"I follow, Brother Raptor."
And Scorpelio switches to his Bolter, knowing that with the nature of this engagement, putting more shots down range will be more beneficial to their endeavors.
Aiming down the same corridor as Micrastur, Scorpelio readies his weapon.
vs 48 + 20 (FA) - 20 (OW) + 10 (SR) = 58 for a Success.
"I will take the right flank then, let us crush these infected."
Moving to the right hand corridor, Ulf positions himself using the corner of the corridor for cover. He then racks his heavy bolter and aims down the corridor, ready to blast anything approaching his position.
simple fail
Overwatch: 1d100 ⇒ 57 vs 48 + 20 (FA) - 20 (OW) + 10 (SR) = 58 for a Success.
Averruncus knees in front of Ulf, in order to offer him a living shield in case the servitors reach close combat range. He aims to the corridor and ready himself to fire.
The contemptor's Assault cannon whirls back up to firing speed and it unleashes a volley of fire that is almost deafening even to your hearing and suit's compensation. While you are too busy engaging the foe to see exactly what effect it had, you can't imagine that many targets would survive being hit by the hail of bullets.
Unfortunately that noise and vibration manages to throw off the entire kill team's aim and none of them find their targets.
The feral creatures surge down the hallways, the will charge in their next turn.
Resolved to end this quickly, the Librarian of the Sons of Antaeus raise a clenched fist where electric arcs forms before to turn into a massive bolt of eldritch energy that hit the first servitor still standing.
The psychic bolt of wrath violently hit the servitors frontline.
Grinning madly as the extreme soundwave hits his unprotected ears, his shots went wide. Seeing the closing foes he quickly switches to the assault shotgun - glad that he brought the heavy attack weapon with him and opens up on full auto, filling the hallway with slug rounds the size of an armored Astartes finger. Knowing the power of the weapons he allocates the shot on numerous enemies - targeting the larger combat servitors first.
This time his aim is true and numerous shots find their mark.
> 18 Pen 4, I
> 17 Pen 4, I
> 19 Pen 4, I
> 18 Pen 4, I
> 14 Pen 4, I
Thrown by the cacophony of noise and without the sound dampening of his helmet, Ulf struggles to hit the moving servitors, landing only one hit despite his volley of fire.
1dos
Not used to hearing the deafening rapport of an a Dreadnought-borne Kheres Assault Cannon in such tight confines, Scorpelio's first shots go wide, not wanting to waste any more bolts, he fires again into the press of Servitors.
vs BS 68
Yet his bolts do little to thin the number of servitors - or any visible damage for that matter. He mentally opines that the extensive use of his Plasma Gun has dulled his proficiency with a Bolter much to his dismay.
Despite their firepower 1 combat and one regular servitor make it through to attack the librarian, along with 1 regular servitor to attack the tech-marine. Fortunately it would seem that time has degraded the auto-impulses of the regular servitors. The combat servitor is a crazed and feral beast however, and it's chainblade claws will deal 19 damage with 6 pen the librarian if he doesn't dodge or parry.
Frustrated by his ineffectual attempts at shooting the Servitors dead, Scorpelio drop-and-maglocks his bolter to his Breastplate and draws the Combat Knife sheathed at his waist and attempts to disable it as quickly as possible, his Breaching Augur rearing back to strike as well.
His combat knife seemingly doing no damage to the Servitor, Scorpelio brings down his Servo-Arm mounted Breaching Augur upon it.
vs WS 47 for 3 DoS
for 20 Damage (Tearing) + 11 (Base) + 14 (Servo-Arm Strength of 75 w/ Unnatural x2) for a total of 45 Rending Damage with Power Field.
In a flash of light, the Librarian pull-out his Force Sword and parry the servitor's attack with brute strength. Using the momentum, he counter-attacks swiftly.
As the sword pierce the body of the servitor, Averruncus unleash a maelstrom of psychic energy through his Force Sword, consuming the servitor.
His direct opponent swiftly dispatched, he raises his fist again to unleash a new psychic storm on his foes.
As the servitors close on Averruncus, Ulf draws his blade, steps level with Averruncus and attacks the remaining servitor, with no more success.
Seeing the Techmarine impaling the servitor that made it through with his heavy servo arm, he quickly switches target, taking careful aim at the last servitor attacking the librarian of the team.
The solid slug zipps across the room, slamming into the last standing servitor.
> 19 I, Pen 4
The Librarian manages to fend of the servitor attack and kill both servitors in moments.
The Tech-marine crushes the other servitor.
A strange silence comes over the area. At this point you don't know if more feral servitors are out there.
"Shall we go forward brothers? And hunt any others down?"
2dos
Ulf extends his senses, to listen for any more.
"Of course. We should split forces to cover more space in less time. Time is of essence with the approaching Tau. Ulf go with Averruncus again, Scorpelio go and try to access the machine spirits of the fortress - maybe you can even reactivate the internal defences and authenticate us properly. I will go alone and stay in the shadows, if any of us encounters a larger group of servitors, wait or retreat so we can finish them together. No sense in getting wounded or killed by some mindless servitors if there are lots of Tau to be killed."
He then quickly sets of on his own, feeling like in one of the training szenarios of his chapter, always staying in the shadows, carefully taking one step after the other to remain silent and careful for any sound of an approaching enemy.
3DoS
Stumling over some servitor parts I guess ...
... but nobody sees me after all^^
Nodding his head at Hawkeye's order, Ulf moves forward, alternating between his heavy bolter for the long corridors, and his chainsword for the tight spaces and corners. He keeps his senses straining as he moves.
2 dos
"Certainly. Brother Ancient, you know the layout of this base the best, where would the Primary Access Cogitator or, failing that, a secondary access cogitator node be located?" he asks after sheathing his Combat Knife, checking over his bolter and clamping it to his thigh finally switching back out this his Plasma Gun instead.
Teaming up with the Long Fang, Averruncus progresses at a fast pace to secure the station, searching for any hint of threatening servitors or traps.
As they progress through corridor, Averruncus suddenly raise a hand to request Brother Ulf to freeze. "I heard something".
The librarian listen carefully.
"I think someone stumbled over some servitor parts".
"Certainly. Brother Ancient, you know the layout of this base the best, where would the Primary Access Cogitator or, failing that, a secondary access cogitator node be located?" he asks after sheathing his Combat Knife, checking over his bolter and clamping it to his thigh finally switching back out this his Plasma Gun instead.
You feel a burst of binary chatter as the contemptor uploads a floor plan to your power armour.
The space wolf and librarian quickly clear the rest of complex, which they realize isn't that big. The entire complex has a small genatorium, a few training cages, the armoury, an aircraft hanger and a few rooms for battle brothers to rest in.
"Many thanks, Brother Ancient."
And Scorpelio will make his way to the Primary C&C center or equivalent and attempt to gain access to the Stations Systems unless he encounters resistance but not before sharing the Floor Plans with the rest of his squad.
"Many thanks, Brother Ancient."
And Scorpelio will make his way to the Primary C&C center or equivalent and attempt to gain access to the Stations Systems unless he encounters resistance but not before sharing the Floor Plans with the rest of his squad.
[dice=Tech-Use] 1d100
Now that the tech-marine is inside the station he is easily able to connect to the systems.
Scorpelio would first run a systems diagnostic once he gets the power back online to see if anything is damaged or out of the ordinary as well as seeing if he can't get a list of the bases current inventory and stockpiles.
Scorpelio would first run a systems diagnostic once he gets the power back online to see if anything is damaged or out of the ordinary as well as seeing if he can't get a list of the bases current inventory and stockpiles.
Scorpelio would first run a systems diagnostic once he gets the power back online to see if anything is damaged or out of the ordinary as well as seeing if he can't get a list of the bases current inventory and stockpiles.
In addition to the armoury, the station has enough rations to fee the kill team for about a week and spare parts to keep the contemptor running for the foreseeable future assuming no serious damage.
Overall things seem like they are in ok shape.
a message is relayed to the kill team by the thunderhawk pilot.
"Astartes, advanced forces of the foul xenos are estimated to be entering orbit in 2 hours. We expect that kroot and stealth suits will be seeded near all main targets by the Tau advanced forces. If you are to take part in keeping this world from being conquered as long as possible it would be ideal if you were at the imperial command centre by then."
"Acknowledged. Brother Scorpelio, have you secured the command center? Can you disable any remaining defences such that the Thunderhawk can land at the station? We should finish here quickly and get going if no enemies remain here."
"It seems we haven't much time brothers. I'm forwarding the inventory of the base's Armoury to you all. It seems we have some powerful tools at our disposal but I would like to make the least amount of use of them as possible. Still, equip yourselves as you see fit though I would caution against using the suit of Terminator Armour currently at our disposal; at least for now."
"Brother Ancient, will you be joining us as we meet whatever passes for Imperial Command of this world?"
"Yes, Brother Micrastur, I'm currently in the process of doing so. Currently running a Systems Diagnostic on the bases Automated Defenses, I should have a report soon."
1dof
3dos
3dos
"Hmm well this isn't much of a fortress, but at least it is hidden, it would be good to keep it so. We need to get some information on the enemy, it is difficult to plan a defence without knowing their movements. In this scenario I would normally suggest that we slash and burn, but that would completely destroy the purpose of this world. Hopefully we can look at fortifying the main centre and try to strike at the head of the enemy. We need information desperately. I would suggest we load the thunderhawk with a selection of anti-infantry and anti-armour weapons, we don't know what form their first probe will be like,"
"The report said kroot and stealth suits. So light infantry and heavily armored infantry. Look if the armoury has some prey sense goggles in stock. Those will help you detecting those stealth suits."
"Hmmm... We, Sons of Antaeus, don't fancy this sort of engagement. We are Astartes, the Sword of Mankind. We don't know fear. Sons of Antaeus would take opportunity to strike at the head and behead the invasion. All their attention focused on the ground engagement, they will not anticipate a small strike force rushing through their proximity defense, landing on their command ship and purging their command staff. Once their command staff annihilated and their command ship disabled, their xenos allies will be disorganised, and our own ship will be able to chase them down. Cut from their orbital support, chasing down their remaining ground force will be child game."
"As much as I approve of that kind of tactic, Brother, we know full well that the scanner systems of the Tau are - although heretical - advanced and I do not think it would be wise to engage them with nothing but a Thunderhawk. With a Strike Cruiser and a small fleet of escorts this in fact would be the appropriate course of action, but we have nether.
Maybe they will be so unwise and land on the planet if they feel like it is secured. Then we will make sure to cut the head off!"
"Perhaps we can employ a smaller scale version of that, following the old adage of 'the best defence is a good offence'. If we can identify local leaders, particularly the overall planetside commander, we can destroy them. Not only will this stun and disrupt the planetside troops, but also worry the commanders. The more they feel they have to defend their headquarters, the less troops are on the attack. Then we switch targets to resource heavy targets, such as their landing point and any supply convoys. Eventually everything has to run with an excessive guard and their attack will be stalemated for a time. After all, we do not really have the resources to utterly destroy them at the moment, we are effectively fighting a holding action. The more time we buy the better. We could do with a prisoner for information, perhaps the texorcism gun could be used to damage a stealth suit and make them easy to capture?"
"It seems we haven't much time brothers. I'm forwarding the inventory of the base's Armoury to you all. It seems we have some powerful tools at our disposal but I would like to make the least amount of use of them as possible. Still, equip yourselves as you see fit though I would caution against using the suit of Terminator Armour currently at our disposal; at least for now."
"Brother Ancient, will you be joining us as we meet whatever passes for Imperial Command of this world?"
"Yes, Brother Micrastur, I'm currently in the process of doing so. Currently running a Systems Diagnostic on the bases Automated Defenses, I should have a report soon."
The station has 3 automated twin-linked lascannon turrets, 5 twin-linked heavy bolter turrets and a hurricane bolter turret that is by the main entrance.
"First of all we need Information's. Thus we should head to the imperial command center to make out targets of opportunity and detect places were our presence will be most effective. We should be clear that this will be most like a long and hard engagement - probably developing into a guerilla scenario, so it is important to fight the long fight instead aiming for a quick victory which will most likely result in our defeat. Lets meet at the thunderhawk and move quickly to the command center. This base shall remain our secret base of operation for as long as possible, providing retreat and resupply opportunities."
Scorpelio will update his squad as being friendlies for the automated weapons IFF and update the systems to look out for Tau and Kroot before meeting up with the rest of the squad.
"No matter which course we decide to go for, Brothers, it would be best for us to confer with the Inquisitorial Agents and Imperial Command before coming to a decisive plan of action. Whilst aiming for a quick victory would be best for us due to our limited supplies, we have no real idea as to how many Xenos are attacking us and while a Decapitation Strike would disrupt them for a time, would it be enough to break them utterly? Too, since we have no idea how much material they're devoting to this conquest so drawing things out might be more detrimental to us and our limited supplies."
"Right, well then let us get going. Are we leaving anyone behind to defend this place?"
Ulf will raid the armoury for more rounds to refill his heavy bolter, clean it, polish his armour and generally ready himself to head for the imperial command centre.
"Well, Micrastur, I don't really fancy this sort of strategy, but you're the team leader. I'll follow your instructions.
"Your concerns are noted and I will keep your approach in mind.
If we would have an identified priority target which we can approach stealthy - I would have spoken like you Brother.
But without any real Intel, in the opening hours of a planetary assault and without a fleet to provide distraction - the chances for success would be purely dictated by luck. And I am not ready to gamble with our lives and a complete Imperial world in such a way if there are other possibilities left.
Scorpelio, set the scanners record the movements of the incoming fleet if possible. Maybe we will later be able to discern the leading vessel from their movements and actions during the assault."
If the base has some passive sensors that wouldn't make the location appear on enemy sensors, he will do as the Raptor asks. Otherwise will appraise him that doing so might compromise the location and put everything within the base at risk.
"Of course Brother, passive sensors only!"
it is determined that you will only take the cameleonine tarp and refresh ammo at this time. The team loads into the thunderhawk and is soon on it's way to the planetary command bunker. By the time the thunderhawk is docking, the first elements of the xenos assault have arrived. PDF atmospheric fighters are defending key locations, mainly orbital defense laser and macrocannon installations. So far they are mostly holding out, but only the first wave of xenos fighters from the fastest vessels have deployed so far.
When you exit the thunderhawk you see that the bunker is guarded by a squad of Inquisitorial storm troopers. "Inquisitor Octavian is waiting for you in the situation room, honoured Astartes."
The situation room has a bank of servo-operated voxes along with a hologrid map of the planet. [b]"Astartes, as you can see the situation is currently stable. We believe 2 groups of xenos vessels have seeded the outer forests with suits and krootforms, here and here. it would appear that they plan to take out the eastern orbital defense grid from the ground. Their main forces would likely land there soon after the grid is destroyed. They don't seem to want to risk their void ships engaging with our defense grid so the longer it holds the more time we buy. Their largest ships have not yet reached orbit, they may risk engaging the orbital defenses then. Our long range sensors have identified their fleet composition as 1 Demiurg Bastion Class, 3 Nicassar Dhows, 2 Kroot Warspheres, 1 explorer class, 1 Merchant class and 5 Orcas escorts.
"The situation is better than expected - at least for the moment. What forces to currently defend the orbital defence grid? Seems like this could be a first target to stall their advance. Hows the air battle going? Can we move to the grid by thunderhawk without excessive trouble of enemy anti-air forces?"
"Half the PDF is guarding the orbital defenses, but when we lose the air war it won't matter. We are holding on that front for now, but all projections point to a critical mass loss in 8 to 12 hours after which our entire atmospheric fighter fleet will be destroyed within 4 hours. Once the air war is lost, either the xenos will break through the void shields defending with their atmospheric craft or they will use landers to deploy troops beyond artillery range of the orbital defenses and launch a ground assault. All projections show that all orbital defenses will fall within 36 hours of now. The planet will fall within 24 hours of the orbitals, even your involvement cannot change that. My focus is on sealing away key resources in hidden vaults and stashing supplies for our resistance in safe houses. The Xenos want this planet and it's people, otherwise we would already be dead. I do see an opportunity for you to assassinate one of the Tau Fire Caste Leaders in their assault on the orbital defenses, it will be dangerous and you may not all survive."
"Lord Inquisitor, with the current situation as it stands it is a very slim chance that any of us will survive whatever we do. With that in mind, conservation of resources is only relevant if it allows to hit the enemy harder or continue the fight in such a way as to make this planet easier to recapture. How are their air assets being resupplied? Is that not a possible target for a precise strike that would inevitably prolong the aerial battle? Will eliminating the local assault leader be of a significant advantage? If so then that also seems an obvious target based on our skills."