- Location
- Pilipinas
Also might make him a specialist and gives him a trait regarding putting down rebellions also his company being the go-to people regarding human insurrections regardless if its chaos/xeno instigated or damn peasants getting uppity
Loyalty is its own Reward (A Traitor Legion Chapter Master Quest)
- Thread starter ThunderOwl
- Start date
Okay, the tally did something weird, but plan did somebody said genestealers wins. Chapter will drop either this sunday or in the next monday. Also, gotta replace the poem in the Braicam tidbit to the one that @CanYouMeme made, because I like it
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yacov
Lurking and sometimes blurting
- Location
- Clogging a drain
To badly quote a Warhammer YouTuber:
"Braicammites are remarkably pure-blooded imperial citizens with a minimal rate of mutation. This is due to no one outside of Braicam wanting to procreate with them.
A Genestealer cult was discovered and wiped out on Braicam due to the cult hivemind taking up abstinence at the prospect of procreation with a Braicammite. Experiments to spread this gene have been unsuccessful for obvious reasons" - Ordo Xenos Inquisitor
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Personally I cannot wait to see the reaction of our command to the truth. I'm a sucker for these kinds of scenarios in stories.
Nicholas Brooks
Redeemer and Destroyer
- Location
- United States
Spatha's condition gives a good in-character reason for it. It's a lot easier to keep something a secret from someone if that secret isn't literally killing them. So narratively speaking this is an appropriate time and I'm happy it all lined up this way.
I'm not sure we know that the dude is not long for this world IC yet. It sounds like the Great Crusade vets only have rumors to go off of.
Nicholas Brooks
Redeemer and Destroyer
- Location
- United States
We actually do. Valzadai found out at the end of turn 3 and told Severus as much.
Nicholas Brooks
Redeemer and Destroyer
- Location
- United States
@ThunderOwl Will we gain Notables naturally over time, even if they're not in a command position? Like a regular Devastator that manages to repeatedly missile-snipe aircraft out of the sky during a battle, or an Assault Marine that is forced into a duel against an enemy way out of his league and ultimately wins against all odds.
I ask this because at the moment, the Honour Guard is pretty much solely able to gain members who are originally either Brother-Captains or Company Captains.
I ask this because at the moment, the Honour Guard is pretty much solely able to gain members who are originally either Brother-Captains or Company Captains.
There will be new Notables over time, its just that the rolls haven't favoured their appereance. Also at the same time that you have the culture reform option (every ten turns) you'll have an honor guard trial option.
So, the update has hit a Rogue Trader shaped delay, as such it will arrive by Thursday or Friday. Apologies and thank you for your understanding.
Nicholas Brooks
Redeemer and Destroyer
- Location
- United States
Entirely understandable.
Though that actually reminds me of something: are there any Rogue Traders of note in the Aetelian Sector? Or even just major mercantile groups. Perhaps even... your Dynasty
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Imagine the Von Valancius just popping up in there.Entirely understandable.
Though that actually reminds me of something: are there any Rogue Traders of note in the Aetelian Sector? Or even just major mercantile groups. Perhaps even... your Dynasty
In a more serious note, there aren't any Rogue Trader dynasties with interest in the sector. None were involved during their discovery in the Great Crusade, and it is a very explored sector at the time, so there isn't any interests in having expeditions there.
A Shame because they can be very useful in certain circumstances.
Nicholas Brooks
Redeemer and Destroyer
- Location
- United States
A few miscellaneous questions
What's the general rule for what a Space Marine needs to do in order to become a Veteran? Is it possible for a Relic to be created by the Master of the Forge and if so how? What happened to that fancy Daemon sword that Zhang Wu was using? What exactly are the void warfare mechanics, given that they don't seem to use the typical attribute test system?
Also I've found something a bit... odd?
What's the general rule for what a Space Marine needs to do in order to become a Veteran? Is it possible for a Relic to be created by the Master of the Forge and if so how? What happened to that fancy Daemon sword that Zhang Wu was using? What exactly are the void warfare mechanics, given that they don't seem to use the typical attribute test system?
Also I've found something a bit... odd?
According to this we've got 568 Astartes total, but I counted our people on the Informational and I only got to 532 total including our psyker we sent to the Deathwatch. Are the other 36 Astartes unlisted but in use or...?
And a total pain in the neck in many more. Rogue Traders aren't exactly known for playing nice with Imperial authorities.
1.-To qualify as a veteran, one needs at least 50 years of service, at least right now. As the chapter grow older the service length requirement grows.
2.-Yes and no. The Master of the Forge can create master-crafted equipment, I´ll implement the mechanic next turn. For something to become a relic it must be in use by a character and used to accomplish a great deed and/or fulfill extra conditions.
3.-It was left at the space station and it got blown up alongside it.
4.-I roll 1d100. The one who gets the biggest numbers win, and the difference between the winner and the loser result and how high are the rolls determine what happens.
5.- Uhm, going to revise the previous chapters to check where I got the numbers wrong. Thanks for noticing.
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Nicholas Brooks
Redeemer and Destroyer
- Location
- United States
Is there a way to get modifiers for situations like that? I feel like ship quality or commander skill should have an impact on the success/failure odds of an engagement.
I do take it into account, but I do so less in a mechanical way and more in how I reflect the rolls into writing. However, now that you mention it, it is true that it would probably be better if I gave it more weight in rolls. I will start doing so next turn, because I'm almost done with this update and I would need to rewrite quite a lot of things, but I appreciate the suggestion. After all, the "I have no idea what I'm doing" tag is there for a reason and all suggestions to make the quest better are welcomed.
Turn 4 Deployment Results (753-758 M41)
Armeria System, Aetelian Sector, Ultima Segmentum 754 M41
Colonel Lee Hartman of the 88th Clearwater Fortunates looks grimly at the fortifications that his regiment has constructed around their landing zone. The men in the trenches and bunkers prepare themselves for the incoming heretic assault, some of them casting sullen glares at him when they think he isn´t watching. He takes note of those that do so, in order to tell Commissar Kuvrik to watch out for those men during the battle.
Across the muddy and crater-filled expanse that stretches before their position, the heretics are mustering for their next assault. He can hear their blasphemous chants to their foul deities. The priests scattered amidst his men hear them too, and chant their own litanies in response, with his troops singing along, if somewhat lacking in enthusiasm.
Hartman also sings along, finding comfort in the words. The whole campaign has been a mess from start to finish. Armeria's manofactorums provided plenty of Imperial Guard equipment for the heretics to use, so when his regiment and the other three had landed on the planet they had faced heavy resistance. Still under the lead of General Mannheim they had managed to take whole swathes of the planet at a slow but steady pace. Then the heretics had collapsed a whole hab-block on top of him and the rest of the 601st Mordian Iron Guard and things started to go wrong. The heretics have rallied and pushed the Guard Regiments back to their initial landing zones, inflicting heavy casualties on the remaining regiments.
And as much as he would like to place the blame solely on the heretic's perfidy or the behavior of the other two regiments, because what was Sector Command thinking assigning Durrutian Volunteers and Sebourc Royals to the same battlefront, the truth was that his regiment had to shoulder it´s fair share of blame. His homeworld tradition of drafting by lottery had reared it´s ugly head again, with most of his troops being unskilled and unmotivated. Both him and Commissar Kuvrik had been forced to execute full platoons when they were either trying to desert or succumbing to heretical influences. A failing on his part that he won´t have time to correct, he thinks as he takes a deep breath and steels himself for his demise. He will fight as long and hard as he can, and meet the God-Emperor with a clear conscience.
Suddenly the heretic chants ceased, replaced by gunfire and screams of dismay and confusion. The Clearwater colonel looks at the heretic lines in confusion, until the sound of roaring engines and something descending at high speeds pulls his gaze outwards. He feels his mouth drop open in wonder as he beholds a rain of drop pods fall into the heretics lines, impacting the ground like the fist of the Emperor. Closer to his position, great metallic gunships descend, dislodging mighty vehicles onto the ground before returning upwards. One of those same gunships lands near his position and an Angel of Death descends from it. He restrains himself from kneeling and giving praise to the Emperor as the giant in blue armor reaches him, the black helmet with it's skull faceplate seemingly glaring through him.
"Greetings Colonel." He says in a deep, yet surprisingly soft voice. "I need you to give me a voxcast to broadcast to all Guard forces in the area."
Hartman immediately bellows for a voxcast, and a young private immediately comes with one, running as if the Warp was right behind him. Out of breath, he hands it to the Astartes, who takes it with a nod.
"Brave soldiers of the Guard." He starts, and Hartman can hear all of his men nearby listening in silence. "You have fought with courage and skill against the forces of the Archenemy. You have endured injury, death and misery, standing in defiance against their vileness even as they pushed you back. I know you're tired but I ask you to make one more effort, to assist me and my brothers in putting down the filth that has stood against you. Fight on, sons and daughters of the Imperium, for the Emperor and for your fallen comrades!"
Falce Fellowship rolls 6d10= 10, 10, 8, 3, 2, 10= 7 Successes, Critical success.
There is a moment of silence, before Hartman is forced to put his hands on his ears, to block the thunderous roar that pours out of the throats of his previously unmotivated men, raising their fists, making the sign of the Aquila, and waving their weapons.
"The 95th Sebourc Royals are ready to fight!" Proclaims their Colonel proudly through the vox. The response of the Durrutian comes in the shape of what remains of the regiment charging across the no man's land, bayonets fixed and a prayer to the Emperor on their lips. His regiment and the Royals start advancing more prudently, Hartman riding on his command Chimera as his men move forward
The heretics reacted to their advance with surprising alacrity, unleashing gunfire and artillery shells against Hartman's regiment. Casualties start to mount, and the colonel curses as he sees a whole platoon ripped apart by machine gun fire. It could be worse, as the heretics' armor faces off against the vehicles of his regiments and the armor of the Space Marines, stalemating each other. On the other flanks, the heretic seem to slow down the Royals advance, until their Chimares managed to punch through it´s defensive line and let the Sebourc Regiment bring arms against the foe. On the other flank, the heretics abandon their defensive position to counter charge the Durrutians, heretical savagery clashing against the fanatical faith of the volunteers in close quarters.
Hartman feels a shell hitting his Chimera, stopping the vehicle in it´s track. He feels gore splashing his legs as the remains of the driver hit him. Swiftly exiting the transports and taking cover behind it´s bulk, he opens communications with the Astartes that had approached him.
"Milord, we are getting massacred out here, how´s the situation with the rest of the Angels?!"
The Astartes sounds completely relaxed as he answers, even as the colonel sees that the Rhino he's on has been hit by an artillery piece. "Fret not Colonel, the heretics are falling in droves before my brothers. Carry forth, and soon we will triumph over the foe."
Poking his head from cover, Lee watches as most of the heretic´s facing him turn around, firing against other blue armored giants that started appearing behind them. A turret aims at the colonel position, only to be blasted into slag by a plasma gun.
As another Chimera from his regiment passes near him, Hartman commands it, climbing on top of it and getting a better view of the battlefield. Caught between the anvil of his regiment and the hammer of the Angels of Death, the heretics that were decimating his forces are eradicated with extreme prejudice. Weapon emplacements and Leman Russ tanks painted with foul symbols are destroyed by melta and plasma blasts. The mighty armor of the Space marines turns aside contemptuously the fire from their guns, while the lasguns of his regiments and the Astartes bolters tear apart the traitors bodies. As the Chimera passes over the corpse-filled trenches of their foes his regiments come into contact with the zealous troopers of the Durrutian Volunteers, bayonets and uniforms slick with blood and charging against the left flank in a disorganized mob, where the Sebourc Royals were struggling against the foe. He doubts that the proud nobles will appreciate the rescue, but that's not a concern of his.
He and his men punch deep into the heretic´s rearline, and there he sees the devastation that the Angels of Death have unleashed. The ground is covered in corpses, to the point that his men are moving knee-deep in gore and blood. Wrecks of the foe's tanks are intersected all over the place, and he can hear the roar of engines burning promethium and repulsor technology as Land Speeder and Attack bikes hunt down fleeing foes. Despite the carnage unleashed, the fighting is not over yet, as a determined pocket of resistance struggles against their righteous annihilation.
A Space Marine, with a more ornate armor and a huge ork skull hanging from his hip, hacks apart with a chainsword a mutated woman with tentacles covered in pustules, swinging with such ferocity and speed that when he stops the end result looks like a mass of rancid flesh thrown into a wood chipper. Nearby. a man with foam pouring out of his mouth lodges a chainaxe into the neck of an Astartes with a white helmet, only for another with a bleeding wound in his torso to retaliate by splitting the man in half from head to groin with some kind of chainspear. Focusing back into the fray, Hartman draws his laspistol, nailing a heretic with a rocket launcher with a pinpoint shot between the eyes.
7th Company toughness rolls 4d10= 6, 5, 10, 4= 3 Success
An hour later the rebels have been completely routed, leaving only their dead and wounded on the field, both of which burning as the Space Marines and surviving guardsmen set them on fire with flamers. Hartman descends from the Chimera, drinking water from his canteen greedily. Once he completely drains it, he sees his peers from the other regiments approach him, at a noticeable distance from one another.
"We have won a fine victory today, Colonel Hartman." Colonel D´Albret of the Seibourc Royals appearance is immaculate, his hair carefully styled, the medals in his chest glinting with the last sun rays of sunset and the only blood on his person located in the soles of his shoes. Before Lee can answer a disdainful snort interrupts him.
"Bold of you to say that "we" have won, when you were sitting all cozy in the back." By contrast Colonel Edurne, whose uniform still shows corporal stripes, of the Durrutian Volunteers is drenched from head to toe in blood as she limps towards them.
"You gutter-trash strumpet.." D´Albret face reddens in anger, but Hartman speaks up before he can continue with his insults.
"We may have won today, but it has cost us dearly. I don´t know the status of your regiments, but four out of five men in mine are dead or wounded."
The noble-born officer places his hands on his chest, his face solemn. "More than half of the brave sons of Seirbouc have achieved eternal glory in the Emperor's service."
The durrutian smirks even as her eyes water slightly. "Plenty of my comrades have kicked the buckets, but you can bet that the ones that remain are ready to keep fighting."
Hartman sees in the corner of his vision as the Astartes with the skull faced helm approaches them. The other officers see him too, D´Albret bowing deeply as a greeting, while Edurne outright kneels, muttering prayers under her breath.
"Greeting Colonels. I am here to tell you that we will depart shortly. Are you confident that you can finish destroying the rebels on your own?"
"Of course Milord!" Answers Edurne zealously.
Hartman's response is far more prudent. "It is hard to say Milord. While it is true that the heaviest concentration of enemy forces have been purged today, there are still plenty of enemy forces remaining, and our regiments have all taken heavy casualties. While we can take some terrain, we will probably need to hunker down until reinforcements arrive."
The Astartes nods in understanding. "Well then, I hope that those reinforcements arrive soon and you can bring the wrath of humanity upon them. Emperor be with you." The Space Marine leaves, and even if much still needs to be done, Lee feels far more at ease than he did this morning.
-Regiments on Armeria relieved, biggest concentration and command structure of the heretic forces destroyed. Imperial Guard Regiments too depleted to go back into the offensive.
-1 Razorback badly damaged, 1 Whirlwind badly damaged, 4 Attack Bikes damaged.
-6 Marines slain, 2 Nowalijki slain, Apothecary Galen Slain. 18 progenoids extracted.
-New Contacts gained: Colonel Lee Hartman (Liked+), Colonel Jacques D´Albret (Liked+), "Colonel" Edurne (Liked+)
Jol System, Aetelian Sector, Ultima Segmentum 756 M41
Emilianus Pluvia blinks as he beholds the tactical situation on the hololith aboard the Luctusian Dusk. After tracking ceaselessly the different Ork Freebootaz, he had not expected them to find them all in the same system. He had been about to retreat and call for assistance to the nearest Imperial Navy squadron until he had seen that the various vessels were fighting each other. Already the void between planets is filled with debris from destroyed Ork Kroozers, macrocannons unleashing storms of projectiles at range as torpedoes and Fighta-Bombas cross the space between ships. With their Strike Cruisers on the edge of the Mandeville point, away from the feuding Orks, the captain sees little point in engaging right now. He opens a comlink to the Bird of Prey, where Karark Zel holds command.
"Master of the Forge, we will remain here and let the orks fight amongst themselves. Then we will strike against the damaged survivors." He informs him in a respectful manner. While he is in command of the operation, he values the opinion of one of the founders of the Chapter.
Karark Zel nods in approval. "Good, we shall allow those crimes against the Omnissiah to erase each other from the face of the galaxy."
Minutes pass by as the watch four different greenskins fleets shoot each other into oblivion. It was a wonderful spectacle, seeing the xenos responsible for the death of thousands of Imperial subjects kill themselves, spurred on by the savagery inherent to their brutish threat. The Mist Shrikes wait placidly as a combined force able to overwhelm both of their vessels fades into scrap metal. Only one of the feuding ork fleets seems to notice, but when they move their Kroozers to engage them they are ruthlessly pounced upon by the rest of the Xeno filth. When the dust proverbially settles only three kroozers remain, lacking any kind of escorts.
"Seems like those belong to the last Kaptin standing." Comments Pluvia as the Luctusian Dusk moves towards the battlefield.
"Let's make sure he joins his kin." Responds Karark Zel, before turning towards one of the bridge crew and berating him for the lack of maintenance in his cognitator. As the Strike Cruisers approach the Ork Kroozers, they turn towards them in an uncoordinated manner. The Kroozer in the rear hails Pluvia´s vessel, and despite the communication officer attempts to block the call, it ends up appearing in the hololith.
"WERE FO YER KOME FROM BEAKIEZ?! SUCH A SHAME´DAT YER LATE, WE WERE JUS HAV´N A GREAT FOIGHT AN IT WULD´AVE BEN GREAT FUN TA KRUMP YER LOT!!! WELL, GUESS ILL TAKE ALL YER SHIPS FOR MESELF AND TURN THEM INTO SOM PROPA ORKY SHIPS!! "An Ork with a garishly yellow outfit laughs, the metallic replacement of his jaw also painted in a dull yellow..
Pluvia is almost tempted for a second to engage in banter, but he decides there is a better way to communicate the ork his disdain. "Lance batteries, fire!"
The Luctusian Dusk fires its lances against the ship where the Ork Kaptain was located, the Kroozer shields preventing the blast from scoring the hull. The leading kroozer accelerated towards the Bird of Prey, seemingly intending to ram the vessel, at least until it´s engines exploded in conflagration of plasma.
".... WELL, DAT WAS EMBARRAZING." Comments the Kaptin, who for some reason is still on the comlink. Pluvia glares at the comm officer, who redoubles his efforts trying to kick him off the comlink.
In the meantime the Bird of Prey trades fire with the remaining Ork Kroozer, in an exchange that the Strike Cruiser was slowly but steadily losing. Not only is the strike cruiser outgunned by the crudely put together mass of cannons that masquerades as a warp-worthy ship, but the debris floating around from the destroyed kroozers limit its maneuverability. Soon its shields are breach, and impacts start taking away fragments of the reinforced hull.
The kroozer facing off against the Luctusian Dusk makes a fatal mistake when what passses for a helmsman among the greenskins crashes it against the remains of another Kroozer. It´s shields fall in the impact, leaving it exposed to a devastating broadside from the Strike Cruiser macrocannons, which disable most of the guns on that side of the bridge and allows for the Luctusian Dusk to pound the ork ship into a bigger heap of scrap metal than it already is with impunity. The orks comm channel finally cuts off, and Pluvia focuses his attention on the last remaining enemy, at least until another call is put onscreen.
"HA, YER GOT LUCKY DAT MA PILOT WAS SUCH A GROT, BUT I´M NOT DONE YET!!! NOW MA BOYZ ARE GONNA KRUMP YER FRIENDS ON DAT OTHA BOAT!!!" Everyone on the bridge, including Pluvia, groans in annoyance as the dammable Kaptin once again calls them, apparently having escaped the destruction. Plenty of the crude greenskin imitation of boarding pods launch themselves against the Bird of Prey, and as the cannons of his strike cruiser aim at the kroozer Pluvia is completely sure that the Master of the Forge and his men will repel them.
—
A boarding action by Orks is one of the worst case scenarios that an Imperial Navy ship can endure. The sheer strength of the greenskin and their enthusiasm for melee combat making them an arduous foe to overcome in the close quarters of a ship, the armsmen unable to bring to bear the mass volleys or support ordnance that the Guard uses to overwhelm the Xenos.
But the Bird of Prey is not a Navy vessel.
The intruding greenskins are met with fire and steel and purged with brutal efficiency. The serfs of the chapter acquaint themselves well in their first combat deployment, taking advantage of the ship´s layout to set up chokepoints where they funnel the orks before falling back to prepare them from being overwhelmed. But it is the Space Marines of the second demi-company of the 2nd Company who truly wreak havoc amongst the orks. The fifty marines appear to be everywhere at once, striking at the xenos with the speed of lightning and retreating before the enemy can get their bearings. The orks are separated and hunted down, their bloodlust fading as the brawl they anticipate turns into a quick, one-sided extermination. It is Lieutenant Gallo who personally slays the Nob in charge of the mob with a chainsword to the back of the head, the brute unable to reach the chamber when Karark Zel was prepared to face him.
Back on the Luctusian Dusk, Pluvia watches with satisfaction via the still open comlink as the Ork Kaptin hears the panic-stricken reports of the boarding party as they are slaughtered, the wretched being striking some of the gretchin that scurry around his feet. When the Bird of Prey starts firing again against the ork shakes his fist against the projector with a snarl.
"YER MAY´AVE WON DIS DAY, BUT´AVE NO DOUBT, DIS ISN´T DA LAST YER HEAR UV KAPTIN GOLDAGIT!!!"
Despite their best efforts, Goldagit´s cruiser manages to escape, thanks to an impressive feat of maneuvering for an Ork vessel, moving amidst the debris with erratic but quick movement that leave the Strike Cruisers unable to pursue. Still, only one survivor from out of dozens of ships is an astounding success to Pluvia, and undoubtedly a single kroozer will be easily hunted down by the Imperial Navy. Still, he will keep an eye out in case this "Kaptin Goldagit" appears again.
-Ork Freebootaz eliminated as an obstacle for Imperial shipping, only one Kaptain escapes.
-Bird of Prey lightly damaged.
-Relationship with the Administratum increases to Neutral+
-2nd Company gains trait "Counter-boarders"
Zelote System, Aetelian Sector, Ultima Segmentum. 757 M41
Aelius Catilina stands before the governor of Zelote, Omar Silva as he eats his dinner. The man in question seats at the end of the table, which measures twenty or so meters in length. Every inch of its surface is covered in dishes of superb quality, yet the only people in the room are him and the Captain of the 6th, who has not eaten a single bite.
"Excellent work putting down that rabble, Captain Catilina." Says the Governor, chewing a piece of deep fried poultry. "It is truly a blessing that you responded so promptly to my summons." He belches after that, before wiping the grease with the hem of his richly embroidered robes.
"It is good that you are satisfied, Governor, for I am not." States Aelius in a neutral tone.
Governor Silva arches an eyebrow, grabbing a bowl with sauce. "Why wouldn´t you, Captain? Have you not vanquished insurgents against His rule?"
Catilina grabs almost whimsically the cutlery that the governor has neglected, making the man flinch as the gauntlet drifts extremely close to his corpulent neck. "One should not mistake insurgents against oneself for insurgents against the rule of Him on Terra."
"I was unaware that there was a difference between the two of them, Captain." Sweat now trickled on the man's forehead, even if his hurry as he eats remains the same. "I rule this planet in His stead, after all."
"That's what I thought too." Catilina puts his left hand near the hilt of his knife. "But the things we noticed while fighting the rebels show a very curious situation. Small details, like how most of the soldiers and leaders carried Aquilas on them, or how communications between the rebels command structure and their various speeches mentioned "abusive tithing" repeatedly." Catilina starts to pace around, Silva following his every move with his gaze. "This sparked my curiosity, so to speak, so I ordered my men to start looking for documentation concerning the Tithe. And it revealed a lot of concerning contradictions, which our next guest will help me resolve. Sicae, if you would be so kind?" He raises his voice in the last comment, and two other Space Marines enter the room, dragging an old, thin, man in Administratum robes. "I trust that you already know Adept Odebretch, the main supervisor of the Tithe´s collection."
Silva stops eating, a mix of indignation and panic showing amidst the jowls of his face. "H-how d-dare you, treating the honorable Adept in such a manner!? Guards!!"
"Do not waste your breath calling them." A small grin appears on Catilina´s face. "The fine men serving under you have wisely decided to take their leave for today."
Silva tries, and fails, to put on a defiant face. "I-i-it m-ma-matters not. We will not cave in to thuggish displays of intimidation."
Catilina laughs, the sound devoid of warmth or mirth, as one of the marines that carried the adept turns on a pict-recorder. "I do not need you to "cave in '' to anything Governor. Sicae, please restrain the Adept."
A marine with a red and white stripe on his helmet grips Odebretch jaw and shoulder in a tight grip and forces him to kneel. Catilina unsheathes his combat knife and with careful and precise cuts starts cutting through the parietal and frontal bones of the cranium, accompanied by the loud, painful screams of the Adept before he perishes. Then he delicately grabs the top of the skull and removes it, exposing the brain for all to see. He produces the cutlery he grabbed from the table, and with manners beffiting of high society cuts a small piece of the hippocampus, before bringing it to his mouth and eating it.
"Tithe of 710, you and Odebretch embezzled 25% percent of the Tithe to your own private accounts." Starts reciting Catilina as he cleans his mouth of cerebral fluid with a napkin after setting on the table the knife and fork. "In the Tithe of 720 the quantity rose to 30%, in 730 to 35% and in 740 to 40%. The wider administratum has started inquiring about the lackluster tribute delivered, so you and the Adept here to raised taxes by 150%, in order to deliver an appropriate amount and also embezzle 45% out of the taxed product."
Catilina moves towards the governor and leans, his naturally pale face merely an inch away from his bloodless pallor, uncaring that the obese man has soiled himself. "Naturally the population rebelled, so you frivolously called us for assistance. My Chapter Master is now facing Traitor Marines, and I am here, unable to assist him and having lost two Rhinos and four. Of. My. brothers due to your shortsighted greed." The marine courteous tone and placid expression does not detract from the sheer loathing that his words express, instead making it much more biting.
"Y-y-y-y-you can´t execute me, I am the Governor of Zelote." Says Silva with wide eyes, fear giving way to bone-chilling dread as comprehension of the gravity of his situation finally dawns on him.
Catilina smile promises only the most abject suffering as he straightens his posture. "A mere execution is more mercy that you deserve, you gluttonous swine. I am going to make an example of you." He points to one of the windows. "And that statue of yourself that you have on your front door has given me an idea."
—-
A week later, a new statue graces the gardens of Zelote´s governor's palace. It shows Omar Silva, his body an almost instructive collection of brutal injuries and maimings. The whole planet had been able to see the making of such a statue, as the Mist Shrike officer tortured the governor for six hours, before pouring molten gold over his still living body and molding it before it solidified. None have dared removing the statue of it´s place, and the new Governor has a clear view of it from his office, an eternal remainder of calling the Mist Shrikes to clean up one´s failure.
-Rebellion on Zelote suppressed, Embezzlement scheme discovered.
-4 Marines slain, 8 progenoids recovered.
-2 Rhinos destroyed.
-Relationship loss with the Administratum nullified by Intelligence crit.
Luedou System, Aetelian Sector, Ultima Segmentum, 757M41
The Fear of Judgement shakes as a torpedo strikes the prow. While the mortal crew stumbles around the bridge, you and Hostilius remain standing.
"Void shields at 13% and falling rapidly, Milords!" Reports the officer in charge of the shields. You see Hostilius hands curling into fists.
"They were expecting us. All this mustering was bait." He mutters softly so that only you can hear it. He raises his voice to address the crew. "What's the status of the rest of the Imperial Navy?"
The auspex officer stands up. "The Heretic´s Bane, like us, has exited the Mandeville point ahead of the fleet and is surrounded by the heretic forces. The rest of the Navy task force is currently breaking the encirclement, but between the enemy Star Fort and the rest of the enemy fleet they are taking damage." He pauses to draw breath. "We are currently surrounded by enemy ships and a Traitor strike cruiser is closing in on us."
You let Hostilius think. You named him Master of the Fleet for a reason, and besides you never excelled at void warfare, being mainly a land commander first and foremost,
"Move the ship upwards and position us on top of the enemy formation." Commands Marcius, and the crew rushes to obey.
The ship begins to ascend, leaving behind the various pirate frigates and destroyers. Just when it seems you are in the clear, the traitor´s Strike Cruiser unleashes a barrage of macrocannons, dropping the void shields and scoring several hits along the hull. The bridge shakes once more and as the mortal crew rises up from the floor, you feel a noxious repulsive sensation across your body, one you´ve already felt in this same bridge.
The touch of the Warp.
That's the only warning you have before a group of Traitor Marines appears on the bridge, teleported in a flash of purple light and accompanied from a repulsive laugh beyond the veil of reality. Clad in tainted ceramite, unholy symbols of Tzeentch dabbled amidst the beige paint, they immediately start slaying the bridge crew with their weapons and mutations. It is the first time you´ve come face to face with your tainted cousins, and in the recesses of your mind, a small part of you doubted your resolve, thinking that it might waver when facing the same evil that has taken hold of your legion.
That part of your psyche dies quickly and messily as a cold, all-encompassing hatred engulfs you at the sight of the Eyes of the Mutator. You rev your chainglaive and charge, Spatha, the rest of the Honor Guard and Hostilius close behind you. One of the Chaos Marines, a tainted power sword in his hand and a banner of human skin in his back opens his mouth to bark a challenge or boast, only for you to lodge your chainglaive there faster that he can react to, adamantium teeth tearing through corrupted bone and muscle as the top of his head is severed from the rest of his body and falls to the ground dead. A quick glance reveals your marines already engage with the enemy. Near the door, a marine with a lensless helmet stabs Martellus in the gut, only for Martellus to grip his arms, allowing Hostilius to slash him across the back, cutting through the traitor's spine. Spatha duels against a Chaos Marine wielding a pair of Lightning claws fused to his limbs, dodging and blocking gracefully the flurry of blows that the traitor unleashes against him with his blade in one hand.
"What's wrong, traitor? Are those claws too much of a handful for you?" The marine snarls at the mockery, and as such misses the combat knife in Claudius offhand, which your champion stabs deep under the traitor´s chin when he parries a stab to his chest.
With their greatest fighter slain, you and your marines make short work of the remaining traitors, although it is not a bloodless affair. Almost half of the bridge crew, incluiding the shipmaster are dead, the traitors targeting them to spite you when they realize that the combat was lost. Martellus has a stab wound in his gut, and Numa leans into a cogitator to remain standing, as his left leg below the knee is missing, his Larraman cells preventing him from bleeding out.
"Chapter Master, there are reports of multiple traitor Marines across the whole Battle Barge!" Reports an officer out of breath.
You quickly open a comm-link to the other areas of the ship. "Valzadai, Gallienus, status report!"
The captain of the 3rd answers first. "Situation in the Enginarium is under control. We're finishing off the traitor group here."
"Severus, send reinforcements to my position now!" Screams Valzadai, alarm clear in his tone. "There's a sorcerer in here and he's…Watch out!!!" The call cuts off there. You curse beneath your brace before addressing your Master of the fleet.
"Hostilius, keep commanding the Battle Barge. Martellus, Numa, you are too wounded to move swiftly, remain here and protect the bridge in case the enemy moves past us. The rest with me!"
You run towards Valzadai's position, passing along the way small pockets of Chaos Marine resistance that are swiftly purged by squads of Mist Shrikes under the command of Chaplain Justinian and Lieutenant Furor. The sound of bolter fire and warcries reaches your ears and then they fall silent as a loud crash is heard.
When you and your men burst through the door you're greeted by a scene of carnage. Transhuman bodies litter the floor, the blood of the tainted scions of the Vth legion mixing with that of the loyal sons of the VIIIth in wide puddles. Only two marines are standing on both sides. One of them is Valzadai, his armor dented and bent and his left arm a mass of pulped meat and shredded bones. The other is a sorcerer, wielding a staff covered with baleful incantations and great, curling horns coming out of the side of his head. The sorcerer looks at the Chief Apothecary with a condescending smirk before turning his gaze to you.
"Ah, the master of this wretched chapter is here." His words are almost unintelligible, the tone, pitch timbre and volume shifting in each syllable. "The foolish children that you lead have been a vexing inconvenience for our plans. We will deal with your gaggle of wretches soon enough, but Lord Jiaomo will be pleased if I deliver your head to him beforehand."
He points his staff at you, warp energy gathering at the tip.
"Now witness the power of Tzeench, foolish corpse worshippers!"
In that moment Valzadai, who had snuck up behind him as he postured, cuts the hand wielding the staff from behind. The sorcerer turns around, screeching in pain and outrage, and you and your Guard fall upon him. Whatever "blessings" his body and warplate might possess, they can't withstand seven chainblades hacking and stabbing through them and soon his butchered carcass joins the bodies of his fellows. You move his staff away from you with the tip of your chainglaive before turning towards Valzadai, who is tending to his maimed limb.
"Are you going to be fine with that?" You ask. Valzadai scoffs in response.
"You think I'm not prepared for something like this happening? I have a vat-grown limb ready for transplant in the ship's apothecarion. Just need to contact Diocles for him to transplant it."
Somewhat reassured by that, you hail Hostilius via comnlink.
"Hostilius, how fares the battle?"
His voice is laced with frustration when he replies. "We've damaged their flagship enough that their pulling back, but their slaves are covering them in good order and they've rigged the station to explode." He pauses for a moment, and then his tone grows harsher. "Lord Admiral Adherbal is unwilling to pursue them, they said they are in no condition to give chase."
"Then there's nothing we can do. Let's start disposal procedures."
-Heretical mustering disrupted, Chaos sorcerer and sizable Chaos Marine contingent slain. No new Intel on Eyes of the Mutator positions.
-Fear of Judgement lightly damaged.
-Chaos remains and paraphernalia properly disposed of.
-19 Marines slain, 38 Progenoids harvested.
-Relationship with Lord Admiral Hanno Adherbal improved to Liked-
Zatloczony System, Aetelian Sector, Ultima Segmentum, 758M41
As Governor Kaziemer Szymansky proclaims his new planetary laws, in obedience to the decree of the Lord Sector, most of the noblemen, guildsmen and courtiers in the throne room ignore him in favor of the Space Marines standing near him, still as statues and glowering through red eye lenses at everyone gathered there. If someone notices the absence of the Governors guards they do not comment on it, and as their gazes remain fixed in the marines they miss the occasional dried blood drops on the purple carpet. In everyone's mind there exists the question of what the Astartes are thinking and what is the reason for their presence there.
"Glad we´re finally done with this chore." Comments one marine in his helmet com-link.
"This "chore" was necessary, Querela." Rebukes his sergeant. "Fostering goodwill with the Lord Sector furthers the aims of the Chapter."
"Right, right." There is a moment of silence before the marine speaks up again. "What I don´t understand is why we haven't gunned down the Governor after he ordered his guard to kick us out of the palace."
The sergeant shrugs in an almost imperceptible manner, the pauldrons barely rising a centimeter. "Apparently he has more than ten sons and daughters, and it is hard to enforce a decree in the middle of a succession crisis. Besides, the important matter is that the Lord Sector decree is obeyed, and we have made it so."
"But…." Whatever the marine is going to say next is interrupted by their captain uttering a single word through the link.
"Silence."
And his will is done. The marines remain there through the whole court session, standing silent as a myriad of issues are mentioned, debated, argued, solved and set aside. It is only when the court is adjourned that the governor approaches them.
"There, I´ve done what you ask me." He says curtly. "Will you leave now?"
Some of the Marines bristle at the tone, and a small shift in their posture leaves their bolters pointing at the lower body of the governor.
"We will." Replies Sertorius in a low whisper.
"Thank the Emperor for that." Spits Szymansky. "Now If you excuse me, I need to replace the guards you cripple." He turns around, but Sertorius places a hand on his shoulder and stops him from leaving.
"If we have to return, you´ll be the one crippled." He states while tightening his grip slightly. Then he lets go and leaves, his marines close behind as Kaziemer rubs his bruised shoulder.
-Relationship with Lord Sector Blas Cartegena rises to Good-
-New Contact Gain: Governor Kazimier Szymansky (Hated+)
QM Notes: Tomorrow is going to be a busy day, so between that and checking that counting error that @Nicholas Brooks pointed out I´m going to need some time to update the informational. Also my face when you rolled all ten´s in that boarding was interesting.
10th Company Agility rolls 5+1(Prototype Corvus Armor)=6d10= 3, 9, 7, 4, 8, 10= 5 Successes
Armeria´s Heretics Perception rolls 2+2 (Auspex arrays)d10=4d10= 7, 5, 1, 8= 1 Success
Armeria´s Heretics Perception rolls 2+2 (Auspex arrays)d10=4d10= 7, 5, 1, 8= 1 Success
Colonel Lee Hartman of the 88th Clearwater Fortunates looks grimly at the fortifications that his regiment has constructed around their landing zone. The men in the trenches and bunkers prepare themselves for the incoming heretic assault, some of them casting sullen glares at him when they think he isn´t watching. He takes note of those that do so, in order to tell Commissar Kuvrik to watch out for those men during the battle.
Across the muddy and crater-filled expanse that stretches before their position, the heretics are mustering for their next assault. He can hear their blasphemous chants to their foul deities. The priests scattered amidst his men hear them too, and chant their own litanies in response, with his troops singing along, if somewhat lacking in enthusiasm.
Hartman also sings along, finding comfort in the words. The whole campaign has been a mess from start to finish. Armeria's manofactorums provided plenty of Imperial Guard equipment for the heretics to use, so when his regiment and the other three had landed on the planet they had faced heavy resistance. Still under the lead of General Mannheim they had managed to take whole swathes of the planet at a slow but steady pace. Then the heretics had collapsed a whole hab-block on top of him and the rest of the 601st Mordian Iron Guard and things started to go wrong. The heretics have rallied and pushed the Guard Regiments back to their initial landing zones, inflicting heavy casualties on the remaining regiments.
And as much as he would like to place the blame solely on the heretic's perfidy or the behavior of the other two regiments, because what was Sector Command thinking assigning Durrutian Volunteers and Sebourc Royals to the same battlefront, the truth was that his regiment had to shoulder it´s fair share of blame. His homeworld tradition of drafting by lottery had reared it´s ugly head again, with most of his troops being unskilled and unmotivated. Both him and Commissar Kuvrik had been forced to execute full platoons when they were either trying to desert or succumbing to heretical influences. A failing on his part that he won´t have time to correct, he thinks as he takes a deep breath and steels himself for his demise. He will fight as long and hard as he can, and meet the God-Emperor with a clear conscience.
10th Company Agility rolls 5+1(Prototype Corvus Armor)=6d10= 2, 10, 4, 2, 5, 6= 3 Successes
Armeria´s Heretics Perception rolls 2+2 (Auspex arrays)d10=4d10= 2, 1, 7, 4= 0 Successes
Armeria´s Heretics Perception rolls 2+2 (Auspex arrays)d10=4d10= 2, 1, 7, 4= 0 Successes
7th Company deployment 1d100=73
Armeria´s Heretics Anti-Air defenses 1d100-20(Successful Decapitation Strike)=27-20=2
Armeria´s Heretics Anti-Air defenses 1d100-20(Successful Decapitation Strike)=27-20=2
Suddenly the heretic chants ceased, replaced by gunfire and screams of dismay and confusion. The Clearwater colonel looks at the heretic lines in confusion, until the sound of roaring engines and something descending at high speeds pulls his gaze outwards. He feels his mouth drop open in wonder as he beholds a rain of drop pods fall into the heretics lines, impacting the ground like the fist of the Emperor. Closer to his position, great metallic gunships descend, dislodging mighty vehicles onto the ground before returning upwards. One of those same gunships lands near his position and an Angel of Death descends from it. He restrains himself from kneeling and giving praise to the Emperor as the giant in blue armor reaches him, the black helmet with it's skull faceplate seemingly glaring through him.
"Greetings Colonel." He says in a deep, yet surprisingly soft voice. "I need you to give me a voxcast to broadcast to all Guard forces in the area."
Hartman immediately bellows for a voxcast, and a young private immediately comes with one, running as if the Warp was right behind him. Out of breath, he hands it to the Astartes, who takes it with a nod.
"Brave soldiers of the Guard." He starts, and Hartman can hear all of his men nearby listening in silence. "You have fought with courage and skill against the forces of the Archenemy. You have endured injury, death and misery, standing in defiance against their vileness even as they pushed you back. I know you're tired but I ask you to make one more effort, to assist me and my brothers in putting down the filth that has stood against you. Fight on, sons and daughters of the Imperium, for the Emperor and for your fallen comrades!"
Falce Fellowship rolls 6d10= 10, 10, 8, 3, 2, 10= 7 Successes, Critical success.
There is a moment of silence, before Hartman is forced to put his hands on his ears, to block the thunderous roar that pours out of the throats of his previously unmotivated men, raising their fists, making the sign of the Aquila, and waving their weapons.
"The 95th Sebourc Royals are ready to fight!" Proclaims their Colonel proudly through the vox. The response of the Durrutian comes in the shape of what remains of the regiment charging across the no man's land, bayonets fixed and a prayer to the Emperor on their lips. His regiment and the Royals start advancing more prudently, Hartman riding on his command Chimera as his men move forward
Sebourc Royals Ballistic Skill rolls 2+1(Rallied)=3d10= 7, 5, 5= 1 Success
Nurglite Heretic´s Ballistic Skill rolls 2d10= 9, 3= 1 Success
Sebourc Royals Chimeras rolls 2d10= 10, 4= 2 Successes
Heretics Anti-tank Artillery rolls 2d10= 5, 5= 0 Successes
Nurglite Heretic´s Ballistic Skill rolls 2d10= 9, 3= 1 Success
Sebourc Royals Chimeras rolls 2d10= 10, 4= 2 Successes
Heretics Anti-tank Artillery rolls 2d10= 5, 5= 0 Successes
Durrutian Volunteers Weapon Skill rolls 2+1(Rallied)d10=3d10= 6, 5, 2= 1 Success
Khornate Heretic´s Weapon Skill rolls 2d10= 9, 5= 1 Success
Khornate Heretic´s Weapon Skill rolls 2d10= 9, 5= 1 Success
Clearwater Volunteer Ballistic Skill rolls 2+1(Rallied)d10=3d10=10, 6, 1= 2 Successes
Falce Ballistic rolls 2d10= 4, 9= 1 Success
Tzeenchian Heretic´s Ballistc Skill rolls 2d10= 10, 8= 3 Success, Critical Success
Heretic´s Leman Russ rolls 2d10=5, 7= 1 Success
Heretic´s Anti-tank Artillery 2d10= 2, 7= 1 Success
Rhinos rolls 2d10= 4, 6= 1 Success
Razorback rolls 2d10= 1, 6= 0 Successes
Whirlwind rolls 2d10= 2, 6= 1 Successes
Falce Ballistic rolls 2d10= 4, 9= 1 Success
Tzeenchian Heretic´s Ballistc Skill rolls 2d10= 10, 8= 3 Success, Critical Success
Heretic´s Leman Russ rolls 2d10=5, 7= 1 Success
Heretic´s Anti-tank Artillery 2d10= 2, 7= 1 Success
Rhinos rolls 2d10= 4, 6= 1 Success
Razorback rolls 2d10= 1, 6= 0 Successes
Whirlwind rolls 2d10= 2, 6= 1 Successes
7th Company Weapon Skill rolls 3d10= 1, 2, 10= 1 Success
Heretic´s Rearguard Weapon Skill rolls 2d10= 9, 1= 0 Successes
10th Company Ballistic Skill rolls 3d10=3, 4, 6= 1 Success
Constantinus Logos Weapon Skill rolls 6d10= 4, 6, 6, 9, 5, 3= 3 Successes
Myrok Kuthil Weapon Skill rolls 8d10= 10, 4, 4, 3, 10, 9, 3 7=6 Successes
Apothecary Galen Weapon Skill rolls 3d10= 5, 10, 7= 3 Successes
Nurglite Subcommander Weapon Skill rolls 3d10= 9, 6, 9= 3 Successes
Khornate Subcommander Weapon Skill rolls 4d10= 9, 9, 10, 8= 5 Successes, Critical Success.
Tzenchian Subcommander Willpower roll 3d10= 4, 4 10= 2 Success
Myrok Kuthil Toughness roll 5d10= 5, 10, 10, 3, 6= 5 Succeses
Heretic´s Turrets rolls 2d10= 4, 10=2 Success
Heretic´s Leman Russ rolls 2d10= 5, 3 =0 Success
Land Speeder Rolls 3d10= 9, 10, 6= 4 Successes
Attack Bikes Rolls 3d10= 10, 3, 9= 3 Successes
7th Company Ballistic rolls 3d10= 8, 2, 5= 1 Success
Heretic´s rocket troops Ballistic rolls 2d10= 3, 7= 1 Success
Heretic´s Rearguard Weapon Skill rolls 2d10= 9, 1= 0 Successes
10th Company Ballistic Skill rolls 3d10=3, 4, 6= 1 Success
Constantinus Logos Weapon Skill rolls 6d10= 4, 6, 6, 9, 5, 3= 3 Successes
Myrok Kuthil Weapon Skill rolls 8d10= 10, 4, 4, 3, 10, 9, 3 7=6 Successes
Apothecary Galen Weapon Skill rolls 3d10= 5, 10, 7= 3 Successes
Nurglite Subcommander Weapon Skill rolls 3d10= 9, 6, 9= 3 Successes
Khornate Subcommander Weapon Skill rolls 4d10= 9, 9, 10, 8= 5 Successes, Critical Success.
Tzenchian Subcommander Willpower roll 3d10= 4, 4 10= 2 Success
Myrok Kuthil Toughness roll 5d10= 5, 10, 10, 3, 6= 5 Succeses
Heretic´s Turrets rolls 2d10= 4, 10=2 Success
Heretic´s Leman Russ rolls 2d10= 5, 3 =0 Success
Land Speeder Rolls 3d10= 9, 10, 6= 4 Successes
Attack Bikes Rolls 3d10= 10, 3, 9= 3 Successes
7th Company Ballistic rolls 3d10= 8, 2, 5= 1 Success
Heretic´s rocket troops Ballistic rolls 2d10= 3, 7= 1 Success
The heretics reacted to their advance with surprising alacrity, unleashing gunfire and artillery shells against Hartman's regiment. Casualties start to mount, and the colonel curses as he sees a whole platoon ripped apart by machine gun fire. It could be worse, as the heretics' armor faces off against the vehicles of his regiments and the armor of the Space Marines, stalemating each other. On the other flanks, the heretic seem to slow down the Royals advance, until their Chimares managed to punch through it´s defensive line and let the Sebourc Regiment bring arms against the foe. On the other flank, the heretics abandon their defensive position to counter charge the Durrutians, heretical savagery clashing against the fanatical faith of the volunteers in close quarters.
Hartman feels a shell hitting his Chimera, stopping the vehicle in it´s track. He feels gore splashing his legs as the remains of the driver hit him. Swiftly exiting the transports and taking cover behind it´s bulk, he opens communications with the Astartes that had approached him.
"Milord, we are getting massacred out here, how´s the situation with the rest of the Angels?!"
The Astartes sounds completely relaxed as he answers, even as the colonel sees that the Rhino he's on has been hit by an artillery piece. "Fret not Colonel, the heretics are falling in droves before my brothers. Carry forth, and soon we will triumph over the foe."
Poking his head from cover, Lee watches as most of the heretic´s facing him turn around, firing against other blue armored giants that started appearing behind them. A turret aims at the colonel position, only to be blasted into slag by a plasma gun.
Sebourc Royals Ballistic Skill rolls 2+1(Rallied)= 4, 8, 4= 1 Success
Nurglite Heretic´s Ballistic Skill rolls 2d10= 9, 6= 2 Success
Sebourc Royals Chimeras rolls 2d10= 3, 9= 1 Success
Nurglite Heretic´s Ballistic Skill rolls 2d10= 9, 6= 2 Success
Sebourc Royals Chimeras rolls 2d10= 3, 9= 1 Success
Durrutian Volunteers Weapon Skill rolls 2+1(Rallied)d10=3d10= 6, 2, 9= 2 Successes
Khornate Heretic´s Weapon Skill rolls 2d10= 3, 3= 0 Successes
Khornate Heretic´s Weapon Skill rolls 2d10= 3, 3= 0 Successes
Clearwater Volunteer Ballistic Skill rolls 2+1(Rallied)d10=3d10=8, 2, 9= 2 Successes
Falce Ballistic rolls 2d10= 6, 6= 2 Successes
Tzeenchian Heretic's Ballistic Skill rolls 2d10= 3, 7= 1 Successes
7th Company Ballistic Skill rolls 3d10= 10, 5, 4= 2 Successes
Heretic´s Leman Russ rolls 2d10= 4, 6= 1 Success
Heretic´s Anti-tank Artillery 2d10= 5, 8= 1 Success
Rhinos rolls 2d10= 6, 4= 1 Success
Razorback rolls 2d10= 5, 6= 1 Success
Whirlwind rolls 2d10= 3, 8= 1 Success
Falce Ballistic rolls 2d10= 6, 6= 2 Successes
Tzeenchian Heretic's Ballistic Skill rolls 2d10= 3, 7= 1 Successes
7th Company Ballistic Skill rolls 3d10= 10, 5, 4= 2 Successes
Heretic´s Leman Russ rolls 2d10= 4, 6= 1 Success
Heretic´s Anti-tank Artillery 2d10= 5, 8= 1 Success
Rhinos rolls 2d10= 6, 4= 1 Success
Razorback rolls 2d10= 5, 6= 1 Success
Whirlwind rolls 2d10= 3, 8= 1 Success
7th Company Weapon Skill rolls 3d10= 6, 7, 4= 2 Success
Heretic´s Rearguard Weapon Skill rolls 2d10= 5, 9= 1 Success
10th Company Ballistic Skill rolls 3d10= 8, 7, 3= 2 Success
Constantinus Logos Weapon Skill rolls 6d10= 6, 7, 6 ,4 ,2, 2= 3 Successes
Myrok Kuthil Weapon Skill rolls 8d10= 10, 8, 1, 8, 10, 5, 3, 6= 6 Successes
Apothecary Galen Weapon Skill rolls 3d10= 4, 1, 7= = 0 Successes
Nurglite Subcommander Weapon Skill rolls 3d10=5, 8 , 5=1 Success
Khornate Subcommander Weapon Skill rolls 4d10= 8, 6, 9= 3 Successes
Apothecary Galen Toughness roll 4d10= 4, 1, 1, 7= 0 Successes, Critical Failure
Myrok Kuthil Toughness roll 5d10= 4, 10, 8, 9. 3= 4 Successes
Heretic´s Leman Russ rolls 2d10= 8, 2= 1 Success
Land Speeder Rolls 3d10= 7, 7, 2= 2 Successes
Attack Bikes Rolls 3d10= 6, 9, 1= 1 Success
7th Company Ballistic rolls 3d10= 9, 4, 6= 2 Success
Heretic´s rocket troops Ballistic rolls 2d10= 7, 7= 2 Success
Heretic´s Rearguard Weapon Skill rolls 2d10= 5, 9= 1 Success
10th Company Ballistic Skill rolls 3d10= 8, 7, 3= 2 Success
Constantinus Logos Weapon Skill rolls 6d10= 6, 7, 6 ,4 ,2, 2= 3 Successes
Myrok Kuthil Weapon Skill rolls 8d10= 10, 8, 1, 8, 10, 5, 3, 6= 6 Successes
Apothecary Galen Weapon Skill rolls 3d10= 4, 1, 7= = 0 Successes
Nurglite Subcommander Weapon Skill rolls 3d10=5, 8 , 5=1 Success
Khornate Subcommander Weapon Skill rolls 4d10= 8, 6, 9= 3 Successes
Apothecary Galen Toughness roll 4d10= 4, 1, 1, 7= 0 Successes, Critical Failure
Myrok Kuthil Toughness roll 5d10= 4, 10, 8, 9. 3= 4 Successes
Heretic´s Leman Russ rolls 2d10= 8, 2= 1 Success
Land Speeder Rolls 3d10= 7, 7, 2= 2 Successes
Attack Bikes Rolls 3d10= 6, 9, 1= 1 Success
7th Company Ballistic rolls 3d10= 9, 4, 6= 2 Success
Heretic´s rocket troops Ballistic rolls 2d10= 7, 7= 2 Success
As another Chimera from his regiment passes near him, Hartman commands it, climbing on top of it and getting a better view of the battlefield. Caught between the anvil of his regiment and the hammer of the Angels of Death, the heretics that were decimating his forces are eradicated with extreme prejudice. Weapon emplacements and Leman Russ tanks painted with foul symbols are destroyed by melta and plasma blasts. The mighty armor of the Space marines turns aside contemptuously the fire from their guns, while the lasguns of his regiments and the Astartes bolters tear apart the traitors bodies. As the Chimera passes over the corpse-filled trenches of their foes his regiments come into contact with the zealous troopers of the Durrutian Volunteers, bayonets and uniforms slick with blood and charging against the left flank in a disorganized mob, where the Sebourc Royals were struggling against the foe. He doubts that the proud nobles will appreciate the rescue, but that's not a concern of his.
He and his men punch deep into the heretic´s rearline, and there he sees the devastation that the Angels of Death have unleashed. The ground is covered in corpses, to the point that his men are moving knee-deep in gore and blood. Wrecks of the foe's tanks are intersected all over the place, and he can hear the roar of engines burning promethium and repulsor technology as Land Speeder and Attack bikes hunt down fleeing foes. Despite the carnage unleashed, the fighting is not over yet, as a determined pocket of resistance struggles against their righteous annihilation.
A Space Marine, with a more ornate armor and a huge ork skull hanging from his hip, hacks apart with a chainsword a mutated woman with tentacles covered in pustules, swinging with such ferocity and speed that when he stops the end result looks like a mass of rancid flesh thrown into a wood chipper. Nearby. a man with foam pouring out of his mouth lodges a chainaxe into the neck of an Astartes with a white helmet, only for another with a bleeding wound in his torso to retaliate by splitting the man in half from head to groin with some kind of chainspear. Focusing back into the fray, Hartman draws his laspistol, nailing a heretic with a rocket launcher with a pinpoint shot between the eyes.
7th Company toughness rolls 4d10= 6, 5, 10, 4= 3 Success
An hour later the rebels have been completely routed, leaving only their dead and wounded on the field, both of which burning as the Space Marines and surviving guardsmen set them on fire with flamers. Hartman descends from the Chimera, drinking water from his canteen greedily. Once he completely drains it, he sees his peers from the other regiments approach him, at a noticeable distance from one another.
"We have won a fine victory today, Colonel Hartman." Colonel D´Albret of the Seibourc Royals appearance is immaculate, his hair carefully styled, the medals in his chest glinting with the last sun rays of sunset and the only blood on his person located in the soles of his shoes. Before Lee can answer a disdainful snort interrupts him.
"Bold of you to say that "we" have won, when you were sitting all cozy in the back." By contrast Colonel Edurne, whose uniform still shows corporal stripes, of the Durrutian Volunteers is drenched from head to toe in blood as she limps towards them.
"You gutter-trash strumpet.." D´Albret face reddens in anger, but Hartman speaks up before he can continue with his insults.
"We may have won today, but it has cost us dearly. I don´t know the status of your regiments, but four out of five men in mine are dead or wounded."
The noble-born officer places his hands on his chest, his face solemn. "More than half of the brave sons of Seirbouc have achieved eternal glory in the Emperor's service."
The durrutian smirks even as her eyes water slightly. "Plenty of my comrades have kicked the buckets, but you can bet that the ones that remain are ready to keep fighting."
Hartman sees in the corner of his vision as the Astartes with the skull faced helm approaches them. The other officers see him too, D´Albret bowing deeply as a greeting, while Edurne outright kneels, muttering prayers under her breath.
"Greeting Colonels. I am here to tell you that we will depart shortly. Are you confident that you can finish destroying the rebels on your own?"
"Of course Milord!" Answers Edurne zealously.
Hartman's response is far more prudent. "It is hard to say Milord. While it is true that the heaviest concentration of enemy forces have been purged today, there are still plenty of enemy forces remaining, and our regiments have all taken heavy casualties. While we can take some terrain, we will probably need to hunker down until reinforcements arrive."
The Astartes nods in understanding. "Well then, I hope that those reinforcements arrive soon and you can bring the wrath of humanity upon them. Emperor be with you." The Space Marine leaves, and even if much still needs to be done, Lee feels far more at ease than he did this morning.
-Regiments on Armeria relieved, biggest concentration and command structure of the heretic forces destroyed. Imperial Guard Regiments too depleted to go back into the offensive.
-1 Razorback badly damaged, 1 Whirlwind badly damaged, 4 Attack Bikes damaged.
-6 Marines slain, 2 Nowalijki slain, Apothecary Galen Slain. 18 progenoids extracted.
-New Contacts gained: Colonel Lee Hartman (Liked+), Colonel Jacques D´Albret (Liked+), "Colonel" Edurne (Liked+)
Jol System, Aetelian Sector, Ultima Segmentum 756 M41
Number of Orks present 1d100=92
Ork Kaptins Fellowship rolls 2d10=5, 1= 0 Successes, Critical Failure
Ork Kaptins Fellowship rolls 2d10=5, 1= 0 Successes, Critical Failure
Emilianus Pluvia blinks as he beholds the tactical situation on the hololith aboard the Luctusian Dusk. After tracking ceaselessly the different Ork Freebootaz, he had not expected them to find them all in the same system. He had been about to retreat and call for assistance to the nearest Imperial Navy squadron until he had seen that the various vessels were fighting each other. Already the void between planets is filled with debris from destroyed Ork Kroozers, macrocannons unleashing storms of projectiles at range as torpedoes and Fighta-Bombas cross the space between ships. With their Strike Cruisers on the edge of the Mandeville point, away from the feuding Orks, the captain sees little point in engaging right now. He opens a comlink to the Bird of Prey, where Karark Zel holds command.
"Master of the Forge, we will remain here and let the orks fight amongst themselves. Then we will strike against the damaged survivors." He informs him in a respectful manner. While he is in command of the operation, he values the opinion of one of the founders of the Chapter.
Karark Zel nods in approval. "Good, we shall allow those crimes against the Omnissiah to erase each other from the face of the galaxy."
Feuding orks 4d100= 5 vs 10 vs 59 vs 17
Orks noticing the Mist Shrikes 4d100= 97 vs 4 vs 10 vs 60
Luctusian Dusk Remaining hidden 1d100=61
Bird of Prey Remaining hidden 1d100=82
Orks noticing the Mist Shrikes 4d100= 97 vs 4 vs 10 vs 60
Luctusian Dusk Remaining hidden 1d100=61
Bird of Prey Remaining hidden 1d100=82
Minutes pass by as the watch four different greenskins fleets shoot each other into oblivion. It was a wonderful spectacle, seeing the xenos responsible for the death of thousands of Imperial subjects kill themselves, spurred on by the savagery inherent to their brutish threat. The Mist Shrikes wait placidly as a combined force able to overwhelm both of their vessels fades into scrap metal. Only one of the feuding ork fleets seems to notice, but when they move their Kroozers to engage them they are ruthlessly pounced upon by the rest of the Xeno filth. When the dust proverbially settles only three kroozers remain, lacking any kind of escorts.
"Seems like those belong to the last Kaptin standing." Comments Pluvia as the Luctusian Dusk moves towards the battlefield.
"Let's make sure he joins his kin." Responds Karark Zel, before turning towards one of the bridge crew and berating him for the lack of maintenance in his cognitator. As the Strike Cruisers approach the Ork Kroozers, they turn towards them in an uncoordinated manner. The Kroozer in the rear hails Pluvia´s vessel, and despite the communication officer attempts to block the call, it ends up appearing in the hololith.
"WERE FO YER KOME FROM BEAKIEZ?! SUCH A SHAME´DAT YER LATE, WE WERE JUS HAV´N A GREAT FOIGHT AN IT WULD´AVE BEN GREAT FUN TA KRUMP YER LOT!!! WELL, GUESS ILL TAKE ALL YER SHIPS FOR MESELF AND TURN THEM INTO SOM PROPA ORKY SHIPS!! "An Ork with a garishly yellow outfit laughs, the metallic replacement of his jaw also painted in a dull yellow..
Pluvia is almost tempted for a second to engage in banter, but he decides there is a better way to communicate the ork his disdain. "Lance batteries, fire!"
Luctusian Dusk 1d100: 43
Bird of Prey 1d100: 52
Ork Kroozer 1 1d100: 1
Ork Kroozer 2 1d100: 61
Ork Kroozer 3 1d100: 34
Bird of Prey 1d100: 52
Ork Kroozer 1 1d100: 1
Ork Kroozer 2 1d100: 61
Ork Kroozer 3 1d100: 34
The Luctusian Dusk fires its lances against the ship where the Ork Kaptain was located, the Kroozer shields preventing the blast from scoring the hull. The leading kroozer accelerated towards the Bird of Prey, seemingly intending to ram the vessel, at least until it´s engines exploded in conflagration of plasma.
".... WELL, DAT WAS EMBARRAZING." Comments the Kaptin, who for some reason is still on the comlink. Pluvia glares at the comm officer, who redoubles his efforts trying to kick him off the comlink.
In the meantime the Bird of Prey trades fire with the remaining Ork Kroozer, in an exchange that the Strike Cruiser was slowly but steadily losing. Not only is the strike cruiser outgunned by the crudely put together mass of cannons that masquerades as a warp-worthy ship, but the debris floating around from the destroyed kroozers limit its maneuverability. Soon its shields are breach, and impacts start taking away fragments of the reinforced hull.
Luctusian Dusk 1d100: 93
Bird of Prey 1d100: 49
Ork Kroozer 2 1d100: 62
Ork Kroozer 3 1d100: 5
Bird of Prey 1d100: 49
Ork Kroozer 2 1d100: 62
Ork Kroozer 3 1d100: 5
Ork Boyz Weapon Skill roll Ork Boyz Weapon Skill roll 2d10= 6, 6= 2 Successes
Ork Gretchin Weapon skill 1d10= 7= 1 Successes
Ork Nob Weapon Skill roll 4d10= 5, 6, 10, 7= 4 Successes
2nd Company Weapon Skill roll 3d10= 10, 10, 10= 6 Successes, Critical Success, Extreme Critical Success
Armed Serfs Weapon Skill roll 1d10= 10= 2 Successes, Critical Success
Karark Zel Weapon Skill roll 4d10= 2, 8, 3, 1= 0 Successes, Invalidated by Previous Critical Successes, Success.
Kaptin Decision 1d3+1(Boarding Party Krump´d)= 3, He boards the remaining Kroozer and flees.
Ork Gretchin Weapon skill 1d10= 7= 1 Successes
Ork Nob Weapon Skill roll 4d10= 5, 6, 10, 7= 4 Successes
2nd Company Weapon Skill roll 3d10= 10, 10, 10= 6 Successes, Critical Success, Extreme Critical Success
Armed Serfs Weapon Skill roll 1d10= 10= 2 Successes, Critical Success
Karark Zel Weapon Skill roll 4d10=
Kaptin Decision 1d3+1(Boarding Party Krump´d)= 3, He boards the remaining Kroozer and flees.
The kroozer facing off against the Luctusian Dusk makes a fatal mistake when what passses for a helmsman among the greenskins crashes it against the remains of another Kroozer. It´s shields fall in the impact, leaving it exposed to a devastating broadside from the Strike Cruiser macrocannons, which disable most of the guns on that side of the bridge and allows for the Luctusian Dusk to pound the ork ship into a bigger heap of scrap metal than it already is with impunity. The orks comm channel finally cuts off, and Pluvia focuses his attention on the last remaining enemy, at least until another call is put onscreen.
"HA, YER GOT LUCKY DAT MA PILOT WAS SUCH A GROT, BUT I´M NOT DONE YET!!! NOW MA BOYZ ARE GONNA KRUMP YER FRIENDS ON DAT OTHA BOAT!!!" Everyone on the bridge, including Pluvia, groans in annoyance as the dammable Kaptin once again calls them, apparently having escaped the destruction. Plenty of the crude greenskin imitation of boarding pods launch themselves against the Bird of Prey, and as the cannons of his strike cruiser aim at the kroozer Pluvia is completely sure that the Master of the Forge and his men will repel them.
—
A boarding action by Orks is one of the worst case scenarios that an Imperial Navy ship can endure. The sheer strength of the greenskin and their enthusiasm for melee combat making them an arduous foe to overcome in the close quarters of a ship, the armsmen unable to bring to bear the mass volleys or support ordnance that the Guard uses to overwhelm the Xenos.
But the Bird of Prey is not a Navy vessel.
The intruding greenskins are met with fire and steel and purged with brutal efficiency. The serfs of the chapter acquaint themselves well in their first combat deployment, taking advantage of the ship´s layout to set up chokepoints where they funnel the orks before falling back to prepare them from being overwhelmed. But it is the Space Marines of the second demi-company of the 2nd Company who truly wreak havoc amongst the orks. The fifty marines appear to be everywhere at once, striking at the xenos with the speed of lightning and retreating before the enemy can get their bearings. The orks are separated and hunted down, their bloodlust fading as the brawl they anticipate turns into a quick, one-sided extermination. It is Lieutenant Gallo who personally slays the Nob in charge of the mob with a chainsword to the back of the head, the brute unable to reach the chamber when Karark Zel was prepared to face him.
Back on the Luctusian Dusk, Pluvia watches with satisfaction via the still open comlink as the Ork Kaptin hears the panic-stricken reports of the boarding party as they are slaughtered, the wretched being striking some of the gretchin that scurry around his feet. When the Bird of Prey starts firing again against the ork shakes his fist against the projector with a snarl.
"YER MAY´AVE WON DIS DAY, BUT´AVE NO DOUBT, DIS ISN´T DA LAST YER HEAR UV KAPTIN GOLDAGIT!!!"
Luctusian Dusk 1d100=18
Bird of Prey 1d100=23
Ork Kruiser 2 1d100= 100
Bird of Prey 1d100=23
Ork Kruiser 2 1d100= 100
Despite their best efforts, Goldagit´s cruiser manages to escape, thanks to an impressive feat of maneuvering for an Ork vessel, moving amidst the debris with erratic but quick movement that leave the Strike Cruisers unable to pursue. Still, only one survivor from out of dozens of ships is an astounding success to Pluvia, and undoubtedly a single kroozer will be easily hunted down by the Imperial Navy. Still, he will keep an eye out in case this "Kaptin Goldagit" appears again.
-Ork Freebootaz eliminated as an obstacle for Imperial shipping, only one Kaptain escapes.
-Bird of Prey lightly damaged.
-Relationship with the Administratum increases to Neutral+
-2nd Company gains trait "Counter-boarders"
Zelote System, Aetelian Sector, Ultima Segmentum. 757 M41
6th Company Agility rolls 5d10= 3, 1, 1, 6, 6= 0 Successes
Aelius Catilina Agility rolls 5d10= 1, 7, 9, 3, 3= 1 Success
Rebels Perception rolls 2d10= 10, 7= 3 Successes, Critical Success
Aelius Catilina Agility rolls 5d10= 1, 7, 9, 3, 3= 1 Success
Rebels Perception rolls 2d10= 10, 7= 3 Successes, Critical Success
6th Company Ballistic Skills 3d10= 10, 1, 7= 2 Successes
Aelius Catilina Ballistic Skills 3d10= 2, 9, 7= 2 Successes
Stormbirds and Thunderhawks Ballistic skills 3d10= 6, 7, 2= 2 Successes
Rhinos Ballistic rolls 3d10= 1, 6, 1= 0 Successes, Critical Failure.
Whirlwind Ballistic rolls 3d10= 7, 9, 4= 2 Successes
Attack Bikes Ballistic rolls 3d10= 8, 4, 5= 1 Successes
Rebels Ballistic rolls 2d10= 8, 1= 0 Successes
Rebel Leader Ballistic rolls 3d10= 7, 1, 9= 1 Success
Rebels Chimeras rolls 2d10= 4, 7= 1 Success
Rebels Weapon emplacement rolls 2d10= 6, 1= 0 Successes
Rebels Anti-Air emplacement rolls 2d10= 2, 4= 0 Successes
Aelius Catilina Ballistic Skills 3d10= 2, 9, 7= 2 Successes
Stormbirds and Thunderhawks Ballistic skills 3d10= 6, 7, 2= 2 Successes
Rhinos Ballistic rolls 3d10= 1, 6, 1= 0 Successes, Critical Failure.
Whirlwind Ballistic rolls 3d10= 7, 9, 4= 2 Successes
Attack Bikes Ballistic rolls 3d10= 8, 4, 5= 1 Successes
Rebels Ballistic rolls 2d10= 8, 1= 0 Successes
Rebel Leader Ballistic rolls 3d10= 7, 1, 9= 1 Success
Rebels Chimeras rolls 2d10= 4, 7= 1 Success
Rebels Weapon emplacement rolls 2d10= 6, 1= 0 Successes
Rebels Anti-Air emplacement rolls 2d10= 2, 4= 0 Successes
Aelius Catilina Perception rolls 7d10= 8, 10, 7, 2, 8, 8, 3= 6 Successes
Aelius Catilina Intelligence rolls 6d10= 7, 5, 9, 10, 9, 10= 7 Successes, Critical Success
6th Company Fellowship rolls 5d10= 8, 9, 4, 6, 9= 4 Successes
Governor´s Guards Willpower rolls 2d10= 7, 1= 0 Succeses
Aelius Catilina Intelligence rolls 6d10= 7, 5, 9, 10, 9, 10= 7 Successes, Critical Success
6th Company Fellowship rolls 5d10= 8, 9, 4, 6, 9= 4 Successes
Governor´s Guards Willpower rolls 2d10= 7, 1= 0 Succeses
Aelius Catilina stands before the governor of Zelote, Omar Silva as he eats his dinner. The man in question seats at the end of the table, which measures twenty or so meters in length. Every inch of its surface is covered in dishes of superb quality, yet the only people in the room are him and the Captain of the 6th, who has not eaten a single bite.
"Excellent work putting down that rabble, Captain Catilina." Says the Governor, chewing a piece of deep fried poultry. "It is truly a blessing that you responded so promptly to my summons." He belches after that, before wiping the grease with the hem of his richly embroidered robes.
"It is good that you are satisfied, Governor, for I am not." States Aelius in a neutral tone.
Governor Silva arches an eyebrow, grabbing a bowl with sauce. "Why wouldn´t you, Captain? Have you not vanquished insurgents against His rule?"
Catilina grabs almost whimsically the cutlery that the governor has neglected, making the man flinch as the gauntlet drifts extremely close to his corpulent neck. "One should not mistake insurgents against oneself for insurgents against the rule of Him on Terra."
"I was unaware that there was a difference between the two of them, Captain." Sweat now trickled on the man's forehead, even if his hurry as he eats remains the same. "I rule this planet in His stead, after all."
"That's what I thought too." Catilina puts his left hand near the hilt of his knife. "But the things we noticed while fighting the rebels show a very curious situation. Small details, like how most of the soldiers and leaders carried Aquilas on them, or how communications between the rebels command structure and their various speeches mentioned "abusive tithing" repeatedly." Catilina starts to pace around, Silva following his every move with his gaze. "This sparked my curiosity, so to speak, so I ordered my men to start looking for documentation concerning the Tithe. And it revealed a lot of concerning contradictions, which our next guest will help me resolve. Sicae, if you would be so kind?" He raises his voice in the last comment, and two other Space Marines enter the room, dragging an old, thin, man in Administratum robes. "I trust that you already know Adept Odebretch, the main supervisor of the Tithe´s collection."
Silva stops eating, a mix of indignation and panic showing amidst the jowls of his face. "H-how d-dare you, treating the honorable Adept in such a manner!? Guards!!"
"Do not waste your breath calling them." A small grin appears on Catilina´s face. "The fine men serving under you have wisely decided to take their leave for today."
Silva tries, and fails, to put on a defiant face. "I-i-it m-ma-matters not. We will not cave in to thuggish displays of intimidation."
Catilina laughs, the sound devoid of warmth or mirth, as one of the marines that carried the adept turns on a pict-recorder. "I do not need you to "cave in '' to anything Governor. Sicae, please restrain the Adept."
A marine with a red and white stripe on his helmet grips Odebretch jaw and shoulder in a tight grip and forces him to kneel. Catilina unsheathes his combat knife and with careful and precise cuts starts cutting through the parietal and frontal bones of the cranium, accompanied by the loud, painful screams of the Adept before he perishes. Then he delicately grabs the top of the skull and removes it, exposing the brain for all to see. He produces the cutlery he grabbed from the table, and with manners beffiting of high society cuts a small piece of the hippocampus, before bringing it to his mouth and eating it.
"Tithe of 710, you and Odebretch embezzled 25% percent of the Tithe to your own private accounts." Starts reciting Catilina as he cleans his mouth of cerebral fluid with a napkin after setting on the table the knife and fork. "In the Tithe of 720 the quantity rose to 30%, in 730 to 35% and in 740 to 40%. The wider administratum has started inquiring about the lackluster tribute delivered, so you and the Adept here to raised taxes by 150%, in order to deliver an appropriate amount and also embezzle 45% out of the taxed product."
Catilina moves towards the governor and leans, his naturally pale face merely an inch away from his bloodless pallor, uncaring that the obese man has soiled himself. "Naturally the population rebelled, so you frivolously called us for assistance. My Chapter Master is now facing Traitor Marines, and I am here, unable to assist him and having lost two Rhinos and four. Of. My. brothers due to your shortsighted greed." The marine courteous tone and placid expression does not detract from the sheer loathing that his words express, instead making it much more biting.
"Y-y-y-y-you can´t execute me, I am the Governor of Zelote." Says Silva with wide eyes, fear giving way to bone-chilling dread as comprehension of the gravity of his situation finally dawns on him.
Catilina smile promises only the most abject suffering as he straightens his posture. "A mere execution is more mercy that you deserve, you gluttonous swine. I am going to make an example of you." He points to one of the windows. "And that statue of yourself that you have on your front door has given me an idea."
—-
A week later, a new statue graces the gardens of Zelote´s governor's palace. It shows Omar Silva, his body an almost instructive collection of brutal injuries and maimings. The whole planet had been able to see the making of such a statue, as the Mist Shrike officer tortured the governor for six hours, before pouring molten gold over his still living body and molding it before it solidified. None have dared removing the statue of it´s place, and the new Governor has a clear view of it from his office, an eternal remainder of calling the Mist Shrikes to clean up one´s failure.
-Rebellion on Zelote suppressed, Embezzlement scheme discovered.
-4 Marines slain, 8 progenoids recovered.
-2 Rhinos destroyed.
-Relationship loss with the Administratum nullified by Intelligence crit.
Luedou System, Aetelian Sector, Ultima Segmentum, 757M41
Fear of Judgement 1d100=11
Heretic´s Fate 1d100=64
Imperial Navy Squadron 1d100=81
Architect´s Blade 1d100=47
Space station 1d100=71
Heretical Pirates Squadron 1d100=59
Heretic´s Fate 1d100=64
Imperial Navy Squadron 1d100=81
Architect´s Blade 1d100=47
Space station 1d100=71
Heretical Pirates Squadron 1d100=59
The Fear of Judgement shakes as a torpedo strikes the prow. While the mortal crew stumbles around the bridge, you and Hostilius remain standing.
"Void shields at 13% and falling rapidly, Milords!" Reports the officer in charge of the shields. You see Hostilius hands curling into fists.
"They were expecting us. All this mustering was bait." He mutters softly so that only you can hear it. He raises his voice to address the crew. "What's the status of the rest of the Imperial Navy?"
The auspex officer stands up. "The Heretic´s Bane, like us, has exited the Mandeville point ahead of the fleet and is surrounded by the heretic forces. The rest of the Navy task force is currently breaking the encirclement, but between the enemy Star Fort and the rest of the enemy fleet they are taking damage." He pauses to draw breath. "We are currently surrounded by enemy ships and a Traitor strike cruiser is closing in on us."
You let Hostilius think. You named him Master of the Fleet for a reason, and besides you never excelled at void warfare, being mainly a land commander first and foremost,
"Move the ship upwards and position us on top of the enemy formation." Commands Marcius, and the crew rushes to obey.
Fear of Judgement 1d100=44
Heretic´s Fate 1d100=68
Imperial Navy Squadron 1d100=62
Architect´s Blade 1d100=86
Space station 1d100=62
Heretical Pirates Squadron 1d100=57
Heretic´s Fate 1d100=68
Imperial Navy Squadron 1d100=62
Architect´s Blade 1d100=86
Space station 1d100=62
Heretical Pirates Squadron 1d100=57
Eyes of the Mutator Teleportation 5d10= 6, 9, 10, 4, 2= 4 Successes
Chaos Marines Weapon Skill roll 4d10=6, 9, 3, 4=2 Successes
Chaos Champion 1 Weapon Skill roll 6d10= 3, 6, 5, 1, 1, 1=0 Successes, Critical Failure
Chaos Champion 2 Weapon Skill roll 6d10= 8, 7, 6, 10, 8, 2= 6 Successes
Severus Weapon Skill roll 6d10= 10, 7, 1, 10, 7, 10=7 Successes, Critical Success
Claudius Spatha Weapon Skill roll 6d10= 10, 10, 5, 1, 9, 10= 6 Successes, Critical Success
Honor Guard Weapon Skill roll 4d10= 8, 7, 10, 4= 3 Successes
Marcius Hostilius Weapon Skill roll 4d10=7, 5, 6, 9= 3 Successes
Chaos Marines Weapon Skill roll 4d10=6, 9, 3, 4=2 Successes
Chaos Champion 1 Weapon Skill roll 6d10= 3, 6, 5, 1, 1, 1=0 Successes, Critical Failure
Chaos Champion 2 Weapon Skill roll 6d10= 8, 7, 6, 10, 8, 2= 6 Successes
Severus Weapon Skill roll 6d10= 10, 7, 1, 10, 7, 10=7 Successes, Critical Success
Claudius Spatha Weapon Skill roll 6d10= 10, 10, 5, 1, 9, 10= 6 Successes, Critical Success
Honor Guard Weapon Skill roll 4d10= 8, 7, 10, 4= 3 Successes
Marcius Hostilius Weapon Skill roll 4d10=7, 5, 6, 9= 3 Successes
The ship begins to ascend, leaving behind the various pirate frigates and destroyers. Just when it seems you are in the clear, the traitor´s Strike Cruiser unleashes a barrage of macrocannons, dropping the void shields and scoring several hits along the hull. The bridge shakes once more and as the mortal crew rises up from the floor, you feel a noxious repulsive sensation across your body, one you´ve already felt in this same bridge.
The touch of the Warp.
That's the only warning you have before a group of Traitor Marines appears on the bridge, teleported in a flash of purple light and accompanied from a repulsive laugh beyond the veil of reality. Clad in tainted ceramite, unholy symbols of Tzeentch dabbled amidst the beige paint, they immediately start slaying the bridge crew with their weapons and mutations. It is the first time you´ve come face to face with your tainted cousins, and in the recesses of your mind, a small part of you doubted your resolve, thinking that it might waver when facing the same evil that has taken hold of your legion.
That part of your psyche dies quickly and messily as a cold, all-encompassing hatred engulfs you at the sight of the Eyes of the Mutator. You rev your chainglaive and charge, Spatha, the rest of the Honor Guard and Hostilius close behind you. One of the Chaos Marines, a tainted power sword in his hand and a banner of human skin in his back opens his mouth to bark a challenge or boast, only for you to lodge your chainglaive there faster that he can react to, adamantium teeth tearing through corrupted bone and muscle as the top of his head is severed from the rest of his body and falls to the ground dead. A quick glance reveals your marines already engage with the enemy. Near the door, a marine with a lensless helmet stabs Martellus in the gut, only for Martellus to grip his arms, allowing Hostilius to slash him across the back, cutting through the traitor's spine. Spatha duels against a Chaos Marine wielding a pair of Lightning claws fused to his limbs, dodging and blocking gracefully the flurry of blows that the traitor unleashes against him with his blade in one hand.
"What's wrong, traitor? Are those claws too much of a handful for you?" The marine snarls at the mockery, and as such misses the combat knife in Claudius offhand, which your champion stabs deep under the traitor´s chin when he parries a stab to his chest.
With their greatest fighter slain, you and your marines make short work of the remaining traitors, although it is not a bloodless affair. Almost half of the bridge crew, incluiding the shipmaster are dead, the traitors targeting them to spite you when they realize that the combat was lost. Martellus has a stab wound in his gut, and Numa leans into a cogitator to remain standing, as his left leg below the knee is missing, his Larraman cells preventing him from bleeding out.
"Chapter Master, there are reports of multiple traitor Marines across the whole Battle Barge!" Reports an officer out of breath.
Fear of Judgement 1d100= 99
Heretic´s Fate 1d100= 72
Imperial Navy Squadron 1d100= 21
Architect´s Blade 1d100=30
Space station 1d100=37
Heretical Pirates Squadron 1d100=65
Heretic´s Fate 1d100= 72
Imperial Navy Squadron 1d100= 21
Architect´s Blade 1d100=30
Space station 1d100=37
Heretical Pirates Squadron 1d100=65
Captain Gallienus Ballistic Skill rolls 4d10= 8, 7, 3, 10= 4 Successes
3rd Company Weapon Skill rolls 3d10= 8, 6, 3= 2 Successes
Chaos Marines Weapon Skill rolls 4d10= 4, 6, 2, 10=3 Successes
Chaos Marine Champion 3 Weapon Skill rolls 5d10=1, 8, 4, 9, 4=1 Success
3rd Company Weapon Skill rolls 3d10= 8, 6, 3= 2 Successes
Chaos Marines Weapon Skill rolls 4d10= 4, 6, 2, 10=3 Successes
Chaos Marine Champion 3 Weapon Skill rolls 5d10=1, 8, 4, 9, 4=1 Success
Valzadai Ballistic Skill rolls 6d10= 2, 4, 5, 10, 8, 5= 3 Successes
10th Company Weapon Skill rolls 3d10=6, 3, 6= 2 Successes
Chaos Marines Weapon Skill rolls 4d10= 8, 8, 7, 1= 2 Successes
Chaos Sorcerer Willpower rolls 6d10= 8, 7, 4, 10, 8, 4= 5 Successes
Valzadai Toughness rolls 6d10= 4, 6, 10, 1, 10, 7= 5 Successes
10th Company Weapon Skill rolls 3d10=6, 3, 6= 2 Successes
Chaos Marines Weapon Skill rolls 4d10= 8, 8, 7, 1= 2 Successes
Chaos Sorcerer Willpower rolls 6d10= 8, 7, 4, 10, 8, 4= 5 Successes
Valzadai Toughness rolls 6d10= 4, 6, 10, 1, 10, 7= 5 Successes
10th Company Weapon Skill rolls 3d10= 4, 8, 7= 2 Successes
Armed Serfs Weapon Skill rolls 1d10= 8= 1 Success
Chaos Marines Weapon Skill rolls 4d10= 1, 1, 4, 9= 0 Successes, Critical failure.
Armed Serfs Weapon Skill rolls 1d10= 8= 1 Success
Chaos Marines Weapon Skill rolls 4d10= 1, 1, 4, 9= 0 Successes, Critical failure.
The captain of the 3rd answers first. "Situation in the Enginarium is under control. We're finishing off the traitor group here."
"Severus, send reinforcements to my position now!" Screams Valzadai, alarm clear in his tone. "There's a sorcerer in here and he's…Watch out!!!" The call cuts off there. You curse beneath your brace before addressing your Master of the fleet.
"Hostilius, keep commanding the Battle Barge. Martellus, Numa, you are too wounded to move swiftly, remain here and protect the bridge in case the enemy moves past us. The rest with me!"
You run towards Valzadai's position, passing along the way small pockets of Chaos Marine resistance that are swiftly purged by squads of Mist Shrikes under the command of Chaplain Justinian and Lieutenant Furor. The sound of bolter fire and warcries reaches your ears and then they fall silent as a loud crash is heard.
When you and your men burst through the door you're greeted by a scene of carnage. Transhuman bodies litter the floor, the blood of the tainted scions of the Vth legion mixing with that of the loyal sons of the VIIIth in wide puddles. Only two marines are standing on both sides. One of them is Valzadai, his armor dented and bent and his left arm a mass of pulped meat and shredded bones. The other is a sorcerer, wielding a staff covered with baleful incantations and great, curling horns coming out of the side of his head. The sorcerer looks at the Chief Apothecary with a condescending smirk before turning his gaze to you.
"Ah, the master of this wretched chapter is here." His words are almost unintelligible, the tone, pitch timbre and volume shifting in each syllable. "The foolish children that you lead have been a vexing inconvenience for our plans. We will deal with your gaggle of wretches soon enough, but Lord Jiaomo will be pleased if I deliver your head to him beforehand."
Fear of Judgement 1d100= 73
Heretic´s Fate 1d100= 20
Imperial Navy Squadron 1d100= 91
Architect´s Blade 1d100=37
Space station 1d100=17
Heretical Pirates Squadron 1d100=76
Heretic´s Fate 1d100= 20
Imperial Navy Squadron 1d100= 91
Architect´s Blade 1d100=37
Space station 1d100=17
Heretical Pirates Squadron 1d100=76
Valzadai Weapon Skill rolls 4d10= = 9, 9, 6, 5 =3 Successes
Severus Weapon Skill rolls 6d10=3, 8, 5, 7, 3, 6= 3 Successes
Claudius Spatha Weapon Skill rolls= 8, 2, 5, 3, 2, 5= 1 Success
Honor Guard Weapon Skill rolls 4d10= 10, 3, 10, 9= 5 Successes, Critical success
Chaos Sorcerer Willpower rolls 6d10= 1, 3, 2, 7, 9, 1= 0 Successes
Severus Weapon Skill rolls 6d10=3, 8, 5, 7, 3, 6= 3 Successes
Claudius Spatha Weapon Skill rolls= 8, 2, 5, 3, 2, 5= 1 Success
Honor Guard Weapon Skill rolls 4d10= 10, 3, 10, 9= 5 Successes, Critical success
Chaos Sorcerer Willpower rolls 6d10= 1, 3, 2, 7, 9, 1= 0 Successes
He points his staff at you, warp energy gathering at the tip.
"Now witness the power of Tzeench, foolish corpse worshippers!"
In that moment Valzadai, who had snuck up behind him as he postured, cuts the hand wielding the staff from behind. The sorcerer turns around, screeching in pain and outrage, and you and your Guard fall upon him. Whatever "blessings" his body and warplate might possess, they can't withstand seven chainblades hacking and stabbing through them and soon his butchered carcass joins the bodies of his fellows. You move his staff away from you with the tip of your chainglaive before turning towards Valzadai, who is tending to his maimed limb.
"Are you going to be fine with that?" You ask. Valzadai scoffs in response.
"You think I'm not prepared for something like this happening? I have a vat-grown limb ready for transplant in the ship's apothecarion. Just need to contact Diocles for him to transplant it."
Somewhat reassured by that, you hail Hostilius via comnlink.
"Hostilius, how fares the battle?"
His voice is laced with frustration when he replies. "We've damaged their flagship enough that their pulling back, but their slaves are covering them in good order and they've rigged the station to explode." He pauses for a moment, and then his tone grows harsher. "Lord Admiral Adherbal is unwilling to pursue them, they said they are in no condition to give chase."
"Then there's nothing we can do. Let's start disposal procedures."
3rd Company Toughness roll 4+2(Valzadai)+1(Diocles)=7d10=2, 9, 8, 7, 2, 9, 4= 4 successes.
3red Company Perception roll 5d10= 7, 2, 4, 9, 8= 3 Succeses
3red Company Perception roll 5d10= 7, 2, 4, 9, 8= 3 Succeses
-Heretical mustering disrupted, Chaos sorcerer and sizable Chaos Marine contingent slain. No new Intel on Eyes of the Mutator positions.
-Fear of Judgement lightly damaged.
-Chaos remains and paraphernalia properly disposed of.
-19 Marines slain, 38 Progenoids harvested.
-Relationship with Lord Admiral Hanno Adherbal improved to Liked-
Zatloczony System, Aetelian Sector, Ultima Segmentum, 758M41
Quintus Sertorius Fellowship roll 2d10= 3, 4= 0 Success
Kaziemer Szymansky Willpower roll 2d10= 9, 2= 1 Success
Quintus Sertorius Weapon Skill roll 3d10= 4, 6, 4= 1 Success
10th Company Weapons Skill roll 3d10= 9, 8, 2= 2 Successes
Szymansky Bodyguards Weapon Skill roll 3d10= 6, 4, 1= 0 Successes
Kaziemer Szymansky Willpower roll 2d10= 9, 2= 1 Success
Quintus Sertorius Weapon Skill roll 3d10= 4, 6, 4= 1 Success
10th Company Weapons Skill roll 3d10= 9, 8, 2= 2 Successes
Szymansky Bodyguards Weapon Skill roll 3d10= 6, 4, 1= 0 Successes
As Governor Kaziemer Szymansky proclaims his new planetary laws, in obedience to the decree of the Lord Sector, most of the noblemen, guildsmen and courtiers in the throne room ignore him in favor of the Space Marines standing near him, still as statues and glowering through red eye lenses at everyone gathered there. If someone notices the absence of the Governors guards they do not comment on it, and as their gazes remain fixed in the marines they miss the occasional dried blood drops on the purple carpet. In everyone's mind there exists the question of what the Astartes are thinking and what is the reason for their presence there.
"Glad we´re finally done with this chore." Comments one marine in his helmet com-link.
"This "chore" was necessary, Querela." Rebukes his sergeant. "Fostering goodwill with the Lord Sector furthers the aims of the Chapter."
"Right, right." There is a moment of silence before the marine speaks up again. "What I don´t understand is why we haven't gunned down the Governor after he ordered his guard to kick us out of the palace."
The sergeant shrugs in an almost imperceptible manner, the pauldrons barely rising a centimeter. "Apparently he has more than ten sons and daughters, and it is hard to enforce a decree in the middle of a succession crisis. Besides, the important matter is that the Lord Sector decree is obeyed, and we have made it so."
"But…." Whatever the marine is going to say next is interrupted by their captain uttering a single word through the link.
"Silence."
And his will is done. The marines remain there through the whole court session, standing silent as a myriad of issues are mentioned, debated, argued, solved and set aside. It is only when the court is adjourned that the governor approaches them.
"There, I´ve done what you ask me." He says curtly. "Will you leave now?"
Some of the Marines bristle at the tone, and a small shift in their posture leaves their bolters pointing at the lower body of the governor.
"We will." Replies Sertorius in a low whisper.
"Thank the Emperor for that." Spits Szymansky. "Now If you excuse me, I need to replace the guards you cripple." He turns around, but Sertorius places a hand on his shoulder and stops him from leaving.
"If we have to return, you´ll be the one crippled." He states while tightening his grip slightly. Then he lets go and leaves, his marines close behind as Kaziemer rubs his bruised shoulder.
-Relationship with Lord Sector Blas Cartegena rises to Good-
-New Contact Gain: Governor Kazimier Szymansky (Hated+)
QM Notes: Tomorrow is going to be a busy day, so between that and checking that counting error that @Nicholas Brooks pointed out I´m going to need some time to update the informational. Also my face when you rolled all ten´s in that boarding was interesting.
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Nicholas Brooks
Redeemer and Destroyer
- Location
- United States
A 6d10 but there were only 4 rolls?
Shouldn't this be 1 success for the Whirlwind? A 6 is a success iirc.
Not showing the roll results
Not showing the roll results
A 3d10 but only rolled twice. I'm guessing that the third roll was a success though, because a 7 and a 1 should result in a 0 success outcome.
Edit: Also to everyone, I apologize for the Kazimier situation. I figured we'd be kidnapping or assassinating him, but...
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Could have gone better
- Location
- Canada
True... but could have been far worse, hit a rough patch for sure, but we won those matters that needed winning.
Nicholas Brooks
Redeemer and Destroyer
- Location
- United States
Angels Crusader assistance would have been pretty nice here. Those Eyes of the Mutator do not fuck around.
Well, once again our vehicle pool took some loses. I think next turn we may have to focus our production on repairing our existing vehicles and building new ones with how small our vehicle pool already is when compared to other chapters. We managed to accomplish our objectives although we didn't gain any new information of the Eyes of the Mutator so we will have to keep searching for them. All in all, thinks could have been worse but given the year this is taking place, I have a feeling that things are going to be all uphill from here.