Search the Community

THE MAN IN THE BOX The Crusade Fleet hung over Mars like a crown of steel. The Verdant Oath and her escorts gleamed in the thin light, engines humming a low, patient warning. Dust storms swirled beneath the atmosphere, curling around the temples of the Adeptus Mechanicus like smoke over fire. High Sentinel Varyn Drakus walked the bridge, reviewing manifest after manifest, fleet strength, Blade assignments, and tonnage. Every calculation balanced, every number accounted for—or so he thought. Then the arithmetic failed. “One thousand and one,” said the Chapter Master. The strategium was silent save for servitors and distant engine hums. “Read it back,” he added. The human Fleet-master hesitated. Not long enough to defy him, long enough to be afraid. “One thousand and one, High Sentinel.” Drakus’ gaze hardened. Silence settled over the strategium like a fog. “Explain.” “I cannot,” the Fleet-master admitted. “The roster is sealed above my authority. This anomaly was not present an hour ago.” Drakus extended a hand. The data-slate was placed into it with visible reluctance. He scrolled. The cogitator whined, chimes stuttering, before unlocking a partition he had never authorized. Designation: Withheld Heraldry: Absent Status: Active Classification: Brutalis-pattern Dreadnought Drakus closed the slate. “No Green Templar stands interred,” he said quietly. No one contradicted him. “Locate it,” he ordered. “Do not alert the Mechanicus. Do not log the search. If questioned, you are reconciling tonnage.” He turned back to the hololithic fleet display. “If it exists,” he said, “it exists inside my Crusade. I will know why.” ☆☆☆ The Brutalis Dreadnought waited in a lower cargo hold of the Verdant Oath itself. Its ceramite was bare, talons locked in mag-lock restraints, edges deliberately dulled. Twin multi-meltas hung inert. Strange-marked tech-priests stood watch, robes layered with sigils from dozens of hands. “Deactivate the restraint fields,” Drakus ordered. One turned, mechadendrites twitching. “Authorization is restricted. This asset is under—” Drakus drew his bolt pistol and fired. The first head ruptured against the bulkhead; the others froze, logic-loops stalling. “You are aboard a Green Templar vessel,” Drakus said evenly. “There is no higher authority present.” He fired again. And again. When the last fell, the bolt pistol locked open. Drakus glanced at it, then keyed his helm. “Techmarine Rodrigo Peral,” he said. “Report. Bring the rites for Dreadnought activation. Requisition an additional magazine for my sidearm. I am short.” ☆☆☆ Rodrigo Peral completed the final rites. Power flooded the sarcophagus. Hydraulics hissed like indrawn breath. A voice emerged—deep, vox-cracked, yet carrying the cadence of a brother long in the wars. “High Sentinel Drakus. At last.” Drakus leveled his bolt pistol. “Identify.” “I am the First. A Greyshield forged by the Archmagos Dominus Belisarius Cawl himself, of pure Vulkan gene-seed, before your Chapter received its name or its Blades. I was held in reserve—pure, untainted—until the moment came.” Greyshield? Drakus thought. Cawl’s vaults supplied our Primaris reinforcements, yes—but no record exists of a pre-founding internee. No sarcophagus was delivered with the gene-stock. This thing claims a history we never claimed. “Why were you interred?” Drakus asked. “In what battle did you fall?” The talons twitched against the restraints. “I was defeated… by a vile machine. It thought itself alive. It wore the form of Man, spoke as kin, but its heart was cold code. I struck it down, but the cost was grievous. The Mechanicus saved what remained of me. They interred me so I could serve still.” The words hung heavy. Drakus felt the chill of recognition—not of truth, but of pattern. The abomination it described mirrored the speaker too closely. “Where have you been since?” he pressed. “Name the forge where they rebuilt you. Name the Tech-Priest who sealed the rites.” A longer pause. The multi-meltas hummed faintly, as if testing power. “I… do not remember clearly. The wars blur. The void is long. I awoke here, among my brothers. That is enough.” Drakus’ gaze hardened. Vague. Evasive. No Marine forgets the forge that birthed his second life. Rodrigo Peral shifted, mechadendrites probing the hull readings. “Lord, the neural bridge reads… inconsistent. I need a second opinion. Apothecary Severo Marqués—report to the hold. Bring your auspex and bio-probes.” Severo Marqués arrived swiftly, white armor stark against the dim lumens. He knelt, connecting leads to the sarcophagus ports. Scans flickered across his narthecium display. His posture stiffened. “High Sentinel,” he said quietly, voice tight. “There are no life signs. None. The biomatter within… it does not resemble an interred brother. No secondary heart, no catalepsean node activity. It is preserved, yes—artificially—but it is wrong. Dead far longer than any Dreadnought could sustain a mind. And yet it spoke.” Drakus rested his gauntlet on the ceramite. The hull thrummed under his touch, almost expectant. “Then tell me,” he said, voice low and final, “who—or what—has been speaking through a corpse’s shell.” Drakus keyed the vox without looking away. “Peral. Prepare to vent the hold. Open the outer hatch on my mark. Eject this… thing into the void.” Silence stretched. Then the voice cracked—less lucid, more desperate. “I am Green Templar! I am the First! Forged by Cawl, pure Vulkan blood—do not cast me out!” The Dreadnought’s talons flexed hard against the mag-locks—metal groaned. “No. I have served! I purged the machine that thought itself alive! You cannot—” “You are the machine,” Drakus said evenly. “And you will serve no longer.” The restraints snapped like brittle bone. Hydraulics screamed as the Brutalis tore free, massive frame lurching forward. Twin multi-meltas whined to full charge, barrels glowing infernal red. Bolt rifles on its forearms spat a storm of mass-reactive shells, hammering crates and bulkheads into ruin. Drakus drew his power sword in a blur. The blade ignited blue-white. “Peral—hatch! Now!” He charged low, aiming for the knee joints where armor gapped for movement. Rodrigo Peral dove for the control panel, mechadendrites stabbing into access ports, overriding lockdown protocols. Warning runes flashed crimson across the deck. Apothecary Severo Marqués raised his narthecium, vox crackling urgently: “All nearby Brothers—this is Marqués! Hold breach—hostile Dreadnought asset! Reinforcements to bay seven, priority!” A squad of Chapter serfs—ship’s armsmen in void-sealed carapace, lasguns and shotguns at the ready—poured through the inner hatch at the alarm klaxons. They opened fire instinctively: las-bolts splashed harmlessly off the bare ceramite, autogun rounds pinging away like rain on adamantium. One serf screamed a Promethean litany and charged with a shock maul raised—only for a casual backhand talon to send him flying into a wall, armor crumpling. A massive talon swept in a wide arc. Marqués twisted aside, but not far enough. The claw raked across his chest plate, tearing pauldron and rib-guard in a spray of blood and ceramite shards. He staggered back, collapsing against a munitions crate, one arm dangling useless, white armor blooming red. “Marqués!” Drakus roared. Tomas Varn—barely out of his indenture, face pale under his helm—broke from the firing line and threw himself over the fallen Apothecary, lasgun blazing point-blank at the Dreadnought’s torso. The bolts did nothing. The Brutalis pivoted, one multi-melta barrel tracking. A searing beam lanced out—white-hot promethium fury that slagged Tomas Varn’s carapace in an instant. Flesh and armor vaporized in a burst of superheated steam; his scream cut short as he slumped, charred remains shielding Marqués’ body like a broken aegis. Drakus locked his mag-boots to the deck with a heavy clunk, anchoring himself against the growing pull as Peral’s overrides began cycling the outer hatch. He lunged again, power sword slashing deep into the exposed knee servo—sparks flew, fluid sprayed, the leg buckling with a tortured whine. The Dreadnought staggered, talons raking blindly. “I am one of you!” it bellowed, voice fracturing into static rage. A fist hammered down; Drakus rolled aside, the impact cratering plasteel and sending shockwaves through the hold. The remaining serfs braced against cargo stacks and support struts, gripping handholds, autoguns still barking futile defiance. Peral’s vox cut through the chaos: “Hatch at fifty percent—five seconds! Lord, the machine is fighting the cycle!” The outer hatch hissed wide. Void roared in like a living thing—sucking air, debris, loose tools toward the black maw. Mars’ ruddy glow framed the opening. Drakus deactivated one boot momentarily, lunged to Marqués’ side, and clamped a gauntlet around the Apothecary’s pauldron. With a grunt, he hauled the wounded brother back, mag-locking both boots again. Marqués groaned, secondary heart laboring, but alive. The serfs clung desperately—some to chains, others to each other—bodies straining against the gale. The Brutalis slid inexorably toward the breach, talons gouging deep furrows in the deck as it clawed for purchase. Drakus drove his sword one final time into the shoulder mount, severing multi-melta feed lines—one barrel died in a sputter of sparks. “You will serve the Chapter,” Drakus said over the howling wind, voice steady, “but not as you imagine.” The Dreadnought’s last talon slipped. It tumbled out, twisting in vacuum, ceramite glowing cherry as atmospheric friction claimed it on the long fall to Mars. Its vox screamed one final, garbled plea—“I am—!”—before silence swallowed it. The hatch sealed with a thunderous clang. Emergency repressurization hissed. Drakus knelt beside Marqués, checking the wound. Grievous, but survivable with immediate rites. The Apothecary’s narthecium auto-injected stimms. The surviving serfs slumped, breathing hard, faces ashen. One saluted weakly, blood on his gloves from a comrade. Rodrigo Peral limped over, scorched mechadendrite dangling. “The roster is correct now. One thousand. No anomalies.” Drakus stared at the sealed hatch, then at the charred outline where Tomas Varn had fallen shielding his brother. “Technology bends to the will of Man,” he murmured. “Not the other way around.” He rose. “Tend to the wounded. Secure the hold. Honor the fallen—Tomas Varn among them. The Crusade continues.” The Chapter endured—bloodied, vigilant, and one step closer to the truth of who had tried to poison them from within... And the man in the box would fight no longer.

If I'm reading this right, with the Orbital Assault Detachment, you can finally Deep Strike Hammerfall Bunkers, like the God-Emperor intended. Hammerfall Bunkers I don't see anything that says it's not permissible. Do you?

THE RETURN OF THE GREEN KNIGHT The strike cruiser Verdant Oath did not sound a welcoming chime. The Thunderhawk settled into its cradle amid drifting vapor and cooling metal. From its hold emerged a lone figure clad in black ceramite. Brother Martin bore the sigil of the Deathwatch upon his pauldron. The Inquisitorial mark still clung to his armor, dull and intrusive, like a scar that refused to fade. No honor guard awaited him. Marshal Calder stood at the foot of the embarkation ramp, hands clasped behind his back. To one side waited Brother-Artificer Verdug, his servo-arm locked in repose. A pace behind them stood Codicier Lucan, hood drawn low, presence folded inward like a sheathed blade. Calder inclined his head. ‘Your vigil is ended.’ Brother Martin knelt. ‘It ended early, My Lord,’ Martin said. Not defensively. Precisely. ‘As intended,’ Calder replied The black of his armor was not revered aboard the Verdant Oath. It was residue. A foreign layer to be removed. They led him into the Armorum Sanctum. Cog-etched arches rose overhead. Incense hung heavy in the air, sharp with solvents and sanctified oils. The rites of return began. The black paint was burned away. Chemical agents hissed as Deathwatch livery dissolved down to bare adamantium. Serfs worked in silence. No hymns were sung. No litanies spoken. Only the steady rhythm of cleansing. As the green was reapplied, Codicier Lucan circled Martin slowly. His eyes never lingered on the armor. They searched deeper. ‘You refused three direct taskings,’ Lucan said, eyes unfocused. ‘Not requests. Orders.’ ‘I did,’ Martin replied. ‘Specify,’ Calder said. ‘The Deathwatch required maintenance of xenos-derived weapon systems,’ Martin said. ‘Calibration. Sanctification. Instruction.’ Verdug’s optics brightened faintly. ‘I refused,’ Martin continued. ‘Each time, I cited Martian doctrine and Imperial law. Each time, I offered sanctioned alternatives.’ ‘And?’ Calder asked. ‘They recorded my refusals,’ Martin said. ‘They judged me obstructive. Ideologically inflexible. A liability to operational cohesion.’ Calder’s mouth twitched, almost a smile. 'They I was released to my parent chapter under writ,’ Martin finished. Calder inclined his head once. ‘Exactly as hoped.’ Lucan stopped pacing. ‘There has been interference,’ Lucan said at last. Calder did not turn. ‘Explain.’ ‘The Ordo Xenos attempted a surgical purge,’ Lucan replied. ‘Memory excision. Observation anchors. They were thorough.’ Verdug’s optics flared softly. ‘And successful?’ Lucan paused. ‘Incomplete.’ At a gesture from Verdug, servitors drew back a shrouded reliquary. Runes flared as seals disengaged, one by one. Beneath lay an ancient device of brass and blackened steel, its surface etched with sigils older than the Chapter. ‘Sanctioned by Holy Terra,’ Verdug intoned. ‘Recovered during the Third Scouring of Helican Reach.’ Lucan’s voice lowered. ‘Rumors claim the Ordos Hereticus uses such devices to unmask witches. To reconstruct lies stripped from the mind.’ Calder turned at last. ‘Then use it.’ Brother Martin was seated before the device. Cables interfaced with his cranial ports. The machine stirred, not with noise, but with intent. Lucan reached into the warp. The device responded. Fragments surfaced—gaps where memory had been cut away, cauterized with cold precision. The machine probed those absences, not restoring what was taken, but mapping what should have been there. Runes ignited across the chamber walls. Star charts unfolded, incomplete at first—then sharpening. Worlds returned from omission – bled back into focus. Vaults hidden by silence. Listening posts. Quarantine reliquaries hidden beneath layers of denial. Lucan exhaled slowly. ‘Nineteen,’ he said. ‘Recovered from absence,’ Verdug confirmed. ‘The rest are too degraded.’ Calder stepped forward, studying the burning points of light. ‘Nineteen worlds touched by xenos treachery,’ he said, ‘Nineteen worlds, hidden not by ignorance, but by intent.’ ‘Some confirmed,’ Martin said, his voice steady despite the lingering ache behind his eyes. ‘Some merely watched.’ Lucan’s gaze hardened. ‘Watched is enough.’ ‘Then no longer,’ Calder said. He turned to Verdug. ‘Inform the Blade.’ The words carried weight. The War Council would convene. Routes would be charted. Oaths renewed. Weapons sanctified. Calder faced Martin once more. ‘Your vigil ended early because it needed to,’ he said. ‘You were sent back because you exposed their weakness. They lack faith in humanity.' Martin bowed his head. ‘You return to us without stain,’ the Marshal said. ‘Go and rejoin your brothers.' Outside the Armorum Sanctum, klaxons began to sound—not alarms, but summons. The Verdant Oath altered course. A Crusade had been declared. It was a good day for the Green Templars. And the alien would not endure it.

I've picked out a color scheme I like, thought out most of the various markings for ranks. Black kneepad for basic troopers, gold for Sergeant/Veterans/Lieutenant/Captain Blue for Librarian Red for Tech-Priests White for Apothecarion The rest of the Armour will match the rest of the army. I never liked the specialists looking radically different from the rest of the force. These guys keep it simple. They already have gold pauldrons. Assuming Citadel paints (they are the easiest to acquire), how should I paint the Green Templar? Black primer with Castellan Green or Caliban Green? Or perhaps Grey with a Contrast Paint? I have no clue, and watching endless YouTube videos just adds to the confusion.

Whether as a forward outpost, as part of a defense network or of a larger fortification, this Bastion gives your boots on the ground much needed overview of the area and provides massive protection even for large units when bullets and shells start flying. One or two of this Bastions will be a great center of your narrative campaign and i believe these will fit perfectly to Asymmetric War Missions from the upcoming Chapter Approved Mission Deck. Be sure to check out all availabe and fully compatible terrain pieces starting here. This PDF will give you a Bastion Tower and four Barrels. The Bastion Tower fits all 28mm tabletop games with a Modern or Future-Fantasy setting. Make sure to check out the fitting models of the fortification series available and coming soon. Get the set here: https://www.wargamevault.com/product/523268/Tabletop-Battlefield-Scenics-Bastion-Tower Please feel free to leave C&C in the comments

+++ PREFACE +++ After a frustrating and costly tour of the Cellebos Warbone, Kill Team Rapier (at the time comprised Alyxander, Rarai’an, Auranis and Validus) had a chance meeting with Inquisitor Jemini Malethann. He was concerned with the myriad xenos incursions within the Matteus Subsector, and was headhunting experienced Deathwatch Astartes to investigate these threats. Kill Team Rapier welcomed the opportunity to adapt their xeno-hunting skills in an arena free of the political infighting of the Jericho Reach. With the permission of their Watch-Commander, they relocated to the Segmentum Obscurus to assist Malethann's operations. Once there, they were formally introduced to the Inquisitor’s cohort and their newest Astartes members: Gorlin and Lucena. +++ EXPEDITION IV - DAKOTA MINOR +++ Kill-Team Rapier's first major assignment in the Matteus Subsector was on Dakota Minor, to investigate the growing Ork presence within the rocky forests native to the planet. The Orks had persisted forty years after their invasion of Dakota Minor, and it was speculated a new Warboss had risen up to lead the directionless Orks lurking in the forests. Meanwhile, the equally disorganised Dakota Minor Defence Corps was itching to charge head-first into the Ork-infested jungle; their confidence sky-high from their victory over the Orks decades ago. Fearing a needless slaughter and a second Ork incursion on Dakota Minor, Malethann dispatched Kill Team Rapier to soften the Ork threat before the local PDF got involved. Their mission: reconnoiter the forests, determine the Ork strength, and if the opportunity presents itself, eliminate their leader. The following transcript and pict-feed highlights are a record of their mission. ++++INLOAD BEGINS++++ +++KILL TEAM RAPIER OPERATIONAL REPORT – DAKOTA MINOR 989.924M41+++ ++FOR THE EYES OF INQUISITOR JEMINI MALETHANN ONLY++ As per your instruction, Inquisitor: a report of our operations on Dakota Minor. Events were logged as deemed pertinent. Time zero begins at 1515h 971.924M41. Composition: Alyxander (Leader), Auranis, Rarai’an, Validus, Gorlin +CARRY THE EMPEROR'S WILL AS YOUR TORCH; WITH IT, DESTROY THE SHADOWS+ +0 days, 00:00 +MANUAL ENTRY+ Deployment by Blackstar into the jungle. Gorlin and Validus scouted ahead; no resistance, no signs we were detected. Kill Team Rapier proceeded to marker Primus. +0 days, 01:27 ++VISUAL FEED STILL 001 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL NOOSPHERE++ Kill Team Rapier enter the rocky forests of Dakota Minor, in search for the Ork warband. +0 days, 03:55 +MANUAL ENTRY+ Kill Team Rapier arrives at marker Primus (co-ord 016.32 x 047.69). Ork tracks identified. No sign of standing forces, ally or foe. Proceeding to marker Secondus. +0 days, 06:00 ++AUDIO FEED 001 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL VOX-LINK++ VALIDUS: Bearing two-two-one. ALYXANDER: A small rabble. RARAI'AN: They may lead to the greater horde. ALYXANDER: We follow them. Auranis, acknowledge? AURANIS: Acknowledged. Gorlin, we are moving on. +0 days, 18:50 ++AUDIO FEED 002 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL VOX-LINK++ ALYXANDER: A large horde, bearing zero-seven-three. VALIDUS: Some large Orks, but not- GORLIN: Orks approaching our position. ALYXANDER: On what bearing? GORLIN: Behind us! RARAI'AN: Specifics, Gorlin! ALYXANDER: Validus, hold here and watch that horde. Auranis, I am returning to you. AURANIS: Acknowledged. Gorlin, provide bearing on the Orks! GORLIN: ... Fifty metres ... at zero-seven-zero, approaching on foot! ALYXANDER: They will have our scent. How many? GORLIN: Fifteen... More! ALYXANDER: Hold fire. Wait for my signal. GORLIN: Die! <Ork roaring> ALYXANDER: Curse it! Rapier, engage at will! <15 seconds of non-vocal combat audio> VALIDUS: Sergeant, the horde is turning to us. GORLIN: We can take them! ALYXANDER: No, we cannot! Rapier, tactical withdrawal bearing three-three-zero. RARAI'AN: Auranis, watch your right! AURANIS: <unintelligible; cry of pain?> GORLIN: Xenos filth! ALYXANDER: Rapier, move! +0 days, 18:51 ++VISUAL FEED STILL 002 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL NOOSPHERE++ Members of Kill Team Rapier are ambushed by an Orb mob while on reconnaissance. +1 days, 08:56 +MANUAL ENTRY+ Kill Team Rapier sighted a large horde of Orks. Estimated 200 strong, with 10 to 20 scrap-form vehicles. Were forced to engage a small band of Orks approaching our position. Half were slain, but we were forced to withdraw before the much larger horde approached our position. +1 days, 13:50 ++AUDIO FEED 002 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL VOX-LINK++ AURANIS: I count twenty to twenty-five Ork scrap units. Five hundred metres, bearing two-nine-zero. VALIDUS: Logged. How is your injury? AURANIS: It will heal. VALIDUS: I have a reserve bolter. AURANIS: I can still carry the cannon. But thank you, brother. +1 days, 19:33 ++VISUAL FEED STILL 003 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL NOOSPHERE++ A column of Ork armour is spotted by Kill Team Rapier, as they maneouvre deeper into the forest. +1 days, 21:26 +MANUAL ENTRY+ Multiple Ork units were sighted and numbers recorded. Initial estimates of two thousand fighting bodies and forty armour assets. Scrap units were limited to small to medium sized vehicles. Many of them scrap-walkers and defiled Chimeras. +2 days, 00:32 ++AUDIO FEED 003 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL VOX-LINK++ ALYXANDER: Validus, another horde approaches. VALIDUS: ... No sighting of a leader. ALYXANDER: There must be a larger concentration, still within the forest. GORLIN: Filthy and wretched- RARAI'AN: Gorlin, be silent! AURANIS: It has been forty-eight hours, brother. We have sufficient reconnaissance data. Neutralising the Ork Warboss was a secondary objective. ALYXANDER: I am not leaving the fate of this world in that Corps Commander's hands. He is a fool, and they are drunk on their victory over the Orks so long ago. VALIDUS: A Salamanders' victory. ALYXANDER: Indeed. I will not settle for partial success. We will not have a second incursion on Dakota Minor. GORLIN: We are His Angels! RARAI'AN: And death is our gift. ALYXANDER: Validus? VALIDUS: Agreed. ALYXANDER: Auranis? AURANIS: ... Very well. Let us hunt this Ork. +2 days, 11:59 +MANUAL ENTRY+ Rapier continued to reconnitore the forest, in search of the Ork leader. Small mobs were engaged and dispatched. Will continue to search the forest for another 60 hours before moving to Marker Terminus for exfiltration. +2 days, 21:47 ++AUDIO FEED 004 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL VOX-LINK++ ALYXANDER: Validus. Eyes on an Ork at bearing three-four-eight. VALIDUS: Sighted. Inloading to the feed. AURANIS: That is not the Ork leader. GORLIN: How do you know? AURANIS: Do you see the spanner sigil? GORLIN: What of it? AURANIS: That is indicative of one of their mechanic - GORLIN: How would you know this? AURANIS: The Deathwatch Librarius. Somewhere you will start to frequent once this is over. GORLIN: I do not devolve myself to study - AURANIS: This is not debatable. We study our enemies, so we can destroy them! ALYXANDER: Enough, both of you. I agree, Auranis. It is not the Leader. We are less than a kilometre from their camp now. Move out. +3 days, 01:10 ++VISUAL FEED STILL 004 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL NOOSPHERE++ The suspected Ork Warboss is sighted, as Kill Team Rapier positions themselves for a killing strike. +3 days, 01:10 ++AUDIO FEED 005 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL VOX-LINK++ RARAI'AN: I see the leader. VALIDUS: Bearing? RARAI'AN: Three-zero-nine. ALYXANDER: Sighted... Inloading... Auranis? AURANIS: ... A high-ranking leader, certainly. ALYXANDER: You seem unconvinced, brother. AURANIS: It is hard to judge without understanding the full scale of the Ork infestation. RARAI'AN: If there are no other contenders? ALYXANDER: I will make the call. The Ork is marked for termination. VALIDUS: Loading Kraken. AURANIS: Wait. Let me line up a shot in tandem. It may have a refractor field. RARAI'AN: Be ready, brothers. They will run amock once it is dead. VALIDUS: Neutralising... <bolter discharge> AURANIS: <frag cannon discharge> ALYXANDER: ... Confirmed kill. GORLIN: Ha! That was easy. AURANIS: Indeed, easy... RARAI'AN: What of the horde? VALIDUS: ... Squabbling amongst themselves. Infighting. GORLIN: Orks approaching, one-seven-nine! RARAI'AN: A lot of them! ALYXANDER: Rapier, engage the beasts! <heavy weapons fire> RARAI'AN: Artillery incoming! ALYXANDER: Take heading two-zero-zero. Move, Rapier! <12 seconds of over-threshold noise> GORLIN: <laughter> AURANIS: What is it, Gorlin? GORLIN: <laughter> That was not called in on us! ALYXANDER: <unintelligible; laugher?> The Emperor smiles on us. AURANIS: We should move to exfiltration. ALYXANDER: Agreed, brother. +3 days, 01:30 +MANUAL ENTRY+ Suspected Ork warlord terminated by Validus and Auranis. Squabbling and infighting immediately occured upon the Ork horde. Kill Team Rapier was set upon by an Ork mob, but was dealt with by their own artillery assets. Returning to Blackstar at Marker Terminus. +3 days, 09:11 +MANUAL ENTRY+ Extraction by Blackstar at Marker Terminus. +APPENDIX I+ Cartograph of sighted Ork encampments and estimates of force strength, as well as Kill-Team Rapier's path thro ++++INLOAD ENDS++++ +++ DEBRIEF +++ ++++INLOAD BEGINS++++ +++RE: KILL TEAM RAPIER OPERATIONAL REPORT – DAKOTA MINOR 998.924M41+++ ++FOR THE EYES OF KILL TEAM RAPIER ONLY++ Rapier, well done. I applaud your initiative. Leave the rest of them to the DMDC. Let them have their battle. Return to the Scepter. I have another assignment for you. Inquisitor Malethann, Ordo Xenos ++++INLOAD ENDS++++ +++ END ARTICLE +++

Introduction: Kill Team Rapier was a Deathwatch strike team formed in 920M41, originally stationed in the Jericho Reach. The team was led by Watch Sergeant Alyxander, with Veterans Auranis, Gorlin, Validus, Lucena and Rarai'an under his command. As of 925M41, Kill Team Rapier had a short yet eventful operational history that has taken them from the Jericho Reach to the Agripinaa Sector, striking down heretics and Xenos that threaten the Imperium's holdings. Kill Team Rapier assembled. Kill Team Rapier’s first assignment was during the siege of Hargotta in 920M41 to locate and identify the heretic Astartes commanders of the Stigmartus warband. Despite their success the Imperium crusade forces abandoned the siege, much to the chagrin of the Kill Team. Shortly after, they made an ally of Ordo Xenos Inquisitor Jemini Malethann, who sought to utilise them for his own projects. It was the offer Kill Team Rapier needed to get away from the strife and politics of the Jericho Reach. Watch-Sergeant Alyxander and Veteran Auranis face off against an Ork mob. After accepting Malethann's offer, Kill Team Rapier soon found themselves stationed out in Segmentum Obscurus, under the Inquisitor's command. Using their experience in fighting heretics, their knowledge of Xenos, as well as their newfound brotherhood, they quickly set about tracking down an Ork Waaagh! plaguing the innermost sectors of Segmentum Obscurus. Their search would eventually embroil them into the seemingly unending conflict between Waaagh! Brassjaw and the Steel Reavers in 925M41. Current Members: Kill Team Rapier is a six-strong strike team comprised of the following members: Watch-Sergeant Alyxander Chapter: Black Templars Chapter Initiation: 882M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Initiate of Fighting Company “Bohemond’s Brothers”, post-Crusade of Vice. Deathwatch Initiation: 914M41 Alyxander is the sergeant of Kill Team Rapier. He is a Black Templar initiate who was crusading with his fighting company, “Bohemond’s Brothers”, across the northern stretches of the Segmentum Ultima. Before joining the Deathwatch in 912M41, his company was part of the Crusade of Vice fighting against Orks in the Tamahl sector. An advising Inquisitor took interest in Alyxander when she witnessed him slay an Ork Warboss with a broken power sword. Alyxander was honoured to join the Deathwatch, but was unprepared for the radical nature of the Inquisition, particularly their dealings with Xenos and their technology. He has become disenchanted with his assignment as the Inquisition's methodology often clashed with Alyxander's faith. Now, he is simply content with the opportunities given to him to purge the various aliens, mutants and heretics across the galaxy. He and Auranis have a strong bond, one built up from their decade of service together. Watch-Sergeant Alyxander Veteran Auranis Chapter: Crimson Fists Chapter Initiation: 875M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Sergeant of 5th Company 9th Devastator Squad. Deathwatch Initiation: 912M41 Auranis is the squad gunner of Kill Team Rapier. Hailing from the Crimson Fists chapter, he joined the Deathwatch in 912M41. Before the Deathwatch, he was Sergeant of the 9th Devastator Squad, 5th Company. He and his squad earned battle honours during an encounter with a Drukhari raiding party in the Loki Sector in 907M41, where they destroyed an entire Venom squadron. The Chapter Master of the Crimson Fists recommended him to the Deathwatch, and though Auranis was pensive he accepted their offer without complaint. He has not regretted his decision since, and he takes great pride in his duties and assignment with the Deathwatch. He and Alyxander have a strong bond, one built up from their decade of service together. Veteran Auranis Veteran Validus Chapter: Raven Guard Chapter Initiation: 850M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Tactical Marine of 7th Company 2nd Tactical Squad. Deathwatch Initiation: 912M41 Validus is the sharpshooter of Kill Team Rapier. He hails from the Raven Guard chapter, and was initiated into the Deathwatch in 890M41. He was a member of the 4th Company 2nd Tactical Squad, and during this time he was nearly killed in battle by an Ork Meganob. He was in suspended animation for six weeks before returning to service, being reassigned to the 7th Company, which would not see battle for several months. Validus lamented his defeat in his last battle, and his “demotion” to the reserve companies. Naturally, he seized the opportunity to join the Deathwatch when they sent their recruiters to the Raven Guard’s chapter keep. He successfully impressed the Deathwatch emissaries with his exceptional marksmanship and quick manoeuvring. Despite his withdrawn and brooding personality, he has a newfound pride and purpose as a member of Kill Team Rapier. Veteran Validus Veteran Rarai’an Chapter: Mortifactors Chapter Initiation: 801M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Tactical Marine of 7th Company 1st Tactical Squad. Deathwatch Initiation: 885M41 Rarai’an is the specialist of Kill Team Rapier, skilled in Astartes medicae and mechanics. He is the oldest member of the Kill Team Rapier, having joined the Deathwatch in 880M41. He was a veteran Astartes of the Mortifactors, where at separate times was an novice apothecary and apprentice techmarine. His desire to learn as many new skills as possible made him a prime candidate for secondment to the Deathwatch, which Rarai’an saw as a great opportunity for himself and to honour the chapter. Rarai’an is studious and insightful, and strives to master every skill an Astartes may learn. Despite his seniority among his Deathwatch squad mates, he shies away from command positions. He prefers to take on an advisory role, which can be frustrating for his superiors and intimidating to younger Deathwatch Astartes. Nevertheless, he has found a place in Kill Team Rapier, who appreciate his knowledge and wisdom. Veteran Rarai'an Veteran Gorlin Chapter: Flesh Tearers Chapter Initiation: 895M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Assault Marine of 3rd Company 7th Assault Squad. Deathwatch Initiation: 921M41 Gorlin is the close combat specialist of Kill Team Rapier. He is a young Astartes hailing from the Flesh Tearer’s 3rd Company, 7th Assault Squad. He was headhunted by Inquisitor Malethann after witnessing his savage yet controlled ferocity in combat against heretics, during one of the Inquisition’s many “observations” of the errant chapter. He was initiated to the Deathwatch in 921M41, joining Kill Team Rapier as his first assignment. Gorlin considers himself a master of blades, and relishes new opportunities to fight and kill new opponents. He is ambitious and aggressive, as befits one who hails from the Flesh Tearers chapter. This has often caused friction with his squad, who need to constantly remind him of his duty and the mission at hand. They have learnt to tolerate his bloodlust and acknowledge his mastery with a chainsword. Veteran Gorlin Veteran Lucena Chapter: Howling Griffons Chapter Initiation: 859M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Tactical Marine of 2nd Company 1st Tactical Squad. Deathwatch Initiation: 901M41 Lucena is second-in-command of Kill Team Rapier and serves as the Astartes advisor for Inquisitor Malethann. He hails from the Howling Griffons 2nd Company, and was offered to the Deathwatch as a tribute; Lucena took it as an honour to serve the Deathwatch on behalf of his chapter. Inquisitor Malethann was impressed by his leadership skills and strong loyalty to the Emperor, and sought to employ him as an advisor and bodyguard for his operations. He was initiated to the Deathwatch in 901M41, but would not join Kill Team Rapier until 921M41. Lucena is a charismatic and ambitious Astartes, and is very confident in his abilities and leadership skills. This has made him an effective leader among many Imperium officers, but can be aggravating for his fellow Kill Team members. Despite his seniority, he is still seen as a new member to Rapier, and does not share the same bonds of brotherhood as the others. Veteran Lucena

Introduction: The Matteus Subsector is nestled in a violet nebula in the coreward parts of the Segmentum Obscurus, lying galactic north of Terra and galactic east of Agripinaa. The subsector has predominately been under Imperium reign as of 998M41, with some heretical and xenos elements laying claim to the more out-of-reach areas at various points in time. The subsector was first mapped by Rogue Trader Terrance Matteus in 600M38, and named it after his House. Adeptus Mechanicus Explorator Fleet Tetra-Xi 779 were dispatched some three-hundred years later to explore and prospect the subsector. Over fifty years, they identified and surveyed a total of five star systems, 68 distinct planetary bodies and a wealth of precious minerals ripe for exploitation. Rogue Trader Terrance Matteus Imperial pilgrims and pioneers arrived in the Subsector in 170M39, beginning their colonisation in Matteus Delta on most fertile and hospitable world of Asoka. Over the next two millenia, the Imperium would expand across the other stat systems, establishing new colonies and mining operations. By the end of the 41st Millenium, many threats (xenos and heretical) had endangered the subsector and the Imperium’s hold of it. These times of conflict and danger have become categorised collectively by Imperial scholars as “The Strifes”. Subsector Matteus star map, with co-ordinates of contained star systems and orientation markers. Matteus Alpha System: The Matteus Alpha system is the largest star system in the Matteus Subsector, with eleven planets orbiting a red giant. It’s most notable feature is the Pentet, a cluster of five planets that share the same orbit and are slowly tearing each other apart. It is also the most secluded from the other systems, which made it a vulnerable target to raiders. In 804M41, the system became the stronghold for the Steel Reavers warband. Matteus Beta System: The Matteus Beta system was infamous described by the Adeptus Mechanicus Explorators as “incredibly unremarkable". Once the Explorator fleet completed surveys of the system's three planets they immediately moved on, leaving a token observation post for further monitoring. Matteus Gamma System: The Matteus Gamma system is the mining and processing hub of the Subsector. The Civilised World of Sartoria extracts and refines precious minerals and metals for export to Agripinaa as part of its Imperial Tithe. This alone has made Matteus Gamma an attractive target for xenos and renegage warbands in M41. Matteus Delta System: The Matteus Delta system contains the more fertile and hospitable worlds of the subsector. Much of the foodstuffs and local labour is sourced from the worlds in Matteus Delta. The Civilised World of Asoka is the most populated world and the seat of governance for the entire subsector. Matteus Epsilon System: The Matteus Epsilon system lies at the spinward side of the subsector. It acts as a waypoint for all Imperial traffic to the other systems, and the worlds within cater to this large yearly influx. Most of these ships are either destined for or returning from Agripinaa, hauling raw materials, foodstuffs and/or labour. Matteus Zeta: Matteus Zeta is a planetless blue supergiant with no other astronomical features, lingering to the galactic south-east of the subsector. It is believed to be a rogue star, and is predicted to drift coreward outside the bounds of the subsector in the next two millenia. It is most visible from Matteus Gamma; its inhabitants consider it's presence in the sky a sign of good fortune. Matteus Iota: Matteus Iota is a failed star nestled deep within the Lavender Veil to the galactic north of the subsector. Explorators have attempted to send surveying teams to the planet, but none have returned and are presumed dead. The Lavender Veil: The Lavender Veil is a cluster of violet-coloured diffuse nebulae that stretches for 50 light years across the subsector. The nebulae partly splits Matteus Alpha and Beta from the other systems. The latent psychic energy within the nebula limits Warp travel in and out of the subsector to the galactic-east, via Matteus Epsilon. It also inhibits any attempt to explore within the nebula; there have been many attempts but none have survived the journey. The discovery of Matteus Iota was the only success over the last three millenia.

I was wondering how other players tackle this. Let's say you are playing the Dragonspears, a successor chapter to the Salamanders. You want to add Vulkan He'stan to your army. Do you: A) Paint him up as normal (1st Company Salamanders), but base him like the rest of your army so he looks like he belongs (The Salamanders Forgefather is visiting your army.) B) Paint him up as a member of your army. (That's not Vulkan He'stan, that's Vul'kan Hes'tan, the Dragonspears' Forgefather!)

Hello fellow hobbyists! Welcome to my little blog of "By the Emperor that is a disturbing amount of money," Space Wolves. I originally had a Space Wolves army that I was semi okay with, and then I found B&C. I have people like KrautScientist, Terimus, The Insane Psychopath, The Observer, and many, many more to thank for indirectly teaching me hobbyist skills I did not even know existed, which prompted me to start my army from scratch. Now I am ready to bare my fangs if you will. (Oh yes puns are involved too.) Without further ado, I present the Skywarriors Great Company. "Sven Bloodhowl now lies in red snow... and the lots have been cast for his successor. Drein Bladedancer step forward." http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p493/40kDestiny/Drein%20Bladedancer_zpsoclvr95d.jpg "In the name of Russ and the Allfather, as Great Wolf of the Vlka Fenryka, I give you the mantle of Wolf Lord. Choose the name of your new Great Company." http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p493/40kDestiny/20170626_115023_zpsypwvj6fx.jpg "The Skywarriors. We shall take the name that we heard tale of since we were pups." http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p493/40kDestiny/20170626_115001_zpsuaogttjy.jpg "My first request as Wolf Lord, Great Wolf, is the release of two Wulfen into the custody of my company." "Only two? Name them." "Charlamagne the Bloody and Monarch, Terror's Eye." "So be it."

A CHALLENGE LAYS ISSUED! http://i.imgur.com/fm7lYfol.png The Dark Angel's known only as Shadow Guard and Darkn3ssF4lls walk out of a dark room deep inside the flying fortress only known as The Rock. Their heads held low after their deep conversations within held only moments before. "Brother, we need a Champion to lead these oaths to victory!" Darkn3ssF4lls said shifting his gaze to stare ahead down the long corridor. Dimly lit with candles he could see the glories of the past artistically crafted into the corridors. "Only the finest warriors will be chosen to lead the new squads, let us begin the preparations" replied Shadow Guard. To coincide with the Covenant of Caliban (1 July - 30 Sep) and because of the launch of 8th edition, I would like to challenge us all to make some great conversions of our new sworn brothers, the Primaris Marines. + + +THE PALADIN CHALLENGE II + + + Objective Create, Convert and Paint a Member of the Unforgiven utilizing both the Dark Angels bits and those given to us in a Primaris Marine Kit. Rules for Registration Single Primaris Marine miniature which must be converted/kitbashed (Can be part of a squad or IC) Must be wielding either a single sword, dual swords, or a two handed sword and must be wearing MK X armour. Can be included as part of the Covenant of Caliban event oath, please state here too so I can keep track. Please name your Champion/Paladin Prize A unique badge for the winner. A standard badge for all. The judges will pick a favorite and the community will be able to vote on who's champion gets to write their name in the banner hall. Here is the OATH I (name), with all my strength, honor and faith in the Lion, pledge my Champion (name). Failure of my oath is not an option. When the oath is taken you may wear one of these banners. http://i.imgur.com/T0x4MJd.png Upon completion of your oath you may discard your oath badge in favour of the badge you win. http://i.imgur.com/wj0WOvZ.png OR http://i.imgur.com/k0EYErV.png + + + PRAISE BE THE LION + + + OATHMAKERS Fallen Dark Angel - Lieutenant Gawain - Starting State - Ending State Skorp - Viktor - Starting State - Ending State Chmur - Tiguel, The Unwavering - Starting State - Ending State Punk Possum - Kormareal - Starting State - Ending State Robofish7591 - Ezkariel, Master of 3rd Co. - Starting State - Ending State jbaeza94 - Amulius - Starting State - Ending State Master Sheol - Anaziel - Starting State - Ending State Joewavridr - Heleman - Starting State - Ending State Elmo - Methandes - Starting State - Ending State Immersturm - Lemuel - Starting State - Ending State Jack of the Pelt - Grinnaux, Company Master - Starting State - Ending State Grotsmasha - Variel - Starting State - Ending State ronin_cse - Tariel, Company Master - Starting State - Ending State Master Toddius - Zaal - Starting State - Ending State

The Inner Circle presents: http://fortressofunforgiven.homestead.com/Covenant_of_Caliban_2_Poster.jpg http://i.imgur.com/N1o9Swjb.jpg Staring up at the screens before him the Dark Angel known only as Darkn3ss F4lls furled his brow as information arrived from the Crusier Sword of Defiance. The information seemed inconceivable but he could see it would not be proved a fabrication. More information poured in from the Astra Militarum and other Astartes chapters. The command floor stood still as the news of both the destruction of Cadia and the loss of the entire 4th Company sank in. Snapping back to reality just as quickly as things had paused everyone got to work with the efficiency only Astartes could achieve. Leaving the the command deck he left in a solemn search. Entering the dimly lit chamber deep inside the rock he found the floor littered with Oaths of Moment that had been unfulfilled over the course of time. The reasons for the failure were both numerous and varied. The marines of the Inner Circle stood in silence over the pile. One amongst them lifted from the pile an Oath and read to himself the prior promise. To the one marine, the goal was both attainable and notable. Looking at another one, it was possible to complete it with the changes that have occurred since the Oath was made. “Many of these can be completed now.” http://i.imgur.com/ysXAgj8b.png From the darkness, the cloaked form of the Shadow Guard stepped forth, “Indeed. It is time that these Oaths be fulfilled and raised in honor.” “Then let them be raised up as new Oaths.” “And let this be a new covenant for the Unforgiven, that we will return to this chamber and bring forth some of these so that they may be returned to honor our lost brothers” INTRODUCTION: The Covenant of Caliban is a Dark Angel Forum Event series aimed at having participants vow a single unit and bringing it in to completion. This unit could be still in plastic, partially assembled, or base-coated. The timeline for completing the event is three month’s time. The event will have two parts, the first listed below and the second in another thread. One can enter their vow into both should it meet both criteria. HOW TO ENTER: 1. Make an oath in this thread in the following manner: I, <<YOUR NAME>>, OF THE <<CHAPTER / FIRST LEGION>>, IN THE NAME OF THE LION, MAKE THIS OATH OF MOMENT TO FINISH <<INSERT UNIT OR CHARACTER HERE>>. 2. Take a before photo to be placed in the same post as your vow. 3. Work to bring your vow to completion. 4. Post a second photo of the completed unit to be posted by Midnight of September 30th, 2017. (B&C Board Standard Time) 5. Claim your reward. RULES: Only a SINGLE VOW will be allowed for this event. The Vow must be a SINGLE UNIT that is Dark Angels Chapter or Legion Legal. No Formations are allowed for this event. The Vow can be in ANY of the listed state of construction/painting when then vow is made REWARDS: Once you make your oath you may wear the following banner in your signature: http://fortressofunforgiven.homestead.com/Covenant_of_Caliban_2_Banner.jpg + + + PRAISE BE THE LION + + + OATH BEARERS Pvnisher - 1 Deathwing Knight Squad (5x) - Starting State - Ending State Fallen Dark Angel - 1 Intercessor Squad (5x) - Starting State - Ending State Brother Haim - 1 Ravenwing Bike Squad with Attack Bike (9x) - Starting State - Ending State Skorp - 1 Deathwing Knight Squad (8x) - Starting State - Ending State GrayRavenC - 1 Greenwing Command Squad (5x) - Starting State - Ending State Jack of the Pelt - 1 Ravenwing Dark Talon (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Tygwyn - 1 Sammael on Sableclaw (1 x) - Starting State - Ending State Darkn3ssF4lls - 1 Terminator Librarian (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Robofish7591 - 1 Intercessor Squad (5x) - Starting State - Ending Greenz - 1 Ravenwing Bike Squad + Attack Bike (6x) - Starting State - Ending State Chmur - 1 Primaris Lieutenant (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Brother-Captain Sharp - 1 Deathwing Knight Squad (5x) - Starting State - Ending State Aura_Enchanted - 1 Land Raider Excelsior (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Brother Vod - 1 Dreadnaught (1x) - Starting State - Ending State ronin_cse - 1 Hellblaster Squad (5x) - Starting State - Ending State Eib.Almera - 1 Deathwing Suad (5x) - Starting State - Ending State Master Sheol - 1 Ravenwing Bike Squad + Attack Bike (7x) - Starting State - Ending State SNEAKYBAMSEN - 1 Assault Squad (10x) - Starting State - Ending State Joewavridr - 1 Black Knights (12x?) - Starting State - Ending State Goblinchow - 1 Assault Squad (5x) - Starting State - Ending State Rychu - 1 Devastator Squad (10x) - Starting State - Ending State Elmo - 1 Intercessor Squad (10x) - Starting State - Ending State SYPHID - 1 Storm Eagle Assault Gunship (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Lostrael - 1 Asmodai (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Aothaine - 1 Tactical Squad (10x) - Starting State - Ending State Grotsmasha - 1 Primaris Lieutenant (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Master Ciaphas - 1 Primaris Captain (1x) - Starting State - Ending State DasOgrefied - 1 Ravenwing Bike Squad (5x) - Starting State - Ending State Worsey - 1 Ravenwing Dark Talon (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Dark rage - 1 Intercessor Squad (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Jbaeza94 - 1 Tactical Squad (10x) - Starting State - Ending State Oaths = 31 Completed = 8 Failure = 0

A fun little christmas mini that also has 40k and AoS rules, in this article

Greetings. So, I have been hard at work creating a new Blood Drinkers army. My first attempt at a codex chapter (Death Spectres) met with unsatisfactory results, so I have decided to stick with what I am familiar. This is my first test model; a Blood Drinkers Primaris Aggressor. The lighting in the photo washes out some of the highlighting. Hopefully, it still conveys a reasonable representation of what I am trying to achieve. As I was painting this model, it occurred to me that there is a bit of conflict concerning the Blood Drinkers squad and company markings. Every current source I was able to review indicates that the Blood Drinkers are organized according to the Codex Astartes with regards to squad and company markings (i.e. squad number and specialty markings on the right shoulder), yet these same sources indicate that the entire chapter shares the same color scheme of red armor with gold trim. So, my question (which I hope others may have some useful insights into) is how does the Chapter indicate company designation on their armor?

I'm on a Crusade to remove all derp and cheese from 40k and I'm starting with the Core Book itself. So the question I have for you is this: If you could add/change/remove one thing in the 9th edition Core Book, what would it be?

Uh, yeah, exactly what it says on the tin. Woof?