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Company of Martyrs (Warhammer 40K Wargame Quest)

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Rebellion on Otra Prime (6) New
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    • [X] Plan: Drive Them Out

    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!"

    Command Squad Nero Moves to Sector 3 C4
    Squad Sequet Moves to Sector 3 B3

    Trait: Implacable Determination
    Command Squad Nero Advances to Sector 3 A3
    Squad Sequet Advances to Sector 2 I2

    Squad Cintus Moves to Sector 3 D5

    Squad Deuces Moves to Sector 2 E2

    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!"

    Squad Deuces attacks with 9 Lasguns and 1 Laspistol! Rapid Fire! Veterans hit on BS 3+
    Hits: 6 +8 = 14
    Lasgun S3 vs Rebel T3. Wounding on 4+
    Wounds: 6
    Rebel has SV 6+
    Saves: 0
    6 Rebels from Target Delta have been eliminated.

    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!"

    Trait: Senior Officer
    Command Squad Nero: Forwards, for the Emperor!
    Squad Sequet: Forwards, for the Emperor!

    Command Squad Nero attacks with 4 Lasguns! Veterans hit on BS 3+
    Hits: 4
    Lasgun S3 vs Rebel T3. Wounding on 4+
    Wounds: 4
    Rebel has SV 6+
    Saves: 2
    2 Rebels from Target Charlie have been eliminated.

    Squad Sequet attacks with 9 Lasguns! Guardsmen hit on BS 4+
    Hits: 2
    Lasgun S3 vs Rebel T3. Wounding on 4+
    Wounds: 1
    Rebel has SV 6+
    Saves: 0
    1 Rebel from Target Charlie has been eliminated.

    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.

    Squad Unitus attacks with 9 Lasguns! Veterans hit on BS 3+
    Hits: 5
    Lasgun S3 vs Rebel T3. Wounding on 4+
    Wounds: 4
    Rebel has SV 6+
    Saves: 1
    3 Rebels from Target Alpha have been eliminated.

    Squad Sequet attacks with 9 Lasguns! Guardsmen hit on BS 4+
    Hits: 4
    Lasgun S3 vs Rebel T3. Wounding on 4+
    Wounds: 1
    Rebel has SV 6+
    Saves: 1

    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.


    Unstable Cause roll: 2
    Target Delta has Morale 4
    Morale check: 2 +6 (Lost) = 8
    Target Delta breaks and flees!

    Unstable Cause roll: 1
    Target Charlie has Morale 3
    Morale check: 3 +3 (Lost) = 8
    3 Rebels from Target Charlie have been eliminated.

    Unstable Cause roll: 5
    Target Alpha has Morale 7
    Morale check: 5 +3 (Lost) = 8
    1 Rebel from Target Alpha has been eliminated.

    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.

    99th Scintillia Grenadiers, Fifth Battalion: 40
    Otra Prime Rebels, 1st Company: 0
    End Scintillia Turn

    Turn 3 Reinforcing on 5+
    ???: 4. Failed.
    ???: 6. Success!
    ???: 2. Failed.

    Target Beta Deploying in Sector 4 I5

    "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!"

    Target Charlie Moves to Sector 2 E7

    Target Alpha Moves to Sector 4 I1

    Target Beta Moves to Sector 4 H4
    Advance Roll: 1
    Target Beta Advances to Sector 4 H3


    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.

    Target Alpha attacks with 6 Autoguns! Rapid Fire! Rebels hit on BS 5+
    Hits: 3 +2 = 5
    Autogun S3 vs Veteran T3. Wounding on 4+
    Wounds: 5
    Veteran has SV 5+, increases to 4+ thanks to Cover.
    Saves: 2
    2 Veterans from Squad Unitus have fallen.

    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!"

    Take Cover Stratagem Activated! (3/4 CP)
    Target Charlie attacks with 4 Autoguns! Rebels hit on BS 5+
    Hits: 0

    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.


    Squad Unitus has Morale 7 (Sergeant)
    Morale check: 6 +2 (Lost) = 8
    1 Veteran from Squad Unitus has gone missing!

    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.

    99th Scintillia Grenadiers, Fifth Battalion: 40
    Otra Prime Rebels, 1st Company: 3
    End Rebel Turn
    END OF TURN 3

    Turn 4 Reinforcing on 4+
    Squad Tretium: 4. Success! This squad may be deployed anywhere safely in Sector 1.

    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.



    - Forward March (2 CP). Sweep the enemy from the field! A unit Advances a full 6" without rolling.

    - Valkyrie Guns (2 CP). Signal for a gun run on a target unit. A Valkyrie attacks the target with a multi-las ranged attack. Must be activated at start of turn.

    - Take Cover (1 CP). All Troopers, hit the dirt! A targeted unit gains a +1 Cover save until end of Shooting phase.

    - Vaulter Precision (1 CP). Chosen and Blooded! A Vaulter unit gains a +1 to Hit for the Shooting phase this turn.

    - Fate Point (1 CP). Sometimes, the gods are amused. Reroll a friendly dice roll.

    HQ
    -[ ] [Squad] Command Squad Nero (5/5 Strength)
    – Current Location: Sector 3 A3
    – Target: Sector 2 D3
    -- ATTACK

    Elites
    -[ ] [Squad] Squad Unitus (7/10 Strength)
    – Current Location: Sector 3 F6
    – Target: None
    – ATTACK
    -[ ] [Squad] Squad Deuces (10/10 Strength)
    – Current Location: Sector 2 E2
    – Target: None
    – ATTACK
    -[ ] [Squad] Squad Tretium (10/10 Strength)
    – Current Location: Awaiting Deployment
    – Target: None
    – ATTACK

    Troops
    -[ ] [Squad] Squad Cintus (10/10 Strength)
    – Current Location: Sector 3 D5
    – Target: Sector 3 D5
    -- ATTACK
    -[ ] [Squad] Squad Sequet (10/10 Strength)
    – Current Location: Sector 2 I2
    – Target: Sector 2 E3
    – ATTACK

    Issue Commands up to your CP maximum (4)

    [ ] Plan ______
    -[ ] Command Squad
    --[ ] Target Location
    --[ ] Behavior
    -[ ] Squad
    --[ ] Target Location
    --[ ] Behavior

    --[ ] ASSAULT. Press forwards and drive them out, no matter the cost!

    --[ ] ATTACK. Attack this position as best as possible, without taking too many risks.

    --[ ] WITHDRAW. Give up ground if the enemy draws near, making them pay for every bit they take.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​
    - 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.

    14 hour moratorium to make a turn plan.​
     
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    • Scheduled vote count started by Celeshiro on Nov 4, 2024 at 9:24 AM, finished with 4 posts and 3 votes.
    • [X] Plan: Forward Push
      -[X] Command Squad Nero
      --[X] Sector 3 F6
      --[X] Attack
      -[X] Squad Unitus
      --[X] Sector 3 F8
      ---[X] Priority: Alpha
      -[X] Squad Deuces
      --[X] Sector 2 D3
      ---[X] Priority: Charlie
      -[X] Squad Tretium
      --[X] Deploy at Sector 1 I5
      ---[X] Sector 3 E5
      ---[X] Attack
    Click to expand...
     
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    • Rebellion on Otra Prime (7) New
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    • [X] Plan: Forward Push

    "Come on. Get up Grenier!" Raou shouted, pulling at the cowering Guardsman's arms, What he got was a panicked denial accompanied with frantic punching to force him to release his grip on them. They curled back up and the Sergeant spat, giving up with a shake of the head. "Fine, stay here and die! Expect charges after this if you're still alive! Everybody else, ready? We're going!" He shouted and kicked himself over the rubble. The other veterans shouted and vaulted over cover as well, joining their leader in getting a better firing position.

    They weren't the only ones. Across the battlefield, Fournier was rallying his own squad to advance past the barrier and to the next set ahead of them. They had to get into closer range so as to better bring more effective covering fire for their comrades to the south. Through the hail of bullets that whipped about them, each experienced Vaulter swiftly advanced.

    Squad Unitus Moves to Sector 3 B3

    Squad Deuces Moves to Sector 2 D3

    Squad Deuces Moves to Sector 2 G3

    Squad Tretium Moves to Sector 3 D2

    Command Squad Nero Moves to Sector 3 C4

    You noticed Cintus tensing about, ready to move out, and spoke hastily through your comm-bead, "Sergeant Pinume, stay where you are! I'm back to assume command of the wall's defenses."

    "Major? Ah!" There was a hasty cough over the line. "Passing the command back to you then, ma'am. We're yours to direct."

    "Good. Order everybody stay where they are and ready their guns," you confidently barked. "We have the range on them! Remember your training, remember your discipline! Even if they shoot, you are to remain calm, in the name of noble Scintillia. Steady now."


    In comparison, the movements of Squad Deuces was far from slow. They braced their guns on the barricade they took cover behind and aimed straight for the rebels just across. Their breathing fell into a steady rhythm, so as to not spoil their aim when the order was given. "Fire!" Fournier bawled and depressed the trigger on his laspistol.

    Squad Deuces attacks with 9 Lasguns and 1 Laspistol! Rapid Fire! Veterans hit on BS 3+
    Hits: 4 +7 = 11
    Lasgun S3 vs Rebel T3. Wounding on 4+
    Wounds: 6
    Rebel has SV 6+, increased to SV 5+ due to Cover
    Saves: 0
    All of Target Charlie has been eliminated!

    At the near-point range, the flimsy cover meant more to shield from shrapnel than direct fire was pointless. Las bolts tore and ripped through the rebels, many holes punching through the barricade and into their bodies. When the energy cells finally ran out and the guns clicked dry, there were none left standing to oppose the battle hardened squad.

    Neginol pulled up short and held out a hand upon seeing the results. Then they gestured for the troopers to about face and bring their guns down on distant foes. "Thank you Fournier!" They passed through the comm-bead. "We'll see your generosity rendered unto helping out the Major. All guns, fire!"

    Squad Sequet attacks with 9 Lasguns! Guardsmen hit on BS 4+
    Hits: 6
    Lasgun S3 vs Rebel T3. Wounding on 4+
    Wounds: 1
    Rebel has SV 6+
    Saves: 0
    1 Rebel from Target Alpha has been eliminated.

    You blinked at the sudden strobes of lasfire that struck the enemy squad from afar, taken aback by the shift in focus. It seemed like the siege lines was already secured, meaning that all your efforts could be directed to the fight at the city breach. That was good, and you put everything into your voice, seizing the moment of surprise. "Now Vaulters, now! Rise up! First rank, fire! Second rank, fire!"

    Trait: Senior Officer
    Command Squad Nero: Volley Fire!
    Squad Sequet: Volley Fire!

    Command Squad Nero attacks with 4 Lasguns! Volley Fire! Veterans hit on BS 3+
    Hits: 7
    Lasgun S3 vs Rebel T3. Wounding on 4+
    Wounds: 5
    Rebel has SV 6+
    Saves: 1
    4 Rebels from Target Alpha have been eliminated.

    Squad Cintus attacks with 9 Lasguns! Rapid Fire! Volley Fire! Guardsmen hit on BS 4+
    Hits: 4 +7 +6 +4 = 21
    Lasgun S3 vs Rebel T3. Wounding on 4+
    Wounds: 10
    Rebel has SV 6+
    Saves: 2
    All of Target Alpha has been eliminated!

    Normally, ordering troops to fire in volleys with weapons capable of semi-automatic fire was pointless. The individual could likely fire faster in their own time. But that wasn't the purpose of the method in the Astra Militarum. Rather, it had been adapted to instead instill soldiers a meaning of constant rhythm between firing and aiming, ensuring maximum and accurate firepower in a specific time cycle. It did still have flaws, with overeager commanders yelling too soon or inexperienced officers losing track of the timing with the flow of battle.

    You were none of these, so it was a perfect execution. Aided by your lifeguard's disciplined and accurate shots, troopers rose and brought their guns to bear. They fired and then crouched down to let the line behind them fire. Then it was back to the first rank. Again and again, a steady cycle of shots thundering forth, something that perhaps those honored ancestors in the early days of Holy Terra had done.

    The result to the rebels was total and absolute annihilation. Already they had been shaken up by the deadly employment of las fire in bursts of violence. Now they were seeing it in full volume of it in concordance, the hammer of the Imperium truly striking down upon them without remorse or mercy. By the time you held up a hand to call an end to the fire, there was nothing left standing of the enemy targets.

    That was a sight that pleased you. But you couldn't stop to indulge in the sensation, not when you heard the request from Sergeant Trouttet from behind. "Everybody, down on the ground and don't rise until Terteium have finished firing!"

    Raou noticed the lasfire coming in to support them and turned to his men. "What are you lot staring about for? Help them!" He emphasized with a pull of his laspistol, emptying the shots in the direction of the enemy.

    Squad Terteium attacks with 9 Lasguns! Veterans hit on BS 3+
    Hits: 7
    Lasgun S3 vs Rebel T3. Wounding on 4+
    Wounds: 4
    Rebel has SV 6+
    Saves: 0
    4 Rebels from Target Beta have been eliminated.

    Squad Unitus attacks with 6 Lasguns and 1 Laspistol! Rapid Fire! Veterans hit on BS 3+
    Hits: 4 +3 = 7
    Lasgun S3 vs Rebel T3. Wounding on 4+
    Wounds: 3
    Rebel has SV 6+
    Saves: 0
    3 Rebels from Target Beta have been eliminated.


    Unstable Cause roll: 2
    Target Beta has Morale 4
    Morale check: 4 +7 (Lost) = 11
    Target Beta breaks and flees!

    The pinpoint accurate fire, combined with the display of raw might earlier, seemed to be the last straw for the rebel reinforcements. Suddenly now they were shoving at each other in a frantic panic to be the first one out of harm's way. Your troops held their fire, letting them run to live another day in fear of the eventual Imperial justice delivered their way. They conserved their ammunition now, eyes scanning the battlefield carefully to see if any new threats emerge.

    99th Scintillia Grenadiers, Fifth Battalion: 70
    Otra Prime Rebels, 1st Company: 3
    End Scintillia Turn

    (Rebels Tabeled: 44 -30 (Crushing Losses) = 14)

    (Battle Flow: 33 +30 (Heroic Victory) +10 (Overwhelming Losses) = 73)

    A few tense minutes later, then the city's public broadcast speakers cackled to life. "Attention all rebels! Your attack has failed. Your comrades flee as we speak, leaving you to your doom." Lieutenant General Meryln announced, their voice echoing through every street. "Surrender now, and you will be treated fairly with all rights afforded by Imperial law. If you continue to resist, we will not give you a second chance. Throw down your arms now, and seek redemption!"

    You held your breath, hoping that just wasn't a desperate publicity stunt or trick. But then you heard it- cheering. A cry of jubilation coming from the city's inhabitants, accompanied by triumphant shouts from other battalions of Scintillia Grenadiers. Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed a clouds of dust getting kicked up and moving away, perhaps surviving rebel vehicles making a run for it.

    That was fine. You'd fight them another day. But whatever struggle came then, it could never rid the sweet taste of your first victory in command of Fifth Battalion!

    Battle completed. Status: Heroic Victory!

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​
    - I mean, I did sort of expect you to wipe a lot of the stuff. But I hadn't actually expected a full tabling (units all wiped). So I gave it a chance to end the battle with how badly it's been going for them and yeah. RIP those reserve bikers, they went unused.
    - Still though, with this first battle, I hope you've gotten a taste of command and want to see what comes next with the training wheels slowly coming off!
     
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    • Rebellion on Otra Prime (8) New
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    • While the victory did bring a sweet taste, what came after a battle often left a bitter one when the grim task of cleanup began.

    They didn't have crows on Otra Prime, but instead they had nocturnal wolves which came out after dark to feast on scraps around the population centers. They were scavengers that could pose a danger to civilians in great numbers, so actions had to be taken to make sure they didn't gather. This mainly entailed burying the dead rebels whose bodies littered the city and would draw these opportunistic wolves together.

    The citizens of the city handled the bulk of this task, getting to work with practiced experience. Bodies were picked up and tossed onto wheelbarrows for transport to one of the giant pits they were digging. There, it would be dumped into the mass grave, tumbling and stacking on top of others until there was no more room. Then it was buried and they moved on to fill the next pit others had been digging out ahead of them.

    This sort of manual labor was certainly below the Vaulters, but it didn't mean they didn't play a part either. They stood guard, ready to rush in and help detain any rebel who actually turned out to be alive. A few did help when asked for moving the heavier bodies but they for the most part simply stood about and smoked lho-stubs, taking the welcomed reprieve from war.

    You watched this all unfold from the city walls, studying how Fifth Battalion was doing. They seemed to be in mostly good spirits with so few casualties, which was a good. You'd likely have to order them back into battle soon enough, the circumstances depending on how well the fight went on other fronts.

    (407th Tread Knights: 31)
    (Rebels: 22)

    (59th Penitents: 99)
    (Rebels: 5)

    From the briefing the Lieutenant General had given, it was looking like an overall success. The armored regiment from Armagaeddon, the 407th Tread Knights, hadn't won a decisive battle but neither had they suffered serious failure in their engagement against the rebel tanks. It was at best a stalemate, both side cautiously circling one another and daring the other to make the first mistake. Eventually the rebels broke off and withdrew when news of failures everywhere else came in. The Tread Knights allowed them to do so, wary of the possible trap.

    The same could not be said for the total annihilation performed by the 59th Moebian.

    They descended upon the rebel assault on the generators and decimated their opposition, striking without hesitation or mercy. Already word was circling of their legendary assault on the power plant's control room, where the Penitent's very own commander dueled and struck down a prominent rebel figure. That combined with the brutal massacre of the supporting forces ensured that the rebels had few, if any elite units remaining by the estimates of military intelligence.

    The fact that they had focused such efforts on the power plant though did not go unnoticed. Imperial strategists of Oster-1 were still in heated debate over the purpose of such a devoted assault compared to that launched everywhere else. They believed it to be an attempt to seize and reroute the power for...something, in those mountains. Perhaps for their hideout but for what purpose, you couldn't discern.

    You realized that there was somebody approaching, climbing the stairs to reach you, and turned. It was one of the citizens, a mutant sentenced to work their life on this penal colony in the name of atonement for their unholy nature. It was an unjust and unfair punishment for something that they had no control over, especially at birth. But in spite of it, there was no animosity in their stance when they reached you. "You looked thirsty up here. It's not much, but please have some water."

    "Thank you," you politely replied and accepted the offered canteen to sip out of. It had a metallic taste, likely taken from one of the precious few cooler units scattered across the city. So it was cool as well, a most welcomed relief in this dry and warm climate.

    You studied the sentenced mutant now, eyes flicking to note the wagging tail that apparently damned them to a life of servitude. There was a chilling comparison to be made, to how in contrast, your noble birth meant you could be granted a life of luxury should you merely wish it. If said roles were reversed, could you remain as unbroken as them in these trying times?

    It was an interesting and philosophical thought that engaged your mind, one perhaps to be discussed and shared with your peers to pass the time in those hosted courts in transit. But now, with a war ongoing, there was no time. You finished off the drink and thanked the citizen, watching them depart before turning to survey your soldiers.

    Such philosophy would have to wait as you attended to the health, needs, and wants of your unit.

    Casualties: 2
    - 2x Veterans

    Disciplined: 1
    - 1x Veterans

    Choose up to three (3) Downtime actions to pass the time until the next battle.

    -[ ] [Downtime] Wounded Care. Spend time and resources at the medicae, ensuring they have whatever is needed to get your soldiers patched up and ready for the next battle. -1 to Infantry Wounded roll.

    -[ ] [Downtime] Attend Tribunal. For those who have dishonored themselves in battle, they must face military trials to determine if their actions warrant punishment. Your testimony could very well help determine the sentence. -1 to Infantry Deserted roll.

    -[ ] [Downtime] Scavenge Battlefield. Pick through the enemy fallen and salvage their equipment, taking samples to hand over to the authorities for dissection and dissertation. Any insights could then be attributed to your unit. Gain Requisition equal to one random enemy unit defeated in battle.

    -[ ] [Downtime] Local Specialties. Spend time about the locale you find yourself in and explore the environment. Perhaps you could find something interesting for your command. Add a temporary supply of a random item or unit to the Supply Bank.

    -[ ] [Downtime] Inspirational Speech. Rally and bond with the soldiers in your command, insisting that you will be with them at every challenge ahead. Reassure them that together, you can overcome anything. Gain two (2) CP for the next battle. This does not increase your maximum CP count.

    -[ ] [Downtime] Emergency Conscription. You have no choice, your ranks have grown so thin that you need to conscript bodies from your camp followers. Hopefully they can survive with some hasty training. Expend 60 Requisition immediately to recruit a Conscript squad for the next battle. If they survive, they will be refunded for half their cost.

    -[ ] [Downtime] Petition Allies. Talk and forge bonds with other units in your command group, seeing if you could work together for an upcoming clash. Perhaps they will even be interested in entrusting troops to your command. Choose a friendly ally for interaction.
    --[ ] Ally

    Astra Militarum
    --[ ] 407th Armageddon Steel Legion "Tread Knights"

    --[ ] 59th Moebian Regiment "Penitents"

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​
    - Actual narrative actions and consequences between battles? Say it isn't so! But yes, these are ways to help you endure or perhaps even profit from a campaign.
    - You'll get the chance to purchase from your Supply Bank at the end of a planetary campaign, keep that in mind. Until then, you'll have to make do with what you have or manage to pull together. Hence why having some reserve squads isn't a bad idea in case things really heat up. We'll see if that needs to be tweaked or adjusted.
    - Petitioning your allies is how you can get auxiliary troops that will reduce your starting CP (usually), but if they survive, you could work towards getting an actual detachment placed under you which is basically a new branch of troops! Thus, so far you can only petition one ally at a time.

    16 hour moratorium to get narrative.​
     
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    • Scheduled vote count started by Celeshiro on Nov 8, 2024 at 11:33 PM, finished with 8 posts and 6 votes.
    • [X] Plan: Steelheart
      -[X] [Downtime] Wounded Care.
      -[X] [Downtime] Local Specialties.
      -[X] [Downtime] Petition Allies.
      --[X] 407th Armageddon Steel Legion "Tread Knights"
      [X] Plan: Work and Meat Shields
      -[X] [Downtime] Wounded Care. Spend time and resources at the medicae, ensuring they have whatever is needed to get your soldiers patched up and ready for the next battle. -1 to Infantry Wounded roll.
      -[X] [Downtime] Attend Tribunal. For those who have dishonored themselves in battle, they must face military trials to determine if their actions warrant punishment. Your testimony could very well help determine the sentence. -1 to Infantry Deserted roll.
      -[X] [Downtime] Emergency Conscription. You have no choice, your ranks have grown so thin that you need to conscript bodies from your camp followers. Hopefully they can survive with some hasty training. Expend 60 Requisition immediately to recruit a Conscript squad for the next battle. If they survive, they will be refunded for half their cost.
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    • [X] Plan: Steelheart

    Casualties: 2
    Wounded Care adds -1 to casualty rolls.
    Infantry Returned: 2.

    Deserted: 1
    Penal Sentence: 1
    One Veteran has been removed from Squad Unitus
    Points Refunded: 3 (100 +3 = 103 Requisition Points)

    You let out a disbelieving sigh at Raou's report, but he wasn't joking. He never joked when it came to the lives of his squad. "Both Patre and Cletier are already back in service, huh. What a swift turn around."

    "Yes, it surprised the medicae as well, but neither of them are willing to sit out any longer," mentioned the Sergeant with a shake of the head. "So if you could just sign off on their release papers, the medicae can't have reason to keep them in the ward any longer."

    There was a risk that they were toughing out through the pain, but you trusted their Sergeant's assessment. Plus, you did need every soldier you could muster back out there, ready to fight if they could. But not those who refused to do so.

    The reminder soured your expression when you handed back the signed papers and Raou sighed, knowing what you were thinking of. "It's a shame about Gernier, but, the charges are ironclad. They disobeyed orders and refused to fight when the moment came. It is unbecoming and disgraceful behavior that shames the Astra Militarum."

    "At least we're already on a penal colony, so there's little question of where they'll be discharged to," you bitterly remarked with a shake of the head. "It hurts to lose an experienced soldier, but we can't have cowards and deserters in our ranks. No place for those who run away from a fight and abandon their comrades in arms."

    He made the sign of the aquila. "May Imperial justice be done. Perhaps through atonement, the Emperor shall be merciful in His judgment."

    You mirrored the gesture, wondering if it was sinful to be slightly grateful that the communication line back home to Scintillia had been broken due to the ongoing Warp storms. Were messages to flow still uninterrupted, word of Gernier's disgrace would reach their family and the news would undoubtedly shame the entire line in society. It would be useful ammunition for noble rivals to accuse them of cowardice and dereliction in their duties, leading to perhaps further tragedy stemming from a single moment of faltering faith. And you'd have to be that bearer of bad news to deliver the message, being the one who signed those release papers too.

    Ironic that how those signed documents could bring both joy and despair.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    Due to the failure of the Adeptus Arbites in preventing rebellion on the penal colony, the local branch was being given a thorough audit by inspectors that had accompanied Oster-1 to the system, straight from the Lord Commander's own team of administrators and bureacrats. They found that while the Arbites had managed the planet sufficiently, they and the planetary PDF had been receiving wrong equipment all this time, up until the Warp storms had overtaken the planet. It would explain the unusual focus on aircraft that the planet's defenders fixated on, having just adapted and learned to work with said equipment. It was of the begrudging opinions from the inspectors to leave it that way, what with the unintentional air corps being surprisingly effective.

    However, there still was more that they had spares of that weren't being used. This time, the proper paperwork was filed to get the surplus equipment released into the care of the Imperial Guard units that would need them more. To the delight of all in the 99th Scintillia Grenadiers, this happened to include a nostalgic favorite that had many Vaulters eagerly clamoring for an opportunity to play about with. It took the collective effort of you and many other officers to get them back to their duties, promising that if their squad earned the prestige of it, they could perhaps train and learn how to bring the new weapon to the battlefield.

    You were expecting the resulting competition to be fierce, but it was only to be expected. After all, Heavy Bolters were very much something you'd like in your squads as well.

    Heavy Bolters have been added as a limited supply requisition.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    Finally, it appeared the strategists of Oster-1 had settled on a plan of action and were beginning to move units about in preparation for said operation. It apparently involved setting up a joint-unit headquarters in the city the 99th Grenadiers were currently garrisoning, and so you were ordered to help prepare some room for the incoming troops. It had sounded like a simple task at first, until you learned it wasn't going to be the 59th Moebians.

    Rather, it was going to be the 407th Steel Legion, with their vast armada of vehicles that meant needing to clear out an appropriately large space for their motor pool.

    It was touch and go at a few points but the locals, still brimming with gratitude from your heroic defense, were more than happy to help with the rapid construction. Soon, there was an actual road that led in and out of the city, one actually suitable for the vehicles coming from Armageddon. You held your breath anyway when they came, but they seemed to hold up well enough while entering the city in a majestic armored column that awed the penal inhabitants.

    The Scintillia Grenadiers helped lend grandeur to that image by having troops stand at attention, rifles outstretched and crossing bayonets to create a pseudo-victory arch to welcome their fellow Guardsmen. The soldiers of the column seemed touched by the gesture, more than a few officers rising from hatches to return salutes to the infantry they passed.

    Eventually one of the passing vehicles slowed down just enough for an officer to hop out before they continued along. They tugged at their gas mask and pulled it down to reveal a weathered and lined face, of a man who perhaps had even fought in one of the grand conflicts of his home planet. He approached the one wearing an officer's coat and made the sign of the aquila as a greeting.

    You returned the sentiment before straightening up, making sure to speak confidently but equally to the Captain based on his pins. "Hail, Tread Knight. I trust your travels here went smoothly thanks to the nice road we dug out just for you."

    He chuckled and relaxed minutely. "So that was your doing then? I've some complaints, like the lack of nice rest spots on the way, but I suppose the drive was fine enough otherwise." He saluted this time, making observance of your rank. "Captain Matthias Frucht, 407th Steel Legion, 10th Company."

    You returned the gesture. "Major Gwendolyn Starcrest, 99th Scintillia Grenadiers, 5th Battalion." The last part still felt odd on your tongue, but not as awkwardly as it had been the first time. "Good to finally make your acquaintance. My unit has been looking quite forward to connecting with their kin of the tracks."

    "Hm? Ah, right, you're nobles aren't you?" He gave you a curious look, noting the definite lack of a prideful and dismissive attitude so emblematic of your background. "Have to say that you're probably the first ones who haven't demanded me to clean your boot as penance for not offering my head immediately."

    "I wouldn't dare put our company's shoeshiner out of business," you idly remarked with a shrug. "I'm sorry to say, but I do prefer a more professional sort of care to our equipment. Maybe I could introduce you to them later if you're interested at all."

    "Hah! Might actually be something to take you up on, so the driver can actually having something pretty to look at when I tell them what direction to go!" He chuckled and you smiled, the natural camaraderie of two soldiers far from home but fighting for humanity settling in. "Ah but I think we'll work well together, Major. Your efforts in making this place just a bit more welcoming for us won't be forgotten, I promise it."

    You nodded, then paused. "As it so turns out, I'd like to ask if you would be interested in already cooperating for the next battle we find ourselves in. My troops are good infantry, but we're lacking in any form of armor or fire support. I'm sure you can see where this is leading."

    "Fair enough." He seemed to think on the matter before nodding. "I think if you can put up some supplies, I could convince one of the crews to support your efforts and temporary attach them to your command. But please, don't lose them- we might have more metal, but the experience that crew them aren't so easily replaced."

    "I understand, especially when we're all in the same boat together."

    "Too right. Now then, what are you interested in?"

    [ ] A Scout Sentinel, equipped with a missile launcher. (Cost: 55 Requisition)

    [ ] A Salamander Scout Tank, equipped with an autocannon and heavy bolter. (Cost: 78 Requisition)

    [ ] A Basilisk, equipped with an earthshaker cannon and heavy bolter. (Cost: 108 Requisition)

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    - I randomly rolled for what vehicles were made available, and unfortunately that Basilisk is just barely out of your budget. That's unfortunate but can't be helped. The other two options though I imagine are still welcomed for what they can potentially bring to your next battle. Remember that if they survive, you will be refunded half their cost at the end of the battle.

    14 hour moratorium to host Armageddon​
     
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    • [x] A Scout Sentinel, equipped with a missile launcher. (Cost: 55 Requisition)

    -55 Requisition (103 -55 = 48 Requisition)

    "Something fast enough to keep up with infantry, but still capable of bringing heavy firepower in a pinch," you listed out with a hum. "We sorely lack anti-armor capabilities at the moment, so anything fitting that category would be much welcomed."

    Frucht nodded and put a hand to his chin in thought. Then his finger moved to tap against his comm-bead, relaying an order. A few minutes later, the sound of rapidly moving servos filled your ears and you watched a Scout Sentinel bound up to the two officers. Its legs whirred and lowered to allow the control chamber to reach your level. The hatch on top opened and the pilot emerged, curiously still wearing a gas mask despite the sealed cabin. You supposed that with how toxic Armageddon could reportedly get, it was better to be safe than sorry.

    They saluted while the captain explained, "This is Corporal Seltz. I'll be putting him under your command for the time being. I trust you can find a use for him and his missile launcher."

    "That I can do," you promised and turned to the pilot. "Do you have any issues following the commands of a commander from another regiment?"

    "Not in the slightest," replied Seltz with a shake of the head. "I lost my comrades in a skirmish with the rebels the other day, but I would appreciate it if you still used my old squad callsign in the field. I fight on in my comrades' memories, Major."

    The Armageddon soldiers looked at you expectantly, perhaps a test of how you'd react to this break in protocol. But honestly, you wouldn't begrudge a man of his honor, especially from a bond through battle. "What would that be?"

    "Ghost-3." You nodded and patted your chest in an unspoken vow. "My gratitude, ma'am."

    "Scintillia knows very well the weight of such devotion, especially one born of such noble camaraderie. We all spill blood in the name of the Emperor, wherever we are from," you emphasized. "I'll see to it that my officers also respect your callsign. In fact, I'll direct you to them now-"

    A squawk burst through the assembled officer comm-beads now that had all tilting their heads. The instructions were clear though and you sighed, shaking your head. "My apologies, but we are summoned. Head up that street there, talk to the one in charge of tossing tubers. Sergeant Raou will see to it that you have whatever you need."

    The Sentinel pilot made the sign of the Aquila before lowering and closing the hatch. The walker was on the move a moment later while Frucht raised an eyebrow to ask, "Tossing tubers?"

    "Because using real grenades is too much for training."

    "I see. Too expensive."

    "No, too dangerous. You wouldn't believe how many throw the pin instead."

    Both you and him then made haste to headquarters and entered the converted city building. It looked like you were the last ones here, and the captain gave a single nod before moving to join the rest of the staff from Armageddon. You yourself moved to align with your fellow Vaulters, idly checking to make sure your wig was still in place in front of all these distinguished individuals. There was only a brief moment to do so before the Lieutenant General appeared, striding to the front of a command table. When they had confirmed everybody was present, the room's lights dimmed as the illumination was replaced with the green holograms coming from the valuable device.

    A servo skull hovering nearby helpfully projected additional information while Meryln began the briefing. "Military intelligence has good and bad news. Let's begin with the important discovery- the rebel hideout has been identified through orbital observation. It's an old fortress in the mountains, one that happens to dominate the range and sits at an intersection of the various routes through." There was a rendition of the fortress now, a mysterious structure that was neatly tucked away and shielded by the crags. "They likely have all their stolen equipment and vehicles here. Destroy it, and the rebels are without the gear to continue their uprising."

    "So do it. Bomb the mountains into a plain," an Armageddon officer callously remarked, earning a few looks from the others. You were sure you were among them. "I mean, with the permission of the planetary authorities, of course."

    "No need to be that rough!" A fellow admonished with a shake of the head and pointed at the skies around the fortress. "We control the air, we can do saturation bombing without resulting to naval weapons." That earned another reaction, this time of approving grunts from more commanders.

    "Unfortunately, we have already tried both," revealed Meryln and the hologram updated with depictions. There was silence when rounds came in from orbit, only to be absorbed by a sudden shield. Meanwhile, miniature aircraft soaring through suddenly were struck out of the air and collided into the mountains.

    "Throne on Terra," you softly swore before you could catch yourself.

    "My thoughts, and that of the strategists as well," your superior idly added with a shake of the head. "It was a remarkable surprise that such a defensive emplacement exists, especially with such capacities. But no matter. We will simply adapt and use ground troops to assault the position."

    This declaration made several shift worryingly, and it did not escape Meryln's notice. Quickly, they began to lay out the factors that certainly made this challenging, and how to tackle them. "The rebels still have a sizable armor presence that will certainly stymie any assault through any way in. They'll be able to setup and surround any breakthrough, meaning that we need to be rid of it." They looked up to meet the gazes of the Armageddon officers. "This is where the 407th comes into play. Using the pretense of a logistics convoy going between cities, we will lure out the rebel armor from their defenses and force them into battle on the plains. This should be a rematch that I think you'll be eager for."

    "How can we be sure they'll take the bait?' Frucht quietly pointed out.

    "They'll need supplies, ammo, and a quick victory to bolster their forces. It would be too tempting to resist, the opportunity to raid a convoy, especially if it appears only lightly defended. The forces stationed here in the city will be in charge of this initial bait, while those heavy elements elsewhere will make up the hammer when the bait is taken." The map morphed into a simulation of the anticipated battle on the plains, where rebel armor elements were being lured out into a trap set by the Steel Legion. Nearby, the servo skull helpfully displayed the command vehicle that would lead the ambush. "I trust in a straight fight, the Tread Knights will not lose."

    The officers from Armageddon chorused affirmatives, some even offended at the idea of their famed armor losing to this rabble. Meanwhile, you had to fight back the smile from the idea of a stealthy Baneblade. Then another brought up a question. "What will the other regiments do in the meantime?"

    The hologram refocused back on the fortress, specifically focusing on an area not far from it that should hopefully be a safe staging point. "With their armor out of place, whatever is left should be weak enough for us to assault head-on. The 59th Moebian have already insisted on the honor of making the attempt, and they've certainly earned it after their performance at the power plant. They won't be able to count on their Valkyrie support until those anti-air emplacements but they've reassured me they have other surprises up their sleeves." Merlyn sniffed. "I daresay that something about a few choice vehicles being missing from Back by Forty's stock could provide the answer."

    Once again the servo skull provided helpful context in the form of the 'missing' manifest. The Taurox may not exactly be a visually appealing vehicle, but it boasted the firepower and speed to break through a surprised enemy line for the passengers within to get to work. From what you've heard about the Penitents, that very well might just be the opportunity they need. That explained the role of another regiment, leaving only one more left to be discussed. "What of the 99th Grenadiers?"

    Meryln turned to you and spoke, "The 99th Grenadiers will be supporting both engagements from our staging area in the mountains. Half our forces will move to support the 407th by destroying the escape routes the rebel armor could flee through, to trap them out of their fortress. The other will remain on reserve and on standby in case an emergency should arise with any situation," they commanded and pressed a button on the command table. It dialed out and now demonstrated, with some flickering, the full deployment plan of Oster-1.

    Officers studied it intently, memorizing details and committing them to memory. A few even began to mumble between themselves, volunteering for various roles and assignments. This was noted by the Lieutenant General, who knew the soldiers fought best where they wanted to be. You pressed your lips and considered where best to suggest your unit to.

    [ ] [Objective] Destroy the Escape. Fifth Battalion will move in once enemy armor is confirmed to have taken the bait and walked into the trap. They'll collapse the mountain routes to block the retreat for the rebels to force them to face Armageddon.

    [ ] [Objective] Contingency Force. Fifth Battalion will be on standby to help respond to any complications or issues that arise. It's almost guaranteed for something to go wrong in a plan of this scale, so don't expect to sit around for nothing.

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    - Of minor note, forgot to list that pretty much everybody has Frag Grenades. I mean, yeah, it's in the name, but it's good for actual bookkeeping.
    - Also on that note, didn't realize that Sergeants actually begin with only a Laspistol- the melee weapon is optional, but because Battlescribe is oriented around actual competitive games, it forces you to take one. Think I'm just going to dump the program at that point and freeball it. Way more fun. We'll keep the chainswords for now regardless.

    14 hour moratorium to practice throwing tubers.​
     
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    • Scheduled vote count started by Celeshiro on Nov 19, 2024 at 12:22 AM, finished with 7 posts and 7 votes.
    • [X] [Objective] Contingency Force. Fifth Battalion will be on standby to help respond to any complications or issues that arise. It's almost guaranteed for something to go wrong in a plan of this scale, so don't expect to sit around for nothing.
      [X] [Objective] Contingency Force.
      [X] [Objective] Destroy the Escape. Fifth Battalion will move in once enemy armor is confirmed to have taken the bait and walked into the trap. They'll collapse the mountain routes to block the retreat for the rebels to force them to face Armageddon.
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