[DW] Blackthorn/Swordhand Episode III: Recruitment Thread

[Commissar Molotov]

I'm happy for you to re-roll once - it can't be worse than a double one!

[Brother Argent]

Even after I re-rolled toughness? - Rerolled and got 46... That works better.

 

Oh and I am thinking with the armour either Chaos Marines (to tie into his own past) or Eldar, to tie to the only "official" mention of the Chapter (the Land Raider lost to Harlequins thing).

 

Oh and I haven't covered it in the IA yet but the suffer the loss of the Betchers Gland and, whilst they have limited use of their Sus-an Membrane it is highly unstable and likely to send them into a permanent coma. (That lovely 13th Founding thing going on)

Edited January 25, 2021 by Brother Argent

[Brother Argent]

So I went with Willpower and Fellowship for the +5 for the Star Leopards.  And with that I think I am as done as I can without more knowledge of what I am doing.

[Commissar Molotov]

Even after I re-rolled toughness?

Well, to make it fair, and to tie in with Pallan's backstory, I will reduce your Fate Points by one until he feels he has recovered his honour.

[Commissar Molotov]

Characteristic Bonuses and Unnatural Characteristics

For each statistic on your character sheet, the right (double-digit) number is your characteristic value. The tens digit will get placed in the left-hand column for both grey and black statistics. So, for example, if you have a Intelligence (INT) of 42, I will put 4 on the left, and 42 on the right. If you were ever asked for your "Intelligence Bonus", it'd be 4.

 

The exception for this is Strength and Toughness. Space Marines are so hardy that they have Unnatural Toughness (2) and Unnatural Strength (2). This means that their Strength Bonus and Toughness Bonus are doubled. If you have a strength of 42, then you have a Toughness bonus of 8. (So you would put 8 | 42 on the sheet.)

 

Your Power Armour increases your strength by at least 20 - but this increase to your Strength Bonus is added after the multiplication - so you would have (8)42 out of armour, and (10)42 in your armour.

 

Agility Bonus:

Your power armour's agility bonus is increased by one (for the purposes of movement.) If you have an AG42, you have an Agility Bonus of 4, but a Half Move of 5. Bear this in mind when calculating your moves!

Edited January 25, 2021 by Commissar Molotov

[That Beyond the Light]

Hi guys, this is my rough idea for my character. I'll continue to delevop him, but I welcome feedback as this is my first time playing a game like this. I'm no stranger to writing short narratives or concepts, but for some reason I found this difficult...maybe it was nerves!! Look forward to playing and working with you all.

 

Name - Ekieo Solza

Chapter of origin- The Black Consuls

Role upon induction - tactical squad leader, New 3rd Company, 1st squad

Deathwatch specialisation - Tactical specialisist

 

Appearance

 

Ekieo is 173 years old and doesn't look a day over 30! An average build and stature for a marine, short cropped mousey blonde hair and a fair skin tone to match. Nothing outwardly that would make him unique or stand out...but don't let that fool you. Although he does have A scar that runs across his left eye, a training accident due to a lapse in concentration...the first and last time that would ever happen. His armour is well maintained but with the usual marks of war upon it, worn with pride and love and used accordingly. A purity seal flutters upon his back pack.

 

Personality and history

 

Assigned to be part of the Achilus Crusade task force 780.M41. In a small part of the 3rd and 4th company tasked with staying hidden and assisting other chapters when needed.

Requested to serve the Deathwatch along with a handful of other proven comrades in 898.M41 He has been stationed at Watch Fortress Erioch for the past 20 years before being reassigned to this post.

Ekieo is as his chapter demands and lives by, disaplined to the core. He follows and lives by the codex as set by his brothers of his parent chapter the Ultramarines to the utmost respect and degree. The only difference is the brutality he brings when delivering it upon his enimies and its a brutality that is like a punishment for the brothers lost in the chapters near annihilation at the Siege of Goddeth Hive in 455.M41.

As with all Black Consuls, Ekieo is well trained in fast attack response deployed from drop pods. He is often the first out of his drop pod and fast to make assessment of the play of the field in order to take full advantage of it. His power of observation is greater than most, seeing things that most would possibly miss. This not only earnt him respect but also fast progression through the ranks. Although humbled by his superiors actions, Ekieo only wished to serve his chapter and Emperor in his fullest capacity so never felt like he was going above and beyond. Deep down though Ekieo is a soul full of revenge as are most of the Black Consuls, even if they don't show it. Ekieo knows that he can use his expert training and dispapline in order to deliver this upon the heritics that caused his chapters almost ending, biding his time, honing his skills further and consuming his devotion until the day he should cross their paths.

Although Ekieo is perficient in all manners of weapons and combat styles, he prefers close quarters and the use of a chainsword.

Ekieo is known to his battle brothers to be a calm soul with a slow deep voice that can sooth even the most frantic of guardsmen in the midst of the enimies rain of bolter fire. He does give orders that he himself would not follow and is always there to lead his squad from the front as expected, never faltering.

[Commissar Molotov]

TBLT - Really awesome to see you here! I hope you (and Ekieo) really enjoy yourself here amongst your new brethren!

 

 

I know a few of you have asked about XP costs.

Your Marine will start a little into Rank 3. You will have 9500 available XP (this includes the original 1000xp to take you to the start of Rank 1, and then 8500 to place you 500 into Rank 3.)

You will see on your character sheet that there is a tab called "Purchase History" - see below for a completed version:

 

Your character has access to a number of tables:

- The "Space Marine" table (Core Rulebook)

- The "Deathwatch" table (Core Rulebook)

- Characteristic advances for your Specialism (Core Rulebook)

- The table for your Specialism (Core Rulebook)

- Your Chapter-specific table - as agreed with me, if unclear

 

GM: It is highly recommended that you purchase the "Forging the Bond" talent for 500XP (Rites of Battle) to help interaction between squad modes.

 

If you wish to use Deeds from Rites of Battle, these must be agreed with me, in part to avoid duplication between players.

 

As there may be situations where the same talents and traits are available for different costs on different tables, please make sure that you list which tables you've drawn from.

 

If you do not have access to a PDF of the Deathwatch rulebook, I know that some of the players (Mazer et al) will be happy to discuss options with you (or I can, via PM.)

Edited January 25, 2021 by Commissar Molotov

[Lysimachus]

Ok, so I’m assuming we can select from any of the above tables but only up to and including the Rank 3 boxes?

 

So, for advances for Titus I’m thinking something like:

 

As suggested, start with Forging the Bond – RoB (I can’t find this rule, but I’ll trust the good Commissar!) – 500

 

Second, a strength boost just to put him over into the forties seems like a good call, as with the Unnatural Strength it seems to make quite a difference?

Strength Characteristic Advance +5 – Deathwatch Tac Marine Characteristic Advances (DWRB) – 500

 

Then, I think of Titus as much more of shooty (sniper-y) character, so

BS +5 +5 – 2 x Deathwatch Tac Marine Characteristic Advances (DWRB) – 500+1000=1500

Mighty Shot - Deathwatch Tac Marine Rank 2 (DWRB) – 500

Marksman – Deathwatch Tac Marine Rank 3 (DWRB) – 600

 

 

That gets me to 3600, not even half way. I’m not certain where to go next so if anyone has ideas? Maybe some more Ag or Per related stuff, things to fit with Stormbringers generally or Titus role as a Hunter…? But I’m not sure where I might be able to select those Skills from…

 

Possible advances for a Stormbringer:

Dodge – ??

Drive – ??

 

Possible advances for a Hunter:

Interrogation – ??

Silent Move – ??

Tracking – ??

 

(Not sure on these, some are showing on my character sheet already, so would I be upgrading here? Not sure where to find the appropriate cost either?)

 

Any help anyone can provide would be much appreciated! :D

 

 

PS. Also, Titus gets Command and Bolter Mastery anyway from being a DW Tac Marine, where do I add that on the sheet? Not sure whether they are Skills or Talents/Traits?

[Commissar Molotov]

Sorry, Lysimachus, you are right and I've skipped over that when I shouldn't have.

 

Please bear with whilst the cogitators spool up...

[adesro18]

Hi,

 

I was wondering about the best way to reflect my chapters love of armored combat. I would guess I’d want to take some skill for it. Although all marines are already trained in drive ground vehicles would I have to take the drive (any) skill and if so what would the any be? Or pilot? Second would it be possible to negotiate an elite advance to just add training to the ground vehicle skill and bump it up +10? Something like that.

 

Let me know what you think.

[Petragor]

I think the "Command Without Doubt" advance table from Rites of Battle could work for the Celestial Lions. What do you think CM?

[Petragor]

Also, where can you get Parry? I can't find in on the Assault advance table, or anywhere else for that matter!

[Commissar Molotov]

First Up:

You should see that there is an area on the right-hand side of the character sheet for Talents and Traits, and then two areas in the middle of the sheet for Skills.

 

If you see p.36 of the Deathwatch Core Rulebook, you'll see that your characters all start with:

 

Skills:

Awareness, Ciphers (Chapter Runes),

Climb, Dodge, Common Lore (Adeptus Astartes, Imperium,

War), Concealment, Drive (Ground Vehicles), Intimidate,

Literacy, Navigation (Surface), Scholastic Lore (Codex

Astartes), Silent Move, Speak Language (High Gothic, Low

Gothic), Tactics (Choose one), Tracking

 

Talents:

Ambidextrous, Astartes Weapons

Training, Bulging Biceps, Heightened Senses (Hearing,

Sight), Killing Strike, Nerves of Steel, Quick Draw, Resistance

(Psychic Powers), True Grit, Unarmed Master. Deathwatch Training

 

Traits:

Unnatural Strength (2), Unnatural Toughness (2)

 

 

Apothecaries:

Gain Medicae as a Trained Skill

Pick one of three skills:

- Guardian of Purity (reduces Corruption points gained by the Kill-Team)

- Create Toxins (may create a poison tailor-made for enemies)

- Enhanced Healing (may heal more wounds on Medicae tests)

 

Assault Marines:

Gain Pilot (Personal) as a Trained Skill

Gain Swift Attack Talent

Pick one of two skills:

- Wings of Angels (Better, stronger charges)

- Wrathful Descent (Does more damage when charging hordes)

 

Devastator:

Pick one of two skills:

- Immovable Warrior: Does more damage when in cover

- Unrelenting Devastation: Does more damage when shooting hordes

 

Librarian:

Gain Psyniscience as a Trained Skill

Gain Psy Rating of 3

Choose three psychic Techniques.

 

Tactical:

Gain Command as a Trained Skill

Pick one of two skills:

Bolter Mastery (better usage of bolters)

Tactical Expertise (may share his squad mode with other squad members)

 

Techmarine:

Gain Speak Language (Techna-Lingua) and Tech-Use as Trained Skills

Pick one of two skills:

Improve Cover (as it says - can improve cover of defenses)

Blessed by the Omnissiah (gain Mechanicus Implants Traint, Electro-Graft Use talent and Mechadendrite Use (Servo-Arm) Talent)

 

 

 

Lysimachus:

Be careful which Rank you are at what stage of your character creation - you can't just fill up all your XP with Rank 3 advances.

 

There is some unecessary duplication (and pointless skills) in the Deathwatch rulebook. Taking a skill twice doesn't get the +10 - you actually have to take the ability that says +10.

 

 

Petragor:

Parry is an action, rather than a skill - all brothers can Parry if they have a weapon that isn't Unbalanced. I will look at that Deed.

Edited January 25, 2021 by Commissar Molotov

[Petragor]

Petragor:

Parry is an action, rather than a skill - all brothers can Parry if they have a weapon that isn't Unbalanced. I will look at that Deed.

Huh, that's different from the other FFG systems. Now it makes more sense.

[Komrk]

Alright, I'm pretty certain I did that right? Let me know if not

 

Edit: Caught one of my mistakes, should be good now

Edited January 25, 2021 by Komrk

[That Beyond the Light]

I'm probably a little behind here but hey...

So I just did the Index Xenomortis sheet and these are my stats

 

Armour mark - Mk 8 Errant armour

Armour history - rolled 15, but not sure if to take 16

Wounds - 5+18

Fate - 4points

Past Histories and Demeanour - side by side

Divination -???

 

Now I rolled 15 on armour history and it says I can go 1 plus or minus in my roll, but I'm unsure if I should if I should go plus to 'last surviour' or stick with undefeated?

I also have no idea how you get your Divination score or stats??

Any help on this?

[Petragor]

Can I have the "No Quarter Given" Deed? It seems fitting for a close-quarters boarding action background.

[Komrk]

I also have no idea how you get your Divination score or stats??

Any help on this?

 

Two easy options:

 

1. Assign each suit to a suit in a real deck of cards and draw

 

2. Roll 1d4 for suit and 1d13 (using a digital dice roller naturally)

 

I did the latter because I didn't have a deck of cards on hand when I was doing it

[Deadass]

I'm probably a little behind here but hey...

So I just did the Index Xenomortis sheet and these are my stats

 

Armour mark - Mk 8 Errant armour

Armour history - rolled 15, but not sure if to take 16

Wounds - 5+18

Fate - 4points

Past Histories and Demeanour - side by side

Divination -???

 

Now I rolled 15 on armour history and it says I can go 1 plus or minus in my roll, but I'm unsure if I should if I should go plus to 'last surviour' or stick with undefeated?

I also have no idea how you get your Divination score or stats??

Any help on this?

What you wanna do is get a shuffled set of playing cards (or use an online equivalent). Align each of the suits found in the pdf with a real life one (Imperium = hearts, Xenos = diamonds, Mechanicum = clubs and Chaos = spades, for instance), then draw a card - find it on the table and you've got your divination.

 

As an example, let's say you used the order I've explained above and drew a King of Clubs - that means you get Ignorance brings us to Annihilation; +1 to rolls for scholastic lore.

 

On that note: I got Innocence is an Illusion. Mol, does the +1 affect my PER modifier or the characteristic itself?

Edited January 25, 2021 by AHorriblePerson

[Petragor]

By the way, what Renown level will us newbies start at? Initiated, respected...?

[ApostleRP]

Ok so @Mol, 

 

I'm thinking about Deeds for Lycus and I think I've had a bit of a change of plans: 

So originally, I was thinking Second in Command (Command as a trained skill, air of authority talent, Iron Skull Honour), but I don't feel like this fits his personality/experience as much anymore.

So now I'm leading more towards "Strike Team specialist"  - +10 to Scholastic lore (codex astartes) and a reduction of cohesion points cost on all codex attack pattern squad mode abilities by 1 (to a minimum of 1). I feel like this better suits the history I laid out for him in his bio and the history/demeanour of the Star Phantoms as a whole. How does that sound?

Additionally I was wondering if we were allowed to pick up Mark of Honour slash distinctions. Lycus has shown himself to be a proficient Marksman and I would love to give him the Master of Arms distinction (1,000 Exp, RoB Pg 93). 

Also on Marks, if we're gunna take them, are we restricted to using our initial 1,000 exp to pay for them or can I use any of the 9,500 exp we have to play with?

[That Beyond the Light]

TBLT - Really awesome to see you here! I hope you (and Ekieo) really enjoy yourself here amongst your new brethren!

 

 

I know a few of you have asked about XP costs.

Your Marine will start a little into Rank 3. You will have 9500 available XP (this includes the original 1000xp to take you to the start of Rank 1, and then 8500 to place you 500 into Rank 3.)

You will see on your character sheet that there is a tab called "Purchase History" - see below for a completed version:

 

 

 

Where do i find the above sheet? i had a look on the character sheet ive been filling out but couldn't find another tab. Also any tips on filling it out or is it literally find the core rules that best suit the chapter and pick the perks you think fit your character? Also what is the bonus if any for the Black Consuls? I wouild presume it would be the same as the ULtramarines seeing they are them in black armour? if not more dedicated to the the codex than the blue ones, maybe thats why they are so brutal in battle??

[That Beyond the Light]

im so sorry for being a newbie to this, the last time i played any sort of 40k game was when i was probably about 16 or 17...im now 37! 

Im having trouble finding where i can pick all of the extra bits that make up my XP on the above grid. I had a google for the core books but can't find a pdf that actually ahs anything about specialisms etc... Can anyone point me in the right direction so i can get my character nailed! im guessing this is going to be the   bit of the game and after this the fun will begin....don't get me wrong im actually enjoying picking this all up again!!

 

cheers Team

Edited January 25, 2021 by That Beyond the Light

[Mazer Rackham]

TBTL 

 

MR.

[Commissar Molotov]

I can't post properly at the moment, but such is the nature of forum-based communication. Please continue to leave your problems here and I will try to round it all up tomorrow.

 

TBTL, I will PM you.

 

Everybody, please bear in mind that the B&C does not condone or allow the sharing of illegal PDFs of the FFG books. Yes, they exist on the internet, but even not-so-clever jokes and hints can get the B&C into hot water, and that's not what we are here for.

Edited January 25, 2021 by Commissar Molotov