Hrothgar StormBreaker

[Tybrus]

I played a game a few weeks back with a good friend, and had one of the best 40k hero moments that makes you just want to retire a model. Here is a quick break down of what happened in game. Followed by how I see a Space Wolf getting a Saga.

 

Hrothgar normal Rune Priest, Runic Armor, CotS, Runic Weapon and Bolt Pistol (nothing fancy)

 

 

Mission Brief: The Space Wolves have run to ground a raiding force of Eldar lead by a Farseer. Wolf Scouts have managed to maneuver them into a confrontation with the Pursuit force the Wolves assembled.

 

2 Predators

1 Vendi

3 8 man packs in rhinos with WG and Rune Priests

2 Landspeeders

 

On the start of turn two my left flank rhino was about to be fired on and then assaulted by, 1 full squad dire avengers, 1 full storm guardian squad, 4 HB, the Far Seerer the remains of another storm guardian squad, and two turns later even the SS get in on it. In the end the entire pack fell save Hrothgar, who remained unwounded. THe enemy would break but as I was in combat with more then 1 squad I could not follow up, so they would turn and charge right back in on their turn. This is the way it went all game long, until the end of turn 6 when the Rune Priest stood alone on the hill. I am giving him Saga of the Warrior Born for this (boy would it have helped then). Anyway I offer you the Saga of Hrothgar...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hrothgar gripped his Runic Two handed sword in both hands, his bolt pistol having long since run dry. It didn’t matter anyway, in the grim bloody work of his last hours he would reap his harvest of treads with his oldest friend, the blade “Slitna”. Slitna had served with him since he had first taken the mantle of an apprentice Rune Priest. He had crafted it himself according to the ancient ways and had forged its Blade from the heart ice of Fenris. Once it had awoken to his calls, it would answer only him, it was at that moment he had become a Rune Priest. Spinning to avoid a blade he turned and carved a deep path into the on rushing storm guardians. His fury sending bolts of lightning along the runicblade slicing through their xenos armor as if it were not even there.

The Rhino “Runes of Fate” roared onward along the left flank of the Space Wolf task force, it carried within it Hrothgar StormBreaker Rune Priest; Unluk DeathMountian Wolfguard, and Jaxxon’s Pack of Grey Hunters known as The Red Death. They were one third of a three prong assault Force dispatched to bring a rouge Eldar Forces to bay before they could slip back into the Web ways. Horthgar carried little for the why of the fight. He could scent the elder already as he cracked the top hatch of the Rhino to look out of the battle field.

 

Pain shot through his body in a dozen places as the monomolecular shuriken tore past his armor and into the flesh beneath. He was surrounded; his armor reported that it had sustained critical damage to many key systems. Unluk gave the commend overrides to shut down the warnings, and set his reactor to maximum remaining output. The warning runes flashed once more but were silent this time, the machine spirit of the armor screaming in the same pain that his body was. The Dire Avengers had disembarked from their Wave Serpent just after the Explosion that had torn the “Runes of Fate” apart.

 

Before Hrothgar’s eyes lay the Vanguard of the Assault, The Twin Predators “Winters Snarl” and “Fury Of Russ” and the Vindicator “Thunder of Fenris”. The Lead elements pushed on towards the ambush site that the Wolf Scouts had guided the Eldar forces into. Behind the main force were Hrothgar and his warriors as well as two more identical rhinos with the same make up of warriors. The Three Rune Priests had been sent to bring to heel a Farseer that was believed to be leading the Elder Forces. Hrothgar smiled looking at the dark skies above and catching the first drops of rain in his long red beard.

 

Unluk pushed himself to his feat just in time to meet the rush of the Dire Avengers. Of Jaxxon’s pack only three had fully made their way from the wreckage and into the fight. The others had been cut down by the damnable elder before they could even draw a weapon. The pack such as it was consisted of Jaxxon armed with his meltagun, power weapon, and bolt pistol. The Wulfen the Pack called “Randy the Ripper”, and Slatr an all but silent warrior that could be trusted to remain steadfast unto the end. Unluk tried to Spot Hrothgar but all that could be seen was the rushing elder. They came on in many colors, the deepest blues, and faded bleach of bones, the Endless swarm of the Craftword Guardians. His coms where still working, and his deep rumble of a voice filled the combat frequency “ Set Rally Point as Crater of the Runes. Jaxxon Fall back towards that point. Slatr bounding fire to the Rally. Randy you and I will take the charge and break them across our face. Once we dig in, counter assault into the rear. Mark!”

 

The Eldar had turned and where charging into the front Vanguard. The torrent of fire that broke across the front walls of adamantium pushed forward by lead tanks was a blinding assault of light and sound. Each Engien of War bore a massive siege plate into which the elder fire seemed to all but be absorbed. . The Vanguard had dug in and where facing the main Eldar Forces now, or so they thought. Hrothgar saw the counter assault developing in the form of a pair of Wave Serpents. He ordered the “runes” to combat speed and to move to the top of Hill 1616, a small flat topped hill that would allow him and his pack to control all fields of fire leading to the left flank of the now engaged Vanguard forces. The rhino’s engines roared black smoke pouring from its exhaust’s, as its tracks engaged shooting the tank up to the top of the hill. From his vantage in the open top hatch, Hrothgar targeted an advancing Wave Serpent and allowed the fury of the storm to rage through his Runic Weapon and into the Eldar tank. “Slitna” filled with power as the ancient unbreakable crystal-ice of the blade exploded forth with a torrent of lightning striking the Xenos skimmer many times over and sending a ripple of energy though it before it exploded as a brilliant flash of color in the dark and stormy sky.

 

The Explosion was deafening even with his enhanced body. The ringing was intense in his head, but he was sure his runic armor had saved his life, the dents in its ancient armor was proof enough for him. He could see shapes coming in the smoke, and he could smell the xenos coming. His armor’s machine spirit locked onto what remained of the Howling Banishes charging from his right, and the Dire Avengers that had disembarked from the Wave Serpent that had destoried the “Runes” were closing from the front. He had just enough time to pull Arock from the wreckage before the wave of elder flesh struck. Arock was torn from his grasp by the tearing hands of the Eldar and on instinct the Rune Priest hand pulled his Bolt Pistol and started firing into the oncoming mass of bodies.

The “Runes” had reached the top of Hill 1616 just as the first wave serpent exploded under the attention of Hrothgar. The second xenos skimmer however had opened fire with its damned cannons and the hail of razored disks had tore through the Ancient hull of the Rhino. The first disks had torn through the drivers position shredding Runrick into so much meat. The next explosion ignited the engine compartment which erupted in fire filling the troop compartment with thick black smoke. The red combat lighting within the Rhino flashed off and on as Jaxxon was detonating the emergency bolts on the side doors and rear ramp; sending the hatches flying free of the dying tank. Just as the Pack thought to move through the now open exits a heart stopping explosion tore the Ancient machine spirit apart.

 

Unluk brought his massive powerfist down in a crushing blow that drove straight through the Dire Avenger before him, leaving a smoking crater where the things chest had once been. His other hand spat death from his Storm Bolter as he gained enough room to employ the weapon once more. The Wolf Guard stepped forward kicking the upper torso of a guardian from atop the still form of Jaxxon. The Last of the Grey hunters to Fall Jaxxon had taken at least 4 of the xenos filth with him. Unluk spun around as the Xenos forces charged in once more. The Hallowing Bansihes had fallen to the combined effrots of Jaxxon and his pack, but it had cost them in blood to do so. There were still a hand full of the Dire Avengers leading the charge back into the fight, and they were supported by what remained of the Storm Guardians. It was the sound of crackling power, of the smell of cooked Meat that Told the Wolf Guard the Rune Priest too still fought on. He Dove head first into the bodies between him and the priest the crackling smack of his powefist leading the way.

 

Hrothgar Was blade to blade with the Eldar Farseer, his runic two handed sword crackling as it met the wraithbone armor of the Seer. The thing had come out of the Smoke after him, with its guard of Howling Banshees. He had been sure it was his end, and he had turned to meet it with a snarl on his face. It was then Jaxxon stepped forward slamming the body of his meltagun into one of the bone colored ghosts gut, knocking it from its graceful charge and taking its head with his power weapon’s upwards stroke. Jaxxon had taken the brunt of the banshees charge, and left the Seer alone to deal with him. Hrothgar smiled as he stepped forward to meet the Farseers again his runic blade cracking. He threw the Farseer back its body cracking with energy as it landed at the foot of the hill. Before Hrothgar could finish the thing, the rest of the Eldar we on him once more.

 

Unluk Smashed the head of the last of the Storm guardians just as the Eldar Dire avenger exarch had gunned him down from behind, the razor disks exploding out the front of his chest as he struggled to reach the Rune Priests side. Hrothgar swung “Slitna” like a sythe through the flesh of the Dire Avengers as he moved to stand straddling the fallen Wolf Guard. Unluk was a mountain of flesh, but his mighty solid breastbone had shattered and even now his gene enhanced body fought to control the bleeding, as his last conscious actions were to fire his Storm Bolter at the retreating Xenos.Hrothgar let out a roar of primal anger, wrath born of the storm from which he drew his name and called down the a fury of massive bolts of lightning striking the tip of his held up Runic sword. The flashes of light in the Dark sky showed that the xenos had not run far. Even now they turned and charged back into the fry but Hrothgar stood ready.

 

The Mighty War Engine “Snarl of Winter” had finished engaging all targets on the line, and had been ordered to move and secure the left flank in support Hrothgar’s pack. Turning to secure the lines of fire between Hill 1616 and the start of buildings of Rural 48 the “Snarl of Winter”’s driver locked up the tracks and the mighty war engines multi-ton weight caught against the unmoving treads halting it in place. The War spirits of the “Snarl” had detected a fast moving body of Infantry approaching from Hill 1616, Ident showed them as hostiles and the Manchine spirits of the “snarl” craved xenos flesh. Filtak the tanks commander quickly cycled down the systems to the tank to everything but the weapons. His keen eye peered through the command augur siting the Autocannon to the point where the Infantry would appear.

 

Hrothgar was nothing more than an animal, a wild thing fighting in instinct to prolong its own life as long as it could. The Eldar had broken twice now, only to rally and charge back into him, before he could pull Unluk free. The wounded Wolf Guard had entered the long sleep, but his body still fought, as all sons of Russ fight when they are threatened. Hrothgar had lost count of the foes, but there were still a mix of colors swarming around him. It was a striking scorpion this time that lead the assault, the remaining Dire Avengers letting the Aspect best suited to the task take the lead. Hrothgar noted that there were only two of the brown and green demons and they showed signs of recent battle. He smiled wondering which of his brothers had seen to the death of the missing squad members. The chain blades of the Eldar slammed into his runic armor once more, trying to gain grip so that their teeth could rend his flesh, and again they were turned aside, the ancient battle plates machine spirit enraged that Eldar filth had been allowed to touch it, it would not give in to letting them mar its surface. His blade was a living thing, with a mind of its own as it swirled and danced around him. Spinning it with both hands or allowing it to strike out with a single extended reach. Wherever “Slitna” struck xeno’s fell.

 

The Farseer had kept 2 Howling Banshees as a body guard, and the situation on the top of the hill was getting dire. The Demon that fought them was something from the old tales, something he should have foreseen. The Demon was born of lightning and its powers flowed like an endless river from its damned blade. No all he had seen was a blinding whiteness and the Snarl of a beast. He ran now following his guards back towards the buildings back towards the secret entrence to the web way. He would be safe in moments….then there was nothing but a blinding white light and the snarl of a beast.

 

As the bone white ghosts stepped into the heat augur for the “Snarl” Filtak brought all systems to combat power a split second before the machine sprits fired their opening salvo into the startled elder crossing in front of them. The two bone colored guards were torn to shreds as they tried to block the Farseer with their own bodies. The Farseer could see only the single snow flake that fell before him, watching it dance his vision came to rest on the barrel of the “Snarl’s” Main gun. The Cannon roared as it auto cycled the full burst tearing the body of the Farseer to pieces. It was a moot point as the first round had removed his head, the unasked question of “Why Me” on his lips.

 

Hrothgar chased the Farseer as far as he was able, before he was once more encircled by what remained of the Eldar counter assault. He knew he needed to waste no more effort than he must if he hoped to hold the Flank until the Vanguard could relieve him. Moving quickly back to protect Unluk the Rune Priest made small circles left then right with his blade letting it slowly spin before him. The hill was littered with debris from vehicles, and countless limbs and torsos both Brothers and Xenos covered the flat surface. Even now the remaining seven xenos charged in to finish him and cover the escape of their leader. Hrothgar who had avoid an major injuries so far, would never allow that to happen. He made ready and received the charge parrying what he could and trusting in the Relic that was his Armor to protect him from the rest.

 

The “Snarl” locked both tracks forward the bodies of the fallen elder being pushed along by its low set Dozer blade, until the thin armor cracked and a bloody trail was left to mark the “Snarl’s” path. The Mighty tank crested the top of hill 1616 the Farseer’s ghost helm so well made it was pushed along before the beast like child kicking a bottle. The machine spirits showed no hostiles and the “Snarl” moved up to where it could provide cover for the approaching transports. As it turned to make its way to the edge of the ridge, the helm was thrown off into the darkness.

 

Hrothgar stood his foot on the chest of the last of the Eldar, pulling his blade from where it had burned through the filths flesh and armor. He could hear the tracks of the approaching armor, and as he scanned the battle field before him, a metal helm came shooting out of the night. It clattered around his feet, as he had made Unluk as stable as possible, and requested a Wolf priest be dispatched by Thunderhawk at once. Hrothgar looked over at the xeno helm picking it up and looking into its dead eyes. He crushed the helm between his palms, and letting his fingers rip it into pieces. It clattered like rain along the ridge. His low raspy voice harsh from the days battle cracked with emotion as he ground fragments of the helm in his hands to dust. “Suffer not the Alien”

[Tybrus]

wow I must really suck...

[Dewi Sant]

Nice saga! ;) Warrior born will work well against Squishy Guardians in fun games.

[Brother Mjollner]

An interesting read, and a saga well deserved.

[Kassill]

It's Saga's like these that really make me happy to be a Son of Russ!

 

 

Great read, and sounds like a great game! :wub:

 

 

Got any pictures of Hrothgar?

[Tybrus]

I do and will upload them when I get my Camera back