who happen to by friends helped me redo some lore behind the Strike. So back in D1, I used to create my own Strike and Raid ideas mainly just for fun. Most didn’t receive any attention, while a few actually did, and I swear Bungie stole an idea or 2 from me. 😂 Anyways, it is time for me to continue the tradition. Enjoy. [b][u]The Rallying Cry: Cabal Strike[/u][/b] [b]Location[/b]: Firebase Hades, European Dead Zone, Earth Description: "The European Dead Zone is under invasion by a newly-rallied army of the Red Legion, compromising Deverim Kay's position. Save Kay, and find out who's now leading the Cabal." [b][u]Part 1: The Assault[/u][/b] [spoiler]Players spawn in Outskirts, outside Trostland. They see several Cabal ships swarming all over the place, and are immediately met by Cabal forces. Ghost: "I've received a distress signal from Kay. He's still at the church." Kay: "Mayday! Mayday! This is City scout Deverim Kay, I'm trapped in the old town of Trostland by an invading Cabal force. They've found my position and are attempting to force me out, any and all backup requested!" Ghost: "We need to move, now!" The players fight through the Cabal, making their way to Trostland. Eventually, they reach the area outside the church, which is surrounded by several Cabal tanks and units. Suddenly, sniper shots begin killing Cabal. Hawthorne: "This is Hawthorne, I read you, Kay. Are you still in the church?" Kay: *sounds of gunfire, struggle* "Yes, but several Legionaries are rushing me. Someone get in here, now!" Players rush into the church, clearing out all hostiles. Once done, they talk to Kay in person. Kay: "Thank you, Guardians. I'm not sure if I could've made it out of there alive without a little help. Anyways, I'm thinking the Cabal attacked with a purpose. That was way too coordinated to just be a random attack. That type of attack was strategized. Someone is leading them, and I think I know where to find them. I'll mark it on your map for you." A new map marker appears on the HUD, and players follow it.[/spoiler] [b][u]Part 2: Firebase Hades[/u][/b] [spoiler]The marker leads players to Firebase Hades. Ghost: "So, Kay, what are we looking for here?" Kay: "If the Cabal have a new leader, and he is indeed there, he will probably be operating from an underground bunker, since most Cabal bases tend to be built like that. Look for an elevator, or stairs, or some way to get underground." Players search the base, while dealing with Cabal. Eventually, they find an elevator, and use it. It takes them to the lower levels, and stops at a room called "Hades Command Center". Ghost: "I think we found what we're looking for. I have the place mapped out, so I know where we need to go.“ Players are navigating the base and encounter more Cabal, but they don’t attack. They instead holster their weapons and line up along the walls leading to a door. Ghost: “Um... okay? They’re not attacking.” Kay: “I wouldn’t trust them. Keep your wits about you.”[/spoiler] [b][u]Part 3/boss fight: Bu'ulara, Exiled Loyalist[/u][/b] [spoiler]Players enter Arena of the Worthy, a massive underground arena. A female’s voice speaks over the intercoms. Bu’ulara: “Greetings, Light Worshippers.” She bows. “I hear that you eliminated the traitorous leaders of the Red Legion, Ghaul and Consul. For that, I and the Emperor both applaud you. We wish to offer you an invitation to join our ranks.” Ghost: “You attacked us and other humans just trying to survive in this wilderness! Besides, we’d never work with you!” Bu’ulara: “My apologies, I did not know you were among them.” Ghost: “No apologies! Come down and fight us like Cabal!” Bu’ulara: “So be it, maybe Calus will have more luck convincing you.” Suddenly, a giant Cabal Gladiator named "Bu'ulara, Exiled Loyalist" jumps down to the ground. Alongside Bu'ulara, a War Beast named "Molossus, Fang of the Loyal" appears. They both have yellow health bars, and can both be killed. Both of them will attack like normal Gladiators and War Beasts. However, while Cerberus can be damaged from any attack anywhere, Bu'ulara can only be damaged by being hit at her weakspot on her back. One attack that leaves Bu'ulara open to damage is when she leaps in the air and slams the ground. She will land and rest on her knees for a few seconds, exposing her weakspot. After fighting for a while, when either Bu'ulara or Molossus dies first, the other will become "Enraged", increasing their attack output. Once both bosses are dead, the Strike is over. Ghost: “Nice work! Wait, the Gladiator’s still alive!” Players approach Bu’ulara, who is mumbling quietly. Bu’ulara: “I’m sorry, Lord Calus. I...failed you, again...” she passes out, dead. Ghost: “Again? What’s all that about?” Kay: “Don’t know, but it’s a good thing she’s dead. Without central leadership, we won’t have to worry about the Cabal attacking us. Come on back, Guardian.”[/spoiler] Two things I miss from D1 are Strike-specific loot, meaning you get a weapon and one type of armor themed around that Strike, and background lore on the boss(es.) So, I shall continue that tradition with my creations. [b][u]STRIKE LOOT[/u][/b] [spoiler]Weapon: Loyalist Blade: Legendary Sword (Solar) “Encrypted data reads: ‘Valus Bu’ulara is hereby banished from the Leviathan for treason...’ data ends.” Perk: Doing a slam attack from the air releases waves of Solar energy in all directions. Armor: Plate of Gladiators: Titan Chest Armor “Encrypted data reads: ‘...against Emperor Calus and his subjects, forever.’ Data ends.” Perk: Damage taken from the front is lessened, whereas damage taken from behind is doubled.[/spoiler] [b][u]BOSS LORE[/u][/b] [b][u]1. Bu’ulara, Exiled Loyalist[/u][/b] [spoiler]Bu’ulara was as loyal as Cabal could get. She won favor of several commanders on many battles, and helped to enslave the Psions on their homeworld. She was temporarily Valus of the Ice Reapers, keeping tabs on the Psion Flayers, before eventually switching to Emperor Calus’ personal bodyguards aboard the Leviathan. However, all that changed when she did something to upset the Emperor, resulting in her being banished to the Sol System. Despite her supposed treason, she vowed to one day regain the Emperor’s trust. After hearing of Dominus Ghaul and the Consul being murdered supposedly by the “Light Worshippers,” Bu’ulara began working to rally the Red Legion back to the Emperor’s side, hoping to regain Calus’ favor.[/spoiler] [b][u]2. Molossus, Fang of the Loyal[/u][/b] [spoiler]While assigned to protect Emperor Calus, then-Valus Bu’ulara was gifted one of Calus’ own War Beasts from his kennel on the Leviathan. Bu’ulara named him “Molossus,” and gave him the title of “My Fang.” When Bu’ulara was banished, she took Molossus with her. They remained companions for life.[/spoiler] Thanks for reading. If you have any ideas that you wish could be made into written form, either comment below or DM me.