Mordigael's call

Game Master tko540

Calling has gone out across the stars, flashing through the minds of psykers and the processors of machines alike. Deathwatch, the militant chamber of Odro Xenos , is recruiting once again. Chapter Masters and Company Commanders alike, have sent their tariff. Each Astartes is chosen for a reason. The tempering of lust for combat, learning tactical command, access to lost and forbidden technologies and lore… The list is endless.
BROTHERS!!! WELCOME TO DEATHWATCH!

After being subjugated to the grueling regime of hypno-indoctrination and the relentless drilling by senior members, Watch Captain Tiberion has declared your team fit for mission. He has summoned you all to a small briefing room. A personal serf has told you all that he will be arriving shortly…

Alright folks, I figure this is a little bit to time to flesh yourselves out and get to know your teammates… You all have been “training together.” Yes I know, brothers join seasoned kill teams, but I’m fudging things a little.

Name: Solar
Chapter: White Consuls
Demeanor: Calculating
Chapter Demeanor: Honour the Codex
Primarch's Curse: Pride of Ultramar
Specialty: Tactical marine
Past: Fought Alongside Marneus Calgar
Power Armour mark: Mk7 (8/10)
Power Armour History: None Shall Escape the Emperor's Wrath (+5 BS, -10 dodge in melee)
Wounds: 23/23 FPs: 3/3

Description: Bald, dark skined, with brown eyes.

Reporting in!

stats in profile

Brother Lanius of the Raven Guard, Assault Marine

Description: Like many of his brethren, his gene-seed mutations have resulted in ivory skin, and raven black hair, along with black eyes.
Personality: Laconic even by marine standards, but with an occasional hint of sarcasm.

The Flesh is Weak. The thought again crossed Brother Calculus' mind, as he observed the other members of the kill-team. Having taken the oath, he knew that they will be his strength and he theirs. But the harsh judgmental world view birthed from the harsh realities of Medusa was indelible.

He flexed his augmetic left hand as he considered this.

Stats under the profile.

Soon more of my flesh will be stripped from me until all that is left is strength.

He removed his helmet to reveal to the world his head which was unadorned by hair. A small metallic protrusion on the left hemisphere of his skull was the only evidence of the MIU implant.

Who will be found worthy? Who will be found wanting?

Anyone else reading the Horus Heresy books?

"So begins our true service to the Deathwatch brothers. I for one am eager to show my use" Brother Solar says to the group after removing his helm. He nods to the others paying paticuarlar attention to the Ultramarine Quintus. Solar found it hard to hide his respect for members of his parent chapter.

"Well said, Brother Solar."

Call me when the mission starts He trods off to his room to work on his weapons alone

Solar watches the Salamander go, knowing that lack of team spirit would weaken the squad. It was, however, undeniable that N'Keln was a talented and proud marine, not to be admonished for petty infractions. The White Consul only hopes that the Salamander would not be so insular while on the field.

"I am eager as well to show my worth. I shall not let you down, my brothers," Raziel said. He had never served with such a variety of Marines before, and while the Salamander's complete lack of fellowship was surprising, he took no offense from it. However... "Brother N'Keln, the Watch Captain will be delivering the briefing shortly. Surely you do not wish to be absent?"

bleh misread it all and thought we were doing some group pow wow

He pauses a moment

Yes of course. I've been preoccupied with my work and got distracted a moment. He looks uncomfortable for a moment, then stands rigid and attentive

Yeah more or less until the GM shows up but it's only supposed to be a few minutes in-game

Raziel nodded. It was understandable, they were all in foreign territory compared to their chapters. He personally was grateful that his sarcophagus had been transferred to his cell here.

The sound of a page turning marked Brother Lanius's presence, though how long he had been there was a matter of conjecture. He looked up from his heavy tome of histories and nodded solemnly. "Ready."

Brother-Apothecary Quintus, reporting.

Quintus met the younger Marine's gaze and nodded.

Indeed, Brother Solar. It is time we put our training to the test.

Name: Logan
Chapter: Space wolves
Demeanor: Proud
Chapter Demeanor: The Sons of Russ
Primarch's Curse: Curse of the wulfen
Specialty: librarian
Past: Frenis hunter
Power Armour mark: Mk7 "Aquila" (7/10)
Power Armour History: Unknown Provenance)
Wounds: 19/19 FPs: 3/3

You see, even the Apothecary is ready to end the Xenos scum, Logan proclaimed with a friendly pat on Quintus's power pack.

An adjoining door opens into the briefing room. Watch Captain Tiberion enters the briefing room stopping at the head of the briefing table.

In the Emperor's name, I congratulate you young Marines. You now stand on the edge of the abyss. You must hold tight to your courage, and remain steadfast in your faith. They will be your sword and shield as you face the horrors that threaten the Imperium."

The Carcharodon, once of member of the Red Brethern, surveys Astartes arranged in front of him. He studies each of their faces, remembering their strengths and weakness during their training.

"The industrial moon of Tantalus, of the Castrobel system in the area of the Reach know as Orpheus Salient, for the past five solar months has come under siege by the Tyranid menace. While the rest of the system still hangs in the balance, Tantalus is in its death throes. With each passing moment the Devouring tide closes it jaws tighter, and the lives of all that remain is counted in mere hours.

After the initial attack from the Hive Fleet Dagon, a small detachment from the Adeptus Mechanichus Biologis was sent to study the Xenos beasts. Their priceless data on the bio-forms and attack patterns of Hive Fleet Dagon may yet prove valuable. As of recent intelligence, the scales have tipped into the bio-morphs favor with the arrival of a bio-ship carrying heavy reinforcements.

The Mechanicum has been unable to breach the relentless waves of bio spheres. Their most recent and final attempt was carried out by their last surviving member, Magos Vyakai. The Magos’ shuttle was brought down near a promethium extraction complex designation Pyroclast-Gamma-9. Since the crash, we have received fragments transmissions. His survival and retrieval of the vital data core is your mission Marines!
The Magos and the data have precious little time left.

The frigate “Thunder’s Word” is standing by to immediate insertion. Proceed with all haste Marines!

Alright I'm going to use a bit of time warping here, go ahead and work out a leader for the mission, the oath which will be taken, formal objectives will be laid out further in the mission; however your initials are Retrieve the Datacore and rescue magos.

All of you will receive double loadout on ammo for your main weapon, grenades, and meds. You also will receive a one-use emergency beacon for pick up. The req will be low since there is not a massive Watch Fortress armory at your disposal. Req: 110 for whole kill team.

The long-standing ties between the Iron Hands and the Mechanicum made the briefing of particular interest to Brother Calculus who also had the opportunity of going to Mars for indoctrination into their mysteries.

"Your command received. Compliance imminent."

Can I requisition an auspex?

So when you say a double loadout on ammo, and grendaes does that mean 2 clips of the Tactical Marine standard special issue ammunition? I thought, in this game you're assumed to have limitless amunition for your boltgun/bolt pistol. Do you want it otherwise? In which case, how much starting bolt ammo should we have? Also I was thinking of requisitioning a missile launcher, how much ammo would that come with?

I think the Tech marine and the Devastator should take the extra requisition, as they'll prob need it more than anyone else in this mission. I'm happy to take less requisition as a shooty commander. So unless there's something the squad as a whole needs I'd suggest:
N'Keln the fireforged - 20 points
Brother Calculus - 20 points
Battle Brother Raziel - 15 points
Brother Lanius - 15 points
Brother-Apothecary Quintus - 15 points
Rune Priest Logan Black Blade - 15 points
Brother Solar - 10 points

"It will be as you command Captain" Solar saluted the aging warrior
"What are the chances of finding this magos alive sir? When was he last contacted and what was his situation then?"
"Also what knowledge do we have on tyranid movements in the area? Can we safly assume that our mission is to retrieve the magos as quickly as possible, ignoring targets of opportunity and keeping a low profile when we can."

What I normally do for basic ammo loadout is have players roll 1d4+2, as for special ammo... yes you will receive two of them. As for the missile launcher, you get one in the tube and 5 in the rack. REQ not used up by one player may be transferred to another.

"The last databurst received was roughly three hours ago. The information recovered stated that the spear tip forces had been sighted and that the swarm was not far behind. You're primary objective is the datacore retrieval; however if possible save the Magos. Aside from those, targets of opportunity, salvation of the Emperor's loyal servant, and speed of movement I leave to you.

When everyone has decided what to do with their REQ I'm will give a push.

"Very good sir" Solar responds eagerly

Bolter clips: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4x2=8
Bolt Pistol Clips: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

An astartes missile launcher has a clip size of 8, will it really start with only 6 missiles?

Brother Calculus salutes the Watch Captain, fist over heart.

"For the Emperor!"

Bolter ammo 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 x2=8
Bolt Pistol ammo 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

So much equipment, so little respect to use it. Just using 10 req.

Lanius closed his book and stood up, tucking it under his arm and taking a moment of contemplation to recall all he knew about fighting tyranids. Melee was his preferred style, but against countless hordes might be trickier.

"Flamer. Will suffice."

Bolt pistol clips: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 x2=10 (If I use even one of these clips something has gone wrong.)
Flamer fuel tanks: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

"After tracking and killing a Ice bear in a Fenris storm I think finding this Magos and the data will be a simple task. Also I would like to nominate Brother Solar as squad leader on this mission."

logan said, Gesturing to Brother Solar.

Bolt pistol clips: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6x2=12
Bolter clips: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6x2=12

Raziel nodded. "I will also use a hand flamer," he said."Other than that, my chainsword and pistol suffice for the purpose. And I'm willing to follow Brother Solar's lead." Tactical Marines were well-trained for a variety of contingencies. Raziel knew that he was too focused on the attack, toe to toe, to be a good leader.

Bolt pistol clips: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 x2 = 6
Hand flamer tanks: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

I'll take the purging fires of the Emporer's wrath, a heavy flamer to fry any xenos scum that bars my path to supplement the heavy bolter as needed!
Heavy flamer tanks: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Bolt Pistol clips: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Heavy bolter rounds: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Quintus's scarred face twisted into a grin with the mention of Tyranids. He hated all Xenos, as any son of the Emperor would, but the horrific race held a special place in his two hearts. Any day he could eradicate that scum would be a good one.

Brothers, if I might offer a word of advice, during the Battle for Macragge we found that Metal Storm rounds made swift work of the scuttling hordes so common among Tyranids. If we can afford it, it would seem prudent to carry some magazines.

I also support Brother Solar as the leader for this mission. We have all trained together and I think we can all agree that he seems the most able. Although he didn't let it show on his face, Quintus was proud of the White Consul. It seemed apt that a descendant of Roboute Guilliman would lead the first mission. He had no doubt that Solar was up to the challenge.

I'm buying a clip of Metal Storm rounds, which is 12 req. I'd also like to spend what's left of the requisition on medical supplies. We can never be too careful. ;)

Bolter Clips: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Bolt Pistol Clips: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Aren't metal storm 15 like all others? Is it different in the errata?

They are. My bad. I was looking at the Witch Bolts. >.>

Pride filled Solar's chest as his brothers volunteered his for the position of squad leader. Being a second founding Chapter, the White Consuls had a long history of victories to be proud of, but each of his new squad mates came from a first founding chapter. First founding chapters with histories from long before the time of the betrayer, back to the God Emperor's crusades. To have their approval was a great honour to the White Consul.
"Thank you for the nomination Brothers. I will not let you down."

"I know you will not fail us, Brother Solar."

"Failure is not an option while in the service of the Emperor."

Brother Calculus activates a small device that fill the briefing chamber with devotional hymms.

The datacore will be ours, Emperor willing!

"We shall pull the Magos from the talons of the Xenos scum, or else reap bloody vengeance for him and his fallen comrades, in the name of the Emperor," Raziel said.

I'll need a stalker pattern boltgun with a scope as well to handle what the purging fires of the emperors wrath cannot!

His words are rote and without much strength beyond his natural deep tenor

Roll for the bolter, Also you received the Heavy flamer with a back pack supply (75shots)As for anything else, I'll wait for everyone's ok and hopefully have the next post up tonight. By the way fellas keep track of your shots and nades!! Because I will! Muhahaha

The grey space shark nods his head, agreeing with each of the requests for equipment. They seemed to have thought out their prudently and chose well. Now the race began, save the Magos and his precious knowledge or let it forever fade.

A voice echoes through out the ship Attention Deathwatch Teams!! We have dropped out of warp as close to the target as possible. Head to the Drop Pod bay immediately!

The Watch Captain turns to the assembled Marines and looks to Brother Solar, Be swift and silent. Lead your Brothers to victory. Your Team designation: Vindicta.

He now looks to the whole team,"May the Emperor protect you. You are the champions of the Imperium and Angels of Death...Prove yourselves today!"

The Emperor shall guide us Sir! Brother Solar responds to the Captain with a nod before heading off towards the drop-pod bay with all haste, his new equipment latched to his power armour.

Vindicta rolling out Hefts his gear and makes his way solemnly to the drop pods

Brother Calculus nods his salute to the Watch Captain and follows the others into the drop pod.

”Each of you enters the Drop Pod, looking yourself inside the thrones. The pod is fired from orbit tearing a blazing scar across the sky. Inside the pod, you thank your armor’s machine spirit for shielding your heightened senses from the cacophony outside. Inside your mind, you replay the briefing. You go over each and every detail with perfect clarity.

Attention Deathwatch vessel Thunder’s Word! This is Magos Biologis Zardos Vyakai. My conveyance has been fatally damaged and has been forced to crash-land en-route to the rendezvous zone. I survive, the datacore survives. Immediate extraction is required. The Tide approaches. Crash site security compromised, searching for shelter. The last transmission from the Magos echoes in your mind.

”Vindicta, this is the Thunder’s Word, intelligence update. Swarm arrival estimation five (5) hours and counting. We will hold in orbit evading detection as long as possible, we will also be providing reconnaissance on the swarm’s progress. We regret to report that Imperial citizens have been determined to be expendable at this point.”

The retro thrusters hammer into the assault craft. The pod’s door blast open and you spring forth from your thrones, armor systems already engaging, auto senses tracking and weapons locked. The low light of the planets mid-day sun wanes. As you survey the immediate surroundings your filters detect two scents, burning chemicals and human blood.

Solar give me a navigation (land) roll (+10) Everyone else it’s up to you from here.

Raziel took his chainsword in hand and the flamer in the other, looking around and readying himself to move at the Squad Leader's word.

Immediately starts peering at the surroundings through his scope looking for any threats and also for any hints to the location of the Biologis Zardos

Nothing can be straightforward when Tryannids are involved can it? He states to no one in particular

Tech-use TN = 56 or lower 1d100 ⇒ 50

Calculus uses the auspex to scan for hostiles.

Quintus followed his brothers to the drop-pod bay, securing his newly acquired diagnoster helm to his tactical belt. Enemies of the Emperor would die this day.

Checking his weapons more out of familiarity than any real necessity, Lanius took up position opposite brother Raziel, so that the pair of them were taking the flanks.

Lanius's steps were careful and silent, belying the heavy nature of his armor completely.
Move Silently: 1d100 ⇒ 52 Comparing to 72, 20 lower. So one degree of success? More just a desire to throw dice here. I don't expect the rest of us to try stealth here.

Flamer in his left and chainsword in his left, he looked to Brother Solar. Between him and Quintus, Lanius had full confidence in their experience.

Once fully locked into the droppod the White Consul Solar took the opertunity to briefly pray to the God Emperor, the saint Sabat and The Primarch Guilliman.

Assuming I get an other +10 for the Cortograph:
Navigation (Surface) {41+10+10=61}: 1d100 ⇒ 49 1 degree of success I believe.

Allowing the others to spread out around him Brother Solar takes the opertunity to take in his suroundings and figure out where they have landed. He does this from the cover of the grounded Drop-pod.

Brother Solar, should we be in Squad Mode?

Calculus wields his bolter in his right hand and the auspex in his left hand.

It has no advantage while we don't have any attack or defense patterns activated. I haven't had a chance to note down what Tactical Spacing, Regroup or Soak Fire do yet. I'll look into that tonight after work

The terrain surrounding your drop site is tundra like. The land is broken and cracked, torn with steep crags and muddy sink holes. The air itself is cold and thick, heavy with the stench of burning chemicals. The near twilight like conditions is odd for midday. In the distance you see remnants of excavation sites and industrialization. The architecture is brutally crude yet effective. Broken pipelines and small service shacks dot the landscape. The ground presents a gruesome scene of mutilated convict-workers. Many of who have had the skin flayed and bodies ravaged.

Brother Solar’s cartograph hums to life immediately; it presents an overview assembled by the frigate’s augur array. From your present location Brother Solar has determined that the pod hit roughly 2km South East of the crash site.

Inside of the current range of Calaculus’ auspex, not threats are detected. On occasion a small blip of life appears only to vanish as a ghost. Lanius seemingly appears and disappears in and out of shadows, slipping silently from one to the other.

If you are looking at the map, orient it so that 10 to 7 is northly

keeps his bolter at the ready, a wary eye to the surroundings as he prepares to move out towards the crash site to find their man.

We should probably get moving to the crash site, I'll cover with the stalker until we get into closer quarters and then overwatch on point with the flamer

He begins to trudge, almost not waiting on the squad

"I shall take the high road and see if I can see anything from up there," Raziel said, activating his jump pack to launch in an arcing trajectory towards the crash site.

We should probably get moving to the crash site, I'll cover with the stalker until we get into closer quarters and then overwatch on point with the flamer

"Agreed, the crash-site is the one place that we know the magos has been."

I suggest we run until the crash site is in full view then slow down to a more catious speed

I'm going to enter squad mode and activate tactical spacing unless anyone objects