Deleos works concentrated en lieu with the Navigator to maneuver the huge vessel to the exact right entry point - at the right angle and relative speed.
The controll station feels different than the previous ones and they take up all of his attention.
Hi folk, I am back.
Just dropped a tiny gameplay post along as a heartbeat ^^
*Twinkle*
I think I posted about my game as I set it up (over a year and a half ago - can you believe it?) and pm-ed you as I lost some players if you wanted to join since I remembered that you had interest - but no time during the initial recruitment :-)
Hi guys, I am going on vacations starting this tuesday.
I am venturing into the depths of the Scottish Highlands for two full weeks – boy did I longed for that :-)
Our far-off cottage is said to have (slow&unstable) wifi so I may be able to drop a couple of posts, but don't expect especially lengthy or regular posts until the 3rd July from me.
@GM: Could you please bot me when it becomes necessary?
My alias page(s) should contain all necessary numbers and some dice macros.
Powering down the Dark Rapier and dutifully performing the after-flight checks, Chaplain Deleos follows a few moment behind Maxim.
The ferocious machine spirit of his armour emits a low, feral moaning as it scans the black shield terminator before the Blood Angel.
Another Brother who lost everything - and continues his duty despite.
A simple nod, the sign of the Aquila and the warriors grasp is enough for the Chaplain to greet the black shield.
He knows full well, that the brother marine would eventually find his way to the Chaplain in personal matters of faith and soul.
Then would be enough time to get the other known better.
"Course is set, Captain Vartas."Sulu feelings anyone?
Activating the vox bead of his armour, he switches channel to that of the hangar crew - while gently changing course of the massive void ship.
"Master Holgarth, prepare the Thunderhawk 'Dark Rapier' for take-off.
I will pilot it personally."
Taking position from the frail-looking Helmsman, Deleos customizes himself (again) with the myriad of controls and recalling the names of the crewmen under his direct command from his eidetic memory.
Adding another usual approach to the presented options, Deleos notes:
"We can send out a couple fighter squadrons for deep space reconnaissance, increasing our detection area."
Yeah, those are the moments that really show how much effort everyone is putting into this game.
@Bayou: Thanks for returning - for real. This is an awesome game and I love that it continues after such a long rest!
During days of sparring and fighting specially created Servitors in the resemblance of different Necron warrior types, Deleos searches the company of both his comrade in arms.
His posture and voice both speak of tension and a forced-calm.
Xing:
"Hail, Brother of the Void.
We two were opposed to our Veteran-Sergeant handling of things the most, so I figured, that we should talk it over together.
I meditated long nights over this matter and had strange dreams during my recuperation periods that trouble my mind to this day.
Dreams of a blasted, lifeless universe, where the last sparks of civilization are picked apart by lifeless machines, neverborn-chaos-spawn and the endless, mindless masses of the great devourer.
I fear, that this might be the future if we act too short-sighted or rash, failing our beloved father's great plan for humanity.
I begin to think, that Pyrus did the right thing in destroying the blade and keeping this oath of his.
After all, what could one sword accomplish in the long war? Even the blade of the Emperor can only win a battle at a time, but not a war fought on a thousand-thousand worlds at each point of time.
If it is indeed possibly to have the Necron infight themselves instead, we can focus on other dangers for a possibly very long time and have those with vast knowledge, like yourself Brother Librarian, search for means to annihilate this new threat in the meantime."
Pyrus:
During a long and arduous sparring session, Delos approaches the topic between parries and thrusts of their sibling-warhammers.
"I meditated long and dreamed bad, Brother.
On dream in particular troubles me ever since.
A blasted galaxy.
The last scraps of civilization …
Being picked apart by lifeless machines …
Neverborn-chaos-spawn …
And the endless, mindless masses of the great devourer.
I believe …
This is the future, if we act rash and short-sighted...
Like I would have, if I had the command during the last mission.
I now think, you were right in your actions.
Blessed with foresight and great strategic insight.
I am a tactician but not a strategist like Chapter-Master Dante.
I saw the possibility for a tactical advantage against this new foe …
But not the strategic possibility for causing infighting in their ranks.
You did.
And I have come to see …
That you did this not for personal honor...
But because you saw the greater image...
Like a true commander should always do.
Don't worry, Brother.
I stand beside you – and always did.
But you should know...
That our ancient Brother will not like that way...
He thinks, that these foes should not be granted any ground...
That cooperation should never happen...
And …
He damns my chapter for having done just that before.
I don't know details, but he asked for my opinion on that...
And I told him...
That for the benefit of whole mankind...
I would cooperate with the Xenos as well...
If the circumstances are right...
And he damned me as well for that."
"I will strike them down with my blesses hammer and Sanguinius fury, carried on wings of fire into their ranks where they do not suspect it and bolster my brothers with words of courage and fury should they ever falter.
This is my task as a Chaplain.
In addition, I am currently undergoing extended piloting training, building upon my knowledge of jump pack usage.
I will soon be able to operate several kinds of Dropships, like the blessed Thunderhawk gunship, to bring our troops to wherever they are needed most - be it on a planet or in the void - and provide close air support during bigger engagements."
@Tactics: Give options.
Option A) Using the high-ground near the enemies position for a fortunate fire position, once cleared of threats
Option B) Full-Frontal assault to prevent enemy squad from setting up their heavy weapons properly.
Both options are sound and the PC can decide which fits the squads combat style/ overall situation better.
Maybe note one of them as Codex approved for a similar situation and the other to be 'devised from concrete situation' or something. Something for our Smurf to bite and gnaw on.
Go on with the 90% matching Codex tactic or another one, that seems to fit the situation better?
If the roll isn't a spectacular success, keep it vague or list a not-equal option and let the PC figure out which of the options he thinks is better.
It's a decision. There is seldom THE solution but rather several possible ones, often there are even several proper sounding ones...
Brother Chaplain Deleos seems deep in though as he opens his brothers the door to let them in for their meeting with the ancient.
He nods at the newcomer and welcomes him with a brief warrior grip.
At Pyros introduction of another new member, he asks a short question, that is actually more a statement than a real question, as if he knew the answer already.
"Shadowhawks you say, Brother ...
They are Sons of the Raven, yes?"
Ah, right, that's different to how Rogue Trader does it.
There it is Small Craft [Atmospheric, Shuttles, Bombers/Attack Craft] vs Void Ships.
Yeah, I'll take the Void Craft with Thunderhawk then, taking the helm.
"Course is set, Captain."
@Bayou: We settled on Pilot [Small Craft] rather than a raise in Command for Deleos, right?
I'd lack the skill to pilot the void vessel as of now, so not master helmsman for me, but rather wing commander (if we have a set of fighter squadrons aboard) to lead the smaller attack craft like bombers, fighters and boarding craft from "Into the Storm".
Deleos takes the scolding straight faced before bowing and turning to get the others, his servo armour emitting a low growling like a wounded animal.
His mind still racing and pondering about what he learned and what was said by the ancient as he opens the adamantine door for the others to enter.
Unless otherwise note, my standard layout will be:
- Thunderhammer
- Angelus Bolter
- Crozium
Oh, that's another aspect.
I ... guess I'll go with a 'standard' one then, so with enabled force field.
Always nice to have a backup field.
How would that 'activate if the other fails' work?
Will there be some kind of check involved or can our armourers configure them to activate by themselves if the currently active one fails?
Hard decision, but I'll go with the second option.
The option to form a shield wall or even partially protect a brother (or a VIP) sounds too useful not to take.
I'm done and have spend it all to the last point.
Huh, my book lists them as 25 which is quite harsh for one-time useables.
2 per mission is perfectly fine.
I think we had that discussion already, but making sure: can someone else prime them for Deleos, so that he can just deliver them?
Having Pyros or Maxim prime it, then hop onto the enemy whatever-must-be-melta-bombed, place it and hop off again.
I fully intend to grab Demolition asap, but it will probably take a bit for that, plus my Int value isn't the highest, so I might still let one of them prime it if we have the time...
@Shield: Actually I am more interested in the AP aspect than the parry part, since I can parry pretty well with my relict hammer already. I want it mostly for boarding actions or similar try-hard frontal assaults or to cover one of the others with my body if need be - shield-to-shield with Pyros who has a shield on him as well IIRC.
Note that if we go with 50 req for the melta bombs as you suggested, I would have 35 points left rather than 10...
Which is enough for the RAW shield.
My problem is: I have a force field already (from the rossarius) and two fields do not work together. How about a more simple but thicker storm shield that gives up the force field but for additional AP. Or maybe the ability to provide cover for another battle brother?
Okay, requisition:
1. Gonna keep the sneaky stuff, just in case
2. Will drop the flip belt. Love my Jump pack too much to go without it (115/200)
3. Can I get a full container of melta bombs (10+ maybe) for three-times the price (75)? I always thought they were way overprized for one-use items regularly used in the fluff.
4. Can I take a basic storm shield without the energy field for my remaining 10 requisition? It would simply provide a +4AP to chest and arm location and some boni to parry with it.
"You know already, that I will do anything necessary to complete this mission, ancient-one.
My word is only a feeble shadow of my souls determination in that matter, Emperor be my witness."
Surprised, Deleos pounders on that revelation for a while.
"I can only guess what dire circumstances would have brought one of my predecessors to such a decision."
After some more seconds of thinking, he rises to his feet and raises his voice to the powerful prayer-tone he has taken up together with the Crozium Arcanum upon ascending to Chaplaincy.
"There was once a man, walking the native ground of holy Terra, that said:
'Every decision is unique and depends entirely on the unique circumstances.'
If the survival or future of humanity depends on such a decision ...
Who are we to decide against such an option?
Who are we if not the protectors of mankinds survival and future,
hoping against hope that the Emperors light will shine once more in the galaxy one day.
And until that day comes, we must make any attempt to prevent the demise of humanity before the Emperor can rise again.
If such a decision would require me to temporarily ally with a foe against a bigger threat and load guilt on my very soul - so be it.
That is just another sacrifice my Chapter would be willing to bring, in his task to protect the future of mankind,
just like our beloved father Sanguinius sacrificed himself for us all against the Arch-Enemy."
Rumors?:1d100 ⇒ 40
Still kneeing in a position of prayer and deference, Deleos answers in a calm voice after thinking for only a moment.
"This is the first I ever heard of any previous contact of any of my Brothers with this particular Xeno breed.
But I took up the rank of Chaplaincy only during my service in the Deathwatch, not at my time with my blood brothers.
Maybe there was a previous encounter with them, that was deemed secret enough to not be spoken of in the wider circle of the Chapter.
Master Commander Dante and his closest advisors must know of course.
I could sent them an Astropathic message if you think they might provide insight necessary for this mission, honored one."
-> I am actually considerably happy with the matter of my armament at the moment.
If you want to, we can retcon it a bit for RP reasons.
Note that Pyros had his Hammer reforged as well (see the first link above and a couple of the following posts).
EDIT: I didn't copy&pasted all my equipment, just my requisition.
If you're interested why this Chaplain has a fear rating of 2, have a look at the alias page, it is quite loaded with stuff and tiny notes.
EDIT2: I forgot to say that ... I really appreciate the offer, but I thought I would remember you about the stuff we had come up with earlier first :-)
EDIT: Copy-Pase from 2 pages earlier and one and a half year ago:
"So here is my shopping list:
Sneaky Stuff:
- Camo Cloak (20)
- Stummer (5)
- Flip-Belt (21)
Shooty Stuff:
- Signum Link (20)
- Stalker Bolter (15)
- Deathwatch Targeter (25)
- Angelus Bolter (BA relict, 25)
Other Stuff:
- Dipole Maglock @ Thunderhammer (5)
- Black Blood Injector (custom BA relict, 25)
Total: 136
Optional Stuff if you do not need my remaining points for something more useful.
Lascannon (to really dish out damage afar, 30)
Melta Bombs (25 each)
Special grenades (-)
Special Bolter Ammo (-)
Motion Predictor @ Angelus Bolter (25)"
Don't know about the sneaky stuff, probably still useful to make Deleos a backup-sneaker to work in concert with our raven guard / raptor guy.
@Ship Role & Skills: We settled on Pilot (Small Craft = Shuttles, attack craft, flyers) and Tactics: Air Combat.
Deleos can be your Thunderhawk pilot and provide (or call in) air support, lead the fighter squadrons of the ship and boarding actions during void combat.
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..."
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?
@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!
BayouSnowman wrote:
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
--> Chaplains gain special Oath that provides Fearless talent for everyone nearby, which could come in handy in case of particular nasty missions (guess Chaos missions are most likely to cause supernatural fear which Astartes are not immune by nature against)
- 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...
Deleos stayed silence for some time after praying with the ancient, only after Ulrich had spoken, does he stands back up.
"How do you reliably kill them? What do you know of their weapons. How do you fight those phasing weapons that seem to be impossible to parry and that ignore any armor like it is nothing? What do you know about their tactics?"
Heard and saw it on pictures! In my country they discuss about "fine-grained particles" being on a dangerously high concentration during wind-still days... and we have less than a tenth of some Chinese towns ...
--- Meeting the Ancient ---
"Your trust honors me, Ancient Pardis."
He bows deep, dropping to one knee in a few moments of reference and acclimatisation to his powerful presence.
Then he begins a slow, highly-pronounced sing-prayer:
"Fear not for your soul, for HE made it strong as adamantium.
Listen to HIS presence and you can feel its strength and purpose.
The Emperor folds his arms over you, protecting you from the forces of the Unborn,
to the hour were your soul is strong enough again.
The years of the deep sleep are over, you will march to war again,
HIS name in your mind, wielding the weapons HE gave you.
You will endure and destroy the enemies HE tasked us to erase from HIS galaxy.
You bear the knowledge and power to help us with HIS task.
We WILL complete HIS task.
For we are Astartes.
You
are
Astartes!"
For the first time in quite some time Deleos dons full plate for the meeting with the ancient, complete with the winged jump pack and the new wrist-mounted Angelus bolter, the relict hammer strapped to the back, the Crozius Arcanum at his side.
Upon entering the location in the depths of the ship they were given, he finds Brother Vartas waiting. He only saw the Ultramarine for a couple of time over the previous half year as their respective duties and responsibilities had about zero interconnections.
He greets the Battle Brother with joy and the warrior grip.
"Brother, I think I did not congratulate you to your introduction to the rank of the Keepers. It is a honor beyond most, but also a sacrifice as it means you may never return to Ultramar and Macragge in your life for the secrets and duties of the Keepers to never end. I don't know much about the keeper introduction but it is said to be one of the most straining. The Emperor must have been with you to be able to endure those to the satisfaction of those that came before us. My respect, Son of Guilliman."
Only after he is done talking with the Ultramarine does he look around, taking in the expression of the large room.
No problems Bayou ^^
In fact that post was written in parallel to my wiki-research towards "what types of flyers are there at all?" and while I was still ill, so it wasn't my best post. Would not have surprised me if you simply couldn't really make something more out of my post ;-)
I think you missed me, but on the other hand that may not contained a lot to make a post out of it?
--- At meeting the Astartes ---
Deleos stand in the first row of the Astartes as Ulrich and Pyrus hold their speech. Pride fills him as he Brothers snap to attention. So many of humankinds best in one place, united by their duty, honor and faith in the Emperor... What an honor!
In the breaks of his fly lessons he will search the comradeship of these Astartes that will be with them, discussing the different kinds of known types they encountered and listening to whatever they are able to share. He feeds his enhanced memory with all the names of their brothers-in-arms and their origin, offering everyone his contact codes in case they ever need his spiritual guidance, making himself known as Chaplain.
--- Upon receiving knowledge of Pardis' awakening ---
He will of course offer his aid to ease the soul of the ancient but gets rejected as everyone else. Upon that he will visit the shrine and pray for several hours for the Emperor to help one of his mighty sons in his struggle.
I pray for your sanity, ancient one such that you can aid humankind once again with your knowledge and mighty strength.
"It's an honor to learn from you and your men, Captain. Only a fool and heretic would ever stop to learn new ways to fight the enemies of mankind."
--- Later ---
After the meeting ended, a small and frail looking man approaches Deleos, offering a quick salute followed by a snapping introduction. "Maj. Tiborus. Head of Flight. Commander of all small craft of this ship, including several void capable fighters, shuttles and boarding vessels as well as atmospheric flyers of over two dozen types, milord. I have the honor to teach you how to fly all those mighty vessels - if you have what it takes. I was told you are already used to pilot rocket packs for personal flight. That should be a little help but you will notice that there are thousand differences and only a few similarities. We will start with the venerable Thunderhawk of your Astartes kin, then move on to the more powerful Mauradeurs, Lightnings, Thunderbolts, Fury's, Starhawks and Shuttles of the Navy - and there respective fields of usage. If you are a talent, we may even be able to have a look at the most venerable designs of old: the Stormbird and Storm Eagle. Beside the training on the birds, I will teach you all that you need to now about aerial combat of every type. Now, now, Milord. Lets go. We have much to do, much to do."
Surprised by the long talk of the man, Deleos follows him down towards the vast landing bays along the spine of the ship were the flyers are stationed - accepting this new challenge as he had every other before: with a short prayer for the Emperor.
What follows are weeks of training sessions in cockpits, hangars and simulators - all the time with the frale Maj. Tiborus in tow retelling decades of air and void battles he survived. While the warp travel there are of course no opportunities for actual flying sessions but the simulators and the vivid telltales of the Maj. are proving invaluable.
To keep himself sharp, the Chaplain often performs strength training during the sessions and long distance running through the hangars while the Maj. takes one of his few hours of rest.
The only real exercises are done by using one of the teams Thunderhawk inside the hangars – hovering few meters above ground slowly piloting the gunship around the confined places.
The old man really lives up, while teaching every trick, experience and exploit to the angelic Blood Angel, while his body gets ever thinner and bonier. Once Deleos asks him to take it more slowly and respect the needs of his human body but the old one just waves off with a feverish glance in his eyes and responses with a fragile voice which is getting stronger and louder towards the end. "Milord, there is not the time for that, and you shall carry on all of my knowledge for the better of mankind. I am just a small and old wheel in the machinery of war. Now get back in that cockpit, pilot!"
After such a response, Deleos soaks up every word the old one says, giving his all to learn everything the Major offers with a determination fueled now by more than just his strong sense of duty.
Grandfather Nurgle has sent me a present I couldn't resist, so I am out-of-order for some time (my head feels like it is about to explode any moment ...)
If we have pooled ressources left, we could get one Terminator suit + equipment as a backup variant if we need one?
Otherwise I will go with some of my alternatives to check out those req points.
I took one stalker for much the same reason: Stealth action. Also the additional +10 from accurate will help me hitting things reliably with my low BS score - I need all the modifiers there are ...
I may go with the lascannon if my remaining points are not needed for anything else. That thing hits brutally and has a 50% chance for RF... But mostly I will just hit things with my hammer until it stops moving (and then a little more just to make sure it stays that way)
;-)
"Will the honored one be awaken here or on board of the ship? I recall the ancient had problems ... focusing ... his mind from time to time. Do you know which chapter he originated from? It may help me to prepare the right words of comfort for him to focus on."
Getting some relicts:
Shortly after the meeting ended, Deleos is visited by a red and golden clad Marine with the distinctive marks of a Sanguinius priest. Greeting the surprising visitor again, he invites him into his chambers.
"I thought you already departed Brother? What can I do for you?"
The priest accepts the invitation and sets a chest of adamantine and gold on the table. "We were told that you and your kill-team will lead a large number of Deathwatch members into a long-term campaign with a secret, but high priority target. The chapter master has send me a message to provide you with any chapter related reliquary gear this station has to offer, so that you will bear the mark and blessing of a true Son of Sanguinius, bringing the light of the Emperor into yet another darkness. Fare well, Brother Deleos. Your chapter, your father and the Emperor will know you as a hero of the Blood Angels. I will pray for your soul every night, Brother. Fare well."
With that the priest turns around and takes his leave without speaking another word or opening the chest.
A few minutes pass, before Deleos mind returns to reality, still coping with what the priest had said. Upon opening the chest, he finds two items covered in heavy red wool.
The first item is a special bolter known as a Angelus Bolter intended to be worn around the power armor fist thus leaving both hands free for fighting. Complete with a special drum magazine of filament-tipped bolt shells. Those bolters are only worn by the most honored Blood Angel shock troops – mostly those guarding the company leaders or the chapter master himself. Taking up the weapon in awe, he perceives the rich iconography laid into the artesian weapon for long minutes before laying it back carefully into the chest.
The second item seems to be some technical component meant to be inserted into some larger system most likely a Servo Armor. Beside the component is a small note – written in an even smaller script. It takes Deleos some time to decipher it, just to detect that it is written in the native tongue of Baal – his homeworld. As he takes up the object, he unintentionally activates a trigger and a tiny cloud of bloody red particles dispenses from the object into the air. Deleos fine senses detects the far smell of in the air. One moment later he feels the iron grip of the red thirst welling up in him, instilling the blood rage his chapter is secretly feared for. Surprised by the sudden burst of pure hatred and bloodlust, his mind gives way for some moments and replaced by visions of battles he never fought, enemies he had never encountered, Brothers long dead he never knew and the image of the angelic Sanguinius on the ground a hated foe towering above him...
As he regains control again, his chamber is all but destroyed. Tables are flipped over and broken, books were ripped from their shelves, large dents in the wall and his bloody fist tells a story for them self. Panting heavily and suddenly feeling the pain in his fists he carefully sets down the object that somehow survived his outburst and reads the note with trembling hands: "Black Blood Injector. Insert into the life sustaining systems of the armor. Voice trigger phrase is 'Black Blood'. Will dispense a tiny portion of blood taken from a Brother lost to the black rage into the blood flow. Attention: Use only in the direst of situation for it is yet another step towards the rage for yourself. Bring ruin to the enemies of the Angel and fare well, Brother."
Setting down the note, he carefully sets down the device and takes a step back. After cleaning the mess that was his former chamber, he collects his belongings and sets of towards the armory. There are things to collect from the armory prior to the departure, and he has to find a techmarine for inserting the injector into his armor.
@Everyone: We all should take signum links - because they are simply awesome, and will help (me) greatly to hit things if we have to shoot something from afar =D
The signum should be taken by someone with good tech-use - so likely pcros or varryl. Price is 35 for the signum and 20 for every link.
@Bayou: Is there an advantage of having multiple teleport homers in the team, beside possible two-pickup zones of course?
Seems like a cool thing to take nevertheless. Will bring my dodge/acrobatics from 70 to 90% which is pretty cool =D
Cost seems to be 21 after a look @Xing's profile?
I missed the part about the cool injections to survive void for longer, do we still have access to it?
How about a personal Thunderhawk (80 req asset)? Would we have access to one anyway? It is a hefty price to pay if we would have access to one anyway.
