Turn 5: What makes a Space Marine
Colchis - 831.M30

You stand in the dimly lit command center, the ancient relic of the Aegis-Pattern Heavy Power Armor before you. You run your fingers over the cold metal, feeling the power and history imbued within it. The battle ahead looms large in your mind, and you know that donning this armor could be the difference between victory and defeat.

You then look behind and move to sit with Lorgar, Thalassa, and Dharok around the central table in the command center, the hum of machinery and the distant echoes of activity creating a constant background noise. The table is dimly lit, the harsh overhead lights casting sharp shadows that dance across the walls. The recent events have left you all exhausted, but there is little time to rest. The conversation has turned to a task as monumental as any battle you have faced: the creation of Space Marines.

"We need to understand the organs involved," Lorgar begins, his tone thoughtful. His presence commands respect, and his words draw the attention of everyone at the table. "The Black Carapace, the Progenoid Glands, the Betcher's Gland, and others."

Thalassa nods, her eyes sharp and focused. "Each organ serves a specific purpose, enhancing the marine's abilities and resilience. The Ossmodula strengthens and enlarges the skeleton. The Biscopea enhances muscle growth and development. The Haemastamen increases the body's efficiency in blood production and oxygen transport."

Dharok leans forward, his intense gaze fixed on the holographic display that lists the organs. "How will we grow these organs in time for the battle? It'll take too long."

You glance at the display, the complexity of the task becoming more apparent. "Sorcery might be our answer," you suggest. "It could accelerate the growth of these organs and aid in their implantation."

Lorgar nods, his eyes thoughtful. "Using sorcery to enhance the body's acceptance of these new organs can also reduce the risk of rejection. We could use enchantments to guide the development of the organs, ensuring they reach their full potential."

Thalassa taps a finger on the table, considering your words. "We could use advanced biotechnological methods to grow the organs in vitro, using gene techniques and accelerated growth chambers. This would allow us to develop the organs rapidly."

"But the implantation process is just as critical," Lorgar points out. "Using sorcery for the implantation could ensure the organs integrate seamlessly with the host's body. We could employ spells to enhance cellular regeneration and tissue compatibility."

Another idea emerges during the discussion.

"We could use the power of intent and will," you say. "By implanting the raw gene-seed into a person and guiding them to wish for the organs, we could tap into their innate desire to transform and adapt."

Lorgar raises an eyebrow. "It is a risky method, but if the individual's will is strong enough, it could indeed work."

Dharok raises an eyebrow. "What? We put my Cousin's blood into a person who then……wishes to be more like him?"

The room falls silent as you all contemplate Dharok's question. The creation of Space Marines is a daunting challenge, but with the combined knowledge and skills of Lorgar, Thalassa, and Dharok, it is not impossible. You feel a sense of determination and resolve settling over the group, the weight of the task only strengthening your commitment to see it through.

"We can do this," you say, breaking the silence. "We can achieve this."

"We can but in time for the Battle?" Dharok asks.

The room is thick with tension as the weight of the task ahead settles over you and your companions. The silence was punctuated by the hum of the machinery and the distant echoes of activity within the command center. The enormity of what you are about to undertake looms large, and the stakes have never been higher.

Dharok gets up, breaking the silence. "I'll go first," he says, his voice steady and resolute.

The reaction is immediate. Lorgar's eyes widen in shock, while Thalassa's brow furrows in concern. You feel a surge of anxiety at the prospect of Dharok volunteering for such a dangerous experiment.

"This is too risky," you begin, your voice tinged with worry. "We don't know how your body will react to the gene-seed and the magic. If something goes wrong…….."

"If something goes wrong, I'll bear the consequences," Dharok interrupts, his gaze unwavering. "We don't have time to debate this. We need results, and we need them now."

Thalassa steps forward, her expression a mix of concern and determination. "We can't just rush into this. We need to consider every possible outcome. We need to prepare."

Dharok shakes his head. "We don't have the luxury of time. The enemy is closing in, and we need to be ready. If we hesitate, we'll lose everything."

Lorgar finally speaks, his voice a deep rumble of authority. "Dharok, you have always been brave, but this is not just about bravery. This is about the survival of our people. We need to make sure that what we are doing is safe and effective."

Dharok turns to Lorgar, his eyes burning with determination. "Cousin, you know me better than anyone. You know the strength of my will, my connection to you and the blessings you purified. If anyone can endure this process, it's me. You purified the once cursed blood that ran through my veins, purified the blessings that now strengthen my mind and spirit. That will only help in the process."

The room falls silent as everyone absorbs Dharok's words. You can see the conflict in Lorgar's eyes, the struggle between his protective instincts and the urgent need for a solution. Thalassa's concern is palpable, but you can also see the flicker of hope in her eyes.

"He is right," you finally say, your voice steady. "We need to act, and we need to act now. His blessings, they will all work in his favor. We can use that to our advantage."

Lorgar nods slowly, the resolve returning to his eyes. "Very well. We will proceed. But we will do everything in our power to ensure your safety."

Thalassa spoke up. "We will need to prepare the gene-seed, decide on a method and ensure that his body is ready to accept the transformation."

"We have two main methods we discussed," you begin, addressing the group. "We can either use sorcery to grow and implant the gene-seed, or we can implant the raw gene-seed and have Dharok wish for the organs to form."

Lorgar strokes his chin thoughtfully. "We can control the growth of the organs with Sorcery, guide their development, and ensure they integrate seamlessly with Dharok's body. But it requires immense precision and power."

You nod in agreement. "Sorcery allows us to manipulate the process at a fundamental level. We can enhance the genetic material, ensure rapid growth, and use enchantments to reduce the risk of rejection. However, the complexity involved means there's a higher risk if anything goes wrong."

Dharok listens intently, his gaze shifting between you and the others. "And the other method? The one where I wish to be more like Lorgar?" he asks.

You take a deep breath, considering your words carefully. "The other method involves implanting the raw gene-seed into your body and wishing for the organs to develop. This method relies heavily on your willpower and connection to Lorgar. The transformation would be driven by your own body and mind, potentially leading to a more natural integration."

Lorgar looks intrigued. "It's a risky approach, but my cousin's strong will and his blessings could indeed make it feasible. It would also be less taxing on our magical resources."

Thalassa interjects, her tone cautious. "While relying on his willpower could work, it also introduces a lot of variables. The transformation process is incredibly complex, and any deviation could lead to severe complications. We must ensure his mind is perfectly focused and his body is in optimal condition."

Dharok's eyes narrow in determination. "I have faced many challenges before. My will is strong, and with my purified blessings, I believe I can endure the transformation. But I understand the risks involved."

You glance at the holographic display, weighing the options. "If we choose the sorcery method, we need to prepare a series of complex workings to guide the growth and integration of the organs. We would also need to create a safe environment for the transformation, using wards and protective enchantments to mitigate any unforeseen complications."

Lorgar nods. "And if we choose the wish method, we need to ensure Dharok's mind is completely focused. We could use spells to enhance his concentration and willpower, guiding his thoughts towards the desired outcome."

HOW THIS WORKS:
You use Scoured Perfection of Form to give him the relevant "Mutations", the implanting of Lorgar's Raw Gene Seed is to provide a massive xp reduction so that he can grow all the organs in time and within the xp limitation of the wish. THis is bypassing the limits of the wish by already putting the mutations in him and wishing it into place.

CHOICE:
[] He wishes to become more like Lorgar
-This is the riskiest option but has the most rewards as Dharok, if he rolls well, will be attuned to Lorgar's Mythos and gain leftover xp after the purchase of the organs, that he can use to purchase True Faith, Awakened Essence or anything else that Lorgar has. Has a risk of death, though lowered due to Lorgar. Can fail due to poor rolls.

[] You use Sorcery to grow and implant the Organs
-Safest Option and you get a standard Space Marine but no bonus rewards.

In Either Case, due to the strong Bond, Lorgar will personally tutor Dharok so do not worry about his not being used to his enhanced abilities, provided he survives the process and is not crippled or dies.
 
@Yzarc, by Wish, do you mean VEE+Scoured Perfection of Form?

And can we do both, use Sorcery to support a Wish. Or we use Sorcery and Lorgar uses a True Faith Miracle?
 
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@Yzarc, by Wish, do you mean VEE/Scoured Perfection of Form?
Yes. I am counting the Gene-seed organs as a mutation for the purpose of mechanics. This would not be normally possible as no normal person's body can withstand the change but he is a special case.

Others cannot do this without the Raw Gene-seed as they are a part of Lorgar's mythos and you need a sample to repeat this.
 
[X] You use Sorcery to grow and implant the Organs

The guy already had his soul saved from Chaos, I think that used up several lifetimes worth of luck, plus even if he does not get Awakened Essence and Faith enough wishes can give it to him. This is effectively boons now or boons later, not now or never.
 
[X] He wishes to become more like Lorgar

If he's willing it's his risk to take and we need all the help we can get against this enemy.

Yes. I am counting the Gene-seed organs as a mutation for the purpose of mechanics. This would not be normally possible as no normal person's body can withstand the change but he is a special case.

Others cannot do this without the Raw Gene-seed as they are a part of Lorgar's mythos and you need a sample to repeat this.

Can we use Sorcery and/or perhaps Pattern Reassertion Touch to support him through the VEE Wish process?
 
I really think we should strongly consider taking the risk, as it's a massive power up for him and makes it more likely he'll do things like survive the battle.
 
And can we do both, use Sorcery to support a Wish. Or we use Sorcery and Lorgar uses a True Faith Miracle?
No. If you go Sorcery, it is a safe option, though you can grant him 30xp for stuff, his connection to Lorgar's mythos will not be strengthened due to that not being a wish you can normally grant.
Can we use Sorcery and/or perhaps Pattern Reassertion Touch to support him through the VEE Wish process?
It is not physical damage but the spiritual changes that he has to withstand. Because that is what it is, a spiritual challenge where he attunes himself to Lorgar's mythos, allowing him access to Solar Hero Style, even if he has to awaken his essence to use it.
 
The guy already had his soul saved from Chaos, I think that used up several lifetimes worth of luck, plus even if he does not get Awakened Essence and Faith enough wishes can give it to him. This is effectively boons now or boons later, not now or never.

I don't think this is boons now or boons later. The attunement to Lorgar's mythos is what opens up Celestial Martial Arts, based n previous discussions, and it isn't something we can grant.
 
He'll still be a space marine with a ton of Chaos granted merits, the safest person who is not a Circle Mate in our side, unless we lose really hard he should be fine

CMA would make him an awful lot safer.

And it would make him a lot better at killing chaos warriors before they get the chance to kill others of our tribe.

Yes. I am counting the Gene-seed organs as a mutation for the purpose of mechanics. This would not be normally possible as no normal person's body can withstand the change but he is a special case.

Others cannot do this without the Raw Gene-seed as they are a part of Lorgar's mythos and you need a sample to repeat this.

Can we prepare other people for this kind of transformation with appropriate genetor augments, Endowment from demons or blessings from spirits to give them the strength to withstand it?
 
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CMA would make him an awful lot safer.

And it would make him a lot better at killing chaos warriors before they get the chance to kill others of our tribe.

Yeah, but attempting to get said CMA makes him a lot more likely to melt into a pile of goo, which would be a really bad end to the narrative of 'first guy Lorgar saved from Chaos'. By contrast even if he is killed, which is less likely, would be better.
 
Yeah, but attempting to get said CMA makes him a lot more likely to melt into a pile of goo, which would be a really bad end to the narrative of 'first guy Lorgar saved from Chaos'. By contrast even if he is killed, which is less likely, would be better.

The first person he saves becoming a super marine is rather than a mook also a much better narrative.

IF he has CMA he'll be an awful lot more useful and much more likely to be narratively relevant in future.

It's a risk, but given we're about to go up against a chaos army outnumbered ten to one I think it's one that's worth it. Him taking the risk of death in order to better protect the tribe is a powerful statement of faith a commitment. Even if he dies it is still a powerful one.
 
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I'm not sure I'd call 'an everchosen's worth of merits' mook, but even if that is the case better mook than pile of screaming goo.

I think the Everchosen's worth of merits are basically the sacrifice to become a space marine in the sorcery option, which is why he ends up a standard space marine rather than an enhanced one in that option.

And while it's better for him, given we'll be able to make more space marines in future, having one extra standard space marine is a much less valuable than having an extra hero grade space marine. After a while the first will make no difference, but heroes are much , much rarer.

And as for narrative, as I say, I think the former chaos champion risking death to have the strength to defy his old gods is a powerful one.
 
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I've said it before; but I think we should try to give Lorgar a battlefield scale psyker powe, perhaps photokinesis that his Mythos may boost. Much larger scale powers exist in 40K, after all.



Just to note, but we've been told that Meta-Attributes are only noticable as inhuman when looking at the results. If they're physically superhuman we'd only tell when they picked up a boulder a human couldn't.

Also, we don't know if they have their own archeotech or not.



What about with heavy weapons or artillery?

Exalted may find it hard to solo small armies with a sword, but what about when they have something like a fast firing howitzer firing cluster munitions that can kill dozens with a single shot and they can fire ten shots per minute? Or a close air support gunship that can strafe and bomb an army without aerial defences with impunity.

That's possible with RL tech and skitarii super-tech should be able to do a lot better.
iirc, the problem with granting mega attributes to imperials with scoured perfection of form is that unless you grant them a gift to hide it, it's an obvious change that risks them being labeled a mutant.

So, while it's possibly hidden, chaos warriors with mega attributes should have been obviously inhuman.

And yes, archeotech is a thing. But I don't think the covenant can reliably produce stuff that gives superhuman boosts. That's just speculation though.
 
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-This is the riskiest option but has the most rewards as Dharok, if he rolls well, will be attuned to Lorgar's Mythos and gain leftover xp after the purchase of the organs, that he can use to purchase True Faith, Awakened Essence or anything else that Lorgar has. Has a risk of death, though lowered due to Lorgar. Can fail due to poor rolls.
the wording implies that a mid roll around 40-60 should be fine and equals just using sorcery, failure coming only due to poor rolls and death at very poor rolls . . . if the integration fails but he doesn't die from a Nat 1, what happens? like can we try again next turn (assuming we survive the battle?)
 
iirc, the problem with granting mega attributes to imperials with scoured perfection of form is that unless you grant them a gift to hide it, it's an obvious change that risks them being labeled a mutant.

It's not. I believe Yzarc has clarified that it's not obvious except for the effect of being super strong being obvious when you lift something a human can't lift, or similar. When not in use or when doing something not obvious a Mega-Attribute isn't noticable - and when noticed it looks like human+, which is acceptable, rather than inhuman, which isn't.

We just need to reverse engineer them as genetor augmentations so they can be applied using technology.
 
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Can we prepare other people for this kind of transformation with appropriate genetor augments, Endowment from demons or blessings from spirits to give them the strength to withstand it?
Yes and no. They would need a LOT of buffs to even have a chance to live through this.
iirc, the problem with granting mega attributes to imperials with scoured perfection of form is that unless you grant them a gift to hide it, it's an obvious change that risks them being labeled a mutant.
Your Wish charm thrumps most downsides. Like regen does not shorten lifespan or cause super cancer.

In mega attributes, IF you want it, it can stay hidden UNLESS it is being used to lift a tank or other obvious use of super strength.
the wording implies that a mid roll around 40-60 should be fine and equals just using sorcery, failure coming only due to poor rolls and death at very poor rolls . . . if the integration fails but he doesn't die from a Nat 1, what happens? like can we try again next turn (assuming we survive the battle?)
If he fails, depending on the severity, you can try again. You would need to heal him first but yes.
 
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