Spotting nothing of significance among the devastation of the room, Lucian turns to Castil.
Is this woman dangerous? What do you know of this phenomenon?
Zedkiel is concerned about trying to move the prisoners through the warzone. While he would give them all the Emperor's peace without hesitation, if they were in his custody it would be failing on him if they died unnecessarily. Preferably, they could link with the guard and hand them off.
He does not trust the librarian, but at his word pulls out his bolter and trains it on the prone form of the woman, waiting for further orders or signs of activity.
Incomming Vox from Invictus +++This is brother Invictus, The upgrade to faust is complete and he is succsesfully inserted into the Contemptor Dreadnaught Chassis, are there any big targets that need taking out? the suit lacks ranged weapons but the melee capabilitys should be excelent+++
Understood Invictus. We are currently below ground in a bunker complex. The exit is guarded by two heretic missile launcher teams and a rebel Leman Russ. If you wish to test Elder Brother Faust's new capabilities, I can think of no better test.
Lucian data-squirts the location of the entrance to the complex to Brother Invictus' systems.
As Castil hears his commander's question, he tries to understand and recollect something that could explain what he is thinking, trying to be quick, not to allow this Thing a chance to act. As he does so he moves closer towards the woman, ready to end the resistance he's feeling mentally.
Forbidden Lore (Warp or Psykers ) 1DOS
Turning to Brother Faust Invictus would have a gleam in his eye if he wasnt wearing his helmet "It seems Faust that our brothers currently occupy an underground bunker that they managed to sneak into, but the entrance is blocked by a pair of heavy weapon teams and a leman Russ, what do you say to a tad bit of combat?"
Invictus is eager to once again meet the rebels in combat, and the thought of aiding in the take down of a proper piece of siege equipment has him overjoyed, Invivtus ensures his weapons are loaded and ready and takes his chainsword and bolter in hand and waits for a responce from faust
"Brother is our task done here?" Elyas inquires.
You suspect this woman may be a Blank as she displays all of the telltale sign.
The minds of most sentient beings have a connection to the Warp. This Warp signature is commonly called the soul. Psykers have especially strong connections to the Warp, and thus have very bright souls. On the other hand, blanks have no connection to the Warp whatsoever. On the contrary, their brains somehow push the Warp away from realspace.
However, if this were the case then Olid would have been unable to control her. Whatever the case, this woman would surely be an interesting specimen to many branches of the Imperial government, yourself included.
"My body is steel and my blood is fire. Lead the way Brother."
As he nears the woman he lets down his guard and lowers his weapons. Looking to his squad he says She is harmless too us. However, she is unique though, able to resist the push of the warp. I am puzzled how Olid was able to control such a "blank" mind, there are many who may wish to study this woman. She must survive and can not be allowed to escape. Once he finishes he turns to the Apothecary. Brother Zedkiel, please make sure she is stable. She is a valuable find.
Awareness 70 (-10 Test) vs 1 DOS
While in the midst of Castil's movements he comes across something that catches his eyes. Reaching for it, he discovers its a data-slate that survived the warp blast. After closer inspection he believes it could be Olid's. It has some of his political ramblings, along with detailed information on the rebel organization.
Commander, I found a data-slate that has some very useful information. I think you should take a look.Castil stands ready to pass the data to their commander and awaits to see if the Black Templar will trust his words.
Almost Elyas, we just need to gather what intelligence we can before we move out. Zedkiel, stablise and secure the blank for transport.
Taking the data-slate from Castil, Lucian quickly scans the information it contains, before storing it in an equipment pouch.
Good find Castil, I will pass this on to the Watch Captain on our return. Brothers, once the prisoner is secured, we will move towards the main entrance to this system. Brother Invictus and Elder Brother Faust are en route to address the Leman Russ and missile teams, and we will support their action. Once we are clear of this compound, I will call for extraction.
voc to brother vartas +++Brother this is Invictus, Faust and i are near where you first spotted the missile teams and the Leman Russ, i understand you are now in the facility, i think the best course of action will be a pincer attack you charge out of the base and attack from one side and Faust and I will catch them between us, should allow us to close the distance and make short work of them. what say you brother?+++
"It is not wise to leave the other prisoners unguarded. If we must move, I can give them Peace."
I do not believe that they pose much of a threat at this point. We can leave them here for collection by Colonel Folken's forces on their withdrawal.
Hearing Invictus' vox, Lucian turns to the kill team.
We have one final test before we leave this place. We will join up with Brothers Invictus and Faust on an attack on the last rebel strongpoint in this area. Elyas, you have point. Zedkiel, move the prisoner towards the tunnel entrance and then secure her within the tunnel before we engage the enemy. Let us crush the last hope of these heretics.
Switching back to Invictus' channel, Lucian replies.
Agreed Brother, we are moving now. Courage and honour.
Castil acknowledges the order and follows his squad towards the last obstacle before extraction. He readies his storm bolter and force sword, eager to unleash the hatred he'd built up, but barely diminished with the sudden warp phenomenon stealing any glory of battle.
Zedkiel looks over the unconscious, taking a count and trying to commit faces to memory. He takes the prisoner in one arm and, with his bolter in the other, takes position at the end of the team.
Elyas indicates with tactical sign-language they all know so well to move out. Having drawn his sword and pistol he creates some yards of separation between himself and the rest as leads them towards the next and final objective. A sound can be heard it is barely above a whisper but it is clearly the ancient battle hymns of the Dark Angels. Once he is just beneath the entrance he waits for the final order.
Opening a vox channel to Brother Invictus, Lucian prepares for the assault.
Invictus, we are in position. Ready to move on your word.
Cycling the ammo feed to his heavy bolter, Lucian stands silent and ready.
+++Open the gates and give them hell brother, as they turn to face you we will charge the battlefield. we will show them the emperors true might and rip that tank open like a tin can+++
Receiving Invictus' plan, Lucian turns to the Kill-Team.
Elyas, I want you to quickly review the position of the enemy forces and engage the tank from it's rear to destroy it's power plant. Castil, if your powers have any influence over the Leman Russ, you will assist Elyas. Zedkiel and I will take out the missile teams. Following our initial assault, Invictus and Elder Faust will attack from a position opposite our own, crushing the rebels in a fist of destruction.
Acknowledging the order with merely a single nod Elyas urges the machine spirit to take him to the sky and his jump pack roars into life as it lifts him from the covered position into the air above the field of battle. He quickly asses the force on the ground.
Just as before you see the Leman Russ which is currently parked between your kill team and the rest of the mechanicus facility. There is a heavy weapons team of 3 men each on both the left and right side of the tank. All of the rebel forces are occupied with firing on the Stormtroopers.
Elyas' descent will be our cue to move. Zedkiel and I will fire upon the closest missile team. Castil, use your powers as you see fit. Invictus and Faust will join us imminently. The Emperor be with you Brothers.
As Lucian describes his plan, he locks his targeting matrix on the closest missile team, and awaits Elyas' arrival from the heavens.
Having taken in what tactic knowledge there was to be gained, Elyas activates his vox, "Engaging," he transmits before diving towards the mighty metal beast below him. Like a fallen star the Dark Angel shots towards his target only halting the unnerving descent a few meters before slamming into the ground. In one fluid movement he slashes upwards into the exposed rear armour of the Leman Russ before him.
Elyas appears to descend from the sky like a vengeful meteor, and the sound of tearing metal acts as Lucian's cue to engage.
Ave Imperator!, he roars, as he depresses the trigger of his heavy bolter, sending a stream of bolt shells toward the hapless rebels crewing the nearest missile launcher.
Zedkiel tosses a grenade into the midst of the rebels while his commander opens fire, and then gets behind cover with the prisoner.
Seeing his battle brother pounce from the sky and his other brothers unleash their assault on the forces in front of him Invictus shouts to Faust "Now is the time for their bloody retribution, to battle my brother and let us rend our foes in twain!"
Round 1
The kill-team erupts from the bunker like a storm of vengeance, descending upon the rebels en mass. Meanwhile, across the battlefield, Brother Invictus and Brother Faust come into view.
Brother Vartas (13): Immediately unleashes a withering hail of weapon fire on one of the weapon teams. The unfortunate rebels do not survive long enough to retaliate.
Brother Zedkiel (13): Despite the legendary status of the Astartes, even they are susceptible to the fickle whims of fate. As the apothecary presses the activation stud on his grenade the whole device slips from his hand and falls directly at his feet.
Leman Russ (12): Now that the marines have revealed the presence the crew of the tank scrambles to react. They hastily line up a shot against the approaching Dreadnought but fail to connect it due to their panic.
Elder Brother Faust (8+):
Brother Invictus (8+): Charges across the battlefield, putting him a mere 30m away from the rebel forces by the end of his movement.
Rebel Heavy Teams (7): The remaining three man team reacts immediately to Brother Vartas' attack, retaliating with a heavy weapon of their own. The Ultramarine is suddenly enveloped in a second fireball as the anti-tank missile connects with his armour dealing points of damage.
Brother Castil (?):
Brother Elyas (?): Lands behind the Leman Russ and strikes a blow at is rear armor. Luckily the plating on this side of the vehicle is thin enough that his power sword manages to cause some damage, albeit minor.
Leman Russ's are famous for their incredible durability as well as their potent weaponry.
A Leman Russ has incredibly thick front armor (40) and heavy side plating (32) but a relatively exposed rear (20). It is also incredibly hardy and requires concentrated firepower to bring down. (55 SI)
It's main battle cannon is capable of killing several marine with a single blast (3d10+10 Pen 8 Blast (10), Concussive (3), Reliable). This particular vehicle also appears to be armed with a front-facing Lascannon (5d10+10 Pen 10 Proven (3)) but currently the only two who could be hit by it are Brothers Invictus and Faust.
The sudden explosion of Zedkiel's misplaced grenade is an unwelcome distraction but the shrapnel spalls off Lucian's armour, leaving bright streaks of metal exposed where the paint is scraped away.
He has little time to react as the second weapon team turns towards him, and a burst of smoke leaps from their missile launcher as they fire upon him.
The harried rebels evidently fired before they were ready, and the anti-tank round screams past the Kill-Team without causing any significant damage.
Recognising the pattern of Leman Russ before him, Lucian opens the squad channel.
This is a Mark 4 Ryza pattern Leman Russ, it's armour is weakest at the rear but will likely still prove incredibly tough to destroy. Elyas, if you can cut through the hatch on the turret you may find killing the rebels within an easier task.
Initiative +7 =12
Castil rushes forward with little regard for his body. His anger from the previous encounter had been flaming inside and nothing would come between himself and the enemy.
Smiling at the suggestion Elyas urges his machine spirit to once again defy gravity and with a small measure of propulsion the dark clad son of the Lion now stands atop the metal beast the hatch between his legs.
Round 2
The Contemptor continues to charge across the battlefield as Brother Elyas clamber on top of the Leman Russ. Meanwhile the weapon team reloads their missile launcher with incredible efficiency so that it is ready for firing almost immediately.
Brother Vartas (13):
Brother Zedkiel (13):
Brother Castil (12+):
Leman Russ (12-): Apparently the crew has noticed the massive frame of the Dark Angel landing on their roof. The driver hits the gas in an attempt to throw that marine off while the gunner fires another hurried shot at Brother Faust but misses yet again.
Elder Brother Faust (8+):
Brother Invictus (8+):
Brother Elyas (7+):
Rebel Heavy Teams (7-): Wastes their second rocket in a hurridly aimed shot at Brother Zedkiel. It wizzes past harmlessly.
Lucian struggles to keep his anger in check as he sees the second missile launcher team reloading, and cycles the ammo feed of his heavy bolter, hoping to send the rebels to face the Emperor's judgement as he did their colleagues.
A stream of bolt shells goes wide as Lucian tries to avoid hitting his Battle-Brothers, but two rounds find their mark against the rebels.
The distance isnt to far now, just a bit further and the enemies of the emperor will be in his path.
Zedkiel is disgusted with his failure, blaming it on being unnerved by exposure to the horror of the warp and promising to seek castigation for his crime. He pulls out his bolter, and unleashes at the heavy weapon team.
Before Elyas can gain a decent footing the Tank propels forward and the unexpected movement throws him off balance causing him to fall. As a reflex his hard drilled training kicks in and he fires up the jump pack easing his unplanned descent.
Castil keeps pushing forward, as he eyes the soldiers. Upon seeing his brother fall off the tank he charges towards it, sword in his left hand, storm bolter in his right.
As the tank moves forward it only shortens the distance between itself and Castil. Castil seizes upon the moment and charges the tank with all his fury and might, dropping the storm bolter and charging forward with both hands on his force sword, as if he were going to split it in two.
Free Action "Deus Ex Ferrum" at push level:
Focus Power test 70, PR 8 (+40 Bonus)
Deus ex Ferrum
Action: Full, Opposed: No, Range: 1 meter radius x PR, Sustained: Yes
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
Psychic Phenomena
Psy Discharge: Static Electricity fills the air within 5d10 metres of the psyker, causing hair to stand on end and
unprotected electrics to short out. The psyker is illuminated by eldritch light.
As soon as Castil makes the split second decision to rush the vehicle his body draws power from the warp like a black hole, over-flowing Castil and discharging around him. Like a bolt of lightning springing forth from the clouds, Castil charges forward illuminated and nearly blinding those close enough to witness.
WS +10 Charge, +20 Size, WS 93 vs 9 DOS
Upon contact with the tank, the warp energy stored and strengthening Castil's body flows into his force sword as he focuses the mightiest blow he had ever summoned:
FP test (using opposed WP): WP 70 4 DOS
Astartes Force Sword Melee 1d10+2 R 2 +2R Pen 2.
PR Bonus= +5 Dam and +5 Pen, SB=9x2=18 +2 Armor ST bonus= 36R Pen 7.
Round 3
Brother Vartas (13):
Brother Zedkiel (13):
Brother Castil (12+):
Leman Russ (12-): This time the gunner connects his shot with Brother Faust But the Contemptors thick armor plating absorbs most of the impact. Meanwhile the driver slams the gas and attempts to run down Brother Castil . The rear of the vehicle slams into the Librarian for damage.
Elder Brother Faust (8+): Surges to the Leman Russ, fueled with blind fury. His chainfist roars to life and tears into the side of the armor . Still the tank manages to hang out, truly proving how tenacious the war machines of the Imperium are.
Brother Invictus (8+):
Brother Elyas (7+):
Rebel Heavy Teams (7-): The remaining weapon team is torn asunder by the combined gunfire of Zedkiel and Vartas. Only the Russ remains now, and it is not doing well.
With Castil, Elyas and Elder Faust dealing with the Leman Russ, Lucian holds his fire, unwilling to risk striking his comrades. Instead he surveys the battlefield, ensuring that rebel reinforcements are not trying to approach unseen.
As he does, he opens a vox channel to Watch Captain Enoch aboard the Pious Immolation.
+++My lord, we are almost done here. Unless you have any further orders, please inform me as to our extraction plan and we will be back aboard presently.+++
Raising from the battlefield Elyas once more powers his jump pack and propels himself sword point first at the rear armour he has pearced once before. His aim is true and once again he stands behind the tank.
Castil hears the gears of the tank roar and the Russ nearly collides with him, but he steps aside and readies for a counter attack.
Dodge AG 65 vs 4DOS
Castil then takes his sword once again and strikes at the rear of the tank now that its exposed.
+20 Size, WS 83 vs 5 DOS
Astartes Force Sword Melee
PR Bonus= +5 Dam and +5 Pen, SB=9x2=18 +2 Armor ST bonus=
Total: 29R Pen 7
Between Brother Elyas and Brother Castil the Leman Russ is no longer able to withstand the blows. One of their blades finds a major power coupling in the rear drive and sunders it, causing the tank to immediately grind to a halt. Sparks fly and smoke pours forth and you can hear the faint cries of the crew inside at their predicament. A fire is likely inevitable.
You receive a reply Brother Vartas:
+++Colonel Folkens men are still securing the manufactorum so there's still the risk of air defenses. I've arranged for a Chimera convoy to bring you back to the fortress.+++
You also spy no other rebel elements in the immediate area. In fact, the Stormtroopers that were previously pinned down have begun to emerge from their positions.
Brother Castil returns to pick up his storm bolter, he's carried it a long way, Ought not leave it now he thinks to himself as he searches for the weapon. He finds it and stows it over his shoulder alongside his Astartes bolter and returns to await transport with his squad.
Well done brothers. Good to see everyone's flesh whole, no matter how fragile it may be. Castil relaxes and no longer need sustain powers. The mission complete, the objectives taken, there was little to do now but return and investigate any intelligence.
Zedkiel takes a look for rebels, and approaches the Stormtroopers. "Servants of the Emperor, well done this day. There are... persons of interest within the bunker who need to be evacuated and delivered to us. They are likely to still be unconscious. Try not to let harm come to them." He provides directions to the witch's thralls and rejoins the kill team, looking over his brothers for injury.