Company of Martyrs (Warhammer 40K Wargame Quest)

"All forces, advance onto the city!" You raised your cackling power sword and pointed it to the ruined rubble ahead. "We need to plug that breach before they try to slip by. Squad Unitus, with me!"


The squad of veteran soldiers began to jog along with your bodyguard, but that wasn't fast enough for you. "Double time it!" You snapped and strode forward ahead of them, catching your command squad by surprise. "Get into those ruins now, Unitus! Get ready to lay down a volley on my command!"


While the veterans were easily adapting to the new battlefield with incredible aplomb, the same couldn't be said for their less experienced ilk. Squad Cintus attempted to move just as swiftly but bricks and other rubble tripped them up on their way to the wall. At least Squad Sequet noticed their comrades' mistake and took it at a steadier pace, allowing for them to make decent ground without too much strain.



Nearby, Trooper Croix was bent over, winded by the pace, but there was no time for rest. Not when the enemy was within range. "Get up, this is nothing compared to the Orks!" You pulled at the lasgun in her hand, forcing it up to point at the regrouping enemies. "Focus on pulling the trigger, you'll do fine. Unitus, with us! Get ready to fire on Target Alpha while they're caught out in the open!"

"You heard the Major, you know how to do this!" Sergeant Raou encouraged over the hum of his chainsword. "Ready! Aim!"

Even though it was far beyond the effective range, you leveled your laspistol at the foe all the same. It naturally wouldn't hit anything, but the image of the commanding officer taking figurative part of the volley couldn't be denied when the veterans smoothly followed your lead. You let a moment pass, then issued the command. "All units, fire at will!"


The sharp crack of lasguns filled the air, vibrant crimson streaks that traversed the battlefield. They were shots of pure energy, packed into brief beams of light that expended all their power to punch burned holes in targets. Many often remarked that this was just not enough against the various enhanced enemies that the Astra Militarum regularly faced.

But against these rebels, it was good enough to drop bodies where they stood.

The experienced guardsmen of Fifth Battalion fell back into well-established patterns of firing again and again, pausing only to eject spent power cells and insert fresh ones. These depleted packs were carefully pocketed for recharge later, a handy logistical feature that made the lasgun so popular across the Imperium. All one had to do was hook it up to a generator or failing that, leave it in the sun to naturally absorb the heat.

You fired a few more shots idly before turning your attention back to your command. It was then you realized that there were shots coming from the side, not just in front, and you glanced to make an approving nod. It seemed Squad Sequet was eager to contribute their own volleys to help make up for Squad Cintus' fumbles.


The sheer volume of shots was enough to strike down even more, to the point where very few of Target Alpha was left. You watched them closely, ready to redirect fire away the moment they started running. Surely after all that, they would break and run for it.



True to your expectations, the rebels apparently had enough of the las coming their way. Though the fact they visibly threw away their guns before running caught you by surprise. Had they perhaps figured they were just done fighting at all? If so, then well, it was up to the Arbites to hunt them down later. You just had to defeat them here for now, and it looked like you were well on your way to do doing so.

That didn't stop a cheer from erupting from your troops when they noticed the enemy breaking and running. You allowed it to go on for a few more moments before tapping on the comm-bead. "Good work, but brace yourself. We've only just begun and the enemy's going to make a counterattack. Count on it!"




It seemed that for the most part, they were going to settle for relocating their forces. You noticed that most seemed focused on retaking their old position and frowned. While you were sure that holding the city's breach was the right answer, perhaps taking the enemy forward position would make it easier for their entire unit to break. After all, they very well couldn't simply resume their siege if their former fortifications were in Imperial hands.

That was assuming you could maintain presence at the breach as well however.








Issue Commands up to your CP maximum (4)



- A swimming first turn, you obliterated the only enemy unit who could fire back before they even had a turn. Enemy units can't even match your range, so you're right now in your element.
- However, less good was the fact you didn't get any successful reinforcements yet. Well, you haven't taken losses, but the enemy could also try to reinforce themselves. We'll see how it goes.
- As a side note, the more victory points you have over your opponent, the higher chance that the overall battle swings thanks to your intervention. But if that isn't enough, whatever victory points you score go into your requisition bank for purchasing stuff between campaigns. Up to you to decide to risk it or not, though right now being in the lead, the enemy has to be the ones to take the initiative or else risk losing.
- You can choose to not change any current orders, just make a Plan that declares it so.
- EDIT: Also, that bit about tiles rounding up/down? Decided it rounded up when it comes to Advancing/Charging. Cuz otherwise it'd be miserable to get anywhere fast on random rolling for battlefield movement.

The Vaulter swore colorfully when an errant bullet smacked against their cover and shards of rockcrete went skipping about. They held a warding arm against their head, waiting until the pieces stopped falling about, then quickly checked themselves. Nothing but a slightly dirtied uniform from where they had been laying about in the ruins.

Disappointing, but acceptable. They prepared to rise up and return fire, only to pause when Sergeant Raou passed behind them with new orders. "Get ready, we're moving."

Another colorful curse and a hissed demand followed. "Why are we leaving good cover?! We've got good protection here!"

"Because the Major says we're moving, so shut up and follow orders! Quit your bellyaching, I'll find a nice rock for you somewhere else," the fellow Scintillian snapped back and moved on without further comment. The rite was repeated among the members of Squad Unitus until each and every trooper was sullenly informed they were to depart their firing position. Complaints and backhanded insults filled the air, a most unseemly and slovenly display for the nobleborn. Raou let it stand, knowing that it was just his squad airing out their worries before they focused up.

At least he hoped so, as he raised his chainsword. "Squad Unitus, with me! We move!"

"And at rapid pace!" You barked, mirroring the gesture with your power sword. "Cover Sequet while they get into cover!" You moved with your lifeguards, advancing at a fast pace to cover ground. Just a few more steps, then you were at the center of the breach. Having it under your control would surely hamper the invader's attempts to flood into the city.

Clouds of dirt kicked up about you when distant enemies fired bursts with their autoguns, bullets slamming into the ground to little effect. Still, it was a kind reminder that you definitely were in their range now, and if they focused their attack on you, concentrated fire could begin picking off your small retinue. You grimaced and resolved to address that issue some day, either with some specialists or perhaps just more numbers.



For now though, there were others willing to punish those who wanted to harm you. "Children of Scintillia, Vaulters! Listen to my command!" Sergeant Neginol roared. "On my mark, fire into those curs in the trees! Ready!"

Pinume had some choice words even while their troops steadied their aim using the rubble. "It's my command too-"

"Fire!"


Las fire lit up the rebels taking cover behind trees with thick and hardy trunks, strong enough to shrug off the beams coming their way. But they didn't need to rely upon them much, with how so many of the shots simply fell ineffectively around them. You watched in disbelief when one of them took a shot, only to stumble and dive behind a tree trunk.

Overall, the volley from the Guardsmen was disappointing. They really did need an example of stellar performance, and you bellowed for it to happen. "UNITUS! Demonstrate what a true Vaulter must be like! Fire when ready!" You raised your laspistol to mimic their actions, moving your retinue to do the same.





Lasguns fired and true to your expectations, more went down. Moments later, there was movement where it seemed like the squad had enough and were beating a hasty retreat, likely against orders. You lowered your sidearm and let out a ragged sigh of relief, but pressed your lips together with worry.

It seemed that the initial shock and awe from the arrival of the 59th Grenadiers had dissipated, and the rebels were swiftly regaining their nerve. Now it was looking to be a proper battle instead of a simple clean-up operation. A moment later, you shook your head and refocused on the situation at hand instead of whatever was going through your enemy's mind. You had to keep your attention to the battle and do everything in your power to secure that victory.




"Sergeant, look!"

Raou peered over the top of his cover and swore at the line of advancing figures. "Oh, Throne! Ma'am, enemy reinforcements! Designating, Target Alpha!" He swung his laspistol around and began to fire on them, along with his squad to try and discourage their attack.



You heard the report and winced. Then you looked over the battlefield and noticed that the other enemy infantry was using the distraction caused by their newly arrived comrades to recapture their old siege positions. If they were to hold it, they possibly could have a secure fallback line to regroup and reorganize their fleeing forces. Were that to happen, you'd have to order Fifth Battalion fall back into the city, assuming you could still fight back then.

The approaching enemies fired as they moved up, focusing on the veterans trying to suppress them from the ruins. In contrast to the brilliant beams of lasguns, the projectiles that came from the muzzle of autoguns were almost invisible to the eye. The exception was those in great volume, such as what came the way of Squad Unitus.


There was suddenly a pained cry when one of the Troopers was struck and fell back. Raou was closest and scrambled beneath the hail of bullets to reach their subordinate first. "Feyer! Feyer is down!"

"N-no! I'm...fine?" The Trooper dazedly rose from the ground and hesitatingly pressed a hand up to their exposed head. After a moment of feeling about, they blinked and turned to realize that their hat wig was over there, a smoking hole where it had been hit. "By the Emperor, I think my wig saved me!"

Raou was stunned and checked as well to be sure. Then he laughed and slapped the bewildered Feyer on the arm, pulling them back up. "You lucky bloody saint! I'll write you up later for losing that blessed kit, now get back into cover before they take another shot at you!"

"Yes sir!"

You exhaled noisily in the wake of that exchange. That had been very close to your first casualty since taking command of Fifth Battalion. It would of course come sooner or later, but having the bells of Holy Terra keep silent for a little while longer was a nice point of pride. The trick now was to figure out how to keep it that way.




There was a distant explosion, then a Valkyrie soared into view. You absently connected the dots, then realized that specific aircraft. It had been carrying one of the reserve squads of your forces, and had likely just finished whatever priority tasking they had been given to now deliver your own friendly reinforcements. All they were waiting for were your orders.





Issue Commands up to your CP maximum (4)



- The wall of guns really relies on the wall of guns. Who knew.
- Remember, you can issue up to four commands a turn, so you'll have to leave somebody to their current tasking.
- Totally wasn't prepared to use a Fate Point Stratagem if that Save didn't go through.

You grumbled slightly about the lack of vox-casters in your unit, but hopefully managed to get the message across with hand signals to the Valkyrie pilots. They seemed to get it, likely relaying it on to whoever was commanding the incoming reinforcements. A minute later and the aircraft began to visibly swap to hover mode to land and unload the troops within. You nodded, and then tapped at your comm-bead. "Sergeant Pinume, I want your squad with me. We're going to take that enemy position!"

"A-are you sure ma'am? My troops are of course ready, but we're going to be crossing that open field without cover!"

"If you're so concerned, then we'll take point ourselves," you snapped back and glanced at Raou. "I expect you to hold with Neginol. Can you do that?"

"I think we'll have just enough lasguns between us," he absently responded, head tucked low to avoid the bullets. "Good luck, Major!"


You led your command squad out of the breach, the position almost immediately being filled with other Guardsmen. At your command, Squad Sequet followed, Pinume eventually motivating the troops to jog ahead of you. It did still feel like you were slightly vulnerable, being exposed to the enemy on your right side, but maybe that was just paranoia speaking. Not to mention, if you weren't willing to do it, then there was no way you could ask others to do it for you.

Those were the lessons of leadership drilled into you by your tutors growing up.

You noticed distant movement up ahead and spoke into your comm-bead. "Be advised, I believe that to be friendlies up ahead."

"You'd be correct, Major," replied Sergeant Fournier, the heavy accent coming through the network. "We'll secure the area for you, we've got the jump on them! All guns, make ready!"


Vaulters rushed up to lay claim to parts of the barricade, which was once used to shield the attacking rebels against return fire from the city. But it would work just as well in shielding the Guardsmen from rebel bullets as well. Across the line, the experienced veterans of Squad Deuces flicked their lasguns from single shot to full-auto, a decision that normally would be considered premature and foolish in most regiments of the Astra Militarum. A regular lasgun would need to be just a bit closer to be sure.

But for the nobleborn Scintillia, each of their lasguns were artisan works of art, paid handsomely for with family fortunes. Like the nobles of old who would have personal smiths forge the finest of arms, the Vaulter's guns had far more invested into them, as was only expected for them. After all, if war was to be their craft, then why settle for poor tools?

Fournier leveled his laspistol at the enemy and took aim. "Fire!"


The battlefield was lit up by the sheer volume of las fire that illuminated the scene, the bulk of which stabbed into the enemy. Those who were closest stood no chance when their bodies burst into flames, their ammunition cooking off from the intense heat of the energy weapons. What few did survive were visibly shaken, having seen their comrades turn into living torches.

The display did not go unnoticed by your own forces and you recognized the opportunity for what it was. Raising your voice, you called out to the others, "See how they fight, how they open the way! That's how us Vaulters fight! Chosen and Blooded!"

"Chosen and Blooded!" they echoed and you raised your hand.

Your lifeguards swung about their weapons to match and you pointed with your power sword at the incoming rebels. "Intercept their movement! Fire!"



The fire was unfortunately mostly inaccurate, probably due to your troops being winded from the nonstop running and firing. But it still was better than nothing given the rapid pace you've set for them. Every enemy downed was still one not taking cover and firing back from the barricades.


Meanwhile the firefight back at the wall breach continued to rage on. Taking command of the situation like instructed, Raou directed the troops to focus fire on the incoming rebels. The combined fire from both squads managed to pick off a few enemies when they began to move, the direction yet to be determined.



It seemed that while one turned and fled, the enemy squad designated Target Alpha was still intent on pressing an assault against the entrenched Guard. The same could not be said of Target Delta, who fled screaming from the devastating result of the Imperial reinforcements. At least that was one down, you reflected while ducking your head preemptively to take cover from enemy return fire.




"Sir!" Feyer shouted, "Look!"

"Throne, more of the bastards!" Raou spat, laspistol blazing. "You know what to do, hold the line! Don't let them in the city, no matter what!"



The enemy soldiers moved up and swung their autoguns to bring to bear on Unitus. Raou was already screaming to get to cover when they opened up with their own burst of full-auto, spraying bullets all over the veterans' cover. Perhaps this was their form of retribution to what had happened to their comrades in the north, an intense assault that tested the durability of these ruins.


Patre was the first to fall, screaming when the rounds entered and exited through their shoulder, punching a bloody gaping hole in their flesh. Cletier, their battle partner, moved to try and drag them to safety. He received a shot in the back for his troubles and collapsed over his screaming comrade. The blood that began to seep in their uniforms was far from blue.

You were unaware of the first losses in the south, your attention fixed on the rebels scaling to take cover behind barricades. At the first flash of muzzle fire, you were yelling over the comm-bead. "Sequet, down! Hit the dirt, now!"


It ended up being incredibly premature, bullets kicking up the dust but hitting nowhere close to the Guardsmen that hit the ground. You swore and shook your head. No, that was on you- there weren't many of them, so perhaps the focus should have been elsewhere instead. You just were distracted with what was happening around you, instead of the bigger picture. You had to be better next time.



Trooper Gernier, having witnessed Patre and Cletier fall in front of them, shouted in panic and began to curl up against the cover, shaking hands holding their weapon like a safety blanket. No matter what their Sergeant shouted at them, they frantically shook their head and refused to heed the order to return fire. They were insisting on staying put, here in their little hole that was a safe refuge from the raging battle.



You did a quick check of what was going on across the battlefield and made a face. While the bodies of the enemy littered the ground, now you were spotting some of those in your uniform joining them. It was still strongly in your favor, but any losses were still going to be felt rather keenly. The solution was perhaps to deploy even more troops to win through overwhelming firepower.

The sight of a friendly Valkyrie coming into view reinforced that idea and you waved to them, pausing only to decide on where to deploy them.





Issue Commands up to your CP maximum (4)



- Things in hindsight: probably could've killed Target Alpha maybe with a more aggressive approach, like using CP or pushing the squad forward into Rapid Fire range. Though given the cost would be leaving cover, eh.
- Remember that down is not necessarily out. There will be rolls after the battle to determine the actual fate of those lost, with some actions to tilt the scale one way or another. We'll come to that when it's time.
- You've actually been lucky with enemy reinforcements, believe it or not. Interesting, but more victory points is good for your requisition bank.