Brother Stone's page

Man the guns, we drop in behind and flank the kroot if there is any chance we can turn the tide. Patch me into the Outpost, tell them support is incoming. Pilot, pull us behind the Kroot advance, we can try to come in from behind. Fingers on the triggers marines, we go in hot, no speeders, repel the Outpost assault and regroup from there. We could do with some allies if we are to succeed on our mission, but we can not risk the main objective.

I'm assuming the Outpost is important, or is it just something we're flying over? If it looks hopeless or the Outpost isn't important, please try to say so in your post, that could help decide, didn't get from your post if that was where we were heading or just passing by...In which case their could be a few situations like this on our way to our mission coordinates.

As the ship changes flight vectors and the wolves move restlessly, ready to satisfy their appetite for combat, Brother Stone tries to temper their emotions and instincts.

If there is a chance we can succeed we will engage, but if it is too late, then our main objective takes priority, these relics take priority, we are Deathwatch Marines and can not engage every target of oppurtunity, but we will be the Emperor's sword and those caught in the way will fall. Before this day is over we shall have our fill, be it here or there, do not doubt the xenos' resolve.

As the men gather on the Thunderhawk for deployment he shares a few words with his men in anticipation of the mission:

This is what we have been training for, this is our time, our opportunity to gain the glory and renown we deserve in service to the Deathwatch. I expect to see every one of you return here whole and no man or gene seed will be left behind under my command. If you depart his life and greet your chapter ancestors, know you will be celebrated and remembered. If I shall fall, then the burden of command shall fall to brother Ironmane. The relics from the Omega Vaults must not fall into enemy hands and he understands them better than any of us. For GLORY! For RUSS! For the EMPEROR!

The wolves needed no more arousing or confidence, Brother Stone's realism might of been a downer to the aura of anticipation coming from the wolves, their appetites wet and starving for battle, but Stone's had been tempered by a haunting defeat and the dreams he sometimes suffered. Only the hope of redemption gave him the strength to carry on, the promise to his captain, the debt to be repaid. Though they were secondary objectives in his life, his new life held little and gave little pleasure. His black shield armor and ancient Mk. II helmet were all he held from his former life that could be displayed. The pouch of stones close to his chest, strengthening his body and spirit, served as a constant reminder of his former name and traditions. Now amongst the wolves he had to reforge himself and this first mission would be the true test of his character and leadership. For if he could carouse these wolves and lead them, then all might not be lost, his chance of gaining back his former name and rank amongst his Chapter would finally be more a reality than dream. When he sought to take the long watch, he did so with half determination. Weighed down by guilt and shame he sought to meet the strongest and worst the enemy could offer in combat, hoping his valiance would redeem him in his own way, but as he spent time with the wolves and learned their traditions, ways, and fighting styles, he realized his foolishness and grasped the advantages of hunting in a pack. He silently vowed, along with the Oath he shared with the wolves, to give himself another chance and accept his place in the order of things as the wolves had.

Now a leader and looked up to once again by a squad, he had a new responsibility greater than himself and swore to see things through and not rush to get himself killed. His most recent dream seemed to be speaking to him and seemed more real than ever before. He didn't grasp what it could mean, but he knew his new path to be the right one. He would survive and fully intended on every soul under his command to do the same, no matter the costs.

I thought it was probably because heightened senses (smell) isn't all that useful and the wolf senses solo mode means no helmet at rank 1 (which is a significant disadvantage). Plus the chapter advances are a lot less useful (carouse for marines with heightened resistance to poisons and toxins,and perform!) or certainly more situation specific.

But it does probably unbalance it the other way.

I didn't know if that was true or not, in a few other games we let the wolves have the pattern helmets that let them benefit from the solo mode ability...Thought we did that here? We didn't discuss this before?

It is a powerful ability the Solo-mode is, as far as Chapter Advances, just fills in the type of character they are, I agree though, not much useful there in wolves, but theres a few cool things to round them off an make them unique...Depends on GM and if he calls for the tests...Its kind of separating things, diff chapter advances let marines have/do things that they normally wouldn't have access to otherwise, creating more unique PCs...

I'm a black shield, which means no chapter advances, the advances for black shield are ALL the same as Deathwatch advances, and no solo mode, and no chapter trapping...I lost my sacris claymore..:( Anyways, I plan to take the counter-attack talent in the future, but I like to roleplay and build up to it for the GM, instead of just purchasing things out of the blue. I think its very justified after some missions with you and sparing with wolves that I might emulate or copy their ways and fury in battle....

Also, I'm building up to learn your counter-attack, which puts me at a huge disadvantage while fighting any of you now...Unless GM wants to give me that ability too...Why wolves get two +5 stats, and 2 talents...is a little beyond me, while all other chapters I recall get 2 +5 or in the case of Storm warden gets a single +5 and +2 wounds, usually any chapter gets two benefits....Not 4...But themz the errata rules..

Would like to spar and practice with the new chain sword, but leaving the chains off, taking away tearing, and/or spar with mono-blades...Don't want to be scratching up our armor and ripping through that, but we could leave chains off, taking away tearing, and just practice for landing blows...maybe not add as much SB...

OR we really go ballz/fangz out and duel till someone wins..we have time to heal up and recover...Could be good practice for the scout and he might pick up a thing or two from the ships chirugeon.

However we decide is fine, just wanted to clarify OOC for anyone who accepts or wants to participate.

Brother Stone doesn't need to say anything to the Watch Captain.

Of course he would find out...he tells himself and goes to catch up with his brothers.

I must change my fighting style and learn the ways of the wolves now more than ever, for if the Watch Captain can recognize me, so will others, and I am not ready to answer to others.

When he catches up some of the wolves seemed interested in what he was told and he tries to give them an answer that satisfies without deceiving.

The Captain is wiser than he appears and knows more about me than I would like, regardless, he promises to support me and my hunt...For which I am grateful.

Now, who cares to show me their fangs and spar? I would prefer getting some practice in with my chain-sword before we reach planet side...Any takers? he asks the group trying to focus the wolves for the next few weeks, for their benefit as much as his own.

Stone was familiar and had worked with the Black Templars and Ultramarines before, he had studied their ways and adopted them for his own squad tactics. Finally his own leadership, the first as a Black Shield of the Deathwatch, he was eager to display what he had learned and hoped to honor them with his execution of similar attack and defense patterns.

Stone is surprised that the Watch Captain singles him out for a moment, but perhaps its in regards to his leadership and these last minute mission details. It's easier for Stone to deal with marines of other chapters than his own, especially behind the veil of a "Black Shield." But this was no ordinary man, this was a Watch Captain and a Storm Warden.

...Trust his Wisdom Angus, do not turn away from your chapter simply because you do not walk with them, for to do so would be to lose sight of your goal

As his brothers move forward and they are left with some privacy, stone replies to the captain:

Of course sir. Stone replies standing tall and confident, proud and humbled to be in such company, but nearly panicking as he recalled his tempest stones and hoped the Watch Captain did not notice the pouch containing them. While his acceptance into the Deathwatch came with conditions, he was never forced to reveal his origins, and perhaps to another Captain of another Chapter he could of faced such a confession, but with a Storm Warden watching over him, he thought it too soon. He did his best to retain his composure and endure the encounter. It will get easier is all he can tell himself as the conversation ensues, hoping he would become more comfortable around the Captain and his squad.

After some time when the spirits have worn off and been filtered out by his superior physiology he goes about retrieving the relics and inquiring about their transport status and any special requirements or rituals needed to arouse their spirits. While there are three of them, he pondered if they all held the same function or worked in unison, hopefully the Tech-priests and Tech-marines would be able to explain more on the journey. For now, he would take responsibility for them as squad leader. Having such responsibility did not come lightly and no matter who ferried them on the field, it would be his leadership that would be called into questions should they be lost or damaged. He would have to choose carefully and wisely, but trust would not come easy. Not for him, and not for the wolves.

His chapter traditionally more isolationist they often ignorant and intolerant of others ways and traditions, but Brother Stone found the experiences and knowledge to be fascinating and necessary. If his chapter were to survive, they would need brothers like him to return and share the knowledge they have gained. Certainly the Omega Vault held more secrets than many lifetimes could uncover, Stone would take any opportunity he could in learning to wield that knowledge and power for the good of mankind.

Finally he awaits the arrival of the wolves in the staging are where equipment would be delivered and issued. He carefully maintained his own munitions for his missile launcher and did pre-flight checks with his jump pack to make sure the machine spirits were in prime shape. Satisfied with his finding he waits until everyone is ready to board and depart.

Good point with Relics...didn't see anyone say anything, but we arent' sure what they are. We should assign some people to hold them, how about the Rune Priest, Techmarine, and one on me?

Devest. got their hands full with backpack ammo and heavy bolters. Assault marine and I have jetpacks, but keeping them on us shouldn't be an issue..maybe.

How big are they? Techmarine takes two? Leave them on vehicles until we need them? Unsure the size and durability of these...

They came out the Omega vaults, most likely they have some nice box and Stasis field (I might be dreaming) to keep them safe and protected...

Anyone else got some ideas? I might just post taking them in game and then we'll dole them out when we decide here and/or IC thread.

After celebrating and drinking as Wolves do on the eve of a mission, Brother Stone leaves a little early to finalize and prepare himself for leadership. He reflects on the codex and focuses on what is important by memorizing all he can of the planet and the developments over time. He knows they have a team that could meet most any force head on, but without an Apothecary, they would have to tread lightly. The scout seems to have some medical knowledge based on his requisition, that is most commendable and impressive. He would be piloting and scouting ahead, he would be important, I hope he doesn't bite off more than a wolf can chew he thinks to himself uncertain of what they would encounter, only knowing for now his own squad's strengths and weaknesses.

The hour is upon us Angus he says to himself using his real name, Redemption is never given, it must be earned...My redemption can only be born from violence, that is the path of a Marine. Like lightning sparking a forest fire and cleansing the brush, I too will spark a flame and start anew as Brother Stone...For I am unworthy to tread my own forests, they await my return with my Brothers...Embrace the ways of the wolf, their strength and feriouciousness are what will be needed for what lies ahead...I know you are out there, I am coming for you he says to himself before opening his eyes and wondering how strong the drink really was, waiting for his body to clear it out of his system.

Leap frog tactics often, with Devest. laying down fire and rest moving up, their weapons have range and full auto. Also depends on horde or single enemies and what kind they are.

What do our vehicles have in the gunz department?

Since no one has training in the vehicles I think GM will let us slide. No test are necessary unless we start getting difficult into difficult maneuvers...My previous Chapter (Storm Wardens) does provide some ability to dodge in a vehicle easier than others and make hits count towards forward armor, but not sure if I still get that, I'll double check. Otherwise, we need to see about the gunner positions and just how far we'll be taking them....If we plan to engage enemies on them or we'll just be exploring around on them...could be surprise, but we need to decide if we'll be getting out to engage or staying on them. guess we'll need some info on SPeed/AP/gunz, etc.

Anyone have vehicle stats, please post them or let me know where to look for them.

As the men accept his ascension to Squad leader for this mission he greets each one and exchanges words as they approach and find him to offer warnings and advice.

At Brother Wolfhowl's battle cry, For Glory he yells in unison with the space wolf.

At Bloodfang, I do not measure mission success by the number of enemies I slay, but if you are keeping count, then I will try to leave some standing for you as we descend together into hordes by jump pack，It would be a shame if I killed more than you from afar before you could engage in close combathe says jokingly, but quickly adding I shall wade into the hordes with you, chainsword screaming and tearing into our enemies to show you my teeth are just as sharp…By our missions end, every brother here will have their fill…I would not look forward to a return journey with Hungry Wolves

Then he thanks Brother Ironmane for his confidence and advice. As a Black Shield, this is my second chance, I will not need another in this life. I trust you will support my leadership and keep our tools of war in the finest condition possible, I have immense respect for the Priest of Mars and your role as Techmarine, our chapter has traditionally held very close ties with them. Your presence here is a relief, for I am ignorant in the ways of the Machine Spirits and trust my Techmarine to be able to handle all we may encounter.

He takes Stormson's warning for the truth it is. I expect you to hold everyone to that very standard, and as a Wolf Scout I suspect I should not see you ahead of me or our enemies shall too. Just be sure to restrain yourself until we can act as a cohesive and coordinated squad. Wolves hunt in packs, not alone.

And finally, as Stone learns it was Irontooth's suggestion that paved the way for his leadership, he commends the wolf on his fellowship and intelligence. You think like a true leader, I look forward to serving under your command as well...without the fight of course....Now, tell me, what rituals should I be aware of while preparing with a pack of wolves on the eve of a mission? he ask with sincerity, eager to be one of them, but more out of curiosity and a desire to learn their ways than playing to their emotions with false fellowship. Stone was truly intrigued by the wolves and their ferocious appetite for all things. He planned to watch and observe, hoping to learn the art of their ways in battle and match their tenacity in combat.

Stone answers Erik's call and stare by stepping forward, helmet removed. He slowly turns and begins to speak full of charisma and an energy thats almost contagious.

Follow me brothers and I assure nothing but glory and honor, on my life I swear it. pausing momentarily to let his words carry his focus and determination. We have learned to work as a team and while I am no wolf, I am a hunter, and our training has shown I can learn your ways and hunt like a wolf. Allow me to lead not as an Alpha, as I know each of you are capable of being the Alpha when the time comes, but for this mission, I am merely a leader of DeathWatch marines. Once again pausing to slowly turn and face each marine and make eye contact.I know some of you may not trust a Black Shield, but I assure you my leadership capacity and tactical expertise are above reproach. We all joined the DeathWatch for our own reasons, mine are personal and the choice to serve as a Black Shield is so I may regain my honor, for I failed and chose self exile until I claim victory over a foe who took everything from me. I will not rest until I see death or revenge. My chapter awaits my return and did not order me to take the long watch. It is the only means by which I may continue my great hunt. If that day should come, I trust you will not interfere and honor my final battle as a marine or Black Shield, for if I am triumphant, I shall shed these colors and proudly bear the trappings and colors of my Chapter, and should I fail, I trust you will retrieve my gene-seed and succeed where I have failed.

After waiting for any response, he asks his brothers in a mightly yell:

Are you with me Wolves? Let us bring light to the darkness, death the xenos, and glory to our Squad!

We have a squad name?

Usually extra grenades free, a reasonable amount, and other forces supporting us should have more available. Ultimately at Gms discretion.

We need to decide on leader and oath before we can deploy. Few posts seem to favor oath of glory. I'm up to lead. So what do you all think? Black shield squad leader? Don't see anyone else wanting to. So sound off if you're ready for glory and renown with me.

Wolves:

1.
Don't forget to add your counter attack talent, its awesome...Hope to pick it up later after rolling with your pack. (In the Errata its added as starting talent for all Wolves)

2.
Your AG bonus for Movement should be increased by 1. Your power armor gives you +1AB for movement rate. So if you have an AG 50, Bonus of 5, its actually considered 6 when determining your movement. Some of you forgot that. In my profile I include a natural movement and then +1 stats while in armor.

After the meeting Brother Stone overlooks his fellow squad mates requisition orders and equipment, making sure they are optimal and done correctly, ever vigilant to pull all the resources he can for any given mission. As he looks over the requests and dossiers, he makes a few notes for his brothers and offers some advice for the young pups.

Bloodfang: His armor would make him less able to Dodge in melee combat, but fine in ranged combat as his machine spirits enhance his BS abilities. Your profile doesn't make that distinction, just wanted to be sure you understand, I have it too! It's only in melee combat, not all dodges.Also, the squad tactics you have listed in profile aren't all available to us, it depends on the Oath we take, just don't be confused and think we could use any of them anytime.He notes his jump pack and the extra movement it would provide the team in flanking and then notes his requisition of a SECOND chain sword, clearly marking his preference for CQC.

Irontooth: Why would he put a maglock on his pistol? Every brother should be quick enough We have quick draw which covers basic, pistol, and one handed melee weapons, to draw and holster his weapon. If he is slow, I shall make a point of working with him to practice it and perhaps shift his holster or its position on his armor, so he might spend his requisition for better equipment or upgrades. He's taking additional Frag grenades, but those are common enough that a few extra shouldn't count towards our requisition for this mission, I will speak to the Forgemaster personally in the Armory to collect a few extra without the need for more paperwork. You spent 30 on Kraken ammo, which means you got 3 clips? 10 each for heavy bolter. Not sure if that was your intention or you paid too much on accident, your profile isn't clear. As for his ammunition requisition, he would speak to Irontooth personally to clear up his requisition form before submission.

Einar Stormson: Metal Storm rounds will come in handy, nice choice as a fellow tactical marine. Other equipment looks great and ready to support the team in a variety of situations. Unsure of his expertise as a tactical marine he makes a note to discuss it with him and become more familiar. Didn't see which special ability you chose, the Bolter Mastery or the one I have to share your patterns with others in squad. Since you're a wolf and I'm the only non-wolf, I think, then I'd suggest taking Bolter Mastery that gives +10 BS when you use Bolt Weapons and are in Solo-mode.Looks like he should get one more clip of stalker ammo for the requisition amount listed Pistols ammo clips are 1/2 price, or you get 2 for full price.He is unsure why he would attack a fire selector to the Stalker pattern pistol, knowing the damage from other ammo types would be decreased. He makes a point to discuss with him the tactical choice and how to best spend the rest of his requisition allotment. If its unneeded, then perhaps there is something greater the team could use with his remaining resource allotment.

Brother Wolfhowl's requisition data looked sufficient. There seemed to be a lack of diversity in the ammo supply, Brother Stone made it a point to look at the other ammo available when he was in the Armory requesting additional grenades.I'll fish around for additional ammo options. Got some in mind, but need to copy stats and costs to board for all to see and choose from. He finally took a note of his history and machine spirts deficiency at dodging in melee combat, which means he should be fine kept at range.

Ulf, the Rune Priest: While not overly familiar with the ways of Wolf Librarians, it was clear he was different than those of other chapters. He didn't mind and found him to be highly perceptive and knew his eye would mean the difference in surprise attacks. There was no requisition form available yet, he would attempt to suggest some equipment that he could use or where to put it his resources for the teams benefit if they were mostly unneeded. Did see your requist. at time of posting

Just trying to role play a few OOC things that could use some addressing, got bored and I find the above enjoyable and the responsibility of a good leader.

Stone listens intently but doesn't really get what the mission is about yet.

What is the importance of this planet? How fares the war effort in that sector? Have we been engaged with the Tau there for long and have we any intel of possible unknown allies? What recent intel do you have, surely this information is weeks old by the time the intended sample arrived

Moving around to inspect the luminators he admires the artificers work, clearly of ancient and solid design. Shortly after he awaits an opportune time to ask, So the Omega Vault believes we will need them, could the light possible penetrate the darkness? By the Sacred Agreement our institutions are bound by, I trust that you are providing us with all the information your Chamber and the Inquisition have, including any past occurrences or reports of this peculiar phenomena?

He watches her and the others as they consider his questions, looking for anything out of the ordinary that could indicate deception or half truths.

Scrutiny 55 vs 1d100 ⇒ 9 4 DOS

Brother Stone finishes sparing with a few marines, before he is to challenge another a serf approaches him, much to the envy of the other marines who also eagerly awaited deployment. He wishes them well and thanks them for the training.

You honor me with your effort, I hope I have been equally worthy of your time as he wipes blood from his mouth, having fared much better than his opponents who still seemed to be recovering and in certain need of medical attention. Nothing serious, but enough to have gained respect as a new Black Shield aboard the Watch Fortress.

He turns to the serf and accepts the invitation and tells the serf, I shall report immediately. Thank you for swiftly finding me
He gathers his belongings and after some assistance from a few nearby techpriest putting his armor back on, he doesn’t wear his helmet, instead carrying it by his side with pride, he makes his way to the meeting room. Any marine who saw his helmet and armor could only wonder an respect how such a young marine had come to bear such an ancient helm, especially considering he bore the newest Mrk 8 pattern armor, uncommon among the masses of marines and usually for higher level officers. Stone’s humility was a product of his past and only through redemption could he fully become his true self and return to his former glory by his Chapter Brother's sides.

Brother Stone had been working with the wolves for only a short while. Unsure of why he had been assigned to them he thought much less of it than the wolves. As a Black Shield there was inherent mistrust by other Deathwatch members, but he had proven himself a valuable member and picked up the ways of the wolves and learned much from them. This was no doubt because of his ability to get along and become the person needed most at the right time. With the wolves he was a an opposite view and opinion that had guided them both for the better thus far.

As he watched Brother Bloodfang easily best his opponent he wished for more chances to prove himself among the pack. He knew it would be the only way they would ever truely respect him. He needed more time with them in the field. He needed to earn the respect that his armor demanded from others. At the very least he felt like he was the only brother they could get a long with, having no chapter identity, he could easily adopt and follow them without worry for his own traditions. He learned to meld with the pack and hunt as one. He was finally ready to lead and he desired nothing more than show them he could be an Alpha Wolf if given the chance.

As he watched, clad in his black armor without chapter trappings or any sign bearing his original chapter, the shame to great to bear openly. His captain had perhished and had been powerless to stop it. A great man of his chapter he was nearly killed in his defense but awoke from the encounter in time to share only a few words with his mentor. After his passing he took secondment to the Deathwatch, never sharing the words they exchanged, only those present heard Stone's promise.

After his mentor was ceremoniously layed to rest his Chapter replaced his armor's helmet with his Captain's. At first he refused, but took it as a reminder of his promise. While the ancient Mark 2 helmet was a rare sight it was not enough to overcome the stigma of being a black shield, which was integral to the identity of every marine as their gene seed.

Who wants to fight next? he says stepping forward without his armor, merely another marine, but his true identity veiled in secret, with only the Watch Captain having any real clue of his origins. He took his new Oath's seriously but he was here to keep a promise and redeem himself, wanting nothing more than to return to his Chapter with honor and once again take his place within their traditions and ways.

A challenger steps forward and he quietly and quickly makes short work of him with a ferocity that would make his wolf brothers proud.

1d10 ⇒ 10..Mk8

1d5 ⇒ 5 Roll any table
1d10 ⇒ 2 None shall escape the Emperor’s Wrath

Deed: Battle Damage (300xp) (Gives additional armor history of my choice)
Helm of Mordicus

Finishing details on all I need now. I think Armor was the last thing I needed to roll. Oh, and I'll change name of this Alias

So...Looked at the Watch captain adv. specialty and it makes little sense to me...Need to have Command +20, but then it has command, command +10, and command +20 as purchasable skillz....WHY? Filling the options to purchase with things you already have/are pre-requisites for the class...lame.

On another note, our current DW game, been going on for nearly a year and the marines are just now at Level 4...So calling out thing's we all want now is a bit silly, given historical retention rates...Unless we begin with more XP it'll be a long while before we're getting any of those alt. classes...On that note, considering going with another one, as Watch captain provides little to be used now or in the future.

I've got the tac marine profile and my stats layed out, though not in order, as I've yet to choose a chapter. Thought I'd decide today, but its late and I'll finalize after seeing some feedback on our questions and others chapter/class choices.