Death Heads V5.0

[Donkey Kong]

Well, if it continues with the gas giant idea, I'd imagine fights taking place on at least four moons.

 

I think it would be interesting to have a world further in the gas giant so it's colder and that could provide a base for a campaign against some really dug in force.

 

The primary world is mostly cities, so battles would be taking pace there.

 

The other two probably follow suit on the first, a great deal of city fighting, possibly one event where the Death Heads or one of the other two Chapters goes a little overboard and attacks the present Eldar craftworld. If that's the case it would have to be another made up or smaller Craftworld and even then I don't see the Space Marines winning, probably just taking a huge chunk out of it.

 

I'd expect to have the Eldar stay until an even gives them a serious knock down (possibly when the craftworld is attacked or a certain Farseer is killed).

 

EDIT: I just realized something hilarious. The Warriors Eternal and Arctic Lions (and even the Infinity Knights if they join in) are all blue :) ! The Death Heads are with the unluckiest bunch ever! I wonder if Thussaud saw this as a bad omen? The actual irony with this makes me choke with laughter and I thank you all despite possibly not even seeing it yourselves! If you did, I am ashamed with you holding back such a wonderful joke :P !

 

Still, comments are welcome, just had to point that out!

Edited October 6, 2009 by KingHongKong

[Grey Hunter Ydalir]

That's two Chapters contributions, the Infinity Knights may not show up, oh well. More for us.

 

I'd offer one of my own chapters, If you do want another I'd venture the Corsairs Serpentis, but it's down to you obviously. If you want help with editing or writing I would volunteer my services, mainly because I enjoy the work.

 

This sounds good. Would it work if say, Gehenna was a gas giant and the various worlds were about Earth sized worlds that are its moons?

 

That could work, but you have to define quite how the Gas Giant is colonised. Are they simple workers that live in orbit and harvest the giant for whatever materials could be drawn from the planets natural chemistry? Or do they live in Bespin-esque cloud cities? Perhaps even a large interconnected network of such cities that crisscross the surface, in that way you could achieve the heights of population that you'd need for such a large amount of conscripts. It also works with the Eldar meddling, as their tech would have less problems being believably used on a Gas Giant.

 

I say this because as the capital of the campaign it needs to be more detailed than it's satellite worlds or moons that ally themselves with the chancellor.

 

A Guard invasion would be difficult on a Gas Giant so that in itself could be a good reason for the campaign taking so long. Without a planet surface to land on a Guard dropship (huge as they are) would have trouble finding sufficient landing points that weren't defended too heavily to take with a standard assault. This is a really good job for Space Marines and works really well and makes a good excuse for their involvement beyond their intrinsic duty to the Imperium.

[Codex Grey]

A Guard invasion would be difficult on a Gas Giant so that in itself could be a good reason for the campaign taking so long. Without a planet surface to land on a Guard dropship (huge as they are) would have trouble finding sufficient landing points that weren't defended too heavily to take with a standard assault. This is a really good job for Space Marines and works really well and makes a good excuse for their involvement beyond their intrinsic duty to the Imperium.

I like this. Gets my vote.

I just realized something hilarious. The Warriors Eternal and Arctic Lions (and even the Infinity Knights if they join in) are all blue

Noooo! I was hoping you didn't realize this, I was going to use it for ... something, maybe a story. Ah well. I didn't know the Infinity Knights were blue as well.

I must admit, I asked Ace if he could swap the IK out with the Twilight Talons, because I knew they were blue. :)

But it was also because the Talons had a symbol, which I was going to create a graphic out of. And I thought their Combat Doctrine would complement the others as well. Haven't heard from him though.

My plot has been revealed. :(

EDIT: And since you now know...

I can change out the symbols if need be.

Edited October 6, 2009 by Codex Grey

[Grey Hunter Ydalir]

My plot has been revealed.

 

By the Emperor your like Dr Evil, except even devious-er! :P

 

That graphic looks really good Grey! Kudos.

[Codex Grey]

That graphic looks really good Grey! Kudos.

That's Doctor Devious to you! But thanks.

 

If you do want another I'd venture the Corsairs Serpentis

Why them? Have you been secretly working on them?

[Grey Hunter Ydalir]

Why them? Have you been secretly working on them?

 

:wub:

 

Maybe a little.

 

Also the fact that they are reclusive and their tactics fit the campaign as it stands now. The reclusive nature means they don't have to have a full blown IA on my part, until I get around to finishing it. They were the first chapter I tried to DIY properly and as such I'm saving any lessons I learn through the Bloodsworn and Blazing Sons for their eventual IA. At least, that's the plan.

 

Ahh you made me disclose my master plan! Damn you Doctor Devious!

[Donkey Kong]

Perhaps even a large interconnected network of such cities that crisscross the surface, in that way you could achieve the heights of population that you'd need for such a large amount of conscripts. It also works with the Eldar meddling, as their tech would have less problems being believably used on a Gas Giant.

 

This sounds best, and it even allows for some interesting equipment for the Gehennans (Gehennites? Gehenna men? Gehennen? Gehennast?) to use against the Imperium.

 

This is a really good job for Space Marines and works really well and makes a good excuse for their involvement beyond their intrinsic duty to the Imperium.

 

Aye aye :lol: !

 

Well, Codex Grey, you've outdone yourself on that image.

 

I'd offer one of my own chapters, If you do want another I'd venture the Corsairs Serpentis, but it's down to you obviously. If you want help with editing or writing I would volunteer my services, mainly because I enjoy the work.

 

I appreciate it GHY, but I don't think the Corsairs are unlucky enough ;) . I kid, and I think that they'd make an interesting contribution. They'll still need some degree of characterization, and if anything, I gave you a rough idea of where to place them in the galaxy :D . I'd love to have another opinion on the writing portions.

 

 

I figure the Campaign can be done in several sections:

 

Act I: Gehenna Rising (basically the Sisters and Imperial Guard assaults on Gehenna)

Act II: Angels of Death (The arrival of the Space Marines)

Act III: Sovereign (The final battles)

 

For Gehenna, I like GHY's idea on having a network of cities across the world. I'd imaging the Capital would be here. I know this is also a bit of stealing, but I think it would be really interesting if the gas giant itself was volitle, having somewhat constant storms. I think it'd be even more interesting if one of the farseers was able to manipulate these storms.

 

The outlying "worlds" are actually Gehenna's moons. The world itself collects gas from the giant, it is then refined on the worlds which also produce other materials. Some would be agri worlds, allowing Gehenna to be moderately independent. If they're constantly producing for the Mechanicus, I think it would also be easy to believe that a world may have a house of Knights or even a full Titan (though this latter one may be a bit over the top).

 

For the most part, the Gehenna "cluster" is a manufacturing hub. They export all sorts of munitions and the like. The world is fairly easy to defend due to its gaseous nature making landfall more difficult. It doesn't stop an overwhelming force from threatening them in the past and it doesn't stop the Imperium from giving them a good one two in the Campaign.

 

I don't know if it's *possible* but I think one of the most interesting moons would be one that is *inside* the gas giant. This would make it colder, and probably the last defiant effort of the Gehenna uprising. I don't know what actual purpose it would serve, considering that the cities themselves are for gas extraction and the main planets are for production.

 

This does bring into question the eldar, and I think even having the Eldar relics on this interior moon would be an interesting idea. It could even allow for some sort of webway gate on the world to allow faster deployment of Eldar forces. Though if they could do this, one would question why they haven't already.

 

Anyone who would like to have a suggestion for this world is more than welcome. A military base of operations? A retreat for the aristocracy? An academy for the educated (as well as a military academy)?

 

If there are any specific names one would like to have written, I think it would be interesting to see them.

 

The Death Heads are under the command of First Company Captain Lucil Tobulo

The strike force includes elements of the First and the entirety of the Second, Third and Fourth Companies.

 

Second Company Captain Strabo Thussaud

Third Company Captan Garras Taggart

Fourth Company Captain Filo Howl

 

A character in the Campaign is First Company Sergeant Astos Narrick.

Edited October 7, 2009 by KingHongKong

[Grey Hunter Ydalir]

This does bring into question the eldar, and I think even having the Eldar relics on this interior moon would be an interesting idea.

 

It could perhaps be the entire point of the whole endeavour. As the Gas Planet, being largely insubstantial is harvested by the Imperials, they discover that the Gas Giant is not so ethereal in it's entirety at all. The current Farseer of [NAME] Craftworld decides the best course of action to retrieve the relics, or even the moon in it's entirety is to convince the mon-keigh that they are inheritors to this technological heritage and that the Imperium is not their savior as they profess to be.

 

The Imperium reacts to the secession of the Gehenna cluster(?) with the raising of Imperial Guard regiments (as detailed in the latest Guard Codex) and attempts to re-subjugate what would likely be a fairly decent resource. You also don't hear much about Gas Giants in 40k so you can safely assume that the tech being used isn't all that easily replaceable, making it a rather more strained issue for the Imperium, who raise more than enough regiments (or so they think) to re-assert their authority.

 

When the initial campaign runs into difficulties given the nature of the Gehenna cluster(?) itself (especially the capital) a call would likely go out for specialist reinforcements. Among those responding would be the Astartes of the varied chapters mentioned above.

 

-------

 

Sound likely enough?

 

I kid, and I think that they'd make an interesting contribution.

 

Well they are, not secretive, but generally reclusive. Fleet based, sudden assault experts. Infiltration specialists. Think the Raven Guard but with the brazen spirit of the White Scars rather than sticking exclusively to the shadows. Fast attack specialists with a fetish for jump packs. As for proper characterization, that's what I'm working on. Originally I they didn't really have any character at all and were just a product of some half-baked ideas that I had at the time. However, their colour scheme in my Album has been driving me to write something on them.

 

They don't recruit from feral worlds, only 'civilized' ones. Being fleet based they recruit from anywhere and everywhere they consider suitable. Mostly ganger youths. I'm struggling to find a comparison that would describe them properly.

 

I want to dispense with a lot of the religion and ritual intertwined within Astartes chapters, but still retain enough of the fanaticism for them to be utterly loyal yet not in the typical sense. More like a military brotherhood than a religious or cult-influenced one. I know this flies in the face of a lot of what makes the Astartes who they are but that's the challenge, to pull off what I've often shot down myself.

 

I'd have to pick a company and draw up a commander for the company.

 

Again, if you want to turn down the Corsairs, be my guest, I won't be bitter and twisted about it. ;)

 

Gehennans (Gehennites? Gehenna men? Gehennen? Gehennast?)

 

You made me choke on my lunch when I couldn't hold in the chuckling. :P

 

Gehennans sounds best to me.

[Ace Debonair]

Sorry for the long wait, there's going be long gaps between me getting online these days. :D

 

The Infinity Knights would cheerfully throw both 6th and 7th companies at this task; it's what they have them for.

 

Of course, since the Infinity Knights don't have a symbol... and that graphic of the Talons' talons (I think I've written that right) looks so cool...

Doubtless I can think up some reason for them trekking over thataway. ;)

 

Or if anyone else knows how to get the Talons over there for a good reason, I'll happily hear it. ;)

Sadly I probably won't be able to contribute much to the writing itself, but it my boys go and get beat up/hand out a tremendous beatdown for a good cause, it's all good. :P

 

This campaign sounds extremely cool, by the way.

I don't mind which one of my chapters pitches in, but if I had to advance a personal preference it'd be the Inifinity Knights, for all that they are very much a work-in-progress, simply becasue trekking that far just to help out some brother astartes is very much in their character. The problem there, of course, is their lack of chapter symbol. The hourglass has already been taken, so I don't really know where to go with this.:P

 

If you need names for individual marines, let me know. I'm mentally working on some for both chapters, so whichever one makes it into that story should have some characters to play with.

 

I only just spotted, if my boys are getting involved in this campaign, they'll be working with the Arctic Lions - that was the first DIY I read, and is quite possibly my favourite one. :P

Those guys rock. B)

Edited October 7, 2009 by Ace Debonair

[Grey Hunter Ydalir]

Of course, since the Infinity Knights don't have a symbol...

Well what about something like this?

Easiest combination of symbols. The Sword represents the 'Knights' and the Infinity symbol is self-explanatory. There are plenty of symbols for infinity or eternity, the Gordian knot for example. Stick a sword through the lattice of the Gordian Knots symbol and you have a good symbol there too.

The Infinity Knights would cheerfully throw both 6th and 7th companies at this task; it's what they have them for.

Being late comers I'll bow my chapter out for convenience. That said, I still want to help with the campaign as it's looking good right now.

[Codex Grey]

Something like this maybe?

[Ace Debonair]

Wooo, that's a good idea. Why didn't I think of that?:D

Something like this maybe?

The coolness of that symbol beggars description.I am much impressed. :P

Ydalir's suggestion was also pretty neat, but since I could never draw a sword that awesomely, I'm inclined to use Grey's idea.

Incidentally, I myself am torn between which of my chapters would be better off in this campaign. Sure, it suits the Infinity Knights to rush in and aid their brother marines in this battle, but the Twilight Talons have an experience edge against the wiles of the Eldar, and have something of a history of turning the xeno's unpredictable cunning against them.

If anyone else has a preference for one or the other, speak up - I'll use whichever chapter is more popular. :lol:

[Donkey Kong]

First, I have to thank Codex Grey for the awesome image that now heads by IA. It's amazing and beautiful and wondrous and words cannot describe how great it and Codex Grey are!

 

AD, welcome back. It's honestly up to you whether you choose to contribute the Talons or the Knights. I'm indifferent, and happy mostly about just getting a Chapter.

 

GHY, sorry that you're backing out your Chapter, but I appreciate you sticking around for the writing portions.

I know I wanted to keep the campaign in the format of a scribe, but I think multiple accounts would be very interesting. This is almost overreaching, but if everyone could think of a Character for their Chapter that they want represented, one who takes place in some of the more significant battles of the Campaign and writes it from their prospective it would be interesting, to say the least.

 

I hope to keep the Scribe as a character writing some of the other accounts.

 

This is all latter, and I think setting the scene would be the most important idea now, if people would like to help, I would appreciate it.

 

As stated, Gehenna is a gas giant, very similar to Bespin from Star Wars. The world itself is a "mining" hub. Gas extractors are used around the world to take the valuable gasses from the world's surface layers. The actual fighting surface on the world is a network of interconnected cities (kind of like a chain of anti gravity platforms), they line most of the world world, but there are still holes between them, making the initial landfall a devastating endeavor. To make it more difficult, the world is accustom to violent wind storms, these storms can move the platforms and sweep away unprotected workers. The planetary capital (and the capital for all the moons) is on his platform.

 

Surrounding the gas giant are some outlying moon worlds. The moons aid in the process of the gas extraction by condensing the gas into fuel products. Several moons are agri worlds, supplying food products to the manufacturing worlds and the main extraction platform.

 

The planetary defense forces aren't really a significant force by themselves, but the mining and processing work has created many hearty men, all fully capable of fighting as soldiers.

 

Initial battles take place on the outlying moons. Several of the agricultural moons are devastated by orbital barrages, however, the sheer number of them made this tactic nonviable as it required too many munitions.

 

Several of the manufacturing worlds fought back against Imperial Assaults, the iron jungle worked havoc on the Imperial troopers moving in to fight.

 

The final moon inside the gas cloud and beneath the platforms is an ice world. It holds Eldar relics and technologies, making it all the more valuable for them to defend. Though, the actual purpose of the world is still up in the air. I have no idea what to do with it, but I like it as a reason for the Eldar to fight. I don't want to make it just another extractor though.

 

Thanks, everyone, for taking interest.

 

KHK :rolleyes:

[Ferrus Manus]

This is almost overreaching, but if everyone could think of a Character for their Chapter that they want represented, one who takes place in some of the more significant battles of the Campaign and writes it from their prospective it would be interesting, to say the least.

I think I'd put Chaplain Gaut forward for this.

 

As for the setting the system all seems good to me. I have no issues. But, I'm still not sure what the Eldar moon's purpose is. Maybe it was a maiden world once? Or perhaps something hugely powerful was buried there (not that the Imperials know about it.)

[Codex Grey]

No problem, Ace. I tried to keep the single shape style, both to make the symbol fit together with the style of the other symbol, and because it would be hard to make the knot and sword in different layers look good.

 

As for what Chapter, you know what I feel, Ace, and it's mainly because I like the Talons better. But the fluff is first priority, so if you feel that it would suit the Knights' character better to participate, then so be it. Then again, as you mention, maybe the Talons' expertise in fighting the Eldar is exactly why their help is needed?

--

 

I really like all the ideas surrounding the Campaign so far. I can almost see the Gehenna system in front of me, and I like what I see. Keep it up.

 

A more detailed description of my force:

 

 

Battle Force 'Iron Storm'

 

With most of the Chapter's elements deployed elsewhere in the Galaxy, First Captain Akim Aleksei has crafted a formation centered around his mighty 'Iron Guard' Veterans, bolstered by the Eighth Reserve Company's Assault squads. Forgoing heavy support due to theatre conditions and resource limitations, 'Iron Storm' is a hard and fast hitting assault force, tailored for retaking the Gehenna mining complex. Outnumbered by the Astartes of the Death Heads Chapter, Aleksei has deferred to the overall command of Lucil Tobulo of the Death Heads. The Warriors Eternal will act as a tactical reserve, ready to charge into any breach created by their allies.

 

Command:

- 1st Company Captain, Akim Aleksei (Terminator)

- 8th Company Captain, Gregor Ballakk (jump pack)

- 8th Comapany Chaplain, Fyodor (jump pack)

- Codicier, Lazar + Lexicanium

- Apothecary

- Techmarine

Elements:

 

- 1st Company

- 5x5 Terminators

- 2x10 Sternguards

- 2x10 Vanguards

 

- 8th Company

- 5x10 Assault Squads

(Jump Packs)

 

- Fleet Assets

- Strike Cruiser

Virtus

- 2x Rapid Strike Vessels

- 5x Thunderhawk gunships

 

EDIT: No problem, KHK .

Edited October 8, 2009 by Codex Grey

[Donkey Kong]

But, I'm still not sure what the Eldar moon's purpose is. Maybe it was a maiden world once?

 

The main purpose of the world is to have the Eldar involved. The actual purpose fluff wise is still off to me, I don't know what I want to do with it, or even just leave it as something that is discovered later, when the Imperium presses forward.

 

I think that the more organized force would be a useful addition for everyone writing.

 

First Company Captain Lucil Tobulo

First Company Sergeant Astos Narrick

Second Company Captain Strabo Thussaud

Third Company Captain Garras Taggart

Fourth Company Captain Filo Howl

4 Librarians

5 Chaplains

3 Techmarines

3 Apothecaries

 

First Company

7x 5 man Terminator Squads

5x 10 man Sternguard

 

4x 10 man scout squads

 

Second - Third Company

6x 10 man Tactical Squads

2x 10 man Assault Squads

2x 10 man Devastator Squads

 

Fleet

Battle Barge Nausicaa

Strike Cruiser Lilith

 

12 x Thunderhawk gunships

[Codex Grey]

This thread is getting cluttered, may I suggest creating a thread dedicated to the Gehenna Campaign? All we know so far could be gathered into a first post, with detailed lists of everyone participating and what they bring with them, a timeline that becomes more detailed the further the campaign is developed, and maybe some kind of background intro.

[Grey Hunter Ydalir]

This thread is getting cluttered, may I suggest creating a thread dedicated to the Gehenna Campaign?

 

Seconded, it's detrimental to the Death Heads to keep this going here really.

 

GHY, sorry that you're backing out your Chapter, but I appreciate you sticking around for the writing portions.

 

Just to clarify, I wasn't backing it out for myself, you said you didn't want more than four chapters involved and I agree if it was more it might get a bit convoluted with the involvement of too many Astartes.

 

And as to the writing, as I said, I enjoy the work. If you want anyone to 'be' the scribe, I can volunteer as it would allow each of the individual chapter-owners to concentrate on their own characters. If you want to do it yourself then be my guest.

 

Maybe it was a maiden world once? Or perhaps something hugely powerful was buried there (not that the Imperials know about it.)

 

I think having being a Maiden world might come off a bit contrived, being the most conveniently manufactured reason to have the Eldar involved. It would also more than likely involve the Biel-Tan craftworld, being the vehement defenders of the Eldar's old empire. It also seems a bit much to have a Maiden world inside a Gas Giant.

 

Perhaps it is one of the last large warp-gates, something that there wouldn't be too many of, even less common than the vehicle and infantry sized ones on most worlds that the Eldar can still construct on the fly. Perhaps it's a ship-gate, something that fell into disuse once the Eldar moved to the Craftworlds, something they would desperately want to keep out of Imperial hands. If the Imperials could move ships into the webway the Eldar would not be pleased.

 

It's also a little bit ironic considering the Imperial webway that the Emperor was constructing before he began pushing up daisies, insofar that if the Imperials realised the goldmine on the moon below they might redouble their efforts considering the rewards.

 

Maybe, maybe not. In the end it's up to you guys.

[Ferrus Manus]

Another thread would be best.

 

A more detailed force chart:

 

- Captain Arnkel of the 3rd

- Chaplain Gaut

- Librarian Ingvar

 

- 3rd Company

- (Includes Sergeant Haemudr)

- 6x Tactical Squads

- 2x Assault Squads

- 2x Devastator Squads

 

- Terminator Squad Skard

- Sternguard Squad Jorund

 

-2x Scout Squad

 

Perhaps it is one of the last large warp-gates, something that there wouldn't be too many of, even less common than the vehicle and infantry sized ones on most worlds that the Eldar can still construct on the fly. Perhaps it's a ship-gate, something that fell into disuse once the Eldar moved to the Craftworlds, something they would desperately want to keep out of Imperial hands. If the Imperials could move ships into the webway the Eldar would not be pleased.

 

It's also a little bit ironic considering the Imperial webway that the Emperor was constructing before he began pushing up daisies, insofar that if the Imperials realised the goldmine on the moon below they might redouble their efforts considering the rewards.

I like this idea, what do you guys think?

[Donkey Kong]

First : http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...howtopic=181052

Gehenna's own thread

 

I like the ship gate.

 

GHY, I think it would be fine if you took up the role of the scribe.

 

CG, I was wondering if you could possibly take some ideas for a Campaign badge.

Gehenna is the Jewish hell (as far as the Internet has told me), and I think that it would bring some feel to the Campaign.

 

Symbolism such as a horned or oblong skull, a fire of some sort, a broken spider web or stylized web, or anything that you think might look nice, any input from GHY, FM or AD or anyone might be nice as well. If you don't have the time, that's perfectly fine.

 

I'll edit the first post in the other thread if anyone wants to add a background passage, an Imperial Guard regiment, edit their force's contribution or anything of that variety.

 

Ill have to note that where we're starting is already two years into the campaign, hence the rather large casualties some of the loyalist Gehenna regiments have taken.

 

Finally, there still has to be some decision on whether we take the Infinity Knights or the Twilight Talons, AD is undecided, CG prefer the Twilight Talons, I personally don't really know, and GHY has yet to say his opinion (so not to make you the target of everyone's attention, but, your vote decides :mellow: )

 

Thanks everyone, so far, hopefully this will go and be a nice completed article in due time.

(Hell, if I learn how I might even make a BolS style campaign booklet in .pdf format)

 

KHK

[Grey Hunter Ydalir]

(so not to make you the target of everyone's attention, but, your vote decides :o )

 

Honestly, I'm undecided as well! I like the duality of the Inifinity Knights and the Warriors Eternal in name. However, the Twilight Talons round out the group with a nice symmetry. I think I lean more towards the Twilight Talons, but it can still swing!

 

It's a pity that the Corsairs didn't get in to this, they like persecuting the Eldar. :turned:

 

GHY, I think it would be fine if you took up the role of the scribe.

 

Good stuff. I do however need some guidelines. For each piece or link between the various characters giving their own accounts I need a defined space and plot to work with.

 

Henceforth I will address all other posts on Gehenna to it's thread.

[Donkey Kong]

I made some edits to the IA, hopefully bringing it a bit closer to completion. Edited October 20, 2009 by KingHongKong

[Ace Debonair]

There's a bit in the chapter cult section which reads:

 

" Many Chapter's have called the Death Heads' treasures worthless, some going so far as to accuse them of being heretical. "

 

You don't need the apostrophe in "chapters".

 

And that's about it for the mistakes. :P

This chapter's looking darn good these days. :D

Edited October 21, 2009 by Ace Debonair

[RagingGriffon]

You guys need an enemy in your campaign? I think the Dynasty of Blood would love to take your skulls and I am sure a couple of your less than faithful Brothers as converts :(

[Donkey Kong]

Thank you Ace, I'll be editing that right away.

 

RG, that won't be necessary. Thank you for your offer.

 

The business right now is the IA, the Gehenna Campaign has its own thread.