Oh, just to check, can someone help me find the agreed on Forge Output for Turn 33? Update is almost done, I just need to prepare the vote options.
Incidentally, I'm going to have to rejigger the mechanics for constructing relic vehicles like Land Raiders, because right now the Crusaders can build four Land Raiders every five years and that is ridiculous. Maybe make it so that Land Raider construction takes place over, say, a century (so 20 turns) but Osiron's Engine Seer trait lets you cut that down to, like, 5 turns. Because he's fucking Osiron. Will have to ponder on it, but it will probably be like that. Thoughts?
Maybe make it so that when we build a land radier the forge spirits and engineers are fatigued by the massive amounts of work it requires. Casuing us a +10 build cost and unable to build another for x turns?
Maybe maintenance costs? Like, that stuff's expensive to keep running. Maybe 10% or 20% of cost per turn? Or if that makes the math too complex, maybe just for relic vehicles and make it 25% or so? After all, those things probably need literal tons of holy incense, oils, and just plain actual spare parts over 5 years. That way we can still in theory build as much as before, so you don't have to explain why we could build Land Raiders at relative light speed before compared to now, but in practice we have an incentive to keep only a few Land Raiders around at any one time, lest we not be able to actually build much of anything else.
Oh, just to check, can someone help me find the agreed on Forge Output for Turn 33? Update is almost done, I just need to prepare the vote options.
Incidentally, I'm going to have to rejigger the mechanics for constructing relic vehicles like Land Raiders, because right now the Crusaders can build four Land Raiders every five years and that is ridiculous. Maybe make it so that Land Raider construction takes place over, say, a century (so 20 turns) but Osiron's Engine Seer trait lets you cut that down to, like, 5 turns. Because he's fucking Osiron. Will have to ponder on it, but it will probably be like that. Thoughts?
Somewhere in here, will trim it down with editing.
Vote tally: ##### 3.21
[x] Deployment Plan Notanautomaton
-[x] First and Second Companies on the First Fleet after the Battle Barge.
-[x] 6th Fleet and 8th Company to liase with the Warhawks against the Dark Eldar.
-[x] 7th Fleet and 7th Company to take out the Kaptin.
[x] Forge plan Arbit No. of votes: 1 notanautomaton
[X] Plan Keeper
[div class="SpoilerTarget bbCodeSpoilerText"][X] Astorum to get in contact with the Warhawks, and ask for advice regarding the Dark Eldar menace. Propose an organised operation to root them out.
[X] 1st Company - Dispatch to the Iron Fang aboard the First Fleet under Command of Cato Jantorus
[X] 2nd Company - Dispatch to the Iron Fang aboard the First Fleet
[X] Dispatch Epistolary Sacris to 3rd Company to aid with the Pursuit
[X] 7th Company to Train
[X] 8th Company to Harass Arrgleblasta's Forces throughout Galen, with the goal of Gathering Intelligence on his Forces
[X] 9th Company to Rebuild
[X] Grand Academy to Produce IG Regiments No. of votes: 1 Keeper Of Storms
[X]Plan Modified Keeper.
[div class="SpoilerTarget bbCodeSpoilerText"][X] Astorum to get in contact with the Warhawks, and ask for advice regarding the Dark Eldar menace. Propose an organised operation to root them out.
[X] 1st Company - Dispatch to the Iron Fang aboard the First Fleet under Command of Cato Jantorus
[X] 2nd Company - Dispatch to the Iron Fang aboard the First Fleet
[X] Dispatch Epistolary Sacris and 2 Lexicani to 3rd Company to aid with the Pursuit
[X] 7th Company to mission The Foes Within and Without. Search for evidance.
[X] 8th Company to Harass Arrgleblasta's Forces throughout Galen, with the goal of Gathering Intelligence on his Forces and Kill Him if opportunity rises.
[X] 9th Company to Rebuild
[X] Grand Academy to Produce IG Regiments No. of votes: 1 Tasoli
[X] Plan Keeping Our Tracks Covered No. of votes: 1 Elbrasch
[x] Call upon none of them, this will be your fight alone.
[x] Pathor's Strategem No. of votes: 3 Praetor98, MasterDrakus, New Shadow
[x] Call upon none of them, this will be your fight alone.
[x] Pathor's Strategem: The Carmine Dream will hold position and ward off boarding assault while the Wings of Providence escapes and consolidates with the fleet for a counterattack. It will likely bleed the majority of the 6th Company, and scar the Carmine Dream yet further, but will almost certainly hold the Dark Eldar in place long enough for the fleet to arrive. In a best case scenario, the 6th Company may be able to enact counter-boarding actions, and search for their Chapter Master immediately. The Kill-Team will consolidate on board the Carmine Dream.
[x] Move the 9th company to the Carmine Dream. No. of votes: 3 Terribleangel, atrophy, runes
[X] Domino's Decision: Ramming Speed. Destroy the Xenos before they may destroy you. thief adhvantage of the Dark Eldar are their initiative and first strike capability. However, the Carmine Dream has the armor of a Battle Barge and the mobility of a Strike Cruiser. All power to the Enginarium and rip them apart from inside their formation. The riskiest action, as the fleet has not consolidated. But it may allow for the quickest, and safest, recovery of Aurelius Asterion. No. of votes: 1 Variel
[X] Hold position and await the reinforcements. This will allow the Dark Eldar to launch another boarding party onto the Carmine Dream, but will allow Pathor to pen the Dark Eldar in the Forward Armory and break it wide open with reinforcements. This will also let the Dark Eldar consolidate themselves.
[X] Retreat from the Torture Cruiser with all Marines and as many slaves as possible. If the Cruiser isn't self-destructing, however, another boarding assault will be difficult.
[X] Hold position, and await a better opportunity. The Dark Eldar are suspicious of their presence, but the Deathwatch know the importance of secrecy and stealth. They will bide their time until a better opportunity presents itself - like a boarding party leaves, or the Crimson Crusaders attack of their own volition. No. of votes: 1 KnightDisciple
[X] Attack the Forward Armory immediately. The Dark Eldar are reeling from Pathor's Charge, and are currently off guard. Capitalise on their weakness. Force them out of the ship. Risky, and available only with the people on hand. But this is fast, and allows the entire ship to prepare for the next attack.
[X] Call their bluff. Storm the bridge immediately. Seize control of it and jettison the Dark Eldar into the cold void. However, if they aren't fast enough, it is almost certain they will all die.
[X] Hold position, and await a better opportunity. The Dark Eldar are suspicious of their presence, but the Deathwatch know the importance of secrecy and stealth. They will bide their time until a better opportunity presents itself - like a boarding party leaves, or the Crimson Crusaders attack of their own volition. No. of votes: 1 Erehwon
[X] There is only victory in motion. Lord Asterion is a blademaster of great renown, and he must be biting at the bit for a rematch against his tormentor. Free him, give him the stimulants he needsto fight, and lend him a sword. The Lord in Crimson Clad will do the rest. No. of votes: 1 DkArthas
[div class="voteBody"][X] Enact the Lesson of Rios, or a variant at least. Sergeant Noph will engage the Archon in a duel, while the remainder of the squad keep the Archon's entourage busy. When the time is right, blast the Archon with the meltagun. As he would approve.[/div]
[div class="voteBody"][X] Endure. Be the stone. Be the wall. Be the Angel before the Gates. Fight like this is Baal all over again. Against an enemy like that, victory can only be won by another like him. Faith, brothers. Have faith that help will arrive. Faith will carry the day.[/div]
[div class="voteBody"][X] There is only victory in motion. Lord Asterion is a blademaster of great renown, and he must be biting at the bit for a rematch against his tormentor. Free him, give him the stimulants he needsto fight, and lend him a sword. The Lord in Crimson Clad will do the rest.[/div]
[X] Endure. Be the stone. Be the wall. Be the Angel before the Gates. Fight like this is Baal all over again. Against an enemy like that, victory can only be won by another like him. Faith, brothers. Have faith that help will arrive. Faith will carry the day. No. of votes: 1 Garlak
[div class="voteBody"][X] Enact the Lesson of Rios, or a variant at least. Sergeant Noph will engage the Archon in a duel, while the remainder of the squad keep the Archon's entourage busy. When the time is right, blast the Archon with the meltagun. As he would approve.[/div]
[div class="voteBody"][X] Endure. Be the stone. Be the wall. Be the Angel before the Gates. Fight like this is Baal all over again. Against an enemy like that, victory can only be won by another like him. Faith, brothers. Have faith that help will arrive. Faith will carry the day.[/div]
[div class="voteBody"][X] There is only victory in motion. Lord Asterion is a blademaster of great renown, and he must be biting at the bit for a rematch against his tormentor. Free him, give him the stimulants he needsto fight, and lend him a sword. The Lord in Crimson Clad will do the rest.[/div] No. of votes: 1 Night_stalker
Okay updated action plan. Deployed 8th Company for The Iron Fang as well.
I added asking the Deathwatch/Ordo Xenos about Dark Eldar to The Carrion of Commoragh.
1st Company is deployed on the Dark Eldar Hunt because Astorums legendary fellowship is needed for the diplomacy that's required for coordinating. 5th Fleet is deployed for this mission because the Soul of Fire travels fast through the warp.
[X] Dispatch 2nd and 8th Company and 1st Fleet for The Iron Fang.
-[X] Equip the Veterans with Terminator Armour and weapons.
[X] Deploy 1st Company and 5th Fleet on The Carrion of Commoragh.
-[X] Contact the Deathwatch/Ordo Xenos and ask for estimates on where the Dark Eldar are likely to strike next. Also ask for advice on fighting them.
-[X] Have the Librarian with the highest skill in Divination consult the Emperors Tarot to further narrow down where the Dark Eldar will strike and attach him to 1st Company for the hunt.
-[X] Coordinate deployment to likely Dark Eldar targets with the Warhawks and ask for advice on fighting Dark Eldar.
[X] Attach Epistolary Faldrin Sacris to 3rd Company.
[X] Forge:
-[X] 5x Terminator Armour (1200)
--[X] Made by Mattias Taldris, as many of them as he can.
-[X] Land Raider - Crusader Pattern (+Drive Systems T-2, +Armor T-2, +Power T-2) (560)
--[X] Made by Osiron Orthos
-[X] 5x Force Weapon (485)
-[X] 5x Mulitmelta for 9th Company (445)
-[X] 8x Lightning Claws for the Veteran Company (405)
--[X] Made by Lysander Diomedes, as many of them as he can.
-[X] 5x Rhinos for 7th Company (DS-2, Ar-2, PC-2) (85)
-[X] 3x Crozii Arcanum (55)
-[X] 11x Combi-Weapons for 1st Company (0)
Oh, just to check, can someone help me find the agreed on Forge Output for Turn 33? Update is almost done, I just need to prepare the vote options.
Incidentally, I'm going to have to rejigger the mechanics for constructing relic vehicles like Land Raiders, because right now the Crusaders can build four Land Raiders every five years and that is ridiculous. Maybe make it so that Land Raider construction takes place over, say, a century (so 20 turns) but Osiron's Engine Seer trait lets you cut that down to, like, 5 turns. Because he's fucking Osiron. Will have to ponder on it, but it will probably be like that. Thoughts?
[X] Dispatch 2nd and 8th Company and 1st Fleet for The Iron Fang.
-[X] Equip the Veterans with Terminator Armour and weapons.
[X] Deploy 1st Company and 5th Fleet on The Carrion of Commoragh.
-[X] Contact the Deathwatch/Ordo Xenos and ask for estimates on where the Dark Eldar are likely to strike next. Also ask for advice on fighting them.
-[X] Have the Librarian with the highest skill in Divination consult the Emperors Tarot to further narrow down where the Dark Eldar will strike and attach him to 1st Company for the hunt.
-[X] Coordinate deployment to likely Dark Eldar targets with the Warhawks and ask for advice on fighting Dark Eldar.
[X] Attach Epistolary Faldrin Sacris to 3rd Company.
[X] Forge:
-[X] 5x Terminator Armour (1200)
--[X] Made by Mattias Taldris, as many of them as he can.
-[X] Land Raider - Crusader Pattern (+Drive Systems T-2, +Armor T-2, +Power T-2) (560)
--[X] Made by Osiron Orthos
-[X] 5x Force Weapon (485)
-[X] 5x Mulitmelta for 9th Company (445)
-[X] 8x Lightning Claws for the Veteran Company (405)
--[X] Made by Lysander Diomedes, as many of them as he can.
-[X] 5x Rhinos for 7th Company (DS-2, Ar-2, PC-2) (85)
-[X] 3x Crozii Arcanum (55)
-[X] 11x Combi-Weapons for 1st Company (0) No. of Votes: 8
[X] Plan Keeper
[X] Astorum to get in contact with the Warhawks, and ask for advice regarding the Dark Eldar menace. Propose an organised operation to root them out.
[X] 1st Company - Dispatch to the Iron Fang aboard the First Fleet under Command of Cato Jantorus
[X] 2nd Company - Dispatch to the Iron Fang aboard the First Fleet
[X] Dispatch Epistolary Sacris to 3rd Company to aid with the Pursuit
[X] 7th Company to Train
[X] 8th Company to Harass Arrgleblasta's Forces throughout Galen, with the goal of Gathering Intelligence on his Forces
[X] 9th Company to Rebuild
[X] Grand Academy to Produce IG Regiments No. of Votes: 3
[X]Plan Modified Keeper.
[X] Astorum to get in contact with the Warhawks, and ask for advice regarding the Dark Eldar menace. Propose an organised operation to root them out.
[X] 1st Company - Dispatch to the Iron Fang aboard the First Fleet under Command of Cato Jantorus
[X] 2nd Company - Dispatch to the Iron Fang aboard the First Fleet
[X] Dispatch Epistolary Sacris and 2 Lexicani to 3rd Company to aid with the Pursuit
[X] 7th Company to mission The Foes Within and Without. Search for evidance.
[X] 8th Company to Harass Arrgleblasta's Forces throughout Galen, with the goal of Gathering Intelligence on his Forces and Kill Him if opportunity rises.
[X] 9th Company to Rebuild
[X] Grand Academy to Produce IG Regiments No. of Votes: 1
[x] Deployment Plan Notanautomaton
-[x] First and Second Companies on the First Fleet after the Battle Barge.
-[x] 6th Fleet and 8th Company to liase with the Warhawks against the Dark Eldar.
-[x] 7th Fleet and 7th Company to take out the Kaptin.
[x] Forge plan Arbit No. of Votes: 1
For building things like Land Raiders, perhaps cap the max BP per turn that can be allocated and have them need a Techmarine, or more, with the requisite skill assigned to build it?
For building things like Land Raiders, perhaps cap the max BP per turn that can be allocated and have them need a Techmarine, or more, with the requisite skill assigned to build it?
Yeah, I think something like this. Because I don't want to remove the capacity to build more than one Land Raider or similarly-powerful vehicle, I just want to make it appropriately difficult. I'll probably give Land Raiders the Epic trait, which makes their construction duration 20 turns (100 years) and requires you to commit a Senior Techmarine to their construction, because only the oldest and most versed of Forgemasters should be capable of building something as mighty as a Land Raider. Full cost has to be paid upfront, though.
Fortunately, Osiron has his Engine Seer trait, which doubles vehicle construction time. And Legendary Intelligence Tier-2 specced for Tech stuff, allowing him to double the speed again. Which reduces construction time down to 5 turns. Because Osiron will be Osiron, and Land Raiders are basically SUPER!Rhinos anyways.
Fortunately, Osiron has his Engine Seer trait, which doubles vehicle construction time. And Legendary Intelligence Tier-2 specced for Tech stuff, allowing him to double the speed again. Which reduces construction time down to 5 turns. Because Osiron will be Osiron, and Land Raiders are basically SUPER!Rhinos anyways.
dont like 5 turns to be honest and even that thanks to only our epic forgemaster
Maybe one at a time and it takes a senior techmarine to build but takes two turns beside the bp requirement ? Cause we rule a freaking hive world , it should be able to build them abit faster - ur throwing it into battleship/battle barge range with the supposed 20 turns ?
dont like 5 turns to be honest and even that thanks to only our epic forgemaster
Maybe one at a time and it takes a senior techmarine to build but takes two turns beside the bp requirement ? Cause we rule a freaking hive world , it should be able to build them abit faster - ur throwing it into battleship/battle barge range with the supposed 20 turns ?
Well, it's not that simple. A Forge World couldn't build a Land Raider in ten years even if it did absolutely nothing else. Production bottlenecks are a thing, and at some point throwing resources at a project simply will not speed it up. And considering that in canon, the only people who can build Land Raiders at all (because only they possess the crucial knowledge of manufacture, as well as the facilities) are the Mechanicus.
It's like asking the Marine Corps to build an Abrams in a week. Simply impossible, and you're asking the wrong people anyways.
Well, it's not that simple. A Forge World couldn't build a Land Raider in ten years even if it did absolutely nothing else. Production bottlenecks are a thing, and at some point throwing resources at a project simply will not speed it up. And considering that in canon, the only people who can build Land Raiders at all (because only they possess the crucial knowledge of manufacture, as well as the facilities) are the Mechanicus.
It's like asking the Marine Corps to build an Abrams in a week. Simply impossible, and you're asking the wrong people anyways.
Given the sheer manufacturing output of a single forgeworld I'm always surprised by how long it's reported to take constructing even a single piece of Space Marine equipment.
I mean, seriously people, a good chunk of that stuff would be the sort of thing you create an assembly line for, and for the stuff you don't, like Land Raiders since those are SM exclusive equipment you'd be able to coopt the armour industry for a good chunk of it. I mean, one sheet of armour is no different from another, you just have to cut a larger sheet out of a rolled hunk of thick steel, and you can automate that, and likewise can you do so with the tracks.
Given the sheer manufacturing output of a single forgeworld I'm always surprised by how long it's reported to take constructing even a single piece of Space Marine equipment.
I mean, seriously people, a good chunk of that stuff would be the sort of thing you create an assembly line for, and for the stuff you don't, like Land Raiders since those are SM exclusive equipment you'd be able to coopt the armour industry for a good chunk of it. I mean, one sheet of armour is no different from another, you just have to cut a larger sheet out of a rolled hunk of thick steel, and you can automate that, and likewise can you do so with the tracks.
Given the sheer manufacturing output of a single forgeworld I'm always surprised by how long it's reported to take constructing even a single piece of Space Marine equipment.
I mean, seriously people, a good chunk of that stuff would be the sort of thing you create an assembly line for, and for the stuff you don't, like Land Raiders since those are SM exclusive equipment you'd be able to coopt the armour industry for a good chunk of it. I mean, one sheet of armour is no different from another, you just have to cut a larger sheet out of a rolled hunk of thick steel, and you can automate that, and likewise can you do so with the tracks.
Well, I mean... stuff like bolters does tend to get mass produced, especially stuff like heavy bolters and bolt pistols that the Guard also use. Most of the Space Marine armory is shared with the rest of the Imperium, actually. Aaaaaaaaaaaaand then you get to things like Terminator Armor and Land Raiders.
We've gone over Terminator Armor already, how it's impossibly advanced and horrifically expensive, requiring the use of rare and valuable materials combined with expertise that is difficult to share and easy to deny to create a suit of armor protected by adamantine, ceramite, plasteel and a lot of salty artisan tears. Considering the apparent backbreaking labour regular Power Armor apparently is to make, Terminator Armor is an order of magnitude more bullshit I imagine, and that's assuming this isn't canon, where people have largely forgotten, and the only reason Terminator Armor is still around so much is because it's fucking invincible.
Most of that argument applies to the Land Raider, but even moreso. You have a giant tank protected by armor plating made by bonding adamantine and ceramite on a molecular level and doing all sorts of science with it, designed to hurl aforementioned Terminators into the heat of battle, while equipped with advanced weaponry to support those same Terminators with all the tank support firepower they can muster. While also integrating a mind machine interface for the crew, manual controls if the interface fucks up (because marines love redundancy), and also what is basically an AI with its machine spirit, which probably makes Land Raider manufacture at least three flavours of tech heresy.
It's not easy to make a Land Raider, is what I'm saying. Not to mention that Land Raiders are Astartes exclusive and plenty of them are still around from the Heresy, and most Forge Worlds would probably just build Baneblades instead. The production line doesn't exist because 1) Emperor said only Marines get Land Raiders, 2) Marines don't need all that many Land Raiders (they want more but that's another matter), and 3) dat machine spirit tho
It's a machine spirit, @Swordomatic, don't insult it by calling it an Abominable Intelligence.
That machine (the land raider) is your friend and is pleasing to the Machine God for it is a stalwart box.. This machine (the man of iron) is blasphemous in the eyes of the Machine God for it is self-thinking and thus must be destroyed.
WELL ANYWAYS AFTER A (actually kind of horrible) NIGHT'S SLEEP I HAVE RECONSIDERED BUILD TIMES
Base Land Raider build time should be about 50 years, or 10 Turns. Still lengthy, and still more appropriate to building temples. But it's reasonable, and if smash-built, can be accelerated.
That said! Due to the rarity and secrecy that surrounds the vast majority of Land Raider patterns, building any pattern that isn't the Phobos, Crusader or Redeemer will require either Favors or Quests, either by favor trading with the appropriate factions for the full blueprints, asking said factions to help fabricate the components you need (which reduces the BP cost you have to pay), or raiding barren/lost forge worlds, supply depots and space hulks for the right components.
Osiron being Osiron, he probably knows the blueprints for several rare patterns, like the Ares and Achilles, because Osiron gonna Osiron. But even so, he'll need help for rarer patterns like the Terminus Ultra or Prometheus. And if the Dark Angels catch wind of an Ares built without their knowing/approval...
(this isn't retroactive, by the way. The Alae Ardens is fine.)
Anyways, that should be the plan for Land Raiders, tentatively, as well as for anything bigger that the Chapter might find in the future, like Fellblades, Fire Raptors and Spartan Assault Tanks, or unique custom relic models of Predators and whatnot.
Baal Predator is fine, it's a faction-specific vehicle and perfectly available.
Incidentally, I'm also unveiling faction-specific upgrades with the new build list I'll put up soonish. Blood Angel Dreadnoughts now all have enhanced reflex systems as standard, since Furioso Dreadnoughts should have something over the regular Castraferrum besides 'now I get TWO assault claws!'. Chainswords being standard issue is also a Blood Angels thing, though other genelines like Imperial Fists and Dark Angels also get them as standard.
WELL ANYWAYS AFTER A (actually kind of horrible) NIGHT'S SLEEP I HAVE RECONSIDERED BUILD TIMES
Base Land Raider build time should be about 50 years, or 10 Turns. Still lengthy, and still more appropriate to building temples. But it's reasonable, and if smash-built, can be accelerated.
That said! Due to the rarity and secrecy that surrounds the vast majority of Land Raider patterns, building any pattern that isn't the Phobos, Crusader or Redeemer will require either Favors or Quests, either by favor trading with the appropriate factions for the full blueprints, asking said factions to help fabricate the components you need (which reduces the BP cost you have to pay), or raiding barren/lost forge worlds, supply depots and space hulks for the right components.
Osiron being Osiron, he probably knows the blueprints for several rare patterns, like the Ares and Achilles, because Osiron gonna Osiron. But even so, he'll need help for rarer patterns like the Terminus Ultra or Prometheus. And if the Dark Angels catch wind of an Ares built without their knowing/approval...
(this isn't retroactive, by the way. The Alae Ardens is fine.)
Anyways, that should be the plan for Land Raiders, tentatively, as well as for anything bigger that the Chapter might find in the future, like Fellblades, Fire Raptors and Spartan Assault Tanks, or unique custom relic models of Predators and whatnot.
More seriously, it was DA developed and then the pattern shared with other Chapters. I imagine that building more Land Raider Ares without actually getting permission isn't disallowed, but it's a social faux pas in the complex politics of the Space Marines.
Baal Predator is fine, it's a faction-specific vehicle and perfectly available.
Incidentally, I'm also unveiling faction-specific upgrades with the new build list I'll put up soonish. Blood Angel Dreadnoughts now all have enhanced reflex systems as standard, since Furioso Dreadnoughts should have something over the regular Castraferrum besides 'now I get TWO assault claws!'. Chainswords being standard issue is also a Blood Angels thing, though other genelines like Imperial Fists and Dark Angels also get them as standard.
On the subject of the Baal, how come it doesn't get increased speed default? That's its primary selling point, without it it's just a predator with an arbitrarily different set of loadout options.
On the subject of the Baal, how come it doesn't get increased speed default? That's its primary selling point, without it it's just a predator with an arbitrarily different set of loadout options.
I knew I forgot another Blood Angels Exclusive upgrade.
All Blood Angels Rhinos, Predators and whatnot come with Drive Systems Tier-1 for free now, and upgrades count as 1 less for base BP cost increases. So going up to DS Tier-2 will cost only 10% extra base BP.
I knew I forgot another Blood Angels Exclusive upgrade.
All Blood Angels Rhinos, Predators and whatnot come with Drive Systems Tier-1 for free now, and upgrades count as 1 less for base BP cost increases. So going up to DS Tier-2 will cost only 10% extra base BP.
"Command without doubt. Lead without hesitation. Duty above all."
-Aurelius Asterion, Chapter Master of the Crimson Crusaders, Chapter 941, Genecode-IX
----
It has been over thirty years since the War for Baal, and even now the scars can be felt. The former No Man's Land is still divided by a vast trench of molten rock, and the crashed segments of the Angels Evangelion's Hammer of Faith litter the landscape, now shelters, even homes for the desert tribes that yet remain. Despite the atrocities that took place here, despite the apocalyptic war… Baal endures.
Quarto feels a longing for the sands in his hearts, a closeness he cannot explain in the depths of his being. Despite being of Terra, and of the Crimson Crusaders, his blood knows that Baal is home. It is the homeland of his Chapter Master, homeland of his Legion, home and resting place of his Primarch. And no matter where he was born, or where his duty calls, Baal will always be his home, and the Blood Angels his brothers.
Which only makes what he must ask of them that much harder.
When the 1st Captain arrived to the Baal System aboard the Gloria Encarmine, he knew not what to say, or what to expect. Lord Dante has always been a fair man, and the Blood Angels have always guarded secrets. The long trails of nosey Inquisitors looking to expose their 'heresy' prove it. But the Chapter does not need a fair man right now, but brothers willing to bury this deep. To ensure this incident never sees the light of day. To quash this dark chapter of their history, lest their name be dragged through the mud.
When he set foot on Angel's Peak on Baal Secundus, he was immediately received by High Chaplain Astorath, the grim-faced adjudicator trailed by a number of neophytes. They say that Astorath the Grim finally smiled after the Cure was spread, that he knew true, earnest joy for the first time in his long years. That he smiled, because his duty was finally coming to an end. But Quarto sees none of that newfound mirth.
"Quarto, Tarael," Astorath says as he approaches. The Executioner's Axe hangs loosely from one hand, an implicit threat. No; a promise of a duty done. "What has Aurelius done?"
Quarto has no words to say. Nothing that won't shame the Chapter. Tarael speaks for him, as the Herald must. "He was found wanting," he responds.
"Mm," Astorath the Grim responds, his eyes hard, his gaze death. "Disappointing."
Quarto and Tarael bow their heads wordlessly. The High Chaplain scrutinises them harshly beneath his gaze, but finally he relents, and steps aside.
"I know Aurelius well enough to trust his resolve," Astorath the Grim says. "But Dante will not be so charitable. See to it that your Chapter redeems itself, with or without him."
"Of course, Chaplain," the both of them say.
As they head into the Angel's Fall, it doesn't seem so comforting.
----
They find Dante at the very top of Angel's Fall, meditating in his chambers. He is still recovering from the War, still finding his edge after Ka'Bandha tore him open on the No Man's Land. But as they tell him the tale of Aurelius Asterion, they learn that his will is still iron, unbreakable and heavy.
They tell him everything. Of Aurelius' capture, of his battle alone against the Dark Eldar. Of what they recovered from the pict-captures of the Arms of Azeman, how how fought off dozens of Dark Eldar even as his ship filled with flesh eating toxins, and how he was finally laid low by the sword, after the death of thirty four Dark Eldar by his hand, as his filters rotted away and his lungs burned and bled. They tell him of the 6th Company's rescue, of how they crushed three Torture Cruisers, and how they rescued their Chapter Master with only a single death. Were it for any other reason, these tales would have had glory. They would have been great.
But when they finish, Lord Commander Dante is not smiling. He is unamused.
"Aurelius has told you of his youth, hasn't he?" the Lord Commander asks them.
They nod, citing incidents from his path. His early days under Captain Anduril. His journey with the Inquisition. The Fall of Acheron. Time and time again, lessons of his arrogance and youthful ignorance, examples to be learned from, not followed. Dante listens as they speak, never speaking a word, never interrupting them.
When they finish, Dante does not speak. They are silent for a long time, while the Lord Commander sits. A Servitor rolls up, presenting two ornate combat knives. Dante takes them, and tosses one to Quarto.
"Consider this another lesson to learn," the Lord Commander tells them simply. "I shall help you, for we are brothers. But ensure this does not happen again."
"Of course, Lord Commander," Quarto replies.
"Any words for Lord Asterion?" Tarael asks.
Dante shakes his head, and draws his knife. "My silence is message enough."
Quarto nods. He draws his dagger, and signs the compact in blood.
Blood Angels Honorbound Favor Spent
----
It had seemed so simple. Simplicity never meant anything, of course, in their line of duty, but it was… simple. Fewer complications. Fewer traps. Less unpredictability. There was simply the danger, the solution, and the objective.
And yet. And yet. When the Thunderhawk Karanda's Rebuke arrived in Docking Bay Two aboard the Furious Angel, it was smoking. Two of its engines had failed. A primary wing was almost blown off. And emergency crews were on standby to respond, cutting tools ready in the event of mechanical failure.
Ultimately unnecessary, as the Thunderhawk's boarding ramp was still operational. But as it set down with a heavy, grinding thud, it left the occupants within bare to the Company.
"Emperor above," Damien Cybereon said, as serfs and servitors and brothers alike rushed forth to help the battered squad down,each of them barely able to stand. "Felis!"
"Already on it," his Sanguinary Priest responds, his Exsanguinator working to save what he could. "Emperor willing, I might still have a few minutes…"
3rd Company - Scouting
12 vs 40, 3 Degrees of Failure
6 Scouts Dead, 4 Scouts Wounded, 1 Scout Sergeant Wounded
Gene-Seed Recovery
64 vs 60, Bare Success
6 Gene-Seed Recovered from Deceased Scouts
"Captain Cybereon," Scout Sergeant Daz replies tersely, clutching at the stump of an arm he once had. The man is a mess, his face covered in scars, one eye swollen so fiercely it is completely shut. Although the wound is long dressed, the stitches and angry red cuts along his forehead are too much to hide, even for a Space Marine.
He lurches forward suddenly, his legs without strength, and only just catches himself before he fell into his Captain's arms. He raises his one good arm in salute to Cybereon. "Ready to report, Captain."
Damien shakes his head. "This can wait. Sanguinius would be proud of your sense of duty but there are more pressing matters."
"I can wait," Daz insists. "This information cannot." He reaches into a bloody pouch and produces a data crystal, pressing it into his Captain's hands. "We have located the traitor base. I swear it, there are whole warbands down there."
Damien nods, and pockets the crystal. "The trail ends here, then. Can we take them?"
Daz looks at his squad around him, even the walking looking half-dead. "Respectfully, Captain… the 3rd is strong, but even the Veterans would struggle alone."
"Mm," the Captain nods, cupping his chin with a hand. "Sacris, your thoughts? Your divinations lead us here, after all."
The 2nd Company Librarian, currently on temporary loan to the 3rd on their hunt, grunts curtly. "The Sergeant is right. I sense hundreds of traitor marines down there, in addition to their mortal cohorts, and the presence of sorcerers obfuscates my sight. Even under ideal circumstances, if we attack now, the Blades of Karanda will be slaughtered."
"So the Chapter must consolidate," Damien concludes. "That… or we finally call upon our pacts."
"Or make new ones," Sacris adds.
Damien shakes his head and laughs. "That depends on our returned Chapter Master, when he finally awakens."
"Indeed," Sacris nods. "Nonetheless, we must act soon. My divinations indicate that the warbands will separate and depart this base soon enough."
"And all trace of the Sword of Hatred with them," Cybereon growls. "Sacris, can you send word to the Chapter? We have to act quickly."
"Of course, Captain."
----
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Galaxy, the Swordbreaker Crusade continues in earnest. And the Crimson Crusaders continue to fight, no quarter given, no traitor forgiven. At the forefront of the Crusade, the forces of the Imperium have fallen upon the world of Morlond, an old Fortress World, and gateway into the rest of the cluster. After a foothold on the planet was secured by the Iron Snakes and White Scars, the 4th Company was deployed to hold them against the inevitable Chaos counterattack.
And when it came, it was as a devastating wave of heretics.
4th Company, Captain Lyserion
18 vs 40, 2 Degrees of Failure
6 Casualties, 2 Fatalities (Gene-Seed Secure, +2 Gene-Seed Upon Recovery)
They fought, and they held, and they were as the unyielding anvil. They stood together with the Silver Guard atop the battlements, fending off combined mechanised assault from the Blood Pact and the Red Corsairs, who had recently arrived in support of the forces of chaos. Numerous brothers fell, two of them slaughtered when their position was briefly overrun, but they held the line.
And as Chaos momentum faltered, the Imperium begun their counteroffensive, the Alae Ardens at the forefront.
5th Company, Captain Kallis
73 vs 50, 2 Degrees of Success
No Casualties, Accelerate Crusade Progress
The 5th Company fell from the skies like the angels they were, and the moment they attacked was the moment the tides turned. Captain Lantor Kallis of the 5th Company, looking to redeem himself and his Company from accusations of cowardice due to his caution, launched the reckless assault at the earliest possible moment. Strategists would continue to debate whether the Crimson Crusaders 5th Company's attack was out of a moment of foolhardiness or due to the careful calculations of its Captain, but none could gainsay the results.
When the 5th Company's charge ended, despite the constant fears of envelopment and annihilation as the enemy lines encircled them, Morlond was theirs. Chaos had lost the planet in the span of a week, after the initial eight hours of planetfall, three days of siege, and four more of unending blitzkrieg. The Fortress World returned to the Imperium so quickly, much of the Blood Pact was unable to escape, and all too many of them were captured and executed for their treason. An Etogaur of the Blood Pact was even captured alive, caught by the hands of the 5th Captain himself. His capture is believed to have accelerated the Imperial timetable by years, permitting the reestablishment of Imperial Compliance in the Sabbat Worlds that much sooner.
The efforts of the 4th and 5th Companies of the Crimson Crusaders are much appreciated, and all fears and suspicion around the 5th Company have been momentarily silenced. For now, at least, the name of Lantor Kallis is spoken with respect amongst the Crusade's leadership.
Lord General Militant Chass, Imperial Guard: +1 Major Favor
----
"We need another capital ship. The crusade front is growing, and the need for strategic flexibility is growing more and more crucial."
Force Commander Lyserion nods, sword in his lap. "I am in full agreement, brother. I will send for Karanda immediately." His expression lightens, and he extends a hand. "Congratulations, Lantor. Your doubts are finally cleared."
"I see what we must do now," the 5th Captain says with pride, and takes his brother's hand. "The lives of our brothers are valuable, but that does not mean I must conserve them jealously. All it means is that we must be ready for anything, such that no one dies as we carry out our duty."
Quarto Astorum looks up from his table, away from status reports from the KPDF. "Beg pardon, Cato?"
"We need more ships," Captain Cato Jantorus repeats, with Captain Hale Cicero nodding over his shoulder. "If we are going to take the Iron Fang, we must have more ships."
The 2nd Fleet - Securing the Iron Fang 35 96 vs 80, 1 Degree of Success
When the Death of Treachery arrived in the Firax Cluster, they had expected to find a ship graveyard, the site of a grand fleet action from ages prior. A place they would have to defile to reclaim the bones of one of the finest warships ever crafted by human hands.
They found a battle in motion, between greenskins and traitors. Dozens of greenskins, including a few kroozas and ork battleships, fighting against dozens of strike cruisers, frigates, even a Battle Barge flying the colours of the Iron Warriors. And when they arrived, the Orks and Iron Warriors both turned their guns upon their small fleet, for their ship was as much a prize as the Iron Fang itself.
They barely escaped, owed only to the Death of Treachery's Nova Cannon and the invincible frame of their battle barge. But it was close. With a more fragile vessel, their fleet would have been crushed, the 2nd and 8th Companies depleted or worse, and the Death of Treachery lost to xeno or heretical hands.
"So its location is known to others as well," Astorum sighs. "A pity, but wholly expected. What would you propose instead, Cato?"
"As many ships as you can spare. No doubt that when we return, one side would have already won. And possibly reinforced by a Battle Barge," Jantorus responds. "At minimum, I will need two more Strike Cruisers. The Carmine Dream and the Wings of Providence, if possible, but any two will suffice."
----
He left the Chapter all those years ago in search of serenity, a leave of absence to join his brother in the Deathwatch, to know little but silence and the simple life of a Battle-Brother for thirty short years. He had hoped it would ease his mind, to finally calm the turmoil within his hearts. He was wrong, because all he knew was guilt.
It was shameful to feel as he did. It is shameful to have deserted his post for such an inane crisis. But he did it all the same, because he thought it was necessary. He thought he knew better. He thought that he, Chapter Master, had earned a leave of absence after the violence on Baal, after his encounter with that hateful, nameless cur.
Wrong, on all counts. Hateful, awful arrogance had hurt him once again. An old foe, a constant flaw he thought he quashed long ago, had hurt him again. He knew serenity in the Deathwatch as simple Eli, but shame replaced it soon enough. Shame, guilt, and loathing.
He abandoned the Imperium, for all that he still fights for it. He abandoned the Primarch. He abandoned Baal, for all the show he made of fighting for it on the Homeworld. He must make amends.
This, he swore then, before the Dark Eldar found him. Before they finally caught him, after a long, fruitless battle. Another failure. Another shameful defeat born of arrogance. If only he stayed with the Chapter. If only he had done his duty.
Duty above all, duty above all. Sanguinius his witness, it was nothing but hypocrisy. He has no right to utter those words anymore. No right to proselytise on the matter. How can a man who abandoned his duty speak of duty? How could a man who abandoned it and got caught by hateful Eldar speak of duty? It was pure, unfettered fortune that they did not take the Sector's secret from his mind. It would have been another failure. Another defeat born of his hateful arrogance, writ large as a threat to the Imperium.
And, again, it would not have happened, had he done his duty.
In deep sleep, recovering from wounds fresh and old inside his Sarcophagus, Aurelius Asterion ruminated on duty and redemption.
He would restore his honor. He would find glory again. For his Chapter's sake.
----
His Sarcophagus popped open with a hiss, a pair of Servitors standing by to receive him with a robe and a towel. An entourage waited to receive him as well, the sum total of the Chapter's leadership save his Lord Sacrifice. Aurelius Asterion emerged from recovery with new scars, and a new outlook.
"I've learned much in these past days, brothers," the Chapter Master rasps, his voice weak from torture and disuse. "This will be the last time I shame the Primarch."
Aurelius Asterion is no longer Unconventional
----
Company Status
Veteran's Company 60% Active (60% Strength)
- Veterans Currently Divided amongst the Companies
1st Company [Battle] 87% Active (100% Strength)
- 13 Battle-Brothers Deployed to Deathwatch - To Return at Start of Turn 42 (8 Turns)
- 1 Sternguard Squad Attached
- 5 Scouts have Graduated and have Joined the 8th Company
- Currently on Reserve (Standing By)
2nd Company [Battle] 100% Active (100% Strength)
- 1 Vanguard Squad (Lead by Sgt. Darmus) Attached
- Epistolary Sacris Currently Seconded to 3rd Company
- 5 Scouts have Graduated and have Joined the 8th Company
- Currently on Patrol (Standing By)
3rd Company [Battle] 97% Active
- 1 Scout Squad Attached (4/10)
- 1 Sternguard Squad Attached
- Epistolary Sacris Currently Seconded to 3rd Company
- Currently in Pursuit of the Sword of Hatred on the 3rd Fleet (Return: UNKNOWN)
4th Company [Battle] 91% Active
- 1 Terminator (Assault) Squad Attached
- 1 Vanguard Squad Attached
- 1 Sternguard Squad Attached
- 1 Scout Squad Attached
- Currently Deployed to the Swordbreaker Crusade with the 5th Company on the 2nd Fleet (Return: 230-240.M42)
5th Company [Battle] 95% Active
- 1 Terminator (Standard) Squad Attached
- 1 Vanguard Squad Attached
- 1 Sternguard Squad Attached
- 1 Scout Squad Attached
- Land Raider Phobos Alae Ardens Attached
- Currently Deployed to the Swordbreaker Crusade with the 4th Company on the 2nd Fleet (Return: 230-240.M42)
6th Company [Reserve - Tactical] 88% Active
- 1 Sternguard Squad (Lead by Sgt. Lanius) Attached
- 10 Scouts have Graduated and Joined the 8th Company
- Currently on Reserve (Standing By)
7th Company [Reserve - Tactical] 100% Active
- 1 Vanguard Squad Attached
- 5 Scouts have Graduated and have Joined the 8th Company
- Currently on Patrol (Standing By)
8th Company [Reserve - Assault] 100% Active
- 1 Vanguard Squad Attached
- 5 Scouts have Graduated and have Joined the 8th Company
- 30 Assault Marines have joined the 9th Company
- Currently on Patrol (Standing By)
9th Company [Reserve - Devastator] 56% Active
- Currently Rebuilding
10th Company [Scout]
Scout Sergeants: 10
Notable Scout Sergeants:
- Adrian Felas [Legendary Balistic Skill, Accuracy Without Distance T-1]
Total Gene-Seed Spent Last Turn: 76 Gene-Seed
Total Gene-Seed: 808 Gene-Seed
Fleet
1st Fleet
- Battle Barge Gloria Encarmine, Chapter Flagship [+100BP/Turn] [Trait: Industrious]
- 6 Gladius-Class Escorts
- Currently Deployed to the Iron Fang with the 2nd and 8th Companies
2nd Fleet
- Battle Barge Death of Treachery [Nova Cannon-Equipped] [Trait: Spooky Fait/Glories of the Past]
- 5 Gladius-Class Escorts
- Currently Deployed on Swordbreaker Crusade with 4th and 5th Companies
3rd Fleet
- Strike Cruiser Furious Angel [Trait: Reinforced Ramming Prow]
- 3 Gladius-Class Escorts
- Currently Deployed in Pursuit of the Sword of Hatred with the 3rd Company
4th Fleet
- Strike Cruiser Wings of Fire [Trait: Increased Warp Speed]
- 3 Gladius-Class Escorts
- Currently on Reserve
5th Fleet
- Strike Cruiser Soul of Fire [Trait: Increased Warp Speed]
- 3 Gladius-Class Escorts
- Currently on Reserve
6th Fleet
- Strike Cruiser Wings of Providence [Trait: Increased Realspace Speed]
- 3 Gladius-Class Escorts
- Currently on Reserve
7th Fleet
- Strike Cruiser Carmine Dream [Trait: Reinforced Like A Battle Barge]
- No Escorts
- Currently on Reserve
Total:
- 2 Battle Barges
- Gloria Encarmine, Death of Treachery
- 5 Strike Cruisers
- Furious Angel, Wings of Providence, Carmine Dream, Wings of Fire, Soul of Fire
- 23 Escorts
Armory
Master of the Forge: Osiron Orthos [Engine Seer]
Techmarines: 22 (Headquarters)
Chapter Updates:
The 6th Company now has Toughness 7
Available Missions:
The Iron Fang: A Company was insufficient. The Korvalis System is at war now, a massive fleet action between a warband of the Iron Warriors and a large Ork armada. If the Iron Fang is to be claimed for the Chapter, then the Chapter will have to move in force. Failure will find traitors or aliens in possession of a powerful vessel, which is absolutely unacceptable. [Time-Critical]
The Foes Within and Without: There is evidence of a faction within the Inquisition that knowingly obscured traitor troop movements throughout Segmentum Ultima such that the Blood Angels would be caught off-guard during the War for Baal. But such an extraordinary claim requires extraordinary evidence, which will take time to gather. The Blood Angels are already settling this matter, but perhaps the Crimson Crusaders can settle this matter as well?
The Carrion of Commoragh: Though the head of the Kabal operating within the Sector has been decapitated, and its neck left a rough and bloody stump, the remainder of the Kabal is in flux. Raids are becoming erratic, power struggles all but dominating their odd politics. Though the problem will likely resolve itself as the xenos flee back to their city, this is a rare opportunity to hurt the Eldar further. [Time-Critical]
The Kaptin: While Nommbitz and Tanksmasha are now slain, Arrglebasta is now the sole ork leader in the Subsector. While not as charismatic as either of the fallen Warbosses, ensuring that a Waaagh is unlikely to pass, Arrglebasta has gotten a stronger fleet and more crew as a result. Removing him from the equation will guarantee that a Waaagh will not pass, and may even allow for a Liberation Crusade into the Subsector.
The Swordbreaker Crusade: The crusade goes well, and timetables have been accelerated by the valor and success of the Crimson Crusaders. But as the front widens dramatically with the return of Morlond, strategic mobility becomes more and more of a concern. The 4th and 5th Companies would request an additional capital ship, such that each Company may operate independently, so that the Crusade may have their help where it is needed.
The Hateful Sword: A prime staging area on the edge of the Eye of Terror has been located, a world thought unreachable now used as safe harbor by a number of traitor Warbands, some of them with links to the architect of the War for Baal. Attacking the base and interrogating the survivors may provide crucial details on the fate of the Sword of Hatred. But they will leave soon. The time to act is now. [Time-Critical]
Available Reinforcements (For The Hateful Sword or The Iron Fang Only):
Blood Angels 1st Company: 1 Major Favor (Of 1)
Space Wolves Great Company: 1 Major Favor (Will Owe)
Ordo Malleus Grey Knights Squad: 1 Major Favor (Of 2)
The Veteran's Company requests more Land Raiders
The Veteran's Company also requests for more Terminator Armor, at least 23 more suits for all the Veterans, expected to take 1840 BP of Forge Capacity total [Note: Maximum Build Limit is 1760 BP for 22 Suits/5 Turns, and will commit Techmarines for the Duration]
The 1st Company has 410 BP remaining of their Request to equip all their Marines with Combi-Weapons
The 1st Company also requests 1 more Whirlwind, expected to take 50 BP of Forge Capacity
The 1st Company also requests 1 more Predator, expected to take 60 BP of Forge Capacity
The 2nd Company requests 1 more Whirlwind, expected to take 50 BP of Forge Capacity
The 2nd Company also requests 2 more Predators, expected to take 120 BP of Forge Capacity
The 3rd Company is Unavailable
The 4th Company is Unavailable
The 5th Company is Unavailable
The 6th Company requests 10 more Rhinos, built to the new specifications (DS-2, Ar-2, PC-2), expected to take 600 BP of Forge Capacity
The 7th Company requests 5 more Rhinos, built to the new specifications (DS-2, Ar-2, PC-2), expected to take 300 BP of Forge Capacity
The 8th Company requests 5 more Rhinos, built to the new specifications (DS-2, Ar-2, PC-2), expected to take 300 BP of Forge Capacity
The 9th Company requests 5 Rhinos, built to the new specifications (DS-2, Ar-2, PC-2), expected to take 300 BP of Forge Capacity
The 10th Company requests 5 Turbo Maximus-Pattern Boltguns, expected to take 30 BP of Forge Capacity
The Sanguinary has an idea that may improve the efficiency of recovering Gene-Seed from failed Aspirants, reducing Gene-Seed Recovery TN to 5. The Project will cost 2000 BP of Forge Capacity and a Major Favor with the Mechanicus to complete
