Deathwatch: Murderers in Black (IC Thread)

[A.T.]

Omoc

 

Confidence, good. An inexperienced warrior was difficult to predict.

 

Follow the steps, accept the feint, fall upon the sword. The cost of such speed for a mortal was the rigidity of their training such that they could fight on pure reaction unhindered by the hindering delay of conscious thought.

 

The first blow fell short as it would have many times in practice, the false blow, Omoc watched as the sword came up and turned his head slightly to sell the blow as it cut deep... for one other than an Astartes.

 

Stumble, roar, the blind strike at the foe not there. Instinct had already moved Heinrich from its path even as his eyes struggled to trace the path of the blow.

 

Enough that the devastators shifting weight was unseen as Omoc lurched around suddenly into the swordmans path...

 

Dodge attempt: 43, pass

Second hit: 2 wounds taken (auger array bionic on head)

 

Half action: Feint, fate for +10: 87 - fail

Final fate point reroll: 08  - pass by 51 points

 -this is an opposed WS roll

 

Half action: Grapple: 42 - pass

 

Activate 'Burst of Speed' (pushes Omoc up to Init 13 so he isn't entirely boned if this fails)

 

Grappling takes way too many rolls :p

[Lysimachus]

OOC: Hmm, I hadn't realised a Grapple is specifically included under a Standard Attack, and so does work with a Feint.

 

I could be really pedantic and say that as Omoc drew his Combat Blade, and is therefore not unarmed, that the Grapple is not an option… but I won't.  I'll assume Omoc drops it as he steps in or something?

 

So, the only option for Jennings is to also use a FP to make his Feint target 59, and hope to roll 7 or less…

 

 

Jennings Feint Roll: 65, Fail!
No option but to use his 2nd FP to fish for it again (once he's been Grappled, there's no way he's getting out of it!)
FP Reroll: …9 (lol. Close but no cigar)

Omoc successfully Grapples Jennings!

 

 

 

As far as I can see, this raises more issues. Grapple Dam is 1d5-3+SB, but AV counts as being doubled.

 

So Omoc's Target number is Jennings’ AV5x2 +TB4 = 14, so 15 to do any Damage.

But Omoc's Damage will be 1d5+(-3+SB10=+7) = max 12. For 1 Round (at Rank 1) he can Feat of Strength to push it to max 16 to maybe push a couple of Wounds through (if he gets a good d5 roll).

There is almost no chance of Jennings escaping the Grapple, so no way out that way.

 

Basically all this means that they roll around on the floor not doing anything ad infinitum...

I suppose, if Omoc inflicts a Level of Fatigue along with the Grapple Damage each Round, after 4 Rounds Jennings will eventually fall unconscious? But that is really not very satisfying, cinematically speaking…

So I'm not sure what to do next. I think maybe the best thing to do is say the fight is over and leave it to AT to finish Jennings off narratively, which is where it will probably end up anyway... but I don't think any of us want to go through the palaver of rolling it all… 

 

Suggestions in the OOC are welcome if anyone has them.

 

Edit: Good reminders about Unarmed Warrior/Mastery or throwing/Fall increasing the Damage suffered. We'll end the crunch side of the fight and let AT krump him narratively.

 

 

Edit: side point, but @A.T. can you show me where/how Omoc is taking the Augur Array as a Requistioned item, I don't understand how that is possible with items from the Cybernetics list? Surely they can only be permanent upgrades or replacements for lost/damaged body parts?

(I don't mind if he's taken an Exceptional Auspex as a Req'd Equipment item, but that doesn't do anything to boost his TB, regardless of where he wears it?)

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 14 by Lysimachus

[Trokair]

Alda

 

The ruse was up, and yet not entirely, if Jennings knew who they were arrest would not be on the cards. The Master of the Bazzar knew they were not who they purported they were, but that was all, and it would not last. The einherjar would fight rather than be detain, and in any case with the Supremacy approaching there would not be time to attempt any long ploys.

 

Alda cast about for a way out, when the fight erupted being so closed to the Uruks would be bad.

 

 "Mewling coward, I challenge you in combat for command of the market and its warriors. Step forward and fight."

 

A Challenge? Along with everybody else she turned to see how Master Jennings would reply. Perhaps they could not only avoid a prolonged argument with the Uruks but also gain a new avenue to get the information. Play it out as a coup.

 

As the two combatants squared off Alda made her way back towards Bouchard. Regardless of the outcome of the duel, it was unlikely that Heinrich Jennings would be a font of knowledge that they could tap. The translator would be the next best source, and unlike a full blown fight with the Uruks, this was something she could do.

 

Standing close to Bouchard she leaned in and spoke quietly as Godfrey.

 

“This will be a sight to behold. As to your earlier question, We don’t fear the Inquisition’s Wrath.”

 

As she spoke she had carefully drawn her bolt pistol, but in such a way as to keep it hidden amongst her cloths. Pushing the barrel against Bouchard back, so that he could feel it presence. She whispered into his ear, in low gothic and as herself.

 

“We are the Inquisition’s Wrath, don’t react, don’t do anything foolish, and I will have mercy to offer. You owe no significant loyalty to Jennings, else you would not have sought salvation from strangers. That space on our shuttle you wanted, it is still available if you proof your worth.”

                                                            

 

 

Initiative (in case it is still needed)

D10: 6 + 4 (Ag) +2 (Paranoia) +2 (Murphy’s Law)= 14

[A.T.]

Omoc

 

For a fleeting moment Omoc considered the value of the information this 'master' of the market might carry, but only for a moment. The promises of this place had brought one inquisitor low and could not be allowed to further spread its temptations.

 

Wrenching the weapon from Jennings grip he threw the man to the ground and set upon him with singular purpose. Shield, armour, bone, each yielded in turn to the inevitable conclusion of tempting the Emperors wrath.

 

For all its fury the battle lasted scant seconds before Omoc stood. Speaking as he turned his gaze across the assembled throng "This market is mine. Quash the fires and close the ports, no one leaves here."

[Lysimachus]

Bouchard freezes at the touch of the pistol barrel. He looks fearfully over his shoulder at Alda and licks his lips nervously.

 

“My lo…? My Lady?”

 

At that moment, Omoc takes the strike from Jennings’ blade… and then catches the merchant lord's sword arm in a vice-like, immovable grip, pulling him inwards. What follows is almost inevitable, and Bouchard turns away with a shudder.

 

“As I have already said, I am at your disposal,” he pleads hurriedly, “If you will simply tell me what your needs are, I am sure I can make myself of value?”

 

Across the square, the Red Scorpion finishes with his grisly task and gives his orders to the surrounding locals. Murtrugg looks around at his kin, and finally shrugs with apparent indifference.

 

“I fink deyz all gon’ alredy, boss… but whadeva yoo sez.”

 

He waves his axe over his head, gesturing for his boyz to follow him towards the landing field. Behind him the other Facilitators and menials move to extinguish the flames that they were working to feed a few moments earlier.

 

[Trokair]

Alda

 

She gave him a few moments to worry in silence.

 

“Start with everything to do with the Eldar Kal'li-nath and the Silver Serpents of his. Coming and goings, business, numbers, money, gossip... Everything.”

Edited December 18 by Trokair

[Lysimachus]

For a moment, Bouchard regains his glib, slightly condescending manner.

 

“...everything…? My Lady, I could spend years recounting the exploits of Prince Kal’li-nath and barely scratch the surface!”

 

Then he sees your expression and seems to decide it would be wise for him to try to provide a summary.

 

“He is surely one of the greatest explorers and adventurers the galaxy has ever known! It is thought that he and the Silver Serpents were among the founding partners of the Bazaar, millennia ago. Some say that the Prince is the true Master of the Market, regardless of who he might allow to hold the title at any given time.”

 

He shrugs.

 

“The Serpents usually have little to do with the Bazaar's day to day business. Those who wish to contract for their services as mercenaries are vetted and then invited to their compound, along the river to the north. I have never seen it, but I have been told it is the finest palace on this moon.”

 

Bouchard pauses for a moment, trying to think of other key points to add to answer your questions.

 

“The Prince's fleet is thought to be sizeable, but largely made up of smaller craft, escorts and light cruisers. It is almost never gathered together at any one place, but rather ships are dispatched across the galaxy. Hmm…”

 

“It has been said in the Market that Prince Kal’li-nath had been away from the Bazaar for more than a year, but that he had returned several months ago and was still currently in residence at his summer palace. Unfortunately, I cannot confirm the accuracy of this rumour… but you would be surprised by how often the whisperers are proved correct.”

 

 

[Machine God]

Asterius:

 

 

He watched the duel and was pleased, however he could feel the red mists returning from the edges of his psyche.

 

 

Get it together lone survivor!

 

 

Omoc turned and addressed the assembled throng "This market is mine. Quash the fires and close the ports, no one leaves here."

 

 

“I fink deyz all gon’ alredy, boss… but whadeva yoo sez.”

 

The hated Xenos, the Biter Boss answered, waved his axe over his head and gestured. The Biters left headed towards the landing field. Behind him the other Facilitators and menials move to extinguish the flames that they were working to feed a few moments earlier.

 

 

++The Mark of the Xenos...++

 

Unconsciously his hands reached for his chainswords as he watched the Xenos leave.

 

 

Hold, remember the pact!

 

 

Asterius once again reigned in the blood mists, but each time it was getting harder to control. 

 

 

 

 

[A.T.]

Omoc

 

Restlessness filled the air, from Asterius too. Switching to silent comms he indicated, "we will test the markets claim to be anathema to the orkoid spore soon enough, but we must herd as much of this place as we can to the killing zone before they flee, and there may yet be vessels in dock within our reach now that we control the ports. The warning of attack is still fresh".

 

Ships un-fuelled or under repair, supplies and wealth to bulky to move quickly, fools ignorant of the threat. The extermination must be thorough.

[Lysimachus]

Scene 25. Xenos Paradise

 

Kill-team Lucifer, reassembled, follows the river out of the city, and north into the thick, sweating jungle. As Bouchard described, at around three kilometers from the city you find a confluence, where a substantial tributary joins the primary flow from the east.

 

You track this tributary backwards through the jungle trees for several more kloms until it rounds a bend and suddenly stops dead, the riverside path blocked by a sheer rock face that rises out of the thick greenery. A change in the geology of the moon has created a dramatic, vertical cliff that stretches as far as you can see in either direction and rises to a height of easily forty metres.

 

The tributary river drops from the upper level down into an open clearing below… but this is no wild, free-flowing waterfall. The entire area has been carefully pruned and sculpted, shaped to enhance its natural beauty. Somewhere above the cliff, out of sight, the upper course has been diverted into two channels that direct the water through two vast spouts, each one carved from the rock face in the shape of a great lion's head with a wide open mouth from which the flow of life-giving liquid is neatly poured.

 

Between these two heads, similarly sculpted from the cliffside itself, is the palace of Prince Kal’li-nath of the Silver Serpents. It is a large, elegant and well-proportioned structure of columns and terraces, domed roofs and smaller fountains. Much of the stonework is decorated with statuary and bas-relief that reflects the leonine theme.

 

The twin streams pour from the outflows down into plunge pools, then away along stone bounded ornamental ponds and channels that pass through vine and flower-filled gardens and under graceful bridges. The water disappears beneath an exterior wall, following buried channels that finally return it into its natural course.

 

But for the sound of water pouring down, the whole clearing is strangely silent, as though the moon's natural fauna dare not disturb the ethereal, inhuman beauty of this place.

 

 

[Trokair]

Alda

 

Even out on the river, away from the trees and the oppressive thickness that was the jungle proper, it was dark for the hour. It was well into the day, and the Bazzar no doubt still a sight to behold drenched in sunlight, even now as the Bitters tried to re-establish order for a Master who would seem them all, rightfully, killed. Here though it was gloomy, the looming branches casting dusk over the river.

 

Fingers stroking, playing absent mindedly over and along the grip and brass guard. Faded and worn, perhaps deliberately so, there was the remnants of an embossed Aquila. She was not sure why she had taken it. Perhaps to restore its honour, perhaps to redeem its former masters stain. If she had the right of it this had once been an officer’s sword of Imperial Navy. The blade a mark of distinction, dedication and duty.

 

---

 

She had initially gone to examine Master Jennings body after the Scorpions execution. Such brutality did not merit the term duel or even challenge. It had been no more than he had deserved, though the priest would no doubt argue that he should have had a chance to repent. Alda doubted it would have saved Heinrich soul.

 

Even in its pummelled state perhaps there had been some information to gleam, and so she ascended, Bouchard in tow, as the Uruks fanned out. Obedient to the might of Strength. Already puddles of blood and ichor was creeping along the ground, and seeping into the remnants that had clothed  the Master of the Bazar. Crouching down she poked at one of the pockets with the end of a quill that Bouchard had offered at her wordless glance. Inside smashed machinery, a coms relay perhaps, or some compact weapon, unknowable in its demise. The rest yielded little either.

 

The sword, thrown free in the battering, lay not far away. Why had she picked it up? Somehow it was unharmed, unscathed, and the power field flickered into life flawlessly when she gave it an experimental swing. The scabbard had also been flung aside, as if it was fleeing the fate of the corpse, and willing to rejoin the blade.

 

“Bouchard, organise the other facilitators and their likes. Secure any information that will be of value to my Order, and have it loaded onto our shuttle. Flight Lieutenant Lilya Vora will inform you when capacity is reached so don’t waste space and weight on frivolous stuff. Your ride out of here, and my mercy, will depend on the quality of what is loaded, so chose with care. I would pick myself, but my associates have elsewhere to be, don’t disappoint me.”

 

---

 

After the barge had left the Bazaar well behind, Alda slumped against one of the cargo crates that happened to be aboard. She needed rest, the hours as Godfrey had been exhausting. The mental strain of acting out the role, all the little details one had to get right to truly take on another persona. Then at the end, had she overstepped her authority, made the right call. How would the Inquisitors  judge her action on this mission. She had spoken and conducted herself as if she had the authority of rank, the privilege of the Rosette and the impunity of the Office, when none were held to her name.

Edited yesterday at 12:17 AM by Trokair

[Lysimachus]

The barge grinds loudly to a stop against the lowest stone step, and you are able to peer cautiously over the bow ramp up towards the grand alien palace. All remains silent and still, and so you begin to disembark with weapons raised. Have the Eldar already fled?

 

***

 

They watch, unheard and unseen, as the mon-keigh invaders advance, clambering in typically ungainly fashion from one of the trader town’s filthy barges to stand at the base of the steps leading up towards their lord's sanctum. Elegant but deadly weapons are silently readied and carefully aimed. The hunters confer via arcane xenos technology.

 

+++An ceannaire?+++

 

+++Ní hea, an leighis ar dtús.+++

 

+++Aontaithe.+++

 

***

 

The heavy lasbolt bursts out of the jungle without any warning, impossible to avoid. It is likewise almost impossible to properly trace it back to its source, beyond a vague sense that it came from somewhere on the riverbank to your left. It hits Apothecary Amaras precisely between helm and breastplate, a target barely an inch across, puncturing a neat hole in the rubberised joint that forms an environmental seal for his armour.

 

Though the external damage is relatively minor, the harm caused to the Astartes within is… significant. The flesh of his throat melts and cooks, closing up Amaras’ airway, making it almost impossible to draw in precious oxygen. It is a perfectly thought out way to bring down an Imperial Space Marine with a minimum of expended effort. His larynx completely destroyed, the Apothecary cannot even utter a word of warning before his body collapses backwards into the boat, sinking almost immediately into Sus-An in a desperate attempt to preserve air.

 

No avoiding it this time… Gentlemen, your Initiatives please.

 

 

STRUCTURED TIME BEGINS

 

OOC:

 

To be clear, I'm not randomly taking out PCs without any warning! After discussion with 

@Xin Ceithan, he decided that he can't be involved in the game at the moment.

So, as per my previous post in the OOC, I'm using the opportunity of a Structured fight to take Amaras out of the game so I don't have to keep autopiloting him or explaining his silence. He'll probably end up back in his sarcophagus to heal, assuming someone takes him there. It's not necessarily permanent, if Xin feels able to rejoin later, we might be able to have Amaras wake up?

Until such time I'd like to thank Xin for the part he's played in Murderers and the lovely posts he's written, they've been a real pleasure to read! 


As a side point, I don't know if the same situation might be happening with @Urauloth. It's been over a month since his last IC post. I've messaged him but have not had any response yet. If I don't hear back, we could potentially have another unfortunate Sus-An Coma inducing injury before the fight ends... (It’s already a real massacre, who knows if any of you will survive! )
 

Edited Monday at 01:32 PM by Lysimachus

[Mazer Rackham]

Azadth:

 

Init: AG 6 + 1 (Armour) + D10: 10 BABAY! = 17

 

Edited Monday at 01:39 PM by Mazer Rackham

[Machine God]

Asterius:

 

They had travelled upriver from the blazing remnants of the Bazaar, sport was had although the mission of course came first. They needed answers so they had sought out the Xenos in their palace.

 

A slow beast transported them sturdy enough to carry them into the Heart of Darkness.

 

Be careful what you wish for.

 

 

They had found something here. A large palace, fabled Xanadu. Sickly in its alien beauty, an afront to the serene majesty of nature or the ordained edifice of the Imperium.

 

It disgusted him and caused the red mists to sing.

 

Amaras was felled by a heavy lasbolt to the neck, dropping him back onto the boat.

 

Instinctively he jumped and on wings of righteous flame he charged at the foe with bolt pistol and chainsword drawn!

 

 

++LUCIFER!++ He roared through external suit speakers.

 

 

 

 

Initiative - D10 + AGL Bonus: 9 + 6 = 15

 

 

 

 

 

It just might find you...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited Monday at 04:36 PM by Machine God
Typo

[A.T.]

Omoc

 

So some had remained, a single watchman or an ambush it mattered not for now the battle was joined and would not end until every xenos in this place had been found and struck down.

 

 

Init: 7+5 = 12

[Trokair]

Alda

 

 

The heavy thud of the collapsing einherjar startled her. She had been dozing on the journey, confident that they keep watch. Even though she had been woken as the barge had approached this landing site she was still shaking sleep from her head. Now adrenaline swept it all away. Danger coursed through her body.

 

While the others, were already reacting, inhuman speed that was their gift, she felt sluggish by comparison, even as she dashed full pelt to apothecaries side.  Red scorch against pale flesh, rasp for air as even unconscious the lungs sought air and the body craved to give it. The injury unknown in extend to her, a mortal would have been felled for sure, but the effect was clear. Even with the difference in physiology and the limit of her training, suffocation was self apparent.

 

Instinct drew the knife, training placed its mono sharpened edge on Amaras’s throat, will steadied shaking hand, and with all her might she drove the blade down. For a moment the transhuman flesh resisted, fought her. Then the blade went in. With the first movement downwards she threw herself aside, pulling up, lest the blade go to deep.  

 

A ratchet gurgle, retching and grasping for air. The einherjar breathed. Righting herself to kneel by him she examined the wound she inflicted, it had worked, but already the wound was trying to heal. She needed to keep it open. Casting about nothing was to hand, her pack dislodged had slid across the barge deck.

 

Drawing her bolt pistol, looking up just long enough to ensure none of the others where in the muzzle’s path she pulled the trigger. The kick awkward, trying to wrench it from her grip, as she had held it so as to direct the ejection port.  A scrabble for the casing, scorching, she managed to clasp it down with part of her coat. A stab and twist with the mono blade, the spent blasting cap torn open. She had a tube of sorts. The rasping breath had already sized again. Once more she went to work with blade in one hand, cutting Astartes flesh, shell casing in the other, ready to keep the airways open.   

 

 

---

D10: 6 + 6 (Ag) +2 (Paranoia) +2 (Murphy’s Law)= 16

Edited yesterday at 01:12 AM by Trokair

[Necronaut]

Gerhardt

 

The Black Templar was a seething cauldron of contempt and hatred, which he barely held in check during their trip up-river, and he kept to himself, standing upon the prow of the barge, rocking back and forth in crazed prayer to the Emperor. He knew their enemies were close now; he could all but taste their foulness upon the air of this diseased world. He could scarcely wait for the cyclonic torpedoes to breach the atmosphere of the moon and render it and its inhabitants into blackened nuclear glass.

 

+++

 

When the barge ground to a halt upon the great stone stairs, he was snapped from his maddened reverie, and he mechanically disembarked from the ramshackle craft, peering upwards into the mist which hung over the dense jungle.

 

Brother Amaras was right behind him, and in the flash of an eye the apothecary was felled by heavy weapons fire, going down in a heap nearby.

 

+Amaras! No!+

 

He shielded the downed sanguinary priest with his body and raised Eisenfaust, panning the enormous boltgun around in search of their assailants, but they were nowhere to be found.

 

+FACE ME, XENOS! I AM YOUR DOOM!+

 

 

Initiative: Ag4 + 6 (d10) 10 (FP) = 14 

 

Gerhardt spends 1 FP for 10 on initiative roll. 2/4 remaining.

 

Edited Monday at 09:17 PM by Necronaut

[Mazer Rackham]

Azadth:

 

The las-bolt sizzled past his ear, thumping home with a ping-crack of sublimated ceramite and harrowed plasteel. High-focus, narrow-beam, long-range weapon. The nature of the beast spoke to it's form and function. A mere lasgun wouldn't have the power to do that, nor the precision - so it was obviously a concealed sniper shot. It takes one to know one, after all.

 

A brief glance over his right shoulder reported Aramas, thier medic dropping like a stone, his gorget ruptured, nothing could be done immediatel, he had to trust the Red Priest was tougher than he looked, with his perfect features and well-sculpted armour. His wargear marked him out. This was no near miss on a random warrior like Azadth, they had taken their healer.

 

It was a good thing their commander wasn't keen on being saluted every five minutes, or they would have lost Váfri too.

 

+Contact left!+ Azadth said, loudly, firmly. No panic, just the cold anger at himself for not spotting the threat, not expecting it. He should know.

 

Without warning, and a vague impression of the team roaring and braying into action, the diminuative Little Sister responding, he pitched over into the river, letting the current take him as he briefly swam to the bank, carefully emerging through a cling of long water-grass, snagging on the vertices of his armour in a mantlet of vegetation as his head broke the surface, looking keenly for the foemen.

 

Half Action: Silent Move: AG 65 + 10 (Training) = 75

D100: 14 PASS, Plus 6 DoS

 

Then:

 

Half Action: Hide (+10 Conceal) = AG 65 + 10 (Training) - 10 (Size) = 75

D100: 14 (Again??) PASS, Plus 6 DoS

 

Free Tracking Test: Int 48

D100: 10, PASS, plus 3 DoS.

 

Yes, his hunter's mind told him, he could see it - the passing of the las-bolt, the crisped leaves and wilted branch, just there. His tongue was still, informing not the wrath of his comrades, save the staunchly silent Omoc, to whom he lifted a hand in Battle Sign.

 

/Have/Track/Stand/By/.

 

Let the others cause havoc and be the distraction - fate had revealed the first hint of the enemy and inexorably bound them to his path - and then, and then, the Scorpion could sting them for the feast of beheading. No matter who they were, the enemy would learn to fear the terror found in the Green, once more he would haunt the Ulu. He gave into it, became one with it as he slowly slithered up the riverbank, caked in mud and moss, a Kaymanid, wading ashore for meat.

[Mike Zulu]

Zidemi:

 

Zidemi had accompanied Asterius back to the shuttle to equip his Jump Pack, prior to embarking on the barge to the palace. He sensed the restlessness in his fellow Astartes; Omoc was similarly incensed. There was certainly a collective desire among the Kill-Team to decimate the settlement in righteous fury. 

 

Zidemi had no particular objection as such, but it was an unnecessary deviation from their mission goal.

 

At least for now.

 

+++

 

Having some time to observe the vista on approach to the xenos’ palace, Zidemi was amused and puzzled. How did such an idyllic paradise survive in this galaxy? It was picturesque, comparable to the artworks of ancient Terra he had seen during his tenure on Mars. There was no doubt in his mind that a combination of dark dealings and clever tricks had preserved this place. A war-torn galaxy was not kind on such a world as this.

 

Once they disembarked from the barge, Zidemi ran a scan with his Auspex…

 

 

Spoiler

Zidemi will conduct a broad scan using the Auspex for anything unusual…

Tech-Use: 50(Int) + 20(Implants) + 3(Trappings) = 73 required

Roll d100: 78 = Fail, 0DoF

 

… but the Machine Spirit failed to provide coherent data that Zidemi could understand.

 

He had no time to tune out the interference when the crack of las fire breaks the tranquility. His Auto-senses failed to pinpoint the direction, but in the corner of his eye, he saw one of his Astartes brothers fall to the deck lifelessly. 

 

Amaras had been felled by a sniper. The Kill-Team had just sprung an eldar ambush.

 

“Forever the deceitful sort,” Zidemi muttered.

 

Gerhardt leapt to the defence of the Apothecary, his bolter drawn and choler rising. As the others raised weapons and took up defensive postures, Azadth seemed to have quickly discerned the source of the attack.

 

Zidemi reached for his own bolter, and waited for a targetting solution.

 

Spoiler

Initiative

Roll d10: 10 + 4(Ag) = 14

 

[Lysimachus]

With the first shot fired, the silver-armoured Aeldari reveal themselves. A small squad appears atop the imposing wall that surrounds the verdant gardens, and more can be seen inside the boundary, spreading out from the arched vestibule of the palace itself.

 

There are perhaps a score of the Eldar pirates. Were they lesser troops, such a number would mean nothing to you… but these are not lesser troops. The Anrathe are cunning, experienced, deadly fighters, blindingly fast and equipped with arms that, while very different, are easily a match for the best the Imperium can provide.

 

This might be the end.

 

 

Round 1:

 

 

Cohesion: 6

‘Saga of the Wolf-King’ Oath: reduces all CP costs by 1 to a minimum of 1.
Available Squad Modes: Bolter Assault, Fire for Effect, Furious Charge

NB. Remember that if you wish to use any Squad Modes, you need to have enough CP to pay the cost of that Mode, plus have at least 1CP remaining ‘in the bank’ or you will all immediately drop to Solo Mode.

 

Initiative Order / Status:

[ ] Fatedealer (FD) | Ag10 + 9 = 19! | WOUNDS ??/??
[ ] Azadth (K) | (SOLO) | Ag7 +10 = 17 | WOUNDS 22/22 | FATE 3/3
[ ] Shaderunner (S) | Ag12 +4 = 16 | WOUNDS??/??
[ ] Felarch (F) | Ag10 +6 = 16 | WOUNDS??/?? | FATE?/?
[ ] Starstorm Duellist (D) | Ag10 +5 = 15 | WOUNDS??/??
[ ] Asterius (A) | (SOLO) | Ag6 +9 = 15 | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 4/4
[ ] Gerhardt (G) | (SOLO) | Ag4 +10 = 14 | WOUNDS 24/24 | FATE 2/3
[ ] Zidemi (Z) | (SOLO) | Ag4 +10 = 14 | WOUNDS 22/22 | FATE 3/3
[ ] Alda (U) | Ag4 +2(Paranoia) +2(Murphy's Law) +6 = 14 | WOUNDS 20/20 | FATE 2/2
[ ] Wayseeker (W) | Ag10 +3 = 13 | WOUNDS??/?? | FATE?/?
[ ] Corsair Squad (A) | Ag8 +5 = 13 | MAG ??/??
[ ] Omoc (O) | (SOLO) | Ag5 +7 = 12 | WOUNDS 20/20 | FATE 4/4
[ ] Vafri (V) (Leader) | (SOLO) | Ag4 +8 = 12 | WOUNDS 19/19 | FATE 3/3
[ ] Corsair Squad (C) | Ag8 +3 = 11 | MAG ??/??
[ ] Corsair Squad (B) | Ag8 +1 = 9 | MAG ??/??

[ ] Moridyn (M) | (SOLO) | Ag3 +4 = 7 | WOUNDS 20/20 | FATE 3/3

 

 

Notes:

Map grid is 2x2m.

Azadth and the Fatedealer are both hidden in the surrounding jungle, and are therefore not currently shown on the Map.

The main palace wall is approx 3.5m tall and blocks LoS.

 

Enemies:

Corsairs Squads (A, B & C)

 

WS: 42, BS: 42, S: 31(3), T: 32(3), Ag: 43(8), Int: 35, Per: 40, WP: 40, Fel: 30

Move: 6/12/18/36
Horde Mag: ??
Skills: Acrobatics, Awareness, Concealment, Dodge, Silent Move
Talents: Catfall, Hard Target, Heightened Senses (Sight, Hearing), Hipshooting, Jaded, Sprint
Traits: Dark Sight, Unnatural Agility(x2)
Horde Traits: Fire Drill, Fighting Withdrawal, Skirmishers, Retinue*
*Retinue: Individual Eldar within 2m of a Corsair Squad are considered to be attached and cannot be separately targeted with Ranged Attacks.
Weapons: Shuriken Catapult (60m; S/3/10; 1d10+4 R; Pen 6; Clip 100; Rld 2 Full; Reliable),
Eldar Laspistol (35m; S/2/-; 1d10+3 E; Pen 2; Clip 35; Rld Full; Reliable),
Best Craftsmanship Mono-blade (1d10+5, Pen 2)
Armour: Anrathe Bodysuit (All 5)

 

 

Felarch (F)

 

WS: 65, BS: 55, S: 40(4), T: 40(4), Ag: 56(10), Int: 41, Per: 40, WP: 45, Fel: 40

Move: 6/12/18/36
Wounds: ??
Skills: Acrobatics, Awareness, Command+10, Concealment, Contortionist+10, Dodge+10, Silent Move
Talents: Catfall, Counter-Attack, Hard Target, Heightened Senses (Sight, Hearing) Jaded, Leap Up, Lightning Attack, Quickdraw, Sprint, Two Weapon Wielder (Melee and Ballistic), Untouchable*, Wall of Steel
*Untouchable: If an enemy uses a FP to activate Killing Strike, the Felarch may also spend a FP in order to attempt a Dodge/Parry vs the attack (if he still has a Reaction available).
Traits: Ambidextrous, Dark Sight, Unnatural Agility(x2), Touched by the Fates(?)
Weapons:
Neuro-Disruptor (15m; S/-/-; 1d10+4 E; Ignores Armour; Clip N/A, Reload: N/A; Neural Damage: Damage is negated by WP Bonus rather than TB)
Power Sword (1d10+8 E; Pen 8; Balanced, Power Field)
Armour: Anrathe Bodysuit (All 5)

 

 

Wayseeker (W)

 

WS: 55, BS: 55, S: 38(3), T: 35(3), Ag: 51(10), Int: 46, Per: 40, WP: 58, Fel: 37

Move: 6/12/18/36
Wounds: ??
Skills: Acrobatics, Awareness, Command+10, Concealment, Contortionist+10, Dodge+10, Invocation, Psyniscience+10, Silent Move
Talents: Catfall, Hard Target, Heightened Senses (Sight, Hearing) Jaded, Leap Up, Psy Rating(5), Sprint, Improved Warp Sense
Traits: Dark Sight, Unnatural Agility(x2), Touched by the Fates(?)
Weapons: 
Shuriken Pistol (20m; S/3/5; 1d10+2 R; Pen 4; Clip 40; Reload 2 Full; Reliable)
Witch Staff (1d10+7 E, Pen5, Force)
Equipment: Psy-Focus
Armour: Anrathe Bodysuit (All 5), Rune Armour (a Force Field with a Protection Rating equal to the wearer’s Willpower Characteristic. There is no chance of Rune Armour overloading)

 

 

(Wayseeker Psychic Powers)

 

Conceal: The Wayseeker's talents produce an iridescent mist that confuses the senses and defies the ill-intent of his enemies, preventing them from firing accurately at the Eldar under his protection. Any ranged attacks made against him or his followers* suffer an additional –20 Penalty, and weapons may not benefit from the Aim action against a Concealed target. (Half Action, may be Sustained)

Destructor: The Wayseeker focuses his hate and fury into a seething wave of power, blasting aside all in its path. This power functions in all ways exactly as the Psychic Power Avenger.

Enhance: The Wayseeker speeds his allies’ reactions and heightens their prowess with flickering shards of his own skill. He and his followers* gain a +10 bonus to Ballistic Skill and a +2 bonus to Initiative. (Half Action, may be Sustained)

*Followers refer to the Corsair Squad to which the Wayseeker is attached.

 

 

 

Shaderunner (S)

 

WS: 61, BS: 42, S: 35(3), T: 33(3), Ag: 63(12), Int: 35, Per: 40, WP: 40, Fel: 30

Move: 6/12/18/36 (12/24/36/72)
Wounds: ??
Skills: Acrobatics+10, Awareness, Concealment+10, Contortionist+20, Dodge+10, Silent Move+10
Talents: Assassin Strike, Catfall, Combat Master, Crushing Blow (included below), Hard Target, Heightened Senses (Sight, Hearing) Jaded, Leap Up, Swift Attack, Precise Blow, Preternatural Speed, Quickdraw, Sprint, Step Aside, Two Weapon Wielder (Melee and Ballistic)
Traits: Ambidextrous, Dark Sight, Unnatural Agility(x2)
Weapons: 
Shuriken Pistol (20m; S/3/5; 1d10+2 R; Pen 4; Clip 40; Reload 2 Full; Reliable)
Two Hekatarii Blades (1d10+7 R; Pen 3; Balanced, Razor Sharp)
Equipment: Blink Pack*
Armour: Anrathe Bodysuit (All 5)

 

*Blink Pack: As Jump Pack, doubles Movement rate. Wearer can pass through physical obstacles (buildings, walls, cover, etc). When the wearer uses a Charge Action, target suffers a -20 penalty to Dodge/Parry tests.

 

 

Fatedealer (FD)

 

WS: 42, BS: 61, S: 35(3), T: 33(3), Ag: 51(10), Int: 35, Per: 40, WP: 40, Fel: 30

Move: 6/12/18/36
Wounds: ??
Skills: Acrobatics, Awareness+20, Concealment+10, Dodge, Silent Move+20
Talents: Crack Shot, Eye of Vengeance, Hard Target, Heightened Senses (Sight, Hearing) Jaded, Marksman, Mighty Shot (included below), Sharpshooter, Sprint
Traits: Ambidextrous, Dark Sight, Unnatural Agility(x2)
Weapons:
Master-Crafted Long Rifle (200m; S/-/-; 1d10+10 E; Pen 4; Clip 30; Reload 2 Full; Accurate, Reliable)
Best Craftsmanship Mono-blade (1d5+5, Pen 2)
Equipment: Cameleoline Cloak
Armour: Anrathe Bodysuit (All 5)

 

 

Starstorm Duellist (D)

 

WS: 42, BS: 61, S: 35(3), T: 33(3), Ag: 51(10), Int: 35, Per: 40, WP: 40, Fel: 30

Move: 6/12/18/36
Wounds: ??
Skills: Acrobatics+10, Awareness+10, Concealment, Contortionist+10, Dodge+10, Silent Move
Talents: Dual Shot, Hard Target, Heightened Senses (Sight, Hearing), Hipshooting, Independent Targeting, Jaded, Leap Up, Sprint, Target Selection, Two Weapon Wielder (Ballistic)
Traits: Ambidextrous, Dark Sight, Unnatural Agility(x2)
Weapons:
Shuriken Pistol (20m; S/3/5; 1d10+2 R; Pen 4; Clip 40; Reload 2 Full; Reliable)
Fusion Pistol 15m; S/–/–; 3d10+8 E; Pen 12; Clip 6; Rld 2 Full; Reliable)
Armour: Anrathe Bodysuit (All 5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited 10 hours ago by Lysimachus

[Lysimachus]

Round 1 Summary:

 

[x] Fatedealer: Awareness Test to detect Azadth approaching:

Per40 +10(Awareness+10) +10(HS) = 60, Roll: 58, Pass (barely) but not remotely sufficient to beat Azadth's Silent Move. We'll say he is aware someone got off the side of the boat, but he doesn't know where he is now…

Action: Full Move

Silent Move Test to reposition after shooting.
Ag51 +20(Silent Move+20) = 71, Roll: 25, 4DoS
Concealment Test to remain hidden:
Ag51 +10(Concealment+10) +20(Cloak) = 81, Roll: 12, 6DoS

 

 

[x] Azadth: I'm assuming bail out and swim to the left riverbank as per your previous post? I'm not 100% how much of your Actions in R1 this uses, but I'm guessing it's most of it?

 

Azadth: You slip stealthily through the mud, over and under low branches and trailing vines. A quick glance back at the barge’s position relative to your own. Yes, this is where they must have fired from, where you would have struck from. Ready to kill, you edge forward an inch at a time…

 

There is something in the undergrowth. An… emptiness? There is not a mark left behind, not a snapped creeper or a broken blade of jungle grass, merely a sense of negative space and the faintest scent of ozone. The xenos sniper is no fool. They have fired and immediately repositioned, just as you would have done, with all the speed and grace of their kind, disappearing into the green. This will be no easy hunt.

 

 

 

Back within the palace walls, the Aeldari leader gives orders to his followers in a high, clear, alien tongue but does not move. It seems they are largely content to wait for you to enter their compound. But one of the Corsairs' number intends to act.

 

 

[x] Shaderunner: Charge Gerhardt. Preternatural Speed plus Swift Attack plus TWW:Melee allows 3 Attacks:

1: Precise Blow at Left Arm

WS61 +10(Charge) = 71, Roll: 54, Hit.

Dam 1d10(8) +7 = 15 at Pen3 (Razor Sharp does not activate)

15 - TB10 - AV4(7 - Pen3) = 1 Wound

2: Precise Blow at Right Arm

WS61 +10(Charge) = 71, Roll: 32, Hit.

Dam 1d10(10) +7 = 17 at Pen6 (Razor Sharp activates)

17 - TB10 - AV1(7 - Pen6) = 6 Wounds

3. Precise Blow at Left Leg

WS61 +10(Charge) = 71, Roll: 04, Hit.

Dam 1d10(6) +7 = 13 at Pen6 (Razor Sharp activates)

13 - TB10 - AV1(7 - Pen6) = 2 Wounds

 

(I'll let @Necronaut decide which Attack to try to Dodge/Parry, but presumably the 2nd one! Remember it is at -20, though!)

 

Shaderunner's Assassin Strike Test: Ag63 +10(Acrobatics+10), Roll: 49, Success. Breaks from Combat and retreats back behind the palace wall.

 

 

Gerhardt: The attack is almost without warning, a shifting, blurring shadow that races towards you from within the palace wall itself, becoming a torrent of blades that appear as if from the air and cut into the softer joints of your battleplate. Suddenly, as quickly as it came, it shrinks back, another blur that darts back into the surface of the stone wall. Were it not for the blood that pools in your armour, you might have thought it a ghost.

 

 

 

[x] Felarch: Delay.

 

[x] Starstorm Duellist: Delay.

 

[ ] Asterius: ???

 

Edited 9 hours ago by Lysimachus

[Mazer Rackham]

Azadth:

 

OOC: Yes, GM, that was my intention, thank you. 

 

The absence was the evidence. Out there, past those tress, the lianas, the great vines and boles, swathed by mud and grass was a hole in the jungle. An absence of the Green, where a living thing cloistered in the shades of branches.

 

The game begins.

 

Edited 12 hours ago by Mazer Rackham

[Lord_Ikka]

Moridyn

 

Initiative- 3 + 4 (roll) = 7

[Machine God]

Asterius:

 

Even with the song of the red mists calling, his bionic leg reminded him of rashness. 

 

Let Gerhardt take the head of the Snake! 

 

He was an Assault Marine and knew his duty. Stop those on the wall from firing. 

 

 

 

Charge into Eldar A. 

 

WS 55 +10 (Charge) = 65. Roll: 01, Pass 6DoS. Chainsword: 1d10+3, Pen: 3, Balanced, Tearing. Flesh Render.

 

Damage: 8, 5, 3 = 8 +3 +12 (SB) = 25. 

 

Wrathful Descent: +1d10 Damage to Horde Magnitude after a successful Charge attack. Roll: 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Lysimachus]

Round 1 Summary Cont:

[x] Asterius: Charge Corsairs A, Hit!
6 DoS means +3 additional Hits vs Horde = 4 Hits.
Wrathful Descent adds d10(3) = 7 Hits in total.

Skirmishers Horde Trait allows Corsairs A to attempt to Dodge: Ag43, Roll: 84, Fail!

Minimum Dam should be sufficient to overcome TB+AV, so all Hits cause Mag Dam. 7 Mag Dam suffered.

The narrowness of the wall top means that even the lithe Eldar are unable to avoid the Assault trooper’s thundering descent. One of the xenos is crushed utterly beneath Asterius’ falling bulk and another takes a vicious wound from his churning chainblade.

 

 

[ ] Gerhardt: ???