Very pleased with the situation Elyas can't help but to smile for himself within the helmet. Assessing the situation he voxes on the squad frequency: +++"Brothers do we close in on the gate house or attack the gathered heretics?"+++
++I long to bring them the Emperor's wrath personally, but ultimately the best way to work His will is to open the way for our mortal allies to join in holy retribution. I stand ready.++
Brother Leon, if you are able to open it from the gate house, can you make sure it can't be closed again. Even if it means disabling the machine until the battle is over? How long will it take to open and do we need to guard it to make sure it remains open before you can disable it?
If we wish to remain together then we cover Leon and make our way to the gate house, but we need to think about our move after. We could split up and move towards the next objective, waiting to cover Leon when he can catch up. Likely the gates opening is going to draw a lot of attention and bring significant force down on that location.
Is there an entrance nearby to the interior? I believe we need to make our way to the central control room and put down the leaders.
We will move together into the gatehouse, and defend that position while Brother Leon communes with the machine spirits to open the gate. Once the gate is open, we should try to lock it open, by destroying the controls if necessary.
Once that is done, we will assess our next actions. It may be that we are called upon to take down the leadership of this rebellion, but we will address that issue once the gatehouse is ours.
Formation as before. Courage and honour Brothers.
"For the lion and the Emperor," Elyas mumbles to himself as he prepares to lead the team into the breach once again. As carefully as possible Elyas leaves the relative protection and moves towards the gate house trying not to call attention to the group.
You make it to the Gatehouse unhindered. The rebels appear to be preoccupied with the mass of loyal armor knocking at their door. On top of that, it looks as if the basilisks from earlier have started opening fire as artillery shells rain down on the rebels positions.
The Gatehouse itself is a single structure along the wall rising up 15 meters along the wall. It is accessed by a simple ladder. You cannot see inside of the structure from your current position.
Commander, you should inform the Colonel of whats on this side of the gate. They need to be prepared, I don't think they anticipated this level of armed resistance.
I think we should try and destroy the forward vehicles to trap their forces inside and allow time for our forces to move in armor and deal with this infantry. If the enemies starts to move out the gate when it opens, they'll block the entrance and prevent our forces from moving in. We need to keep that gate clear for our forces and box in their resistance. The confusion of being attacked from inside the compound and incoming support from the opening gate should be crushing to their moral and fixed forces.
We can't allow them to bottleneck our forces and pick them off as they enter the gate. We need to buy them time and coordinate an attack inside. Perhaps we should take one of those tanks and bring the Emporer's wraith down onto these Heretics with their own tools.
Lucian quickly updates the Colonel on the rebel forces within the courtyard, and advises him of the plan to open the gate.
The vox channels are frequently interrupted by bursts of static as artillery shells detonate nearby, but Lucian switches to the squad channel.
I propose a two stage plan. Creating confusion and disorder within the rebel forces will hamper their response to the Colonel's assault, and we need to limit the amount of armour that they can bring to bear.
To that end, Leon and Castil will infiltrate the gatehouse, deal with any resistance within, and prepare to open the gate. Leon, take the missile launcher so that our explosives are spread out.
Zedkiel, Elyas and I will move as unobtrusively as possible towards those main battle tanks to destroy some of their armour and foment confusion within the rebel ranks. The more damage we can do, the better.
Are you ready to be the instrument of the Emperor's judgement Brothers?
Copy that commander.
Brother Castil looks at Leon and says, "I will prepare us and reinforce our mechanical implants and cybernetics for the batttle to come. Do not fear the grasp of the warp, for it's merely a blanket that I can remove at any time."
Brother Castil closes his eyes and becomes still as he pulls the warp around himself and brother Leon.
Unfettered (Half Action)Deus ex Ferrum WP 70 +25 PR bonus vs 3 DOS
The Iron Hands Librarian focuses his mind and links his iron will to the strength of his augmetics, bolstering himself and his allies. The Librarian and a number of Battle Brothers equal to his Psy Rating within a number of metres of the Librarian equal to his Psy Rating gain a +10 bonus to both Strength and Toughness. This bonus is increased by +5 for every cybernetic possessed by the affected Space Marine (The Flesh Is Weak Talent counts its level towards these requirements). If used at the Unfettered Level, this Power is a Half Action. If used at the Push Level, this Power is a Free Action.
After opening his eyes again, a determination, renewed by the certainty of battle, flowed through Castil and he eyed his objective. "Brother Leon, come, let's move to the guard house while our brother's cover us."
Valerio takes the missile launcher. "Copy Brother Commander. May the light of the Emperor guide you." He claps Lucian on the shoulder as he moves to Brother Castil, readying himself for the assault. He shrugs the launcher into place on his back and withdraws his Astartes Shotgun and a Photon Flash grenade.
"Brother, I suggest that we move to the gatehouse and use a more standard Breech and Clear method to remove the danger of any combatants. I will be using the Photon Flash grenade in order to minimize collateral damage to any controls we may still need to use. Please watch your aim, I would like to keep the controls operational until such a time that it becomes unwise."
Valerio taps his fire selector to using Solid Slug rounds, and sets off for the gatehouse. He runs into position to the left of the ladder, keeping himself close to the wall. He readies his grenade and awaits Castil to be in position.
Clearly having missed the intentions of his squad leader Elyas finds himself by the gatehouse as the change in orders are passed through the aether. "By the Lion," he curses to himself. Pausing he waits for the others to move and then he will follow in the indicated direction.
It is what I exist for, Brother-Commander. On your mark. Zedkiel readies his flamer.
Looking up the ladder of the Gatehouse you see no rebels within, however you have a pretty limited view of the interior.
You hear the sounds of talking and laughing coming from within the Gatehouse. After a few seconds of listening you can count at least 4 different voices.
As Brother Castil and Leon make their way forward, he pauses at the stairs and motions for Leon to do the same.
Awareness 70 vs
Castil comms the team: Four men up above. Let's take them quietly, we don't even know if we can open it yet. Best not to give away our hand just yet. As he finishes, he draws his force sword and begins to climb, darkening his photo-visors for the imminent action. As he nears the top, he pauses and looks to brother Leon to signal him.
On your count.
As he waits brother Leon he hopes the light isn't enough to gather the attention of the surrounding troops. If they can't open the door from here it was going to be hell. He didn't fear for himself, but for those who would be crippled because flesh is weak.
We will move cautiously through the compound, so as not to be discovered prematurely. The nearest squadron of battle tanks is our first goal, I will place a demolition charge on one of the tanks, which hopefully will take out the whole squadron once it's magazine explodes. The artillery bombardment will provide a distraction, but we should take care not to enter the zones of fire.
Zedkiel activates his stummer and follows.
Valerio takes a deep breath, preparing himself for the onslaught.
"Mark!"
Valerio tosses the grenade into the room above him. He moves quickly, with his Shotgun in one hand he hauls himself up the ladder, using only one arm to throw himself up into the room. He can feel the surge of strength from Castil and reminds himself to thank his brother.
The techmarines grenade is met with a shout just before it detonates with a satisfying thud. The two of you rush up the ladder and are immediately met by the remains of two former rebels, gore splattered across the room from their demise. A quick glance reveals little of interest in this room other than a set of stairs leading to the second floor. Above you you can hear two voices shouting loudly, they sound panicked.
Once you head upstairs you see the remaining two rebels as well as what appears to be a control console. One of the larger is significantly larger then a normal man, his size reminiscent of the Ogryns you encountered before. However, this creature also seems to have undergone some kind of bionic enhancement. You are both familiar enough with the technology to recognize his modifications as hastily done at best.
Your team manages to work their way across the battlefield and into a small trench that is only a short distance away from one of the rebel tank squads. It looks like the late day sun as well as the Colonels bombardment have both done well to disguise your movements.
Elyas and Zedkiel, keep watch. I will plant a demolition charge on the central tank of the group, then we shall move on and repeat the process with another squadron. If we are discovered, try and take out the rebels with as little noise as possible. If we go loud too early, we may be in trouble.
Before moving towards the corralled tanks, Lucian voxes Leon to utilise his expertise.
Leon, do you have any knowledge of the structure and vulnerabilities of this mark of Leman Russ? I would like to place my charge in a weak spot near the magazine, if such a thing exists.
Castil points his force sword at the little one, his eyes never leaving the the bionically enhanced soldier in front of him.
YOU. Open the main gate and you may live long enough to repent.
He then moves his sword and points it at the abnormally large human before him. One wrong move and there will not be enough of you left to make a servitor.
Initiative?
+ 5 (Ag. Bonus) = 14
Intimidate St 50, Armor 20, psy power 40 (not sure which of those if any would stack)
Merely nodding his acknowledgement of the order Elyas focuses on the enemies before him, ready to do what is necessary to protect the team leader and the mission.
Zedkiel takes position and waits.
To your eye at least this looks to be a run-of-the-mill Leman Russ Battle Tank, which means that its weakest armor is in its rear. Unfortunately it does not have exposed ammunition or fuel lines that you can take advantage of.
At your booming voice the smaller rebel immediately freezes up, unsure of how to react at this point.
You quickly follow his gaze to a bright red button on the nearby console. Your guess is that it is probably some sort of alarm.
The larger man simply bellows wildly, his nostrils flaring with rage. Apparently he hasn't taken to kindly to your commands.
Brother Elyas (14):
Bionic Wretch (10): The man reaches for a weapon he has leaning against a nearby table, a sledgehammer of some sort, but instead grasps the table itself. He lifts it over his head and rushes Brother Castil, swinging with all his might: . The table splinters uselessly against your Powered Armor and you easily handle his weight as he tries to knock you off your feet.
Brother Castil's intimidation nearly worked, but the smaller soldier froze up, but not before revealing a possible alarm button.
Awareness Per 70 2 DOS
Soon after noticing the possible alarm, the bionic wretch lurges at Castil with a table, throwing himself forward shattering the table and nearly bouncing off Castil's power armor.
Stirring a hatred inside Castil for the wretch's blatant disregard for Castil's show of dominance, he channels that anger and furry into one strong blow, coming through the table and hopefully catching the wretch by surprise.
Half Action Standard Attack WS 63, +10 Probability Shield, +10 Hatred
Straight Success
Astartes Force Sword Melee 1d10+7 Rending Pen 7 Balanced(+1 Dam/Pen per Psy R (5))
Total 17 R +SB (18 with Unnat & PsyPwr, +2 Armor=20 total)=37
As he swings with all of his mechanical might fueled by the warp he channels that strength into his force sword, determined to split the mechanical abomination in half.
Lucian quickly searched his mind for the information he had recently studied on Gunmetal City's manufactorum output, and attempted to recall the schematics he had seen for their particular pattern of Leman Russ Battle Tank. Going into battle unprepared was anathema to any Astartes, but Lucian's desire to know everything possible about the theatre he was about to enter had always served him well, and he hoped that today was no exception.
Noting the weaker rear armour of the tank, Lucian uses the cover of the falling darkness and the nearby artillery bombardment to approach the central tank of the squadron and set the demolition charge, hidden within the exhaust stacks.
Trying to remain unseen, Lucian then slips back into the trench where his Brothers are waiting.
The librarian rams his force sword clean through the chest of the hulking hybrid of machine and flesh. Blood and gore spills across the floor as the life quickly drains from the mortal. Seconds later he slumps to the ground lifeless. The other man yelps upon seeing this and begins to cower further in your shadow.
Your movements appear to have gone unnoticed amongst the enemy lines and you plant your explosives without problem.
First charge is set Brothers. Let's move on to the next squadron.
As he moves, Lucian switches to the squad-wide channel.
Leon, Castil, how goes it in the gatehouse?
"Thank you Brother Castil. Watch this one if you please, I do not need any interruptions as I try and work the machine spirits into a more...helpful nature."
Valerio moves to the control consol, and begins work to try open the way for Col. Folken and his men. He calls his Sevo-Skull to his side to aide him, and begins his work.
Keeping his eyes on theit enemies as the trio moves on, Elyas isn't terrible oberservant of his surroundings and unintentionally kicks an oil drum a good few feet. Cursing internally the Dark Angel quickly dives behind the remaining standing oil drums.
The man does nothing to interfere as you get to work Brother Leon. Upon approaching the counsel you see no overt signs of tampering nor do you see any once you have accessed the gate controls. In fact it would seem that the machine-spirits are still loyal to the Imperium as they immediately recognize your Astartes bio-signature and give way to your authority.
After a few moments of bated breath it looks as if Brother Elyas' error has gone unnoticed by the crew of the nearby Chimera.
The sun is low in the sky as Lucian and his Battle-Brothers move towards the second squadron of tanks. Scanning his surroundings for danger, Lucian's hand hovers close to the grip of his combat blade, ready to draw it should a sentry need to be quickly silenced.
With cover provided by a large shipping container, Lucian quietly approaches the next squadron of tanks. Again, he sets the demolition charge unobtrusively among the exhaust pipes at the rear of the central tank.
Brother Castil doesn't even bother cleaning himself off. The dawn of battle has cleared his focus and he awaits the moment when hell will break loose and Castil can unleash himself fully on the enemies of the Imperium.
He comms Brother Vartas to update him of their progress.
"Commander, Brother Leon is accessing controls now. Standing by to open gates on your mark. We were quiet. You still have time to plant explosives unseen. If you're noticed, then we'll open the gates and the distraction should give you some room to maneuver. Suggest alerting the Colonel to coordinate his offensive timing. We'll try and see what other controls we can pull up from this console."
He turns his attention back to Brother Leon. "Is it possible to gain access to any other controls from here? Say defense turrets or automated security? Perhaps schematics or layouts that could be useful after we open the gates? We have a little time before Vartas is ready with his explosives.
Zedkiel follows to the next squadron.
Your movements appear to have gone unnoticed as well Brother Zedkiel.
As far as you can tell Brother Lucian the explosives have been set properly.
Carefully scouting for any consequences of his mistake Elyas can't help to hold his breath untill he is sure no one noticed. Praise the lack of discipline, he tells himself. Then cringes once Brother Zedkiel follows his poor example. Once again his senses sharpens to peak levels as he searches for opponents, who might have noticed.
As Castil waits for Brother Leon to commune with the machine spirits he turns to the other soldier on the floor. Still covered in blood, oblivious to the gore, he kneels down close to the man and points his sword at the soldier's heart. He moves it closer, not enough to pierce the skin, but with his strength, it wouldn't take more than a motion of the wrist to drive it through the man clean.
He takes a moment to remove his helmet. Setting it at his feet in front of the man, it looks and feels as though it weighs more than the frail figure before the Iron Hand marine.
Look at me boy! I can be your savior or your executioner. Tell me what you know of this "Olid" your men have mentioned. Who is in charge here and what is the manufactorium producing?
Intimidate ST (50) +20 Armor, +10 Probability Shield, +40 Psy Power? Could be Failure or Success depending on what bonuses apply.
With the second charge set, Lucian returns to Elyas and Zedkiel.
Second charge set. Let's move on to the next squadron, and once the last charge is planted we'll make our move.
Castil, we are moving on to the last target now. I will alert the Colonel shortly. Be ready for my signal.
Valerio gives the commands to open the gates in order to allow Col. Folken's assault to continue.
"I will try to see what I may be able to access through this console. I fear it may not be much..."
Valerio digs through the console, hoping to gain access to the facilities main components.
It looks like this console only has access to the gate controls
The man shakes visibly under your mighty presence Brother Castil. He struggles to speak, his voice coming out in a broken stammer "Master Olid p-p-promised to free us from your yoke tyrant! He has been blessed with great power and will bring retribution down upon you all!"
Elyas nods and focuses on the task at hand, keeping noises to a minimum and protecting the squad leader. He makes his way towards the final target as he was taught - without makeing his prescence know. Having his back to Brother Lucian he maintians watch, bolt pistol ready to fire and jump pack ready to engage.
Zedkiel's long experience in shock and awe tactics, taking the battle directly to the enemy, does not help him as he follows.
Brother Zedkiel your movements are once again lost amid the events happening around you.
The third squadron of battle tanks is parked near a large ammo dump, with crates of locally made shells stacked high. Moving quickly and quietly towards the central tank of the three, Lucian sets the demolition charge, linking it's remote trigger to the squad's vox system.
Almost neglecting to activate the igniting circuit, but remembering in the nick of time, Lucian moves back into cover.
As he does so, he accidentally crushes a spent shell casing with his armoured boot, a shriek of protesting metal briefly filling the air.
Opening the squad-wide vox channel, Lucian makes his report to the Kill-Team.
Last charge set Brothers. We will rendezvous at the gatehouse in preparation for the Colonel's assault.
He then contacts Colonel Folken.
+++Colonel Folken, my team has infiltrated the main courtyard of the manufactorum. We are in control of the gatehouse, and have wired a number of rebel main battle tanks to explode, in order to create a diversion for your attack. Are your men ready?+++
+++Chomping at the bit Commander. Once you get that gate open we can get this show on the road.+++
Shortly after you step on the casing Brother Lucian you see a head pop out of a nearby trench and spy about quizzically. Upon seeing nothing out of the ordinary the man reluctantly pulls himself out into the open and walks towards the ammo dump intent on investigating the sound.
You can hear the man grumbling as he walks: "Check the ammo he says...like if it got hit we wouldn't be able to see the MASSIVE EXPLOSION! Blasted idiot! Maybe I should be the one nice and cozy while HE checks the friggin' ammo!"
Zedkiel does not notice anything amiss and falls in behind his commander.
Incoming sentry Brothers. Stay hidden, but if he spots us, take him out quietly, voxes Lucian.
Silently drawing his combat blade, Lucian stands ready to ambush the rebel if he approaches too close.
Castil looks at the soldier with no sign of emotion, after a moment he says "I hope you have repented, there is no room for weakness in the Emperor's army or your rebellious faction led by Oldin", then he thrusts the sword through the man's chest with a flick of his wrist.
Castil sheaths his sword and re-affixes his helmet. He comms his commander. "Brother Leon has entered the commands to open the gate, it should be momentarily. This console provides no further help or information. I questioned one of the guards, he confirms Oldin is the leader and claims he has been granted powers enough to secede and repel the Emperor's forces. It's possible taking this person out will demoralize the PDF and end this conflict more swiftly. However, I believe darker forces could be at work and we must be prepared. What are our orders when the gates open?"