Storm of Sinners

Game Master BayouSnowman

Still here, just about.

I'm not sure if anyone will see this, and I don't want to get anyone's hopes up if they see a post, but I just wanted to say thanks. I really enjoyed this game short though it was. The concept was really good, made brilliant by the roleplaying everyone went for. I hope the RL problems that took people's time away are all good ones and wish you many happy games in the future.

Anyone still around? Got things with the business and family sorted and a little free time, wondering if anyone is still kicking on Paizo.

To borrow a quote from Captain Leitz of the Exorcists:
"We shall never rest while a single renegade draws breath. Let them fear our names.'
I am glad you are back!

This didn't appear on my feed, as these show as previous campaigns, it was only because I happened to look at the recruitment thread. Maybe try PMing people?

Any idea how to activate an inactive campaign? Gonna try posting in the IC thread, see if it awakens, also gonna PM the others.

Hell yeah!
My first pbp ever coming back to life?
Sure thing!
MisterLurch aka Ulrich is also still around (and in one of my games).

It's activated and should be visible again, I PM d everyone and even had a request to join by a new person, so I think we are going to have enough to continue and can fill some slots with new guys, which works out OK given where we left off, they'll be one of the others aboard.... Just gotta pull my notes and reacquaint myself with where we were and what is coming next. Glad you are all still around and interested in continuing this epic story that was/is years in the making.

I YET LIVE!!

I had better do some re-reading!

That makes 3, I think my brother LazyPanda will rejoin as well, total 4...might have a new guy or two join, hopefully our other comrades will join us too... Anyways, after 3am, off to bed, head churning as things come back to me... Definitely excited.

I had better do some re-reading!

Yes, I suggest we all do a little catch up... I'll also try to get a summary of important stuff in that you should recall that will be important in the future.

May a ask how your doing?
Made us worry about you and your daughter with that last post.
Hope everything turned out the good way?

Thanks for asking, its much better now, multiple surgeries later with ENT stuff, she's doing well and started pre-k, she's 5 now. Gonna be going home this summer (from China) and might leave my wife and daughter in the states for sometime and let her go to school there, depending on how they like it, they've never been. I of course have to return to china for work and our pets. Apologies for not having the time to resume the campaign, but RL took over and I had to focus and prioritize. Thank you all for your patience and work in preparing to resume this campaign, I know it'll be a difficult in the beginning, perhaps more so for me, having been out of the literature and not having all the rules and stats in full memory, but it'll come back to me.

Haven't received any more replies to my PMs, but it hasn't been 24 hours yet, so gonna give it a few days. I have gotten 2 PMs from new players and I invited them here, but I'm gonna reject any other requests from new players for the time being, this will be a large enough group for now.

Gonna do more reading and post a summary of our current squad members and roles for our own benefit as well as the 2 potential new guys, so they can see what needs to be filled in.

Cutting and pasting some relavent information that was IC, working backwards, this covers entering the secret facility after killing the Dameon Hunger by mistake, encountering the Thousand Suns and traitor legions, the necron facility in the planet core, encountering two types of necrons and the return of a brother to you by the necron. Also, you were teleported back to your ship and had a necron weapon which you promised to destroy and did.

As the wave of despair fills the room everyone can hear an unfamiliar voice that comes from everywhere, but yet nowhere you can see.
You thought the Gods would take no notice? You thought they would stand idly by as you planned their destruction? Hahahahaha the voice laughs deeply drowing out the laughter of the Inquisitor. I am the son of all and shall kneel to no other father. I, the first of my kind, shall prove myself once again to all my fathers and bathe myself in your blood as I slowly devour your souls. FOOLS! All of you shall bear witness to the end, for no force, ancient or new, can divide Chaos! The Champion of Malice is no more!

As the last of the rubric marines fall, you have no trouble hearing laughter, a hysterical laughter that abruptly ends as everyone is frozen in place where they stand, as if time completely crawls to a stop. Before you another Thousand Son sorcerer emerges, appearing in the midst of you, gliding by you as you helplessly watch. When he gets to the center of the circle, surrounded by fallen Rubric marines and the gory remains of the previous sorcerer he doesn't give any hint of displeasure or surprise, maintaining a steady gaze as he speaks to your minds.
You have proven yourself worthy, defeating a Daemon Prince, especially such an ancient one, was no small feat...While I had sought to test you personally, it will no longer be required. My Master has determined you fit for the task. Ahzammi was weak and selfish, one of you will make the final sacrifice necessary, this has been foreseen, do not deny your destiny Astartes! Their long sleep ends, shall yours begin?
Then the image slowly fades and as he vanishes, so does the temporal flux affecting everyone.
Magos Klute:
The arrival of your so called "Black Sun" can not be merely coincidence. I believe it may have something to do with the other facility located within this planets core. You see, our facility is merely a vessel or transport between the surface and a stationary facility in this planets core. Our task has mainly been ovbservation, for even this facility holds wonders beyond our current reasoning and understanding. We have not fully explored or mapped the inner facility. Previous attempts failed, for within the facility lie "guardians." The only intel we have extracted has been basic, our initial teams all lost, with only servo skulls returning for extraction. While I had been contempt to leave the facility untouched for the time being, the arrival of the the "Black Sun" has awakened something within the facility and we are recording new energy readings. I believe something has activated within the facility and I would like your assistance in investigating. Perhaps whatever the Inquisitor was looking for is there. Though how he knew of this place is still a mystery to me.

I am Elijah. This is my brother Dante. We have been assigned to this facility by the mandate of Mars. It is an honor to serve alongside Astartes. he says with a slight bow from him and the other. Then immediately his gaze turns to Brother Xing, It is rare to see a Warp Walker, I did not believe I would ever personally encounter another this far from the fringes of known space. he says with a cold and emotionless tone, the Kill team unsure if he is relieved or troubled by this. Then pointing towards Xing's Eldar flip belt with a bladed mechandrite, he says: Your kind is too fond of Xenos tools, I hope it serves you better than the countless Eldar I have cut down wearing similar affronts to the one true Machine God.
Elijah tries his best to explain, but it's slow, he seems to be meditating and your interruptions don't help on his self repair.
Machines unlike any I have ever encountered appeared in flashes of red light, they immediately began to slaughter and attempted to focus 8n me. I did not make it easy and as the servitors fell they dragged anything living away, dead or alive. They didn't bother with the servitors remains, they should be here... Then, as quickly as they came, they vanished. Taking their own... Even the fallen machines seemed to regenerate and rise again, I was sure this would be my end... I can walk now, we should rendezvous with your team... As for your auspex, now is not the time and I fear I can not perform the necessary rituals and rights with my injuries and damaged mechandrites... Thank you Astartes, had you not returned for me, I fear I too would have perished. As he rises he views the area and comments on the lack of evidence..
After the team deals with the mysterious flames they have some time to gather themselves and heal. If you try to exit through the door you entered then it won't open, only when Deleos and the Skitarri warriors approach does it open. When they near your helmet auspex indicates each others position and physical health. You may now communicate with each other again.
Before everyone is together again you receive another message by text on an open frequency:
Threat eliminated, infection risk zero. Deactivating stasis protocols, stand by to be received at current location. The Dynasty thanks you for your assistance. My master will be pleased.
The 3 machines move slowly forward in a non threatening manor, which suggest they wish to talk. Though you don't see anything you would call a mouth, you none the less hear their words. The smaller necron in the center strides forward ahead of the two shielded warriors, as the metal case behind them hovers inaudibly. His look of royalty and majestic presence cant be over looked. A singular eye, spine protruding past the hips into a tail like appendage. Glowing robes of shiny metal glisten from the blue light of its staff. All hulking size
The station A.I. has informed me of your actions. Our Dynasty wishes to thank you for your assistance in ridding this facility of the infected warriors you destroyed. Our stasis protocols would not allow risking exposure and corrupting our warriors, for this we offer you a gift... pausing while the floating metal box comes to his side and hovers towards the marines, while the three necrons wait. As it approaches, with the Necrons about 25m away from the marines, the box of metal floats towards you and begins to reveal something inside. The metal rescinds, as though it were living and liquid to reveal a clear glass, and a Space Marine inside, fully armored. When it pauses in front of the team, the clear glass parts in the middle and a hissing sound is made as the marine's eyes open for the first time in a long while. Simple awareness test reveals its a Deathwatch Champion of the Red Scorpions chapter, from the marks on its armor
he necron waits to reply as the red scorpion awakens and gathers some senses.

There was an author on Terra at the dawn of humankind that posed a question "Do you believe in free will?"... To which he replied, "Of course, what choice do I have?"... No one made you enter this facility, in fact, Chaos and Daemons have tried to prevent you from doing so... Mankind's xenophobia prevents you from uniting against a greater threat while the Eldar cower in the darkness, fanning the flames of conflict and prevent man from reaching its true potential... While we are not allies, yet, ... We do have common goals... You will be allowed to leave this facility alive and carry on a greater mission, if you choose to do so.
As your internal sensors come online and sync vital information with the squad you notice a lapse of about a century.
How we happened upon him is of little importance, perhaps your Dead Cabal can provide you more insight into our race, but know that there are many Dynasties among the Necron and not all see eye to eye, as your species would put it.
My race was once flesh and bone and there are many among us who wish to return to a life like before... To relinquish such a prize is a gift of the highest degree, but one fitting the favor and risk you took this day. In response to the Ultramarine the necron laughs and says, Your brothers and superiors have secrets that are not mine, the question of your Dead Cabal is better addressed to them.
One final gift, for it serves our goals as well as your own. I shall reunite you with your ship, for your true mission has yet to begin. I will open a portal and aid you, for remaining here would be certain doom. I do this not without risk to my own dynasty, but I have seen the possible futures and we must be allies, even if only temporarily.

I have but one favor to ask in return for my knowledge and help, pausing and slowly raising a hand and pointing to the necron sword... Promise you will destroy that weapon once out of this facility. In exchange I will tell you more of what I know. Breaking such an oath to a member of the royal court is an offense punishable by death. Do I have your word Pyros V'estrian. looking clearly towards him etching closer, but nothing overtly threatening I'm his
Knowing the future is dangerous knowledge, for you focus on everything and risk failing at all, focusing on the present is much simpler for mankind, for there are to many possibilitiesis. The way forward is the right path and will hold even greater risk.
We do not call it the Tyrant star, promise what I want and I will tell you more.
You think yourself clever with your word games in Gothic. The weapon must be destroyed immediately once you've left, I will not betray my entire race, you can stay here and take your chances in the heart of the Necron empire, or you can destroy it as soon as possible...Before you spend time trying to understand that which would be an affront to more than your Ommnissiah.
Scrutiny -40:
INT -30:
We do not have much longer, soon this world will vanish and the Hollow Sun with it. You may stay or leave. It is up to you.
If someone promises to immediately destroy it once free from this facilty.:

The Hollow Sun has risen. It will call forth many Tomb Worlds before it sets. Our long sleep is ending, and we will awaken to reclaim that which was once ours. The method and extent will depend largely on many factors, it is too soon for even me to tell which way the pendulum will swing between Light and Chaos. The timing is no coincidence. Malice, a forgotten Chaos God, weaves his web with the servants of the old, what his end game is, is beyond my sight. You must discover it's plans and prevent them. Humanity will not be able to stand alone against the Necron or Chaos. But united, you have a chance. Do not make enemies that could be allies in a conflict, on a scale, which has never been witnessed or recorded by mankind. Your race is far too young and strong to fade from existence. Not all Necron are mindless machines. Not all want the same as they once did. You will find many allies and enemies among my race, tread carefully, for while we are honorable, we are haunted by a past and reminded daily of the deceit and price of our "victory" over flesh and mortality.

The Hollow Sun will summon more of my kind from across your known universe. Not all will rise at once, but a large enough force will be summoned to exterminate anything in its path. My race has no accord with Chaos. Chaos ultimately seeks to end the existence of all life, it could never do so while at odds with each other. Malice however has hid for too long, he is taking the strongest of Chaos and uniting them under one god. While his final goals are unknown to me, it will not be good for the inhabitants of this universe. The Necron can not allow it, though how we decide to act has been under heavy debate. Some Dynasties would see us rest longer and deal with what is left, while others believe we should stand against them. I have yet to choose a side, but my opinion carries great weight in our courts. While I can no more formally ally our races more than you, we can begin to plant the seeds necessary for cooperation....Now if you have nothing further, we are almost out of time, you must decide to seek out Malice and his allies or wait to be exterminated. There is more I will reveal in time, I promise you this will not be our last encounter. Remember your promise.
Then the Necron turns away from you and raises his arm and staff, making a circular motion, as if painting a circle with his staff that grows brighter. A portal opens, pitch black and large enough for the marines to step through.
The Necron turns once more. You must hurry, within minutes the Hollow Sun will carry this place far far away. Step through to your ship or stay here. Free will. Then he turns and walks back towards his escorts.

Inquisitor Samson responds to the team by private Vox:
Remain in the command center, quarantine measures are in effect. You have been missing for days, the planet you were on vanished. We were chased out of the system by an Eldar fleet, when we returned for you, the Black Sun and the planet you were on had vanished. That was 3 days ago, where have you been? How can you explain teleporting here while we are in the warp? Additionally, who are the Skitarri who accompany you? Forge master Cyberius and a medical team will be reporting to you shortly. We are enroute back to the watch fortress...Welcome back Astartes, I will amend my reports and inform Inquisitor Zerbe at once of your arrival. I will update once I have additional information. Standby
Forgemaster Cyberius and a team of medical servitors enter the command center, followed up shortly by Inquisitor Samson. The forgemaster and Inquisitor are wearing what appear to be void suits, part of quarantine protocol.
We must remove your armor and initiate full medical exams of every member of your squad, including the Skitarri. says Samson as a flurry of Servo skulls and servitors begin to scan and assist members in removing their armor. Forgemaster Cyberius takes great care in the rituals and rights in removing armor and securing weapons. He doesn't pay much attention to the necron sword peculiarly. He does however seem excited by the Ancient Suit of armor worn by Vartas, and spends additional time caring for it and burning incense. He is clearly a man more concerned with his brothers than xenos tech.
Samson continues to address the squad. All surveillence and security measure have been disabled, you may speak freely here. Cyberius can be trusted, he knows how you came to be aboard my ship and his service to the Deathwatch is longer than any of yours by a century... What happened on that planet? Where did it go? Did you learn more of the anomaly?
After waiting for replies and in response to anyone who might asked what happened to the Black Pearl in Orbit, Samson explains:
We were ambushed by a small Eldar Fleet, the anomaly interfering with our sensors. We had no choice but to try and lead them away from you and try to return when we could. We fought them off and eventually were able to make our way back, but when we were within range, the Black Sun and the planet had vanished. As did the Eldar. With no sign of you we began our journey to Watch Fortress Erioch. The data we collected needs to be analyzed. Unfortunately our engines were damaged in the conflict, but we are working to repair them to full capacity.
Currently we are in warp transit and will arrive in 3 weeks according to my Navigators. We are trying to rendezvous with our reinforcements as escort, hopefully we will not encounter the Eldar again until then.
After everyone has removed armor and Cyberius is satisfied the machine spirits are pacified, he turns his attention to the Xenos sword.
1d100 ⇒ 43
1d100 ⇒ 99
I do not recognize this weapons origin, it is most intriguing. Before he can more closely inspect it though, the weapon powers up and a faint emerald green glow lightens in places. Whatever caused it to shut down has faded and as Cyberius is inspecting it, he presses the edges to closely, it slides through his armor like butter and servers a few fingers. He growls in anger as servitors rush to attend to him. He swats them away, the cut not drawing blood, merely severing mechanical flesh. It cut through my Artificer armor like it was not even there...What Foul Xenos did you recover this from?

The strain of such a revelation and loss in time slowly sinking in, Brother Tyreon is left to ponder the Inquisitors words without further intrusion.

He turns to address you all after asking you to sit. I have read your "official" report and have come to ask what details you have left out. Since we last saw each other it seems many things have changed. The loss of your initial transport troubles me little, though I must inquire to the details of what transpired before you boarded the Pearl. I did not agree with keeping you men in the dark, but it had to be made to seem real to the Magos and his network. The decision to destroy the vessel cost us a valuable asset, but I assure you it was not in vain. The information was enough to rouse the interest of the Dark Mechanicus and they had a fleet sent to intercept you. Should that ship have continued, I fear not only for your own lives, but the integrity of the mission had they been allowed to prevent your travels to the real anomoly or worst followed you to the system. The destruction of the ship was a necessary evil and a double edged sword. It cut out a high level infilitrator and revealed our hand to their network. Mechanicus figures we had been following have gone underground and we believe they might have been tipped off to our deception. Regardless, that matter is no longer a concern of yours and you all may retain your previous titles and wargear without fear of jeopardizing a larger investigation. I must admit, you have gained favor and allies in your doings, and brought much honor to your chapters and the Deathwatch in doing so. I shall see to it that you men are granted privelages befitting your actions and success. Remember before I gave you XP for a secret objective, there it is. Without destroying the ship, you would have had to deal with the Dark Mechanicus. I didn't think you all would revolt as you did, but hey, thats the way it goes. Nice job. Also, everyones now at reown level FAMED. Granting you all the little perks and privelages such esteem affords you. Renwon 80, Pyros gets the bonus I think, 1d5 ⇒ 4 to renown for himself.

Once the discussion of those details is finished, he moves onto question you about the actual Anomoly. It will take a while for the data to be correlated and sorted for my review, but I know you went planetside and the reports of Eldar activity were proven to be true in evidence found while in the system. I most curious about the Xenos tombs and how you came upon Brother Tyreon, the xenos weapon, and your teleportation aboard the Black Pearl after your supposed disappearance. Currently the Skittarri are being questioned and their minds and cogitators wiped of any and all evidence after proper interrogation. Then the Inquisitor speaks words in a foreign tongue that only Brother Pyros and Tyreon understand:

Inquisitor Zerbe listens intently to each of you, usually remaining silent as he absorbs all the information and discerns the half truths from original reports.

You were correct to contact Inquisitor Ramseus, she and I have been in regular contact every since. Unfortunately she has her own pressing matters to attend to....That being said, she has requested some additional support from the Deathwatch, while I had planned to send some fresh marines to aid her, in light of recent events, she requested your squad in addition to. I am gathering and recalling a number of specialist, those who have had prior training and initiation into the lore of this specific xenos threat. Those brothers are few and spread far, but it is necessary for the task before us carries the greatest risk we may have ever encountered. The news that the Necron may be split in their allegience is too good an oppurtunity to pass and we must be vigilent in pursuing every option available to us at this time. In approximately 3 months time, your transport and the men we are gathering shall be fully assembled and ready for deployment. Brother Vartas, you are the likely candidate to Captain the newly commisioned vessel that is near completion and will be on route within our timeframe. Much will depend on decision of the Watch Commander and his plans for each of you. Many great things are in store and soon all shall be revealed to you. Use this time wisely to prepare and ready yourselves for the coming mission. I will be updating you as we progress and Inquisitor Ramseus and I come to agreement on the best course of action. Recently the Omega Vaults have opened and revealed something quite mysterious, but I can not say more at this time. However, I have assigned Brother Xing to be among the team examing and stuying what we have found. When the time is right you will be briefed further. For now I suggest you tend to your own personal duties and the tasks that await you. If there is no further questioning, I will leave you be and will contact you again once there is need. Until then, speak to no one else of what has happened and keep to your official reports. If you find you have additional time on your hands, you may contact me individually, as I may have some use for you.

****We built a ship and you are currently on route to it via another ship, where you are training for your roles on the ship. Currently understudies of more experienced crewman and officers.******

The Hologram ship is unlike any you've ever seen. The look is definately human, but there are components that look unfamiliar.Anyone with Shipwright or another appropriate talent may roll, Archeotech included.

The cruiser class vehicle appears to be not very threatening at first glance, giving the marines pause, as they wonder what could be so special about such a ship.

Inquisitor Zerbe continues:
This is the "Dark Tide." A one of a kind ship that was wrested from a space hulk and has been undergoing repairs and retrofit for nearly a century. The coordinates were given to us by the Omega Vault long ago, but no mention of what we would find was given, merely a date and coordinates that we had to investigate. She is truely special and very experimental by our current understanding of the technology....

Indeed Chaplain Deleos the Inquisitor responds before continuing his introduction of the ship. While not all of the technology aboard is not completely understood, we know how to utilize it well. The Archeotech is truly astounding to behold, perhaps dating to the Dark Ages of humanity...The ship is built to be flexible and respond to almost any threat, all while looking like a sheep in wolves clothing. He then moves onto introducing you to the defensive and offensive abilities and components. The ability to be quiet, while be equipped with superb auspex and jammers. He explains this is a special ship and its existence and true potential must be closely guarded.
Perhaps the most important part of the ship is the advanced energy matrix. With its energy surplus it will allow you to reroute power to varying systems to increase their potential and power. This could be more speed, firepower, hull strength or other options. Your Techmarine will have much to familiarize himself with once aboard, same goes for the rest of you if you wish to contribute from the bridge of the vessel. As for weapons, while we do not fully understand the shard cannons, they consume no power and need no space for munitions, leaving significant space to be utilized. The "Dark Tide" is also very fast through the warp, having been given the latest warp engine technology. Some of her components were pulled from other ships, including her void shields and a questionable device we recovered from the Dark Mechanicus that creates a holographic projection of your ship, or another, using your shield array system, as you can guess, these projections confuse sensors and auxpex, not just the naked eye. With a large servitor crew and the recycling abilities of Space Marine suits, not much space is devoted to supplies.
He then answers any questions the marines may have regarding the ship before moving onto the mission briefing:
Inquisitor Ramseus has failed to report in, which is not all that unusual given her line of work and the authority at her discretion. Her last known position puts her near this location as he calls up another hologram showing a system, which looks relatively empty and the names have been purposely left out. The location of the rendezvous is on an ancient watch station, which she was reportedly last at. Once their, you will be under her command and the "Dark Tide" shall serve as her temporary flagship. Until she assumes mission command of the forces, Keeper Vartas will be named Captain of this DeathWatch vessel. We have assembled nearly a thousand marines with particular backgrounds and unique understanding of the Necron threat. Those men will be under the command of Brother Pyros and Wolf Priest Hammern shall be second in command. Pyros'unique past and extensive combat experience will serve him well as commander of the DeathWatch ground forces. If Brother Deleos feels up to the task, he may assume command of the Air Forces aboard the ship, in addition to his normal duties as Chaplain of the Ship, keeper of the Ancient shrines within. Brother Varryl will be consumed I'm sure by the demands of the ship and shifting resources and servitors when necessary, you are to be First Officer aboard the ship. Brother Xing will be in charge of the Telepathic Choir and the Librarians travelling with you, in addition to some other Psykers from various Orders within the Inquisition. Brother Tyreon shall be Chief Science and Medical officer while aboard. He then briefly introduces orally a number of other officers aboard the ship, not all marines, some highly capable and trusted individuals.

Just trying to figure out what would be available in a more objective way. Anything below rare from other books most likely freely available. For DW....
Crazy idea, but how about you roll on your renown instead of Profit Factor? There's a conversion chart in DW for it already. Nothing would cost you renown and I won't allow it for hero level equipment or chapter relics. Just thinking out loud..
Looked up the chart Core pg. 139
Scarce and between 1-14 requisition points freely available.
Rare (14-20) - 20 roll on renown
Very rare (21-30) - 30
Extremely Rare (31-50) - 40
If you trade something of equal value (temporarily) you can have a +10 bonus to your roll on renown. Breaking or losing means you don't get your traded item back.
Losing or breaking an item beyond repair will cost you 1 point of renown for every 10 points of requisition cost for the item. (rounded uo) This is too reflect that you went outside the armory to borrow personal wargear from a fellow marine, failure to return will hurt your reputation and make it difficult to borrow from others.
This would only apply if you wanted something not already requisitioned by you and decided you needed it while on board the ship or before a mission for departure. Trying to acquire something when there are fewer Marines around will increase the negative modifier to each tier, to reflect the lesser odds of finding what you want and possibly resistance to a trade by a marine deployed in battle.
So hows this for objective? Thoughts? Can begin using once we are on board and it becomes necessary.
Wait at the rendezvous for the "Dark Tide" until it arrives. Once there, you make haste for the Watch Station and find Inquisitor Ramseus. Our last contact has been brief and difficult to decipher given the distances, but she had been investigating the Necron threat for sometime now. She to believed she had found a planet that falls within the "Dark Pattern" and could be connected to the now more clearly understood "Hollow Sun." After being updated with your mission reports, the last contact was for reinforcements and this ship. I do not believe she intended to leave without you, if by chance she is not there, then you are to locate her unless there are standing orders when you arrive to contradict... As for my trust in turning over this ship to your command, you have all earned it. Your judgement and resolve have raised you above your peers. Most of our assets and attention is focused with the Navy and other military objectives that we have kept our involvement with the Necron secret and contained, not wanting to alert them fully to our presence and capabilities, as well as keeping the majority of our forces focused on the most imminent threats in the region, mainly Chaos and the Tyranid. You will be mostly on your own out there, at least for the time being. Officially, you will all be under orders from the Ordos Xenos and that will grant you much discretion and leeway in your travels. Just be mindful of your purpose and controlling the flow of information. It is of the utmost importance.

Inquisitor Zerbe continues if there are no further questions or concerns:
That is all I have for now. The Pios Immolation is being loaded as we speak, I suggest you men take a bit more than necessary, it may be a while before you return and we are not entirely sure what you will encounter. Extra munitions and supplies will be available, but if there is something you must have, you should requisition from our Fortress Armory before departing. Lastly, you will be joined by a truly ancient warrior, Brother Pardis will be awakened and given a Dreadnought armor, his past experience and knowledge will prove invaluable to you on your mission. With no more to say he dismisses you all and gives you 12 hours until departure.

*****Everyone has 200 requisition. I'll allow each person a chapter relic with your requisition points. Or you could choose a DW relic. As soon as you are finished, I'll update and put us on our way.*****

I"m gonna say since you have teleportorium, then you will also have some homers for use without req. No other advantage I can think of.

We know only a few types of their species and our few survivors have lived to relay limited intelligence. There are no known weaknesses, we do know Haywire weapons do have an effect on them, but some of the creatures can phase shift, making them difficult see. As for their regeneration, we have no means to counter it, though we have observed, that with enough damage, the regeneration can not keep up, causing the necron to disappear. Once aboard the Dark Tide you will have further briefing on the Necron threat. Brother Pardis has a wealth of knowledge on the subject.
Deleos, Pyros, and Varryl recall the story of the first Martyr. Though not all of the facts in the story have been shared. The sole survivor of the mission and later found and rescued was Brother Pardis. He survived hundreds of years in a Necron tomb, overlooked by the xenos after his heroic sacrifice that ended in vain. He bought his Brothers time, but they did not survive.
Deloes knows he is very old and ancient and that his sanity level can fluctuate.
Varryl knows that the brother has been kept in stasis and is rarely awakened for missions. He is well respected and a hero. You have his dreadnought armor. An ancient wonder to behold.
Vartas knows of a Brother Pardis being kept guard by the fortress Keepers, though you have yet to familiarize yourself with him or his background.

The Inquisitor responds to Brother Deleos' question:
The Tiger's Argent chapter, which may not even exist anymore. We have not had contact for a very long time. Brother Pardis has already begun the awakening rituals and will be fully revived from stasis by the time you depart.
AFTER THE MEETING:
As everything is moved aboard the Pios Immolation, you men find yourself at home, those of you that previously served aboard it. You recognize the crew and senior leadership, all of whom greet the squad, both new and old members. Your counterpart that you'll be shadowing and taking over duties for finds you and begins to brief you on specific aspects of your new roles while on board. Before the ship leaves you are summoned to the bridge for the ship's departure and entry into the warp on route to the rendezvous location.
The Captain welcomes you and reminds you of the length of this journey and your duties while en route, as much for you all, as the ship, crew, and other senior leadership.
For the next 6 months it will be my crew's job to bring you up to speed on the intricacies of running a Warp vessel and leading its crew. Each of you has a role and a mentor to learn from while we are on route to the Warp Gate. Each of you will receive intense training, schooling, and practice for your respected roles. In the event of an emergency situation, I will retain ultimate authority. The crew understand the unique situation and will treat you as their superiors. But make no mistake, this is my ship and crew and the Chain of Command will be respected. I pray to the Emperor for a safe journey and that he guide you men in achieving what you need for whatever upcoming mission you are deployed on....Now, if there is nothing further, each of you will take your places and be prepared to depart from the fortress and into the warp once at a safe distance. I expect each of you to report to me before we leave the system and to meet with the Navigator to make certain of our route and timeline. I will approve or disaprove your actions and suggestions. This is a learning experience, and my men have been instructed to ignore your renown and special status within the Deathwatch. It is their job to prepare you and I will leave it to their discretion on how best to do so. I will be watching. If you have any issues or concerns, bring them to your Captain and he can take it up with me. Are we all clear?
During the few days the ship takes to reach a safe distance you men begin to familiarize yourself with the ship and your responsibilities. You have a very busy schedule that leaves little time for combat training.
Once at the edge of the system, the ship enters the warp and all is fine, for the time being...

As time passes and the team gains more confidence in their ship roles, they hear of Brother Pardis' awakening, but he's refused any visitors.
Vartas finds many more doors opening to him, his ancient clavis easily manipulating the machine spirits and he moves throughout the ship unhindered. Very different than before. Tedious unlocking and codes, sentry guards protecting important areas, all give way to his new found Position. There is no secret aboard that couldn't be upturned.
Pyros and Ulrich address the men assigned to them. All of them seem to be veterans and of nearly equal renown in the DeathWatch. Still, no one questions your leadership and the men seem eager to follow your lead. While a few are taken aback by the cybernetic wolf, most pay it little attention once the initial encounter is over. Many men are eager to understand what the assignment is. You learn that the men have no idea what they are really doing here, a sign of their loyalty to the DeathWatch. Many ask of your encounters with the uknown Xenos, each seeming to have their own piece of the puzzle that is slowly being put together. But not all the pieces are present and/or have been found. And without a larger picture that is clear, its mostly guessing and sharing what little they know and are allowed to by Oaths. Pyros notices a group of Marines often group together and quiet down when others approach. It's only through training that you notice some of their tactics as ones you learned on your Dead Station Watch. Though none will openly admit it, you all share a connection that few others do.
Xing observes daily the ins and outs of the Choir and even has some instruction in telepathy, a necessary first step to sending messages to the furthest reaches of space. He feels the presence of a number of powerful individual Librarians. However one sticks out, though it seems contained by an unknown force. Very strange and your investigation leads to the Chambers where Brother Pardis is being kept. One day you feel an ancient and powerful force awaken and it nearly frightens you. The depth of the connection is unlike any you've encountered before. Any attempt to communicate further is met with anger and rage that's barely containable. But, as time passes, so does the intensity, until finally it seems more normal.
I'll get to others when they post
After you cross the halfway point, Vartas receives word that Brother Pardis is requesting to be placed in his Dreadnought armor. Though he has been revived for some time, he has remained solitary in his sarcophagus, refusing any visitors. He has been accessing information and catching up on what he's missed during his most recent slumber. He wishes to meet with the senior leaders in charge of this mission and discuss the Necron threat.
The team arrives and finds themselves all together for the first time in a long while. While paths had crossed and meetings had been held, training exercises and had been a full schedule and whatever down time you had was spent reading and learning more of the tactics necessary to fill your future roles.
As Deleos is persistent in his offer to Pardis, it finally pays off. He is sent an invitation prior to the others, asking Deleos to join him at the Chapel Forge. A single tech-priest emerges from a large enclosed chamber when you arrive and requests the Chaplain follow him. The Ancient One has requested you enter first to pray.
Deleos can hear words in his mind as he enters, the Ancient one reaching out to him through telethapy. Pray with me Chaplain Deleos, for I have much burden and each awakening is like standing under a waterfall of repressed memories and emotions that can be overwhelming. I trust your will and devotion will protect you from my own inanities should they rise to the surface...stay with me and calm the fires, less I break something...The awakening process while aboard and in warp transit, is far from ideal circumstance, but yee have need of my knowledge.
That's what I had intended but had forgotten the post with others. You'll have some roleplay in there before the rest begin/enter. Just trying to work something in for the Chaplain, as its difficult to have appropriate parts for you in the game...Or maybe its just my inexperience, feel free to share other ideas where I could give your title some attention or deeper role in the game.
After 4 long ours the tech-priest emerges again and invites the marines ouside to enter and join Brother Deleos. Upon entering, you can feel an ancient mind pressing against yours, as words in a voice you've never heard appear in your minds at the same time. The Necron have awakened and so have I, their factions will be their undoing, for they have no honor and can not be trusted. All power hungry machines. We must learn how to further exploit this. As you get closer and focus on what's in front of you and the intial shock of the strong telepathic connection fades, you find yourself looking upwards, an ancient suit of Dreadnought armor, though unarmed and without munitions.Let us see what you know, then I shall know where to begin. Ask your questions, I will share all I know.
Long over due post, busy IRL and daughter has been ill. Not much sleep and daily trips to hospital for IV drips. Getting better. Just bought air purifiers for the house, so much pollution and crap in the air here.

Ahhh good times were had :-)
I am certainly looking forward to continue this epic story!

I'm back!

Ready to kick butt in the Emperor's name, assuming I can remember how to play!

@Vartas: I thought you were too busy with other games to take on the captain's chair? Judging from the GMs post in the recruitment that is.
Anyway, that would make 4 (5 with LazyPanda) from the original crew - which speaks volumes for the interest from everyone after such a long time!

Still need a squad layout, that's next, of everyone who is here and their roles as marines and aboard the ship.

- Deleos is the Chaplain aboard, so in case of any theological, psychological and personal needs, you will want to find him in the Chapel

- Deleos is a trained assault shock trooper with a jump pack and highly modified Thunderhammer. Coupled with his chapters blood fury he is able to dish out a remarkable amount of damage in CQF, but isn't the most tanky one in the group (and a remarkable bad shot for Astartes standards)

- In addition, he has taken position of Wing Commander and may be your pilot on many missions, since he is quite a skilled pilot (due to being a jump pack user)

- Skill-wise: Deleos is good 2nd-in-command (or may even take lead if required, with a high Command skill), a good pilot (personal&small craft) and can make for a mediocre scout (if getting rid of the armor penalties). Most xp has gone into combat skills to be honest.

@New Characters: Yeah Tech-Marine if we don't get Varryl back. And maybe a full-fledged scout could be useful as well. Maybe a Raven Guard? They make awesome scouts due to their chapter boni getting rid of that massive power armor stealth penalty...

So we have Deleos, Ulrich, Pyros, Vartas and Xing (assuming he recovers his password, said he would join)... Haven't heard from Varryl...

Could everyone do me a favor, for myself and others new and old, post your marine class and any alternative ranks you took, so others know the gaps and I know what important npcs might need to be created.. Will probably just bot Varryl if he never replies, remember he consumed some brains and gained some visions, which I can't recall yet, or haven't read... Anyways, millions of things going through my head, getting things in order, going over notes etc... Also let me know when you all are caught up and ready to begin again, no rush, I might post stuff before you are caught up, but I promise to give you time and allow 1 or 2 new guys to join... They'll be among the Marines on board, but will be called up to join your ranks and hopefully fill missing roles

We don't have tech priest if Varryl is out... Ulrich is a capable medic with his Wolf Priest... Vartas is keeper, Pyros has dead station alt rank, Deleos is a chaplain, from what I can recall...

Hi, this is Wanderer, one of those who PMed BayouSnowman about joining the game. @Deleos I am working on a stealth/recon Space Marine at this very moment, and was wondering, @Bayou if a Raptor (Raven Guard successor chapter) can take the Guerilla Warfare talent, as all the information about them lists them as being a stealthy as their forebears? Assuming your "you can take rules and gear from any 40k source", I am guessing that a talent from their parent chapter that also fits their combat doctrine would not be an issue?

Huh, a reasonable marine, I see...
Joke aside, I am a fan of the Raptors and would love to see one in the squad.

@Vartas: I thought you were too busy with other games to take on the captain's chair? Judging from the GMs post in the recruitment that is.

That's what I'd originally said, then changed my mind about 5 minutes later. I'm playing in quite a bit of PF PbP but I'm probably going to have one game die soon and one is a short scenario that should finish pretty soon.

Vartas is a Deathwatch Keeper, essentially a guardian of the Deathwatch's relics and captured xenos (alongside a smattering of secret knowledge). He was formerly an Ultramarine Devastator before taking on the mantle of Keeper and captain of the new vessel (the Dark Tide?).

His in-combat role is ranged attacks, mainly with heavy weapons but he's a pretty serviceable sniper too.

Out of combat, he's an excellent commander and tactician, is incredibly perceptive, and has very good interpersonal skills.

I am working on a stealth/recon Space Marine at this very moment, and was wondering, @Bayou if a Raptor (Raven Guard successor chapter) can take the Guerilla Warfare talent, as all the information about them lists them as being a stealthy as their forebears? Assuming your "you can take rules and gear from any 40k source", I am guessing that a talent from their parent chapter that also fits their combat doctrine would not be an issue?

A Raptor/Raven Guard would be amazing. The Raven Guard are my favourite Frist Founding Chapter (and I'm currently just embarking on painting an army of them for 40K) and the Raptors have some great abilities in Honour The Chapter.

I was originally thinking Raven Guard, but wanted to go more shooty/sniper build, and was considering designing one of their successor chapters when I stumbled into the Raptors with my Google-fu (which seems to line up pretty well for my concept).

The alternative would still be to create a successor chapter, such as the Revilers, or even an unlisted successor, something suitably dark & avian, like the Ghost Falcons or the Wraith Hawks.

@Wanderer - I have compared Raven Guard and Wolf Scout rather extensively .. you should take a look at the Wolf Scout if you are not opposed to Space Wolves. The key with them is that ALL of the "stealth" skills are based on perception with some pretty hefty bonuses. You want to look at the Wolf Senses solo mode ability (it is passive so you ALWAYS get to use it) while keeping in mind that your stealth rolls will use many of those same rules...

Excellent, so many back!
We don't need sneaky! I have that covered, I just need to beat that target of 0! ;) I am really not a scout's friend, with all the clanky shiny stuff and glowing red eyes!
Pyros V'estian is a Salamander tactical marine who spent some time as a Dead Station Vigilant, (although obviously this isn't talked about!) before being asked to return for a second term in the Deathwatch where he has gained first company status. He is adorned in exquisite war material: an ancient set of armour that he aims to cleanse of its tainted history, a master crafted thunder hammer made by his own hand that bursts into flame and a relic flamer when appropriate to the mission (although last mission he took a storm shield instead). He also tends to fit a shoulder grenade launcher and is often seen wearing a very old and very battered salamander cloak. In combat he advances to contact, flaming as he goes, before swinging away with his hammer and enduring.
A very old marine (he would prefer the term venerable!) He is fiercely intelligent and knowledgeable with a commanding presence, although often prefers to take a second in command/Mentor/Sergeant supporting the officer role. Like many of his chapter his knowledge extends heavily into the technical, and his manner is more human than your average space marine. On board the new ship, Pyros has been made commander of the Deathwatch ground forces aboard, with Wolf Priest Ulrich as his second.

Hi, this is Wanderer, one of those who PMed BayouSnowman about joining the game. @Deleos I am working on a stealth/recon Space Marine at this very moment, and was wondering, @Bayou if a Raptor (Raven Guard successor chapter) can take the Guerilla Warfare talent, as all the information about them lists them as being a stealthy as their forebears? Assuming your "you can take rules and gear from any 40k source", I am guessing that a talent from their parent chapter that also fits their combat doctrine would not be an issue?

I don't think that will be a problem if it's as straightforward as you explained. You could create a chapter if you wish, all up to you, I'm pretty reasonable with the books and encourage imagination and creativity as these guys will tell you.

Love the raven guard as well, Keeper Sardus is still probably my favorite Alias.

Just re-reading the DW rules and noting how much has changed between DW and OW (which I am currently playing most of the times).
@Bayou: What do you think about the OW special uses of the Command Skill "Terrify" and "Inspire"?

- Terrify: Can be used as a reaction to counter the effects of fear effects on allies. You test Command vs Willpower of the Fear-causing creature. Each side gets a +10 for each Fear-rating they possess. If successful, allies may ignore the fear effect.
--> I'd love to use this with Delos, considering his Command skill AND Fear rating. Plus it is incredibly flavourful for an Chaplain to counter the foul influence of Chaos or Xenos with holy words and adamant resolve.

- Inspire: Command+0 test to provide an ally a +10 on his next Skill or Characteristic test.
--> A quick encouraging word or prayer (full round) to lift the morale of others in a crucial moment seems like the thing to do for a Chaplain, right?

Sup everybody, glad to be back, got some reading to do, ready to kick some Demon ass.

Here's the ship profile, thought I had done it before and I did, just something you would have been provided during your transit to rendezvous with it. Honestly don't think we'll get into ship combat in enough details to roll, unless you want to... Its more for fluff and story narrative.. I'll of course make some rolls should the need arise, but it'll be very overall macro rolling based on your posts and decisions... You can be stealthy, or go in guns blazing, hide, or board and destroy, etc... You have every option available of course, but it'll be based more on story and less rolls... Unless you want detailed ship combat turn by turn.... Or maybe just can decide for each encounter... Sounds fair? I'm not all too familiar with those rules from RT, but I've got the books and minimal experience, but willing to learn and try if you all desire.

Wow, a Rank 7 has A LOT of experience, this is taking a while to spend all of, but almost done.

Hello all.

My problem is paring down ideas. I'm pretty familiar with Deathwatch, having run and played in multiple tabletop campaigns.

It seems that you could use a techie type, perhaps librarian.

Notions:

* Imperial Fist Tactical Marine/Honour Guard

* Blood Drinker Librarian/Champion

* Iron Hands Techmarine/Forge Master

And I'm up for suggestions.

I think the things we are most down are an Apothecary, a Techmarine (and I can cover Tech-use up to a point)and someone sneaky. We currently have 2 tactical marines (well at least partly) and 1 librarian. Having said that!!! I'm pretty sure that it was this game that I was advised to play the character you really want to play, then you stick with it, and here we are!

@Pyros

Gotcha!

@BayouSnowman

Those three combinations are in order of preference. Would you be okay with an Imperial Fist honour guard being assigned to this mission?

I also forgot that Ulrich took Wolf Priest, so we might actually have apothecary covered too!

And I will be super sneaky, so techmarine could definitely be useful

Edit
If you want to go Honour Guard, and people feel we need a techmarine, I can rebuild in that direction. Let me know everyone's thoughts.

I personally like techmarines, so I'm a little biased perhaps... If you've read up you know, without the surprise others had, that we'll be dealing with some necron and facing new technology... A Forge master would be first officer aboard your ship and will have plenty of opportunity to shine, compared to some campaigns where their skills are and abilities are not always useful... But it's up to you, there will be npcs to fill in gaps, so don't feel pressured into it... Play your dream marine if you really want, with whatever background, chapter, and alt rank(s) you desire..

We do have a librarian and wolf priest for some healing, but not a full blown Apothecary..

Having said that, having a pc in one of those roles will offer oppurtunity and abilities that npcs might not have, as ideas and strategy I want to come from my players and not necessarily from npcs... They can help with pc ideas, but their skills and chance of success will be less.

Usually no one likes playing Apothecary and few like techmarine, this games years in the making and potential to be played for a long time, so I'd rather you play something you want and will stick with.

I'm now thinking Iron Hands Forge Master is the way forward. A good fit for the in game situation.

Would it be possible to get medicae trained as an elite advance? So he can sub as a healer?

Sure, you can do that as per the rules and xp costs... Love Iron hands... Should play well with our enemy

You can also requisition a narthacium

Haha, Iron Hands Tech Marine - Medic:
"You don't need this weak organ, here I'll implant you with this new, all-iron replacement instead, forged by my very own hands..."

Cool. :) And yeah, Iron Hands can be utterly, ruthlessly logical. ;)

Some questions, apologies if this is covered and I missed it:

1. Are Jericho Reach salient abilities available?

2. Is more than one starting deed allowed?

3. If I wanted to take a second advanced speciality, would there be any additional costs besides xp?

4. Can we select distinctions?

5. Can the new characters select from that list of elite advances in the campaign info?

I think so yes to all the above... 3,4,5 definitely yes... 1 I'm not sure I think those are only available to dead station alt ranks, which you have access to, but we'll need to define your experience, probably by PM... If you want more than one deed, PM me and its possible, just depends on your background and justification, but probably not a problem just want it to be more for RolePlay and less for cheaper abilities, so as long as you can commit to the RolePlay and accept what I throw at you, we'll be fine.

As for 3 no additional costs for a second alt rank. Also stick to two distinctions for now... Armor can be chosen and history chosen.

Checking the Jericho Reach book, the abilities are linked to missions completed in particular salients. But the game does assume that killteams are operating in the Jericho Reach, Would it be possible to say that the forge master had battled chaos forces elsewhere (or even in the Jericho Reach) in a prior deathwatch assignment and gain access to some of the Acheron salient abilities, to detect and resist chaos?

About armour, a forge master will start with artificer armour. Should I just roll histories for that, or for both suits? And can the battle damage deed apply to the artificer armour? Perhaps his old suit rebuilt after a brutal battle?

And exactly how much xp is the group on?