Storm of Sinners

Game Master BayouSnowman

Lucian stands in an ancient suit of Ultramarines relic terminator armour, weapons on the xenos but his mind is on the manipulations of the Dynasty and the cabal he has just heard of.

I'm the reverse invisible puppet master feeling the strings my puppets pull voluntarily and telling their story, trying not to miss a vibration.

Varryl
Just wanted to clear up your last round actions. Don't believe I resolved them as clearly on the posts as I did in my mind. I gave you the tex gun shot, but it was too the sword, couldn't tell clearly from your post, and the 1 dice was closer to his sword than flamer on hit chart. Also I figured it was dead by then and you all continued to hit it to counter any regeneration, your aim and logis implant put you on auto pilot with aim and you got the shot and frenzied with your mechandrite or fist, so I decided to haywire the sword for your awesome rolls. Also adds a little bit to the story that I came up with, choices are always nice to present to my players. You still need a dodge roll for the last flame attack. As forgemaster it could be incredible tech to study.

It's been brought to my attention that I didn't consider the haywire effect has a bigger blast radius and shut down a great number of things including armor and implants. We can restart the scene, keep as is but assume everyone except Tyreon and the necron who came after affected by the blast.

After reviewing the book description of weapon, the haywire range is minimized with the gun, usually large explosion or grenades cause the effects and have (x) for range of a dead zone, while trxchorcism gun has no value (x). So my resolution could make sense in gameplay. However, if you would like to roll for a range I could allow.

Fine either way guys. Read the @Varryl post above for more context of this discussion. Sorry it was missed earlier.

Just to clarify the options then.
1) Start the scene again from just before the arrival of Tyreon and the 'dynasty' Necrons, but with most of us trapped in now unpowered armour, and possibly with any bionic implants not working.
2) Assume the haywire effect only applied to the sword as no range was mentioned in the book and carry on from where we are.

I'm happy to roll with the group view on this, but I would lean towards the 2nd one rather than rehashing the conversation with the Necrons (where we are all/mostly) seriously at their mercy.

Oh and in the interests of completing the picture, Pyros stands in an ancient suit of Mk2 armour, at the spot where he finished fighting the Necron that carried the big sword. Currently he stands talking to the Necrons, however still in the ready pose, weapons in hand despite the horrendously cloven helmet he wears and the terrible wound to his head.

Option 2 sounds more intriguing. Perhaps limit the effect to contact with the weapon for the short term. Sorry Xing.

The field effect would have dissipated after 25 seconds anyway. Just enough time for us to figure out what happened and why all our gloves are scuffed up. Plus my fatigue(2 or 10 depending on how we look at the Machine Trait, personally I'd say 10)

Limiting to the weapon makes sense also because haywire roll is on critical damage, which the attacks wouldn't have been critical damage versus the weapons AP.

I'm leaning towards keeping as is, update the weapon status and position, then carry on. But I'll go with what majority wants.

I think it'd be too confusing to run the scene again. I'd leave it as is.

Same here.
Var 1 sounds really confusing.

Ok, seems we have enough opinion to keep as is, weapon is not functioning currently. Let's continue and I'll try to be more mindful of things and catch potential issues before we go to far ahead.

Sounds fine to me, Xing does not want the sword, just collecting valuable intelligence... He may not want it destroyed, but will follow orders.

Well seems Varryl is making the promise, Pyros feel free to answer, but I'll update now so you guys can move on.

Pyros was posting as soon as I was posting, so his promise was a few minutes ahead of my post. No time to really update it, because its not a specific enough promise for the Necron. He wants it destroyed immediately, while Varryl promises not to let it out of his sight until he does, which could be many years. So if someone promises then we move forward as per the spoiler, if no one wishes to make that promise, then roleplay it and we'll move forward in a different direction. There's options either way, I'm prepared for whatever, so someone step up and give the man what he wants or just post you're remaining silent on the matter and see how it plays out.

I just wanted to say that I'm really enjoying this part with the Necrons. They're not seen much in the various 40KPRGs, and I like that they're being used as more than just bolt round fodder.

Yea, there's not much fluff for them either. Lots of npc details and history, but being so new and unique to the universe it leaves me with leeway and a bit more work, though I enjoy it immensely. Hope everyone enjoys.

Sure thing!
One of those factions I only knew superficially about their fluff and stuff.
Maybe my insight will cause some hiccups in the human-Necron diplomacy =D

You're a pioneer in that diplomatic department.

The elite of the xeno-hunting department of humanity - which Xeno diplomacy consists mainly of assigning priorities which xeno race has to be extinct first - initiates 'diplomacy' with a 'new' race.

Warhammer 40k is just ridiculous from time to time ;-)

Loving it as well, difficult trying to find the balance, 'between kill all the xenos' and 'save the most human life's' (I am a Salamander after all). But wouldn't be fun if it wasn't a challenge.

As soon as Pyros gives the order, I'll update.

Does anyone remember offhand the name of our ship? I cannot remember, and I would prefer not to have to dig.

Pyros and Tyreon, you have nothing IC indicating a link, you'll have to discover that through RolePlay.

I think the ship is called Black Pearl.

Inquisitor Ramseus? Who is that? Someone you met before I took over? How would Pyros know that?

No one seems bothered by the days in time you lost, but I'll elaborate more in my next update. Pyros could continue to lead until you've met up with superiors of DW or you can collectively decide matters, didn't consider that when I said mission over... Just food for thought.

I'll try to update soon today.

Sorry, I was just going with the idea that Pyros had spotted that Tyreon had known about the cabal, from something he said whilst talking to the Necron. (Unless I got the wrong idea from player knowledge, I will check). The Inquisitor Ramseus was someone you mentioned in a PM regarding how much I did or didn't know about Necrons, you said that was who I had accompanied on a visit to an old dead Necron station. Pm was entitled Necron Lore #2. Just thought Pyros would want to contact the Dead Cabal asap. Hope that is ok.

This might be a good time to make clear what I and also Pyros for that matter, know of all the things that happened to the team before this Mission. I was pretty much popped up as they landed on the planet so what were my orders in the first place?^^

Good questions.

First, Pyros, thanks for the reminder, I'll double check that PM, good call wanting to contact him, you also know other channels for contacting the Cabal, but we can be vague about it so we don't have as much to remember. Just make your intent known IC and I'll respond. Though doing so now aboard this ship will be by Astro telepathy, so your message would not be specific, just indicate you need a meet or some signal/messages that would let them know it's of significance. If you picked up on something I that Tyreon might be in the club, just be cautious and play it out, you never know. Sure you have some secret handshake or way of knowing, just RolePlay it as you two like, it's a very secretive thing.

Deleos, aboard the Pearl, recently assigned as Chaplin for the Astartes aboard, all black shield, but you aren't a regular part of the crew, just added without knowing why, same as Pyros, though his addition was because someone suspected the Dark Pattern and Tyrant star, though only he knows that. You didn't know you'd be joined by everyone else, as there is no way to know what would happen. You don't know that the previous ship they were on, the one you know got destroyed... Though you suspect the new addition of Marines, even in black armor, but you know better than to ask..

I think that clears everyone up and sets the tone and background. If I think of more or your not sure, just post. Good questions, those were important details, like that you're paying attention.

So I also don't know their real names and origin?
I posted a few times like I know their origin (their respective Primarchs and so on) and always talked to them with their real names...

We can easily start with that over right now, we should just make it consistent from now on. Maybe they stayed with their names but tried to hide their origin chapters ... I just have to remind myself about this when I give pushing talks in fights.

They were using real names but we discussed each would have an alias on the ship, but just confusing trying to post those names and remember... Once off the ship it'll return to normal, just assume that they have used an alias, but they could have told you more since they were not true black shiels.

Ulrich's origin chapter was pretty obvious even before he forgot himself and broke his "cover"; no other chapter has the characteristic fangs. The presence of the wolf beside him just makes it more obvious.

That mistake is actually a large part of why he did not argue about the change in command. Though he did not like the subterfuge to begin with, but that breach of his cover is a serious mistake in his eyes.

Yeah, Lucian kind of gave himself away too when he got agitated about the relic Terminator armour. He became very Ultramarine in that moment.

You all may come to the chapel and confess your sins to your trusted chaplain any time ;-)

The important part was/is maintaining cover on the ship. It was just more RolePlay dynamics to challenge and throw yo off, plus some temporary fun as black shields and sharing modes. You did pretty well all things considered. A little busy today, I'll try to get the update posted by tonight my time.

Quick question about Signature Wargear (Hero): (p.126 core book)
- Can I specify a complete new Item or do this have to be the same item as Signature Wargear (Master)? E.g.: do I keep my Signature Wargear Thudnerhammer if I purchase an artificer armor with Wargear(Hero)?
- Does (Hero) Wargear has the same buffs for the wargear as (Master)?

I am a little confused with the given wording ... again ;-)

Hero requires the same item as Master and Signature Wargear. Each requires the previous tier for that item.

Hero would be a new weapon/armor of your choosing, same buffs as master, but whatever master item you had would be lost/exchanged for the hero, unless the talent specified is armor or weapon. Some classes/alt rank specifically say armor or weapons, so if you took weapon it would replace master.. Hero (armor) would replace your current armor. It's kind of bad the way it's set up,but when we cross that bridge I'll work with you individually. Once we get back your renown is gonna get a bump, most likely to hero status.

Anyone with alt rank they've been waiting to take will have an opportunity to do so then, just outline what you are doing and I'll probably let you write up and post details yourself. Got enough with story, not sure I could really do you justice if you took war priest or keeper.. I've never read a wh40k novel so I'm afraid I might not do a great job in the details, but I could try if I think I'm up to it. Just might not be as grand as it could/should b. We'll cross that bridge when we get there, just know that the option is coming soon and you can prepare. Just give me a heads up earlier so I can make rooming the narrative for such things as alt rank or hero gear, as they're a big deal. Sound good?

Sure.
I imagine to get my trusted hammer refurbished by the master artisians after the battle against a demon prince (again) and all that.
I may go for master-crafted quality and maybe an incorporated dipole maglock ... melee weapon upgrades are just really non-existent in deathwatch which is kinda sad. Would have 10 possible req over from the 70 of Hero-Wargear.

By the way Bayou: you gave me the Master of Blades distinction ... I'm kinda confused by that weird destining. What would happen to things like master-quality, weapon focus and so on of a weapon if I exchange the profile of a weapon? Would they still give the boni? And what kind of action is the swap (it simply states "once a round")?

Here is example summing up most of the problems:
Deleos has all weapons stowed and gets attacked in melee. My master-crafted hammer (+10WS) has the dipole mglock which allows a draw-action as part of a parry - which would normally be impossible with the hammer due to being unbalanced.
Could I use the Master of Blades Ability to exchange the stats from hammer and crozius (making it possible to parry with it) and then quick-draw-parry with the hammer?
If so, would I still get the +10WS Bonus from the hammer itself being master-crafted?

A lot to think and crunch over I know, but we are now pretty high-level and lots of the cool high-level stuff is crazy unthoughtful written in my opinion, so lots of things for the GM to decide - sadly.

[EDIT:]By the way: I looked at the "First Founding" book again and noted that some of the first founding that already appeared in the core book, got NEW Solo and Squad modes, so if you guys did not closly looked at your chapter (like me^^) you may miss cool stuff! In my case an extremely cool solo mode ability for blood angel jump pack users =D

I think switching weapon profiles is when it's drawn and equipped, not just one you, though you can switch freely and use on as the other... So I'll say you can draw it to parry but not get the WS bonus as it applies to the quality of the weapon vs the nature of it, make sense? Hope that answers your questions. Look at other wh40k books for weapons upgrades for an example to further upgrade your weapon, possibly create something new, I'm open to being creative at this level and soon you will all reach max levels, so we will be able to go beyond the books. Might borrow from DH ascension later on to continue further pc growth, if you don't have that book on can post some tables and examples later on when we get there. I'm boosting every enemy profile as you guys are strong and need a challenge, so no reason you all won't be able to do the same and become truly legendary. I don't really have any end game scenario in sight, I'll GM this as long as we got players which will hopefully be years to come. Though if people eventually tire of these pcs we could do new ones in my same universe. Lots of possibilities for the future as long as you fellas are willing and able.

On another note, I'd love to turn this story into a novel.

Sure thing, there sure is enough story already and hopefully even more will come! One condition: Let me read it as soon as you have first drafts xDD

Yeah sounds reasonable, but ai do not have the Blade Master yet as it was kinda weird for me (and still kinda is... From fluff as from mechanic point of view) but maybe I will eventually get along with it. Sure is an amazing feat to have but we'll see.

On the matter on upgrades: Cool I will have a look, or maybe try something new - you might get some weird ideas from me because I'm playing an ork mekboy in a rogue trader campaign here, so I can get really creative if I am allowed ;-)

On the matter on continuing beyond the books: Sure thing! I love overpowered games ... I have some crazy-as-hell Pathfinder homebrews going on in RL so count me in ^^

Lucian is going to continue on his path to become a Keeper, though I need to save another 2000xp to afford it.

Rites of Battle says that all potential Keepers are questioned by their Watch Commander as a trial before they are allowed to become Keepers. Are we likely to encounter our Watch Commander at some point in the near future? If not, I'll start saving my XP at a later date and spend what I've got now.

Vartas, save your XP. It'll be coming soon, thought about your situation and gonna work it into the story.

Deleos and everyone, I've tried to encourage and stress creativity from since taking over, you all are high enough rank and have earned some fun.

We are going to roleplay as much debrief as you're willing to share then we will jump 3 weeks to the Watch Fortress. You guys know the drill, welcome to spend XP and eventually quarantine will end, but you all still need to observe the rules from before. You all died and wear black shield armor (to those that it applied to before, if it didn't to you before, then it doesn't now.) Once everyone is finished with debrief and updates what they're doing for the transit time, then I'll bring us to the Watch Fortress. Feel free ask/do anything in between, I'll of course respond. Only when you've finished will we arrive and see what happens next to your squad.

Well you asked for it: =)

Missing the renown too, but that'll be addressed once back. You all will be bumped to Hero level, that's guaranteed.

As for missing xp, on a case by case basis I'm willing to offer some xp in advance for some things as who knows when you will be in a position to do what you want as my format has shown. Even if not granted right away, the process will begin and things set in motion. I'm handling the Alternative ranks requests like this for keeper and war priest. Just need you fellas to mention something here or by PM so I can fit it on to my narrative and make sure you aren't too far off in xp. Maybe with 2k for alt rank and 1k for hero gear. If you are that close we can talk, otherwise, you'll have to wait.

As for your ideas Deleos, sanctified is easily done.

Jump pack charge would have to be a body charge, not weapons charge, but could work.

Adding the grenade would be a bit cumbersome and time consuming, I think the priests might not like it. But if you really want this one we could work it out.

Something could be done to remove unwieldy, perhaps combined with sanctified, that sounds like a heros weapon to me.

It sure does! Yeah the grenade thing was the least probable from the start, but the idea was there so I put it up xD
Going sanctified PLUS removal of unwieldy would be truly fearsome ... for the foes of mankind of course!

Ok, your order is being processed, expect shipping delays, but you'll have it before Thanksgiving. Trust me, you're going to need it where you're going.

Sweet. =D (the shipping and also the expectation of needing it)

I'm all sorted for now I think, might consider a hero weapon, but since mine is a custom chapter, I'd need to come up with something, and its hard to beat a force sword at my level...Maybe Artificer armor would be cool. Or some other item or DW relic...

No alt. ranks for me, I've already taken mine so no need to think of Xing any time soon.

Let me know what rolls I need to make if any for checking that book while we are on route back. Its all I plan on doing so probably some extended test, hope it gleams something useful.

Copy that Xing, sorry been trying to catch up for Soul Reaver and now trying to get into an actual game thats recruiting, an OW campaign that atleast Deleos is applying to. Small world. I'll get to your FB Lore ASAP.

Also, after we finish in the command center, I'll let you know about the tests for researching the book. Need to go back and recall what I've already given you from it in your previous attempts/tests.

@Tyreon:

Please organize your profile like others have done, it's a requirement for my game. I don't know what you rolled for, but after looking at your profile I see its a solo mode, but no description, I'm not searching through books for everyone's unique abilities, modes, deamenours, etc, cut and paste it into your profile or type a summary for each. Also need you to list the math for your Xp expenditures, which for you should be much easier than others as you've spent 6,000 xp on alt ranks. Thanks. If you can I'd like a little more RolePlay in your posts, whether on Regards to others or in your own posts and rolls, it will help me and you greatly in developing the story and your PC and his relationship with the squad.

@Tyreon:

Please organize your profile like others have done, it's a requirement for my game. I don't know what you rolled for, but after looking at your profile I see its a solo mode, but no description, I'm not searching through books for everyone's unique abilities, modes, deamenours, etc, cut and paste it into your profile or type a summary for each. Also need you to list the math for your Xp expenditures, which for you should be much easier than others as you've spent 6,000 xp on alt ranks. Thanks. If you can I'd like a little more RolePlay in your posts, whether on Regards to others or in your own posts and rolls, it will help me and you greatly in developing the story and your PC and his relationship with the squad.

Copy that.