To Plunder The Stars Themselves, Episode III

[Trokair]

If it wasn’t the little data-scalpers doing then that meant ship defenders were approaching.

 

Putting himself between the mortal and the new threat, for they would likely need him and it would not do to lose him to a stray shot, Brynjarr readied for the whatever came through the cargo door.

[A.T.]

"An opportunity. No doubt more of them ready themselves behind this door as well." Odysseus stepped towards the opening bulkhead keeping clear of the devastators line of fire. The room was large enough to be troublesome and for all the fury of his earlier assault it was not prudent to allow circumstances where such displayers were required.

 

Glancing towards the boarding craft he considered the possibility of exposing this area to the void, but the bulkhead sensors and safety measures would only slow the data-scalper further.

[Lysimachus]

In the slowly increasing gap beneath the massive plasteel door you see pairs of legs, then bodies, then faces. Hundreds, from what little you can see, perhaps even thousands of them. Angry faces, with eyes full of rage and hate. Men and women of widely varying ages, shapes, colours and cultures, largely dressed in garb of poor quality and threadbare condition. Many brandish improvised clubs or blades, a few carry poorly-made stub guns and flamers.

 

For those of you who know something about the way members of the Ecclesiarchy's faithful masses move around the Imperium, part of the Bounteous Lady's cargo has suddenly been clearly identified. Pilgrims. Giving over all their meager material possessions, and even their lives, to follow the path trod by some long-since fallen Imperial Saint. And it seems that the masters of the vessel have enlisted their aid in its defence.

 

For a long moment the ragged horde simply look at you and you look back.

 

Then an older man standing at the centre - big, heavily bearded and wearing long streamers of paper and a crude aquila hanging from his chest - lifts a massive chain-blade over his head and lets out a roar of hatred and defiance. His flock answer in kind, and then they hurl themselves forward as one.

 

***

 

Please roll your Initiatives.

[Necronaut]

+I am going to propose the judicious application of frag grenades,+ Vesalius said in response to the sight of so many humans.

 

Initiative:

1d10+6 (Ag bonus)

Initiative: 1d10 6

6 + 6 = 12

Edited May 26, 2021 by Necronaut

[Black Cohort]

"I believe now is the time for the heavy bolter, and get that damn door open, even we can get overwhelmed."

 

rolled a 7 so 10 Initiative

[Beren]

At the sound of the uproar, Svelk pops his head round the corner of the cargo container and reaches for one of his frag grenades.

 

+++Holger, get that bulkhead open now!+++

 

D10=4

4+4 = Initiative 8

[A.T.]

Odysseus hefts his flamer, a fortuitous choice it would seem.

 

Initiative 5+5 = 10

[Trokair]

‘This is going to be a slaughter’ Brynjarr thought, ‘and a waste of time.’ Readying a frag grenade he tried one last gambit to deter the faithful. Amplifying his helmets speaker to the max he shouted.

 

“In the name of the Emperor, we are his angels, pray with us.” With that he launched into a hymn he knew was popular in nearby subsectors.

 

 

Initiative roll: AG4 + 3= 7

[Lysimachus]

+++NARRATIVE TIME ENDS+++

+++STRUCTURED TIME BEGINS+++

Cargo Hold Battle 2

Kill-Team Cohesion: 7

Initiative Order:

[ ] Vesalius | (SOLO) | AG6+6 = 12 | WOUNDS 20/20 | FATE 4/4

[ ] Pilgrim Horde B | AG3 + 8 = 11 | MAG 50/50

[ ] Odysseus | (SOLO) | AG5+5 = 10 | WOUNDS 22/22 | FATE 4/4

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

[ ] Priest | AG3+6 = 9 | WOUNDS 18/18

[ ] Svelk | (SOLO) | AG4+4 = 8 | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 3/3

[ ] Pilgrim Horde A | AG3 + 5 = 8 | MAG 50/50

[ ] Brynjarr | (SOLO) | AG4+3 = 7 | WOUNDS 23/2 | FATE 4/4

[ ] Kai | (SOLO) | AG4+3 = 7 | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 4/3+1

[ ] Holger | AG3 + 4 = 7 | WOUNDS 12/12

Pilgrims have TB3 and no Armour, Priest has TB3 and Heavy Robes (2)

Edit: Fear Tests for enemies:

Pilgrim Hordes A and B: wp40 +50 Mag Bonus =90. Rolls: 67, 34

Redemptor Priest is Fearless.

Holger needs time to complete his work. He must make 3 successful Tech-Use tests in order to input the override and temporarily open the cargo hold door behind you. Because he must concentrate, he can only make this one Action each Round, but he will gain a +10 bonus to his Tech-Use. You must hold back the Pilgrim Hordes while he does so. Alternatively, up to two of your team may assist/encourage/threaten(!) Holger during any Round, each providing another +10 bonus, but if they do, they cannot fight during that Round.

I'll roll for Holger's test, but to make things interesting I won't tell you Holger's Int Characteristic or what target number he is aiming for, just the result and whether or not he is successful each turn!

***

[Black Cohort]

Decimus turns and replaces his bolt pistol and chainsword with his heavy bolter (Quick Draw)

 

He enters squad mode.

 

He unleashes a torrent of bolt shells at horde A.

 

BS48 +20 Full auto +30 horde size =98

 

roll 83 = 1 DOS

 

re-roll (lead by example) 47 = 5 DOS

 

reduce Horde A magnitude by 10 (Unrelenting devastation)

Edited May 28, 2021 by Black Cohort

[A.T.]

Odysseus half turns to Holger, lest the man pay more attention to the horde than his purpose, "prove your worth Holger. Should we need to we will cut our way out through this rabble, but I doubt you would fare as well".

 

(+10 for Holger)

[Necronaut]

Vesalius withdrew to take up a firing position adjacent to Decimus, just in front of the blast door blocking their way. +I am prepared to intervene if necessary, Holger. Work quickly!+

 

He took aim at the chainsword-wielding fanatic leading the tide of mortals; a surgical strike against their zealous leader might dampen the resolve of the faithful. Vesalius sneered at the teaming mass as they charged toward Kill-Team Cutlass, a disorganized and deluded rabble. Yes, one must excise the source of the infection before further cleansing operations could commence.

 

Half-action Aim vs Redemptor Priest

Half-move (6 meters, Ag bonus 6) towards blast door, adjacent to Decimus.

 

Enters squad mode.

Edited May 28, 2021 by Necronaut

[Commissar Molotov]

As the bulkhead grinds open to reveal the seething mass of pilgrims, the Astartes warrior known as the Traveller feels his teeth grinding together, his gauntleted fists tightening on his weapons, and his lips curling as acidic venom bubbles at the back of his throat. The Ecclesiarchy. A cancerous worm coiled around the neck of the Imperium.

 

He raises his bolter, the muzzle unwavering as crimson target-locks converge over the frothing face of the zealot who seeks to lead this rabble. If it is possible to remove the madman leading the hordes, it might allow them to quell the uprising swiftly.

 

++Kill them all if they stand in our way.++

 

 

Actions:

- Kai spends a Fate Point to count as having rolled a 10 on his initiative (for a total of 14)

- Acting first within Round 1, Kai will attempt a Cohesion Challenge (against Kill-Team Cohesion of 7): 1 (PASS)

- Kai enters Squad Mode; any Kill-Team member within Support Range (30m) may immediately automatically enter Squad Mode. (This may be beneficial for some of your characters, and I would recommend it for most of you!)

- Free Action: Kai will spend 2 Cohesion(+3, Forging the Bond) for a Total of 5 to activate the Follow the Traveller's Path (Lead by Example) squad mode. (This leaves Kill-Team Cohesion at 2.)

- All members of the Kill-Team in Support Range (30m) now gain a +5 bonus to all tests.

- Additionally, each round I may select one member and grant a re-roll to a test (including the +5 bonus) - in this case, Kai will nominate the Ballistic Skill that Decimus makes with his Heavy Bolter.

 

- Full Action: Semi-Auto Burst against Redemptor Priest

- BS55(+10 Semi-Auto Burst): 59 (PASS)

- Fate Point Re-Roll: 38 (BETTER PASS, 2DoS): 1 Hit, +1 Additional

Hits resolve at 1D10+9, Pen 4:

 

Hit 1: 9 (18 Damage, Pen 4)

Hit 2: 8 (17 Damage, Pen 4)

 

Assuming that the Priest fails to Dodge, then he will sustain 13 Damage from the first shot, and 12 Damage from the second, for a total of 25 (18 wounds and 7 Critical)

Edited May 30, 2021 by Commissar Molotov

[Trokair]

Seeing that the Pilgrims did not respond, and not knowing the second verse anyhow, Brynjarr pulled a frag grenade from his bandolier, primed it and threw it at the advancing mass.
 
Skidding of the top of the crate in the middle of the room the grenade sailed over the head of the first few pilgrims before hitting a particularly tall one in the head, the explosion and shrapnel severely injuring several others nearby.
 
 
​Enter squad mode - as set out above
Throw Frag Grenade
BS43 + 30 (horde size) – 10 (distance) + 5 (folloing Kai's lead) = 68
D100: 25, Hit 4 DoS
4 Hits as Blast (4)

With explosion hit total Magnitude damage: 5

Edited May 28, 2021 by Trokair

[Beren]

Seeing the the tide of swarming mortals hurl themselves towards them, seemingly undaunted by those mowed down by bolter fire, Svelk lobs his frag grenade into their midst.

 

 

Frag Grenade at Horde A

BS 63 (+30 for horde size, -10 for distance)

D100: 67 (miss)

 

Would have been aiming for centre mass.

 

 

Svelk doesn't stop to observe the effects of his frag grenade, before ducking back round the container. He takes a moment to look over the other squad-members, observing where each one is placed and each one's line of fire. Did he trust them? He might have to.

 

+++If this gets up close, try not to shoot me in the back.+++

 

 

Svelk enters squad mode after Kai does.

 

[Lysimachus]

ROUND 1 Summary:

 

[x] Kai:

Enter Squad Mode, activate Lead by Example, Team Cohesion reduced to 2

Shoots Priest SAB, 2 hits.

Priest attempts to Dodge, Ag 35: 26! Success, no DoS. Dodges 1st Hit, takes 12 Damage.

 

[x] Vesalius: Half Action: Move 6, Half Action: Aim

 

[x] Pilgrim Horde B: Run 18m forward

 

[x] Odysseus: Assists Holger (+10 Tech Use)

 

[x] Decimus: Fires FAB, with reroll does 10 Mag Damage on Pilgrim Horde B.

 

[x] Priest: Half Action: Move 4, Half Action: Stirring Oratory. Wp Test: 41 Success! Pilgrim Horde A becomes Frenzied for 2 Rounds.

 

[x] Svelk: Enters Squad Mode. Throws frag grenade at Pilgrim Horde A. The +5 from Lead by Example will turn 67 into a 62, which is (just) a hit! All hits auto Damage, 5 Mag Dam inflicted.

 

[x] Pilgrim Horde A: Run 18m forward

 

[x] Brynjarr: Throws frag grenade at Pilgrim Horde B, hits, auto-Damages, 5 Mag Dam inflicted.

 

[x] Holger: Tech Use Test (+10 Concentrate, +10 Odysseus Assist): 21 Success! (1 of 3 Passes completed)

 

 

End of Round 1

[ ] Kai | (SQUAD) | AG4+10 (FATE POINT SPENT) = 14 | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 2/3+1

[ ] Vesalius | (SQUAD) | AG6+6 = 12 | WOUNDS 20/20 | FATE 4/4

[ ] Pilgrim Horde B | AG3 + 8 = 11 | MAG 35/50 | Frenzied for Rounds 2 and 3

[ ] Odysseus | (SQUAD) | AG5+5 = 10 | WOUNDS 22/22 | FATE 4/4

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

[ ] Priest | AG3+6 = 9 | WOUNDS 6/18

[ ] Svelk | (SQUAD) | AG4+4 = 8 | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 3/3

[ ] Pilgrim Horde A | AG3 + 5 = 8 | MAG 45/50

[ ] Brynjarr | (SQUAD) | AG4+3 = 7 | WOUNDS 23/2 | FATE 4/4

[ ] Holger | AG3 + 4 = 7 | WOUNDS 12/12

[Lysimachus]

Despite the fearsome explosive fire directed towards them, the vast crowd of the faithful continues to spill through the forward cargo door, heedlessly stepping over their fallen brethren in their desire to close with you. Holger looks nervously at the horde, then back to the control panel, his already pale face white with fear.

Round 2 Begins

+++++

Pilgrim Horde A returns to Mag 50

Pilgrim Horde B returns to Mag 50

(see Mark of the Xenos, Endless Hordes, pg 132, 133! ;) )

+++++

Kill-Team Cohesion: 2

Initiative Order:

[ ] Kai | (SQUAD) | AG4+10 (FATE POINT SPENT) = 14 | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 2/3+1

[ ] Vesalius | (SQUAD) | AG6+6 = 12 | WOUNDS 20/20 | FATE 4/4

[ ] Pilgrim Horde B | AG3 + 8 = 11 | MAG 50/50 | Frenzied for Rounds 2 and 3

[ ] Odysseus | (SQUAD) | AG5+5 = 10 | WOUNDS 22/22 | FATE 4/4

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

[ ] Priest | AG3+6 = 9 | WOUNDS 6/18

[ ] Svelk | (SQUAD) | AG4+4 = 8 | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 3/3

[ ] Pilgrim Horde A | AG3 + 5 = 8 | MAG 50/50

[ ] Brynjarr | (SQUAD) | AG4+3 = 7 | WOUNDS 23/2 | FATE 4/4

[ ] Holger | AG3 + 4 = 7 | WOUNDS 12/12

[Commissar Molotov]

NOTE: Please be aware that the "window" to join Squad Mode is instant - otherwise you'll be required to pass a Cohesion test against the Squad Cohesion of 2 to do so later. Please do let Lysimachus know whether you're joining!

 

The Traveller's sneer of disgust turns into a snarl of frustration as the seething tide of humanity around the Priest surges, snatching away one of his shots in a crimson hail of blood and skull fragments. And whilst a second hit its intended target, the press of flesh in the cargo bay is thick enough that the Priest remains standing. In less than a beat of his twin hearts he depresses the trigger again, sending mass-reactive death once more at this false servant of the Emperor.

 

As more and more of the pilgrims fill the expanse of the hold, it becomes clear that the odds are not in the Kill-Team's favour.

 

++Svelk, pull back.++

 

++Keep them clear of us. Do not get drawn into combat.++

 

 

Actions:

Full Action: Semi-Auto Burst against Redemptor Priest

BS55(+10 SAB) = 59 (Hit, 1DoS) - 1 Hit (+0 Additional)

Hits resolve at 1D10+9 Tearing, Pen 4: 8 (17 Damage)

Against TB3 and Armour 2(0): 14 Damage (assuming failed Dodge)

 

Lysimachus: Kai should be at 2/3+1 Fate Points

Edited May 30, 2021 by Commissar Molotov

[Trokair]

Despite the carnage caused by the squad so far the frenzied mass just kept on coming; did the ones at the back not know that they were pushing their fellows towards death?

 

With Kai gunning down the priest the priest maybe the death of the proverbial head would be fatal to the mortals moral. In case it was not Brynjarr opened up with his bolter and watched several members of the horde go down as they surged past the crates in the middle of the room.   

 

 

Full Action, SAB at Horde B

BS: 43 +10 (SAB) +10 (Bolter Mastery) +5 (Follow the Traveller's Path) + 30 (Horde size)= 98

D100: 45 Hit, 4 DoS so 2 extra Hits and explosion hit

Total Magnitude damage: 4

Edited May 28, 2021 by Trokair

[Necronaut]

Vesalius drew a frag grenade and hurled it into the advancing wave of mortals, vainly hoping to stem the tide of zealots.

 

Anything to staunch this wound!

 

Half action prime grenade

Half action throw grenade

TN 65 = 40 (BS) + 30 (horde) + 5 (Kai's leadership) - 10 (range)

Throw grenade: 1d100 59

Success (0 DoS)

 

Frag grenade damage: 2d10+2, pen 0

Frag Grenade Damage: 2d10+2 10, 3 -> 15

Righteous fury: 1d10 2

 

Edited June 1, 2021 by Necronaut

[Beren]

As each frag grenade hits he tide of hate and screaming flesh, Svelk sees it crater, bodies hurled in each direction. A second later and the holes are swallowed up the tide as if they had never existed, more and more fanatics streaming through the bulkhead. Even The two surviving ratings from earlier are now likely dead, trampled beneath the mass. Even when Kai directs a stream of bolt-shells into their priest, who vanishes in a spray of gore, the tide does not hesitate.

 

He has only seen this kind of madness once, and he knows it is a poor idea to stand in its path. 

 

Svelk, pull back.

 

He grinds his teeth beneath his helmet. They're wasting their ammunition, the tide isn't even slowed by their fire. Either their tinkerer can open the door before they're reached, or it will come to blade and blood while they buy him time. Better to be the ones that dictated the terms than the enemy. 

 

+++That's more up to the tinkerer than us.+++

 

All the same.

 

 

Run Action to put him about three or four squares above Odysseus.

 

 

The Assault Marine bounds back towards the door the rest of the squad, swinging to the side of their position and drawing his axe and knife to hold them ready.

Edited May 28, 2021 by Beren

[Black Cohort]

Decimus continues to pan his heavy bolter over the mass of deranged zealots.  While some rounds miss entirely, others take out more than one zealot.

 

BS48+ 20 FA +30 Magnitude +5 lead by example = 103

 

roll 49 = 5 DOS

 

10 magnitude damage to horde (unrelenting devastation)

[Lysimachus]

ROUND 2 Summary:

[x] Kai: Fires SAB, does 1 hit on Priest.

Priest attempts to Dodge, Ag 35: 86! Fail. Priest is killed.

[x] Vesalius: Throws Frag Grenade, does 5 Mag Damage on Pilgrim Horde A

[x] Pilgrim Horde B: Run 15m forward

[x] Odysseus: Assists Holger (+10 Tech-Use)

[x] Decimus: Fires FAB, does 10 Mag Damage on Pilgrim Horde B.

[x] Svelk: Runs back level with Squad.

[x] Pilgrim Horde A: Run 18m forward.

[x] Brynjarr: Fires SAB, does 4 Mag Damage on Pilgrim Horde B.

[x] Holger: Tech Use Test (+10 Concentrate, +10 Odysseus Assist): 78 Fail! (1 of 3 Passes completed)

End of Round 2

[ ] Kai | (SQUAD) | AG4+10 (FATE POINT SPENT) = 14 | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 3/3+1

[ ] Vesalius | (SQUAD) | AG6+6 = 12 | WOUNDS 20/20 | FATE 4/4

[ ] Pilgrim Horde B | AG3 + 8 = 11 | MAG 36/50 | Frenzied for Rounds 2 and 3

[ ] Odysseus | (SQUAD) | AG5+5 = 10 | WOUNDS 22/22 | FATE 4/4

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

[ ] Svelk | (SQUAD) | AG4+4 = 8 | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 3/3

[ ] Pilgrim Horde A | AG3 + 5 = 8 | MAG 45/50

[ ] Brynjarr | (SQUAD) | AG4+3 = 7 | WOUNDS 23/2 | FATE 4/4

[ ] Holger | AG3 + 4 = 7 | WOUNDS 12/12

***

Round 3 Begins

+++++

Pilgrim Horde A returns to Mag 50

Pilgrim Horde B returns to Mag 50

+++++

Kill-Team Cohesion: 2

Initiative Order:

[ ] Kai | (SQUAD) | AG4+10 (FATE POINT SPENT) = 14 | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 3/3+1

[ ] Vesalius | (SQUAD) | AG6+6 = 12 | WOUNDS 20/20 | FATE 4/4

[ ] Pilgrim Horde B | AG3 + 8 = 11 | MAG 50/50 | Frenzied for Rounds 2 and 3

[ ] Odysseus | (SQUAD) | AG5+5 = 10 | WOUNDS 22/22 | FATE 4/4

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

[ ] Svelk | (SQUAD) | AG4+4 = 8 | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 3/3

[ ] Pilgrim Horde A | AG3 + 5 = 8 | MAG 50/50

[ ] Brynjarr | (SQUAD) | AG4+3 = 7 | WOUNDS 23/2 | FATE 4/4

[ ] Holger | AG3 + 4 = 7 | WOUNDS 12/12

[Commissar Molotov]

Still the pilgrims continue to pour forth, all thoughts of their safety cast aside and replaced with unthinking zealotry. For every mortal killed, it seems another two take their place, frothing prayers at their lips and a dangerous light in their eyes.

 

The Traveller reaches to his belt, priming a frag grenade and tossing it at the madmen in front of him with practised ease.

 

As if it would be possible to miss...

 

++Odysseus, it would be wise to turn your prodigious powers against the horde.++

 

 

Actions:

Half Action: Aim (+10)

Half Action: Standard Attack with Frag Grenade against Horde A

BS55(+10 Aim)(+5 Follow the Path of the Traveller)(+30 Horde Size)=BS100: 20 (HIT)

5 Magnitude Damage to Horde A

 

Note: Odysseus may use the Follow the Path of the Traveller re-roll for his psychic powers this turn.

Edited May 30, 2021 by Commissar Molotov

[Necronaut]

Unsurprisingly, the great wave of humanity that poured from the blast door across the cargo hold was only momentarily slowed by his previous grenade. A single dose would not do for this spreading infection. Vesalius drew and hurled another frag grenade into the ever-advancing tide of humanity.

 

 

Half action prime frag grenade

Half action throw frag grenade @ horde A

Throw frag grenade: 1d100 46

 

Hit

 

5 magnitude damage

 

Edited June 1, 2021 by Necronaut