Deathwatch: The Shadow War (Inactive)

Game Master Yuugasa

Additionally, Sardus recalls his experiences with the Hive fleet and inquires about a serum he's used in the past on his armour. Will we be provided any infiltriol enamel? If we don't have any working pheremones for this particular hive fleet, we can attempt to recover samples that could aid in designing one. Perhaps brother Morgan's knowledge could be of assistance in this area as well he says, as he looks back to the Apothecary.

Just asking to see if we have a working enamel and if it'll be available. Last sentence of description R.O.B pg 146 says typically given by mission authority, not through general requisition. So if one is availble and known to be working for this fleet, then can we take it or will it be provided?...Maybe this is some of the research we're recovering???

"Unfortunately we don't have any." Sethiro replies. "Hive Fleet Tiamet has emerged from below the galactic plane and is swallowing our sister Sector whole, it has been a shocking attack and while I am sure some enamel has been produced we don't have any here to provide you with. Gathered Tyranid samples to add to our vaults for experiments would be highly welcome though."

I like the stuff so I'll let you guys produce some in the field from slain Tyranids.

Letting the inquisitor's words rest with their internal exchange Naaman turns his thoughts to the task at hand. "As I recall all cursed Hive Fleets have their own distinct mutations and monsters, what intelligence if any do we have on Tiamet?" he inquires.

"Tiamet is known for stronger, both psychically and physically, than normal Hive Tyrants and having multiple evolutions of Carnifex." Aria informs you. "They tend to use huge swarms of lesser creatures to buffer the advance of the greater creatures, shielding them until they get in close."

"Have there been any genestealer found or suspected? Also, are there any Imperial forces there, or will there be any PDF defending this world?"

I suspect being an uninhabited world, there is no PDF.

Contemplating the answer Naaman reflects: "Tactical dreadnought armour seems a prudent choice."

"Unknown if Genestealers already inhabit the planet. I wouldn't discount the possibility of their presence though, they are a common vanguard organism." Aria replies. "The planet is largely uninhabited, so no PDF, but the installation, being so valuable, is well defended by an entire battalion of Inquisitorial Stormtroopers."

As Brother Korbin continues to listen and hear his kill-teams choice to use Terminator Armour, he mentally decides not too. The larger armour didn't offer that much more protection than his Artificer armor. Though he wouldn't be as heavily armed as his brothers, he could remain mobile and stealthier to repair them or interact with the environment more easily. However, he knew the threat to be real and wanted to make sure his brothers would have enough fire power and support to achieve the mission.

I will not be requisitioning any heavier armor. I only need to see what force-fields our armory has available, I prefer to remain more agile and leave my hands free for more delicate tasks. I trust you brothers will have the necessary weapons, if I may, I might suggest a few things I have come across in my time as Forgemaster.

1. Gonna have some extra Req Points b/c I'm not rolling in the Term. Armor, if anyone needs extra points let me know. Also, there are some great fun things to play with if you look hard enough. Hopefully not everyone rolls with the same stuff.

2. Not sure what force-fields are available. I know there are plenty in other books, but I can't find anything more than a few chapter specific items or the combat/storm shield. Term. Armor will have the Crux, and Morgan is rolling with a Storm Shield, which if I recall, there is a specific Chapter relic Shield for Storm Wardens thats cool. Anyways, maybe there are some other choices of force-fields, like conversion field or something else from RT or DH. Don't matter what rules you want to follow, some reduce damage, while some block, not really worried about mechanics, I know you'll be fair, but just wondering if there are some other options you could give me if any. Not asking for an Iron Halo (Yet) but need a little better than a combat shield by the sound of the mission.

Sure, there is a weird lack of fields in the books considering it is the Deathwatch, at least in my opinion. May I offer:

If your questions for the Inquisitors have been mostly answered we can move on to the next bit if you guys want.

Sardus turns to the Raven Guard, admiring his bravery and certainty in his role. As Keeper there are weapons and items even beyond the reaches of some Forgemasters, locked away in vaults for various political or safety reasons. Knowing the Raven Guard would need more than a power blade he offers him hope of something more suitable for this mission.I will take a look at our vaults, perhaps the Watch Captain can will agree to let you take one of our sacred Executioner Axes. It will be better suited for fighting Tyranids than your more..."precise" chapter relic.

Deed: First Among Equals: Can ask for special favors regarding missions and deployment, +20 REq. points, +10 renown for req. purposes. This may not be such a big deal, but thought I would phrase it as such for story telling reasons. Keeper Sardus hopes to acquire an Executioners Axe (famed) for Korbin to use this mission, using his own req. points if necessary. Essentially bypassing 3 renown we are all shy of for famed equipment.

I believe that is all the questions I have for now. I will need time to visit the vaults and prepare myself he says, turning his head to everyone, gesturing an end to their meeting, but waiting to be formally dismissed.

PS: Perfectly willing to extend that invitation to others if GM allows, I know he lifted requirments for Term. Armor Stuff, so you guys should be pretty much set with whatever you want, but Korbin could use a little more firepower, don't want him to just play support.

yep it's cool with the deed and getting the axe.

"Prepare for your mission." Sethiro commands the Kill-Team. "And prepare for transfer to the strike cruiser in twenty four hours. You will meet the tactical squad that will serve you there, gather all that you need for the mission today. The Emperor protects." He says, dismissing the squad.

Twenty four hours later, as the Kill-Team gathers to be taken to the strike cruiser Aria Caro comes into the shuttle bay to speak to the Squad.

Dressed in an elegant gown of Calixian spider silk, and with her blonde hair swept back out of her finely featured face, she looks more like a youth heading to a coming out ball than a Lord Inquisitor.

The weight of her powerful psyker's mind can be felt even by those without the second sight though and it easily dispels the notion that the woman is anything other than a powerful personage.

"I have been having a bad dream." She tells the squad. "A dream where Shar Quinn is slain by a man with a skull for a face. Behind this man lurks a twin headed eagle, much like the Imperial Aquila, but rapturous and predatory rather than noble and jet black and veined with red instead of golden." She tells you. "I fear more than Tyranids endanger Shar Quinn's life and you may face strange dangers before this mission is over."

As Korbin hears the beautiful woman’s words he recalls the Skull Faced figure he saw exit through the warp gate at the palace. Could it be the same face? What could it be after there? Looks like we might finally have an advantage here. For once we know who their plans might involve, which means they are far from finished. We still have time, but must make haste if we wish to gather any useful intel and secure the package. Only when we know what they need can we counter their weakness. As for the rest, its Chaos surely, perhaps this skull faced man was once a space marine. Thinking to himself, If the warp and daemons have clearly changed him, we must not rush into battle without understanding our enemy first. Maybe there will be even more Chaos soldiers, their blind confidence in the darkness will allow me to strike unseen, for there can be no light to spread without first stepping into the darkness. This presents a certain opportunity, bait for the masters dog. Remember though, she is important, try to keep her alive..

Sardus arrives last, having made a last minute change to his munitions, he glances at Brother Korbin, Thanks for the ammo. He falls in with the others, getting equipment and supplies ready for the upcoming mission. As he listens to the lady’s words he fears not. The only things that matter are the mission and its objectives. The obstacles in the way would be negotiated, but to Sardus the end result could only be success or death. He made sure to bring enough of the Emperor’s might to negotiate with a small human colony, but that might not be enough to fend off a possible Hive Fleet invasion.

After hearing Korbin’s comment, he recalls the video recordings of a skull faced figure exiting into a warp gate at the Palace and Korbin's translation of the things words. He turns to Korbin once he’s done talking and says "If you see your friend again, make sure you introduce us this time." jokingly with a wink. Seriously though, Korbin is right, we need to stop playing chase and make a move against their plans. That dream might just be the reality we need if we are to turn the tides versus this internal threat to the Imperium. Only then can we expel those damned Xenos with the full ferocity of the Emperors sons and his chosen ones on the long watch.

He turns to the Apothecary, his commander for the mission. I'm looking forward to your briefing on the Tyranids, your knowledge will be useful to us all, perhaps we can share it with the Divine Eagles and the Tactical squad assigned to us.

Might not extend the same benefits to them as our Oath, but might give them some knowledge that'll aid them...Shouldn't just be us who know their weaknesses, perhaps in this unique situation, there might be some residual effect from our Oath on this mission for our escorts.

Aria Caro seems introspective as she watches your Thunderhawk gunship transport arrive. "Be on your guard." Is all she says as the ship comes to a rest and lowers its embarkation ramp.

Ready to ride to the strike cruiser?

At the inquisitor's warning Apothecary Morgan seems disturbed. "If someone in the imperial forces does plan to kill Shar Quinn then we shall have to doubly vigilant."

At Sardus's mention of teaching the Divine Eagles about Tyranids Apothecary Morgan nods.

"I shall do my best to teach what we know about these xenos, so that we all might better face off against them."

As Sardus boards the strike cruiser he plans to pay close attention to the stellar navigation and piloting of a void ship, absorbing all he could without jeopardizing and losing focus of their most important task. Still, this oppurtunity rarely presents itself and he planned to take full advantage when possible. Furthering his own knowledge and preparing him for the tests and trials ahead. While an excellent pilot himself, he had never been in a position to pilot void ships, but perhaps as Keeper, those duties might befall him and he needed to be ready to rise to the challenge. Brother Sardus knew his new found title could mean less action with a bolter, but he planned to hone every skill he could to remain as close to the action as possible. Even if he couldn't one day field missions, he knew his responsibility on the Ship would be just as important. There were more brothers ready to prove themselves and take his place no doubt, as its been for milenia.

Maybe sometimes I don't mention it, but I'm using his demeanour: History of Pragmatism, same with Korbin, often forget to mention when using it in gameplay.

Korbin has more than a few things to load onto the Cruiser, followed by a few Tech-Priests of Mars. His time would be spent trying to complete the modifications to himself to accomodate the final installation of Machinator Array components and Servo-Harness. However with the limited time they have, the servo-harness will not be fitted with all the standard equipment. Regardless, its a work of fine craftsmanship, partly Korbins, partly the work of his peers. Lightweight and quiet, up to the standards of a Raven Guard and what he expects from the machine spirits of his gear. The modifications made Korbin slightly larger and bulkier, an unseen density to the naked eye, but soon it would be hard not to notice the equipment that would be attached. Korbin would need some time to adjust to his new weight and added bulk, he would need to adjust himself in battle and pay more attention in concealing himself.

Korbin knew the added steel would be necessary for the mission. Tyranids were not to be taken lightly and the replacement of his flesh was more a matter of when, not if.

Lastly, Korbin, being fond of knowledge, makes sure to set aside time for the briefing, knowing that Morgan's insight could make a difference in their survival.

The gunship takes you through local space to the newly arrived strike cruiser The Blade Unsheathed . Unlike the colossal, floating cityscape of the battle barge The Emperor's Wings, The Blade Unsheathed is a lean, angular hunter with a knife-like prow and oversized engines.

As you dock on this predatory ship a Tactical squad of Divine Eagles, resplendent in their ivory with golden trim armor, enter the docking bay and take one knee before you.

The Sergeant removes his helm, revealing a battered, well worn face with a steel plate on the left side of his head and an augmentic eye glowing blue in the left orbital socket, where some old injury had destroyed the original.

"I am Uriel." The Sergeant introduces himself. "And this is squad Eden. By order of the Holy Ordos and by the Will of the Emperor; we serve at your pleasure, members of Squad Thannatos."

Very unfamiliar with the heavy terminator armour Naaman tries to regain some of the skills thought to him so long ago. He is able to utilise the armour adequate when the depart the the battle barge. Inquisitor Caro's words worries him, he decides to seek the Emperor's and the Lion's guidance when time is available. "These are troubling times," he remarks once on the gunship.

While keeping a respectful distance behind the squad leader Naaman waits for him to address the Divine Eagles.

Once he has time alone, he kneels and places the Emperor's Tarot on the floor in front of him. Gathering and focussing the unbound force of his talent, he infuses the cards with the energy to guide him. Having completed the initial part of the ritual he asks: "Lion El'Jonson I beseech thee, present my humble question to thy Father the one true Emperor so that he may guide his grandchildren in their endeavour to protect him and his realm. Enlighten me into the worst of dangers Inquisitor Shar Quinn faces."

Apothecary Morgan nods at Uriel's introduction.

"I am Apothecary Morgan commander of Squad Thannatos in this case. It shall be an honor to fight with you for the Emperor."

Apothecary Morgan then motions for the squad to stand.

"Stand honorable Squad Eden. We shall face the threat of the Tyranids together and by bolter and blade we will ensure the safety of Sharr Quinn. We shall begin an overview of what to expect from the Tyranids shortly, but be vigilant as danger can lurk in any corner."

Once everyone has spoken Apothecary Mrogan opens an encrypted channel to his squad.

"I have had several troubling thoughts on the way to the strike cruiser. We know that someone is trying to assassinate the inquisitor, but now that I think more on Aria Caro's warning the more I suspect that the Alpha Legion may be on-board this very shuttle. We know that some of the Alpha Legion wasn't discovered, and we also know that they had some sort of way off the world. The dream spoke of a twisted Imperial Eagle, and we also know that some of the Alpha Legion claims to serve the Emperor. I think they may have hidden themselves in our Divine Eagle task force, so that they could travel with us and assassinate the inquisitor. Librarian Naaman can you search for this without giving away that we are looking?"

ooc responses to ooc questions and comments coming, sorry it's been a busy last few days, and psychic power use results coming as well.

Squad Eden takes their feet and Uriel strikes his fist to his chest in salute. "We live to serve." He declares.

Will do the psi results after the current scenes when you have a moment to do the Augury. I'll let the Oath effects trickle down a bit to Squad Eden though I haven't decided how much yet and as far as triggering Demeanors just point out when you want to, one mission counting as a game session is the easiest way to keep track of how often you can do it. In regards to Psi Power format that works fine for me.

Currently waiting to see how the other marines respond to Morgan before moving the scene forward.

Korbin considers the Apothecary's words for a moment before replying over private comms.

+++If the librarian is unable to discern if they are traiters we can always have a thorough medical exam and cross reference background information on the men to look for likely ties. If we want to avoid suspicion, we can always claim its for development of the tyranid enamel, which has to be individually developed for a specific marines' DNA. Maybe not the most medically sound, but could be a reason if we needed. I am not sure if this level of paranoia is justified, but I will support whatever action you decide.+++

Not sure about activating Demeanour once a mission, maybe I need to read up on using it. For me it just frames my charecter and guides the narrative of his personality and choices, it hasn't been a particular action...yet. If it ever were, not sure I'd need to say so, what would the difference make if it were my demeanour or not? To me it was just like something for maybe more xp if you roleplay. Here, its just more history and unique personality for each of our marine's chapters.

Korbin sees the men and respects their discipline and loyalty. While unsure what to make of the private vox transmission discussion, Korbin remains silent, feeling everything thats needed to be said has been and the courses of action will surely rest eveyones mind. We couldn't afford to have doubt in our brothers or our team, it would need to be earased if we had any hope of success.

+++We must make certain by any means necessary, we can't afford to be looking forward and over our shoulders. The mission and safety of the package depends on it.+++

Demeanors' can be triggered in game to grant a use of a fate point ability(core rulebook p.32), you play to the Demeanor and state you are using it to trigger it, which can be done once a game session(or mission in this case). Other than that it is cool you roleplay it.

"I'll take you to the bridge to meet the Captain." Uriel states and then leads you through the narrow passages of the strike cruiser. He shows you your quarters, the med bay, the tech bay, armory etc. on the way, familiarizing you with the cruiser's layout.

Finally leading you to the bridge you meet Captain Ndoci, a short, dark haired woman with a scar down one cheek and the noble bearing of a Paradise(the homeworld of the Divine Eagles) raised military woman.

"Deathwatch." She says with a bow of acknowledgement. "My ship, my life, are yours."

Now that you are aboard she gives the order to get underway. The strike cruisers oversized engines ignite and the vessel moves quickly towards the warp jump point.

A second squad of Divine Eagle marines arrives on the bridge behind you.

"I am Lucif." Their Sergeant, a large marine with a power axe and storm shield introduces himself. "And this is squad Purgatora. We are the Sternguard squad that will defend this ship from possible boarding actions on this mission. It's an honor to meet you." The whole squad gives a bow.

Reaching the Warp jump point the strike cruiser's Warp drive engages. It tears a hole in reality in front of the ship, a billowing black and red storm that the ship smoothly enters like a sharp blade into a wound.

The shutters on the glassteel windows lower, blocking out the mad view of the Warp. Ndoci turns to Squad Thannatos. "In less than two weeks we shall make our destination, this I promise. The Blade Unsheathed is the second fastest ship in the Eagles fleet."

She turns back to look at a hololithic display that shows the Navigators charted route.

"If you need or desire anything, contact me and I will provide it."

Once alone Naaman performs his ritual.

For the power to work you actually need the subject to be with you physically for the duration but I'll give you this one freebie.

I missed that one, I will remember it for later

Contemplating his options for a short moment Naaman replies to the secure communication: "Alas brother, save a fully fledged interrogation I have no such powers and my intentions would certainly be betrayed."

Once at the bridge Naaman allows his thoughts to flow to the time, when he served in his chapter's fleet. "Very well," is all Naaman remarks to Sternguards allowing the rest of squad Thannatos to continue the conversation should they wish. Focussing on the jump ahead Naaman shields his minds eye as the windows has been shielded on the bridge. Needing some time alone he retreats to his assigned quarters to perform the reading and focus on his thoughts and duties to the chapter and the Deathwatch.

Korbin labors furiously in the armory workshop, pushing the tech-priest from Mars to their limits, the marine's focus as steeled as the flesh of his Mechanicus brothers. It has been a project years in the making and while Korbin would've preferred the Sanctity of his own forges, he couldn't let his squad deploy on this mission without him.

The Machinator array would normally add much to the frame of a normal man, augmenting his strength and toughness with gears, motors, and support for his flesh, often doubling his size or more. However, for a marine with unnatural strength and toughness gifted from their gene-seed, Tech-Marines are often large enough and strong enough to support the additional harness and weight without increasing their size considerably.

One unique component that Korbin is careful to handle is mounting his Chapter relic to his Servo harness. Supported by the new Machinator array, the servo-arm utilized the added strength and support of his harness to support the weapon and wield it like an extension of his own body. Though it would take some time to adjust to his new limbs and senses, Korbin was confident the change was necessary and for the best. While he is working on that the Priests are attaching a breaching Augur to his servo-harness. This cone shaped drill was covered by a power-field and backed by powerful motors, able to breach doors and armor alike.

This process cost Korbin more than his share of resources for the mission. It was a further commitment to the Omnissiah and a personal sacrifice of his flesh, bringing him closer to a father he has strayed towards since leaving his Chapter and training to become a Techmarine on Mars.

Once completed, Korbin doesn't need to adjust his armor much. The priest and he had been preparing for this a while. After Korbin's Artificer armor was carefully selected, it was completely retrofitted for Korbin's unique shape and requirements. The previous wearer had been a Tech-Marine of his Chapter and had been ready to accommodate the upgrades, it was merely a mater of time for Korbin to display his own augmentations signifying his everlasting path of devotion to understanding technology.

While Brother Korbin is preoccupied during most of their flight Naaman begins to asses what materials he had received from the last mission. The recordings offer few answers and raises many question most due to uncertainty or lack of information. However the chapter should be alerted of what he had learned, thus the Librarian set to writing a letter. The autoquill in his hand danced over the parchment and soon the ink retained all that was to be related. Once dried he sealed it in wax and it was ready for transport once that became available.

Let me know if there is any additional information to be learned.

Apothecary Morgan weighs the threat of offending the Divine Eagles versus the threat of hidden traitor marines in the group. It takes less than a heartbeat for Apothecary Morgan to make his decision. The mission always came first, and the defense of the mission outweighed any objections any marine might have. Apothecary Morgan contacts his team over a comm line.

"We must be ever vigilant and therefore we must make sure we can trust this vessel and its inhabitants. We must test for any Alpha Legionaries."

Over the two weeks in transit Apothecary Morgan has all of the Divine Eagle task force report to the Apothecarium for several tests. Some of these are the actual before mission tests that must be carried out to ensure that all the marines are ready to fight, and that their organs are working properly. Apothecary Morgan adds in several tests to determine if any of the Marines are actually Alpha Legion, and also several tests to have everything ready in case they can develop Tyranid stealth enamel.

After Morgan gathers the samples he sits at his Cogitator and watches the Pict screen as the results come through.

...Brother Sandis: Valid: Primarch: Roboute Guilliman...

...Brother Amona: Valid: Primarch: Roboute Guilliman....

...Sergeant Uriel: Valid: Primarch: Roboute Guilliman...

The computer is taking its sweet time to process the results.

...Sergeant Lucif: Valid: Primarch: Roboute Guilliman...

...Brother Danial: Valid: Primarch: Roboute Guilliman...

...Brother Qino: Valid: Primarch: Roboute Guilliman...

Finally the tests are done, none of the Divine Eagles on board are Alpha Legion, still, the Lord Inquisitors would be impressed by Morgan's cautious thoroughness, he is definitely Inquisition material.

After 11 days in the Warp the strike cruiser breaks through to reality.

It arrives deep in the solar system, the better to reach its destination without interference, despite the danger of reentering realspace that close to several planetary gravity wells.

Gormunddar lies ahead, an emerald jewel surrounded on all sides by the purple and black stains of Tyranid Hive Ships, a long line of their brethren still arriving from the depths of space.

"The planet is engulfed." Ndoci informs you via Vox as you board your drop pods. "Hang on, this might get rough."

Several large Hive Ships drift rapidly from the stream of Tyranids arriving from deep space and the strike cruisers macro cannon light up, blasting bleeding holes in the carapace of the closest beasts.

The monsters respond in kind and streams of acid, explosive spore pods and balls of bioplasma chase The Blade Unsheathed as it arcs toward Gormunddar.

The strike cruiser rolls gracefully as it approaches, dodging most of the projectiles sent in its direction, the few that strike home simply flaring off its powerful void shields.

As the cruiser reaches the planet it opens fire with its forward lances, searing several bio ships in its path to ash. Unfortunately as it closes in it comes into the range of several of the larger Hive Ships' lashing pseudopods. The first few strikes are deflected, but then one armor tipped tendril smashes through the shields and strikes midship, tearing through ceramite plate and injecting a horde of Genestealers into the ship like a hypodermic needle pumping poison into a victims arm.

The strike cruiser is knocked slightly off course by the massive impact and when it releases it's twinned droppods, the one carrying you and the other Uriel's squad, they are separated and off target.

Yours screams through the atmosphere, striking into the dense jungle some sixty miles south of Shar Quinn's research facility, while the Eagles pod is lost nearly two hundred miles to the west.

Your pod bursts open, delivering you into a steamy and bright jungle, filled with green foliage and alive with small bright yellow birds, chittering monkeys and a chorus of singing insects.

"S#~!, sorry." Ndoci Voxs you. "I apologize for my failure."

You can see the bright spots of the strike cruisers engines as it pulls away from the planet in the upper atmosphere, trailing a sparkling line of debris from its wounded flank.

Sardus had spent most of his journey pouring over what he could of his brother's unique attack patterns. Reviewing reports and footage of anything relevant. He hoped to be ready to follow his brothers and experience it first hand should the need arise. Other time was spent observing the Captain and understanding leadership on a voidship, particularly a strike cruiser and her unique missions.

Everything seemed to be going as planned when they arrived into the system, but things turned bad and the pods off were knocked off course.
No stranger to Air Combat tactics, he wished he had been on the bridge to advise on their approach, perhaps even piloting. None the less, his team needed to be in the drop pods ready to deploy as quickly as possible. As he sat waiting, helpless to control anything but the pace of his breathing, he focused and cleared his mind of any doubt and past memories. Then everything went wrong and it was one hell of a ride to the surface.

Sardus steps out of the pod, gets a sense of their position and does a full scan of his environment, ready to cover his brothers. He opens a comm once outside, heavy bolter drawn and ready.

We might of scared away the wild beasts, but anything more intelligent will be here soon to investigate. We need to move.

Korbin and the priest finished with little time to spare. Just shortly before entering the system, Korbin had performed special rights for his armor and had finished his final, yet temporary, modifications to his Astartes Plasma gun, adjusting the sights and cogitators to provide a more accurate shot.

Sorry its late, we just jumped so quickly from maybe investigating to crashing in pods, had intended to pace out my posts and do this, but didn't get a chance too, hope its ok, to just recap the past and "assume" it happened. Giving Plasma Gun the Accurate quality as per Forgemaster ability and doing Armor Monger rights as well

Korbin didn't like this particular mission, it reminded him too much of his years spent stuck on an isolated planet, much like this. The only difference being that they had teleportation devices to get away and didn't need to await for air support to rescue them. He knew it would be different, but the years he spent trapped on an enemy planet held emotional baggage that he would try to overcome with focus and determination. He wasn’t the same person and the brothers beside him were different. Still, it had a familiarity that bothered him slightly. With that familiarity came its advantages though, he quickly slipped into the shadows, immersing himself in the sounds of the forest, content to mask himself as well as possible and scan with his augers.

He also took notice of any large tracks or signs of movement from larger predatory beasts.

Awareness +10, (Heightened Senses and Auto-senses +20, Watcher: +10, Auger +20) Per 53 vs 1d100 ⇒ 21

Sorry if I jumped the gun, it has been awhile since any mission action happened and I wasn't sure if you guys might be getting bored with ship board RP(I tend to like RPing and could have gone for awhile between you and the crew, but didn't want you to get bored). I'll ask in discussion in the future before doing any jumps like that again.

Korbin picks up many lifesigns and tracks, but none large or threatening enough to worry an Astartes.

Your Vox crackles as Uriel contacts you. "Squad Thannatos, we've impacted in some mountains some two hundred and fifty miles from the target. We are being attacked by swarms of lesser Tyranid creatures." You can hear Astartes battle chants, bolter fire and the screech of dying aliens in the background of his Vox message. "Please advise, what would you like us to do? If you can't hear us or contact us we will make a fighting retreat and try to make it to the installation to protect Shar Quinn and hope you make it there as well."

The immediate area is clear, going to scout ahead within support range.

Can't recall our support range at this level, but its not far, about 50m perhaps.

Not the lone hero type, more the lone marine type, Korbin slips away easily, ready to surprise anything that might be foolish enough to engage his brothers straight on. He isn't the type to go getting into trouble on his own, instead a much more patient man who bides his time, waiting for the right advantage. He knew all to well the perils they could face, the threat of being stranded behind enemy lines, the isolation from support or contact with others. He vowed it would be different this time, no matter the cost.

As he hears the comm from the other squad he's glad to hear they had survived. While he hopes for the best, he is honestly unsure if they will survive to rendezvous with them. All the better perhaps, no need to worry about a traitor in the midst. The smaller size of their squad and the distraction of them far off course could prove to be an excellent advantage to press while they have. Surely the sounds of his brothers approaching can't be missed, but a smaller squad of marines in tactical armor could move more quickly and appear less threatening if they played their cards right.

I will mask our presence as long as possible, nothing can know who we are or what we are doing. Surprise is our only advantage now.

Logically there is little else for anyone to be approaching. Whether the timing of the fleet is coincidental or part of a greater plan of Chaos', there could only be one point of interest for anything intelligent enough to look beyond its own appetite. If such creatures were here for other reason, then maybe, just maybe, a squad of Divine Eagles making noise and drawing attention will give his brothers the window they need to recover the package and it's materials.

Not sure of where his commander is or the remainder of his teams status, he stands down upon hearing Korbin's voice, declaring the area clear. He then takes a few moments to try and locate his squad and rouse them from the wreckage.

Hearing the voice of the Divine Eagle commander pleased Sardus. He didn't want to leave any man behind, even if it wasn't his call to make. He knew that they would serve honorably until their last breath, knowing that their mission would be carried on by Squad Thannatos. We will succeed he thinks to himself, ever sure of his place and others' in the eternal struggle.

We read you loud and clear brothers. Stand by for orders.He immediately opens comms to his team, Commander Morgan, we've recieved comms from the other pod, they are under attack and awaiting orders. Do you require assistance, should I recall the techmarine?