To Plunder The Stars Themselves, Episode III

[Beren]

Svelk stares towards the oncoming convoy, autosenses straining to try and detect their disposition.

 

+++They're heading towards us at breach velocity, if you plan to do something then make it quick.+++

[Lysimachus]

Squad Alpha:

 

Toks coughs in a slightly nervous fashion, perhaps unsure if the skull-bearing Techmarine plans to make the crew appear drunk or simply set them aflame?

 

"They'll be out of it for a good hour at least… I guess me and Bobs could drag them into the mines and keep an eye on them? Might be the safest place for them to be with what I think is coming next?"

 

As Svelk watches the dust trail move rapidly closer, details begin to come into view. There are two vehicles approaching, both black in colour. The one to the rear is a Rhino, which although heavily decorated is immediately identifiable to any Astartes - even one who has spent most of his life in the void. The forward vehicle is also based on a Rhino chassis, but appears to mount some sort of ornate weapons cupola above the hull?

 

You have a few minutes to prepare a suitable welcome, but then all too quickly the tanks are reaching the outer limits of the abandoned settlement. The Sororitas commander is no fool. She halts her patrol for a moment and orders the troops within to disembeark. The force appears to consist primarily of a full unit of line infantry in power armour. With them are a handful of women clad much more lightly, their bodies covered only by rags and purity streamers. However, the monstrous looking chainblades they carry suggest that they should not be discounted too quickly.

 

Slowly, as two files of infantry deployed on either side of their transports, the Battle Sisters carefully advance into the eastern end of the settlement.

 

***

[Beren]

+++We have two vehicles, one Rhino, one derivative weapons chassis. Full unit of power armoured infantry, and an auxiliary element of light armoured heavy melee troops.+++

 

The latter contradiction clung to Svelk's mind, what kind of fool gave rabble the heavier weapons?

[A.T.]

Odysseus had contented himself with a position at the edge of the settlement, knowing his presence and the superstitions of those raised under Imperial rule might end this 'alliance' sooner than any poorly chosen word.

 

Svelks words turned his gaze to the approaching forces... this was no simple patrol. "Death seekers" he intoned over the comms, "Perhaps those who served before, they would not be sent forth out of simple caution."

[Necronaut]

Squad Alpha

 

"Take up concealed positions," voxed the Traveller.

 

One order is quite sufficient, Sergeant…

 

Vesalius knelt next to the unconscious shuttle crewmen, and handily hefted two of them over his shoulders, his gene-forged strength and powered armor making such a task utterly trivial. He turned to the techmarine, Redcloak, and barked, +Grab the other and follow me inside! Quickly!+ The apothecary, with the other support specialist in tow, stormed into the general store and unceremoniously laid out the sedated shuttle crew in a back room.

 

+The shuttle crew are out of sight; I'm heading for the rooftop of this building,+ he then announced over the vox.

[Lysimachus]

Squad Alpha:

Ok, based on people's IC and OOC posts, it looks like the consensus is to fight?

So, as you had a few minutes to prepare before the Sisters arrive, you can each choose your starting positions on the map below (2x2m grid). The 'store' is the building on the left with the pylon below it. The Sisters will move in as described through the gap in the buildings to the east (top right).

Re: Surprise/Initiative: Just a note that I won't be giving a full Surprise Round, as the Sisters are professionals and on their guard. But to show that you are still able to get a bit of a drop on them, in the first Round you will each get +3 to your Initiative Rolls.

Please roll for your Initiatives and indicate your preferred starting positions.

[Machine God]

Squad Alpha

 

Svelk had the right idea. Elevation helped the view, thought Draak when he chose his place of concealment.

 

Command and control of the ambush and then the firefight necessitates the right angles. Draak chuckled inwardly at the pun.

 

Draak climbed to a high vantage point where he could see down and thus Grendel could touch a lot of victims when they had walked onto his web.

 

Kneeling down Draak waited like the silent hunter in the shadow.

 

Ambush position - Draak

 

Corner of triangle four squares from lower right corner.

 

Initiative: 1 d10 +4 +3 = 14.

Edited October 7, 2021 by Machine God

[Black Cohort]

Decimus was positioned so that his fire would overlap with that of their new devestator.  Other than cowering behind their rhinos the sisters would be exposed to at least one of their heavy bolters.

 

I  1d10+3+3 = 10

 

place Decimus at the top middle two squares west of the pipe, hidden against the building.

[Beren]

Svelk waited atop his eyrie, watching the Sisters approach. The closer they got, the less warning they would have...

 

1d10(3) + I4 = 7

 

[A.T.]

Odysseus followed Drak, taking position a step higher and clear of the devastators firing line. A kine-shield at this distance would be most effective in sheltering them both from fire but he held his power in check for now lest the sisters were tracking energies in the warp. The trap must be allowed to close before they tipped their hand.

 

 

Bottom right, three squares from the right - standing just above Draks location

 

Initiative 5+8 = 13

[Commissar Molotov]

OOC:

Place the traveller eighteen squares in from the right-hand side, and seven up (the top-left corner of the building, behind the cover of the low wall.)

 

Initiative roll:

Fate Point spend to gain Initiative 10(+AG5)(+3 Bonus) = Initiative 18, Initiative 15 thereafter.

 

Cohesion:

Fellowship 50 (5) +20 Command (+3) = Cohesion 8

Support Range is 30m (15 Squares)

 

 

The Traveller crouches behind cover, his bolter loaded and ready for action. Already, the machine-spirits of the weapon's motion predictor search hungrily for prey, square-bracketed targeting runes pinging softly.

 

Just a few moments more...

Edited October 21, 2021 by Commissar Molotov

[Lysimachus]

Initiative Roll for Ithan:

 

1d10 (4) + Ag4 = 8 (+3 = 11 in Round 1)

 

I will place him in cover at the leftmost corner of the L-shaped building in the upper centre of the map (more or less equidistant from Decimus and the Traveller).

[Necronaut]

OOC:

 

Initiative roll:

Initiative: 1d10 3

3 + AG6 + 3(?) = 12 for round 1; 9 thereafter.

 

I'm not sure which rooftop corresponds to the store, but Vesalius would be in a position to have a clear line of sight on the street.

Edited October 8, 2021 by Necronaut

[Lysimachus]

Squad Alpha:

Round 1:

(Following MG's suggestion, I've added numbers/letters to the x/y axis on the map, just in case it helps anyone with describing movement?)

Kill-Team Alpha Cohesion: 8

Initiative Order:

[ ] Traveller | (SOLO) | AG5 +10 = 15 (18) | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 3/3+1

[ ] Odysseus | (SOLO) | AG5 +8 = 13 (16) | WOUNDS 22/22 | FATE 4/4

[ ] Draak | (SOLO) | AG4 +7 = 11 (14) | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 2/2

[ ] Repentia K | (SOLO) | AG5 +8 = 13 | WOUNDS 18/18

[ ] Repentia L | (SOLO) | AG5 +8 = 13 | WOUNDS 18/18

[ ] Repentia M | (SOLO) | AG5 +8 = 13 | WOUNDS 18/18

[ ] Vesalius | (SOLO) | AG6 +3 = 9 (12) | WOUNDS 20/20 | FATE 4/4

[ ] Sister Superior A | (SQUAD) | AG4 +8 = 12 | WOUNDS 25/25

[ ] Ithan | (SOLO) | AG4 +4 = 8 (11) | WOUNDS 24/24 | FATE 2/2

[ ] Battle Sister B | (SQUAD) | AG5 +5 = 10 | WOUNDS 18/18

[ ] Battle Sister C | (SQUAD) | AG5 +5 = 10 | WOUNDS 18/18

[ ] Battle Sister D | (SQUAD) | AG5 +5 = 10 | WOUNDS 18/18

[ ] Battle Sister E | (SQUAD) | AG5 +5 = 10 | WOUNDS 18/18

[ ] Battle Sister F | (SQUAD) | AG5 +5 = 10 | WOUNDS 18/18

[ ] Battle Sister G | (SQUAD) | AG5 +5 = 10 | WOUNDS 18/18

[ ] Battle Sister H | (SQUAD) | AG5 +5 = 10 | WOUNDS 18/18

[ ] Svelk | (SOLO) | AG4 +3 = 7 (10) | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 3/3

[ ] Decimus | (SOLO) | AG3 +4 = 7 (10) | WOUNDS 22/22 | FATE 3/3

[ ] Immolator | AG4 +4 = 8 | STRUCTURE 25/25

[ ] Battle Sister I | (SQUAD) | AG4 +3 = 7 | WOUNDS 18/18

[ ] Rhino | AG4 +3 = 7 | STRUCTURE 25/25

[ ] Battle Sister J | (SQUAD) | AG4 + 2 = 6 | WOUNDS 18/18

***

Sisters of Battle as Adversaries:

All Ranged Weapons as per DW Errata1.1

Sororitas Power Armour: AP9 to Body and 7 to all other Locations, +10Str, +10Ag

Shield of Faith(x): Forcefield, x = Forcefield Protection Rating, no Overload

Battle Sister:

WS35, BS40, STR35(45), T40, Ag40(50), Int30, Per40, Wp50, Fel50

Move: 5/10/15/30

Wounds: 18

Skills: Awareness, Dodge

Talents: Abhor the Witch, Fearless, Scourge of Heretics, Sororitas Weapons Training (Holy Trinity - Pistol, Basic, Heavy)(Chain)

Traits: Shield of Faith(15)

Armour: Sororitas Power Armour

Weapons:

Bolter (or squad specialist with Flamer/Meltagun/Heavy Bolter)

Bolt Pistol

Combat Knife: 1d10+4 R Pen2

Frag Grenades

Krak Grenades

Sister Repentia:

WS35, BS0, STR35, T40, Ag50, Int30, Per40, Wp40, Fel20

Move: 5/10/15/30

Wounds: 18

Skills: Awareness, Dodge

Talents: Abhor the Witch, Berserk Charge, Fearless, Scourge of Heretics, Sororitas Weapons Training (Chain)

Traits: Shield of Faith(25), Blood Soaked Tide (Horde)

Armour: None

Weapons:

Eviscerator Chainsword: 1d10 +13 Pen5 Tearing, Unwieldy

Battle Sister Superior:

WS40, BS45, STR35(45), T40, Ag45(55), Int40, Per40, Wp60, Fel50

Move: 5/10/15/30

Wounds: 25 (+Critical)

Skills: Awareness, Command, Dodge

Talents: Abhor the Witch, Fearless, Scourge of Heretics, Sororitas Weapons Training (Holy Trinity - Pistol, Basic, Heavy)(Chain)(Power)

Traits: Shield of Faith (30)

Armour: Sororitas Power Armour

Weapons:

Bolter

Bolt Pistol

Power Sword: 1d10+10 E Pen6 Balanced, Power Field

Frag Grenades

Krak Grenades

Special: A BSS and any Battle Sisters within Support Range (30m) will be considered to be in Squad Mode. The BSS will generate Cohesion Points in the same way as a Squad Leader, and may call for either of the following Squad Actions: Bolter Assault (Codex Attack), Strongpoint (Codex Defensive).

Rhino Transport:

Ground Vehicle

Tactical Speed: 15m, Cruising Speed: 70kph

Manoeuvrability: +0

Structural Integrity: 25

Size: Enormous (+20)

Armour: Front: 31, Side: 31, Rear: 20

Crew: Driver

Carrying Capacity: 10 PA-equipped troops

Weapons:

Pintle-mounted Storm Bolter (Facing: All)

Immolator:

Ground Vehicle

Tactical Speed: 15m, Cruising Speed: 70kph

Manoeuvrability: +0

Structural Integrity: 25

Size: Enormous (+20)

Armour: Front: 36, Side: 31, Rear: 20

Crew: Driver, Gunner

Carrying Capacity: 6 PA-equipped troops

Weapons:

Turret-mounted Twin-linked Heavy Flamer (Facing: All)

(Twin-linked + Flame = - 20 to Dodge Test to avoid being hit, if you fail by 2 or more DoF you take a second Hit.)

***

[Commissar Molotov]

OOC: I envisaged myself one square to the right, so that the Traveller could actually claim some cover from the low wall. I'll measure my distances from that square if possible, please.

 

Traveller's Actions: Round One

Free Action: Cohesion Check against the squad's cohesion of 8: 7 (PASS)

Any member of the Kill-Team within 30m of the Traveller may immediately enter Squad Mode (and I recommend that you do!)

 

Free Action: Declare 'Bolter Assault' attack pattern (p.221 of CRB)

Cost: 3 Cohesion (now at 5)

Sustained: No (Per p.226 of Rites of Battle, the Kill-Team may use Bolter Assault once per Round for this battle, but must pay for it again in subsequent battles.)

Effect: When the Battle-Brother calls a Bolter Assault, both he and those in Support Range may make an immediate Charge Move and a Standard Attack with a bolter, bolt pistol, or storm bolter (including variants of these weapons). Alternatively, they may use their Standard Attack to throw a grenade.

 

++ BOLTER ASSAULT BEGINS++

 

Bolter Shot against Repentia L:

BS60(+10 Range, approx.24m)=BS70: 66 (HIT)

Assuming the zeal save / any dodge doesn't work: 1D10+9(+1 Exceptional), Pen 4, Tearing: 9 (19 Damage, reduced to 15 due to TB)

 

Raising his bolter, the Traveller sights one of the warrior-zealots known as Repentia. Inhaling slowly, he squeezes the trigger and begins the Iron Gods' first battle upon this benighted world.

Edited October 21, 2021 by Commissar Molotov

[Machine God]

OOC

Bolter Assault suppressed Draak's attempt at solo mode.

 

IC

 

"Cry little Sister!"

 

Draak drew his Bolt Pistol in a fluid motion and fired.

 

As the Sister of Battle patrolled she checked to her left arc, it was then that the bolt hit her right bicep. The bolt then travelled up the arm and exploded at the shoulder, killing her.

 

 

 

Bolt Pistol vs Sister of Battle E

 

BS: 52 Result: 02, Pass. Damage: 10 (Righteous Fury)

Righteous Fury: 9.

 

19 +9 -3 (Armour -4 Pen) - 4 (TGH Bonus) = 21 Damage to Right Arm.

 

 

 

Edited December 16, 2022 by Machine God
Added spoiler

[Beren]

As their leader sounds the cry of attack and the silence is split with thundering fire, Svelk leaps from the radio tower, becoming a flaming meteor heading through the air towards the sisters position. He doesn't aim straight for them though, instead he aims just above them - and the split-second he passess above their weapons-vehicle, cuts out his pack.

 

The planet's grasp wraps around him and wrenches him downwards.

 

 

Charge movement to above the immolator, staying at low altitude and not landing.

 

[Lysimachus]

***I will update this post as we go!***

 

Round 1 Summary:

 

[x] Traveller:

Cohesion Test passed to enter Squad Mode.

Calls for Bolter Assault Action:

(x) Traveller - Bolter shot at Repentia L, Hits. Repentia L Dodge: 46, Pass!

(x) Odysseus - Enter Squad Mode. Bolter shot at Sister Superior A, Hits. SSA Dodge: 67, Fail! Shield of Faith: 89, Fail! 7 Wounds Suffered.

( ) Decimus -

(x) Draak - Enter Squad Mode. Bolt Pistol shot at Sister E, Hits. Sister E Dodge: 63, Fail! Shield of Faith: 58, Fail! 21 Wounds Suffered. Sister E Dies.

( ) Vesalius - Enter Squad Mode. Bolter shot at Repentia M, Hits. Repentia M Dodge: 81, Fail! Shield of Faith: 32, Fail! 17 Wounds Suffered.

(x) Svelk - Enter Squad Mode. (Flying) Charge 36m towards Immolator.

(x) Ithan - Enter Squad Mode. Move 4m east. Bolter Shot at Repentia M, Roll: 73, Miss! OOC: Sorry Xin!

Bolter Assault Ends

 

Rest of Traveller's Actions

 

[x] Odysseus:

Activate Force Dome, +12AP v Ranged for Odysseus and Draak.

[ ] Draak

[ ] Repentia K

Etc, etc,

[A.T.]

As the battle cry went out Odysseus stepped forward to fire, finding that the rhino-pattern transports below obscured may of his targets even from this height. He snapped a shot off at the most ornate of the figures to draw their fire and then stepped back out of sight. Let them chase shadows.

 

Raising one hand he drew the immaterium closer as the air rippled around him, the energy growing to encompass Draak nearby with the same field he had witnessed on the ship. Whether to protect him or only to draw the sisters wrath would soon be made apparent.

 

 

Enter squad mode

Bolter shot at Sister A

To hit = 6 = hit

Damage = 7+9, Pen 4, leg

 

For his own action Odysseus steps back, kneels or otherwise positions himself to secure some degree of cover from the building as he activates a force dome sufficient to cover himself and Drak

Activation roll 48 = success

(Pushed due to scary meltagun :p ) - Drak and Odysseus recieve 12 AP against ranged attacks and environmental effects. No benefit in close combat.

[Necronaut]

Vesalius lay prone on the roof of what used to be the general store of Rolling Rocks, staring down the sights of Trypanon at the armored vehicles bearing down on Kill-Team Cutlass. He was pleased to see that his allies had the sense to take up concealed positions overlooking the main street of the settlement. At the order of the Traveller, Vesalius panned his sights around to a recently disembarked Sister Repentia and snapped off a hasty shot.

 

Enter Squad Mode

Single shot vs Sister M (bolter assault):

BS45(+10: short range)

Single shot: 1d100 42

42 -- hit, 1 DoS

Hit location: 24, left arm

 

Stalker Pattern Bolter damage: 1d10+9X, pen 4

Bolter Damage: 2#1d10+9 13 19

10+9 = 19 (righteous fury!)

 

Righteous fury roll (1d10):

Righteous fury: 1d10 2

Righteous fury: 2

Edited October 11, 2021 by Necronaut

[Necronaut]

+ Post removed: accidental double post. +

Edited October 12, 2021 by Necronaut

[Lysimachus]

Squad Beta:

 

After some time spent 'talking' with the locals, these are some hints you have been able to gather:

 

"Lang was here, but I heard he got too big for his boots. Started making waves, muscling in. I heard one of the local 'families' took him out. Not dead, so I heard, just out."

 

"I dont know anything about such criminal matters! I am a reputable businessman! Why don't you go speak to Dexter Goryskiya? Nothing illegal happens here without him or one of his vile clan knowing about it! Underhive filth, but somehow they've gotten involved in everything that happens in our beloved Carandaville!"

 

"Aye, even saw him once. Well, some guy in a Naval looking uniform anyway? Down at the Broken Vent. Spending like he owned all the gold in the Golden Throne. Booze. Girls. Lucky sod. Not seen or heard anything of him since though. You with that investigator who was looking for him week before last?"

 

But Holger is gone. The three Astartes members of Squad Beta have met up after an agreed three hours to compare information, but the Remembrancer has not arrived. Carefully, watching for any sign of trouble, you begin a search of the market for the little spy. A further half hour passes as you criss-cross the stalls again, but no trail can be found. If anyone saw something happen to Holger, no one seems willing to remember it.

 

Finally, as you regroup near the very centre of the crowded bazaar to discuss your options, a wizened, dirty old woman who stands barely half your height approaches. She blinks owlishly as she looks up at you, then whispers.

 

"Big fellas, ain'cha...? Was you the ones lookin' fer th' Navy man? Yer friend started puttin' questions ta th' wrong people. Saw 'em grab 'im 'bout an hour past, eight of 'em, tho 'e put two of 'em down with 'is little knife 'fore they knocked 'im out. Heard 'em say they was takin' 'im down th' Site to make 'im tell 'em where 'e came from."

 

Brynjarr looks down at the elderly mortal.

 

"The Site?"

 

She looks back up, perplexed for a moment. Then she shakes her head.

 

"You really ain't local boys, are ya? The Site! Out past th' west end of th' market, they was gonna put up a big, fancy new set of hab-stacks a few years back, but it all fell through. Lit'rally! Inta th' underhive it went, a great big black 'ole! Tha' was th' end of th' projet any ways. Th' bits they started got left where they was, looted for anyfin useful an' th' rest left ta rot. One day it'll probly folla the rest down th' damn 'ole! We call it th' Site. Tha's where yer pal is, fer sure."

 

You look at each other with doubt plainly evident in your eyes, and the old woman grunts.

 

"I dun' care," she mumbles as she turns to leave. "Take it as ya want. Said ma bit, too old ta let punks like Razor an' 'is boys scare me off any ways…"

 

***

[Commissar Molotov]

The Traveller, Round One Continued

++BOLTER ASSAULT ENDS++

 

Free Action:Initiate 'Follow the Traveller's Path' Attack Pattern ('Lead by Example', p.222 of CRB)

Cost: 2 Cohesion (now at 3)

Sustained: Yes (lasts for the rest of the mission)

 

Free Action: Utilise 'Tactical Expertise' ability (p.85 of CRB):

Hard (-20) Command Test to share 'Follow the Traveller's Path' with the rest of the Kill-Team:

Fellowship 50(+20)(+10 Talented Bonus)(-20 Difficulty)=60: 02 (PASS)

While this power is in effect, all Battle-Brothers within Support Range (30m) of the Battle-Brother (including the Battle-Brother himself ) gain a bonus on all tests equal to the Battle-Brother’s Fellowship Bonus (+5). In addition, each Round the Battle-Brother may single out one member of his Kill-team and grant that character a re-roll on any one test (this re-roll includes the bonus provided by his Fellowship).

 

Full Action: Semi-Auto Burst against Sister E

BS50(+10 SAB)(+10 Range)(+10 Motion Predictor)(+5 Traveller's Path)=BS85: 24 (HIT, 6DoS) - 1 Hit, +2 Additional

Hits resolve at 1D10+9(+1 Exceptional), Pen 4 Tearing against TB4

 

Hit 1: 5 OR 9 (19 Damage) against TB4 and Armour 9(5) = 10 Damage (42, Body)

Hit 2: 5 OR 8 (18 Damage) against TB4 and Armour 9(5) = 9 Damage (Body)

Hit 3: 5 OR 6 (16 Damage) against TB4 and Armour 7(3) = 9 Damage (Arm)

Assuming failed Dodge, 28 Damage to Sister E

 

As the other Astartes begin to increase the weight of fire upon the Sororitas, the Traveller stands, unleashing a semi-automatic volley against the closest Battle-Sister.

Edited October 21, 2021 by Commissar Molotov

[Black Cohort]

Decimus enters squad mode, throwing a krak grenade into the immolator as part of the bolter assault.

 

On his turn he will fire his heavy bolter at sister L, panning to nearby sisters once L is dead.

 

krak grenade roll 84, fate point re-roll 16, damage 19 Pen 8

 

heavy bolter  53+Full auto 20 (half action due to suspensor)+Half range 10 +aim +10 =93 roll =16 therefore 6 hits

 

Pen 5 for all

Damage 1: 24 righteous fury? hit + 1 total 25 damage

Damage 2: 23

Damage 3: 16

Damage 4: 20

Damage 5: 23

Damage 6: 19

[Lysimachus]

Round 1 Summary:

[x] Traveller:
Cohesion Test passed to enter Squad Mode.
Calls for Bolter Assault Action:
(x) Traveller - Bolter shot at Repentia L, Hits. Repentia L Dodge: 46, Pass!
(x) Odysseus - Enter Squad Mode. Bolter shot at Sister Superior A, Hits. SSA Dodge: 67, Fail! Shield of Faith: 89, Fail! 7 Wounds Suffered.
(x) Decimus - Enter Squad Mode. Krak Grenade at Immolator, Hits. Damage 19 + Pen 6 v AV31. No Damage.
(x) Draak - Enter Squad Mode. Bolt Pistol shot at Sister E, Hits. Sister E Dodge: 63, Fail! Shield of Faith: 58, Fail! 21 Wounds Suffered. Sister E Dies.
(x) Vesalius - Enter Squad Mode. Bolter shot at Repentia M, Hits. Repentia M Dodge: 81, Fail! Shield of Faith: 32, Fail! 17 Wounds Suffered.
(x) Svelk - Enter Squad Mode. (Flying) Charge 36m towards Immolator.
(x) Ithan - Enter Squad Mode. Move 4m east. Bolter Shot at Repentia M, Roll: 73, Miss! OOC: Sorry Xin!
Bolter Assault Ends

Traveller activates Lead by Example and Tactical Expertise (+5 to all Tests for all Squad Members)
SAB at Sister F, 3 Hits. Sister F Dodge: 47, 1st Hit Dodged. Shield of Faith v Hits 2 and 3: 07, Pass! 65, Fail! 9 Wounds Suffered.

[x] Odysseus:
Activate Force Dome, +12AP v Ranged for Odysseus and Draak.

[ ] Draak

[ ] Repentia K
Etc, etc,