[DW] Blackthorn/Swordhand: Episode III - The Sundered House

[A.T.]

^<Blackthorn>

Atratus acknowledges the signal from Tyber and falls in behind Helgrim, the surprise of the initial assault would quickly wear off and it would do well to throw the defenders into further confusion before they could organise their defence... or escape.

[Xin Ceithan]

Spearcast rolled, then banked left sharply.

Clinging to the terrain of their newest deployment zone, it was alternating between diverting the attention of the defenders away from the breaching site and engaging targets of opportunity. Inside, Sabaan was still adjusting the mind impulse feedback. This was their first combat outing since the Syndallan Campaign and the Gunship was bellicose, almost restless and just maybe even a bit over excited after it‘s victory over the Tyranid Megaform.

It was a sentiment the Iron Hand could relate to. It felt good to vent the built up tension and ire into the enemies of Mankind and he found the need to focus his thoughts into still unfamiliar mind-machine-interface calming.

 

+++ “Brother Sabaan, we have a door that needs opening down here. Sergeant Tyber has authorised the use of Spearcast, can you assist”?+++

 

Sergeant Tyber...That still felt unfamiliar, but Sabaan had to admit that, after all the ruckus following their stand off with the Star Phantoms upon their return from the bioship, the appointment of the large Marine was something he approved in. It gave Blackthorn a fighting chance to recover...

 

Using Soearcast for something as trivial as opening a blockage seemed a bit ...over enthusiastic... but Sabaan could feel the eagerness of the Machine Spirit over the link and they had indeed not fully integrated their target acquisition rites yet.

Well, if all you had were several tons worth of trans orbital attack craft, the nails were in for rough time...

 

He felt the push of acceleration as Spearcast lept forward and willed the gunship into a rising fractal of an Immelmanian redirection rote.

 

+++Spearcast acknowledges Blackthorn. Stand by for incoming close air support at my mark++

Edited April 13, 2021 by Xin Ceithan

[That Beyond the Light]

[ Blackthorn ]

 

“Received Spearcast and falling to a safe distance, Ill confirm when we are clear”.

 

With confirmation that Sabaan in Spearcast is coming with the key to the front door, Ekeio looks to his fellow Watch and opens a Team Channel on his Vox.

 

“Team, Spearcast is offering support to us to help open this door. I suggest we fall back to a safe distance”.

 

The vox closes and the team all nod in agreement. They fall back to the cover they took initially to fight off the trooper unit, the sound of mag boots hurrying in unison rings loud in the now still darkness. The team take position and train their guns on the door in readiness should any survivors behind it find the strength to attack.

Ekieo opens a channel to Brother Sabaan

 

“We have taken cover at a safe distance and you have a green light. Ekieo Out”.

 

The team poised in focus, wait. All that can be heard is the wind rushing around them and the platform, with the odd creak or groan from the stressed metal being situated so very high in the dark sky. All is still, if but only momentarily….

Edited April 9, 2021 by That Beyond the Light

[Xin Ceithan]

The pitch of the engines seems to rise approvingly, the machine spirit of Spearcast eager for the kill as Sabaan barrelled the boxy shape of the gunship into an inverted dive between two vast hab domes. Rolling the attack craft on it‘s back, the Techmarine noticed a single monotask servitor speeding by through the armourplas window of the cockpit’s ceiling, still polishing the slope of the dome, oblivious to anything else around it.

 

It was still going through the motion as the backwash of the gunship blasted it from the roof and into a long spiralling descent to the streets below.

 

Spearcast seemsed amused. Sabaan blurted a short prayer to the Omnissiah, asking the craft to be forgiven such an behaviour, unbefitting for those chosen to be the instruments of the Machine God’s will as well as for the disturbance of the His great work in even such a minor way.

There was little time for this anyway. Rolling again, Spearcast rose once more, cresting a last assembly of buildings as it thrust towards the target.

 

Sabaan pushed down his unease as the machine spirit cast the positions of Blackthorn in unfamiliar green runes.

 

>>“ Friendly.“ How charmingly naive<<

 

A thought impulse and some quick manual adjustments, then Spearcast suddenly dropped toward the target like an overweight bird of prey.

 

A flick of his index finger cast a trail of bolt shells ahead, ranging. Spearcast roared Then the targeting runes aligned, brackets clicking into place. Sabaan thumped down the trigger.

 

+++Weapon away++

Edited April 13, 2021 by Xin Ceithan

[Commissar Molotov]

Kill-Team Swordhand

Stormraven Gunship Warhawk, en route to the Riches Untold

 

Under the deft touch of Brother Maladon, Warhawk lifts up from the Xenocide's flight deck. The Stormraven's slab-sided hull is as ungainly and awkward as any of those used by the Astartes, but in the weightlessness of the void it is like a bird unfurling its wings. The gunship bounds forward on glowing turbines, swooping and diving to avoid debris.

 

From here you can gain some glimpse of the scale of the destruction wrought upon this battlefield. The shattered wrecks of vessels - or what remains of them - blot out the starlight, looming like the long-dead skeletons of ancient beasts.

 

You soon draw close to the Riches Untold, skimming low over the hull. Crenellated gun-batteries rise like mountain ranges; torn armour-plating yawns beneath you like gaping chasms, deep enough that the Stormraven's lights cannot penetrate the darkness.

 

GM: Achillion may conduct his mind scan; it will reveal no signs of life. The Riches Untold is in every respect a lifeless tomb.

[Petragor]

<Swordhand>

 

The flight towards the Riches Untold is a lot calmer than what Chaka is used to. Usually, defense turrets would have opened fire by now, attempting to shoot down their relatively fragile craft before the significantly deadlier cargo of Space Marines could land on the vessel.

 

This time though, the ship was as dead as the earlier scans suggested. Betweeen the lack of response and Achillon reporting that he senses No lifeforms, Chaka is growing ever more convinced that the Riches Untold is truly empty, of crew at least. The hope that the dead have left something behind is what brought them to board in the first place. And with nothing except enviromental hazards to hinder them, Swordhand should be able to procure any data aboard in no time.

 

Still, there was little use in growing overconfident. Chaka takes the calm before the boarding truly begins to re-check his armor seals, calibrate his Auspex and inspect his weapons. When he is content his wargear is in order, he takes the Combi-Melta in his left hand and the Lightning Bolt in his right, prepared for any surprises the journey to the bridge may have to offer.

Edited April 10, 2021 by Petragor

[adesro18]

<Swordhand>

Atreus determines a suitable ingress point and docks the ship.

 

Flying through the debris field, the graveyard of the battle was a simple task for a skilled pilot and scion of the forge. In sync with the machine through neural connections Maladon and the ship were one and the same. The cogitators whirled and whined calculating the optimal path to their target, the data interpreted in mere microseconds guided Atreus' hands easing the ship with gentle thrust course corrections. Flying through the void was more difficult than standard atmospheric transit, relying on small jets of thrust to rotate and yaw the ship. It was not as physically punishing, but one had to be much more subtle on the sticks than in atmosphere.

As they neared the ship atreus activated a vox link to the squad, "approaching optimal scan range. Prepare for rapid course adjustment."

With that he pulled a hard maneuver slowing the ship drastically while putting it on a parallel course against the hull of the Riches Untold. "I will maintain scanning distance while you conduct your examination brother librarian." He began to flick switches on the overhead console of the cockpit activating the short range augery systems, "Scanning for egress points. Air locks and other potential sources of entry Sargent. Will report shortly."

Flying a slow steady course along the ship, he waited for the augery to pick up something of interest where he could dock the ship and allow his brothers to enter the hulk.

Edited April 10, 2021 by adesro18

[Komrk]

<Swordhand>

 

Vorkys noticed the smallest details while en route to Riches Untold from the whine of the turbines reverberating ever so slightly through the armored hull to the pressure exerted on the craft whenever the vector thrusters activated in response to Brother Maladon's maneuvering. Flying was certainly his least favorite form of insertion. When riding in a Rhino or Razorback you could fight back or get out when under attack and drop pod descents were over incredibly quickly. Being trapped in the hold of a Storm Raven made Vorkys feel... out of control.

 

When Achillion's scan came back negative, Vorkys took the opportunity to scan the external feeds from Warhawk. The cracks and crevices in the hull reminded him of a fallen Astartes' armor. A mighty warrior, one of the prides of the Imperium laid low by a relentless enemy. No matter the truth of the situation, each vessel was a valuable resource lost forever to Humanity and its struggle. 

 

"The ship appears to be dead, but don't let your guard down. We'll secure the area around the hangar before proceeding directly to the bridge."

[Lysimachus]

<Swordhand>

 

Warhawk swept with surprising grace and agility towards the ingress point identified by Swordhand from the bridge of the Xenocide, a small hangar bay that should provide relatively local and easy access to the Rogue Trader vessel's command deck.

 

Titus could see little from the cramped confines of the heavily armoured troop compartment, but even in zero gravity he could feel it as Atreus rolled and twisted the Stormraven to bring them to bear on their target. The Stormbringer would have much preferred to have the Drake's position in the cockpit, able to see the dangers surrounding them and act accordingly. He wondered if the Watch allowed Marines not inducted into the mysteries of the Adeptus Mechanicus to learn to pilot their gunships? He was all too familiar with atmospheric craft, such as the Typhoons and Tempests favoured by the White Scars and their scions, but he had never had the opportunity to train on his Chapter's Thunderhawks or Stormeagles.

 

Brother Vorkys voiced his final orders and Titus dismissed the idle thought. However useful a skill it might be, now was not the time to become distracted. He focussed, mentally rechecking his personal inventory of weapons, ammunition and other equipment. Satisfactory. All was ready for the moment when Warhawk touched down and the monstrous assault ramp before him opened wide.

 

Time to move.

[Komrade_Atomic]

<Swordhand>

 

As the Stormhawk ferried the Kill Team across the empty void towards their destination, Gideon looked around the bay of the vessel and it reminded of his past as a scout, and his engagements against Orks, not to mention his close rescue of his squad from a horde of blood mad orks. 

 

As the sergeant spoke his orders to the team, Thire heeded his words and then knelt, and quietly began to pray to the Machine Spirit of his Armour. He prayed that he would honour his Shield and Protection, which would defend him against the forces which would destroy the imperium, should they encounter any. He felt his Armour shake for but a second, before stilling as soon as it had begun. He stood, and readied his Melta as the Stormhawk drew ever closer to their target.

 

Unknown Provenance, rolled 3= +5 Strength.

Edited April 10, 2021 by Komrade_Atomic

[Reyner]

<Swordhand>

Vorr enjoyed the flight the feeling of weightlessness that the restraints could never fully hide in the tight troop hold. Striking from the skies was his preferred method of combat insertion - dropping down like steel falcons to smash into the enemy with your talons out, it wasn't as fast or 'safe' as a drop pod insertion as it was easier for anti aircraft weapons to lock onto aircraft compared to the insane speed of a drop pod. He thought back to his time in the reserve companies of the Red Talons, he missed the up close fury that a jump pack and chainsword offered but he had found himself as a Devastator the sheer firepower they could unleash was unmatched and there was nothing better than destroying enemy armoured units. He started to run a systems check on his armour then moved onto his weapons, the power feeds from his backpack to the new multi-melta were all secure and it's machine spirit was eager - a faint hiss rose from the weapon as Vorr patted it, soon my friend we will see what you can do. Vorr looked to the librarian as he listened to the others in the Storm Raven intrigued as to what he was about to do. 

[Commissar Molotov]

Kill-Team Swordhand

 

Komrade_Atomic: Make sure you've accounted for your +5 Strength if it increases your SB, and that you've altered your characteristic on the GMKit File.

 

The Riches Untold is compromised, its hull void-flooded and listing. There is no heat, no light, no gravity or atmosphere. As the augur arrays identify a hangar deck, you see identifier-runes overlaying a cartolith of the Riches Untold. At the Techmarine's touch the Stormraven descends, landing heavily upon the cruiser's plating.

 

You swiftly exit from Warhawk's hold, prepared for action even when all your senses suggest that this vessel is deserted. Mag-boots ensure you adhere to the decking; your crunching steps reverberate through your warplate, but the vacuum steals all other sounds. Stab-lights from your helms and weapon-muzzles pierce the darkness.

 

The hangar arround you is deserted - any craft once stored here have long been launched in battle or lost to the debris field. There are a few crates of miscellaneous cargo strapped to the decking, but otherwise nothing of note. The armoured doors leading further in are closed and sealed, a thin coating of ice attesting to their untouched state.

 

Getting through these doors is the next obstacle in your path.

 

 

Kill-Team Blackthorn

House Desiato

 

The pair of bloodstrike missiles drop for a second from the Stormraven's stubby wings before igniting, hurling themselves forward on twin spears of flame.

 

The impact is explosive, a billowing ball of scarlet flame, immediately tearing through the armoured doors to the Desiato Household. You see chunks of masonry and armour-plating tumbling downwards, creating avalanches along the mountainous outcroppings of the hive's exterior far below until they are swallowed up by the cloud layers beneath you.

 

The way forward is open; now the assault proper begins.

Edited April 14, 2021 by Commissar Molotov

[Steel Company]

<<Blackthorn>>

 

After the airstrike had been dealt, Tyber made a motion like he was clearing dust from his plate as he said over the squad vox, +Atratus I need you to take Solza and Pyke. Varvost take Artemois and Incariel, the rest of you, with me. Kill any that resist, capture what we can Brothers. But above all, remember time is against us here.+ turning his attention to his prize he spoke to it, +Tell me the fastest way to the command and control center little mouse.+

Edited April 13, 2021 by Steel Company

[Necronaut]

<Blackthorn>

 

Following Sergeant Tyber's lead Helgrim raised his Crozius Arcanum aloft and surged forward into the gaping breach left by Sabaan's assault. His harsh voice augmented by his armour's vox to a monstrous level, Helgrim bellowed, +WE ARE THE AVENGING DEAD! INTO THE BREACH, BROTHERS! FOR THE EMPEROR!+

 

OOC: I'd like to put Helgrim in squad mode when possible.

Edited April 13, 2021 by Necronaut

[ashlander47]

Placeholder 

 

Once more into the breach, lads. 

[Komrk]

<Swordhand>

 

The path before Swordhand stood sealed, the armored bulkheads no doubt activated as a result of atmosphere breaches during the battle. 

 

"Brother Maladon, can you get this bulkhead open without blowing it?"

 

The rest of the squad naturally took up a defensive perimeter despite the emptiness of their surroundings. All of the sensors in his HUD showed no threats and there was no interference with the either the long or short range vox. Things were progressing smoothly for now.

Edited April 12, 2021 by Komrk

[ApostleRP]

< < Blackthorn > >

 

Lycus moves through the breach, ignoring the lingering flames lapping at his armour and the shards of falling masonry bouncing harmlessly off his armoured shoulders. He brings his weapon to bare as he rounds the corner from his previously covered position, the computerised targeting system linking with the HUD of his venerable armour.

 

Being unaccustomed to the taking of prisoners, Lycus was reluctant to even attempt to do so. The few isolated guardsmen that found themselves between him and his next objective where unceremoniously gunned down with no chance to beg for their lives. Lycus also made no effort to avoid his shots impacting the non-combatants that found themselves in his path. To his mind, they were no better than the traitors who bared their arms against the Astartes. 

 

The thought did cross his mind that they may be unaware of the heresy their lords and superiors were committing, but even if that were the case they were damned by association. If, by any miniscule chance, these bystanders were innocent, Lycus also considered this a measure of mercy. Better to die by his hand, quickly and cleanly and be delivered unto the Emperor's judgement, than to suffer indefinitely under the hands and blades of some Inquisitor's husk of a lacky. 

 

He paid no heed to the gaudy arts adorning the walls of the corridors he moved through, as to honour yourself, your family or your world in such a way stank of root vanity to Lycus. All praise should be directed to the Imperator Mortifiex....

Edited April 14, 2021 by ApostleRP

[That Beyond the Light]

++ Blackthorn ++

 

Whilst the rumble of the armoured door smolders and flickers with flame alike, Tyber announces over the vox that Blackthorn are to form into three teams, probably to clear the interior more efficiently Ekieo thought.

Tyber has Ekieo join Atratus and Pyke, a good force for close combat. The three marines already in close proximity turn to each other and nod in compliance and understanding to Tybers order.

Ready in breach formation, ready for combat.

Edited April 13, 2021 by That Beyond the Light

[A.T.]

^<Blackthorn>

 

The vanguard pushed forwards, led by Helgrim. Theirs was not the task to sort amongst the civilians for potential threats but rather to strike deeper into the compound before defenses could be readied and doors sealed.

[Jeremy.Phillips]

<Swordhand>

 

Argus strode down the Stormraven’s ramp in the awkward step, pause, step required for mag-boots to work effectively. He scanned the dark hanger, targeting array searching for potential threats and finding none. Of course, that didn’t mean they weren’t there, hiding in the shadows. As he continued forward with his squad, only the sounds of his footfalls and his own breathing reached his ears. He hated fighting in the void, unable to hear a foe coming.

 

Ahead he saw the sergeant standing before an armoured bulkhead. It must have sealed when the bay lost atmosphere. He indicated his bulkhead shears to the sergeant, anticipating his first use of the heavy tool secured to his armour. Vorkys shook his head.

 

+Brother Maladon, can you get this bulkhead open without blowing it?+ His helm vox seemed too loud against the quiet of the hangar bay.

 

Of course the Techmarine could probably gain entry easier than himself, Argus realized. And without damaging the door. He was just eager to use his new equipment, to justify his burden of carrying it instead of a nobler weapon. There would be time for it before the mission was completed, he was sure. He continued to pull security, staring into the darkness, as Maladon approached the door.

Edited April 14, 2021 by Jeremy.Phillips

[Ancient_Sobek]

Placeholder.

 

I would like to enter squad mode if that is be beneficial for me. 

[Commissar Molotov]

Kill-Team Swordhand

Sunder Dynasty Cruiser Riches Untold

 

Maladon:

As you approach the door you see that it remains sealed, the control services rimed with frost. The panel is dark, utterly devoid of any life. After centuries in the void, this in itself is not unsurprising.

 

You know that you would be able to transfer some motive power to the door in the hopes of reviving the machine-spirits and jolting it open.

 

GM: To transfer the spark of life from your potentia coil into the door lock, make a Tech-Use test (+10 thanks to your Electro Graft Use talent) and accompany it with some suitably techno-mystical writing!

 

Kill-Team Swordhand

Desiato Household

 

GM: Feel free to utilise your prior placeholders (between Sabaan demolishing the doors and this post) to detail purging the Desiato Household of any opposition.

 

Kill-Team Cohesion: 6

Active Squad Modes:

- Bolter Assault (Codex, All)

- Reckless Assault (Eradicators, Varvost)

 

Demi-Squad Primus:

Tyber, Helgrim, Arcost, Greysight

 

Ahead of you, House Desiato's chapel. It stands to reason that any household of Imperial nobility would have their own space for religious worship. The troopers of the household have had time to fortify it; you will not find the element of surprise on your side now.

 

 

[ ] HELGRIM | (SOLO) | AG(6x2)+6 = 18 | WOUNDS 21/21 | FATE 3/3

[ ] TYBER | (SOLO) | AG(4x2)+9 = 17 | WOUNDS 21/21 | FATE 5/5

[ ] ARCOST | (SOLO) | AG4(INT5)+1+7 = 13 | WOUNDS 20/20 | FATE 2/2

[ ] GREYSIGHT | (SOLO) | AG4(INT5)+5 = 10 | WOUNDS 22/22 | FATE 5/5

[ ] Household Troopers Horde 2 | AG3+6 = 9 | MAGNITUDE 20

[ ] Heavy Weapons Team 1 | AG 3+5 = 8

[ ] Heavy Weapons Team 3 | AG 3+4 = 7

[ ] Household Troopers Horde 1 | AG3+2 = 5 | MAGNITUDE 20

[ ] Heavy Weapons Team 2 | AG 3+1 = 4

 

Demi-Squad Secundus:

Artemios, Incariel, Varvost

 

You find yourselves moving along a colonnade: a long corridor that curves around the outside edge of the hive spire. The wall to your right is comprised of shuttered windows, affording you a view of the hive sloping away beneath you. There are plinths with statues and artefacts from the Desiato Dynasty; the wall to your left is covered in portraits and other artwork.

 

When the first bolts of las-fire streak towards you, it is of little concern. When you hear the heavy chunk-chunk-chunk of an autocannon, it is enough to halt your progress.

 

 

[ ] ARTEMIOS | (SQUAD) | AG4+9 = 14 | WOUNDS 21/21 | FATE 3/3

[ ] INCARIEL | (SQUAD) | INT(5+2)+9 = 16 | WOUNDS 21/21 | FATE 3/3

[ ] VARVOST | (SQUAD) | AG5+10 = 15 | WOUNDS 24/24 | FATE 2/3

[ ] Ogryn A | AG3+10 = 13 |

[ ] Household Troopers Horde 1 | AG3+9 = 12 | MAGNITUDE 12

[ ] Household Troopers Horde 3 | AG3+8 = 11 | MAGNITUDE 12

[ ] Heavy Weapons Team 1 (Autocannon) | AG3+5 = 8

[ ] Household Troopers Horde 2 | AG3+4 = 7 | MAGNITUDE 12

[ ] Heavy Weapons Team 2 (Autocannon) | AG3+4 = 7

 

 

Demi-Squad Tertius:

Solza, Pyke, Atratus

 

The three of you find yourselves in a forested grove - what must be some kind of ornamental garden. It is a surprise, to be sure to find such a verdant space beneath a steel sky. Although the foliage blocks your vision, you progress smoothly, weapon-barrels following your gaze. Your dominion over this space appears uncontested.

 

You are half-way through when you hear the first whooping shrieks from what must be a alien throats.

 

Lithe figures begin to drop down from the trees around you, their clawed feet finding purchase in the soft ground beneath you. As your systems fill with combat-narcotics and time seems to slow, you have the briefest of moments to take in fanned nests of quills decorated with beads and feathers rising above sharp-beaked scowls and dark avian eyes.

 

Long, bladed rifles come up, and combat is joined.

 

 

[ ] SOLZA | (SQUAD) | AG5+9 = 14 | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 4/4 | RE-ROLLS 2

[ ] Kroot Carnivore Horde 2 | AG4+9 = 13 | MAGNITUDE 20

[ ] ATRATUS | (SQUAD) | AG7+2 = 9 | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 3/3

[ ] Kroot Hounds Horde | AG4+5=9 | MAGNITUDE 20

[ ] PYKE | (SOLO) | AG5+3 = 8 | WOUNDS X/X | FATE X/X

[ ] Kroot Carnivore Horde 1 | AG4+1 = 5 | MAGNITUDE 20

Edited April 17, 2021 by Commissar Molotov

[adesro18]

“Aye brother, I will attempt to rouse the machine and bypass the doorway.” Atreus approaches the doorway in the eerie quiet of the hanger bay, producing his multi tool and extending the servo arm on his backpack. He examines the door briefly and realizes that the door is mechanically sound but likely requires a jolt of blessed electro motive force to spark life into the dormant machine spirit.

 

Atreus extends the link from his electro grafts embedded deep within his nervous system, a blessing from the adepts of Mars, the cable runs from his armor and mates with the access panel of the sealed door. “This will require only a Moment,” he calls to his squad over the vox, “the proper rights must be observed. “

 

Chanting the right of appeasement in techna lingua, the low reverent chant fills the vox speakers momentarily before he discharged a spark of life into the systems. The doors begin to slide open with a grating sound.

 

“Omnissiah be praised.” Atreus intones, “we are through sword hand. “

[Komrade_Atomic]

<Swordhand>

 

As the Techmarine announced that their path was now open once more, Thire turned and looked towards the doorways. What they would discover beyond those rusted and ancient doors piqued Gideon's curiosity, but he knew well to temper it. After all, some things may be better unknown. He inspected his Melta, before speaking to the squad. "Perhaps I should advance first? The melta may prove useful should anything be hiding." While by no means his armour was as sturdy as that of Mark III, or Terminator Plate, Mark IV had been designed with protection as the primary concern over Mobility, and Gideon knew that despite the armour's age, it wouldn't let itself go down without a fight.

[Petragor]

Chaka turns back from his inspection of the hangar, having finished his observations of the ships insides while the door was being opened. After Gideon offers to go in front, Chaka speaks up as well.

"Fine by me Brother Gideon, so long as I may take point with you. Any foe that isn't vanquished by your melta is sure to be struck down by the Lightning Bolt."

The Power Sword in Chaka's right hand gives a slight whirr when it's name is spoken, clearly eager to return to duty after a long period of idleness.