Funnily enough, I´m going to add Astartes Combat Shotguns next turn. As a first omake, is good, there are some mispelled words but me critizing that would be the pot calling the kettle black. While It is non-canon, as a reward for the omake, you get 10 Combat shotguns added to the chapter armory, and Kalashnikov adds one to his loadout.
Hate to be that guy but if combat shotguns are going to be added next turn since it's typically standard load out for scouts, could Astartes sniper rifles also be added since scouts typically have sniper rifles?
Hate to be that guy but if combat shotguns are going to be added next turn since it's typically standard load out for scouts, could Astartes sniper rifles also be added since scouts typically have sniper rifles?
Hate to be that guy but if combat shotguns are going to be added next turn since it's typically standard load out for scouts, could Astartes sniper rifles also be added since scouts typically have sniper rifles?
I've made a big list of missing gear and PM'd it to Thunderowl. He said, he'll trim it and edit it in alongside turn 10. I can post the original list if he doesn't mind.
As you are allowed entry once more into the office of the Lord General, he realizes that very little has changed in the eighteen years since he last was here. The office is as richly decorated as it was before, still has a prodigious amount of vellum and dataslates on the desk and behind it seats the same man. Adolphus Tavisolta is older and thinner, his blond hair now only present on the sides and back of his head, his face more heavily lined and his mustache longer and droopier, but his eyes are still sharp above the dark bags. He stands when you enter, walking past the desk and extending his hand in greeting. "Chapter Master, it is always good to meet you."
You take his outstretched hand and shake it, gingerly due to the difference in strength. "That´s a sentiment I share, Lord General. I hope you´ve been doing well."
"Not really, but we are going to discuss the reasons for it soon anyway, and we must do something first." The Lord General waves away his comment as he moves towards a cabinet in the corner of the office, from where he pulls two glasses and an expensive looking bottle. He hands one of the glasses to you, which you struggle to grasp without breaking clad as you are in power-armor, and pours you both a healthy amount. He then returns to the cabinet and stores the bottle again, all of this you observe wondering where he is going with this.
"Lord Admiral Hanno Adherbal and I never saw eye to eye." Admits Tavisolta. "Part of it was the typical rivalry between Navy and Guard," You diplomatically don´t express how utterly foolish and infuriating you find that rivalry to be." but most of it was that he always talked down to me like I was a fresh cadet out of officer school. But the man has served the Imperium for three centuries and died fighting against His foes." He raises his glass for a toast, one that you follow. "May he rest at the God-Emperor's side." You drain your glasses then, the burning taste of strong amasec passing through your throat, insufficient as all alcoholic beverages are to overcome your Astartes resistance to intoxication.
Tavisolta sets the glass on the table before speaking up. "Now with that out of the way, let's discuss more serious matters. Your astropathic message said you needed Guard support for a planetary invasion, if I´m not mistaken."
You nod. "We are planning an invasion of Yerma, the system where the Eyes of the Mutator are based. I was hoping you could assign some Yamunan Gravekeepers to the operation."
"An operation against a system filled with Chaos Space Marines?" The Lord General chuckles, a bitter, tired sound. "God-Emperor almighty, is going to be a massacre isn´t?"
You could say some empty platitudes, the reassurances he would like to hear. But you won't insult him in that manner, and you both know that endeavors such as the one you´re preparing always require a steep cost of blood. "Almost certainly, but every guardsman that falls in that invasion will be ten that won't die repelling their raids and invasion."
Tavisolta thinks over your words, returning to his seat as he does so. "Fine. If anything the Yamunans are going to be ecstatic about finally getting their revenge." He lets out a tired sigh, rubbing his temples with his off-hand. "I will need to do some juggling with the various fronts and commitments, but I think I can spare three regiments at least, maybe more depending on how the situation develops by the time you call upon them."
The exhausted expression of the Lord General concerns you. "Has the strategic situation not improved since the last time we met?"
"If anything it has improved, but not enough to truly feel secure." Answers Tavisolta, and you gesture at him to elaborate. "Segmentum Command sent back most of the regiments they demanded from us. Problem is that the vast majority of those regiments returned with their ranks depleted and their command staff decimated, 70% casualty rates and captains as the highest officers in the better cases, so me and my staff couldn't really make use of them until we either rebuilt or fused those regiments together. Also, that mess with the rebellious strongholds in Lutrilles Secundus tied up a lot of regiments which could have been used snuffing some of the planetary uprisings or minor Ork Waaghs that they are currently warring with because they swelled in strength." There is recrimination in his voice when he mentions Lutrilles, the action you refuse to commit forces to.
"I estimated that the loss of Noitsab would have been more grievous to the Imperial war effort." You point out in response to the implied reproach. He holds your gaze for a split second before caving in.
"True, all that campaigning that the Maelstrom Wardens have been doing recently has been pushing all the Warbands caught out of the Warp Storm into the rest of Imperial Space. If Noitsab had fallen, all those Warbands would have free reign to enter into the sector." He concedes. "Now that you have mentioned, I must thank you for dealing with those Warbands that had actually penetrated into the sector, it would have been costly to put them down by ourselves. Returning to the wider situation, we had to urgently deploy some regiments to contain a Xenos Minoris species that had been a Rogue Trader´s pet project and that the Administratum had forgotten about. As you can see, we must respond to plenty of issues, but we will be able to stabilize the situation if no other critical flashpoint appears in the next decade or so."
"I see. I suppose you would appreciate some assistance with the Xenos issue." You offer, to which the Lord General readily nods. "Of course I would. Well known is the reputation of Astartes for xenocidal excellence, especially since…." Someone knocks at the door, and a young man enters the office."
"Lord General Tavisolta, you requested to be warned when your wife began labor." The man in front of you smiles widely, all traces of tiredness in his face temporarily fading away as he stands in a burst of speed, before he turns to address you.
"Apologies Chapter Master, but I must take my leave now." Before you can reply, he's already gone, outright running outside of the office. You´re left standing in his office for a moment before you walk away, satisfied with securing Guard support for the invasion.
-Secured Imperial Guard Assistance for the Cleansing of Yerma, actual number of regiments involved will be rolled out later.
-Imperial Guard trait "Rebuilding Regiments" revealed. Some regiments will have certain rolls reduced.
Lylia Semyonovna hand reaches for the bottle of gorionik za usta on her desk, taking a long swig straight from the bottle, hoping in vain that the spirit will stave off the headache she's been feeling ever since this mess started.
She could readily admit that it was her fault. She had felt bold as the first Governor of the whole planet, and with strong enough support in the parliament she had been steadily centralizing authority, so that her post would become a proper Governorship, unbeholden to the demands of those under her like in the other Imperial Worlds. It had been slow. a labor of years to extract even the lightest increases in authority, a constant balance of politicking to keep alliances going and her detractors dividing. Too slow, for she wasn't a young woman when she assumed her post, and even now she has enough pain and aches to know that she doesn't have long for this world. She had grown hasty, desperate in achieving success before her body failed her and she departed this world to meet the Emperor's Judgment on His Golden Throne.
So she had pushed too far, too fast and the attempt at passing a law that would give her the authority to appoint government officials in other Refuges, which had sent the Mayors into an uproar, so much so that they had passed a motion of no-confidence through the Parliament and force her to prepare elections for a new Governor. To add insult to injury, not only was her career deader than she would be, but the fools only agreed that they wanted her out, so they were raising a hundred complaints and demands about how the election was to be carried out. Still, there could be an opportunity there, if she could leverage the situation enough to get her granddaughter elected and….
She hears a knock on the door, strong and insistent, and she grows wroth at the disturbance, encouraged by the alcohol running through her veins. "However you are, I gave explicit orders not to be disturbed! So get out!"
"Apologies for the inconvenience." Replies a strong, deep voice that sobers her instantly and drains the blood of her face. "Your staff did not relay your indisposition to me. I could return later if you would prefer."
She bites her tongue instead of snarking that of course her subordinates weren´t going to tell him to buzz off. "No, no, It's fine Milord, my office is always open for the Angels of Death."
The door opens, and Domitian enters the office sideways, so that he may fit through the doorstep in his armored form. He comes with his helmet under his arm, allowing her to see short black hair without a single gray hair and a face that lacks any sort of wrinkles or blemishes, despite the passing of more than two decades since they last met. She forces herself not to dwell on the envy that she feels at his blessed youth, the matter of why he is here being a more pressing concern. "Greeting Lord Domitian, to what do I owe the honor of your visit?" She says, stapling her liver-spotted hands so as to not let them shake with the Astartes presence.
"We have noticed that the political situation in the Refuges has been more unstable than what is regular, and that you will be relegated from your duties." The Master of the Keep explains. She isn't surprised that they know, with the Mist Shrikes constantly coming down to the Refuges to gather aspirants or stamp out crime, the last one with outstanding efficiency. After all, nothing deters someone from crossing the law like seeing an Angel of Death slowly disemboweling a murderer with the same expression a regular person has when buying groceries. "Chapter Master Severus has sent me to inquire about the reason as to why this is happening."
Lylia considers how to answer the question. "The other members of Parliament have decided that my stewardship of the planet is not to their satisfaction, displeased by certain choices I have made."
"Those choices involve dereliction of your duties or any sort of criminal behavior?" Asks Domitian with a polite and pleasant tone, and yet the implications of the question make her blood run cold.
"O-o-of course not Milord. Merely a difference in politics I can assure you of that!" She replies immediately, stumbling over her words in her haste to answer. The Space Marine gazes at her intently, and Lilya feels as if he´s reading deep into her mind, so sharp is the focus that he can feel in those eyes, black as the void between stars.
When the marine smiles slightly, she feels as if she had spent hours under his scrutiny, and he barely hears his words with blood rushing to her ears as she feels her heart beating so fast that it makes her fear that it will burst into her chest. "Good. As for these elections, we will be supervising their organization, if it isn´t an inconvenience. While I'm sure you and your peers will carry it out in an appropriate manner, we want to ensure that there is no corruption involved, be it from the Warp or from more… mundane sources."
That is not a request and she doesn't bother attempting to make it appear otherwise. As the Marine informs her of how their supervision will be carried out, Lylia decides to stay as uninvolved in the elections as she can.
It would be unwise to do otherwise.
-Found the cause for the Elections in Luctus. They will be carried out in a clean and fair manner.
The election of a Chapter Champion is not something that can be determined by a tournament or contest. As such, Chapter Master Severus and his officers had spent weeks evaluating all of their marines in search of the man that would take Spatha´s place. Battle reports and evaluations by the Master of Recruits were brought forth and examined with meticulous detail to know the individual marines' feats, skills and their mental and physical capabilities and shortcomings , Sergeants, Lieutenants and Captains were interviewed extensively about their behaviors and personalities.
Falce Perception roll 5d10= 8, 5, 5, 7, 3= 2 Successes
Grigori Yefimovich Willpower roll 7d10= 9, 3, 2, 10, 8, 10, 10= 8 Successes, Critical Success
3rd Company Marine Fellowship roll 4d10= 1, 2, 6, 5= 0 Successes
3rd Company Marine Willpower roll 5d10= 8, 4, 3, 5, 6= 2 Successes
Then it came the turn of the Master of Sanctity and the Chief Librarian to make their own inquiries, testing the purity of the marines, for it would be folly to allow a tainted soul to position a blade at the Chapter Master back. Between the psychic powers of Yefimovich and the tireless vigilance of Falce, no foulness could hope to escape it´s discovery, and two tacticals of the 3rd Company, one of them a sergeant, were quietly disposed off once it was discovered that the clash against the Word Bearers in Wudang had seeped the poison of Chaos into their hearts. The post of Chapter Champion is an important position, and it is being considered with the thoroughness and forethought that it demands.
Knowing all of this, an external observer could have been surprised by the fact that such a tournament is taking place at the moment, being attended by both the marines of the Chapter and the serfs. The reasons for that are twofold. The first is that while mere skill at arms is not the only factor, it is still an important requirement. The second was that even if the duels are no proper representation of the battlefield, the contest would tighten the bonds between battle-brothers and give them a renewed drive to keep improving their skills.
Maria ignored those reasons as she and her family watched duels between the various Astartes, having obtained a place near the officers of the chapter. The matches are done until unconsciousness, injury or surrender, with sharp blades and without armor. As one of the most experienced engravers, various marines request that she decorates their armor, and it would have been irritating if her hard work went to waste for what was a friendly competition, and one that she wasn´t particularly interested in. Her grandkids, on the other hand where enthralled by the dueling marines, taking it all with wide eyes and big smiles, cheering when the marines they wanted to win did so and complaining loudly when they lost, so she enjoyed being here with them, their parents too busy to bring them there.
As the duel they were currently watching concluded, the serf that had been assigned as the commentator speaks into the vox-casters that had been installed exclusively for today. "For the next match, Battle-Brother Mattrin of the 2nd Company will face off against Lieutenant Lorica of the 6th Company!!" There is cheering as the two marines take the field, giving each other a brief salute with their weapons before settling into their guards.
"The Lieutenant´s gonna win!" Says her grandson Vadim, bouncing in excitement.
"Nuh uh." Argues eloquently his younger cousin Lorenzo. "Mattrin is gonna win."
Vadim doesn´t take his eyes off the fight, as doing so at the speed at which the contestants fight would mean losing out on plenty of the action. "Lieutenant is better than Battle-Brother, that means he's better dumbass!"
"You´re the dumbass, dumbass!" Shouts angrily Lorenzo as he punches his shoulder, which Vadim responds with his own punch onto his cousin's shoulder.
"Boys, sto…" Before Maria can order them to stop, Vadim turns away from the fight and shoves his cousin to the side. Lorenzo stumbles backwards and loses his balance, but before he can fall to the ground he crashes into someone who was passing by. As that passerby is a Space Marine, he doesn´t even shift as the six year old impacts him, the boy's fall being arrested in its tracks. Maria quickly grabs both boys by the head and forces them to bow alongside her. "Oh God-Emperor, I´m sorry Milord." She apologizes immediately, hoping that the boys haven't got into too much trouble.
"Oh, It's not trouble, boys that age are always getting up to scraps." Answers the Marine good-naturedly. Maria looks upwards and recognizes the marine as the Master of the Arsenal, Marcus Fretensis. The lightning bolts on his chestplate had been one of her works. "It's good for them, keeps them sharp." He takes a knee and puts one hand each on the shoulders of both cousins. "Just remember that at the end of the day, you´re family. And family should always be there for one another." There is something sad and bitter in his tone by the end, but Maria knows that her grandsons don´t notice it, too star-struck at having a Space Marine talking to them. They nod at Fretensis words so fast that she suspects they might get whiplash, onty to look back at the arena as a great cheer erupts around them. On the field, Lorica lies on his back, Mattrin´s sword tip on his neck. The lieutenant concedes, and his opponent moves away his weapon before offering his hand, which he takes, and Mattrin helps him up.
In the time they´ve been looking at the field, the Master of the Arsenal has already left, with a quietness that seems incongruent with his size. Maria´s grandsons try to find him amidst the crowd, but they soon lose interest and return to watch the next bout, their bickering much more friendly than before.
Still, they were so fortunate that the marine was kind with them, so she will still give them an earful when they get back home.
—
The tournament goes on all day long, a bedazzling display of cunning, strength, endurance and skill. Both closely fought matches and one-sided pummelings abound, rivalries and friendships are struck and the serfs are awed as they watch the overwhelming abilities of their protectors and masters. To the surprise of everyone, and the delight of the Braicamian recruits, it is one of their own who wins the tournament, a marine of the 9th Company named Bertrand Dupont. As recognition of his victory he is given a medal, decorated with the Shrike that is the symbol of their chapter holding a sword with its talons, that he declares he's going to attach to his armor to bear it with pride. The day after the tournament, Chapter Master Severus assembles the whole chapter, and names the marine who will be granted the honor and responsibility of being named Chapter Champion:
-2 Marines purged.
Choose who will become Chapter Champion. Those who are not chosen will be added to the Honor Guard (NOTE: All candidates have high Weapon Skill or equivalent, the characteristic detailed in their option is their other high stat.)
-[] Maximinus Thrax: One of your Honor Guards, while he´s not one for finesse or dazzling swordsmanship, he has both overwhelming might and the experience to use it properly. You have seen him plenty both in battle and peace and during the tournament he reached the quarterfinals, grappling and pummeling through the opposition. (+Strength, Giant) -[] Pugio: An Assault Marine of the 2nd Company, Pugio comes highly recommended from his Sergeant and Pluvia, both of whom have praised his performance in battle and his upstanding behavior out of it. He was one of the semifinalists in the tournament, thanks to his swiftness with the blade and dizzying speed. (+Agility, Kind) -[] Lubomir: A Tactical from the 6th Company, Catilina has high expectations from him, valuing his eye for detail and his thoughtful approach to accomplishing his objectives. He reached the quarterfinals by carefully exploiting flaws in his opponents stances and guards when the time was right. (+Perception, Pacient) -[] Mezei Balint: A Tactical Marine from the 7th, Logos bombastically boasts of the Luctusians courage and skill, exalting his daring and initiative. He advanced to the semi-finals, by taking risks his opponents dared not to do and enduring the consequences of those risks. (+Toughness, Daredevil) -[] Bertrand Dupont: One of the 9th Devastators, Mikhail regards his intelligence and cleverness well, having noted that he always offers his sergeant well thought out advice. He won the tournament, making use of clever maneuvers and efficient footwork to skillfully dismantle all comers.(+Intelligence, Proud)
Grigori Yefimovich Fellowship roll 6d10 (SC 2/4)= 7, 1, 4, 10, 2, 5= 2 Successes
The chambers of the Librarius is a place that features prominently in the gossip and tales that the Chapter Serfs share with one another. Some of them say that it is a place of dark witchcraft, where the witches of the chapter throw wicked curses at the foes of the Imperium and make blood sacrifices to the God-Emperor. Others whisper about daemon summoning and dark rites, of the Librarians of the chapter risking their souls to wrest the power of the Warp to smite the Chapter foes. The Chief Librarian is also a topic of discussion amidst these serfs. They mutter about how those sunken eyes of his can see the darkest secrets of all who he makes eye contact, that he can snare minds and thoughts with an errant whisper, that he is immortal and invulnerable to blade and gun, that he was not born, that he walked into the Fortress-Monastery through a Warp-portal fully formed and kneeled before the Chapter Master. Due to those rumors, coupled with the fear of the witch and the Warp that have spawned them, serfs only entered the chambers when it was strictly necessary and left as fast as their duties allow. With all of these in mind, those gossip-mongers would probably think that the Chief Librarian sitting near Codicier Ivan Polikhat in their Sanctum would be the prelude to some nefarious plot or foul scheme. The reality is, of course, far more mundane.
"So they said no?" Asks Grigori, sipping from his cup of chifir, savoring the strong taste of the tea. His posture, straight and proper, contrasts with that of his subordinate, who´s lounging on his seat.
"They did." Confirms Ivan, who puts aside his own cup, grimacing at the first sip. "Apparently the Epistolary that will accompany the delegation from the Angel´s Revenant doesn´t have the authority to negotiate agreements without their Chief Librarian permission."
"Unfortunate." Comments the Chief Librarian. "Still, I have managed to get some useful tomes and materials after inquiring with Joshua and the Schola Psykana. Still, it is not enough. I shall try and make contact with the Chief Librarians of both the Angel´s Crusader and the Blazing Wardens. Contact Watch-Fortress Veles and ask if the Deathwatch can lend us some of their own lore." His eyebrow rises as Polikhat bursts out laughing in response. "Did I say something amusing Ivan?"
Ivan laughter carries on for a moment before he steadies himself. "I seriously doubt we´re going to have much luck with that."
"How so?" Inquiries Grigori as he finishes his cup and pours himself another one.
Ivan looks at him in confusion before realization visibly blooms into his mind. "Oh right, you don´t know. Shortly after you and Epistolary Joshua left, Epistolary Peleus fell fighting a Zoanthrope. Their replacements in charge of the Librarius are much less predisposed to us, with Epistolary Iukor of the Sons of Orar at the lead. Apparently they consider "babyseating neophytes" beneath them. They have been harsh with us in their lessons, and I ignore how Blesk and Mesar are now faring with them."
"I see." Is Grigori´s eventual response. "I am sure that they will return to our chapter after having received the instruction they deserve."
"And if they don´t?" Presses Ivan.
The cup that Yefimovich is using is shattered unto dust as the Chief Librarian crushes in it´s grip. "Then I will have to speak with our cousins in the Deathwatch." He states with chilling calm.
-New Disciplines Technomancy and Daemonology added for study.
As the medicae carry out of the operating room the latest neophyte who has survived the implantation of the Black Carapace, Apothecary Anodynon starts cleaning his operation tools. They were supposed to have serfs to perform these more trivial tasks, but one of the first lessons that the Chief Apothecary has taught them is that an Apothecary lives and dies by the quality and care of their tools, both of war and of science, and so the only one whom they could trust with their instruments are themselves. Satisfied that they are all in the appropriate condition, he stores them in a pouch hanging from his belt, and exits the operation room. He passes by his fellow Apothecaries Biernat and Sarjanovic, who are occupied with carrying out their own operations, until he reaches Soran´s workstation, where the other Terran is using a microscope to examine cell samples. He waits patiently until he's done, as experiences with their superior had shown them the dangers of interrupting someone in the midst of their work.
"Good….." Starts Soran once he lifts his head from the microscope and turns around, pausing to check the clock on the Apothecarion´s wall after checking the one on his wrist. "evening Anodynon, are the geneseed implantations going well?"
"More than well, we´re having a 100% success rate in this batch." Replies Anodynon, then sighs. "After the last ones are done, we will need to do another health inspection for all the neophytes. After all, you don't look a gifted horse in the mouth,…"
"..., and the horse will bite your throat out." Soran finishes quoting the Chief Apothecary, prompting the both of them to share a quiet chuckle. With Diocles and Galen having both fallen in Armeria (and wasn't that a suspicious coincidence, whispers a voice that sounds like Valzadai in his head), he and Soran are the last of the first apprentices of the Chief Apothecary. He liked the rest of his fellows, but they had not experienced those days, when Valzadai was as new to teaching as they were to learning. His methods now are harsh, but back then there had been moments where they had lived in constant tensions, wary of the paranoid moods of their teacher. After the chuckle, Soran continues speaking, scratching one of the freckles on his face. "I´ve made significant progress in my investigation of the geneseed, so I will have to triple-check my notes to make sure everything supports my results. By the way, have you heard from the Techmarines?"
"They should have now time again to meet up, now that the Master of the Forge has replaced his augmentic arms and they don´t have to cover for him." Answers Anodynon with a smile. The Terran specialists of the Chapter met sometimes, to discuss matters of importance to the chapter, exchange rumors and news and just spend time together. They were pleasant enough company, even if they have the annoying habit of gushing about Karark Zel while not so-subtly pitying them for being under the Chief Apothecary. It was irritating, but Anodynon could excuse them, for they misunderstood Valzadai in his opinion. Sure, the Nostraman was paranoid, but his constant insistence on safety measures, peer-review, security protocols and other measures are his way of expressing that he cared about them, he just showed it in his own…particular way.
Just as he's thinking this, the door of the Chief´s Apothecary´s room opens up and out he comes, cursing up a storm between his teeth in Nostraman. He then grabs a recently woken up Morozhenko, grasping him firmly by the shoulder.
"Morozhenko, grab Morozov and Pascual and examine the samples that we catalogued for the Mist. I haven't made any progress in months!" He orders. "Double check my work, and in case they agree with my findings, gather new samples, these ones must have been sabotaged." He releases the Luctusian, who immediately starts running to fulfill the order, then he turns to where he and Anodynon are standing. "Anodynon, make a general inspection of our lab equipment! I will check the air levels and temperature controls!"
With a small grin, Anodynon moves to do as ordered.
-79 Nowalijki gained.
-4 Crozius Arcanum, 3 Force Weapons, 2 Storm Ravens and 2 Heavy Flamers Gained. Predator Tank, Land Speeder, 2 Storm Ravens, 2 Rhinos and 1 Thunderhawk repaired
-4 Whirlwinds and 6 Storm Ravens aqquired from Smilnay. 4 Minor Favors spent
Weapon Skill training roll 6d50= 35, 42, 40, 39, 3, 12, 13, 43= 212
Willpower training roll 6d50= 45, 19, 1, 7, 13, 3, 19, 1=104
"Platoon Six has been eliminated, the Hangars are lost!"
"We´ve blunted the assault on the Apothecarium, but most of my men are out, we won´t resist another wave!"
"Two squads are marching straight to the Command Meeting Room. We can´t stop them!"
Tullius Apollodorus, Master of the Watch of the Mist Shrikes, keeps his face completely blank, if only because a Space Marine in his opinion must always keep tight control of his emotions and project an image of calm and certainty, and as an officer of the Chapter, he must do so more than others. in the privacy of his mind, he´s seething as further vox reports arrive.
In order to train both the Serfs of the Chapter and the melee skill of the Mist Shrikes themselves, both the Master of Recruits and the Chief Victualer had decided that the best way to do so was through a wargame in which the different companies would take turns staging an assault on the Fortress-Monastery and the Serfs would have to repel them. They weren´t expected to win, and in a proper Monastery defense they would be supported by the Space Marines, but it serves as a good test to see where the serfs stand, and how much they can be Improved.
As it turns out, the answer is by a lot.
The 3rd Company and the 10th had overwhelmed the serfs completely in two hours. The 6th and 7th in three. The 2nd had finished the exercise after four hours, but that was because Pluvia had intentionally advanced slower to ward against ambushes. Now the 9th had almost finished all resistance, and despite being the smallest company, they still had done so in less than four hours. The performance of the serfs had been pitiful. They could shoot straight, but that was about it. They couldn't hold a line, they couldn't stage an ambush, they didn´t coordinate appropriately at the platoon and squad level, they panicked quickly. Of course, not all fault could be laid at their feet. He is the Master of the Watch, and even if his troops aren´t adequate, his leadership should have been better, his tactics much more effective. There was now excuse for this failure, and he would work harder than ever to solve it. He readies his pistol as he hears the sound of fire and screams approaching the Command Meeting Room, the serfs he has as command staff doing the same. The door opens, revealing the 9th Company marines on the other side, who erupt into the room.
Tullius fires his pistol at the one in the lead, the dud bolt crashing into the marine forehead. He falls stunned, but in the meantime Lieutenant Jónás closes in the distance, engaging him with his chainsword. Tullius fends off his assault, but as he does so the rest of the 9th Company marines dispose of the serfs in short order, until he finds himself surrounded. The marines then raise their bolters and unceremoniously pelter him with their own dud bolts. As he falls to the ground, bruises blooming across his torso, he muses on how to improve for the next one.
He will achieve five hours at least.
With a 10% casualty rate this turn, Average Marine losses -100 Ballistic Skill XP
-Karark Zel gains 100 Intelligence XP
-Karark Zel gains 30 Toughness Skill XP
-Myrok Kuthil gains 30 Weapon Skill XP
-Myrok Kuthil gains 30 Intelligence XP
-Myrok Kuthil gains 50 Fellowship XP
-Constantinus Logos gains 30 Weapon Skill XP
-Marcius Hostilius Gains 100 Intelligence XP
-Emilianus Pluvia gains 60 Weapon Skill XP
-Falce gains 60 Weapon Skill Skill XP
-Severus gains 60 Weapon Skill XP
-Valzadai gains 30 Ballistic Skill XP
-Valzadai gains 100 Intelligence XP
-Grigori Yefimovich gains 30 Intelligence XP
-Grigori Yefimovich gains 30 Willpower XP
-Secutor gains 30 Ballistic Skill XP
-Secutor gains 30 Agility XP
-Mikhail Vitalievich gains 100 Intelligence XP
-Mikhail Vitalievich gains 60 Ballistic Skill XP
-Domician gains 50 Fellowship XP
-Domician gains 30 Ballistic Skill XP
-Tullius Apollodorus gains 30 Ballistic Skill XP
-Tullius Apollodorus gains 50 Fellowship XP
-Paulus Numerian gains 30 Toughness Skill XP
-Paulus Numerian gains 50 Fellowship XP
-Cato Utica gains 50 Fellowship XP
-Cao Utica gains 30 Toughness XP
-Marcus Fretensis gains 50 Fellowship XP
-Marcus Fretensis gains 30 Weapon Skill XP
-Average Marine gains 60 Ballistic Skill XP
-Average Marine gains 30 Weapon Skill XP
-Average Marine gains 30 Agility Skill XP
-Average Marine gains 60 Toughness XP
-Average Marine gains 30 Intelligence XP
-40 Neophytes gained
-Chapter Serf´s training is at 2/3 from the next Level.
-Valzadai´s Intellligence increases to 9
-Average Marine Weapon Skill increases to 5
After consuming the brain of the Renegade Admiral Saakarbal, Pluvia reported what he had been able to discern from his memories. Most of his thoughts back what he said to Lord Admiral Adherbal before the battle. The only trail we have is that some of the evidence he received came from a minor Adept in the Administratum named Marta Rojas, we recommend interrogating her to continue the investigation.
The situation on the Adapost refuge has stabilized, with trade routes reopened and few nests of local Wildlife having been destroyed. However the PDF regiments involved in the battle have taken significant casualties, and will be out of commission until they replenish their numbers.
Elections on Luctus have proceeded without any disturbance, and our marines and informants have not discovered any sign of tempering or corruption. The new Governor of Luctus is Gustav Repnin, from Ubezhische.
Our inquiries with the Deathwatch have revealed the owner of the Relic Power Sword that Inquisitor De Wiert has stolen. It´s true name is Foecleaver, and it belongs to the Angels Revenant, an 8th Founding chapter based on Segmentum Tempestus. We've contacted them, and their grateful Reclusiarch has told us that he will lead a delegation to our Fortress-Monastery to retrieve the relic.
As for the blackmail that De Wiert had gathered, the Aetelian Inquisitorial Conclave is very pleased with our assistance, and have requested a meeting with you to discuss matters. If I may give my opinion, it would be most unwise to refuse.
Q.M notes: Originaly I was going to place the Corruption detection roll and Master of the Watch report on the next turn, but with what happens in this turn I´ve decided that doing it now is more fitting. Informational is updated, and please point out any spelling mistakes you find.
Also, the 1st Year anniversary of this quest is fast approaching, and as such I´ve decided to celebrate it with a sidestory that deals with one of the Founder´s during the Great Crusade.
[X] Mezei Balint: A Tactical Marine from the 7th, Logos bombastically boasts of the Luctusians courage and skill, exalting his daring and initiative. He advanced to the semi-finals, by taking risks his opponents dared not to do and enduring the consequences of those risks. (+Toughness, Daredevil)
The Champions needs to throw themselves at the worst opponents, kill/defeat them, and hopefully survive. This seems like the best fit for that all around for the role.
[X] Pugio: An Assault Marine of the 2nd Company, Pugio comes highly recommended from his Sergeant and Pluvia, both of whom have praised his performance in battle and his upstanding behavior out of it. He was one of the semifinalists in the tournament, thanks to his swiftness with the blade and dizzying speed. (+Agility, Kind)
Alternatively the Champion is our representative so a kind face to counter our more fearful visage is good, and the agility should help him be able to dodge attacks rather than endure them like Mezei would. Also Agility is stealth so he'd be good at being sent on stealth missions.
Bertrand Dupont and Lubomir seems more like Command material. Maximinus Thrax seems a good fit for the Honor Guard.
-[X] Valzadai -[X] Severus
-[X] Bertrand Dupont: One of the 9th Devastators, Mikhail regards his intelligence and cleverness well, having noted that he always offers his sergeant well thought out advice. He won the tournament, making use of clever maneuvers and efficient footwork to skillfully dismantle all comers.(+Intelligence, Proud)
there is so much we dont know about Valzadai especially how his relation was with his teacher at the same time Severus is a capital A veteran of the crusade so both of them have my support
for our Champion they all are good but Dupont won the tournament so he earned it especially because has young as he is he defeated more experienced marines
[X] Pugio: An Assault Marine of the 2nd Company, Pugio comes highly recommended from his Sergeant and Pluvia, both of whom have praised his performance in battle and his upstanding behavior out of it. He was one of the semifinalists in the tournament, thanks to his swiftness with the blade and dizzying speed. (+Agility, Kind)
-[X] Valzadai
The Angels Revenant is a Codex Astartes-compliant Loyalist Space Marine Chapter and a Successor Chapter of the Ultramarines. This Chapter's origins can be traced to the 8th Founding which occurred in 598.M35, undertaken amid the dark times of the Nova Terra Interregnum, when the Imperium of Man...
warhammer40k.fandom.com
Their forces maybe depleted by necron raids but that favor can be used for additional support against the traitor chapter.
The Angels Revenant is a Codex Astartes-compliant Loyalist Space Marine Chapter and a Successor Chapter of the Ultramarines. This Chapter's origins can be traced to the 8th Founding which occurred in 598.M35, undertaken amid the dark times of the Nova Terra Interregnum, when the Imperium of Man...
warhammer40k.fandom.com
Their forces maybe depleted by necron raids but that favor can be used for additional support against the traitor chapter.
[X] Pugio: An Assault Marine of the 2nd Company, Pugio comes highly recommended from his Sergeant and Pluvia, both of whom have praised his performance in battle and his upstanding behavior out of it. He was one of the semifinalists in the tournament, thanks to his swiftness with the blade and dizzying speed. (+Agility, Kind) -[X] Myrok Kuthil
Currently at work but once I'm off, I'll happily go through this
I love this man, more we know about him, the better.
[X] Mezei Balint: A Tactical Marine from the 7th, Logos bombastically boasts of the Luctusians courage and skill, exalting his daring and initiative. He advanced to the semi-finals, by taking risks his opponents dared not to do and enduring the consequences of those risks. (+Toughness, Daredevil)
I want to save thrax until we get the first company, mainly because I want to see him in terminator armor.
warhammer40k.fandom.com
