I'm going to call the vote here. Looks like Argenten's plan wins. Well, hopefully grad school doesn't kill me enough that it takes me another two months to get the next update out.l
[X] Write-in: Perhaps some form of shared artwork would be nice to make. Kesar is rather skilled at carving runes. Making a sculpture would be fascinating, and with the right subject, it could provide a vehicle to discuss the humanity of the Primarchs. Each has their own passions and interests...each has something that makes them *humans*. (combining 2 options for one action for the win )
[X] Write in: A deep discussion on the warp would be useful and allow Kesar to begin delving into the knowledge the Emperor shared with him. And perhaps Dorn has some insights that could help the Eternal wardens with their methods, as the Eternal Wardens can aid the Imperial fists in their Warp battles.. Use this information to try to make tentative plans for what each legion will do going forward, including what plans there are for the Archdaemons, as even if Orks will be the focus, the Archdaemons are ever the opportunists. A
[X] Discuss how Dorn has changed the Phalanx and if some ideas can be taken for Gehenna Station
Ackied
Affiliation: Imperium of Man, the Death Guard.
Type: Death World/Knight World
Orbital Radius: To be determined.
Gravity: 1.017 G
Temperature/Climate: Temperate, massive environmental damage.
Population: 97.74 million, rising.
Planetary Governor: High King Peti
System: Ackied System
Sub Sector: Sector Albi
Sector: Sector Rozafa
Segmentum: Segmentum Solar
Tithe Grade: Aptus Non, non-applicable.
Technology: High Imperial.
Description:
"For the same reason I have always won.
Because I have struggled for every scrap of my metal.
I was battle hardene by the mere act of survival.
So how are my enemies to compare?
To the man that beat Ackied herself?"
-Upon the defeat of Draxon's Titan Legion
Ackied, officially known as Ackied IV, is a Death World located out the outskirts of Segmentum Solar, and is covered by a dense, choking smog, and vast swamps of poisonous, and acidic mutagens.
"Long have we fought for this world.
Legends say for fifteen thousand years.
When Ancients broke the peace of earth,
And created our metal tyrants."
-Elder of Ackied, at the ripe old age of twenty six.
Founded sometime between the late 15th millenia, and the early 17th millenia, Ackied seems to be one of the first of mankind's ancient colonies. Like many pre FTL colonies, the planet of Ackied seems to have been a one-way trip. Separated from the rest of mankind's vast armies, and hunted by the local flora and fauna, these original settlers broke their ancient ships into parts, creating the Knights which still inhabit the planet today.
Though records from then on are unclear, argued over by the countless factions and houses which still inhabit the planet. What is clear, is the Ackied became something of a local Forge World, using an initial abundance of resources to create countless factories planet-wide.
At some point, it seems the world ran out of local resources, and began importing both them, and food from off planet to feed its ever-growing population and factories. In return, it seems to have exported both civilian, millary goods, which might explain why many Golden Age artifacts on the surrounding worlds bare its name, symbol, or stamp.
Though that may, instead, be evidence that Ackied led its own multi-planet civilization at one point before or during the Age Of Strife.
Several of their legends also indicate that Ackied was a major manufacturer and war front during the Cybernetic Revolt. How true those words are, however, is uncertain. However sources indicate that the Men of Iron did unleash some sort of bioweapon, or bioweapons, that even the Golden Age was unable to clean after the rebellion was put down, and many on the world blame these abominable intelligences for the state their world is in today.
What is also clear is that the onset of the Age Of Strife was particularly painful for the planet, despite their Knight protectors. Reliant on other worlds for both their food and production, Ackied, like so many others, immediately fell into a long and bloody civil war, the same war which still rages on to this day.
According to local legends, and reasonable speculation, the resulting resource wars quickly broke whatever countermeasures the Golden Age had put in place to stop the Men of Iron's ancient weapons, and so the world was broken apart completely, under tides of mutagens, poisons, viruses, and acids.
What few survived this calamity were protected by ancient life support systems, either hidden away in bunkers, shielded by tanks, or protected by the invaluable Knights which now call this world their own. As the years wore on, their life support systems grew evermore erratic, and the world itself grew increasingly hostile, the people of Ackied were forced underground, and into a never ending spiral of scavenging to survive.
Unable to survive outside these increasingly rare systems, however, expeditions are costly, each requiring fully-sealed vehicles equipped with the very same systems they are desperate to upkeep. This, as one can imagine, has led to an incredible amount of effort both to steal, and protect these invaluable resources.
While little can be confirmed of this ancient arms race, it can be said, at least, that it is likely the cause of this world's idolization of tanks, and great fear of Knights.
Culture:
The culture of Ackied is one shaped by xenophobia, resource wars, and a constant struggle for survival. As such, the culture and society of the world has become one of the most barbaric, simple, and direct of all of the Imperium. One which could, and rightfully so, be misinterpreted as "The guy with the biggest tank is in charge." However, that is a great injustice to the world known for its 'Survival Knights.'
Instead, their strange and oft informal caste system is based around the ownership, and continued operation of their valued life support systems, and is, roughly, as follows:
Bla-che: A form of curse a vast minority of this world fall into. It means, essentially, unrelated to the life support. While technically this caste encapsulates any job unrelated to energy, war, or indeed, the life support systems, it is mostly made up of farmers. The Bla-che are often seen as weak, or cowardly for not daring to face the world outside their societal bubbles. Not untrue, from my experience.
En-geys: Or those who produce energy. They are, essentially, the factory workers, enginseers, and mechanics who produce, and maintain technology on Ackied. Strangely, and unlike most worlds with similar levels of production, the En-geys have not risen to the dominate class over those whose technology they maintain. Perhaps due to the relative ease of maintenance on most vehicles, and single, solitary template for their life support systems.
Scavengers: The caste the majority of Ack-ied's population falls into, scavengers are those outfitted in fully sealed suits capable of surviving the horrors of Ack-ied's world for any extent of time. They spend their days commuting between those of the caste above them, the Ohn-wars, sleeping in building the Ohn-wars own, and dependant on the Ohn-wars or Raiders to find and travel to spots suitable for scavenging. Be that a city's ruins, a mine, or an active battlefield. Ironically, this means the so-called scavengers often end up unwilling soldiers in the long war of their betters.
On-wars: Or 'the owners,' are those who own one of Ack-ied's vaulted life support systems. Installed into building or vehicle, it matters not. It, also, does not matter how many of these they own, so long as they do not own, or drive, a tank or Knight. This, it seems, is due to the general belief that any tank could simple take these life support systems themselves. As such, many On-wars befriend powerful Raiders, who they tithe metal and resources to in exchange for protection, just as many more race to outfit their vehicles with weapons and armor so that they may raise their caste.
Practically, many of the On-wars serve as slum lord's, factory owners, or continue working as scavengers in efforts to further raise their caste. Additionally, a few even effectively employ those of the caste above them, tithing multiple Raiders for the protection of their holding. Though such is a dangerous gamble, when any alliance between said Raiders could quickly turn to them seizing all you own for themselves. Additionally, it should be noted that any theft or scavenging of a working life support system temporarily raises one to this caste, even should they own no building, or vehicle to put it in.
Raiders: These who own tanks, primarily. These are, for the most part, the kings, queens, and nobles of Ack-ied, and it is not unknown of just one Raiders to rule and protect an entire bunker of people. More commonly, however, Raiders are considered the militaristic nobles of Ack-ied, enforcing their power through the might of their impenetrable war machines. Indeed, many Raiders act as a center point of their bunker, ruling over, and dictating several Ow-wars, and owning several 'spare' life support systems they use to purify and expand space.
In general, a Raider is judged off the power of the tank the Raider can field, with many haphazardly adding weapons and armor as they grow in power, and removing them as they weaken. In this way, the Raider hierarchy ensures the strongest, and most tactical warrior always leads the bunker.
Tyrants: Or the Survival Knights themselves. Tyrants, as this world knows them, are those fortunate or powerful enough to wield a Knight of some sort. They are the de facto rulers of all they survey, and are known for sieging entire underground bunkers by themselves, or dismantling entire armies. They are the kings amongst kings, and make a nifty living taking tithe from,, or even protecting other underground fortresses.
However, even with the industry to maintain, and even produce Knights, there are precious few of them due to the resource wars which prevent even the thought of stockpiling so much metal. As such, each Knight is seen as absolutely irreplaceable, and princepts have evolved to make absolutely any sacrifices necessary to keep their Knight functional. Hence, it seems, the title of 'Tyrant' and the fear surrounding them.
-Captain Pollu
The Survival Knights:
The Survival Knights have several notable technological differences when compared to the more standard patterns. So many, in fact, that many a Magos has accused the Knights of Ackied of Tech Heresy, and Xenos corruption. Indeed, had the Primarch Mortarion have not taken the small house underneath his wing, it is likely they would have been purged in their entirety by now.
Regardless, through my careful study and documentation, I have uncovered a rough list of basic augment the Survival Knights seem to share. So, without further ado, the official list of Survival Knight augmentation, circa 241.937.M30:
Backup Battery: Or, rather, a decentralized system of batteries which provide power far in excess of normal Knight specifications. This decentralized system of, essentially, shoving custom-made batteries into whatever crevices they may fit allows the Knight to keep power no matter what damage they may take.
When undamaged, this system provides power far in excess of a Knight's usual requirements, allowing the Knight to work and operate potentially days without recharging, a necessity their highly polluted homeworld which requires advanced life support systems to survive in.
Extra cables: While this 'upgrade' may sound obvious, or even expected of a Knight, I must stress that the so-called Survival Knights have this far, far in advance of any other I have seen. Indeed, these Knights take special care to split single, necessary cables and cords into a dozen or more smaller, insulated and armored variants surrounding whatever they go to from every side. While this gives the Knights an almost pudgy look, I cannot deny its effectiveness, allowing limbs and weaponry to operate should limbs be cut off, or the Knight near-viviceted.
Indeed, this confusing network of cables routing and rerouting into each other has, thus far, confounded Techpriests, who still cannot properly dismantle nor replicate the sheer and guaranteed effectiveness these countless cables employ. Though, progress has been made.
Life Support Systems: A series of air filtration, water filtration, radiation clearing, and other biological support systems. While certainly not rare within Knights, these Dark Age systems are second only to the personalized systems of Dreadnaughts themselves, capable of keeping their users alive for hours on end, even with fatal wounds, or intense, and constant, brain aneurysms.
Revitalization Protocols: A series of complex calculations and man-studied protocols to reconnect and repair cables, replace moving parts, repair armor, or even restart downed Knights. This combined effort of both man and machine, helped along by squires, En-geys, and their strange, prehensile tails allow these Knights to war continuously for hours without issue by taking the metal, cables, and even electricity from their victims. An ability highly valued by the Death Guard.
Wyvern's Tail: A tail-like mechadendrite attached to the back of Knight in favor of a traditional Heavy Stubber or Meltagun. Modeled much like the Servo Arms used by Astared. Equipped with a small Melta, and cryo-flamer, this large crane-like tail is capable of melting and cooling metal, allowing for near-instant repair of external armor. Though it still works as a full-power Melta, should the Knight be without damage.
Squires: Or, a second driver. Essentially a second, or even third princept who has already completed the Ritual of Becoming so that, should the driver Princept die, the Squire can assume the position at a moment's notice. Additionally, Squires are taught to exit the command station, repairing Knights even from the outside.
Due to this, larger, or more powerful Knights will often keep a third, or even an entire crew aboard to rebuild their Knights as the fight progresses, or take control should one or more squires still be needed for repair when the Princept dies.
Ackied Canon: A strange mixture between a flamer and a water gun, the Ackied Canon is a Chem Canon customized to the irradiated hellscape of Ackied. There, it operates by draining the local swamps of their mutagenic, irradiated water and spews it forth as a tidal wave of death so potent it can irradiate Astartes even through fully sealed Power Armor.
Extra Armor: Extra metal added wherever it may fit. While certainly not economical, and mathematically impractical in its clear disregard for the elegant curves and redirection of Imperial armors, it is no doubt effective. These extra adamantium, plasteel, or even Dark Age plates offer unmatched durability in exchange for weight.
A strange weakness for the Knights to accept, given the swamps of their homeworld, but one, it seems, many Knights have made gladly, circumventing their slowed reflexes and extra electrical requirements by their equally strange battery augment from above.
Polluted Armor: Though never intentional, the Knights of Ackied often have another tentative upgrade unnoticed until the Death Guard themselves arrived to claim the Knights as their own.
Originally caused by the noble protectors of Ackied venturing too far into their ancient, irradiated cities, or perhaps being forced to repair their armors with the still-irradiated metals they are surrounded by, the Polluted Armors of these Knights are walking irradiated Hotspot, melting the flesh and bones of any enemy which comes too close, even as damage to their armors unleash blistering sparks and clouds of toxic metal I've the battlefield.
Though difficult to move, store, or even keep powered, these mountains of radiation carry the obscene might of Dark Age technology still buried into their chassis. Similarly, the Dark Age systems which keep these legendary princepts alive remain unfaltering, allowing them to live potentially centuries so close to such irradiated hell. At least, so long as they do not try to leave their metal tombs.
-High Magos Imperator
367.934.M30 'right, alright, what'd you want me to do again?
367.934.M30 What?
367.934.M30 So, wait? Yer….offerin' me a hund'urd pounds o' Adamantium just to, what, brag about what I did yesterday?
367.934.M30 Well, crap, I'm stupid, not braindead, sure.
367.934.M30 Alright, so, yesterday I broke the army of the Southern Alliance of Vaults.
367.934.M30 What?
367.934.M30 More detail?
367.934.M30 Alright, alright. So, I woke up early yesterday, 'cause I got word of a big hit south of my lands. It was in no-man's-land.
367.934.M30 No. The uhh…the massive crater.
367.934.M30 Yeah, so one o' my little peasants told me he'd found a big catch down there. Way he'd said it, I figured it was some ole' crashed Knight.
367.934.M30 Well, 'cause it ain't often one of my boy's melta-welds don't melt metal. Meant it had ta be some high-quality stuff, an' I wanted it.
367.934.M30 Yeah, yeah. So I head on down ta no-man's-land, hopin' it's some Knight I can salvage. Maybe even 'un we can get back goin'.
367.934.M30 A'course! 'cause it'd mean I got a spare. An' that'd mean I'd be the most powerful Tyrant this world's ever seen!
367.934.M30 Yeah! Not ta mention that! Two Tyrants workin' out o' thr same bunker? No'uns ever even heard of that! I'd be the most powerful Tyrant in the world!
367.934.M30 Ohh, yeah. And so much, much more. 'Cause when 'a was followin' ma little peasants, trustin' 'em, guardin' 'em, they led me straight into an' ambush.
367.934.M30 Ohh-ho-ho-ho yea. The way ah see it, the Southern Alliance bribed ma peasants with pounds ah adamantium, and an air purifier each. See, that'd give em 'nough money an' power ta start their own little Bunker. Or start anywhere, really, as a noble through 'an through.
367.934.M30 Buut they made a mistake 'a thinkin' my Tyrant was slow when the first salvo fired. Slammed against me like a cave-in, but when I slammed my foot down…I made sure it was on their heads.
367.934.M30 After that? Well, after that the true fight started. See, they has me surrounded with these things called Hunter Killer Tanks, top 'o the line Ackied can still produce.
367.934.M30 Yeah.
367.934.M30 Yeah, they're rare though. I think we only had the Hunter Tank Killer, and battery STCs, 'for you guys arrived, anyway.
367.934.M30 Perhaps. But as far as ah know, the Hunter Tank Killer STC was only in two or three hands 'for you guys came. An' you already said you had my battery one.
367.934.M30 Right, right.
367.934.M30 So…Where was ah? Ohh right. So, they ambushed me good. Three tanks in front 'o me, all hidden out among the crevices, an' two more were circlin' behind me, not that I knew that yet. Certainly, it was a bad spot ta be.
367.934.M30 Ha! Yer right, but in the end, the Southern Alliance made one mistake. They underestimated just how durable we Tyrants can be.
367.934.M30 See, the moment those Heavy Laser Destroyers hit I dropped down ta one knee, an' with ma gauntlet picked up the traitorous track 'neath my feet.
367.934.M30 Yep! An' the blood o' those traitors worked for the perfect lubricant as ma squire, Kamile, ta hop out an' begin Revitalization Protocols.
367.934.M30 Ohh-uhh.Revitalization Protocols 'r basically bunch o' methods an' writings on Tyrant repair. Some are built into the Tyrant itself, like rerouting power when need be, or searchin' other machines fer wires ya can use fer repair. We humans also study 'em, an' we work tirelessly ta make sure we can repair our Knights as fast as-
368.934.M30 -possible, even if it's mostly just drippin molten metal in the scratches o' our armor, an' putting bandaids on live wires.
368.934.M30 Anyway, so when I picked the tank up, Kamil hopped out o' her cockpit, an' used her melta-weld, and ma prehensile Melta ta melt the metal of the dang thing, even ah lifted it up, and used it as a shield while ah charged forward.
368.934.M30 Ohh, it didn't last long at all. But havin' ta get through both the armored bottom, an' the top took some o' the bite off the attacks that got through, an' rotating ma Ion Shield ta reinforce it took most the rest. An' together they bought me enough time ta charge the line, til ah was in range.
An' from there, their was little they could do. Ma Tyrant was faster than any tank they could manage, an' after a few tense seconds, the first of 'em fell 'neath my Thermal Cannon an foot.
368.934.M30 After that? Well, after that the two ambushes weren't much help. See, with the ruins o' one tank in ma hand, an' another under ma feet ah had all the metal I needed ta just stand there. When I instead fell ta one knee, and cruched the remains o' that near priceless tank in with ma traitorous commoners, there was nothin' they could do.
Well, that ain't true. The smart thing would been ta cut their losses, scatter to the four corners of Ackied, an' just accept that I'd hunt down one of 'em on their way out.
Instead, they continues ta fire, even though with so much liquid metal pourin' into ma wounds from both tanks there was nothin' they could do.
368.934.M30 Well, with one of tha five down, and ma Ion shields only able ta protect me from one side, ah turned my impromptu shield toward the ambushes, an' the Ion Shield, as well as ma main cannon towards the other.
They were still doin' damage like that, but as good as they were, ah was doin' better. When they knocked down ma primary battery, ama Cannon pierced straight through one o' em. When one o' their lasers melted into ma control room, I took down a third, an' used their pig-metal ta seal the gap.
368.934.M30 Huh? Yeah, the Tyrants ain't fond o' using those lower quality metals an' wires. Ya tend ta have to re-make the parts ya repair too much with 'em. But it'll accept what keeps it goin' in the heat o' things. Plus, ain't like we can be too picky.
Anyway, after that there were only two, an truth be told ah started gettin' a bit cocky. Thought ah could see 'bout knockin' one o' the tanks down, an' havin' Kamile drive home another. The radiation might kill 'er, but it'd be a mighty fine trophy ta present ta my dukes, an' just about the only way I could haul back all the metal from all those tanks.
So ah ended up draggin' the fight long than ah should've, takin' shots I could o' stopped as ah tried ta break one in a way we could drive home.
That was a mistake.
See, the two thought ah was goin' down when I did that, ah guess, an' they summoned their master. So just as ah took one down, Perkoonas (pronounced Perk-oh-nas) arrived. A real monster, that one, an' a Tyrant that was arguably as strong as me.
368.934.M30 It wasn't easy. Perkunas was a powerful Tyrant, 'an he'd ambushed me with one 'o the strongest tanks in the world still workin' as backup. But ah had somethin' Perkoonas didn't: A dozen tons o' fresh metal at ma feet, and two dozen more at ma hand.
368.934.M30 Yep! See, 'cause I planted ma feet, ordered Kamile ta start hookin' what she could up 'round there, an turned the full brunt o' my cannons ta Perkoonas an' his folly.
368.934.M30 Nah, see, 'cause now yer makin' the same mistake the Southern Alliance did: Underestimating a Tyrant like that. As much as I was in trouble, truth be told the metal at ma feet was more than enough ta repair my Tyrant, an' Perkoonas knew that. But what he 'e didn't know was that I' already repaired most o' the damages his little ambush earlier had caused. 'Cause of that, I wasn't but an hour from the metal cooling, and a new battery, from full strength once again.
And cause o' that, the outcome o' our battle was decided the moment ah was able to get this metal away from him.
He turned his Melta on ma little shield, an' while that sort o' equalled the odds, I shot his leg, and let all that liquid metal work hell on his wires.
That forced him ta send out a squire o' his own ta keep him balanced. An that let me bathe that boy in liquid hell from a Melta of ma own.
368.934.M30 I sure did! That boy might've died screamin', but ah swear it was music to ma ears.
It also cut out a lot o' his stability an' options. Not ta mention whatever all that coolin' metal would do to 'is joints.
368.934.M30 After that, there was little he could do. With Kamile in the wreckage o' three tanks I'd kicked behind me, she was able ta attach another two batteries ta keep me powered, an' salvage an air recycler when Perkoonas took out both ma own.
'Cause of that, Perkoonas may have wrecked ma Tyrant's body, but 'e couldn't really do any lastin' damage til he killed off Kamile, an' not only did ah have her hidden, but ah wouldn't let 'em do that.
Instead, he had to manually control an' fix everythang, a much 'arder process when ya don't have tha spare metal ah do. Which, inevitably, meant he 'ad ta retreat when ah managed ta pierce into his control room the same way mine had been.
But by then it was too late.
368.934.M30 Nah, see, 'cause just like he'd used against me, his own Raiders weren't loyal to 'em. They were scared o' him. An' so when he turned around an' tried ta crush 'eir tank, and use its metal as his own? They just ran.
368.934.M30 Call em cowards all ya want, the Southern Alliance don't deserve no better, but it is what happened. They knew as well as ah Perkoonas wouldn't give 'em a ride back over takin' more scrap from my Tyrant, just as they knew Perkoonas wouldn't give 'em another tank just 'cause givin' the first one saved his life.
368.934.M30 Yep! And turns out a good ole' tank runs a lot faster than a Tyrant that can't bend one leg.
368.934.M30 Well, then ah had an idea. Ah let Perkoonas think ah let 'em go while ah ordered Kamile ta tie up what she could an' get ready ta pilot a Knight.
368.934.M30 Oooohhh no! Ah don't think my Tyrant would ever forgive me if ah switched, but watching Perkoonas stumble away, ah knew I could fulfill ma original hope after all, an get fer myself a second Tyrant.
So ah took Kamile on board, closed the distance, and ah thrust ma Thunderstrike Gauntlet into that bastard's back while Kamile shot 'em dead.
368.934.M30 Wha? 'Cause I had my squire obviously! All squires are trained and prepped ta pilot a Tyrant in case o' ma demise! They're supposed ta take over at a moment's notice, just as ah did when ma master died! So when Perkoonas died, I figured Kamile could take the reigns. His Tyrant still worked, after all. A stumbling, half-broken mess, but it worked.
368.934.M30 Well ah kinda found that out, honestly. The moment Kamile plugged in she started just screamin', blood out the eyes kinda stuff. Like she was going through the whole Ritual o' Becoming all over again.
But she was able ta drive it. So we-Hey, what's 'High King' mean?
"Lord Primarch Mortarion, The Pale King, the Death Lord, my Father
I beg of you not to disregard the Knights of Ackied just for their limited numbers and the poor name they have been labeled with. My father, I tell you that over the past four months I have warned across the world of Ackied. I have spoken to its people, and to the High King himself, and found in all their ways a spark of Barbarus. My father, I believe these Knights may be of great use to our Legion.
In all my understanding of Ackied culture, I find their ways imminently reasonable. Their reliance upon the corruption and inhospitality of their environment. Their doctrine not to sit and wait as Dorn may, but to outlast and mitigate damage. The barbarism, and simplicity of their culture, which finds no problem with the use of any bioweapon. My father, I find this world the perfect compliment to our forces! I find these Knights, though expensive to construct, effortless to maintain, and possessing of durability perhaps even outweighed our own!
They are few, father, but I believe these Knights may compliment our ways of warfare in all things. Though their numbers are low, father, I believe these Knights among countless others may survive the brutalities of the Great Crusade, and in particular the methods of the Death Guard, alone.
I have spoken, additionally, to the High King himself about changing their official classifications. While progress has been slow due to the exhausting, and grinding nature of our war, he seems more than willing to accept Imperial parlance.
So please, my Father, at least consider what I believe may well be our greatest ally in this time of strife.
-Captain Pollu, of the 3047th Company
I present to you, the third of our collective and strange obsession of bringing Knights into the limelight of this Primarch Quest: The Survival Knights. Otherwise known as the ones which join Mortarion.
I had a lot of fun writing this, and imagining the brutal hellscape that would make an army worth of a Legion's personal attention, and especially how I was able to link this group to 40k proper in several ways.
Also, in case you're wondering, the title is in reference to the year of Chivalry, which is when I'm lore-wise placing that these guys actually joined up with Mortarion and, retroactively, want to get the others going as well.
[X] Write-in: Perhaps some form of shared artwork would be nice to make. Kesar is rather skilled at carving runes. Making a sculpture would be fascinating, and with the right subject, it could provide a vehicle to discuss the humanity of the Primarchs. Each has their own passions and interests...each has something that makes them *humans*. (combining 2 options for one action for the win )
[X] Write in: A deep discussion on the warp would be useful and allow Kesar to begin delving into the knowledge the Emperor shared with him. And perhaps Dorn has some insights that could help the Eternal wardens with their methods, as the Eternal Wardens can aid the Imperial fists in their Warp battles.. Use this information to try to make tentative plans for what each legion will do going forward, including what plans there are for the Archdaemons, as even if Orks will be the focus, the Archdaemons are ever the opportunists. A
[X] A discussion on what aspects of warfare the two Legions could learn from each other would be helpful. The Imperial Fists could make use of runes, and defensive tactics are always useful.
[X] Write-in: Perhaps some form of shared artwork would be nice to make. Kesar is rather skilled at carving runes. Making a sculpture would be fascinating, and with the right subject, it could provide a vehicle to discuss the humanity of the Primarchs. Each has their own passions and interests...each has something that makes them *humans*.
[X] Write in: A deep discussion on the warp would be useful and allow Kesar to begin delving into the knowledge the Emperor shared with him. And perhaps Dorn has some insights that could help the Eternal wardens with their methods, as the Eternal Wardens can aid the Imperial fists in their Warp battles.. Use this information to try to make tentative plans for what each legion will do going forward, including what plans there are for the Archdaemons, as even if Orks will be the focus, the Archdaemons are ever the opportunists.
-[X] A deep discussion on the warp would be useful and allow Kesar to begin delving into the knowledge the Emperor shared with him. And perhaps Dorn has some insights.
[x] A deep discussion on the warp would be useful and allow Kesar to begin delving into the knowledge the Emperor shared with him. And perhaps Dorn has some insights.
[X] Write-in: Perhaps some form of shared artwork would be nice to make. Kesar is rather skilled at carving runes. Making a sculpture would be fascinating, and with the right subject, it could provide a vehicle to discuss the humanity of the Primarchs. Each has their own passions and interests...each has something that makes them *humans*. (combining 2 options for one action for the win )
[X] Write in: A deep discussion on the warp would be useful and allow Kesar to begin delving into the knowledge the Emperor shared with him. And perhaps Dorn has some insights that could help the Eternal wardens with their methods, as the Eternal Wardens can aid the Imperial fists in their Warp battles.. Use this information to try to make tentative plans for what each legion will do going forward, including what plans there are for the Archdaemons, as even if Orks will be the focus, the Archdaemons are ever the opportunists. A
[X] Discuss how Dorn has changed the Phalanx and if some ideas can be taken for Gehenna Station
Kesar did always enjoy traveling on one of his brother's ships. While he might not want to live on one, it was always different, making for interesting times during what would normally be a dull warp transit. Working primarily on bringing the rune planet project back up to speed, Kesar was rather distracted while Horus and Dorn held their private conversation. Taking a break from the rote task of trying new methods of teaching for mortals, the Second Anathema decided to plan what it was he wanted to make with the Unyielding One.
Thinking through his options, he inevitably settled on a stone carving of an Astartes. Sketching the initial design on vellum, the Primarch designed his first idea but realized that while it may be acceptable for a mortal, as a Primarch he could do better. Adding to the design, he added more and more details, ranging from delicate carvings here and there, before coming up with the intriguing idea of making the inner sections of the stone hollow, and allowing for the armor itself to be moved.
As he was debating if he should wait for Dorn's input, or move on to a clay mockup, his brother arrived, notably alone. "Has Horus left us?"
"He has, he already spent as much time as he could on these tasks," leaning over, Dorn analyzed Kesar's ideas, seemingly scrutinizing them for faults. "What stone were you thinking of using for this?"
"I was considering ice, actually," gesturing towards the two of them, Kesar began to espouse their similarities in culture. "Both of us are from frigid worlds, and I've never made an ice sculpture before."
"Ice does have remarkable physical properties," Dorn replied, "a few of Inwit's hives make use of ice blocks in their construction." Analyzing the inscriptions Kesar had written out, the Primarch raised one of his worries. "These inscriptions are remarkably fine, are you sure you can reach this level of fidelity?"
"Easily." Kesar nodded, remembering how difficult the rune of purity once was. "With inscriptions, I only have to worry about physical aspects, not my mental state as I'm carving."
"Are runes that difficult to make?" Dorn questioned, while Kesar and he began making their first clay mockup.
"You would be surprised," Kesar responded, swiftly sculpting clay into the desired shape alongside his brother. "There's a resonance in the warp, which is not only affected by physical carvings but also the history of the carver, their state of mind, their location, … " trailing off, Kesar let it hang in the air for a moment, thinking of what the Emperor had shared with him. "In general, the warp is nightmarish, both in danger and complexity."
"But it has rules to its complexity," Dorn said, taking Kesar words to their conclusion. "It explains why you get along with Magnus this well, it's not enough to simply fight the Archdaemons, you wish to usurp their tools as well."
"Their tools?" Thinking on it, Kesar couldn't help but mostly agree. "Partly, the design and aspects of a few of them could be used in better and safer ways. Although I am more interested in the fundamentals behind such tools, and thankfully now Magnus feels the same on that front."
"A dangerous task, but necessary." He interjected, a hint of irritation in his tone. "Have the notes from father helped?"
Grimacing, Kesar nodded. "Yes, but I've only skimmed through them thus far." Primarily the warnings and tables of contents, the Second Anathema knew the dangers of the warp after all. "I am thinking of codifying my Legion's funeral practices as a result." A rather dark comment, but one that the Primarch was convinced would be important. With how much the warp enjoyed stories and narratives, a funeral method for cultures could safeguard a soul far more than a simple grave.
"An aspect of the warp?" Kesar nodded in response to Dorn's query. "Hmm, I'll have to ensure my Legion continues scrimshaw then."
As Dorn said this, he made an alteration to the design, where the fingers would be made of bone made of scrimshaw. "Would you care to do the inscriptions then?" Kesar asked calmly, to which Dorn considered the matter.
"Just for the fingers, I don't think I can reach the precision needed for what you had planned." Dorn bluntly stated, before redirecting attention to their prior conversation. "Tell me, the … reflections within the warp. Could they be used to enhance structures?"
Kesar frowned at that, before putting down the clay, and going back through the Emperor's notes, narrowing down his search field to what Dorn sought. "I haven't looked into this, but from what I know of the warp, it should be possible. There are a few materials that are warp enhanced, and machine spirits operate off a somewhat adjacent concept."
"A bit like an alloy? With the components of the structure making up each compound?" Dorn frowned, digesting the idea in his head. "No, far too simple, a similar idea, but far more complex."
"A good way to put it," Kesar said, making a copy of a few relevant sections of the Emperor's notes. "I'll send a copy of the relevant sections of father's notes after this. I do have to look into this myself, but there is so little time for it." Sighing, the Daemonsbane lamented his largest gripes. "Sometimes I wish we could have each of the Legions focus just on the warp and Archdaemons within. Imagine the progress that could be made."
"It would be progress that would have to be sacrificed from elsewhere, from the many threats and resources that need to be dealt with." The Unyielding One said rotely, a part of him clearly thinking of Kesar's words deeply. Yet... I cannot fully disagree there. I wish more could have been done."
"Inevitably, we will have to face them, all of us." Kesar said somberly, "I've thought of a few ideas for what the Legions should do, but I've yet to discuss them or plan them seriously even."
"A few of the Primarchs are rather easy to use," Dorn said. "Perturabo is making an excellent base on Cadia, and his presence there will only grow." Kesar made a note to tell Perturabo of Dorn's compliment, he was sure the Lord of Iron would appreciate it. "But he is the most experienced of us in commanding assaults within the warp, and splitting his focus would not be ideal. The Iron Warriors as the commanders, with the Imperial Fists as defenders of fortresses, would be a better use of resources." As he concluded his statement, he glanced over at Kesar, who nodded his head in agreement.
"Guilliman will, of course, remain in charge of logistics. He proved himself a miracle worker in that regard during the Maelstrom War." Thinking to himself, Kesar decided to comment on his own Legion. "The Wardens would be the tip of the spear, as much as it may sound like boasting, my sons are the best when it comes to slaying daemons."
"Your sons do have a reputation for that, for those among the know." The Unyielding One agreed, masking a flash of jealousy enough that Kesar never picked up upon it. "Several of the Legions would have to support you, the Luna Wolves, Space Wolves, Dark Angels, Blood Angels, Emperor's Children, and Iron Hands come to mind. The variety of doctrines would prove valuable."
"Three of our brothers are remarkably well equipped to deal with deep strike missions: Jagathai, Konrad, and Corvus." Left unsaid was the Alpha Legion, but Kesar thought it best not to mention them in this hypothetical. "Their skill sets are always in demand."
"Yes, which reminds me that I do need to ask their input on how they would try to overcome the Imperial Palace," Kesar remembered that Dorn had been working on that project for quite some time, it felt as if every time he visited Terra a bit more of it had been completed. "Mortarion, Magnus, and Vulkan would be best served in support roles. They each have their own unique skills to make use of, even if the Death Guard's doctrine would make them very well equipped against Nurgle." Kesar frowned at that, unsure of what precisely Dorn meant by Mortarion being best suited for a support role. Dorn seemed to realize that, immediately moving to explain it. "Mortarion is rather skilled in the arts of biology and medicine."
"I see, it fits his use of bioweapons," Kesar said. For a moment, he thought of what Angron would be best used for. Some sort of roving champion perhaps? No, it didn't matter anyway. Forcing that thought out of his mind, the Daemonsbane focused on things that were a guarantee, for he didn't know if Angron would be around for long. Taking a moment to look over their mockup for the project, which had finished a few minutes ago, Kesar moved to a more optimistic subject. "This sculpture … it's a remarkably mundane thing is it not?"
"Many would argue an Astartes is anything but mundane," Dorn stated bluntly as he began to make markings on a large block of stone with Kesar. "For Primarchs, it is simply something we see each day."
"It reminds me of some artwork I've seen," Kesar commented, referring to a few creations he had seen among the Imperial Army. "To us, the average human's thoughts are anything but normal, at times they can be difficult to understand." The Daemonsbane hesitated, not sure how to say this kindly. "I love humanity, but at times, it feels like humanity is humanity's largest flaw."
"That is because it is." The Unyielding One remarked as Kesar and he began to chisel away at the rock in front of them with their bare hands. "Look at Tempestus, where the Lord Commander's greed has tainted the Imperial Army, or the Desolation, where humans rebelled en masse despite knowing death was all that awaited them."
"It seems unfair to blame humanity for their actions in the Desolation." Kesar frowned as he spoke, both due to the conversation and due to mentally planning the inscriptions and carving for the Astartes sculpture that was slowly taking form. "Fear, though, that is a very human emotion, one that guardsmen struggle to overcome, and their largest killer."
"Astartes have no fear." The Primarch of the Imperial Fists stated. "Humans? Humans may fear their very shadow." The statue began to take form, as portions of the armor became easily discernable as Kesar and Dorn finally began to use tools to carve away the solid stone. "It is good that the Primarchs do not have that issue." The Unyielding One began to work on the details of the helm as Kesar began to carve away the chest plate, marking where he would have several inscriptions. "We have different ones."
Kesar hesitated, unsure if he should comment on that further. "Maybe, while we are better than humans, we do have many of their problems as well." He still remembered the last time Magnus and Leman were in a room together, and how poorly that went. "I like to think we're improving, but with the Tribunal upcoming … "
Dorn didn't say anything for the moment, instead, moving to a more delicate part of the Astartes sculpture. When that finished moments later, he broke the awkward silence. "For all his claims of rationality, the Emperor made us emotional. We feel loss, joy, pride, and fury." He stepped away, taking a look at the completed arms of the sculpture. "It is need to know information, but the Emperor wanted us to be made in the shape of man."
"It's strange," Kesar said as he finished the last of the inscriptions on the Astartes chest plate. "He could have made us like the Custodes with ease, yet he did not." Taking a step back, the Second Anathema analyzed his carvings and smiled as he was proud of his work. "At times, I wonder why."
"He will not be the one to tell us," came the direct explanation. Dorn and Kesar made a few minor changes, as the stone sculpture of an Astartes seemingly came to life, as stone joints swung smoothly. "We must answer that question for ourselves."
"Would it be best to leave the sculpture uncolored?" Kesar asked as he realized that the conversation on the humanity of the Primarchs had reached its current end.
"I think it would," Dorn said, something Kesar agreed with. This way the viewer could draw their own conclusions as to what Legion the statue represented. The Unyielding One seemed to think of something, before mentioning something he thought may help Kesar. "Your station, how far along is it?"
"Not far enough," the Daemonsbane said sadly, "the corruption runs deep within its machine spirits, it'll be another 25 years before it can be used."
"Fortunate in one aspect," Dorn mentioned to Kesar's surprise, "there are some modifications I made to the Phalanx that you may be able to make use of. Minor things for now, but they will prove worthwhile in the future."
GM Note: Special thanks to @argenten for the following
"I have heard many things of the Phalanx, all of them praise for the bastion of the Imperial Fists. Do you have any ideas as to its origin? Gehenna Station seems to have been as much a location to facilitate communication as provide Men of Iron support. Perhaps it was a depot for warzones that needed support that otherwise they could not obtain." Kesar commented, listing several of the theories he had as to the origins of his most prized trophy.
The Master of Fortresses pondered the question, "I have my suspicions, but true confirmation of the origin of the base structure and facilities of the Phalanx is not mine yet." Kesar nodded, much of the origins of what they worked with were lost to all humanity, even if the shells were still usable.
"As for Gehenna Station, I would not be surprised if your postulation was one of its uses. Synergy in purpose was a hallmark of the arts during the Dark Age of Technology. I have heard that Roboute is planning to bring to Malcador a system of supply-oriented space fortresses. Even if he has been forced to deal with human politics." Dorn frowned at that, notably not mentioning the impact of the Maelstrom Crusade, and instead focusing on causes outside their control.
Kesar himself winced at the effect his ambition had, albeit unintentionally, on the Imperium's logistics, "I share some of the blame for that. I had no idea my eagerness would cause-"
Dorn held up a hand, his expression solemn, "Hold Brother. Your dedication to ending the warp tumors is...inspiring, and you asked for no more than you would need in the undertaking. Risks yes, but your results were such that my dealings with the Squats, or 'Kin' as some translators call them, were significantly eased. At most your campaign exposed troubles in our father's Imperium that would have plagued us later."
"How have those negotiations been going?" Kesar asked, curious as to the viability of diplomacy with such a large empire. "I'm sure you know how valuable of a precedent you are setting."
"Slowly," came the simple answer, "the Squats are slow to trust, and poor at adapting to rapid changes. I am making consistent progress, but it will be something that takes decades to complete."
"The speed of negotiations may not be ideal, but I would certainly prefer to avoid facing them," Kesar said, remembering the reports he had received describing their defenses.
"Yes, while the Imperium would win, it would not be worth the cost." Kesar's own calculations agreed, perhaps if the Imperial Army and Imperial budget were in better shape an invasion would have occurred. But with the current state of affairs, it was simply an act that would make the Imperium bleed men it needs elsewhere. "With the current state of affairs, I am receiving requests from far too many sources."
That Kesar understood very well, "yes, ideally I would want another two hundred thousand Astartes to deal with all the issues I have." He sighed, understanding he would always want more forces, "but I will make do with what I have."
Dorn thought to himself, clearly trying to figure out some way to assist his brother. "While I may not have the forces to spare, you may wish to contact Konrad. He is deploying his sons to several other projects, and he may make you an offer for assistance."
"I'll see … " Kesar trailed off, "as it is, I do need to deploy myself, and visit Vulkan on the way to whatever world I need to be sent to."
"Perhaps I can assist, what is the strategic situation?"
Available Assets
70k Astartes
Kesar, Oriacarius, Maticus, Doom Slayer, Solarus
Aurelian, Bader, Gabriel, Abdul, Beltran, Rikard, the Triumvarate
Cherished Son, Vigilance
Titan Legion, Knight House
Night Watch
Shades of the Warden
Konrad + 20k Night Lords (he will ask a favor for this)
100k Imperial Fists (Dorn will ask for a favor if you use more than 25k of his sons)
[] Fortress Westplatte - A Dark Age fortress that spans more than 100 thousand square kilometers, this fortress is manned by an unidentified number of soldiers that are descended from the original keepers. With a rich oral history, the soldiers present have created a mythos around the fort, along with the idea that the day an outsider steps into the fort and lives is the day the universe begins to die. As such, the Imperial Army deemed diplomacy to be impossible and highly recommends Astartes assets are deployed. Threat Level: Maxima Extremis
[] Ralan - A hive world of approximately 250 billion people, if it was discovered merely a few years ago, it would have been a valuable jewel. Instead, one of the main commanders, a minor psychic of notable skill, had a psychotic break, which in turn spiraled into a full-scale civil war. Several minor factions have agreed to join the Imperium if they were allowed to rule in peace, although most of the major factions have outright spat in the faces of Imperial diplomats, with one group notably responding by cutting off the tongues of the diplomats. The largest issue visible is the psyker commander, primarily due to a notable lack of information around them. Threat Level: Maxima Extremis
[] Kivan - A world with walking hives, the Imperial Army attempted to bring the world into compliance after the diplomats were fired on. Initial invasion attempts did successfully land, but due to the walking hives, the local Lord General determined that any attempt to storm them would only lead to the deaths of the majority of their 8 billion soldiers. Instead, they have requested support, which was approved by a Lord General Militant. Threat Level: Medium
[] Tironia - A world that was conquered by the Imperial Army, it has been unable to be held properly. Initial reports notably lack the reason for the invasion, but the reports of the war indicate the defenders did have many well-designed defenses that required orbital bombardment to clear. Guardsmen then followed these bombardments by seizing the rubble, and garrison forces were deployed. However, large-scale guerilla movements have since emerged, and many of the officers deployed have been killed. Compounding the issue is the formation of large danger zones, where the Imperial Army is unable to properly enforce governance, likely leading to future conflicts down the line if left unattended. Currently, the Imperial Army does suspect they have several internal moles, although the local Lord General has notably refused to call in the Black Brigades. Threat Level: Hard
[] The Amalgams - This request for assistance was far more complicated than it should be. With numerous approvals, disapprovals, and reapprovals for requesting Astartes report, it is clear that there is a considerable degree of political infighting occurring among the Imperial Army here. The world itself consists of a former research colony, with hybrid human-xenos creations populating the area. Notably hostile, they were unwilling to engage in negotiations and the Imperial Army has been unable to achieve victory due to several natural advantages and superior information warfare capabilities of the locals. Moreover, the presence of airships has been a minor issue, although orbital superiority will likely turn any such conflict into a simple victory for Astartes. Threat Level: Medium
[] 38 Minor Conflicts - Ranging from a minor pirate fleet of three vessels to a world that has only recently developed automatic weapons, these conflicts are not something generally thought of to be worthwhile for Astartes to be sent on. However, the Imperial Army is overstretched, and helping with their workload is for the best. Even if it is unnecessary. Threat Level: Easy (per 2 worlds)
[] Fortress Westplatte - A Dark Age fortress that spans more than 100 thousand square kilometers, this fortress is manned by an unidentified number of soldiers that are descended from the original keepers. With a rich oral history, the soldiers present have created a mythos around the fort, along with the idea that the day an outsider steps into the fort and lives is the day the universe begins to die. As such, the Imperial Army deemed diplomacy to be impossible and highly recommends Astartes assets are deployed. Threat Level: Maxima Extremis
Don't forget everyone, Konrad has a fear inducing artifact that can mess with the heads of the defenders and Kesar is basically Creed but even more OP when it comes to teleportation...if we work with him on this, it will be an absolutely unfair slam to a very delightful tune I have found.
The amalgams represent significant possibilities for preserved knowledge and tech. We should make sure we can secure them without exterminatus, and preferably preserving their tech/knowledge base. The issues with the support request have me concerned, I suspect shenanigans.
[] Plan Brotherly Bonding
-[] Fortress Westplatte - A Dark Age fortress that spans more than 100 thousand square kilometers, this fortress is manned by an unidentified number of soldiers that are descended from the original keepers. With a rich oral history, the soldiers present have created a mythos around the fort, along with the idea that the day an outsider steps into the fort and lives is the day the universe begins to die. As such, the Imperial Army deemed diplomacy to be impossible and highly recommends Astartes assets are deployed. Threat Level: Maxima Extremis
--[]: Kesar, Konrad + 20k Night Lords, Vigilance, 10k EW, Gabriel
-[] Ralan - A hive world of approximately 250 billion people, if it was discovered merely a few years ago, it would have been a valuable jewel. Instead, one of the main commanders, a minor psychic of notable skill, had a psychotic break, which in turn spiraled into a full-scale civil war. Several minor factions have agreed to join the Imperium if they were allowed to rule in peace, although most of the major factions have outright spat in the faces of Imperial diplomats, with one group notably responding by cutting off the tongues of the diplomats. The largest issue visible is the psyker commander, primarily due to a notable lack of information around them. Threat Level: Maxima Extremis
--[]: Maticus, Doom Slayer, Shades, Beltran, 15k EW
-[] Kivan - A world with walking hives, the Imperial Army attempted to bring the world into compliance after the diplomats were fired on. Initial invasion attempts did successfully land, but due to the walking hives, the local Lord General determined that any attempt to storm them would only lead to the deaths of the majority of their 8 billion soldiers. Instead, they have requested support, which was approved by a Lord General Militant. Threat Level: Medium
--[]: Titan Legion, Abdul, 5k EW
-[] Tironia - A world that was conquered by the Imperial Army, it has been unable to be held properly. Initial reports notably lack the reason for the invasion, but the reports of the war indicate the defenders did have many well-designed defenses that required orbital bombardment to clear. Guardsmen then followed these bombardments by seizing the rubble, and garrison forces were deployed. However, large-scale guerilla movements have since emerged, and many of the officers deployed have been killed. Compounding the issue is the formation of large danger zones, where the Imperial Army is unable to properly enforce governance, likely leading to future conflicts down the line if left unattended. Currently, the Imperial Army does suspect they have several internal moles, although the local Lord General has notably refused to call in the Black Brigades. Threat Level: Hard
--{]: 15k Imperial Fists, Oricarius, The Triumvirate.
-[] The Amalgams - This request for assistance was far more complicated than it should be. With numerous approvals, disapprovals, and reapprovals for requesting Astartes report, it is clear that there is a considerable degree of political infighting occurring among the Imperial Army here. The world itself consists of a former research colony, with hybrid human-xenos creations populating the area. Notably hostile, they were unwilling to engage in negotiations and the Imperial Army has been unable to achieve victory due to several natural advantages and superior information warfare capabilities of the locals. Moreover, the presence of airships has been a minor issue, although orbital superiority will likely turn any such conflict into a simple victory for Astartes. Threat Level: Medium
--[]: The Cherished Son, the Knight House, Solarus, Rikard, 10k Imperial Fists.
-[] 38 Minor Conflicts - Ranging from a minor pirate fleet of three vessels to a world that has only recently developed automatic weapons, these conflicts are not something generally thought of to be worthwhile for Astartes to be sent on. However, the Imperial Army is overstretched, and helping with their workload is for the best. Even if it is unnecessary. Threat Level: Easy (2.5 per 2 worlds)
--[]: 40k EW, Night Watch, Hektor.
===============================================
Okay, so the logic of my plan is this.
For the fortress...by putting Kesar and Konrad on it...we win, straight out. And with 30k space marines plus the Vigilance and Gabriel, we should be able to ensure that we take it intact as well. Between Konrad's new artifact and our teleportation ability, we can take out their commo and HQ right off which will ensure that they cannot effectively coordinate a defense.
For Ralan, we basically send Maticus and Doom slayer to guide their fellow EW and the shades through the rough fighting even as Beltran is sent to match the psyker commander with a Shades honor guard as it were. If I could, I'd send Baldur, but I can't...so we'll just have to trust that our bois can handle the politics.
For Kivan, we don't really need to send a lot, and I think that between the Titan Legion, Abdul, and 5k of our Space Marines, we should be able to handle the walking hives pretty well. Anything else would be overkill that can be used elsewhere. With our increased teleportation abilities (lessened without kesar yes but still there) and the ability to do the same with Titans...we can just take the hive cities out one by one.
For Tironia...we need Oricarius to get rid fo the moles as well as to guide the Imperial fists on how to properly secure and hold down the regions that the IA is having trouble with. The Triumvirate will be sent because they will be very helpful with sniffing out not only the traitors but also finding the guerilla fighters.
For the Amalgams...I figure the Cherished sons and the knight house will be enough but just for added oomph, sending some Imperial Fists and Solarus will ensure that this location is taken without too much difficulty. Edit: I had a moment of inspiration, Rikard would be better suited here to not only get to the bottom of how the Amalgams work but he'd arguably be our best "I am good boi" short of Kesar himself *and* be good for keeping Solarus and others from destroying valuable info and tech that we need from the compliance.
And lastly, between 40k EW and the Night Watch, that brings us up to about 50k worth of astartes being sent and will really help ease the burden on the IA which will ripple out in a lot of areas and in a way show that the EW are not one of the legions that do not care about the IA except to use them as living meat servitors.
[] Plan Brotherly Bonding
-[] Fortress Westplatte - A Dark Age fortress that spans more than 100 thousand square kilometers, this fortress is manned by an unidentified number of soldiers that are descended from the original keepers. With a rich oral history, the soldiers present have created a mythos around the fort, along with the idea that the day an outsider steps into the fort and lives is the day the universe begins to die. As such, the Imperial Army deemed diplomacy to be impossible and highly recommends Astartes assets are deployed. Threat Level: Maxima Extremis
--[]: Kesar, Konrad + 20k Night Lords, Vigilance, 10k EW, Gabriel
-[] Ralan - A hive world of approximately 250 billion people, if it was discovered merely a few years ago, it would have been a valuable jewel. Instead, one of the main commanders, a minor psychic of notable skill, had a psychotic break, which in turn spiraled into a full-scale civil war. Several minor factions have agreed to join the Imperium if they were allowed to rule in peace, although most of the major factions have outright spat in the faces of Imperial diplomats, with one group notably responding by cutting off the tongues of the diplomats. The largest issue visible is the psyker commander, primarily due to a notable lack of information around them. Threat Level: Maxima Extremis
--[]: Maticus, Doom Slayer, Shades, Beltran, 15k EW
-[] Kivan - A world with walking hives, the Imperial Army attempted to bring the world into compliance after the diplomats were fired on. Initial invasion attempts did successfully land, but due to the walking hives, the local Lord General determined that any attempt to storm them would only lead to the deaths of the majority of their 8 billion soldiers. Instead, they have requested support, which was approved by a Lord General Militant. Threat Level: Medium
--[]: Titan Legion, Abdul, 5k EW
-[] Tironia - A world that was conquered by the Imperial Army, it has been unable to be held properly. Initial reports notably lack the reason for the invasion, but the reports of the war indicate the defenders did have many well-designed defenses that required orbital bombardment to clear. Guardsmen then followed these bombardments by seizing the rubble, and garrison forces were deployed. However, large-scale guerilla movements have since emerged, and many of the officers deployed have been killed. Compounding the issue is the formation of large danger zones, where the Imperial Army is unable to properly enforce governance, likely leading to future conflicts down the line if left unattended. Currently, the Imperial Army does suspect they have several internal moles, although the local Lord General has notably refused to call in the Black Brigades. Threat Level: Hard
--{]: 15k Imperial Fists, Oricarius, The Triumvirate.
-[] The Amalgams - This request for assistance was far more complicated than it should be. With numerous approvals, disapprovals, and reapprovals for requesting Astartes report, it is clear that there is a considerable degree of political infighting occurring among the Imperial Army here. The world itself consists of a former research colony, with hybrid human-xenos creations populating the area. Notably hostile, they were unwilling to engage in negotiations and the Imperial Army has been unable to achieve victory due to several natural advantages and superior information warfare capabilities of the locals. Moreover, the presence of airships has been a minor issue, although orbital superiority will likely turn any such conflict into a simple victory for Astartes. Threat Level: Medium
--[]: The Cherished Son, the Knight House, Solarus, Rikard, 10k Imperial Fists.
-[] 38 Minor Conflicts - Ranging from a minor pirate fleet of three vessels to a world that has only recently developed automatic weapons, these conflicts are not something generally thought of to be worthwhile for Astartes to be sent on. However, the Imperial Army is overstretched, and helping with their workload is for the best. Even if it is unnecessary. Threat Level: Easy (2.5 per 2 worlds)
--[]: 40k EW, Night Watch.
===============================================
Okay, so the logic of my plan is this.
For the fortress...by putting Kesar and Konrad on it...we win, straight out. And with 30k space marines plus the Vigilance and Gabriel, we should be able to ensure that we take it intact as well. Between Konrad's new artifact and our teleportation ability, we can take out their commo and HQ right off which will ensure that they cannot effectively coordinate a defense.
For Ralan, we basically send Maticus and Doom slayer to guide their fellow EW and the shades through the rough fighting even as Beltran is sent to match the psyker commander with a Shades honor guard as it were. If I could, I'd send Baldur, but I can't...so we'll just have to trust that our bois can handle the politics.
For Kivan, we don't really need to send a lot, and I think that between the Titan Legion, Abdul, and 5k of our Space Marines, we should be able to handle the walking hives pretty well. Anything else would be overkill that can be used elsewhere. With our increased teleportation abilities (lessened without kesar yes but still there) and the ability to do the same with Titans...we can just take the hive cities out one by one.
For Tironia...we need Oricarius to get rid fo the moles as well as to guide the Imperial fists on how to properly secure and hold down the regions that the IA is having trouble with. The Triumvirate will be sent because they will be very helpful with sniffing out not only the traitors but also finding the guerilla fighters.
For the Amalgams...I figure the Cherished sons and the knight house will be enough but just for added oomph, sending some Imperial Fists and Solarus will ensure that this location is taken without too much difficulty. Edit: I had a moment of inspiration, Rikard would be better suited here to not only get to the bottom of how the Amalgams work but he'd arguably be our best "I am good boi" short of Kesar himself *and* be good for keeping Solarus and others from destroying valuable info and tech that we need from the compliance.
And lastly, between 40k EW and the Night Watch, that brings us up to about 50k worth of astartes being sent and will really help ease the burden on the IA which will ripple out in a lot of areas and in a way show that the EW are not one of the legions that do not care about the IA except to use them as living meat servitors.
A good plan with a nice spread, I just thought to give my own comments on it just to help out.
For the fort, you are going to essentially have Konrad as the guy in charge here, not that that's a bad thing at all. Just something to keep in mind as he's bringing more Astartes, so he'll be in charge. Beyond that, there's not much to really say. Oriacarius might prefer to have Rikard with him at this time, but that's more a personal preference rather than anything of actual importance.
For the fort, you are going to essentially have Konrad as the guy in charge here, not that that's a bad thing at all. Just something to keep in mind as he's bringing more Astartes, so he'll be in charge. Beyond that, there's not much to really say. Oriacarius might prefer to have Rikard with him at this time, but that's more a personal preference rather than anything of actual importance.
I think that in this case, we *want* Konrad in charge, we're basically using his tactics anyway just adding in our blitzkrieg flavor to it to ensure that any holdouts cannot really solidify. Especially as it'll be his artifact that will add to the lack of cohesion that us cheesing their HQ will cause.
Scotty isn't yet a hero. And you can deploy your Dreadnaughts, as Gabriel and Beltran are on the list. Hektor though is one that you can write in, although I don't have him on the list to avoid overwhelming you.
... wouldn't that mean that the best use of him is somewhere where we could use more oomph, but don't absolutely need it? Or is there a higher chance for him to rouse if we don't overdo it?
... wouldn't that mean that the best use of him is somewhere where we could use more oomph, but don't absolutely need it? Or is there a higher chance for him to rouse if we don't overdo it?
So he'd actually be suited for helping the IA on the easy planets then? As it'd basically be a series of rolls to see if he'd awaken to help and if he does, great they have more help. If not...regular EW and Nightwatch will have to do.
So he'd actually be suited for helping the IA on the easy planets then? As it'd basically be a series of rolls to see if he'd awaken to help and if he does, great they have more help. If not...regular EW and Nightwatch will have to do.
i wasn't sure either but in the end he makes a nice garnish for helping out the IA.
How surprised will Aldrich be at all the idea that the EW will help, let alone how much, and how surprised will the various commanders that pro forma asked for aid, didn't expect to get it...*get it* and then hear that everyone else got it to.
i wasn't sure either but in the end he makes a nice garnish for helping out the IA.
How surprised will Aldrich be at all the idea that the EW will help, let alone how much, and how surprised will the various commanders that pro forma asked for aid, didn't expect to get it...*get it* and then hear that everyone else got it to.
Not that much actually, Baldur made a good impression on him, and he's of the opinion that the Wardens as a whole are one of the better Legions he's dealt with. He's more relieved that Kesar has similar ideals to Baldur in his eyes.
The Lord Generals that asked for help are going to be incredibly happy, mainly as they were going to lose a few billion soldiers otherwise.
Not that much actually, Baldur made a good impression on him, and he's of the opinion that the Wardens as a whole are one of the better Legions he's dealt with. He's more relieved that Kesar has similar ideals to Baldur in his eyes.
"Oh good, a 'Like Father like son' situation rather than 'the exception that proves the rule' good to see that legion has its head on straight...despite the effect they have on the imperial budget..."
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