IL V - The Halcyon Wardens

[Grifftofer]

Yeah. Dark Furies are one of the most efficient jump units in the game. Comparatively Reavers are considered weak for their points cost.

[bluntblade]

Sim, any background and tactical stuff I need to know about the Blitzers, besides the obvious?

[simison]

Sim, any background and tactical stuff I need to know about the Blitzers, besides the obvious?

 

I literally used the same name for the Jermani warriors that the Fifth was originally recruited from. They also used shotguns. Outside of that, I think that's it.

 

Yeah. Dark Furies are one of the most efficient jump units in the game. Comparatively Reavers are considered weak for their points cost.

 

Bah! Anyway, where does that leave me? I have 210, 195, and 75 point options.

[Grifftofer]

Well if you try and push for 75pts I may have to fly over there and kick you somewhere tender.   I think 195 feels like a good place for them. Its the cost of the Reavers plus Jump Packs and a bit extra for the shotguns.

[bluntblade]

Isn't there an Ultras elite you can check against?

[simison]

Blitzer Assault Squad

 

Comparison Base: Locutarus Storm Squad (175 points)

 

Attributes

 

• +1 A: 20 points
  

 

Total: 20 points

 

Wargear

 

• Eskut-Pattern Shotgun: 5 points
  
• Power Swords (Squad): (-50) points
  
• Artificer Armour (Squad): (-50) points
  

Total: (-95) points

 

Special Rules

• Outflank: 15 points
  
• Move through Cover: 15 points
  
• Opening Salvo: (-10) points
  
• Precision Intervention: (-10) points
  

 

Total: 20 points

 

Total cost: (-55) points

 

Recommend overall cost: 125 points

 

Notes:

• I realized I've been calculating the shotguns at 1 point per model since there are 5 models with them. Given the fact that they don't seem to have a huge advantage over bolters, is that alright?
  

[Grifftofer]

Well bolters are normally costed at 2 points per model. And a regular astartes shotgun is usually a free swap for a boltgun (however I would rate it as lesser overall). However, the Eskut-pattern Shotgun is significantly improved over the regular one (perhaps almost as much as the specialist ammo that Seekers get). So yeah, I'd probably put the cost of it at closer to 4-5pts/model.

[bluntblade]

Blitzer Assault Squad

 

  While the Halcyon Wardens were defined for many by their role as the Emperor’s shield, they were quite ready to serve as His sword. The Blitzer Assault marines were defined by this readiness. They drew on the oldest traditions of the Vth Legion, though their tactical role had been long since modified by Alexandros to support the methods of the Halcyon Wardens. Armed for close combat, they were typically to sow disorder among enemy formations, allowing the phalanx of their brethren to roll over all who stood in their way. At other times, or in the hands of more hot-blooded commanders, they were the tip of the Legion’s sword-thrusts, descending to eliminate high priority targets with explosive violence. 

 

  On battlefields where phalanxes would struggle to operate, the Blitzers retained their usefulness, often leading rapid assaults to fracture an enemy army. Like the Athenoi, they counted among their number several of the Legion’s most celebrated companies, including Irvin Ruel’s Katigoi.

[simison]

Well bolters are normally costed at 2 points per model. And a regular astartes shotgun is usually a free swap for a boltgun (however I would rate it as lesser overall). However, the Eskut-pattern Shotgun is significantly improved over the regular one (perhaps almost as much as the specialist ammo that Seekers get). So yeah, I'd probably put the cost of it at closer to 4-5pts/model.

 

So, then it'd be 230, 215, 95, and now 145 point options.

 

You still favor 195?

[simison]

Since the Warmaster has been previously pointed, I'm going to cheat and just see what removing certain rules has affected his original price tag of 500 points. 

 

500 points

 

Removed the Warp Blast power = 10 points

 

490 points

 

Removed An Eye for Defense power = 5 points

 

485 points

 

Added the Shield of Humanity, which is actually a bit of a penalty? = (-10) points

 

475 points

 

~~~

 

Does that work?

[simison]

Alexandros

 

Comparison Base: Horus (500 points)

 

Attributes

 

• -1 WS/A: (-10) points
  
• -1 S: (-10) points
  
• +1 I: 10 points
  

 

Total: (-10) points

 

Wargear

 

• Serpent Scales vs Lorica Praeses: 15 points
  
• Aegis: 5 points
  
• World Breaker versus the Spear of Terra: 0 points
  
• Talon of Horus (melee) versus Xiphos: (-20) points
  
• Talon of Horus (ranged) versus Ultimatum: 0 points
  
• Cognis Signum: (-20) points
  
• Teleportation Matrix: (-20) points
  

Total: (-40) points

 

Special Rules

• Sire versus Sire: 5 points
  
• Eye for Prophecy versus Point of Spear: (-10) points
  
• Psyker Mastery level 4: 80 points
  
• Oracle of Delos: 20 points
  

 

Total: 95 points

 

Total cost: 45 points

 

Recommend overall cost: 545 points

 

Notes:

• Always a pain. Regarding armour, the Lorica brings +1 to Perils and the +1 Invul to allied units (not sure why that ability is with the armour), which I price as 5 + 20 = 25 points. That's against the Serpent Scales 50% chance of just outright canceling Psychic powers/Maledictions against Horus, which I think is vaguely 10 points. 
  
• When it comes to the heavy weapons, the special rule buffs cancel each other out (Lance versus Master-Crafted & Concussive). Outside of round 1, Worldbreaker has a 4-point Strength advantage over the Spear, which is 20 points, while Unwieldy is a 15 point penalty. Whereas the Spear also has AP 1 on round 1, I'm guessing that the weapons even out overall. 
  
• The big draw of the Talon of Horus, in melee, is Disabling Strike, a permanent knockdown of -1 WS & S every combat round. I'm pricing that at 30 points against Force being 10 points for the power. 
  
• I estimated Eye for Prophecy at 40 points (10 for each ability essentially), and the Point of the Spear as 50 points (20 for troop Justaerins & 30 for Bombardments). 
  
• He's too expensive!
  

[bluntblade]

Presumably Alex isn't free to just alternate between Xiphis and the Spear though? Maybe a rule could say he can only switch when not directly in contact with an enemy unit - not that I know how that'd work

[simison]

Presumably Alex isn't free to just alternate between Xiphis and the Spear though? Maybe a rule could say he can only switch when not directly in contact with an enemy unit - not that I know how that'd work

 

The same could be said for Horus though. 

[bluntblade]

I thought Horus could choose to hit mid-combat with Talon or made?

[simison]

I thought Horus could choose to hit mid-combat with Talon or made?

 

Oh. I did forget that rule. Maybe another 5 or 10 points off of the price tag?

[simison]

Legiones Astartes (Halcyon Wardens)

 

The Halcyon Wardens are the relentless paragons in the unending service to the Emperor of Mankind. Deliberate and unyielding, they have vowed to place Humanity above their own lives as they have formed the shield that protects the Imperial citizenry from the predations of the alien, the raider, and the rebel before striking with the full force of the Emperor's fury. It is this selfless idealism that tempers the soul of the Fifth Legion into a potent weapon as they endure war's burning might whether on the front lines on the Great Crusade or garrisoning critical systems, ensuring a smooth transition into the Pax Imperialis. 

[simison]

I am changing the Halcyon Wardens' storm shield to the Salamander rules, while the Iron Bears will use the 3++ as known with the Fists. Regarding the name, I think Redd had a different name for the Iron Bears' shields, while mine started with 'Guardian-pattern'. Is that correct, Redd?

[Chief Captain Redd]

Correct sir; it was the Superior pattern before.

[simison]

Correct sir; it was the Superior pattern before.

 

It's all yours.

 

Grifft and I finished revising Alexandros' rule set. We're going with the alternate profile, dropping Oracle of Delphos, dropping Initiative to 6, moving the Veteran Tac Troops to Warmaster's Acumen, and moving the LD boost to Sire and extending it to allies.

 

And Grifft and I have a 2k point game this Saturday, which will probably involve the Warmaster and the Arch-Traitor going at it.

[simison]

After the playtest, we've removed the -1 To Hit Aegis gave, the 4+ to Seize the Initiative, and reduced Alexandros' points to 480. 

 

Pugaree

 

A wrapped headpiece of psycho-reactive cloth, the Pugaree is one of the strangest products to come from the Fifth Legion. In purpose, the Pugaree aids psykers react to a loss of control or when the Immaterium causes a violent feedback. How the Warden Librarians of the Halcyon Wardens are able to create this material or from where the Legion finds this resource are a complete mystery, though several observers believe that the answer to this secret lies with the Caryana. 

[simison]

Second Son ideas:

 

- Develop the Cohort system. 

  - The full 8 cohorts would not come into being right from the get-go. With only 50,000 marines, there's only so many missions/objectives that can be accomplished at this time. Still, the seeds will be sown. I want to use the current arc to lay down the framework for the 4th Cohort (the officer exchange program) and the 5th Cohort (the garrison cohort). The 7th Cohort will grow out out of the 5th Cohort as the Fifth racks up the number of protectorates. 

 

- Splitting the Legion into different expeditionary fleets.

  -I want this to grow as an issue, until Alexandros gives the order to split once the legion hits 80,000 marines. 

 

- Develop the Legion Orders.

  - I want the formation to happen with this arc. Alexandros essentially gains the idea from the Madrigal College, specifically observing the Oni and Volta.

 

- Develop the Librarius Program.

  - This is something else I want to start in this arc and develop over the next two joint campaigns between Wardens and Bearers. 

 

- Develop Dreadnought Force

 - Someone has to eventually become the Master of Ancients

 

- Develop future Praetorate offices

 - Such as Chief Librarian, Chief Praevian, Chief Diplomat, etc

 

- Spotlight allied non-Legion forces

  - I want there to be a Sarum arc, but I'm not sure if there's enough material for another negotiation. I'll need another conflict for enough material, whether internal or external to the Legion. Otherwise, it'll be mentioned in passing.

  - Likewise, I want to use Second Son to introduce House Zivich. Specifically, the first battle that leads to its creation. Greenskins ahead!

 

- Highlight the transition from the standard Legion structure of the Principia to Alexandros' homebrew organization.

  - At the very least, I need to explain why Alexandros chooses to change things up, and mention how it was unpopular among the practical-minded legionaries. Irvin will feature prominently as a critic. Granted, this might just be a scene and a few mentions, but it's important to address. 

 

- The Unorthodox Primarch

  - I need to include a few scenarios where Alexandros is shown to question Imperial dogma. Before becoming Warmaster, he always played a little loose with the technical boundaries of Imperial law, especially given his idealism. 

 

- Family time

  - Alex's adopted family should make a couple of appearances before they die of old age. 

 

And it goes without saying that I want to do a joint campaign between the Wardens and every Legion, minus the Second and Eleventh. 

 

Potential arcs in order: 

• Lightning Bearer/Scara Arc
• First Delian Arc
• Eskut Arc
• Barbarian Legions arc
• Space Wolf Arc?
• Sarum arc
• Second Delian Arc?
• Tricendian Arc?
• Second Delian Arc?
• Iron Bear vs. homebrew xeno species
• Joint campaign with the Shepherds of Eden
• Fire Keepers vs. race of human giants
• [Placeholder]
• [Mid-GC] HW & Abyssii campaign
• [Late] HW & GS verus Tal'darim

 

 

For the next Lightning Bearer arc, here are a few points I want to tackle

• Have the explanation of the HW color scheme occur in a conversation between Icarion and Alexandros. [Planned on this coming up in a conversation between Irvin and Sahaal, the two previous Legion Masters of the Fifth and First, respectively. Muniza is the witnessing POV. Scene will appear after the asteroid fights but before the first planetary assault.]
• Potentially have an explanation of the Lightning Bearers' color scheme. [Would come up in the previous scene.]
• Begin the Tempestus-HW alliance [Address during the 'global grind' phase of the Extermination campaign.]
• Drop a hint that the Emperor is sending Icarion and Alexandros north to clear the way to the Fenris system. [Dropping this idea to make way for the Delian & Eskut arcs]
• A potential drinking scene with both Primarchs [Potentially one of the last scenes of the arc]
• Re-introduce Pyrrhicles and Mahtva [still need to introduce Pyrrhicles on-screen, at least one more scene for Mahtva.]
• Discuss the Madrigal College and lay a seed in the Fifth Legion Orders [Conversation after double-divination session. Will have Alexandros teaching his psykers in the field after the Queen-kill.]
• Discuss at what point should a Legion split into multiple Expeditionary Fleets. [Potential conversation between Irvin & Sahaal or Alexandros and Icarion. Potentially as the campaign is finishing?]
• Introduce the Rakurai and potential HW version? [Rakurai given first onscreen appearance. Will fight with Muniza in the upcoming asteroid fights.]
• Have a conversation where Icarion asks Alexandros how to handle the battle-psykers who reject the Madrigal college. [Late scene as the arc is winding down.]
• Conversation about Alexandros' new bodyguards [Potentially after the double-divination scene or before the Queen-kill mission.]
• Continue to show Kharkis' perspective and use him to reveal Icarion's secret power.
• Introduce the Madrigal College [Queen-kill mission? Or asteroid fight with Muniza? Alexandros? Crassus?]
• Introduce Legio Telesto ['Grind' phase of campaign]
• New HW personal titles [Have it show up periodically throughout the arc]
• Plant seed for Knight House Zivich(?)
• Plant seed for Protectorate SA Cohorts [Either with Muniza and the Rakurai or between Alexandros & Icarion]
• Lay foundation for Librarius [First seed in the double-divination scene]
• Touch on the difficulties of volkite supply?
• Plant seeds of the Orders. [Crassus has already re-introduced the Prefects; use psyker lessons for Order of the Mind; Order of the Shield? Breachers are available.]

 

Delian Arc

• Legion takes a breather after the Scara extermination campaign
• Introduce Alexandros' adopted parents, ex-fiancee
• Potential rebels/terrorists rejecting Imperial rule
• Alexandros shown as a peace-time ruler
• Touch on religion?
• Establish first garrison brigade?

Eskut Arc:

• Introduce the Eskut Mechanicum and their Titan Legio
• Introduce House Zivich
• Have bolters begin replacing Volkites?

Barbarian Arc:

 

• Located in the northern area of Seg. Solar
• Alexandros is chosen by the Emperor to command the Blood Wolves, Sixth Legion, and the Second Legion to secure the Emperor's flank
• Target is an Ork WAAAAGH! (Implied to be fleeing the Qarith Empire)
• Warboss Graggor Blakplate?
• Grot WAAAGH! (?) The Da Lil WAAAGH! (?)
• Fantasy style, really heavily armoured Black Orks?
• Icarion originally was to be in command but the Ghost Crusade calls him away at the last minute
• Could be the Emperor doesn't want to sanction yet another legion, so he wants Alex to try a more subtle approach to steer the Blood Wolves away from being Aerys Targaryen as a legion
• I might open this arc with a private meeting between the Emperor and Alexandros
• Could also be the Emperor wants Alex to try reigning in the Blood Wolves destructive tendencies post Burning of Jurfik
• We can touch upon that rivalry duel between the Storm Rider and Blood Wolf Lord Commanders
• And that it might be the last campaign before the Bears and Blood Wolves part ways.
• We could feature several Terran officers, perhaps set up some foreshadowing for Daer'dd
• The only real difference is the lack of Tricendian cultural influence. Less shamanism, totems, etcetera. (Iron Bears)
• And the Emperor is testing Alexandros' capability of managing several Legions at once.
• This campaign is part of a northward push to reach Fenris.
•  

 

Fenris Arc:

• Introduce Leman Russ
• Show interaction between the three Primarchs and Emperor
• Maybe just have one or two chapters. Doubtful that Russ will want any help transforming his own Legion. 
• End with Alexandros and Icarion being sent East toward Tricendia?
• Have Alexandros find Ulthwé?

 

Second Delian Arc:

• Adoptive parents die of old age?
• New Brigade?

Tricendian Arc:

• Meet Daer'dd
• Explore Tricendia
• Leave Tricendia

 

For the Second Bears' Arc:

• I want to open on the Bucephalus, maybe place rumors of a new flagship for the Emperor is in the works
• Have a snapshot of the War Council
• The entire WC meets to brief the Emperor on the Great Crusade's progress after completing Daer'dd's tutorship on Terra. 
• Emphasize the growing role of the Imperial Army and how it's slowly replacing the Legions as the frontline force.
• The Emperor sits at the head of the War Council with Icarion on his right, Leman Russ on his left, Alexandros next to Icarion, and Daer'dd next to Russ. 
• The meeting ends. Either the Emperor appoints Alexandros to guide Daer'dd or Alexandros requests to campaign with Daer'dd. 
• Potentially introduce the Kodiak Rex

 

Ideas for the Abyssii arc

• Destruction of Alexandros' first stormbird
• Alexandros crashes behind enemy lines
• Mortera personally leads a sortie to save him from being overwhelmed.
• Leads into the battle with the Davinchian

 

Edited February 25, 2019 by simison

[simison]

Guardian-Pattern Storm Shield

The first prototype of its kind was invented by the Shield-Lord himself after being allowed to study the Custodians' own Praesidium Shield. To better match the raw numbers of a Legion compared to the Custodians' few, sacrifices were made in alloy selection, relying more heavily on standard ceramite, and a smaller, onboard field generator. The result was a shield that could boast of deflecting lascannon fire while only requiring a fraction of time and expense to construct. By the time of the Insurrection, the storm shield had become a mark of status among the Halcyon Wardens and would prove potent tools of wars against the Traitor Legions. 

 

~~~

 

Thread-Cutter

Originally discovered by the first settlers of the Eskut Forge World, Thread-Cutter refers to not one but eight spears who's origin dates back to the legendary Dark Age of Technology. Each spear is not only an immaculate creation of war that can slice through power armour with ease, but possesses a miniaturised cogitator and manufactorum. Through a process that is beyond even the most learned of Tech-Priests, the Thread-Cutter is able to scan a single target and produce a virulent poison that will end life with a single blow and a solvent that no armour can defend against. As part of their close alliance with the Fifth Legion, four of the spears were gifted to the Warmaster, while the other four remain safe within the Eskut's deepest vaults. 

[simison]

[Perfected based on Beren's initial work.]

 

The Living Wall

The signature formation of the Halcyon Wardens combined endurance with precision in an eloquent interplay between advance and support. Shield-wielding Legionaries formed the outward threat as their coordinated defence took on a strength of its own that could weather the fiercest of barrages. Unbeknownst to most foes, this shield wall provided a second important benefit as they provided human range markers. Enemies who contended with this formation either risked being whittled away if they kept their distance or breaking their forces assaulting the wall. Regardless of the enemy's choice, the Living Wall moved forward as an unrelenting tide of ceramite and will.

 

 

The House United

Above all other Legions, it was the Vth that mastered the possibilities of combining their assets with those of their allies. Whether the impassionate cohorts of the Mechanicum, the awed mortal regiments if the Imperialis Auxilia, or the clashing egos of their brother Legions, the Halcyon Wardens could forge them into a cohesive whole that symbolized the might of the entire Imperial War Machine upon a single battlefield. Only a Master of Signals had the necessary skill to present this seamless dance of combined units. For he must not only convey and translate the multitude of signals on the battlefield, but correctly interpret and use the cultural nuances present in the words of the diverse forces that he seeks to coordinate.

Edited February 27, 2019 by simison

[simison]

[Again, perfected off Thorn's, Beren's, and Blunt's suggestions.]

 

Vasilios

Tribune of the 6^th Battalion of the 2^nd Brigade, Devastation's Herald

Vasilios was one of the highest amongst Irvin Ruel's Praetors, known for his expertise in saturation firepower. Leader of the elite cadre of Heavy Weapons squads within the V^th known as the Devastators, and quite possibly the best artillerist in the Legion, he was capable of concisely communicating the precise coordinates and angles of fire to be used to the heavy guns in the back line and the lighter ones in the front.

Though a few within the Halcyon Warden's opponents belittled him for a specialty they consider inglorious, the wise feared the the firepower he could bring against him. To fight the Tribune is not to fight a single Astartes, but to fight a hail of concentrated firepower that blazes through the sky and seems to seek out its prey with uncanny accuracy. It is to force oneself through a shroud of shrapnel that seems to surround Vasilios and yet leaves him untouched.

Those near him in battle heard a flurry of commands directing the firepower that stormed around his position, his words barely audible over the blistering barrages that preceded the Tribune. Those enemies that drew too near may well be ended by a missile from Vasilios' own weapon long before they can charge into close quarters.

 

Tannhauser

Praefectus Alae, Daggertongue

The celebrated leader of the Prefects, the Halcyon Wardens' elite tank commander fraternity, Tannhauser occupied this position of prestige not through a sophisticated interplay of technique and heritage. No, the Jermanic Legionary possessed this title through sheer destruction, rightfully boasting that no other could match the number of tank-kills in his Legion. Tannhauser cared little for diplomacy and was at peace only when charging full speed on his mount, blasting away at the enemies of Man. Off the battlefield, he became famous for his blunt and acerbic manner, waiting until he could take to the field once again.

 

Irvin Ruel

Lord Commander of the First Cohort, Legion Master Emeritus, The Reaper of Terra, 

Steeped in the culture of Jermani before the coming of the Emperor, Irvin Ruel would never lose his roots as a Blitzer, even upon ascending to the rank of Legion Master. Instrumental in some of the earliest deviations of the V^th Legion from the Principia Belicosa, Ruel was also known as the victor of many of the Storm Riders' campaigns as they took to the stars following the Unification Wars, including the brutal Graz Crusade. A consumate fighter, he continues to lead his Legionaries into combat, his genius most obvious in the close confines of Zone Mortalis actions.

 

Reaper Claws

These artificer-wrought tools of death originally belonged to the Chieftain Tilvius of the Mikro Clan, one of the last of the techno-barbarian clans to be exterminated during the Unification Wars. With these relics, the chieftain was able to slay many Legionaries before meeting his end at the end of, then known as, Lieutenant Ruel. Ruel took the claws as his own and would quickly learn to be as deadly as their previous owner. When the alliance with Mars was signed, Ruel earned a promotion to Company Captain. To honor the new Captain, Lieutenant Commander Vernhart arranged for volkite weapons to be attached to the claws. Irvin Ruel has wielded them alone ever since.

[bluntblade]

Devastators is just colloquial for heavy support in 30K, but Vasilios' company are called the Diranoi. Edited February 28, 2019 by bluntblade