[Deathwatch] It's the Fi-nal Sanction! IC

[Executus]

Link to OOC thread. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9549874)


Arrival:
It has been several months since you boarded the black painted Thunderhawks of Deathwatch, leaving your home chapter and your brothers there. The Thunderhawk docks with a Inquisitorial vessel for the trip to the Watch Station. You spend the trip isolated in meditating or solo training, steeling yourself for the trials ahead. You keep the tennants of your Chapter close at hand, but know that you will meet marines who challenge them. Your Chaplains warned you of this, and you were trained in methods to alleviate these possibilities.

After several weeks of warp travel, you hear an klaxons sound, indicating you are returning to realspace and near your destination. You have reached Watch Fortress Erioch: the grand space bastion that serves as Deathwatch's headquarters, it's exact location only known to a few dozen navigators and trusted captains. A brutal mass of armoured basilica, domes, and spires, the Fortress bristles with enough armamend to rival a sizeable battlegroup. Here is where you will be transformed into a member of the Deathwatch.

Disembarking from the ship is the final reminder that you have left your old life in your old chapter behind; perhaps temporarily, perhaps permanently. Other recruits from various Chapters disembark with you and you are led to a small assembly area next to the void dock. You steel yourself as a large Deathwatch Marine approaches you moments after you have all been accounted for. The his armor is black with his left arm worked in silver, incorporating the Deathwatch emblem. By the fire-breathing dragon displayed on his right shoulder pauldron, he was a Salamander before joining the Deathwatch. His movements seem slightly slow and lumbering, but that may just be an optical illusion. His face is ebon black and covered in numerous battle scars, so his experience is evident.

"I am Watch Captain Elysius. I have been assigned to watch over your induction into Deathwatch. While you were veterans in your respective Chapters, here you are simple initiates. You will learn the skills and tactics of the Deathwatch. You will be forged into a burning weapon that will blaze a path through the enemies of Mankind.

Your Chapters all have a history of honour and glory, traditions and tactics passed down through the years. Here we are all Deathwatch, equal and brothers. Your armor will be painted black and silver, as mine has, leaving only a single shoulderplate exposed. This is done to honour your Chapter and the armor's spirit. It will one day return to your chapter, even if you fall in battle. You may return to your Chapter. Perhaps not. But you will always be Deathwatch.

Welcome to the Deathwatch, brothers."

With that, your service to the Deathwatch begins. Months of training in new techniques, study of xenos creatures, and the tactics of the Deathwatch have honed your skills and forged the bonds of brotherhood to your Kill-Team. Assigned to Kill-Team Epsilon, you have learned to trust and tolerate your squadmates, even if it requires great effort.


Briefing:
You are called to a briefing room by Captain Elysius. Once you are all seated, he activates a hololith showing the Jericho Reach.

"Six months ago, an Inquisitor Kalistradi traveled with her team to a world called Avalos in the Orpheus Salient to investigate reports of Genestealer activity. Her investigations have born fruit, and she has sent a request for a Kill-Team. After reviewing her data, I agree with her assessment. I am dispatching a Kill-Team. Yours. This is your first mission together. It will either make you stronger or crush you utterly. Do not disappoint me."

With that, he turns to the hololith and begins the briefing. Quickly, a green and blue planet takes focus.

"Avalos is an agri-world near the Well of Night. Its value as a supply world to the Archus Crusade is paramount and its proximity to the warp gate means we cannot allow the Hive Fleet to extend its reach that far. The Inquisitor has verified the presence of a Genestealer cult, but does not know the extent of its infiltration. Anyone on the surface can be a willing or unwilling pawn of the cult. Be wary.

As of the most recent reports, the brood is still in hiding, but with the Hive Fleet so near, they may not stay hidden for long. It may be just a small brood for you to cleanse, or half the population may have already been turned. Be ready for anything.

Your mission is as follows.

Find the Inquisitor. She will have updated intelligence on the Brood nest and will be able to direct your efforts to cleanse them.

Cleanse Avalos of the xenos taint. It cannot fall to the Hive Fleet.

Bolster the Imperial government. If the Lord-Governor is in danger, protect him. If he is found to be tainted, kill him.

Send an intelligence update. Once you've determined the size of the threat or cleansed it, send an update back to Erioch via Astropath.

Here is a dataslate containing the mission specifics, including a satellite map of the capitol where the Inquisitor was stationed. Are there any questions?
"



Dataslate:

Avalos:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5825854/avalosenglishz.jpg

Lordsholm:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5825854/lordsholm-districts2.jpg

Lord-Governor Perian Thorsholt:
Gender: Male
Age: 97 standard (appears mid-fifties due to juvenat treatments)

Thorsholt has been the Imperial Governor of Avalos for the past 45 standard years. By tradition, the position of Lord-Governor is appointed by election of the local nobility and approved by the Administratum. Under his rule, the Imperial tithes have been sufficiently met every year. No further information is available.

Inquisitor Kalistradi:
Gender: Female
Age: 59 standard (appears early forties)

Kalistradi is an Inquisitor of the Ordos Xenos, specialized in Genestealer infestations. She has been investigating reports of such an infestation on Avalos for the past six months along with her team. Finally compiling enough evidence and unsure of the loyalty of the local authorities, she has requested Deathwatch assistance. No further information is available.

Last transmission:

“Avalos has all the signs of infestation, and like on so many of these
backwater worlds the local authority has been ineffective in either
identifying or dealing with the threat. I will conduct an investigation
into the extent of the infestation, but it may be my recommendation
that Avalos be purged, lest it lead to the spread of Hive Fleet Dagon
closer to the Well of Night.”



[hr]

Summary:
Primary Objective: Cleanse Avalos.
Primary Objective: Find the Inquisitor.
Secondary Objective: Bolster the Imperial government
Secondary Objective: Send Intelligence update

Requisition: 65

Ask questions, pick a leader, pick an Oath and arm up. After picking an oath and questions, the leader should RP an oath taking to be witnessed by the Watch Captain. The other marines may or may not add their own additions to the oath after the leader, at their choice.

Please spoiler OOC text in this thread. If you have a conditional action, describe it in OOC.

Rolls can be done in spoiler tags or the OOC. If in the OOC, please link to the post in a spoiler.

[Lycan 01]

Battle-Brother Tobias Elijah sits quietly at the briefing table, arms folded across his robed chest and eyes focused on Captain. Clad in the black robes of a Deathwatch member, he listens intently as the mission briefing is given. Elijah's features do not stand out, at least not when compared to some other marines': his black hair is cropped short, his skin is somewhat pale, and his green eyes seem to be developing dark circles beneath them. His most striking trait is his nose, which is somewhat crooked from an age-old break - such an injury should have easily healed for most marines.

Once the Captain finishes speaking, Elijah takes the dataslate and studies it for a few moments. He then wordlessly passes it on to his nearest brother-in-arms, his expression one of understanding and contemplation. He looks back at the Captain, then gives a subtle nod; he has no questions.

[Talkkno]

Battle-Brother Marcus stands at attention, listening the briefing intently, as he takes a data slate, studying it intently. Marcus features stand remarkbly clean for a Space Marine, clearly indicating one more who spent more of is time in the Emperor's service in the Liberium then on the field of battle. Nonetheless, the Cingulum around his belt is adorned with symbols of leadership, wisdom, and knowledge. His brown hair is cut neatly, swaying little as nods in acknowledgment.

"Has there been any indication that Hive Fleet Dagon tendrils are anywhere near Avalos? He asks coolly.

[Executus]

"As you know, the Orpheus Salient is in direct conflict with the Hive Fleet, but there have no reported tyranid sightings that close to the Well of Night as of yet. That is one of the reasons why cleansing this cult before it can call the hive fleet in is so important. If the Hive Fleet can infiltrate that far and cut us off from the Warp Gate, the Jericho Reach may be encircled and devoured with no hope for reinforcement."

[Pietato]

Gulver calmly pulls the data-slate across the table and begins tapping through the available information, staying otherwise motionless and silent beneath his scarlet Mechanicus robes.

"Assuming that they have not already been compromised, can we expect any armored support from the Planetary Defense Force?"

[Executus]

"The status of the PDF was not in the information provided by the Inquisitor. You'll have to find out yourself, but from my experience, Genestealer cults often infiltrate the PDF as a precursor to their emergence and insurrection.

Time is of the essence. If there are no further questions, please take your oath and gather your equipment. The frigate Valiant will be leaving shortly to take you to Avalos."

Elysius punches a few buttons on the console, and a holographic image of an elderly man's head appears in place of Avalos.

"This is Captain Galrite Haltreme. He is the commander of the Valiant, and he will be taking you to Avalos at best speed. The Valiant will remain on station for up to a month to extract you when your task is complete."

OOC:

If you have more questions, feel free to ask. Otherwise, declare your oath and assume you have the Watch Fortress serfs or servitors gather your Requisitioned equipment.

After the oath, if you'd like to discuss strategy IC, assume you have several days to do that while traveling to Avalos, thus any strategy discussions should happen onboard the Valiant.

[Maerok]

Battle-Brother Decarim stands at the opposite side of the table from Brother Marcus. He poses, arms crossed, with the same deep-set scowl he's worn since squad training. One sleeve of his robe is pulled up as he slowly traces his finger along a block of scripture inked there long ago.

"Avalos, agri-world. There are more than enough hiding places for such insufferable scum. Shall we start with the Lord-Governor? Sort the clean and the unclean starting with the elite so we may identify some semblance of allies down there?"

[Lycan 01]

Elijah listens to the rest of the team speak, asking their questions and speaking their thoughts. Aside from a subtly raised eyebrow or a thoughtful expression, he doesn't show any signs of interacting or joining the conversation. However, when Decarim asks about seeking out the planetary governor first, Elijah gives a soft nod in his direction. A sign of agreement with his suggestion, as his team should by now be able to recognize.

[Talkkno]

"I volunteer as Squad Leader, as surely as the Ultramarines broke Hive Fleet Behemoth at Macgree, so surely shall we break the genestealers on Avalos." Marcus says proudly.

[Lycan 01]

Elijah turns to look at Marcus. He studies him for a moment, contemplating the strengths and weaknesses of the Ultramarine Librarian. A bit too proud for Elijah's comfort. Pride comes before a fall, after all. But he was an expert at his craft, a level-headed soldier, and like most Ultramarines he was likely a tactical genius. Considering the rest of the team members, Marcus was likely the best choice for team leader, all things considered.

The Dark Angel gestures towards the Ultramarine with his right hand, and gives a more noticeable nod of his head. A sure sign of approval.

[Maerok]

"Brother Marcus as squad leader? A... natural choice." Brother Decarim shifts slightly.

[Pietato]

"We-" Gulver cuts himself off as his vox circuits glitch up a moment. "I agree with Brother Marcus accepting the mantle of squad leader."

[Talkkno]

"They shall come, expecting the obvious, the simple, the artless. They shall stab at the shadows with confused minds and troubled hearts. From roar of bolter and chainsword we shall appear unseen from ten directions, and from every one strike a fatal blow. For while our enemies mire in ignorance, product of their fanaticism, rage, impotence. We shall wield the most potent weapon of all, knowledge! So let them hide, so as surely the Golden Throne bathes the Imperium with scared guiding light, so shall our hearts and minds be guided by knowledge. Every weakness our foe presents we shall strike with the force of a hammer and precision of a scalpel. They crash unto the bulwark of humanity itself and find them scattered and broken, for we are the bulwark of humanity, the Angels of Death!" Battle Brother Marcus proclaims with steely resolve and quiet confidence, drawing overhead, as surely as the Golden Throne presides above the Imperium.

[Lycan 01]

Brother Elijah's expression grows stern, and he raises his right hand. As he balls it into a tight fist, he simply growls: "So be it."

[Executus]

After witnessing the oath ceremony, Elysius dismisses you. Your equipment is loaded onto the Valiant and you begin the short warp transit to Avalos.

Your journey to the Avalos system aboard the Imperial
Sword Class Frigate Valiant was swift. During the voyage, you
remained mostly apart from the rest of the crew, who in turn kept
their distance, overawed to have not one, but several members of
the legendary Adeptus Astartes aboard their ship. Your only real
contact was with its commander, Captain Galrite Haltreme, as
he gave you updates on the vessel’s progress and assurances that
you would reach Avalos as quickly as his crew could manage.

Two hours ago, your vessel entered the Avalos system and
began its journey toward the primary bio-sphere. A scan of the
system revealed only dust and silence.

47 minutes ago, your vessel came within vox range of Avalos
and the captain attempted to raise local Imperial authorities,
only to met with static and white noise.

18 minutes ago, the Valiant entered orbit above Avalos.
Almost immediately a swarm of Tyranid kraken emerged from
behind the world’s primary moon, descending on the frigate and
taking its crew by surprise. Even as the Valiant burned under a
barrage of bio-plasma and pyro-spores, your Kill-team managed
to reach a drop pod and prep for launch. In a final act of duty,
Captain Haltreme opened the hanger doors and fired your pod
down toward the planet below. Moments later, the frigate’s hull
buckled and broke under the jaws of the kraken.

6 minutes ago, your pod screamed down though Avalos’
atmosphere, leaving a trail of fire across the sky while inside
you endured the brutal gravity as only your enhanced bodies are
capable of. Still kilometres above the surface of the world your
pod’s rudimentary guidance locked on to an Astartes transponder
and in a brief burst of retro rockets changed direction to follow its
pulsing signal. Scant seconds later you made planetfall, and with
a deafening crack of thunder your pod slammed into the ground
throwing dust and debris high into the air. Almost immediately
your harness released and the pod’s doors were flung open.

Emerging from your pod, you appear to have landed through
the roof of an Imperial chapel, crashing down in the midst of
pews, tiles, and statues. Through the hole made by your drop pod,
your can see that it is a dark rainy night, water pouring down
onto your armoured forms. Through shattered doors, you can see
Lordsholm, an ancient and crumbling city, soaked in rain and
ablaze with uncontrolled fires, stretching off in all directions.
Nearby, the crack of weapons fire and thump of explosions
announces a battle in progress.


http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5825854/Avalos.png


OOC:

Unfortunately, due to the unexpected and rushed deployment, some of your equipment was not loaded on the drop pod before launching.

Halve all standard magazine numbers and round up. The backpack ammo supply is unaffected.

Any grenades over the 3 & 3 standard kit are missing.

Any specialty ammo not initially loaded is missing.

Maerok, since you did not specify and only had one kraken magazine, I'm going to assume that was loaded in your pistol.

You're going to be short on ammunition unless you can find somewhere to replenish your supplies.

Please roll initiative in your initial post and describe your actions upon landing. Remember, you do not need to go in initiative order, but once you've acted, wait for my post to signal the next round.

Initiative for rebels: [roll0]

You have 7 Cohesion for this mission.

Additionally, if you want to enter Squad mode, you must take a Cohesion test. You must roll 7 or under on 1d10. If you fail, you miss your turn, or you may spend a Fate point to automatically succeed on the test. After one person successfully rallies the Squad, everyone is in Squad mode, unless they drop to Solo mode (Free Action).



Marcus Only:

Upon reaching the planet, you notice disturbance in the warp. It's like a scratching or whispering in the back of your head. A static hiss that you cannot pinpoint. You steel yourself for the worst, but it seems to have no effect beyond being a minor annoyance.

[Lycan 01]

Without a word, Elijah quickly rises from his seat and wrenches and Heavy Bolter from the pile of tangled gear and harnesses on the floor. He silently secures his backpack straps, not even pausing to remark on the loss of his specialty ammunition. In a fast yet controlled manner he checks to ensure his ceremonial sword is properly magnatized atop the backpack, for quick and easy access, before checking the amount of grenades and bolt pistol clips he has left. Three frags, three cracks, and two clips, not counting the one already loaded in the bolt pistol magnetized to the holster on his right thigh. Finally, he clutches the medallion hanging from his neck, and brings it up before his eyes. His helmet makes a solemn nod, and then he allowes the gold charm to drop loosely on its chain.

He then hefts his Heavy Bolter, pulls back the slide to chamber a bolt, and exits the drop pod. He examines the ruins of the chapel around him, and waits for the rest of his team to join him.


Initiative: [roll0]

[Talkkno]

"Onwards battle brothers, let none stand before us!" Marcus rallies, holding his force sword high and bolt pistol close as he exists the drop pod, waving his sword high, as he takes stock of the situation.

Iniative: [rol]1d10+3[/roll]

[Lycan 01]

Elijah trots along after Marcus, wordlessly falling in behind him and surveying the area around them. However, focusing on the Librarian's lead prevents him from examing the finer details of the burnt out chapel.


Cohesion to Enter Squad Mode (Target 7): [roll0]

Awareness Check: [roll1]

[Maerok]

Decarim recomposes himself for a moment after the events leading up to the crash. The marine releases his restraints and shakes himself off. He double-checks the condition of his jump pack and weaponry before setting foot outside the pod.

"We have been gifted with a successful landing! This air is ripe with xeno filth. Suffer none of the unclean to live, in the name of the Emperor!" He swings his shotgun into a two-hand carry position and follows the others.


Initiative: [roll0]

[Pietato]

Gulver follows the squad closely with his bolter and chainsword in-hand as he takes up position beside the chapel's broken doors. "Gulver checking vox."

Initiative: [roll0]
Cohesion roll for Squad Mode (Target 7): [roll1]

[Executus]

Exiting the chapel, you enter into a warzone. This is definitely not what you were expecting, based on the provided intelligence. Something is very wrong.

Outside the chapel, a division of the Lordsholm PDF is under assault from a large contingent of rebels, easily in the thousands. The PDF have set up a makeshift barricade around the chapel from fallen masonry, dead guardsmen, and even a burnt out Chimera, creating a fortified position about 200 metres across. Outside the barricade, the chapel’s graveyard and forecourt has been cleared into a killing ground some 50 metres wide; beyond this lurks the shadowy rain soaked ruins of Lordsholm and the rebel lines.

As you burst into the midst of the PDF, those around the entrance are startled. Some stare slack jawed. Some cower in fear. A few drop their weapons and prostrate themselves. Cries and whispers can be heard from others. "Are those Astartes? Have the Angels of Death come to punish us for failing to protect Avalos?"

Further down the line, an officer's voice can be heard calling his men to provide disciplined volley fire. Despite his urgings, the volume of lasbolts seems stunted and ineffectual as it lances out into the rain soaked gloom. It seems clear that these men have held out for too long, and may be at their breaking point.

You have just a moment to take in the scene, before a raucous cry goes up from the shadows. The rebels have roused for another charge. Compared to the pitiful bolts of the PDF, their return volley seems like a storm of fire. While wild and inaccurate, sheer volume means that many bolts find a home in the nearby troopers, and dozens fall all around you. Some ineffectual shots patter off your armor, but it seems to be ricochets or wild shots.

OOC:
The chapel entrance where you are exiting is 10m behind the barricade.

Also, please let me know if your marine typically wears his helmet or not.


Gulver only:

You hear nothing but garbled transmissions. Something seems to be jamming long range transmissions. Without further study, you won't be able to determine the cause. Your intrasquad vox seems to be working normally, but you cannot be sure if the range is reduced.

[Talkkno]

"Brother Elijah, provide covering fire, the rest of the squad will advance to assault, The Emperor protects!" Brother Marcus barks out as he charges from his position for a full run toward rebel lines, the aquilla rising high from his back banner.


Run, 24 meters, towards rebel horde.

[Lycan 01]

Elijah doesn't speak, nod, gesture, or otherwise respond. He simply hefts his Heavy Bolter into its firing position, and squeezes the trigger.

THOOM THOOM THOOM THOOM THOOM...

Any PDF soldier unfortunate enough to be standing near the chapel's stairs likely has his teeth rattled in his skull by the roaring weapon's thunder. Blazing shells arc over the barricades, streaking across No Man's Land before tearing into the swarm of heretics and traitors. The stone steps crack beneath Elijah's armored feet as he shifts his footing against the weapons recoil. Rather than aiming at specific targets, he instead opts to simply fire indiscriminantly into the horde. He sweeps the booming weapon from side to side, allowing his weapon to reign death upon any and all who find themselves in its gunsights. And all the while, without a word...



Suppresive Fire: BS 54 + 20 Full Auto + 30 Size + 10 close - 20 suppresive fire = 94

[roll0] vs 94

[Maerok]

"Trust to Him to intercede..."

From his position at the arch Decarim grips his shotgun tight and revs the chainsword attached. He lunges forward to clear the entryway, set to barrel into the allied troops behind the barricade. "And protect his warriors true..."

"As they deal death on alien soil!!!" His jump pack screams to life. The pod landing must had shaken something around because the thrusters bellow fiercer than ever. Decarim vaults over the wall and heads of soldiers - directly toward enemy lines. The Angel of Death soars, posed with scythe in hand.


Going to Solo Mode, using Wings of Angels solo ability

Roll for damage and such when I know whether it worked or not?

[Pietato]

Techmarine Gulver revs his chainsword and checks his bolter for jams as his legs carry him forward; he glances over the squad's medical information as the line of heretics comes closer, and he scans their ranks for a head to cut off as he finishes a prayer to the Omnissiah under his breath.

"... Sing Praise to the God of All Machines."

Full run, 30m

If finding an enemy leader takes a free Awareness Test, [roll0] vs. 61 (41 + 20(Diagnostor Helmet))

Else, save it for later.

[Executus]

The suppressive fire from Elijah's heavy weapon seems to have caused a section of the rebels to slow and sends some of them back to seek cover. But, as there are thousands of them, the tide continues to roll forward.

As the Astartes charge at the rebel lines, the section of the PDF line immediately around the chapel entrance falls silent. The troopers are too much in awe or fear to continue firing. Further down the line, their commanding officer spurs a slightly more vigorous volley from those around him. The PDF morale still hangs in the balance.

You are unable to find a leader amongst the charging masses, but they advance anyway, seemingly unfazed by the appearance of the Kill Team. Even though a number have been cut down or broken by the defensive fire offered by the PDF and Brother Elijah.

A hail of hard rounds fly from the onrushing horde, reaping another tide of blood from the PDF line. Although they are not faltered by the your appearance, they seem to identify the threat posed by the Kill Team, blasting you with heavy fire. Your armor was proof against all but the most well placed shots.

OOC:

FYI. Elijah will lose Squad mode if there is no one within 30m of him at the start of his next turn.

Further FYI, I'm rolling some tests off site, but for reference, each marine had 2 shots against them. Luckily, the Rebels have terrible BS and the Pinning didn't help either.

Hit on Marcus:
[roll0] - leg. 5 wounds

Hit on Elijah:
[roll1] - leg - 3 wounds

Hit on Gulver:
[roll2] - chest - 3 wounds


Attacks again Decarim will wait until it's determined if they are melee or ranged.

[Lycan 01]

As Elijah lays down suppresive fire, a hail of las rounds and stray bullets begin to plink against his power armor. A little chipped paint here and there, maybe some slight burns on the metal, but nothing to seriously be concerned about. However, several las bolts impacting his leg armor cause the metal to rapidly heat up from the energy transference, and his skin begins to sizzle slightly. The burns are only second degree, and they rapidly scar over and begin to heal, but the fact that the enemy had actually managed to hurt him infuriated Elijah.

Ceasing his indiscriminant fire, the Dark Angel silently swings his Heavy Bolter around and levels it with the part of the horde where the las fire had originated from. For a brief moment, he enjoys the looks of terror that flash across some of the heretics' faces. He then opens fire.

THOOM THOOM THOOM THOOM THOOM...


Full Auto fire into the Horde.
(BS 54 + 10 close range + 20 full auto + 30 horde = 114)

Attack: [roll0] vs 114

[Maerok]

Soldiers part beneath him as Decarim lands in a crouch on the other side of the void. The battle-brother stands up to full height and steels his resolve against the coming blows as he continues shouting his hymn under the roar of battle.

[Executus]

Crashing into the horde of rebels, Decarim seems to have come down off-balance, as his strikes fail to land. The fury of his descent knocked back many of the front ranks, and they were unable to mount a successful attack of their own, crude clubs and rifle stocks rebounding from his ancient power armor.

The PDF exchange desultory fire with the horde to no real effect. The officer can still be heard attempting to rally the far side.

OOC:

Next round starts now.

Current status:
Gulver -14- Squad mode - ~30m from horde, in the open
Marcus -10- Squad mode - ~30m from horde in the open
Decarim -9- Solo mode - in melee
Elijah -6.1- Squad mode - ~60m from horde, near chapel
Horde 1 -6- Pinned, right side
Horde 2 -6- Melee with Decarim, left side

[Talkkno]

Marcus seemly effortlessly remains unharmed by the barrage of bullets, as the aquilla flies fresh and free, despite the best efforts of the heretics, he waits until his brothers have advanced far from him, as he surges a burst of blue lightening accompanying Brother's Elijah heavy bolter fire.

"Let the Emperor bellow within your hearts, let his righteous fury and strength be the storm that blasts heretic and faithless alike from our sight!" Brother Marcus bellows to the PDF lines, the vox amplifiers making his voice if unto a god on the battlefield, as the shrieking lightening ravaged the heretic lines.



Delaying action until
Smite 75 [roll1]
Damage: [roll3d10
Horde Damage: [roll2]

Command to rally the PDF
[roll3]

[Pietato]

Gulver surveys his battle brothers' conditions as he plants his feet, attaches his chainsword to his hip, and pulls a Frag grenade from his belt. With a quiet prayer, he arms it and hurls it into the pinned, undaunted by the pain in his chest from heretical gunfire."Damage sustained. We shall cleanse the heretics for the Omnissiah." He sets his hand on another grenade and braces his stance.

Frag grenade into the Pinned Horde. [roll0] vs 37 + 10(Oath) + Size?
If Hit, Damage = [roll1] X Blast(5)
Horde Damage = 5 + 1 + Hit

Delay action. If Horde moves within melee distance, standard attack w/chainsword. [roll2] vs. 47 + Size?
Damage: [roll3] Pen 4
Horde Damage: 1 + Hit + 1 per 2 degrees of success.

Else, throw another grenade.
[roll4] vs 37 + 10(Oath) + Size?
If Hit, Damage = [roll5] X Blast(5)
Horde Damage = 5 + 1 + Hit

[Maerok]

Decarim grins beneath his helmet as the futile blows of the accursed glance off him. He brings his shotgun's blade to bear and slashes into the crowd. "You will find no solace, no mercy from the Adeptus Astartes and the forces of the Imperium of Man."

[Executus]

The assault marine cuts a bloody swath through the ranks of the the advancing rebels, felling half a dozen of the raving madmen with his chainblade. Those rebels out of his reach are not safe either, as a psychic lightning bolt lashes out, turning at least a dozen of their number to ash and cinders.

Along the other side of the barricade, the techmarine's well place grenade throws bodies everywhere amidst the cowering line. Those lucky enough to escape the explosion are torn apart by a vicious fusilade from Elijah's heavy bolter.

The combined image of Decarim as an Angel of Death, soaring over their heads and Marcus' rousing exhortation, seems to bolster the PDFs morale. A hearty cheer goes up from the line, and the PDF redouble their efforts to defend the chapel, cutting down many of the fleeing rebels.

The square clears for a moment, but your victory is short lived. Several heavy weapons nest opens up from a nearby building along the southern approach, sending a vast hail of fire into the square, raking across the three marines caught in the open.

From the north, another group of several hundred rebels moves out of the gloom. Your enhanced senses can pick out dozens of their number with demolition charges strapped to their chest. They're hoping to take out the barricade!

OOC:


Decarim did 5 Mag damage from his two attacks. Marcus did 8 to the same horde. This forces them to make a Break test, which they failed.

Between Elijah's fire and Gulver's grenade, the second horde is thoroughly decimated. They also break.

The heavy weapon team hit:
All shots in the chest.
Marcus
[roll0] Pen 2, so 9 wounds
Dodge: [roll1] vs 35
Decarim
[roll2]
Dodge: [roll3] vs 49
Gulver.
[roll4] Pen 2, 3 wounds
Dodge: [roll5] vs 42

[Lycan 01]

"The gunners..." Elijah states coldly across the Vox system, "Leave them to me."

Bending his knees and pivoting slightly, the Dark Angel angles his Heavy Bolter up and brings it to bear on the machine gun nests clustered in the third floor of the building. They had dared to fire upon his Battle-Brothers. And for that, they would pay. The weapon roars, and the rainwater falling around Elijah transforms into a flickering sphere of vibrant orange as the water reflects the flaming burst of every shot from the barrel. To the PDF soldiers around him, he is an Angel of Death, wrapped in the baleflow glow of righteous fury incarnate.


Sorry, I just love dramatic description. :smalltongue:

Anyway, Full Auto on the gunners. BS 54 + 20 full auto + 10? size = 84

BS test: [roll0] vs 84

[Talkkno]

"Brother Decarim and Gulver, make a fighting retreat back to the battlements, Brother Elijah provide covering fire, I will handle the heavy stubbers." The Marcus mutters in his vox to his battle brothers, as he takes a few steps closer to devastator marine as the unleashes another fork of lightening threw his force sword, a torrent of thunder so potent as to make his previous invocation quaint in comparison as he pulls all weight of the warp into the manifestation.

"None may escape the Emperor's Judgment!" The Ultramarine bellows, as if it in response to the withering fire that dented against his power armor as a lightening steamed in retribution.


Half Action, move closer to Elijah.

Half Action, Push physic strength Smite
90 [roll0]

Damage: [roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
Pen 6

Horde Damage: [roll7]
I think you said you were rolling Physic Phenomena? I only want to reroll if it results in Perils.

[Maerok]

Decarim heeds the words and falls back to the barricade.


He's moving back to the barricade at full speed.

[Pietato]

Gulver follows Decarim back to the PDF lines, his presently unarmed hand pointing at the PDF officer. "Planetary Defence Commander! We require artillery support!"

Full run back to PDF lines. And chit-chat.

[Executus]

The heavy weapons have barely begun to fire when the crews are cut down by brutal fire and warp lightning. The few remaining gunmen abandon their weapons and flee back into the building.

Such is the fury of Marcus' psychic assault that the veil between worlds weakens and the stones in the street and building near him begin to weep blood, forming a pool several inches deep. Retching and screams can be heard from the nearest PDF troopers, as their cover and shelter oozes warm blood...

The bombers continue their mad dash to the PDF lines, trading heavy fire as they go. Numerous casualties are felt by both sides, but the rebels recklessly throw themselves in front of the bomb-strapped maniacs, protecting them from harm.

The Kill team consolidates behind the barricade, while Marcus stands defiant in the square. Alone...for the moment.

OOC:

The heavy weapons team was nearly eradicated and they broke.
Next round starts now.

[Lycan 01]

Elijah watches the bodies of the gunners tatter beneath his hail of bolts, whilst other members of the crew convulse as Warp electricity courses through their bodies and scourges their souls. As the earth beneath his feet begins to weep blood, the Dark Angel doesn't even flinch. The PDF soldiers were not coping well with the experience, but it was not his responsiblity to deal with their weak minds. Their officers could deal with that, for he had much greater issues at hand.

Turning to face the new horde, Brother Elijah levels his Heavy Bolter with the swarming mass of heretics. They were screaming as they charged, and in response to them Elijah could only offer silence. He would let his weapon deliver his response to them, and with a roar it expressed his righteous fury.


Full Auto on the bomber horde. BS 54 + 20 full auto + 10 close + 30 size = 114

Attack: [roll0] vs 114

[Talkkno]

The rest of his squad now safely behind the barricades, Marcus joins them behind the redoubt, the Imperial Aquila now rising high behind the makeshift fortifications, issues a vox command to the squad.

"Focus fire towards the bombers, the flanks will hold as long the battlemants stand"


Run to the redoubt.

[Maerok]

Decarim studies the enemy positions and PDF fortifications. He decides to set out cluster mines to reinforce the point the enemy would most likely try to assault.


Tactics - Assault: rolled in OOC (using his own tactical knowledge to predict an enemy assault's strategy)
Using cluster mine set

[Pietato]

Gulver vaults over the PDF barricade, readies his bolter out of reflex, and then hurls a frag grenade into the charging horde.

Frag grenade into the bombers. [roll0] vs 37 + Size?
If Hit, Damage = [roll1] X Blast(5)
Horde Damage = 5 + 1

Followed by half action Aim.

[Executus]

Massive fire from Elijah's heavy bolter shred the charging suicide bombers. A burst from Gulver reaps a hefty toll as well.

Seemingly unfazed by the deaths of their comrades they continue on, ripping the charges off the bodies of those bombers who fell. They continue to run toward the barricade, nearing their destination. The PDF troop along the wall in front of them are split on what to do. With no officer nearby, some run from the massed explosives carried by the rebels. Others, emboldened by the appearance of the Astartes, pour heavy fire into the rebels, cutting down many of their number.

Marcus retreats to the barricade and continues to direct the team and rally the troops, while Decarim sets a section of the wall with mines.

As if matters weren't bad enough, a lone roar is heard from the western darkness. Turning that direction, you can see a giant of a man raising a chainsword and screaming defiance at the PDF barricade. While he is just a man, he is the most heavily muscled human you've ever seen. Moments later his screams are joined by a mass of fire and war shouts from a thousand voices. It seems the rebel's leader has rallied his men and will be joining the fray personally.

Hard rounds litter the air, but most miss or are easily deflected by your armor. Brother Decarim is hit in the chest by a volley while placing his minefield, but he is not even staggered by the blast.

OOC:

Elijah and Gulver did 25 Mag damage last turn and are under half strength, but the bombers have become Frenzied and will not break. Bombers are 1 turn from the barricade.


The new arrivals came from the west, so they are ~60m from the barricade directly in front of you. The bombers are still far to the north, but closer to the barricade.

Fire from the Horde
Marcus:
[roll0]
[roll1] - Does not penetrate
Dodge:[roll2]
Decarim:
[roll3]
[roll4] - Chest hit, 7 wounds.
Dodge:[roll5]
Elijah:
[roll6]
[roll7]
Dodge:[roll8]
Gulver:
[roll9]
[roll10]
Dodge:[roll11]

[Talkkno]

"Maintain fire and cut a swathe threw ranks!" Marcus bellows the order threwout the barricades, pointing at the bombers.


Command: [roll0]

[Lycan 01]

The roar of Elijah's heavy bolter does not cease, as its muzzle flashes continue to flicker orange light off the rainfall around the Astartes. The Dark Angel is intently focused on the suicide bombers charging the barricade, his body rigged and his stance strong as the large weapon's recoil rocks through his body. He doesn't pay the enemy commander any heed - such a small target would be a waste of his blessed ammunition. Perhaps one of his brothers, however, would be up to the task...



Full Auto Attack: [roll0] vs 94 (bs 54 + 20 fa + 30 size)

[Pietato]

Gulver looks between the charging masses and their leader before leveling his bolter at the mob.

Attack on the horde.
[roll0] vs 37 + 20 (57)
Damage in OOC. Derped on posting.

[Executus]

The rebel leader continues to charge across the square, screaming a warshout and firing ineffectually with his pistol at the PDF lines. His eyes are crazed and veins throb in his neck and chest. His shouted challenges to the Kill Team are giving heart to the rebels following behind him. The center mass of their line charge after him while the farther reaches advance under fire.

Decarim continues to lay his minefield, heedless of the fire going on around him. Gulver's shots strike home in the charging mass behind the leader, while Marcus attempts to direct the fire of the PDF. His voice is lost amongst the din of battle, and his command goes unheard by those along the northern barricade. But some of the PDF near the center hear him and, thinking it meant for them. Unfortunately the angle and distance is poor, so their shots are mostly ineffectual.

The few PDF still along the northern barricade lose hope at the sight of the massed maniacs charging their position and they flee back to the chapel.

And then the heavy bolter speaks its dirge of destruction. The bombers are cut down like wheat. Or so it seems...

When the smoke clears, a lone rebel remains. Laden with explosives taken from the corpses nearby, he charges the barricade and triggers the detonators. The northern walls go up in flame and smoke. While almost none of the PDF were killed in the blast, it has opened a hole in their defenses, vaporizing flakboard and shredding sheet metal. The remains of the Chimera are thrown 10m in the air, before impacting on the chapel's walls. It comes to rest nose down, leaning on the chapel in a shower of stained glass.

OOC:

Sorry for the delay. I was waiting on Decarim, but forgot he was making an Extended action.

Fire from the western horde. Only 3 shots, and Decarim gets the lucky straw this time.

Marcus: Dodged
[roll0]
[roll1]
Dodge:[roll2]
Gulver: Missed
[roll3]
[roll4]
Dodge:[roll5]
Elijah: Missed
[roll6]
[roll7]
Dodge:[roll8]

[Lycan 01]

"Orders, sir?" Elijah calmly asks over the Vox system, the glow of the massive fireball reflecting off his crimson eye lenses. There were two targets now, and a gaping hole in their defenses that needed defending. He couldn't move to the blasted barricade and maintain fire on the enemy at the same time, and he felt a tactical call by the squad leader was needed for this situation.

[Talkkno]

"Brother Elijah, focus fire on the group firing into our lines, they stand no chance against us in the furor of close combat. Brother Decarim, I will handle the officer, let the horde break upon you like waves unto a cliff. Brother Gulver support Elijah in his efforts." Marcus replies, readying himself for a moment as he charges outside of the barricades his force sword held high to answer the blasphemous challenger

"For Emperor and Imperium! Marcus bellows as his blade burns bright sapphire, cutting down the rebel leader with a wide swing.



Charge at the leader
WS [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] Pen 5
Parry: [roll2]

[Lycan 01]

"Understood," Brother Elijah acknowledges his orders. The roar of the Heavy Bolter once again thunders through the night, and the heretic horde is subjected to another merciless volley of righteous retribution.


Full Auto Attack on nearest horde:
[roll0] vs 84 (BS 54 + 20 full auto + 10 close + ? size)

[Pietato]

"We are inclined to protest, brother." Gulver mutters as he levels his bolter at the horde. "But there are more pressing matters at hand."

Full Auto Burst:
[roll0] vs 67 (37 + 10 close + 20 FA)

[Executus]

Gulver's rounds impact with horde, shredding a number of the front rank.

Marcus charges out and swings a vicious blow at the rebel leader. Just as it seems sure that the blow will bisect the charging rebel, he parries the blow, just barely turning aside the librarian's force blade. His skin blisters from the raging warp field passing so close.

Moments later, Elijah's grim visage turns on the rebels charging after the leader. Standing silent amid the chaos of battle, the devastator's heavy bolter lets out a withering volley into the rebel horde, reducing them to a pitiful rabble. The few survivors turn tail and run back to their lines.

Snarling a challenge, the rebel leader swings wildly at Marcus. The Astartes is too fast for the frothing giant and many of his blows find no purchase, and those that do are turned aside by his ancient power armor.

The more disciplined group behind him continues to advance slowly, sending out more volleys of hard rounds. The PDF is mostly protected from their fire, and only a handful fall under their guns. Their return fire is much more telling, and many of the rebels fall and do not rise again.

Hard rounds fly at the rest of the Kill team, but none find their mark.

OOC:

The charging horde provided +30 size bonus for Gulver and Elijah, so Gulver had 1 DoS and Elijah had 9 DoS, giving a total of 25 magnitude damage. The horde is now broken and fleeing.

Attacks on Marcus:
[roll0]
Dmg: [roll1]
[roll2]
Dmg: [roll3] Fails to damage
Parry: [roll4] vs 60

Decarim:
[roll5]
Dmg: [roll6]
Dodge: [roll7] vs 49
Elijah:
[roll8]
Dmg: [roll9]
Dodge: [roll10] vs 44
Gulver:
[roll11]
Dmg: [roll12]
Dodge: [roll13] vs 42

[Talkkno]

"Onwards to victory!" Marcus bolsters as he strikes again at the Rebel leader, putting forth his entire weight into a mighty swing.

All out attack +20 to WS
WS [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Pen 5

[Lycan 01]

Bullets plink harmlessly off of Elijah's armor, tracer rounds and sparks reflecting in the surrounding rain to bask him in an orange glow. Like a grim reaper silently harvesting crops in a field, the Dark Angel wordlessly brings his Heavy Bolter to bear on the horde of shooting heretics and opens fire.


Full Auto Attack: [roll0] vs 114 (BS 54 + 20 FA + 10 close + 30 size)

[Executus]

Shrugging off the blows of the mere mortal, Marcus responds with a vicious downward slash of force sword. The frothing rebel raises his chainsword to parry the swing, but his feeble weapon is no match for the crackling power of the librarian's swing, and it shatters. The force sword continues on its destructive path, cleaving through the flesh and bone with ease. The giant falls into two pieces and a wash of gore, cut from shoulder to the opposite hip.

Decarim continues to lay out cluster mines in front of the PDF barricade, without thought for the stray rounds coming his way.

OOC:

Waiting on Gulver's action before continuing to Elijah. The rebels are still advancing, at least until the heavy bolter gets to them.

[Pietato]

Gulver keeps his sights on the horde as his devastator brother tears through them. "Do you request medical attention, brothers Decarim and Marcus?"

Full action Aim at Horde.

[Executus]

Once again the heavy bolter plays its lethal cadence, and nearly half of the advancing rebels are cut down. Combined with seeing their leader cut down in gruesome fashion, this proves too much for the rebels.

As they flee into the night, you notice something. You cannot hear any gunfire nearby. The PDF have grown silent, expectant of another charge. But, for the moment, the square is clear and you can catch your breath.

[Maerok]

"Took a decent hit to the chest. It can wait until the officer in charge can brief us on the events and conditions leading up to this skirmish." Decarim watches the retreat and marks the position of the cluster mines with a small tracing of the squad emblem. He looks around for the officer.

[Talkkno]

Marcus holsters both sword and pistol in a moment of triumph, turning the PDF lines, unattching his back banner and holding it in his right arm, as he bolsters proudly.

"You've seen numberless hordes heretic wash unto like waves unto a cliff and broken them. From whatever pit of filth they emerged, they shall know that the Angels of Death come to reap them as sickle to wheat. So fear not! For Avalos shall no fall, so long brave men and women like yourselves hold the line, For the Imperium overcomes, and we are the Imperium!"

[Lycan 01]

Brother Elijah lowers his smoking weapon, and surveys the destruction. He then begins to stride down the shattered stairs and approach the defensive lines, weapon at the ready in case of another assault.

[Pietato]

Gulver stands with a grunt and scans the horizon. "Very well, then. We have much else to do."

[Executus]

As you gather after repelling the invaders and start to consider tending your wounds, you can tell that the PDF were sorely pressed during the engagement. Although their spirits are high, they took significant casualties since you arrived. You don't have time for an exact count, but a quick glance at the number of slumped bodies and wounded indicates they may have lost up to a quarter of their number. Never the less, you are sure they would not have prevailed without your intervention.

A PDF officer approaches you and salutes. You assume this is the officer you could hear barking orders during the battle.

"Captain Ascote, 117th Lordsholm PDF. Thank the Emperor you arrived. We'd have been lost without you."

OOC:

If you'd like to say anything to the officer in front of the PDF, just preface your comments as such.


Captain Ascote leads you back into the chapel, still dominated by the wreckage of your drop pod. Once inside and out of sight of the men still holding the walls, a ripple seems to run down the captain’s body and his form distorts and shimmers taking on a new shape. Before you stands a lithe female, clearly a member of the Callidus Assassin Temple—shape shifting killers and favoured tools of the Inquisition.

Inclining her head to you she greets your Kill-team:
‘My lords, blessed be the Emperor you are not too late, it seems my mistress’s faith in the Deathwatch was well placed. Would that she were here to greet you herself, but I fear the xenos have her somewhere in the city, and for several days I have worn the guise of the PDF commander simply to hold these men together so that there might be a place for you to land. My name is Syndalla, at least that is what Kalistradi called me, other than this I will not waste words with pleasantries or formalities, for
this city is about to fall. The Genestealers have infected much of the population and those that remain are badly demoralized and exist only within a few isolated parts of the city like this one. Added to this, I expect the vanguard of the Tyranid fleet to arrive within a matter of days. Our only hope is to send a message through the world’s astropath before the shadow falls
using your Chapter cyphers and request reinforcements. This on its own, however, is not enough. Even with aid on the way, I think Lordsholm will fall before dawn. The only way to stop this is to find the Broodlord which spawned this infestation and kill it. I will give you what help I can but I also need to keep the PDF from completely collapsing. I have prepared some details to aid you in your task and will offer what knowledge I have.’

[Talkkno]

"Greetings, I am Brother Marcus, it seems the situation has worsened considerably then what our intel suggested. So pray tell, what is exactly the scope of what's happening here."

[Lycan 01]

Elijah surveys the remnants of the PDF. He looks at them, his crimson eye lenses locking eyes with various men, as he examines the soldiers who had dared to stand up against the heretic hordes. Was it bravery? Devotion? Fear? It didn't matter. They had held their ground, aided the Astartes, and served the Emperor.

Elijah gives a deliberate nod to the men. They had earned his respect.

He then followes after the rest of the squad. When the Captain shape-shifts into an Assassin, Elijah can't help but arch a bemused eyebrow. Neat trick. He keeps silent, however, and allows Marcus to do the talking.

[Executus]

"My mistress was correct in her assessment that there was a Genestealer cult on Avalos. However, after her initial request for aid, it became apparent they had infiltrated much further than initially expected. It is unclear if they knew of the Inquisitor's call or it was simply coincidence, but the next night the populace rose up in rebellion. It was clear that they were driven by the perfidious influence of the Broodlord.

Knowing that it was only a matter of time before the planet was overrun, the Inquisitor tasked me with holding the PDF together and striking back whenever possible. She took the remainder of our team and went in search of the Broodlord's lair. That was a week ago, and I have not had contact with her since. You must find her and kill the Broodlord. All else is secondary.

I've been unable to leave this area without dooming these troopers and disobeying my master's final command, but you must get to the Tower of Echoes and send out a call for aid to the Fleet. The revelation of the Genestealers can only mean an attack by the Hive Fleet is imminent.

The PDF chain of command is fractured. There have been numerous instances where whole units have turned over to the rebels or ripped themselves to pieces as the xenos-tainted ones rose up from within. There are pockets of resistance still, such as this one and the PDF headquarters to the east. I have had no contact from the spaceport, so I cannot say if it still stands. If communication and morale could be re-established, it could help save this world, or at least let it hold out until Fleet reinforcements can arrive.

The Lord-Governor has walled himself and the nobles inside the palace. It is unclear if he is tainted or simply a coward. You may or may not find help from that quarter. If he is not tainted, it may be wise to keep him safe.

Since the attack began, I've heard reports of purestrain Genestealer attacks. Anyone found on their own is likely to never be heard from again.

Give me your dataslate, and I'll update them with the tactical information I have. If you have any further questions, please ask and I will do my best to answer. Additionally, I will be on frequency 395.78/TX, if you need to contact me. Vox transmissions have been unreliable of late, but I shall do my best to remain in contact."

Dataslate:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5825854/lordsholmmissionsmall.jpg

(OOC: These objectives supersede your previous objectives.)

[Lycan 01]

Elijah listens silently. Once the assassin is done speaking, he turns to face Marcus, awaiting the Librarian's orders.

[Pietato]

With little hesitation, Gulver speaks up. "We should make our way to the astropath. Whether or not Lordsholm falls will be of little consequence if the Hive Fleet should descend upon this world."

[Talkkno]

"Aye, Brother Gulver, I affirm that as the best course of action, pray tell, Syndalla, do you know where the astropath might be located and the Lord Governor's residence?"

[Lycan 01]

"Where is the Inquisitor's last known location?" Elijah's suddenly speaks.

[Executus]

"The Astropath resides in the House of Echoes near the Governor's palace in the north, within the Magistria District."

"I do not have any information on where the Inquisitor is. The last contact I had with her was when she left me here. She did head South-West and mentioned investigating reports of Genestealers in the Pit of Filth. The PDF command is convinced the rebel leaders are there, but have not been able to get any solid intelligence. "

OOC:
(She marks the map for you. The red area in the upper right of the map provided in the first post. The Mansion and astropath tower are the visible buildings in that section. You are in the Portica District, which is the blue district, with the coast just to your west. She also marks the PDF headquarters, which is the pentagon shaped building, and the spaceport, which is the large structure in the bottom right corner. The Pit of Filth is the poor district in the upper left.)

[Talkkno]

"Then it is settled we shall head to Magistria District, we will do our best to keep in vox contact, Battle Brothers, do you have anymore questions?"

[Lycan 01]

Elijah looks down at his Heavy Bolter, then back at the Assassin. "Do you possess any Heavy Bolter shells, or speciality ammunition?" He had used up almost a fifth of his ammunition. He'd need to either find a resource for replacement ammo, or begin conserving his shells.

[Executus]

"There is an Imperial storehouse that may contain munitions and further supplies. I do not have an exact location, but it is somewhere to the east within this district. I would speculate that it is somewhere between the spaceport and PDF headquarters, but beyond that I cannot say.

If you have no further questions, please hurry on your way. Time is a resource we have very little of. Please find the Inquisitor and kill the Broodlord, before Avalos falls entirely."

Syndalla looks to the chapel door as calls for Captain Ascote filter in from outside. Her form ripples, and Captain Ascote stands before you once again. Fighting can still be heard, but it remains the constant background noise of distant gunfire that you've heard since you landed on the planet.

Marcus only:

The psychic static you've been feeling since landing, suddenly flares up and your vision briefly whites out. In a moment the sensation has past, and it returns to just a background headache.


OOC:

Feel free to ask any further questions or take any other actions you'd like before setting out. Once you're ready, let me know where you're trying to go next.

[Talkkno]

"Brother Elijah, do you feel your ammunition stocks will last?" Marcus asks, shaking the brief flash off with a nod.

[Lycan 01]

Elijah looks down at his heavy bolter, and jostles his shoulders so he can judge the weight of his ammunition backpack. "It is not a priority," he observes. "Special ammunition would maximize my effectiveness. But it is not imperative at this time."

[Maerok]

"Then shall we rouse the nobles and see what filth may have befallen their ranks?" Battle-brother Decarim studied the edge of his combat knife before putting it away.

[Talkkno]

"Then it is decided, we shall make our way to Magistria District, The Emperor Protects." Marcus remarks, as he briefly makes the sign of the aquilla, turning to his data pad to note its location and direction, heading towards the district.

[Lycan 01]

Elijah follows directly after Marcus, ready to unleash further destruction on any who opposte them and try to stall their progress.

[Pietato]

Gulver sets off with the killteam, idly cycling through vox frequencies in a search for anything particularly pressing or out of the ordinary.

[Executus]

"The Emperor protects, noble Astartes." With a salute and a nod, Syndalla/Ascote marches out of the chapel and begins barking orders at her men to begin repairs on the barricade, tend to the wounded, and otherwise fortify the area.

[hr]

Your trek to the Magistria District is largely uneventful. You can hear the sounds of fighting, but it is all quite far from your location. Although the night sky is still red with the glow of distant fire and conflict, your defeat of the rebels at the chapel seems to have provided an area of relative calm amid the storms. How long that may last is anyone's guess...

After a march of about a quarter hour, you reach the edge of the district. However, crossing into the next will not be so easy. It seems the districts are separated by wide canals. Thinking back to the briefing slate, you recall that there are bridges linking the various districts, but there are none in your immediate vicinity. To make matters worse, there is a high wall surrounding the capital district, so entry is not as simple as swimming or wading across the canal.

The canal itself is approximately 20m across. The banks are elevated approximately 4 m from the canal's surface and walled with rockcrete. It seems the canals are built to account for flooding. You cannot tell how deep the water is. The wall on the far bank is approximately 12m high.

[Maerok]

"Should we bridge the gap or continue on in search of a bridge? This obstacle might not be a problem for me."

[Talkkno]

"We could simply climb over the walls to the other side, I am equipped a harness, with so few entry ways into the district, it have distinct feeling that this bridge is a trap."

[Lycan 01]

Elijah looks around, then turns to Marcus. "What bridge?" he asks, unsure of what bridge the Librarian speaks of, as there are none nearby. He then tugs at the climbing harness strapped to his chest, ensuring that it is properly fastened and making it clear he is ready and prepared to climb down and up the walls if needed.

[Pietato]

The Techmarine takes a knee on the edge of the canal and stares into it, trying to gauge its depth and danger. "We have no qualms about the wall. The canal, however, is a different matter."

[Talkkno]

"Does the auspex pick up anything in those dank waters?"

[Pietato]

"Indeed not, brother. But we waste our time. Securing a bridge would be to our advantage."

[Executus]

A quick consultation of your data slate shows you that the main bridge should be a half dozen blocks to the northwest.

As you approach, you can see that the bridge is securely barricaded at both ends, although there only appear to be guards on the far side. They don't seem to have seen you approach in the darkness, but the area around the bridge is well illuminated, so they will see you, if you approach.

You can make out at least a dozen guards manning the barricade and nearby canal wall. A heavy weapon team a sandbag emplacement at the far side of the bridge. They are clearly uniformed, but not in the same uniform as the PDF you encountered earlier. Their's seems to be more ornate, possibly ceremonial.

OOC:
I assumed you'd head for the bridge. If you'd prefer a different course of action, please let me know.

[Talkkno]

"I believe that these are the Governer's personal Guard, Brother Gulver, can you call up Syndalla to confirm the uniform of these PDF?"

[Pietato]

"Longer-range communications could be problematic, but we will attempt to hail the assassin."

OOC:
Tech Use roll:[roll0] vs 46 (56 if you count the bonus from the combi-tool, but that doesn't seem right given the circumstances.)

[Lycan 01]

"Perhaps one of us should approach?" Elijah suggests, pulling back the firing bolt and chambering a round in his Heavy Bolter. "In case it is a trap? I will provide cover fire if needed."

[Talkkno]

"Syndalla, this is Brother Marcus, we are about to enter the Magistria District threw the main bridge. We see soldiers to be what I believe to be the Governor's personal guard, they appear to be wearing more ornate uniforms. Can you confirm this?" The Ultramarine says clearly into the vox caster, as he explains in further detail the appearance of the soldiers ahead.

[Executus]

Through the vox you hear sounds of combat as Syndalla asks you to wait. After about a minute she gets back on the channel.

"That does sound like the uniform of the Palace guard. The Magistria district has been locked down since the fighting began. If it had been lost, I should have heard about it. But, as always when dealing with a Genestealer infestation, nothing is certain. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an assault to repel. Squad Beta, hol-" With that, the channel goes silent.

[Talkkno]

"Cover me, Brothers, I will see if I can make parlay." Marcus mutters, as he holsters his weapons, walking across to the middle of the bridge.


"Hail! I am Brother Marcus of the Ultramarines, me and my squad are requesting access to the Governor's palace." He says boldly, the aquilla flying above.


Charm if needed
[roll0]

Ultramsmurf reroll
[roll1]

[Executus]

As Marcus steps into the light at the end of the bridge, the soldiers seem to receive quite a start. One of the guards on the wall is so startled, he drops his weapon into the canal. They clearly did not expect to see an Astartes approach their bridge.

The guards' weapons train on Marcus. For a tense moment, it seems they might fire, but the stand off continues. From the guard post, a voice calls out over a public address speaker.

"U-ultramarines? What business do you have in Magistria?"

[Talkkno]

"As you can already hear, the furor of battle astrides all around us, but that is merely a harbinger to things to come. For the Great Devourer's shadows lies upon us soon, and we must stand united and purge the heretics that belie it's taint." Marcus replies gesturing with a open left hand and the aquilla banner in the other.

[Executus]

The speaker is silent for a moment, though the wall guards remain trained on Marcus. Your enhanced senses pick up some murmured whispers from the guard post, but you can't make them out.

The silence stretches, but eventually the speaker blares once again.

"I'm not sure I believe you, as the Ultramarines wear blue armor. But, in any case, we're quite sure there are no rebels within this district. You can take whatever army you have and go cleanse the rest of the capitol with our thanks. I'm sure the PDF would agree, if we could contact their command."

[Talkkno]

"The turmoil and rancor that is surrounds us now is mere skirmish to what is coming.This is merely a vanguard force, it is a imperative we speak to the Governor so we can contact for outside assistance and coordinate the PDF to purge the infestation." Marcus says with a little more force


Charm [roll0]

ultrasmurf reroll [roll1]

[Executus]

The loud speaker squeals for a moment before the guard continues. "Wait one."

This time instead of silence, a flurry of activity is seen along the barricade. A figure runs out of the guard shack and heads further into the district. Gulver picks up some static filled bursts on his vox unit, but they seem to be encrypted. A young looking guardsman runs to the guard shack with a slightly panicked look on his face, before standing at attention near the door.

"Alright. Please proceed across the bridge." What is clearly an officer of some sort exits the guard shack and stands next to the young guardsman, waiting for you to cross.


I'm going to assume you all move across. If you'd prefer to do something else, just let me know.


The team gathers together, before crossing the bridge. An audible intact of breath can be heard as the rest of the team moves into view. You are met at the barricade by the officer and young guardsman.

The officer salutes smartly. "Leftenant Reginald Morecraft, Thorsholt 1st. Welcome to the Magistria District. This is Private Jenkins. He'll guide you to the Governor's Manor. Can we provide any further assistance?"

[Lycan 01]

Elijah stands by silently, simply staring at the soldiers and keeping his Heavy Bolter at the ready. He had no intentions of letting his guard down.

[Talkkno]

"Nothing else is needed, Morecraft. Jenkins, we'll be needing to be headed to Governer's palace." Marcus says calmly, relaxing his shoulders a bit to make himself a little less towering.

[Pietato]

Gulver excuses himself from the group to quickly check the guard's defensive line, and reorganize them if necessary.

Tactics(Defensive Doctrine):
[roll0] vs 46