[BC] The Blackest Heart (OOC)

[FabiusV4lcoran]

The collateral damage of crashing that large a ship would also probably go far towards the more destructive aspects of our secondaries too.

[Mazer Rackham]

Alright chaps, keep these thoughts in mind when we go to convene on Wednesday. Let's hear the back and forth on it from your 'avatars' and have votes, brawls and decisions.

 

At the convention, you'll also need to choose your Anointed (who will break any tie in decisions making) and if you are Dedicating, and to whom.

 

EDIT: Don't forget to get your ACQ's done gentlemen, if you snooze, you lose.

 

Edited April 19 by Mazer Rackham

[Lysimachus]

13 hours ago, Iron Father Ferrum said:

 

Crashing a ship into the relay while broadcasting an SOS will make it look like an accident, but will still provoke an emergency response.  A military response may be minimal, but there will be lots of EMS there to dig out survivors.  I'd prefer there as few people there as possible while we're executing the Astropaths.

 

 

Emphasis mine.

 

Ah, I think that's where we're getting crossed wires? I'm not suggesting we hit the same building that the sneaky types will then go into?

 

Maybe we find another worthwhile target in Harville, but on the opposite side of town, to smash the hauler into, thereby drawing responders (and probably some military and/or investigators) away from the Astropathic Relay, making life easier for Obadiah and co?

 

Possibly it depends on the map of Harville, will we have that for Wednesday?

 

 

Edited April 19 by Lysimachus

[Mazer Rackham]

1 hour ago, Lysimachus said:

Maybe we find another worthwhile target in Harville, but on the opposite side of town, to smash the hauler into, thereby drawing responders (and probably some military and/or investigators) away from the Astropathic Relay, making life easier for Obadiah and co?

 

An idea occurs to me. We can split the difference here and Plan A is slit throats. Plan B is insurance and a bolt-on. If plan A fails, then ramming speed into Slot A. If Plan A goes great, ramming speed into Slot B for added value.

 

Or you can make up your minds on the day if there is to be any ramming at all, and you can just otherwise commandeer the ship to land bigger equipment/more troops etc.

 

You can always ram later.

 

1 hour ago, Lysimachus said:

Possibly it depends on the map of Harville, will we have that for Wednesday?

 

'Possibly' is the best I can give at the moment. I'm working on it.

 

EDIT: Your map is up. What isn't listed fill in with narrative or use your noggin. Your compliance is appreciated.

 

Edited April 19 by Mazer Rackham

[Lysimachus]

Very nice map! I'm assuming from what I can see that it is sort of Babylon-esque in the sense that it has a canal/moat dug from the river around the city (and the Arbites bastion too?)

 

Could pull a Cyrus and divert the river...? 

 

And the landing fields are the green bit next to the bastion...? Fortuitous that it's so close... 

[BadgersinHills]

Agree about the map. Sorry guys, will be a bit busy until Wednesday with exams so can't chip in with the planning. Mourn's fine if he can fight some people!

[Iron Father Ferrum]

Is the Astropathic delay on there?  We've been discussing it, but I also know that might not be something you want in the middle of a city.  You know, in case of. . . incursions.

[Mazer Rackham]

32 minutes ago, Lysimachus said:

Very nice map! I'm assuming from what I can see that it is sort of Babylon-esque in the sense that it has a canal/moat dug from the river around the city (and the Arbites bastion too?)

 

Cheers!

 

I can't take the credit though - this is actually a bastardised map of Antwerp from 1832 with MS Paint (lol) and Powerpoint (lol x 2). I used it to help with my 'sight-seeing' tour for my literary heroes in one of my novels.

 

32 minutes ago, Lysimachus said:

Could pull a Cyrus and divert the river...? 

 

And the landing fields are the green bit next to the bastion...? Fortuitous that it's so close... 

 

Indeed....there are walls around the place, complete with ramparts and stuff, and the quays also act as tidal/flooding reservoirs. Lots of drainage (which is a real fact about Antwerp - the drainage tunnels).

 

Antwerp is also surrounded by deliberate defensive flood plains. Harville, as it takes inspiration will be too. They used them in WWI to limited effect.

 

14 minutes ago, BadgersinHills said:

Agree about the map. Sorry guys, will be a bit busy until Wednesday with exams so can't chip in with the planning. Mourn's fine if he can fight some people!

 

Good luck with your exams! 

 

8 minutes ago, Iron Father Ferrum said:

Is the Astropathic delay on there?  We've been discussing it, but I also know that might not be something you want in the middle of a city.  You know, in case of. . . incursions.

 

On the original map there is a fort directly across the river from where I've marked the Admin block. You can put it there with a bridge, if that will satisfy?

 

Edited April 19 by Mazer Rackham

[Lysimachus]

6 hours ago, Mazer Rackham said:

EDIT: Don't forget to get your ACQ's done gentlemen, if you snooze, you lose.

 

 

Almost forgot that!

 

Hagga will attempt to Acq some extra ammo for the Astartes. This is more for our FOB in case we need to resupply, Hagga has enough on his belt to start with? I might just try for a single Clip of Hellfire to try and improve my odds? Also, looking at ammo, I might try to get some high grade promethium for Eska's flamer (her fiery breath is becoming more potent!)

 

 

Bolter Clips:
I'm not actually sure on the Rarity for that, the special Bolt ammo is Very Rare, but ‘standard’ Rounds aren’t listed at all. Anyway, I figure they're at least a step or 2 easier than special ones?
Inf47 +0(Scarce?) -10(5-10 Clips) = 37, Roll: 32, Pass!

 

1 Clip Hellfire Ammo:
Inf47 -20(Very Rare) +10(Single Clip) = 37, Roll: 81, Fail!

 

1 Clip High Grade Promethium:
Inf47 -0(Scarce) +10(Single Clip) = 57, Roll: 43, Pass!

 

 

 

[Mazer Rackham]

14 minutes ago, Lysimachus said:

Hagga will attempt to Acq some extra ammo for the Astartes. This is more for our FOB in case we need to resupply, Hagga has enough on his belt to start with?

 

I'd have gone to Rare for the bolter mags, but that's fine, as it stands either way.  On the Quant - it's 5-10, (+1 for DoS) so...6+D4 (4) = 10 Total.

 

I think I'll work nebulous Quants like this from now on - seems fair and reasonably rewarding for passing Inf Tests.

[Lysimachus]

19 minutes ago, Mazer Rackham said:

 

I'd have gone to Rare for the bolter mags, but that's fine, as it stands either way. 

 

Ooo, I hate to say it but if they're Rare, my roll would have failed on that one, -10 rather than +/-0...?

 

 

[Mojake]

@Mazer Rackham what rarity do we think a servitor without offensive capability would be to carry Varne's weapon? Thinking ideally a flyer, or tracked as a back-up. Do I need to make an Acquisition test or can I ask an attendant Magi for help?

 

FYI I'll have to jump in the GM bag of holding from Thursday - Sunday as I'm away for the weekend.

 

FYI2, I'm putting my house up for sale this week, life is currently chaotic, the next two weeks I'll do my utmost best to keep up but I may be down to a post every couple days!

[Mazer Rackham]

12 minutes ago, Lysimachus said:

Ooo, I hate to say it but if they're Rare, my roll would have failed on that one, -10 rather than +/-0...?

 

Split the difference - 5 Magazines?

 

4 minutes ago, Mojake said:

@Mazer Rackham what rarity do we think a servitor without offensive capability would be to carry Varne's weapon? Thinking ideally a flyer, or tracked as a back-up. Do I need to make an Acquisition test or can I ask an attendant Magi for help?

 

Plus:

 

4 minutes ago, Mojake said:

FYI2, I'm putting my house up for sale...

 

Dude, it's not that hard to acquire, holy clotted cream, man!

 

In all sincerity, appreciate the heads-up. It's going to be a lot of planning so won't be terribly strenuous for folks.

 

On the gear, just borrow a tracked servitor from Xerxes. *Takes House Keys*

 

Keep the change*.

 

* = Because there isn't any..

[Iron Father Ferrum]

Is there a way for one of our Tech Priests to integrate the stummer I just acquired into my armor?  It only runs for 20 minutes on a full charge, and being able to have it just run off the armor's power plant would be awesome.

[A.T.]

33 minutes ago, Iron Father Ferrum said:

Is there a way for one of our Tech Priests to integrate the stummer I just acquired into my armor?  It only runs for 20 minutes on a full charge, and being able to have it just run off the armor's power plant would be awesome.

 

Power supply tampering is an armour option, though the guidelines on page 176 indicates that you need to acquire specialist parts in addition to making the test.

[Mazer Rackham]

1 hour ago, Iron Father Ferrum said:

Is there a way for one of our Tech Priests to integrate the stummer I just acquired into my armor?  It only runs for 20 minutes on a full charge, and being able to have it just run off the armor's power plant would be awesome.

 

1 hour ago, A.T. said:

Power supply tampering is an armour option, though the guidelines on page 176 indicates that you need to acquire specialist parts in addition to making the test.

 

I appreciate AT giving me some mechanics so I can rely on this rather than just 'GM says no.'

 

However, in other news, that's far too good for who and what you are/have. The risk of getting caught with your trousers round your ankles is part and parcel of the deal.

 

Sorry.

 

Edited April 19 by Mazer Rackham

[Machine God]

28 minutes ago, Mazer Rackham said:

 

 

I appreciate AT giving me some mechanics so I can rely on this rather than just 'GM says no.'

 

However, in other news, that's far too good for who and what you are/have. The risk of getting caught with your trousers round your ankles is part and parcel of the deal.

 

'GM says no.'

 

Sorry.

 

 

"Sorry you have reached the number for Magos Kraggan, but he is busy and you have been put on hold. Your call is important to us so please listen to the inspirational music whilst you wait and we will get back to you." 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k85mRPqvMbE&list=RDk85mRPqvMbE&start_radio=1

 

 

 

 

[Mazer Rackham]

44 minutes ago, Machine God said:

"Sorry you have reached the number for Magos Kraggan, but he is busy and you have been put on hold. Your call is important to us so please listen to the inspirational music whilst you wait and we will get back to you." 

 

Even if Magos Kraggan was at home and picking up, the answer would still be, sorry, but no. 

[Iron Father Ferrum]

2 hours ago, Mazer Rackham said:

 

 

I appreciate AT giving me some mechanics so I can rely on this rather than just 'GM says no.'

 

However, in other news, that's far too good for who and what you are/have. The risk of getting caught with your trousers round your ankles is part and parcel of the deal.

 

Sorry.

 

 

Oh come on!  I just want to be able to *never* fail a Stealth check!  Is that too much to ask?!?

[Mazer Rackham]

@Iron Father Ferrum This you?

 

Spoiler

 

 

Edited April 19 by Mazer Rackham

[Lord_Ikka]

Ok, thinking this through a little bit, basic plan that Crux'as will lay out as far as his actions will go- 

 

1. Landing back on Bounty w/cell 

    A. Need to figure out configuration of "first-wave" infiltrators

    B. Schmooze into Harville as Bardum, trading factor extraordinaire. Inform Custodians of minor trade deal w/Jerall, that there will be several more landings in the next few days to conduct business.

    C. Use Xerxes control of local servitors to unload explosive cargo, distribute to House Padruk/Jerall factors to give to fighters

2. Make contact with noble faction (Padruk/Jerall/others....?)

    A. Attempt to get access codes/ID docs from older administration for the Kontors/Administratum areas

    B. Get nobles to work on the compromised PDF LT- try to set him up to take over guard duties of armory and be ready to "look the other way" when we show up at said armory

    C. Instigate issues between PDF Commander/noble daughter/Commander's subordinate. Try for noble daughter/noble dad to take a shot at the Commander, otherwise just tie up the Commander with personal issues (ie- big fight) between the two women to distract him

3. Profit?

    A. From here, don't know what Crux'as should do when the actual raid goes down. He's got the Command Skill and can probably "lead" some of the fighters if needed, but he isn't a fighter himself really and probably shouldn't be on the front line.

 

 

For the overall mission, with what we have acquired, I see a couple of operations going on simultaneously-

1. Distract/destroy PDF/Sororitas/Enforcers/Astropaths - Vale/Plantation "Loyalists", Astartes component (?)

   A. Vale/Plantation fighters with Padruk loyalties set up to provide distractions for the Imps. Use firebombs/demo to create flashpoints, then ambush response crews.

   B. Astartes-led stealth-team takes out Astropathic choir

   C. Astartes kill-squad targets either Enforcer precinct or Sororitas shrine

2. Steal from Armory - Mortal cell/Crux'as (?), Vale merc crew, single Astartes (?)

    A. Attempt to bribe /blackmail compromised LT on guard, kill if not able

    B. Steal everything. Load up minor stuff and send off with some of the mercs, majority (along with suitable recruits) go to our landers

3. Steal/Destroy food storage/town - Servitors, mortal crew, plantation fighters

     A. If we are able to gain access to the Kontors, steal as much food as possible using the servitors/any transport we can acquire

     B. Firebomb any kontor we can't empty using plantation fighters

     C. After stealing food, load up servitors with firebombs and use them to destroy administrative area

4. Evacuate

     A. Astartes crew leaves first, attempt to hijack bulk freighter to ram the city?

     B. Load up all available shuttles/landing ships with stolen loot and whatever Vale fighters/plantation conscripts we can force into them. Steal more ships if possible?

     C. Run out as fast as possible

[Mazer Rackham]

Just to back up what Ikka is cranking out here - I need your teams, the Anointed, and Dedication (if any), before we launch.

[Lysimachus]

Well, as usual, I'd say Khorne is probably going to be most useful for the Astartes characters, and maybe not terrible for the mortals either, should they get in a fight (definitely a possibility) …but I'm conscious we've gone that way several times already?

 

Tzeentch or Slaanesh might be more valuable for the infiltrators?

 

Nurgle is… honestly not great. +5T doesn't make a lot of difference, unless maybe it pushes you over a TB increase (even then it's only +1TB, though?) But I'm sure Varne would appreciate a +1 Nurgle to his Alignment total!

 

 

Or just leave it this time? You lose out on a bit of Inf, but you don't take as much Corruption either?

 

[Necronaut]

I'm of half a mind to nominate Crux'as as the anointed and dedicate this sucker to Tzeentch on account of all of the leg-work he and the other mortals on the away team did. Social upheaval, deceit, with a dash of potential widespread suffering and mutation? Please and thank you!

 

Edit: ... But a Khorne dedication would be more useful for the old hack-n-slash.

Edited April 20 by Necronaut

[Mazer Rackham]

You could always dedicate it to Unaligned. You get no benefits outside of extra Infamy and CP's, but if you b0rk it, you don't count as having done so for the purposes of a Failing, either.