Thursday 4 September 2008
Imperial Report
++++++++++++++ URGENT SUPPORT REQUEST FILING OFFICER: TANK COMMANDER YARVIS DORN, CADIAN MCXII (ATTACHED TO 7TH EXPEDITIONARY) POSITION UNDER ATTACK BY MOBILE ORK FORCES STOP REMNANTS OF EARLIER CHAOS CONTACT ALSO IN AREA STOP HAVE REPELLED LATEST ASSAULT BUT SUFFERED HEAVY CASUALTIES STOP MAJOR URDAN WRENTSON, LIEUTENANT STEBAN LORRONCE KIA STOP INQUISITOR LORD MARCUS TULLIUS CICERUS BADLY WOUNDED STOPTHIRTY-SIX OTHER RANKS KILLED OR WOUNDED STOP HAVE ASSUMED COMMAND AS RANKING OFFICER AND ORDERED RETREAT TO FIELD MEDICAE FACILITY STOP REQUEST IMMEDIATE INFANTRY SUPPORT AND AIR COVER COORDINATES M854 D234 STOP ++++++++++++++
Friday 22 August 2008
Cicerus slogs it out on Aethor
While the Tau consolidated their hold on Minos Inquisitor Cicerus was still fending off attacks from a rogue Ork fleet which had crashed into the planet. It seems as if the Orks got lost, and encountered the Imperial Guard under Cicerus’ command in the desert region of Aethor.
The Orks attacked furiously, causing horrific casualties, particularly to the Praetorian regiments, using their cobbled together vehicles to charge into the Imperial lines. Despite this they could not break through the Inquisitor’s defences, while the Imperial forces could not rid the world of Orks. As darkness fell on 2008.008M42 the Orks had been held off by the narrowest of margins, and the Imperial Guard readied themselves for the next onslaught.
The Orks attacked furiously, causing horrific casualties, particularly to the Praetorian regiments, using their cobbled together vehicles to charge into the Imperial lines. Despite this they could not break through the Inquisitor’s defences, while the Imperial forces could not rid the world of Orks. As darkness fell on 2008.008M42 the Orks had been held off by the narrowest of margins, and the Imperial Guard readied themselves for the next onslaught.
Minos falls to Fastblade
Following successive victories on Minos the Tau under commander Fastblade had successfully consolidated their hold on the poor tribal world and had won over most of the primitive settlers to “the greater good”. Inquisitor Cicerus realised he didn’t have the forces to contest the world and fight for Aethor, so called for aid from the Adeptus Astartes. The Space Wolves, absent from the sector since their brokered peace on Hartak, headed the call.The Tau allowed the small Space Wolf force to land and pulled their forces back to defensible positions in the small settlements which passed for towns on Minos. The Space Wolves, highly mobile in their Rhinos and Razorbacks, immediately attacked, intending to inflict serious damage on the Tau Hunter Cadres to prevent them from taking the planet.
Commander Fastblade was wise to this tactic however, and did his utmost to avoid battle with the Astartes troops, using the cover of low hills and town settlements. The Space Marines then took position in one of the larger settlements and the Tau were forced to destroy several buildings to keep the Astartes forces at bay, while minimising their own losses.
Unfortunately for the Space Wolves very few of Fastblades units were willing to put themselves at risk, except a group of crisis suits which got far to close and paid the price. Then, a well timed flanking move by stealth suits caused havoc in the Space Wolves lines, cutting down a unit of marines and inflicting punishing casualties. Hammerheads added to the destruction at range and after several hours of vicious fighting the Space Wolves realised they would be unable to inflict enough damage on the Tau to upset their hold on Minos. The Imperial forces departed the next day, on 2108.008M42, abandoning Minos to the Tau, for the time being at least.
Thursday 21 August 2008
Sunday 17 August 2008
Cicerus extends hold on Aethor
++++++++++++++PRAETORIAN XXIV CONTACT REPORT
FILING OFFICER: MAJOR URDAN WRENTSON, 7th EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
OPERATIONAL STATUS: HOLDING OBJECTIVES
SUPPLY STATUS: AMBER
REPORT DETAIL BEGINS....
As ordered, we have advanced into the southern desert and siezed control of identified objectives. Having taken control of a supply drop at coordinates A432.56-O843.22 we were joined by Inquistor Lord Cicerus.
Shortly after digging in at this position to maintain our vehicles and Lord Cicerus' personal transport, scanners detected a company strength infantry force moving towards our position. This formation did not display Imperial insignia or army identification markings, and we engaged on my orders and with the assistance of the Inquisitor.
Although the enemy possessed air superiority in the region and were able to drop in reinforcements once our troops were committed, our armoured strength proved decisive, and we were able to inflict severe losses to the enemy's cavalry and infantry, as well as destroying some artillery units.
I can highly commend the actions of Lieutenant Steben Lorronce, who led a cavalry counter charge which prevented our defences from being overrun and allowed an orderly redeployment.
Sentinel pilot Jakson of the Cadian MCXII is awarded the Honorifica Valoris in recognition of his brave actions in striking at the heart of the enemy assault single-handed whilst displaying the extreme skill which allowed him to keep his machine intact.
Traitor forces have now retreated from this area, I am standing fast and awaiting further orders. Inquisitor Lord Cicerus has returned to his vessel following repairs to his armoured transport.
REPORT DETAIL ENDS.....
FILING OFFICER: MAJOR URDAN WRENTSON, 7th EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
OPERATIONAL STATUS: HOLDING OBJECTIVES
SUPPLY STATUS: AMBER
REPORT DETAIL BEGINS....
As ordered, we have advanced into the southern desert and siezed control of identified objectives. Having taken control of a supply drop at coordinates A432.56-O843.22 we were joined by Inquistor Lord Cicerus.
Shortly after digging in at this position to maintain our vehicles and Lord Cicerus' personal transport, scanners detected a company strength infantry force moving towards our position. This formation did not display Imperial insignia or army identification markings, and we engaged on my orders and with the assistance of the Inquisitor.
Although the enemy possessed air superiority in the region and were able to drop in reinforcements once our troops were committed, our armoured strength proved decisive, and we were able to inflict severe losses to the enemy's cavalry and infantry, as well as destroying some artillery units.
I can highly commend the actions of Lieutenant Steben Lorronce, who led a cavalry counter charge which prevented our defences from being overrun and allowed an orderly redeployment.
Sentinel pilot Jakson of the Cadian MCXII is awarded the Honorifica Valoris in recognition of his brave actions in striking at the heart of the enemy assault single-handed whilst displaying the extreme skill which allowed him to keep his machine intact.
Traitor forces have now retreated from this area, I am standing fast and awaiting further orders. Inquisitor Lord Cicerus has returned to his vessel following repairs to his armoured transport.
REPORT DETAIL ENDS.....
Wednesday 30 July 2008
Children of Steel make progress on Eris
On 1507.008M42 The Chaos army known as the Children of Steel made further gains on Eris, despite dogged resistance from Imperial Guard regiments,shipped in only weeks before to halt the progress of the traitor army. The Children of Steel had landed in the wake of the Thousand Sons and were making good progress having consolidated their landing area.
Imperial High Command was slow to act in the case of the invasion of the strategically unimportant planet of Eris, but it did send three Guard regiments to hold the line. The Children of Steel had been met on the fieldof battle before, on Cerberex, and the Imperium made the mistake of underestimating them. The Librians who faced them then were better equipped and, crucially, luckier than the forces defending Eris and the result was a shattering defeat finally ending on 3007.008M42. The Chaos forces now had control of one third of the planet’s settlements.
Imperial High Command was slow to act in the case of the invasion of the strategically unimportant planet of Eris, but it did send three Guard regiments to hold the line. The Children of Steel had been met on the fieldof battle before, on Cerberex, and the Imperium made the mistake of underestimating them. The Librians who faced them then were better equipped and, crucially, luckier than the forces defending Eris and the result was a shattering defeat finally ending on 3007.008M42. The Chaos forces now had control of one third of the planet’s settlements.
Sunday 27 July 2008
Waaagh Wizbit seizes control of key industrial site on Ares
The trukks of Waaagh Wizbit ploughed towards a small industrial facility on Ares. Their gibbering leader, the insane yet dangerous, Weirdboy Warphead Wizbit had prophesised a great battle with the promise of technological bitz beyond their wildest dreams.
After stopping to refuel en-route, the orks arrived late on the scene and discovered an army of metallic skeletons had taken residence in two of the factory buildings and were peering menacingly out of the windows at them.
Leaving huge dust clouds in their wake all the trucks sped at top speed across the battlefield, their orky cargo howling in delight as they hung on for dear life. Wizbit's eyes turned a spectacular indigo and a tremor of psychic energy rumbled across the battlefield.
The necrons opened fire hammering the closest trukk. One exploded, spiralling through the air, bouncing off a nearby building, before its crew executed an almost perfect disembarking procedure, with only one ork landing on his head. Two other trucks were damaged, but in much less interesting ways, to the disappointment of the orks.
The iron menace had lost their chance to blast the orks out of existence before the real fighting began. Orks poured into one of the main facility buildings, choppas held high. The green aliens whooped with joy as they brought blow after blow down on the glowing eyed tin men, but to their delight the necrons who fell got right back up again ready for another beating. A grinding stalemate was reached, where only the mighty power claws of the nobz were able to keep down the stubborn necrons. However, it was brought to an end when either a fear of destruction, hidden deep within the memory of these automatons, kicked in, or some mechanical self-preservation function was activated. Whatever the truth of it, to the disgust of the orks, the robots began to run, evacuating the building.
Meanwhile, Wizbit’s second in command, Mek Irongit, was seeing to the important business of teleporting snotlings. A direct hit on a building full of, suddenly very confused, robots, left most of them with circuits mangled with horribly deformed and mutilated snotz crawling inside them. Irongit told his band of looting bodyguard that he knew the gun would work eventually and they sneered in contempt as their deffguns failed to get through the necron's cover. The damage had been done and Wizbit’s mob were now ready to flush the remaining robot’s from their hiding place, another key building.
The battle was not over yet. On both flanks of the battlefield, a far more deadly necron threat was lurking in the form of two large squads of immortals. Even the orks could see that these tin men were a real problem. They were pouring fire into every ork in sight, sending showers of green blood in every direction. On the ork left flank a deff dredd and mob of killa kans stomped up onto a rocky hill, claiming the high ground, but they were under heavy fire. Luckily for them, their antagonists were engaged and the same glitch apparent in the necron warriors was there in the immortals as they fled from the frustrated choppa-wielding aliens.
The orks were ready for the kill. They would show no mercy to fleeing automatons. The ground itself throbbed with green psychic energy. The eyes of every ork on the battlefield glowed green as they screamed ‘waaagh’ in unison.
In a dazzling anti-climax, necrons phased out, a final cowardly act, leaving the orks to tear the industrial site apart, loading the shiniest bitz onto their trucks, before moving on in search of the next fight.
After stopping to refuel en-route, the orks arrived late on the scene and discovered an army of metallic skeletons had taken residence in two of the factory buildings and were peering menacingly out of the windows at them.
Leaving huge dust clouds in their wake all the trucks sped at top speed across the battlefield, their orky cargo howling in delight as they hung on for dear life. Wizbit's eyes turned a spectacular indigo and a tremor of psychic energy rumbled across the battlefield.
The necrons opened fire hammering the closest trukk. One exploded, spiralling through the air, bouncing off a nearby building, before its crew executed an almost perfect disembarking procedure, with only one ork landing on his head. Two other trucks were damaged, but in much less interesting ways, to the disappointment of the orks.
The iron menace had lost their chance to blast the orks out of existence before the real fighting began. Orks poured into one of the main facility buildings, choppas held high. The green aliens whooped with joy as they brought blow after blow down on the glowing eyed tin men, but to their delight the necrons who fell got right back up again ready for another beating. A grinding stalemate was reached, where only the mighty power claws of the nobz were able to keep down the stubborn necrons. However, it was brought to an end when either a fear of destruction, hidden deep within the memory of these automatons, kicked in, or some mechanical self-preservation function was activated. Whatever the truth of it, to the disgust of the orks, the robots began to run, evacuating the building.
Meanwhile, Wizbit’s second in command, Mek Irongit, was seeing to the important business of teleporting snotlings. A direct hit on a building full of, suddenly very confused, robots, left most of them with circuits mangled with horribly deformed and mutilated snotz crawling inside them. Irongit told his band of looting bodyguard that he knew the gun would work eventually and they sneered in contempt as their deffguns failed to get through the necron's cover. The damage had been done and Wizbit’s mob were now ready to flush the remaining robot’s from their hiding place, another key building.
The battle was not over yet. On both flanks of the battlefield, a far more deadly necron threat was lurking in the form of two large squads of immortals. Even the orks could see that these tin men were a real problem. They were pouring fire into every ork in sight, sending showers of green blood in every direction. On the ork left flank a deff dredd and mob of killa kans stomped up onto a rocky hill, claiming the high ground, but they were under heavy fire. Luckily for them, their antagonists were engaged and the same glitch apparent in the necron warriors was there in the immortals as they fled from the frustrated choppa-wielding aliens.
The orks were ready for the kill. They would show no mercy to fleeing automatons. The ground itself throbbed with green psychic energy. The eyes of every ork on the battlefield glowed green as they screamed ‘waaagh’ in unison.
In a dazzling anti-climax, necrons phased out, a final cowardly act, leaving the orks to tear the industrial site apart, loading the shiniest bitz onto their trucks, before moving on in search of the next fight.
Sunday 20 July 2008
Fastblade consolidates hold on Minos
After several weeks Commander Fastblade, leader of the Tau expansion into the Vastrid subsector, was able to consolidate his position on Minos when Inquisitor Cicerus and his Guard regiments arrived once again in ths system. The Tau allowed the Inquisitor to land on 1807.008M42, accepting an envoy from his staff who handed an note to the Tau Commander. The note was deeply insulting, simply informing Fastblade that the forces of the emperor would soon be “cleansing” him from the world and that death by his own hand might be a more sensible solution. Unimpressed, Fastblade set about his defences.
The Imperial forces attacked a day later with elements of the Praetorian 24th and 25th Regiment, as well as Cadian 1112th Armoured Regiment Tanks. The latter soon found themselves in real trouble on the desert plains, where Tau Hammerheads used arcane technology to distort their image, making them hard to hit, while the Leman Russ battle tanks stood out clearly on the hot sands. Soon most were burning.
Cicerus ordered his infantry forward, using the dunes and rocky outcrops as cover. Mocing swiftly and by outflanking the Tau positions with Sentinel walkers, the Tau were soon hard pressed and for a time it looked likely that their defences would collapse. However Fastblade had prepared well and the Imperial infantry took terrible casualties as they neared their objective, cut down in swathes by accurate short-ranged fire from Tau sophisticated weaponry. The Hammerhead Railguns’ subminitions also proved lethal.
By the end of 2007.008M42 the latest attempt to retake Minos had failed, and the Tau presence on the planet looked ever more permanent.
Friday 6 June 2008
Hemera declared Excommunicate Traitoris
On 2805.007M42 General Manstein’s task force arrived in the Hemera system after having received disturbing reports from traders visiting the Guild planet. Imperial Intelligence suggested that the ruler of the small manufacturing outpost was no longer in control and that other forces held sway on Hemera.There was considerable evidence for this and as Manstein’s force approached the planet there were more disturbing signs; blasphemously shaped buildings, signs of Ork constructs and some very concerning energy readings. Manstein prepared to deploy.
Before the main deployment the Blood Ravens 4th company swiftly dropped onto the planet to make sure there was no threat from the 5,000 strong standing Imperial Guard army on Hemera. Manstein didn’t know whether they would welcome the marines or stand and fight. He hoped for the former, but as soon as the Blood Ravens entered the planetary atmosphere they were fired upon.
The space marines quickly deployed and attacked the Imperial Guard positions, but found them well defended. After an extended engagement lasting more than four hours it wasn’t clear whether the marines we remaking any headway, so they withdrew after destroying several communications pylons to the west of the main city.
Manstein then deployed his Librian 7th Grenadiers and approached the city led by their armoured columns. Messages had been sent forward to the capital Hemlar Primus to persuade the Govenor to return to the Imperial fold. The governor claimed the Marines fired first and he had no way of knowing they were loyal Marines since he had not been given any warning.When pressed on the Ork constructs and blasphemous designs on some areas of the planet the governor suddenly became silent.
Manstein’s forces halted outside the city while envoys were sent to the Imperial palace. As the Librians were digging in for a possible siege the full scale of the governor’s treachery became apparent.
The Orks attacked in a huge green wave, outnumbering the Imperial Guardsmen5-1, charging forward accompanied by huge lumbering vehicles and crude but fast war bikes. The Imperial soldiers held out bravely and called for their armour to be brought up, which happened with surprising speed. Hellhounds were soon blunting the Ork charge, burning hundreds of Orks with flaming gouts of promethium.
Still the Orks came, and in the north and east of the city the Imperial Guard units were pushed back, in some cases route d, while Captain Alex Duberov bravely tried to halt the Orks, fighting them with bolt pistol and power sword. Despite slaying two of the giant greenskins the Captain was no match for the Orks in combat and quickly became a casualty.
By the end of 0506.008M42 the battle had ended when the Orks retreated tothe city. The Imperial forces had been badly mauled but not broken by the sudden Ork attack, though more of Manstein’s forces would be needed to bring the planet of Hemera to heel. Recognising the system’s total abandonment of Imperial law, Hemera was officially declared Excommunicate Traitoris on 0606.008M42.
Eldar aid on Eris cannot stop Chaos
Meanwhile on the world of Eris the ruling monarch was aggrieved to find out his realm had been invaded by foul Chaos marines, presumably from the Chaos world of Parthenope. Several thousand cultists and marines had landed,raiding and sacking the villages closest to the northern ring mountains where the incursion happened.
Lacking any form of PDF or space fairing capability, the citizens of the peaceful and backward planet prayed to the Emperor for deliverance, but their call was answered buy the mysterious Eldar, rather than the soldiers of the Imperium.
A force of the xenos landed on the planet, briefly informing the King of their presence and warning the local populace not to interfere. Then they set off for the equatorial deserts where the Chaos Marines, led by the Thousand Sons legion, had travelled.
The Eldar encountered the Chaos legion on the open plains near the deserts of central Eris. While the Eldar were determined and stoic, the Chaos forces were unyielding and purposeful in their advance. It was a test to see who would blink first. In the end, it was the Eldar, who withdrew after taking heavy casualties. The terror on Eris would continue.
Lacking any form of PDF or space fairing capability, the citizens of the peaceful and backward planet prayed to the Emperor for deliverance, but their call was answered buy the mysterious Eldar, rather than the soldiers of the Imperium.
A force of the xenos landed on the planet, briefly informing the King of their presence and warning the local populace not to interfere. Then they set off for the equatorial deserts where the Chaos Marines, led by the Thousand Sons legion, had travelled.
The Eldar encountered the Chaos legion on the open plains near the deserts of central Eris. While the Eldar were determined and stoic, the Chaos forces were unyielding and purposeful in their advance. It was a test to see who would blink first. In the end, it was the Eldar, who withdrew after taking heavy casualties. The terror on Eris would continue.
Wednesday 21 May 2008
Eldar Assault Librian Librian 7th Grenadiers on Aethor
The Librian 7th Grenadiers took up defensive positions around the only spaceport on the world, Aethra, near to the bulk of the major mining operations. It wasn't long before they were attacked by the Eldar, who still worried that the increased military presence on the world would wake the slumbering Necrons. The main assault occurred in the north with the Eldar Farseer guiding his troops through the many roughly constructed mining buildings of Aethra.
The Imperial troops were well dug in, and as soon as they saw the approaching Eldar called for reinforcements. A fierce fire fight soon developed with the Imperial Guard refusing to give ground. After several Eldar Walkers and four Imperial Sentinels exchanged fire, it looked like the Eldar would gain the upper hand, but just at that moment the Librian vehicles arrived.
First, a hellhound appeared on the Imperial right flank, incinerating howling banshees and Eldar Guardians. The Farseer leading the Eldar forces was seen to flee at this point, but the aliens continued to press home their attack. Meanwhile on the left flank a Leman Russ, crewed by a crack team of veterans transferred from the Melberg campaign, appeared on the scene.
The effect was immediate as two Wave Serpents were expertly shot out of the sky by some excellent marksmanship. After this disaster the Eldar attack became more uncoordinated as the passengers within the troop transports tried in vain to close with their enemy. The Dire Avengers were cut down by massed lasgun fire and Hellhound flamer fire.
Too late the aliens realised the power of the flame tank and managed to knock one out with their vibro-cannons, but the battle was lost. The Eldar retreated and the Imperium took stock. It had been a disastrous raid by the Eldar who looked to their Farseer to provide an explanation...
The Imperial troops were well dug in, and as soon as they saw the approaching Eldar called for reinforcements. A fierce fire fight soon developed with the Imperial Guard refusing to give ground. After several Eldar Walkers and four Imperial Sentinels exchanged fire, it looked like the Eldar would gain the upper hand, but just at that moment the Librian vehicles arrived.
First, a hellhound appeared on the Imperial right flank, incinerating howling banshees and Eldar Guardians. The Farseer leading the Eldar forces was seen to flee at this point, but the aliens continued to press home their attack. Meanwhile on the left flank a Leman Russ, crewed by a crack team of veterans transferred from the Melberg campaign, appeared on the scene.
The effect was immediate as two Wave Serpents were expertly shot out of the sky by some excellent marksmanship. After this disaster the Eldar attack became more uncoordinated as the passengers within the troop transports tried in vain to close with their enemy. The Dire Avengers were cut down by massed lasgun fire and Hellhound flamer fire.
Too late the aliens realised the power of the flame tank and managed to knock one out with their vibro-cannons, but the battle was lost. The Eldar retreated and the Imperium took stock. It had been a disastrous raid by the Eldar who looked to their Farseer to provide an explanation...
Wednesday 14 May 2008
The Imperial Guard appoints General Manstein
The unrest in the minor systems in the Vastrid subsector caused alarm on the Subsector capital. With his usual lack of attention to detail General Thaddius Roover, the highest ranked Imperial General in the whole sector declared that “something should be done about it” and appointed General Manstein, eager to regain his reputation after the fall of Cerberex, to organise the Imperium’s move on these worlds by force. He didn’t specify how this should be done.
Manstein was in fact a capable general and organiser and soon realised that there was no way he was going to get a mighty crusade together. High Admiral Bova Magnus was unwilling to give him much in the way of a fleet, but finally relented, giving Manstein the support of his new carrier battlegroup. This amounted to three capital ships and six sword and firestorm class frigates.
The flagship, the Mars class Ark Royal was accompanied by the dictator class vessels Formidable and Victorious, all new to the sector. Manstein was also able to secure the services of six troop and supply transports. Now all he had to do was locate some forces. After much negotiation and politicking, the veteran general managed to put together a reasonable force of six Imperial Guard regiments, or 60,000 troops, plus the highly valued support of the Blood Ravens 4th company and the Blood Martyrs 8th company, along with the strike cruiser Tempest and the Blood Raven’s Sword class escort Enlightenment.
The Imperial Guard regiments were made up of the Librian 7th and 118th Grenadiers, the Librian 18th Armoured regiment, The Vastridian 17th Engineers division and the very valuable Librian 2nd and 3rd Airborne Cavalry. Unfortunately Manstein was unable to secure any resources from the Titan Legions.
With this strong force Manstein’s army moved off into the lower Perseus Deeps. The general’s plan was simple; to intimidate the local forces making sure the loyalty of the Emperor’s subjects was invigorated.
After a week and a half in the warp the task force (named Battlegroup Manstein) arrived in the Aethor system… To find that Inquisitor Cicerus had got there before him. Manstein was less than pleased by the arrival of the Ordo Hereticus. When he found it had significant armed forces he was doubly angry. The Inquisitor had not even thought to mention his “crusade” to the sector command, not that he needed to, and when Cicerus curtly informed the general he was to secure Aethor in the name of the Emperor Manstein went into an apocalyptic rage. Even so Manstein was not about to cross an Inquistor and eventually half the Librian 7th Grenadiers, some 5,000 troops, were landed near the planet’s largest mining settlements, while General Manstein seethed.
Battlegroup Manstein
Imperial Navy
Mars Class Ark Royal
Dictator Class Victorious
Dictator Class Formidable
Sword Class Vessels Arrogant, Furious, Gladiator
Firestorm Class Vessels Vindictive, Badger, Fox
Transports Guardian, Protector, Emperor's Light
Supply Ships Incorruptible, Unwavering Faith, Virtuous
Imperial Guard
Librian 18th Armoured regiment
Librian 7th Grenadiers
Librian 118th Grenadiers
Librian 2nd Air Cavalry
Librian 3rd Air Cavalry
Vastridian 17th Engineers
Adeptus Astartes
Blood Martyrs strike cruiser Tempest
Blood Martyrs 8th company
Blood Ravens Sword class escort Enlightenment
Blood Ravens 4th company
Manstein was in fact a capable general and organiser and soon realised that there was no way he was going to get a mighty crusade together. High Admiral Bova Magnus was unwilling to give him much in the way of a fleet, but finally relented, giving Manstein the support of his new carrier battlegroup. This amounted to three capital ships and six sword and firestorm class frigates.
The flagship, the Mars class Ark Royal was accompanied by the dictator class vessels Formidable and Victorious, all new to the sector. Manstein was also able to secure the services of six troop and supply transports. Now all he had to do was locate some forces. After much negotiation and politicking, the veteran general managed to put together a reasonable force of six Imperial Guard regiments, or 60,000 troops, plus the highly valued support of the Blood Ravens 4th company and the Blood Martyrs 8th company, along with the strike cruiser Tempest and the Blood Raven’s Sword class escort Enlightenment.
The Imperial Guard regiments were made up of the Librian 7th and 118th Grenadiers, the Librian 18th Armoured regiment, The Vastridian 17th Engineers division and the very valuable Librian 2nd and 3rd Airborne Cavalry. Unfortunately Manstein was unable to secure any resources from the Titan Legions.
With this strong force Manstein’s army moved off into the lower Perseus Deeps. The general’s plan was simple; to intimidate the local forces making sure the loyalty of the Emperor’s subjects was invigorated.
After a week and a half in the warp the task force (named Battlegroup Manstein) arrived in the Aethor system… To find that Inquisitor Cicerus had got there before him. Manstein was less than pleased by the arrival of the Ordo Hereticus. When he found it had significant armed forces he was doubly angry. The Inquisitor had not even thought to mention his “crusade” to the sector command, not that he needed to, and when Cicerus curtly informed the general he was to secure Aethor in the name of the Emperor Manstein went into an apocalyptic rage. Even so Manstein was not about to cross an Inquistor and eventually half the Librian 7th Grenadiers, some 5,000 troops, were landed near the planet’s largest mining settlements, while General Manstein seethed.
Battlegroup Manstein
Imperial Navy
Mars Class Ark Royal
Dictator Class Victorious
Dictator Class Formidable
Sword Class Vessels Arrogant, Furious, Gladiator
Firestorm Class Vessels Vindictive, Badger, Fox
Transports Guardian, Protector, Emperor's Light
Supply Ships Incorruptible, Unwavering Faith, Virtuous
Imperial Guard
Librian 18th Armoured regiment
Librian 7th Grenadiers
Librian 118th Grenadiers
Librian 2nd Air Cavalry
Librian 3rd Air Cavalry
Vastridian 17th Engineers
Adeptus Astartes
Blood Martyrs strike cruiser Tempest
Blood Martyrs 8th company
Blood Ravens Sword class escort Enlightenment
Blood Ravens 4th company
Tuesday 13 May 2008
Ares Data Intercept
VERBAL TRANSCRIPT OF PICT-RECORDED DOCUMENTLOCATION: ARES, VASTRID SUBSECTOR
RECOVERED FROM SERVITOR RECORDING MODULE ABOARD RHINO APC
TRANSCRIBED BY SAVANT NOREIK, ORDO XENOS,INQUISITORIAL DATA-LIBRARY FACULTY
[Pict-record white noise segues to] Darkness, illuminated only by the dimming lamps of the clearly damaged APC and flashes of what appears to be energy-weapon fire to the right. Sound of las-blasts, fading.
[Pict-recorder pans to] Ancient ruins, clearly Xeno in origin, illuminated in an unholy phosphorescent green glow. Scattered amongst the broken masonry are the twisted and partially-disintegrated bodies of at least three (potentially more depending upon the degree of disintegration) Adeptus Mechanicus Skitarii. Wound patterns correlate with known Xeno gauss tech.
From the darkness beyond the pillars a humanoid shadow emerges, swathed in robes and clutching what appears to be a staff surrounded by a power field. The figure moves steadily through the rubble, the head moving systematically, almost robotically, from left to right as if scanning the debris. [Pict-record interrupted by static interference]
[Pict-image restablished to reveal] The humanoid’s head fills the screen. A skeletal appearance constructed from metal of unknown origin. Appearance matches Xenoform Necron. The ‘eyes’ of the face glow with an eldritch green light, harbouring malicious ire and burning intent to retrieve at all costs, that which has been taken. The humanoid fades into nothingness, leaving nothing but the distorted remains of the Adeptus Mechanicus. [Pict-recording ends]
Forgive me, my Lord, for the unusual use of inference towards the end of this transcript, as you know my work is dispassionate and objective, however in direct translation of the image these words were the most accurate account I could give. There was no message, but I am sure that the Xeno was demanding something. I can forward you the original Pict-file for you to confirm my analysis.
Sunday 11 May 2008
Cicerus on Aethor
Following Lord Cirerus’ less than successful action on Minos, his attention was drawn to the small mining colony of Aethor, dominated by wetlands which separated mining settlements from one another. Cicerus had got wind of alien artefacts and xenos threats from his agents on a number of minor worlds in the system and he passed this information on to his allies, the adeptus mechanicus.
The two factions agreed that the Mechanicus would investigate the more certain rumours on Ares, a barren research station, their mechanical constructs more suited to the harsh environment. The Inquisitor and his guard units would investigate Aethor.
The governor of Aethor was less than happy to see Inquisitorial forces arrive in his domain, but was powerless to do anything other than accept their “help”. The governor knew well some mining operations had been lost to unknown fates, and tales of battles with alien “machine men” were widespread. The inhabitants of the planet knew well which areas to avoid.
The governor was not the only one to be concerned by the Inquisition’s sudden interest in the planet. Fearing that Cicerus and his blunderings would unleash a sleeping Necron threat, the Eldar of the region knew they had to act. Arriving on the planet shortly after Cicerus had, the aliens launched an immediate attack on the Inquisitor’s forces. Sadly for the Eldar they were beaten back by a furious Imperial attack, abandoning the world to its fate...
The two factions agreed that the Mechanicus would investigate the more certain rumours on Ares, a barren research station, their mechanical constructs more suited to the harsh environment. The Inquisitor and his guard units would investigate Aethor.
The governor of Aethor was less than happy to see Inquisitorial forces arrive in his domain, but was powerless to do anything other than accept their “help”. The governor knew well some mining operations had been lost to unknown fates, and tales of battles with alien “machine men” were widespread. The inhabitants of the planet knew well which areas to avoid.
The governor was not the only one to be concerned by the Inquisition’s sudden interest in the planet. Fearing that Cicerus and his blunderings would unleash a sleeping Necron threat, the Eldar of the region knew they had to act. Arriving on the planet shortly after Cicerus had, the aliens launched an immediate attack on the Inquisitor’s forces. Sadly for the Eldar they were beaten back by a furious Imperial attack, abandoning the world to its fate...
Ares: Adeptus Mechanicus encounter Necrons
Personal Archive, Magos Explorator Sequor Focault
Aboard Ark Mechanicus INEXORABLE SEARCH FOR WISDOM
It would appear that I was correct – the site on Ares was worthy of investigation. Furthermore, my prudence in taking a sizable excavation force was rewarded, since we were attacked by some uncontrolled mechanical defences, whose machine spirits had over time apparently decayed to the point where they could not recognise their rightful masters.
The site was certainly ancient, certainly predating the Great Crusades, although there were signs of probable xenocorruption. However, I believe that the data core that I was able to retrieve will yield its secrets and lead me to further, uncorrupted repositories.
Some material loss was incurred in the core’s acquisition. One HUNTER and one STALKER class knight were lost in the initial moments after the defence systems’ ambush. Knight Baron Hoffstedder’s demise while attempting to redeem himself by countercharging precludes any punishment for the consequent loss of a maniple of Crusader assault robots.
Enginseers Kelvin and Pohl demonstrated excellent judgement, leading their Skitarii detachments into melee with the defenders, preventing any damage to the irreplaceable cyber-augment units of the Praetorians. I shall integrate their data archives into my own. Enginseer Devar shall not be so honoured; charging combat androids into melee was recklessly wasteful and, were he still alive, he would be punished.
It was necessary to abandon the breaching Termite, following irreparable damage to its carrier vehicle, although it may be possible to send a recovery detachment back for it at a later time.
The Carpenter-class forestry robot acquired on Madrigal and reprogrammed for combat performed admirably, destroying a number of defending units and absorbing a prodigious quantity of enemy fire with no ill effect. Truly an inspiring example of the versatility of the Omnissiah’s gifts to us.
Work continues in attempting to placate the machine spirit of the recovered artefact. I believe it to be a data core, but it has been long neglected, and the machine spirit is weak within it. But the proper observances shall be kept, and I have no doubt the Omnissiah shall cause the light of truth to shine upon it in time.
Aboard Ark Mechanicus INEXORABLE SEARCH FOR WISDOM
It would appear that I was correct – the site on Ares was worthy of investigation. Furthermore, my prudence in taking a sizable excavation force was rewarded, since we were attacked by some uncontrolled mechanical defences, whose machine spirits had over time apparently decayed to the point where they could not recognise their rightful masters.
The site was certainly ancient, certainly predating the Great Crusades, although there were signs of probable xenocorruption. However, I believe that the data core that I was able to retrieve will yield its secrets and lead me to further, uncorrupted repositories.
Some material loss was incurred in the core’s acquisition. One HUNTER and one STALKER class knight were lost in the initial moments after the defence systems’ ambush. Knight Baron Hoffstedder’s demise while attempting to redeem himself by countercharging precludes any punishment for the consequent loss of a maniple of Crusader assault robots.
Enginseers Kelvin and Pohl demonstrated excellent judgement, leading their Skitarii detachments into melee with the defenders, preventing any damage to the irreplaceable cyber-augment units of the Praetorians. I shall integrate their data archives into my own. Enginseer Devar shall not be so honoured; charging combat androids into melee was recklessly wasteful and, were he still alive, he would be punished.
It was necessary to abandon the breaching Termite, following irreparable damage to its carrier vehicle, although it may be possible to send a recovery detachment back for it at a later time.
The Carpenter-class forestry robot acquired on Madrigal and reprogrammed for combat performed admirably, destroying a number of defending units and absorbing a prodigious quantity of enemy fire with no ill effect. Truly an inspiring example of the versatility of the Omnissiah’s gifts to us.
Work continues in attempting to placate the machine spirit of the recovered artefact. I believe it to be a data core, but it has been long neglected, and the machine spirit is weak within it. But the proper observances shall be kept, and I have no doubt the Omnissiah shall cause the light of truth to shine upon it in time.
Sunday 4 May 2008
Inquisitor Cicerus encounters the Tau
+++ COMMUNICATO INQUISITORI EXTREMIS
+++ORIGINATOR: Inquistor Lord Cicerus
ROUTE TO: Inquisitor-Consul Lord Metellus
PRIORITY CODE: Delta
SECURE REF: P9876SDAFFSD76429852IODNSD
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Innocence proves nothing
My Lord, I beg to report on recent military action and discoveries in the Vastrid subsector.
As ordered, my initial priority was to locate and verify the faith of General Fillion. The same warp disturbance that caused my own ship to be effected by time dilation effects had also hindered the progress of the fleet carrying the General's troops. General Natoro Fillion is therefore declared innocent of heresy, and has joined my retinue. Admiral Hoson Fox, Navigator Inway Daniels, Navigator Stefanos Roskov, and Naval Commissar Lutro Vasius expired as I questioned them regarding their roles in allowing Imperial shipping to be impeded. As their souls were cleansed by my extortiators, they have passed into the Emperor's light, and I have instructed the naval authorities to award them their earned decorations posthumously.
Interpreting our most holy Emperor's divine will, I have ordered the General to aid in my investigations in the region, and to fulfill his original mission by defeating any threats to Imperial worlds and resources in the subsector. To this end, I commandeered an expeditionary force and made landfall on Minos, as xenos activity had been reported on this world. I encountered Tau forces in the desert regions around the planet's equator, and engaged them. In achieving victory over the aliens, many men and vehicles were lost and I was forced to destroy a grav tank in single combat before it could depart the field. In allowing heavy losses of His Holy Emperor's troops and equipment, Lieutenant Michal Forne is guilty of incompetence in imperial office, and I have sentenced him to one week's excrutiation and death by firing squad.
I am hopeful that interrogation of Tau prisoners captured in this action will yield information regarding the appointed officials in the region and any contact they may have had with nonhumans. It is currently unclear whether the Tau's presence on Minos is the result of incompetence or collusion on the part of the planet's governor, and my investigations continue.
The Emperor protects.
+++ TERMINUS +++
+++ORIGINATOR: Inquistor Lord Cicerus
ROUTE TO: Inquisitor-Consul Lord Metellus
PRIORITY CODE: Delta
SECURE REF: P9876SDAFFSD76429852IODNSD
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Innocence proves nothing
My Lord, I beg to report on recent military action and discoveries in the Vastrid subsector.
As ordered, my initial priority was to locate and verify the faith of General Fillion. The same warp disturbance that caused my own ship to be effected by time dilation effects had also hindered the progress of the fleet carrying the General's troops. General Natoro Fillion is therefore declared innocent of heresy, and has joined my retinue. Admiral Hoson Fox, Navigator Inway Daniels, Navigator Stefanos Roskov, and Naval Commissar Lutro Vasius expired as I questioned them regarding their roles in allowing Imperial shipping to be impeded. As their souls were cleansed by my extortiators, they have passed into the Emperor's light, and I have instructed the naval authorities to award them their earned decorations posthumously.
Interpreting our most holy Emperor's divine will, I have ordered the General to aid in my investigations in the region, and to fulfill his original mission by defeating any threats to Imperial worlds and resources in the subsector. To this end, I commandeered an expeditionary force and made landfall on Minos, as xenos activity had been reported on this world. I encountered Tau forces in the desert regions around the planet's equator, and engaged them. In achieving victory over the aliens, many men and vehicles were lost and I was forced to destroy a grav tank in single combat before it could depart the field. In allowing heavy losses of His Holy Emperor's troops and equipment, Lieutenant Michal Forne is guilty of incompetence in imperial office, and I have sentenced him to one week's excrutiation and death by firing squad.
I am hopeful that interrogation of Tau prisoners captured in this action will yield information regarding the appointed officials in the region and any contact they may have had with nonhumans. It is currently unclear whether the Tau's presence on Minos is the result of incompetence or collusion on the part of the planet's governor, and my investigations continue.
The Emperor protects.
+++ TERMINUS +++
Tuesday 29 April 2008
Minor Worlds of the Vastrid subsector
Hemera is a wet, temperate world with innumerable shallow swampy seas.Existing off the beaten track it was never properly colonised by the Imperium but was eventually settled by the Caligulan Manufacturing Cartel in 745M39. It has a population of roughly half a million working on production of spaceship parts and other metallic bulk items.
Though nominally part of the Imperium the officials of the Administratum have not ventured onto the planet since it was settled, the tithes being handled by the Caligulan cartel themselves. The planet will generally do business with anyone who offers a fair price.
Eris is a small world of tall mountains and pine forests with
limited natural resources. Its proximity to the Perseus Deeps puts it outside the sphere of Imperial control, but the settlers of the planet are humans, ruled over by a hereditary monarchy. There are about two million inhabitants, mostly poor farmers, though the capital Erisburg does have a spaceport and trade is brisk in local food produce. Eris is notable as a satellite of a gas giant rather than a planet in its own right.
Minos is a heavily forested world with just under five million inhabitants. It has little or no valuable resources and the planets inhabitants live off he land in nomadic tribes. They are friendly to off-worlders, human or alien and have already been approached by the Tau. The Imperium is aware of this but until recently took little interest in the affairs of nomadic tribesmen. Now the planet's strategic location as a base has forced them to think again.
Aethor is a warm and wet planet who's mountains have been warn down by the process of erosion leaving broad plains rich in heavy metals. There are several mining operations across the planet operate by several mining companies. Most of these are registered in the Imperium though not all are. A few are known to be openly dealing with the UFP, Chaos renegades, pirates and Tau...
Ares is a cold dry barren rock. There is no water or Oxygen and the planet's 50,000 inhabitants are reliant on food and provisions brought in from elsewhere. The system is a research station for anyone who wants to test something out. It specialises in high technology but lies outside the Adeptus Mechanicus control, a fact which irks them deeply. Rogue traders are known to favour the station for testing alien artefacts or recently discovered human technology from the distant past.
Though nominally part of the Imperium the officials of the Administratum have not ventured onto the planet since it was settled, the tithes being handled by the Caligulan cartel themselves. The planet will generally do business with anyone who offers a fair price.
Eris is a small world of tall mountains and pine forests with
limited natural resources. Its proximity to the Perseus Deeps puts it outside the sphere of Imperial control, but the settlers of the planet are humans, ruled over by a hereditary monarchy. There are about two million inhabitants, mostly poor farmers, though the capital Erisburg does have a spaceport and trade is brisk in local food produce. Eris is notable as a satellite of a gas giant rather than a planet in its own right.Minos is a heavily forested world with just under five million inhabitants. It has little or no valuable resources and the planets inhabitants live off he land in nomadic tribes. They are friendly to off-worlders, human or alien and have already been approached by the Tau. The Imperium is aware of this but until recently took little interest in the affairs of nomadic tribesmen. Now the planet's strategic location as a base has forced them to think again.
Aethor is a warm and wet planet who's mountains have been warn down by the process of erosion leaving broad plains rich in heavy metals. There are several mining operations across the planet operate by several mining companies. Most of these are registered in the Imperium though not all are. A few are known to be openly dealing with the UFP, Chaos renegades, pirates and Tau...
Ares is a cold dry barren rock. There is no water or Oxygen and the planet's 50,000 inhabitants are reliant on food and provisions brought in from elsewhere. The system is a research station for anyone who wants to test something out. It specialises in high technology but lies outside the Adeptus Mechanicus control, a fact which irks them deeply. Rogue traders are known to favour the station for testing alien artefacts or recently discovered human technology from the distant past.
Fastblade's Mission
With the Melberg Campaign coming to a close the overall commander of Tau forces in the sector was in agreement with the Ethereals. The next expansion target would be the Zadoc subsector. With the acquisition of Melberg the Tau now had two routes into the subsector, one from Melberg and a second from Cernunnos, the main Tau base in the Aleph sector expansion sphere.
The Vastrid subsector was of little importance, however Sunstrike was unwilling to let the Imperium concentrate their forces in the Zadoc subsector alone. With the defeat of the Imperium in the Aleph subsector itself, the Tau now had a strong ally with direct links to the Vastrid sector, and their new Acquisitions in the Perseus Deeps also provided a workable springboard for a move into that area.
Commander Fastblade, who's cadres had seen only limited action in the Deeps was tasked with this mission, to colonise the Vastrid subsector. The water caste also sent along delegations to begin negotiations with any potential allies in the area, including those governments of neutral planets. Although a small outlay of initial resource, Commander Fastblade was confident that success in the Vastrid subsector would lead to more forces being sent his way.
Fastblade immediately set up his forward base in the Manir system, closest to the Vastrid subsector, while keeping his reserve on better protected Parataea. A third force was kept on Parius, Hubward of the main Tau forces in the sector. From Manir Fastblade set out on 2804.008M42 bound for the subsistence world of Minos, where he hoped resistance would be light and the welcome warm.
The Vastrid subsector was of little importance, however Sunstrike was unwilling to let the Imperium concentrate their forces in the Zadoc subsector alone. With the defeat of the Imperium in the Aleph subsector itself, the Tau now had a strong ally with direct links to the Vastrid sector, and their new Acquisitions in the Perseus Deeps also provided a workable springboard for a move into that area.
Commander Fastblade, who's cadres had seen only limited action in the Deeps was tasked with this mission, to colonise the Vastrid subsector. The water caste also sent along delegations to begin negotiations with any potential allies in the area, including those governments of neutral planets. Although a small outlay of initial resource, Commander Fastblade was confident that success in the Vastrid subsector would lead to more forces being sent his way.
Fastblade immediately set up his forward base in the Manir system, closest to the Vastrid subsector, while keeping his reserve on better protected Parataea. A third force was kept on Parius, Hubward of the main Tau forces in the sector. From Manir Fastblade set out on 2804.008M42 bound for the subsistence world of Minos, where he hoped resistance would be light and the welcome warm.
Monday 28 April 2008
Vastrid Background
The Vastrid subsector had been at peace, in general, for a millennium. However peace on the eatern rim of the galaxy is far from quiet. Several Ork invasions had been launched from the Ork kingdoms of Keprok and Magark but most were defeated by instant responses from the Imperial fleet from the ever vigilant forts of Thrace and Ate. However the Ork warlords were forever eyeing the valuable Imperial planets and any major attack usually starts at Farport.
Rimward of the subsector lay the Aleph subsector, now occupied by the rebel UFP. Additionally Vastrid itself lies perilously close to the Perseus Deeps and the Chaos worlds within. Persephone’s status had been unknown for hundreds of years but it was assumed the world, once a populous Imperial planet, now lay under the sway of the Chaos gods.
The Imperial government had never been too keen on defeating the Orks in a bloody war of invasion, nor had it entertained the idea of a purge of the Deeps, for there were other dangers within that murky realm, Necrons, Eldar and strange alien races.
At the beginning of 008M42 the political climate within the subsector began to worsen markedly. The Dark Angels’ behaviour in the Aleph subsector, in unswervingly considering the UFP as heretical drew much quiet criticism from a number of Imperial factors, who blamed them and their sympathisers for losing the subsector. Other more fanatical agents, especially non-radical Inquisitors, considered the actions of the Adeptus Astartes to be beyond reproach, although some of the same still questioned the Dark Angels and their loyalty.
The Imperial forces in the subsector were locked in a bitter cold war, though open warfare between the factions was looked upon harshly by the sector governor and the higher ranking Inquisitors. Still, already skirmishes had taken place following the notorious Aethor incident when a low ranking radical Inqusitor and his retinue were massacred by the Dark Angels after it transpired they had been spending some time negotiating with the UFP and the Tau. By 04.008M42 the radical factions of the Inquisition were martialling their forces and contactin their allies, ready for any showdown to come.
The Adeptus Mechanicus had a particular interest in the Vastrid subsector, as they suspected that in the distant past human settlers carried with them a complete STC. This they believe was lost to the Imperium following a great crusade against an alien race which turned out to be advanced humans lost to the Imperium for millennia. It is a mistake the cult were deeply bitter about, particularly with respect to the Inquisition. Up till then though, they were pleased by the actions of the Inquisition and Dark Angels, since they considered the weaponry and technology of the UFP to be heretical.
The Tau had little interest in the Vastrid sector, but never-the-less they were beginning to send expeditions from their new colonies in the Perseus Deeps in an attempt to spread their influence by diplomacy and trade. This was bound to end in conflict with the Imperium sooner or later. Probably sooner.
The Eldar had their own agendas, some wished to sow further enmity between the other races. Others were actively and openly aiding the Tau expansion while a further group wished to maintain the Imperium against the threat of Chaos. The Chaos powers themselves had forever envied the rich Imperial worlds and many predict a new crusade is just around the corner.
At this time however no single power was strong enough to attack the others in an all out war. Instead 008M42 saw a gradual but steady increase in encounters over smaller, neutral worlds near the fringes of Imperial space. Each power striving to put themselves in as strong a position as possible for any “next phase”.
Rimward of the subsector lay the Aleph subsector, now occupied by the rebel UFP. Additionally Vastrid itself lies perilously close to the Perseus Deeps and the Chaos worlds within. Persephone’s status had been unknown for hundreds of years but it was assumed the world, once a populous Imperial planet, now lay under the sway of the Chaos gods.
The Imperial government had never been too keen on defeating the Orks in a bloody war of invasion, nor had it entertained the idea of a purge of the Deeps, for there were other dangers within that murky realm, Necrons, Eldar and strange alien races.
At the beginning of 008M42 the political climate within the subsector began to worsen markedly. The Dark Angels’ behaviour in the Aleph subsector, in unswervingly considering the UFP as heretical drew much quiet criticism from a number of Imperial factors, who blamed them and their sympathisers for losing the subsector. Other more fanatical agents, especially non-radical Inquisitors, considered the actions of the Adeptus Astartes to be beyond reproach, although some of the same still questioned the Dark Angels and their loyalty.
The Imperial forces in the subsector were locked in a bitter cold war, though open warfare between the factions was looked upon harshly by the sector governor and the higher ranking Inquisitors. Still, already skirmishes had taken place following the notorious Aethor incident when a low ranking radical Inqusitor and his retinue were massacred by the Dark Angels after it transpired they had been spending some time negotiating with the UFP and the Tau. By 04.008M42 the radical factions of the Inquisition were martialling their forces and contactin their allies, ready for any showdown to come.
The Adeptus Mechanicus had a particular interest in the Vastrid subsector, as they suspected that in the distant past human settlers carried with them a complete STC. This they believe was lost to the Imperium following a great crusade against an alien race which turned out to be advanced humans lost to the Imperium for millennia. It is a mistake the cult were deeply bitter about, particularly with respect to the Inquisition. Up till then though, they were pleased by the actions of the Inquisition and Dark Angels, since they considered the weaponry and technology of the UFP to be heretical.
The Tau had little interest in the Vastrid sector, but never-the-less they were beginning to send expeditions from their new colonies in the Perseus Deeps in an attempt to spread their influence by diplomacy and trade. This was bound to end in conflict with the Imperium sooner or later. Probably sooner.
The Eldar had their own agendas, some wished to sow further enmity between the other races. Others were actively and openly aiding the Tau expansion while a further group wished to maintain the Imperium against the threat of Chaos. The Chaos powers themselves had forever envied the rich Imperial worlds and many predict a new crusade is just around the corner.
At this time however no single power was strong enough to attack the others in an all out war. Instead 008M42 saw a gradual but steady increase in encounters over smaller, neutral worlds near the fringes of Imperial space. Each power striving to put themselves in as strong a position as possible for any “next phase”.
Sunday 27 April 2008
Saturday 26 April 2008
Vastrid Campaign Rules
Vastrid Campaign System
The Vastrid Campaign system is predominantly narrative. It’s up to players to organise games and explain the motives of their forces. However there is a very simplistic system to measure the pace of the campaign and it works as follows:
There are five planets in the campaign the control of which is vitally important in tipping the strategic balance of the subsector. Each planet has a number of “points” which represents the relative importance of each planet. They are as follows:
Hemera: 7
Eris: 9
Minos: 5
Aethor: 9
Ares: 7
Every time a game is played (any game greater than 999 points a side, gothic or 40K) the winner gains 1 point for a win, 2 points for a massacre. They may use these points to gain influence anywhere – on any of the planets. Neutral points must be taken before you can start to take a point from someone else.
You can take ANY point no matter who you play. This is influence, intimidation etc and you’re forces’ actions determine how much force you are wielding. However, once one faction/race has ALL the points on a planet, that planet is “locked” and becomes totally under that faction’s control (invaded, coerced etc). You can only take points off these worlds by playing the controlling player – and actually invading the planet.
Once a faction has more than 50% of the planets totally under control, the campaign is nominally “won”, but the campaign will continue, perhaps with an invasion of a major world...
These are the basic rules to get started, new plot devices etc will be introduced later.
Factions
There are a lot of Imperial players at present. To mitigate this the Imperial side has been split into two factions, Imperial moderate and Imperial Zealot. The latter force is hellbent on unyielding policy towards aliens, heretics and traitors while the former is more circumspect and will ally/make peace with forces such as the Eldar and Tau in times of need. The two factions want to avoid open war but will happily fight each other over neutral worlds. However each time the two factions fight, open war comes a step closer.
The Zealot faction is also ridden with paranoia, suspicion and division, not least between the Dark Angels and the Inquisition who are in an uneasy alliance with the Dark Angels who they are deeply suspicious of. The factions are:
Imperial Zealots: Dark Angels, Adeptus Mechanicus, Inquisition forces (Matt, Mick, Nick)
Imperial Moderates: Sons Of Sparta, Other Imperial Guard (Mark, Chris)
Orks: Orks! (Rich T)
Eldar: Eldar (James)
Chaos: All chaos forces, Children of Steel (Colin)
Other: As and when they turn up...
The Vastrid Campaign system is predominantly narrative. It’s up to players to organise games and explain the motives of their forces. However there is a very simplistic system to measure the pace of the campaign and it works as follows:
There are five planets in the campaign the control of which is vitally important in tipping the strategic balance of the subsector. Each planet has a number of “points” which represents the relative importance of each planet. They are as follows:
Hemera: 7
Eris: 9
Minos: 5
Aethor: 9
Ares: 7
Every time a game is played (any game greater than 999 points a side, gothic or 40K) the winner gains 1 point for a win, 2 points for a massacre. They may use these points to gain influence anywhere – on any of the planets. Neutral points must be taken before you can start to take a point from someone else.
You can take ANY point no matter who you play. This is influence, intimidation etc and you’re forces’ actions determine how much force you are wielding. However, once one faction/race has ALL the points on a planet, that planet is “locked” and becomes totally under that faction’s control (invaded, coerced etc). You can only take points off these worlds by playing the controlling player – and actually invading the planet.
Once a faction has more than 50% of the planets totally under control, the campaign is nominally “won”, but the campaign will continue, perhaps with an invasion of a major world...
These are the basic rules to get started, new plot devices etc will be introduced later.
Factions
There are a lot of Imperial players at present. To mitigate this the Imperial side has been split into two factions, Imperial moderate and Imperial Zealot. The latter force is hellbent on unyielding policy towards aliens, heretics and traitors while the former is more circumspect and will ally/make peace with forces such as the Eldar and Tau in times of need. The two factions want to avoid open war but will happily fight each other over neutral worlds. However each time the two factions fight, open war comes a step closer.
The Zealot faction is also ridden with paranoia, suspicion and division, not least between the Dark Angels and the Inquisition who are in an uneasy alliance with the Dark Angels who they are deeply suspicious of. The factions are:
Imperial Zealots: Dark Angels, Adeptus Mechanicus, Inquisition forces (Matt, Mick, Nick)
Imperial Moderates: Sons Of Sparta, Other Imperial Guard (Mark, Chris)
Orks: Orks! (Rich T)
Eldar: Eldar (James)
Chaos: All chaos forces, Children of Steel (Colin)
Other: As and when they turn up...
Lord Cicerus arrives in the subsector
In the early part of M41, numerous requests for military assistance were detected from planets in the Vastrid subsector. The exact nature of the threat was unclear, but it was apparent that the Imperium risked severe tactical losses and an army was raised and ordered to the region, under the command of General Fillion. Astropathic replies were sent advising the inhabitants of the Vastrid subsector that help was on the way.
No acknowledgement of this message was received, and neither was any notification of the arrival of Fillion's army. This sparked the interest of the Ordo Hereticus, who considered the possibility that Fillion had fallen from the Emperor's path, and seized power in the region for himself. Inquisitor Lord Cicerus was dispatched to the region to investigate, and established a base of operations on the mining world Hogan's Fall. He quickly realised that in traveling to the subsector he had lost several centuries in the warp, and that during this time Fillion's troops had never arrived.
One week after Cicerus' arrival, several Imperial Navy ships were detected leaving the warp near Hogan's Fall. It quickly became apparent that these carried General Fillion and his troops, dispatched hundreds of years earlier but lost in the warp themselves until now.
Cicerus immediately commandeered these troops and added Fillion to his retinue. A more permanent base was established on Hogan's Fall, and further troops conscripted from the local mining population. Cicerus was determined to reclaim the worlds lost for centuries now that help had finally arrived, and so began the Ciceran Crusade.
Current forces in the Crusade include:
Inquistor Lord Cicerus's personal retinue
The Praetorian 24th Rifles
The Praetorian 25th Mechanised Infantry
The Praetorian 14th Dragoon Guards
The Cadian 1112th Armoured Regiment
No acknowledgement of this message was received, and neither was any notification of the arrival of Fillion's army. This sparked the interest of the Ordo Hereticus, who considered the possibility that Fillion had fallen from the Emperor's path, and seized power in the region for himself. Inquisitor Lord Cicerus was dispatched to the region to investigate, and established a base of operations on the mining world Hogan's Fall. He quickly realised that in traveling to the subsector he had lost several centuries in the warp, and that during this time Fillion's troops had never arrived.
One week after Cicerus' arrival, several Imperial Navy ships were detected leaving the warp near Hogan's Fall. It quickly became apparent that these carried General Fillion and his troops, dispatched hundreds of years earlier but lost in the warp themselves until now.
Cicerus immediately commandeered these troops and added Fillion to his retinue. A more permanent base was established on Hogan's Fall, and further troops conscripted from the local mining population. Cicerus was determined to reclaim the worlds lost for centuries now that help had finally arrived, and so began the Ciceran Crusade.
Current forces in the Crusade include:
Inquistor Lord Cicerus's personal retinue
The Praetorian 24th Rifles
The Praetorian 25th Mechanised Infantry
The Praetorian 14th Dragoon Guards
The Cadian 1112th Armoured Regiment
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