Campaign: Liber Astartes

[Captain Forcystus]

Well as the Iron Gauntlet seems to have died again

 

Quite a bummer I was liking it and would have been all for continuing but oh well

[Chapter Master Ignis Domus]

Heru Talon: Bah, pessimist. I am determined to push this through, using sheer willpower if necessary. IT SHALL NOT FAIL! said every great failure right before they failed... :tu:

 

EDIT: Ninja'ed, as usual. ;)

[Brother-Sergeant Bohemond]

Im liking your story Ignis. damn, whyd you and ferrata have to have two really good storylines that are both unique, distinctive and awesoeme!

 

Now, I have to work on something myself...

[Captain Forcystus]

Im half tempted to try tossing a plotline/story chunk out there to play around with too, though id likely be laughed off the forum for having over the topness and drawing rage not too unlike a often referred to codex writer

[Chapter Master Ignis Domus]

Thank you, Bohemond.

 

Forcystus, feel free to post any ideas you have. I assure you, they will probably be much better than you expect.

[Captain Forcystus]

If you say so dude, I tend to gravitate toward over the topness with alot of my stuff though, then again 40k is the poster game for over the topness. In any case off to the brainstorming chamber! Aka my bed room surrounded by all my models in hopes of inspiration.

 

One thing I've been thinking about is the various "ripple effects" that could be caused by some central event that would cause things to happen in the other Segmentums, Tempestus in particular since thats where my guys are a wee bit of favoritism but may as well work with the area im in

[Shinzaren]

I think Ferrata's idea is good. Well thought and well planned. Especially given how much a Saint can motivate the Imperium. I think it's a good start to the whole campaign we are planning and is both simple and complex enough to suit the tastes and needs of everyone involved. That has my vote.

 

+1 ;)

[Chapter Master Ignis Domus]

I'd say we should set a deadline for all submissions of Friday, so anything before we come online Saturday. That gives the weekenders a chance to get in.

[Nemesor]

Hrm. Suppose I ought to chuck out an idea, for the sake of choice. Based on some similar premises to Ferrata's, but I've made some changes. And obviously names etc are provisional, they could be changed if anyone has a cooler suggestion.

 

The Qandis Odyssey

 

Part 1:

 

Some time towards the end of M34, (Prior to the 13th Founding), a cluster of inhabited Imperial systems known as the Qandis Cluster became the site of full-scale rebellion. An alliance of Astartes Renegades led by a tyrant known only as the Mighty One had taken over the Cluster and begun to fortify their new kingdom. Unwilling to allow this treachery, the Inquisition instigated a Crusade to liberate the worlds of the Qandis Cluster. Just as warbands of Traitors flocked to Qandis, Chapters of loyal Astartes rallied to the Crusade. The Imperium launch their Crusade and slowly reclaim the systems despite massive and almost inexplicable resistance across all the worlds of the Qandis Cluster. At the end of the Crusade the Ecclesiarchy builds large new temples on the worlds within the Cluster, housing within them relics of the Crusade.

 

In this part older Chapters will get their time to shine, kicking traitor booty. Lots of potential for disagreements between chapters on how to deal with the rebellion, especially how civilians are during the Crusade.

 

Part 2:

 

In late M38 (Post-21st Founding) these sites are systematically pillaged by Traitor Marines, and the many precious and powerful relics are taken to various parts of the galaxy as the traitors escape with their plunder. Enraged at the theft of such sacred objects, the Ecclesiarchy sends word to various chapters of Astartes. For various reasons, a number of Chapters respond and send forces on the hunt for these artifacts, to return them to Imperial hands. Eventually the hunt ends, with all artifacts either returned, lost or destroyed.

 

This part provides a lot of scope for weird adventures. Perhaps some renegades were slain and their loot ends up in the hands of their killers, perhaps others traded their loot to xenos races, and so on. Lots of room to imagine here. The earlier parts of this section would be about how the relics were taken, and the later parts about their recovery.

 

Part 3:

 

By early M41 the Qandis Cluster has been enjoying relative peace for quite some time. The rebellion of ages past has been all but forgotten. However, it comes under attack from Eldar forces. Their goal is unknown, but they are far more numerous and bold than most Eldar deployments. Unwilling to negotiate or initiate diplomacy, the Imperium calls in reinforcements from the Astartes once more. Most Chapters that respond are younger Chapters, unrelated to previous Qandis campaigns. Eventually the Eldar retreat, but not before leaving a cryptic warning hinting at worse battles to come.

 

This is where a lot of the new Chapters come in, all but the very newest (25th and 26th, I'd guess). Also an opportunity to fight some different foes than Traitors, which is the main running theme here.

 

Part 4:

 

In M42 (Post-26th Founding), Massive allied fleets of Chaos renegades flock to the Qandis Cluster. This time the locals stay loyal, and call for help. More Chapters than seen in the region ever before answer the call. What the Chaos worshippers' goal is is unknown, but the Imperium will suffer not the heretic to live. battle is fierce, and losses heavy. To aid in the effort, elements of the young 26th and 25th Founding Chapters come to fight alongside their elder brethren. Eventually the campaign will come to an end with Imperial victory, but the Imperium will pay a heavy price... (Yes I have something special planned)

 

Basically just sending it out with a bang. Most of the old gang are present, with the new boys grabbing the spotlight as they try to prove themselves equals to the more ancient chapters. This would be the big finale, truly epic.

[Arkangilos]

Here is my suggestion, which I have condensed/summerized.

 

In the Segmentum Obscurous

 

1) The Primaris Legion split, having a civil war in which one fourth survived to become chaos, and one fourth survived to remain loyal (though battered, scattered, and on the run). The chaos Primaris Legion, led by Cain the Unholy, became known as the Unholy Chosen, and were backed by Lord Wilhelm and his corrupt IG regiments, known as the Unholy Guard, which is several million strong. They conquer the Draco Sector. Several Chaos Warbands flock to Cain the Unholy for glory, while the Primaris Legion, and very few other SM chapters send what aid they can to slow the chaos advance.

 

2) After several years, the HLoT finally declare the Draco Crusade, and many Chapters and Regiments answer the call (though of course, this will follow the Chapters). The Crusade catches the newly formed "Imperium of Cain" off balance, and the Crusades quickly liberate the Outer Systems of the Draco Sector. However, Cain quickly regroups and reorginizes, and the Crusade meets heavy resistance. Chaos forces manage a counter offensive, which retakes several planets. Cain assaults the world of Gazen II, cutting off the Crusade's supply lines, taking an important rallying point, and sacrificing everyone on the planet.

 

3) The Crusade shifts its focus to a system known as the Venrii System, in order to retake an important Industrial world. Several major battles are fought here. When Venrii IV is retaken, the supply base is relocated there, the Crusade can then push forward. Several elements are sent to the Gazen system. The rest push inwards.

 

4) As the Crusade reaches the "core worlds" of the Draco Sector, the amount of local populations aiding them and resisting chaos diminishes and ultimately dissappears completely. The Chaos forces become more determined, and the number of casualties sustained increase exponentially. Again, the Crusade stalls. Finally, the forces sent to the Gazen system reconquer it, and reinforcements from other sectors resume. The forces make haste to the front, and the Crusade is able to continue.

 

5) The Crusade reaches Dranus Prime, the seat of power of the Draco Sector. It is the site of a major Naval Engagement, with nearly all Astartes and Imperial Navy ships from the Crusade fighting. Cane escapes to the planet, and the battle for the planet begins. Cane ascends to become a demon prince. The battle for the Dark Monestary (the FM of the Unholy Chosen) lasts several months.

 

6) Clean up begins, and the Crusade continues for another few months, though now the chaos forces are sevearly diminished. Cane survived, but almost his entire circle was killed.

 

 

----------------------

Also, there were several planets that were rediscovered during the crusade by accedent. Imperial Forces had an interest in these planets, as they could offer an immediate boost to the number of troops. Chaos Forces that learned of these planets also had an interest for the same reasons, pluss slaves. These also became hotspots for the Crusade (though I did not put them in the list).

 

The crusade also met with quite a few disasters, such as the battle of Crus, and Defeat at Savoniu.

 

Several chapters of the crusade also found powerful relics they believed lost (and that can be discussed later on).

 

The Imperium of Cane pretty much controlled the whole Draco Sector. However, the outer rim worlds remained resistance, and so the further from the core the forces were, the more populations aided them. The closer in, the less. Also, demons were more common further in.

 

The first part, where Cane and his Unholy were conquering, took a little more than a decade, so there is some time in there for traitors and loyalists alike to have some stands, though the loyalists always met in defeat.

 

Oh, and the Draco Crusade takes place in the m40

[Chapter Master Ignis Domus]

It looks good, Telanicus. I knew you could do well with your original. :D

[Cpt_Reaper]

If it is a Company of Astartes you require, the Angels of Shadow 3rd Company is ready for war. While They are based in the far reaches of Ultima (closest neighbour is Repentance, home of The Nameless), they are rebuilding their Fortress-Monastary and will send Companies across the Galaxy.

[SpecialIssue]

Sooo... with all these proposals up, whats next? We should get moving on this project. I vote for Ferrata's frankly brilliant campaign concept.

[Brother-Sergeant Bohemond]

we will be deciding after Friday, this is to give everyone who wishes to submit a brainwave the chance to do so.

[Ecritter]

I'll have my proposal up in the morning.

[Ferrata]

Whilst it might be good to have a deadline for ideas, I feel like it is less a "submission" and more throwing something into the mixing pot. I never intended for my story to go through this intact, but absorb and be absorb into different storylines until we have one we are all happy with and one that no single person can claim as there own. This is why the second and third sections of my stories were so loose, entire campaigns could easily be written about those sections with their own complex story lines. For example, the Draco Sector could be where one of the relics was stolen too, and the story continues as Telanicus has outlined :)

[Ace Debonair]

Great to see that this is taking off so quickly, my brothers are well up for messing up Imperial plans in whatever way they can. Although they seem to be alone and completely surrounded by hordes of corpse-worshipping lapdogs... :)

 

Not true. The Legio Solemnitas by Alecto are also traitor marines, in the same segmentum. ;)

 

As for an enemy in Obscurus, I'm sure my Rift Lords can stir up some trouble to further the glory of the Great Gods / give the loyalists something to shoot at. :P

 

I'm a big fan of Ferrata's idea for the summary of the campaign, plenty of motivation for the various groups of Astartes to get in there and fight, and against plenty of enemies. :)

[Reyner]

What sort of banner would you want for this project? Size, content, etc.

[Nemesor]

I can get behind Ferrata's basic plot outline, though maybe some tweaking of details would improve it/make it more enjoyable for all members involved.

[strongbow]

Just so you know guys I'm going to be busy over the next few days and may not be able to read many of the ideas that will come through by Friday.

So when it comes to which idea I prefer I have to say at this stage that I think Ferrata's idea provides a really good outline for the whole thing so if we are 'voting' I'm going to give my vote to that idea as the starting point.

Ultimately I don't really mind the story line and I'll go with whatever the outcome on Friday :)

[PorridgeMeister]

@CMID: Well, the thing is my Chapter's fluff is not fully formed (i.e there is no IA); so its pretty mutable at the moment. The Knights Valiant technically have a homeworld (Mengelwyr) in the northern Ultima Segmentum, but they don't visit it that often (think Iron Snakes) as the whole Chapter goes off on large scale engagements where it can employ it's favoured tactics of mass warfare. Basically the fleet ferries them wherever they are needed.

 

@Ferrata: I really like your idea of the Crusade and the relics.

 

If I don't post on here that frequently, please my laptop is out of action.

[Banelord]

@Ferrata: I like your idea of the relics :)

 

 

These are not very detailed but I’d thought I would add them to the pot, maybe help someone come up with something better :

 

1, Sleeper Agents: A Imperial military school/academy gets infiltrated by a chaos/Genestealer cult. They corrupt many young/new officers with hypnotic suggestion/magic/anything else; these officers carry on with their career and gain reach high within the ranks of the Imperium. After a long period of time a trigger is activated and these “Sleeper Agents” revert to their true state and use their power/influence/or what ever, to corrupt the forces now under their command. This could then result in multiple wars across the Imperium; they don’t discover the link until after an ongoing investigation. ((A bit Old skool ;) ))

 

 

2, Lure of Slaanesh: A new drugs becomes widely available on the black market. It’s highly additive and popular, everyone stars using it, from lords to commoners. The Adeptus Arbites start clamping down on it but People start rioting in the streets. In most cases it’s easily handled by local forces but in some it turns in to planet wide civil war. It is soon discovered that it was created by a Slaanesh Cult to increase his power and to try and summon daemons to various planets.(( Could be any god really, Nurgle=plague, Tzeentch=magic, Khorne=?)) :D

[Crusader of Dorn]

Agreed, Ferrata has an excellent idea that can be expanded on to fit our chapters and th respective warzones.

 

I'm quite busy but making the effort to stay on the project, hopefully i can write up a paragraph or two soon.

[Brother-Sergeant Bohemond]

theres some good stuff coming up here. Id really like to combine as much of the ideas as we can. ferratas seems a nice one for a base framwork to hang extra bits on that we want. But to help stir, heres a little idea I had, well, its not fleshed out as yet, but ill throw it out anyway.

 

Ok, so, set after the 26th Founding. Chapter X was created during the founding and set on planet Y on the recommendations of Inquisitor Z of the Ordo Malleus who knows about a Daemon Sword hidden on the planet and believes that the Astartes can keep it safe from all foes. he especially fears Inquisitor Doromos of the Ordo Hereticus who is one of those Inquisition weirdos who seem to think Chaos can kill Chaos and so wants the sword for his evil plans. However, Inquisitor Z disappears from the scene, no explanation given.

 

Doromos discovers the location of the sword, but he cannot get into the Chapters Fortress-Monastery to get at it as its buried underneath the immense bastion. He waits around for a hundred years and diggs up as much info as he can on Chapter X that is damning, then he calls for a crusade from several ruthless Chapters to remove Chapter X on the pretext that they are traitors (by tis time he is a Lord-Inquistor). crusade called and they drive the chapter out who become renegade. Meanwhile, Doromos takes sword and goes to harness its power. exeunt all.

 

Meanwhile, Inquistor Z appears again from where he has benn hiding and meets Chapter X and learns that Doromos took the sword, he fears, naturally, and seeks to find a way to recover the blade without damaging the Imperium. Inquisitor Z enlists Chapter X's aid to hunt down Doromos, should the need arise.

 

Doromos has been busy and harnessed the sword, or so he thinks. He calls for a crusade against Chaos forces on the planet of Tertius Prime and a number of chapters arrive, including a few from the original crusade. After a successful crusade against Chaos and the running of of several DIY traitors he feels inspiored and 'hears the Emperor' telling him to storm the Maelstrom and lead another Great Crusade. So off he goes and fights Chaos while Inquisitor Z and Chapter X chase him. On another world Doromos is wounded and the sword taken by Deamon Prince D of Khorne who unites mass Chaos Warbands and launches a bark Cruade into the Imperium, Chapters respond. Doromos and Inquistor Z both determined to get the sword have a showdown where Doromos' closest allies, Chapter R and Chapter X battle it out with no conclusion, so the two form an uneasy alliance to get the sword back.

 

Meanwhile, a Lord-Commander is appointed to lead the defence and drive out the invaders. He creates a huge force and combats the traitors, battles rage, both sides win and lose, but Imperium steadily gain the upper hand driving back Prince D into the Maelstrom again where he runs into Doromos and Inquistor Z who battle him, wiht their chapters, for the sword. After banishing the Prince Doromos seizes the sword at which point he becomes possessed and kills Chapter R's Chapter-master who refuses to join him, then he attacks Inquistor Z, ensueing fight, Doromos killed and the sword destroyed. Chapters R and X fight it out again because they do not know what happened. Inquitor Z re-communicates Chapter X and forgives them all and destroys sword.

 

End of story. A tale of Inquisitorial gameplay.

[Chapter Master Ignis Domus]

Ferrata: I agree, but we still probably want a deadline for the summaries, so that we can find a base plot outline, then modify it from there.

 

Reyner: For size, I'd say about the size of one of the ones in your sig. I'd hold off on content until we've decided on a campaign, so that we can have the name of the campaign and a related picture on there.