tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78092703210802987932024-03-14T04:09:58.905+00:00Ruins of CalibanDeathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-74504040256215612952013-02-16T17:10:00.000+00:002013-02-16T20:00:10.099+00:00Nid design for Annie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-27836822749138848272012-12-09T11:49:00.003+00:002012-12-09T11:49:54.082+00:00Tale of Og Gamers (belated) November round upJust over a week ago the first month of seven as part of the Tale of Og Gamers came to a close. Its been genuinely good to have something which is getting me more focused on having a unique and most importantly painted set of models. Regular updates on <a href="http://www.ogforum.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.ogforum.co.uk</a> from others taking part has been inspiring and I've been impressed by the variety of models/paintaing on show as well as the encouragement. Whilst I unfortunately did not meet my target for month 1, I have made quite a bit of progress overall to get me to a fully1750pt World Eaters army by the end of May next year.<br />
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My target for month 1 was to paint Kharn the Betrayer and 20 Chaos cultists. Against this target, I have fully painted 8 Cultists. The remaining 12 are in progress, with bases for all completed. I am still to receive my Kharn model from GW, although I think its at the post office ready for me to collect.<br />
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I'll show a pic of the completed models, but won't show the WIP as this has already been shown in previous posts:<br />
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The status of other models towards my Khorne army is:<br />
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- Aegis Defence line part painted;<br />
- Two rhinos part glued, with FW extra armour to be added;<br />
- 10 Berserkers and 3 obliterators glued and waiting to be undercoated;<br />
- Part Painted Hellbrute, Lord and Chosen from the Dark Venegeance set;<br />
- Glued Terminator Chaos Lord from FW<br />
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As you can see, I have spent several hours working towards a completed army, yet haven't met my target. I think the moral of this story is to meet targets I have to focus entirely on a given set of models, and not be too scattergun. I've found that difficult given lots of new shiny toys arriving this month and finding lots of inspiration for gluing, but not painting (something I'm sure is down to my fixation with Lego as a child).<br />
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Anyways, given that I don't expect to have a lot of free time available for painting over the next 3 weeks, due to Xmas parties and going home for a week to see family), I've decided to set an easier target this month, of the 3 Obliterators (210pts plus marks) and 1 Rhino (40pts with Dirge Caster). I expect to fail this, especially given I'm playing catch up from November.<br />
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I do expect to pick up the pace at the beginning of January though, with the 2nd, 3rd and 4th being put aside just for hobbying. I'm still on leave after Xmas, whilst the other half is back at work on the 2nd - a great opportunity to get lots of painting done!Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-89447556001301170142012-11-23T11:41:00.001+00:002012-11-23T11:41:32.847+00:00A tale of OG Gamers Blog 3: More Berserkers!I thought I'd do an update now as this weekend is going to be focusing on gaming and not modelling. Ol has organised some an Og North v Og South gaming day tomorrow, with both WFB and 40k players. I've really been looking forward to this, as it'll be a great chance to have a few beers and catch up with some mates I used to game with during my uni days in York. <br />
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I've spent the last couple of days working from home as the office has been closed due to restructuring. This has given me the chance to photo (with the help of some daylight) the Beserkers I have been gluing together this week.<br />
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Following some positive feedback from the Og Games forum, I decided to continue with using the parts from the new Raptor kit - whilst getting some decent positioning for each model was a bit of an effort, given the angling of some of the legs, the models have more detail, look more badass and don't look as static as using the standard chaos marines:<br />
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In the World Eaters army I'm building, I'm planning to build a second unit of Beserkers. These would have the arms of Marauders from WFB, so would have bare arms with Raptor weapons. This would help differentiate the 2 units, help them blend in with Kharn leading them, and leave the FW shoulder pads free to pimp some Havocs I'll be adding in due course to add a little firepower...<br />
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Any thoughts/comments most appreciated, as always!Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-49566236922273845362012-11-18T20:43:00.001+00:002012-11-18T20:43:48.146+00:00A tale of OG Gamers Blog 3: Tester BerserkerAnother week, another blog post. This week I gave up the notion of having 250pts painted by the end of the month. Whilst I have made some progress on the Aegis Defence line, I now have to paint the darker and metallic areas. Just painting these black is likely to take quite a while methinks. Still, it'll be worth it when its done, albeit late. There also has been no progress made on the Cultists - I haven't touched these for a few weeks now.<br />
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I have however managed to spend the whole of this afternoon working on the army. The majority of this time was spent washing and cleaning resin parts I received from Forgeworld last Thursday. Today was bright and sunny, even if a little cold - I might not get a free day like this to work with resin in the garden for some time, so didn't want to miss the opportunity.<br />
<br />For the most part, there is little to show. However, I have glued together a test Berzerker:<br />
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I hate photographing models when its dark outside!<br />
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The model is made up of:<br />
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- Head, torso and shoulder pads from the Forgeworld conversion kit;<br />
- Legs, arms and weapons from th new Raptor/Warp Talon kit; and<br />
- Backpack from the standard Chaos Marines kit. <br />
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Whilst the FW has the kit built using parts from the standard Chaos Marine kit, I chose to go for the Raptors/Warp talons because the legs have much more detail and the weapons look more badass. The one thing I'm not sure on is the leg positioning - every model using this kit would be the same. It makes them look as though they are jumping/leaping into combat - something I wanted to note as in the new rules Berzerkers are dependent on the Rage, Counter Attack and Furious Charge special rules, so have to do well in the first round of combat before their damage output drops. Any feedback you have on this model is much appreciated...<br />
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Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-27948357460062248962012-11-12T23:04:00.003+00:002012-11-12T23:04:50.565+00:00A tale of OG Gamers Blog 3: Small FootstepsI skipped a weekly update last Sunday as I didn't have a huge amount to report. There still isn't much to report this week, but I've got some pics of some WiP. Anyways:<br /><br />a) All the bits I need to build my army for the next few months have arrived. That includes the FW order Ol co-ordinated, some additional bases from Dragonforge and some heavy weapon bits. Very pleased about everything being in place, other than the guy at DragonForge must have ticked the wrong box on the customs form as I'll have to pay £12 import tax when I pick them up from the post office. Expect to see some more conversion/kitbashing work from December onwards...<br /><br />b) Progress on the modelling/painting front has been slowing down due to real life. I've decided to post a couple of pics showing the progress on my Aegis Defence line:<br />
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The obligatory before pic:<br />
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Current status:<br />
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Not the greatest quality pic, but you get the idea. It has taken a little while to construct. Firstly, I've filed off all of the Aquillas, and have replaced with Khorne symbols, to match the army. I've also added on some spikes with heads on to make them look more Chaos-y. The victims heads on spikes also fitted the siege idea of the wall sections.<br />
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There is still much to do with the paint scheme. I'm looking to darken the red a little and paint the trim of the wall sections bronze/brass. Painting red so far has taken a while - I've spray undercoated the sections white, followed by 2 coats of Carroburg Crimson, followed by a thin coat of red gore.Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-28166822622658882662012-10-28T17:28:00.002+00:002012-10-28T17:28:49.272+00:00A tale of OG Gamers Blog 3: First models completed!The last week has been one of the most hobby heavy I've had in a long time and I've really enjoyed it. After the rain last Sunday, I managed to undercoat and clean up the first batch of resin bases I'd ordedered, along with the 20 cultists I am planning to do as part of this months 'quota'. I spent Wednesday evening trying out paint schemes for the bases. I've also completed the paint of 4 cultists - a whopping 16 points out of my 250pt limit for month one.<br />
On the gaming side, I've managed to also fit in 5 games of 40k - two on the Thursday club night and three in this month's Planet Og day yesterday.<br />
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Without further ado, here is the base scheme I settled on:<br />
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I tried lots of different greys, but couldn't settle on any, and resorted to a good old scheme I've done before, and should work well with lots of red and bronze/gold power armour. <br />
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The colour scheme was quite simple - undercoated black, a base coat of Dheneb Stone, then a wash of Gryphonne Sepia with a final highlight of drybrushed Bleached Bone. The sides of the bases are Khemri Brown.<br />
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The skills were painted with Vallejo Bronze, then Old Gold, befoe my old friend Devlan Mud was used to wash.<br />
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As mentioned above I've also finished 4 Cultists:<br />
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I'm particular please how the eight-point stars have come out on each model's right shoulder, and was really simple to do. Just a wash of Baal Red over the flesh.<br />
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Anyways, I have a load more cultists to be getting on with! Until next week...<br />
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Matt <br />
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<br />Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-35281574857566611542012-10-21T17:38:00.000+01:002012-10-21T17:38:00.042+01:00A tale of OG Gamers Blog 2: Flavours of Chaos and plans for month 1It's been almost a week since my last post, and the Tale of OG Gamers has been occupying a lot of my thoughts. I have been deciding upon a theme for my Chaos Marines, and subsequently have been considering what parts and kits I'll use to make a pretty unique army.<br />
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<b>Army Flavour</b><br />
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Last week, I wrote a blog outlining my choice of army for the tale of OG Gamers. Not only did this include which God(s) to go for, but also legions.<br />
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In the end, the choice for me came down to World Eaters and Death Guard. Whilst I love the background for both, they are characterful and well supported with conversion options and Forgeworld pieces. I've decided though to begin with World Eaters for the following reasons:<br />
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1) On and off I've been thinking of doing some sort of World Eaters army since reading Battle for the Abyss several years ago. Whether this would be pre or post Heresy I was unsure, but here is a great chance to make either happen;<br />
<br />
2) The Tale of Gamers has a number of Chaos players in. Hardly surprising, given they are a new codex and have a cult following. Whilst there are a range of legions and Gods being chosen, Khorne and the World Eaters were one of the ones not done by another player;<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6PL5OM6EHCz2yac8iGonqf2WhOVpDVfXnIYoBnwVzPxquh87DwiZxt72eraZSAK1pDH5KLDUhFHADrCDjuqPqm8gyqMyrXY7wA06xSM7NvY5Nw2RCeR-4EZWMJh6DZSeV9A-XisJBbg/s1600/kirk-khan-shout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6PL5OM6EHCz2yac8iGonqf2WhOVpDVfXnIYoBnwVzPxquh87DwiZxt72eraZSAK1pDH5KLDUhFHADrCDjuqPqm8gyqMyrXY7wA06xSM7NvY5Nw2RCeR-4EZWMJh6DZSeV9A-XisJBbg/s320/kirk-khan-shout.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
3) Slow moving, hard to kill units in the Death Guard theme seems a bit too similar to my Deathwing Army. World Eaters will require a completely different style of play; <br />
<br />
4) Chaos Marines IMO should be getting up in their opponents faces and taking skulls; and finally<br />
<br />
<br />
5) I get the chance to have Shatner style Chaos tourettes (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRnSnfiUI54">KKKHHHAAAANNNN</a>!!!!) <br />
<br />
<b>Month 1 Target</b><br />
<br />
The month 1 target for my 250pts is:<br />
<b> </b><br />
- Kharn the Betrayer (160pts);<br />
- 20 Chaos Cultists with no toys (90pts)<br />
<br />
My 'before' picture for month 1 is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyw3c4A29BTOu9zXoPW5X8E1fmzbGBxLlZ5AgOhDh7MvgxqwIELrjlOrcuk8ZR5thxpJ4R8tKt_hDjmRW19-cxbpFgcjJqAmZxaY3E1UAc8Rp6YnqBM_ERhy3Zn0el_m5WA74SPjNXwA/s1600/DSCF2260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyw3c4A29BTOu9zXoPW5X8E1fmzbGBxLlZ5AgOhDh7MvgxqwIELrjlOrcuk8ZR5thxpJ4R8tKt_hDjmRW19-cxbpFgcjJqAmZxaY3E1UAc8Rp6YnqBM_ERhy3Zn0el_m5WA74SPjNXwA/s400/DSCF2260.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You may have noticed that Kharn is missing from the picture. I've ordered model to lead the army, but GW have none left in
stock. This means I'll have to wait an extra week or two whilst I wait
for some more to be cast and sent over. In the mean time I'll concentrate on the cultists. I'm also thinking about an alternative 160pts should it take too
long to receive a model. I picked up an Aegis Defence line in Croydon today, so could
convert and paint this if necessary. I've also obtain some Khorne and
Chaos bits, so this should be a fun kit to convert and offer up to the
Blood God as an alternative.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9urDUrr9K6dEuLYsNijl_nwaKFzF1wzAfeOOz7Ks2QoRPAxPrsxtK1F3kgB7ZlA35yRez1QLCnzjWrJQKaiULzkBiuVACmS6rpG8lQ511ph4SvgvmCcn8Bl6kmfpdJuQ558E2yGC0fPc/s1600/DSCF2266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9urDUrr9K6dEuLYsNijl_nwaKFzF1wzAfeOOz7Ks2QoRPAxPrsxtK1F3kgB7ZlA35yRez1QLCnzjWrJQKaiULzkBiuVACmS6rpG8lQ511ph4SvgvmCcn8Bl6kmfpdJuQ558E2yGC0fPc/s320/DSCF2266.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
At this point, I'd also like to take the opportunity to big up <a href="http://www.dragonforge.com/" target="_blank">Dragon Forge Design's</a> bases. I bought some of their 'Lost Empire' bases 18 months ago for some Dark Eldar I was painting up at the time and was really impressed. Decent enough delivery time (2-3 weeks) given they're often made to order and sent from the U.S., good quality castings and designs. The main reason that I was drawn to them however, was the range of quality designs that don't take over the model. Some scenic base companies make some really great looking bases, but they are so big the detail goes well over the base and often makes the model too tall.<br />
<br />
I ordered some of their 'Desecrated Lands' bases for the Chaos Dark Vengeance Miniatures I've bought and these arrived during the week. They're suitably chaos-y, looking like the floor of some sort of Dark Temple. Fortunately the skulls fit the theme of a Khorne army. I've decided to go with these for my Tale of Gamers army, and have put in a second order to the building for the majority of my list.<br />
<br />
<b>Progress </b><br />
<br />
Anyway, as I write this, despite my best in planning well ahead of time things have not started as smoothly as I'd hoped for this month:<br />
<br />
1) It is currently pi$$ing it down with rain outside. I was hoping to get a number of models spray undercoated today ready for some painting on Monday and Tuesday evening this week;<br />
<br />
2) The afforementioned wait for Kharn; and<br />
<br />
3) On a more minor note, there was a couple of pieces missing from a set of cultists I'd purchased from eBay. Fortunately, the vendor has been really good about this and I should have a replacements by the middle of the week.<br />
<br />
Anyways, I'm looking to make weekly updates, so keep your eyes peeled for next weekend's installment!<br />
<br />
Matt<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-17626006306037421102012-10-15T21:26:00.002+01:002012-10-15T21:28:46.745+01:00A tale of OG Gamers Blog 1: A Tale of OG Gamers<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
A week or two ago, I noticed a
thread started on the OG Forum. It was looking for interest in a ‘Tale of
Gamers’. Whilst I had promised myself not to spend much more on plastic crack
over the next year or so, I’ve been longing to go to town on an army with a lot of
customisation and personalisation potential, some great background and lovely
models. Doing this at stages of 250pts a month would be one way of doing this.
I’m also managed to con myself that if I start an army now I don’t have to go
nuts when the new Dangles arrive, as I’ll be focussing on another project.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once I’d justified taking part, the first obvious thing to
do was to decide which army I was going to build. To help me decide, I came up
with the following five criteria to inform my choice:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A new army to me.</b></u>
I cannot have this army or played it before as I want to do something different. This rules out Dark Angels, Daemons and ‘Nids. I also decided to leave other
loyalist marines chapters alone, as they are pretty similar to the Dangles. Whilst I toyed with the idea
of Necrons, (I have always have regretted selling my army) and love some of the
stuff in the new Necron codex, I thought I’d
go for something I’ve not gone anywhere near before.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Background I love.</b></u>
The 40k Universe has such an awesome background, but there are some races/codices
that don’t appeal. I’m not sold on the Grey Knights background (plus lots of
terminators is too close to my Deathwing). After thinking about this, I decided
I wanted to do something Evil (with a capital ‘E’); although given how fascist and fanatical the Imperium is, it really is a matter of perspective.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>A wide range of
custom bits and conversion opportunities.</u> </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day I’d love to build a Sisters army, but
given the limited support for the range currently, now probably isn't the best
time. Similarly, if I was to do Eldar it’d have to be an Iyanden army – but I don’t
want to make an army with the majority of models being citadel miscast.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>No new rumoured codex
on the horizon.</u> </b>I don’t want to spend a lot of time and effort building an
army which will need big changes within a few months of completion. As the meta
changes over time I’m happy to add the odd unit here or there, but a new codex
is highly likely to mean vast changes to the army I’m putting together. Whilst
there are certain aspects of the Tau that grab me (Battlesuits are cool, as are
Fire Warriors), a codex is rumoured to be within the year – maybe they’re an
army for the future.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Not too large a model
count.</b></u> Most of my wargaming space has been taken up, and time to get my
250pts built and painted each month is going to be tight, particularly with the
customisation work I’d like to do. For these reasons, I’m put off from building
an Imperial Guard army.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This left me with three options which broadly fitted my initial criteria – Chaos Marines, Dark Eldar
and Orks. I then compared the pros and cons of each race against five additional
criteria:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Criteria</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chaos Marines</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dark Eldar</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Orks</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Do I already own the codex?</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Yes</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Yes</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
No</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Do I have any models to get me started?</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Those from the Dark Vengeance set</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
5 Wracks and 10 Warriors </div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
No</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Customisation Opportunity?</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
High</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Medium</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Very High</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Ally with armies I already own?</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Daemons</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Daemons</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
All except Nids</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Storage Space Required</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Low-mid (depends on list)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Mid-High (lots of transports necessary)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
High – huge mobs!</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the balance of these factors, I’ve concluded that Chaos
would be the best army for me to go with<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7809270321080298793" name="_GoBack"></a>. They’ve got a
new Codex (which I must add, is beautiful), a wide range of
custom/conversion/Forgeworld pieces and they’ve got the ability to ally with my
Daemons (which can get the models used in bigger battles sooner) without too much of a leap of imagination (Blood Angels and Necrons, really!?). I always have the option of chucking in some Orks later on, should I feel that way inclined. I also already have some
models to start me off given I recently bought the new Dark Vengeance set for
the Dangles and the mini-rulebook.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chaos Marines are also an incredibly diverse
army list; given that there will be a number of other players (who may also
feel the lure of Chaos) – hopefully this can mean less likelihood of me running
a similar list to another person taking part, despite them being so popular with a new book and all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inevitably, solving one problem can lead to another. Chaos
marines are a very diverse list, and which flavour of chaos to go for is my
next decision to make… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-70683262808686022892012-10-13T12:30:00.000+01:002012-10-15T21:11:39.058+01:00I'm alive!!! (and upcoming plans)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaT8c18AXR6fd4O8CkkcI2J9_vHzWco1_Q2PKQbkZJsL7h8k4EI5TDffOS-6x5Hqo4MhZNMp3_ke61J126eslD9upQr9iyns3aiA3rfBnORIEkD-DJishu7DSb7fAgXzZqAL6NV0smyUc/s1600/zombie-resurrection-200x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaT8c18AXR6fd4O8CkkcI2J9_vHzWco1_Q2PKQbkZJsL7h8k4EI5TDffOS-6x5Hqo4MhZNMp3_ke61J126eslD9upQr9iyns3aiA3rfBnORIEkD-DJishu7DSb7fAgXzZqAL6NV0smyUc/s200/zombie-resurrection-200x200.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<u>The last six months </u><br />
<br />
As with many gamers, real life can get in the way of our hobby. In the last few years, spring and summer are peak times for me at work and I can find myself travelling all over the country, working late into the evening (and weekends). Sadly, this leaves next to no time for hobbying.<br />
<br />
Getting back into the swing of things this year also took longer than it usually does. A combination of being hooked on the Olympics/Paralympics, catching up with family and friends and a big project at work kept me busy until September.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYd8ZfYuhq3gI3Q5DGIOvaAeFsPtK-X_foU2SxdEDpouLbhTofX2eiwIP9m4mxsBe451bUtFLg37Qt4SvMODZsRLtV9n6s_P6CB19A8839sOdz-UWJuIDh3AFXhCjd9Qi_bjLkSvmOqXI/s1600/MoFarah_1564829a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYd8ZfYuhq3gI3Q5DGIOvaAeFsPtK-X_foU2SxdEDpouLbhTofX2eiwIP9m4mxsBe451bUtFLg37Qt4SvMODZsRLtV9n6s_P6CB19A8839sOdz-UWJuIDh3AFXhCjd9Qi_bjLkSvmOqXI/s320/MoFarah_1564829a.jpg" width="320" /></a>I'm aware that I've not posted since the beginning of April. Initially, this blog was intended for the 'Battle of Varlislia' 40k campaign is was running at the Charing Cross Club earlier in the year. If I'm honest, I was overly optimistic about what I could achieve with it and it died off towards the end. Building a narrative that encompasses so many factions was simply too ambitious and too much work for me. <br />
<br />
<u>New things in my hobby</u><br />
<br />
There have been some big movements in my wargaming world recently.<br />
<br />
As with the rest of the 40k community, I'm getting to grips with 6th ed. So far, I've played 4 games with my Dark Angels, all against different opponents and armies (CSM, Eldar, Necrons and Woofers). I must admit I'm very impressed (although I'm not sure how much that says; I can be a bit of a fanboy). The scale, breadth and depth of it is absolutely huge! Hopefully this will bring a more varied game, that holds players interest for longer.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping this seriously dampens any notion of a global 'meta', something that has becoming increasingly strong over the last few years with the internet and tournament scene. The problem is that a few list dominate. Hopefully the range of options available will mean that one style of play or list doesn't dominate. Variety is the spice of life, and part of what sets 40k apart to me are the directions in which you can take your own hobby and 6th ed really boosts this. At this stage (I know its early days) I can't see this happening with 6th ed. With the introduction of psychic powers, allies, FW units etc. When 5th ed came out in 2008, I thought it was a big improvement on 4th
ed, although towards the end it began to get a little stale. GW seem to have finally found a way of peddling more plastic crack to boost their bottom line, whilst giving the gamer a lot more freedom with their hobby. Its more intelligent than 'buy this new overpowered codex' and should serve all parties.<br />
<br />
I have also started attending the OG Games Club in Wandsworth on a Thursday
evening. Some of the guys I used to game with when I was a student in York
attend (I'm looking at you, Sami Michael). whilst others know some of the
guys I know from York from campaign and tournament weekends. Im really looking forward to an OG North v OG South ashes style event currently being planned
for the end of November! It'll be great to get everyone together, have a
few beers, throw some dice, push some toy soliders around and generally have a good time!<br />
<br />
<u>Going forward </u><br />
<br />
Anyways, I've rambled on enough about the last six months. The main reason I wanted to post this blog is to let people know that I'm looking to start posting again. I've signed myself up for a 'Tale of Gamers' campaign down the OG Club. This will involve building and painting a 1750pt 40k army over a period of seven months. Each month has a deadline of building and painting 250pts towards this force, with gaming events at certain points. Taking part will be a good way of getting to better know some of the people down the club, make sure I have a fully painted army (giving myself deadlines) and it should be a lot of fun. For the last couple of years, I've wanted to go to town on an army that's properly painted, includes lots of customisations etc. This campaign presents a great opportunity to do this. I'm angling towards Chaos Marines my army; either Khorne or Nurgle in flavour.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpX8Zh6ourrVZ36DAW0TYOgViOOvOcRTvawRd__fFeIq3WXyBdWFjX-2eXlSfPjHFhmvUW6oiIIwyYsnhfLo8HZZDf3nOPvoXxwx227Ylgm5BU7ElZmvcUlSR4_lvFAAr2VKwkmMkNHJc/s1600/300px-Khorne_himself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpX8Zh6ourrVZ36DAW0TYOgViOOvOcRTvawRd__fFeIq3WXyBdWFjX-2eXlSfPjHFhmvUW6oiIIwyYsnhfLo8HZZDf3nOPvoXxwx227Ylgm5BU7ElZmvcUlSR4_lvFAAr2VKwkmMkNHJc/s1600/300px-Khorne_himself.jpg" /></a><br />
Resurrecting the blog will help me monitor my progress over the next seven months. I'd love comments and feedback, as I'd love to make this the best army I possibly can. It hopefully will also enable me to also keep in touch with one or two gamers I've lost contact with.<br />
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So please, keep an eye on this blog. I'll be looking to tidy things up and plan to post regularly...<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Matt <br />
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Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-79938169662878660412012-04-04T10:49:00.001+01:002012-04-04T10:49:41.568+01:00On the wings of a storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSeSrqpH-kBXz4kDKu4X7a9a-qN5XeNUnQtAriRTP8QhokLCo_0qJR53RcZJnnaybpYk71a8uGLkGLA9MTsfgSageK2shoddUHxZDHSmoje-gkYWioB8di-sYuyKjQ9_hPv3xmGj5Iqt4/s1600/warhammer_ultramarine_take_2_by_faroldjo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSeSrqpH-kBXz4kDKu4X7a9a-qN5XeNUnQtAriRTP8QhokLCo_0qJR53RcZJnnaybpYk71a8uGLkGLA9MTsfgSageK2shoddUHxZDHSmoje-gkYWioB8di-sYuyKjQ9_hPv3xmGj5Iqt4/s320/warhammer_ultramarine_take_2_by_faroldjo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aurelium looked down on a world in chaos. The surface of Varlislia was covered in exotic storms, as the Tyrannid harvesting wrecked the ecosystem. Huge battles raged across the planet, and it did not take someone of Aurelium’s experience to see that things were not going well for the defenders. Two large Tyrannid swarms were now beginning to converge on the main Imperial defence lines – their strength having grown sufficiently to launch full scale assaults. The 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> Company had received a brief message from Cassius and the 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> Company on achieving orbit after their long delay in reaching Varlislia. Cassius had secured a drop site for them, and had been successful in clearing several swarms from the area. However, after these defeats, both Tyrannid swarms had moved their attention away from Cassius. In response, the Ultramarines had focused on disrupting as much of the Tyrannid feeding structures as possible in an attempt to stem the Tyrannid reinforcements to the front lines. Cassius had seemed to be implying that Aurelium should land and link up with the 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> Company in order to launch a combined assault on one of the main swarms. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But the view from orbit had given Aurelium a different view of their priorities. It was clear now that the Ultramarines needed to consider the whole war effort on Varlislia as alone they were no longer going to be able to defeat the growing Tyrannid swarms. As if the invasion was not enough trouble, there had been scattered reports of traitor astartes on Varlislia, and whether from Chaos or Xenos influence, some of the hives were in outright insurrection against Imperial rule. Aurelium met with the Mechanium representatives and they agreed that the first target for their forces must be to suppress any ongoing rebellions – the Imperium could ill afford to be fighting on two fronts, and they would need all of Varlislia’s resources to be mobilized against the Tyrannids now approaching the hives. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In one hive in particular, Caximos, the situation was particularly dire. The loyalist held around a third of the hive, but the traitors had mobilised an unusual amount of the local PDF to their cause, and were closing in for the kill. With the support of the Titans, the 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> Company would sweep down from orbit into the traitor flank and proceed directly into the hive to crush the traitor resistance. There was no time for extensive preparations; if the hive fell completely, it would be much harder to dislodge the traitors. In the plains outside the hive, traitor armoured forces were sweeping round to surround the loyalists. This is where they would make their strike, and then would drive straight for the centre of the hive. The traitors were well equipped, but had not been tested against the Emperor’s finest. Aurelium knew they would be found wanting.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-------<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The dust from a hundred tanks kicked up into his eyes. Gorthac tried to use his viewfinder to establish the progress of the armoured column as it edged around the walls of the hive. The plains outside Caximos were dotted with small manufactura and shrubland. This was the perfect terrain for his tanks, and this is why he had volunteered his armour for this flanking attack – much better than the tight streets of the inner hive where ‘loyalist’ ambushes awaited round every corner. A few short months ago, Gorthac had just been a low ranking officer in the PDF of a provincial planet. Now he had an armoured company to command and the promise of wealth and glory in the new order once Varlislia was theirs. He owed it all to the cult. Never a particularly ideological person, Gorthac had just been a bit dissatisfied with life when they had approached him. At first it just seemed like a good way to go to some uphive parties, but when they mentioned there might be a way to get a promotion, Gorthac was sold. They had explained how the corruption of the elites on Varlislia and on neighbouring worlds had led to popular revolutions across the sector, but that the ‘Imperial’ security forces were suppressing the information out of fear that the same would happen here. They had offworld allies which would be coming to aid the revolution – all Gorthac had to do was kill his superior officer at the correct time, and take command of the unit. Just as they had said, everything went to plan, and now Gorthac looked forward to the swift ending of resistance in Caximos. He was concerned by the stories he had heard, and the storms he could see coming from the east – apparently the resistance was much worse there, but it was the tales of xenos that he couldn’t believe. He had never seen any giant insects that could cut a man in two – that didn’t sound like any xenos he had ever heard of. It was probably just ‘loyalist’ propaganda. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The dust was getting in his eyes again, so Gorthac closed the hatch on his command chimera and decided it was probably time for a nap. There was nothing within a hundred miles that could stop an armoured company.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">--------<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In an ironic twist, Gorthac was actually right, but just as he was drifting off to sleep, the Imperial reserve fleet was launching landing craft and thunderhawks which had his tanks firmly in their sights. The deserted habs around Caximos were blown aside by the giant Titan transporters that burned through the skies. Within minutes of landing, an armoured column of space marines was headed for the hive, supported by two scout Titans, the larger titans and marines support units following behind. As a larger manufacutrum came into view, the Imperial forces picked up the telltale signs of guard armour slowly edging around the hive. As the Titans stalked across the plains, the guard column seemed to falter and then organise itself into a ragged battleline. Some valkyries and sentinels that had been scouting at the head of the column now swung round to form one flank while the centre was a mass of chimeras, leman russes, artillery and superheavies.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-------<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gorthac wasn’t napping anymore. His voxnet was breaking under the strain of all of his commanders struggling to organise themselves. He didn’t know where those Titans had come from, but there was no denying that they were there. Still, from the inside of his tank, Gorthac still felt pretty safe. The Shadowswords he had managed to get from their armoury to blow through the gates on the far side of the hive should prove very useful in stopping this latest threat. A huge explosion shattered his calm. The Titans had not opened fire yet, so what was going on? He opened the hatch to see that the bombards accompanying his chimeras had disappeared. The infantry were firing into some nearby woods where Gorthac could see lumbering blue shapes firing murderous streams of shells into his formation. Astartes! Where had they come from! Titans alone he could probably deal with, but Astartes! What were they doing here? As he tried to recover his composure, he saw a giant aircraft swoop towards the stormtroopers and their transports at the head of the column. Blue figures on trails of fire swept out of the giant aircraft and crashed into his troops. More aircraft swept overhead as from the distance, smoke trails from rocket batteries streaked towards his troops.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-------<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aurelium ordered his formation forwards. The inital assault had done well, destroying the traitor artillery that could have done serious damage to his small number of marines. On the left flank, the assault marines had broken the stormtroopers with supporting fire from one of the Warhounds and some scouts, but had taken serious loses and had withdrawn behind some woods. Also, it looked like their Thunderhawk had been grounded by fire from a guard superheavy. Ahead of his tactical marines, the second warhound darted forward and unleashed all its fire into a shadowsword that was turing to face it. Plasma blasts cut through the armour and a mega-bolter round found its way to the generators behind. The shadowsword disappeared in a flash of light, littering the plain with burning wreckage. But before the Titan could dart back to cover, a full company of Leman Russes advanced on it, firing their cannons and lasers at its feet. The shields flickered away, and a shell caused the warhound to stager and fall, crippled for the remainder of the battle. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The traitors continued their slow advance forwards, eager to reach the whirlwind battery that was cutting through their large, cumbersome formations. But Aurelium’s plan was working. He had stripped away the guard supporting units with characteristic lighting attacks leaving just the two large mechanised formations and the leman russes. These could now no longer compete with the speed of the Imperial attacks which surrounded them. Belatedly, they advanced on the whirlwinds, but the second warhound had returned to reinforce them, and between them they routed the mechanised company at close range, as Aurelium raced his tactical squads, scouts and speeders up to the traitor command unit which was pulling back towards the hive.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-------<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gorthac couldn’t really believe it. Within an hour, his whole company had become a burning wreck. He had even lost his chimera, and now stood with the remains of the infantry in the open field. To his right, his last shadowsword was destroyed at close range by a horde of space marines. In the distance, his last operable formation of Russes was being taken apart at long range by the larger titans now striding towards the battlefield. He had no idea where all these forces had come from, and started to wonder whether what had been passed off as ‘propaganda’ was indeed just that. Still, there was still all the forces in the hive, and it was time for his brave troops to cover his retreat, and a hive was a good place to hide. As the marines closed on their position he made to get away through the scrubland but didn’t get far before the cold blade of a marine scout found its way into his back.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">--------<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aurelium called for a thunderhawk. He was returning to orbit to reassess the impact of their success at Caximos and to try to contact Cassius again. There was no need for him to remain. The Imperial war engines were smashing their way into the hive, and his marines were closing in on the surviving traitors. Their nerve had largely broken after the arrival of the main Titans, and by the repeated attacks by his troops. Most of the traitors would now become slave labour in the munitions factories before they were eventually exterminated for their heresies. However, while this battle was won, it was just a preliminary victory. His main war against the Tyrannids was yet to begin.... <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><em>(provided by Dr Weir)</em></o:p></span></div>Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-45408372618108730082012-04-03T17:14:00.000+01:002012-04-03T17:14:56.584+01:00Becalmed<em>The following narrative was written by DrWeir, and is based on Epic 40k games he has recently had. It creates a bit of a side story, surrounding events which the Ultramarines faced en route to Varlislia.</em><br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110914231256/warhammer40k/images/d/d0/Ultramarines_vs_Necrons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110914231256/warhammer40k/images/d/d0/Ultramarines_vs_Necrons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A Titan is a terrifying weapon. Even the smallest Titan towers over everything on a battlefield; their weapons are capable of levelling entire cities. But a Titan is more than just a weapon. It is a symbol of the power of the Mechanium and of its alliance with the Imperium. Often the rumour that Titans have been deployed is enough to bring a traitorous planet to heel. On a planet they are beyond compare, but in the vastness of space they are defenceless. Carried in the giant armoured transports of the Mechanium, and delivered to the surface in towering drop ships, they are transformed from gods of war into precious treasures that must be protected at all costs. They are completely dependent on the ships to deliver them safely, and on the unpredictable tides that carry them....<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">------<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Princeps Volguolal looked out from a high gantry over his charge, the Warhound <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Equues Gallius</i>. He had steered his Titan for over 200 years, and since his elevation to Princeps had never known the taste of fear. He did not feel fear now, though a lesser creature might. Instead, he felt sorrow. He had a weapon capable of defeating thousands of the Emperors foes, and he would never get to use it again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">------<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aurelium Glovius stood on the bridge of his Battle Barge. Through the elegant windows, he could see the bloated Mechanium transports edging through the void, their precious cargo safely contained within. Despite the inspiring view, he was not meant to be on the bridge of his flagship. He was meant to be on the surface of a world called Varlislia, repelling a Tyrannid invasion. The thought still stirred his martial pride. He could picture standing at the ridge of a blasted plain, leading the full might of the 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> Company into the Tyrannid swarm, the mighty engines of the Legio Invicta at his back. That should be where he met his fate, not here, hanging in the vastness of space.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aurelium was the Captain of the Ultramarines 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> Company, and could rightfully claim to be one of the most important individuals in the Galaxy, but he had never been prideful or excessive in his glory. He felt that often his peers forgot him in their meetings; his Company often posted to long, gruelling campaigns. Aurwlium did not bemoan his lot. He was proud of his accomplishments, but always in his own subdued way. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Varlislia had changed that. As soon as he had received the message from Cassius, asking him to divert from his assigned campaign of laboriously clearly several systems of greenskins, a spark had awoken within him. Varlislia would be the moment for which he would be remembered on banners and in tales for the rest of time. This was to be the victory where he would arrive to save Calgar’s mentor Cassius, and lead the 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> Company to defeat another Tyrannid swarm that threatened precious Ultmrar.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But Aurelium knew his dream would never come true. His end would be more fitting with his past exploits, unremarked in some forgotten corner of the Universe. Three days after departing from their previous course, the fleet of Space Marines and Mechanium transports had entered some violent warp storms. This was not usual, so they had pressed on. On the fifth day they unexpectedly dropped out of the warp. All attempts to restart the engines, or communicate proved futile. Like the sailors of old, bereft of wind, an impressive show of Imperial force was left useless, light-years from any known Imperial system. If they could not return to warp speed, they would be forced to point their ships towards the nearest Imperial system, calculate where it would be in the thousands of years it would take to get there, and wait for the passing of time to waste their lives away. Aurelium could picture the confusion on the small Imperial trading world when his mighty armada swept slowly into orbit; all they would find within would be the dust of his men, still waiting inside their armour for battle that was denied to them by a cruel twist of fate.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">------<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For a ghost ship, there was a surprising amount of activity on the transport. Once the implications of their situation had become clear, Volguolal had lent his aid to the overseer of the ship in helping to suppress the small groups of serfs who had gone mad at the thought of wasting away in the void. There was much to be done in order to prepare the vessel, and its contents, for surviving a long journey without proper supervision. Power was being rerouted to the shields and impulse drives, non-essential systems were being shut down, restless and irrelevant crew were being broken down to add to the oil reserves. Volguolal had decided that once the preparations were complete, he and his crew would board the<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Equues Gallius</i> to await their fate. As he took a final look down on his engine, a serf bounded towards him, knocking crates across the deck. Volguolal reached for his sidearm to discipline this wretch, but the serf threw himself at Volguolal’s feet, ‘Please, my lord, they have found something. You are required on the bridge immediately’.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-----<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aurelium looked at the sensor readings again. The pilot of the scout was right; there was a large object in their path. He had despatched scouts as soon as they had unexpectedly transited from the warp, and now, a week later, the last one had returned. Once clear of the Imperial fleet, the sensors on the scout had managed to get much more accurate readings on the path ahead. This area of space did not appear to be charted on any of Aurelium’s maps, so he had planned to use the data to construct the most efficient course for the fleet to take back to habited space. What he had not expected was a gravity field, reminiscent of a planet, to be a mere three days journey away.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">His hearts were racing, could this offer some hope of salvation from their accursed situation? Aurelium had decided to restrict the circulation of the information. There had been enough trouble with the mortal crews already, to raise their hopes and dash them again would lead to more tiresome interventions. He turned to the steersman, ‘Make course for the centre of this disturbance, full power to the engines and make preparations for a ground assault.’ <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-------<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The fleet hung motionless above a sand coloured orb. It seemed to be a planet, but thick dust storms obscured the surface, and they could get no accurate sensor readings on the structure of the planet. However, Aurelium had all he needed. There was a spike of energy coming from the surface. He would bet the lives of all his men that it had something to do with their inability to re-enter the warp. Fortunately, as their Captain, he was completely entitled to do just that.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-------<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cavitum used the filters on the visor of his terminator armour to look through the thick dust that swirled around them. He and the other veterans had teleported on some raised areas a short distance from the centre of the energy spike. The rest of the Ultramarines and two of the Legio Invicta Warhounds were deploying slightly further away and advancing across the dunes. The Princeps had been quite adamant that they would be joining this reconnaissance, despite the risk to their engines of entering unknown terrain. Cavitum looked around again; there was something oddly familiar about where he was standing. They were not standing on a line of hills; this was some sort of structure. His intercom beeped with a message from one of the scout teams now converging on their position,<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘In the name of the Emperor, how did <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">they</i> get here’,<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘This is Cavitum, speak clearly brother’,<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘Cavitum, look around you, you are standing on an Imperial hab block!’,<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He literally took a step back in surprise, and as he did he disturbed the sand beneath his feet to reveal the unmistakable detail of the wings of an Imperial Eagle.....<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-----<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aurelium could hear the vox-net erupting between the squads of his force as yet more Imperial structures were discovered. He was travelling with several tactical squads in the centre of the formation which was converging on the energy source. As they approached a building, it was clear to Aurelium that his brothers were correct. It was unmistakably a standard Imperial hab structure of the pre-fabricated type often used by Imperial settlers. But, what was also unmistakable were the chunks of masonry missing, and the blast marks on the walls,<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘To all units, ready weapons, we are walking into a trap.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">------<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As Volguolal heard the Astartes’ message over the vox, he saw sparks of light flaring in the swirling dust. He edged the Warhound forwards towards the wizened stumps of some trees. The lights flared again, and for a moment the dust cleared away, allowing him to see about a kilometre into the distance. He saw the desert churning, as metal forms raised themselves out of the sand, while with surges of lightning, more strange shapes appeared, hovering over the desert surface. Towering over all of them was a burning light. It looked like an impossibility, but as it flickered in and out of his gaze, Volguolal could clearly make out flowing golden robes flowing behind an alien body. It was entrancing, and Volguolal found himself forgetting the desert around him, and the metal forms approaching the feet of his Titan, when a blaze of lightning leapt from the creature’s outstretch hand and into the astartes scouts that were protecting his flank. The lightning ripped through them and sent them scurrying for cover. The spell broken, Volguolal grimaced in anger at being fooled by the xenos trick. He didn’t know what these things were, although he had heard tales of similar abominations, but would not rest until they were stopped. He compelled the Titan forwards, and trained all its weapons on the closest group of enemy skimmers. In a cloud of plasma and mega-bolter shells, the enemy, machines just ceased to exist, the wreckage disappearing from the surface of the shifting sands.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-----<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aurelium had also seen the creatures attack, but he knew what they were. From the briefings on the Damos encounter, he now knew that they were facing Necrons. He was now convinced that the energy spike was what was trapping them here, and also what had bought them, and likely the unfortunate settlers too, here into the Necron trap. He was no settler though, and these Necrons would rue the day they trapped his fleet and denied him his dream. All around him, his forces were moving to engage the foe, a whirlwind battery sent volley after volley into the approaching Necrons, while a second Warhound bounded towards some sort of giant pylon. As it rose from the sands, it was obviously rusted with age, but it was slowly swinging a giant arc around to meet the charging Warhound. The Warhound leapt onto a cliff to dodge the focus of the arc, and just as the pylon started to glow with energy, it send a hail of mega-bolter shells into some crystalline structures at the base of the arc. The energy flowed out of the pylon, but yet more Necrons were rising from the sands. Aurelium commanded the terminators to head towards the source of the energy, they had to destroy it quickly before the tomb awoke and overwhelmed them. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">------<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Volguolal turned the Titan and ran to hide it behind one of the larger habs. He had been surrounded by a swarm of xenos mounted on floating platforms, and their unworldly weapons had made a mockery of his armour. Several critical systems were damaged, and without support withdrawl was the only option. He watched in dismay as the horde of skimmer men swept down upon the astartes commander. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-------<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aurelium steadied his men, the Warhound had retreated to lick its wounds and now the destroyers were headed straight for his tactical squads. Bringing their rhinos up in a defensive formation, Aurelium readied his bolter and took aim. Overhead, a formation of Imperial flyers swept down once more to scatter the approaching horde. This might not be Varlislia, but Aurelium felt content if this was to be his fate. At least he would die facing down the Emperor’s foes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">------ <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cavitum approached the alien structure. It appeared to be a series of small, interlocking pyramids, but at the front, a mass of crystals created a swirling vortex of energy. This must surely be the entrance to the tomb and the source of the energy that had becalmed the fleet. Cavitum ordered the terminators forward. They had to get to the structure and plant the homing beacon so that a melta torpedo from their Battle Barge could annihilate this whole area. As he put his foot on the first step of the pyramids, metal figures began to emerge from the vortex in a last ditch defence of their tomb. Cavitum and the terminators charged, smashing the skeletal figures aside. More and more emerged, but the power of the terminator’s weapons was too much for them to self-repair, so more and more Necrons disappeared in blinks of light. As they melted away before him, Cavitum activated the homing beacon and placed it on the structure, and in a flash, the terminators were teleported back to orbit. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">------<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The destroyers had swept in with a ferocious assault, destroying a rhino and cutting down a combat squad, but now the concentrated fire of the marines was giving them the upper hand, and their heavy weapons were taking a vicious toll on the destroyers. As Aurelium approached their leader, his sword held high in challenge, the Necron Lord stared at him, paused for an instant, then turned and fled back into the swirling dust, taking the few survivors with him. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘Beacon planted, torpedo eta two minutes. Time to leave brothers. Cavitum out’,<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was all the encouragement Aurelium needed to leave the battle. The Necrons were in disarray and the beacon had been planted. All they needed to do now was return to orbit and see if their plan had worked. As the Thunderhawks swept in to retrieve them, Aurelium heard a thunderous roar, and saw the whole dust cloud light up. The flickering figure of the xenos god howled in anger, as the Imperials blasted off the surface of his rusting planet.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">------<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A fine layer of sand covered the whole of the bridge, Aurelium and his commanders had rushed straight there upon their return, not caring for the serfs who would spend the rest of their lives cleaning sand out of the ship. The head navigator was there to greet them,<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘The light of the Astronomican is clear once more my Captain, we are preparing to re-enter the Great Ocean’,<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘Do so at once, nobile, we have a planet to save’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-58976970568596560712012-03-06T13:40:00.000+00:002012-03-06T13:40:13.376+00:00A Grim Prophecy - Round 2 Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs38/i/2009/001/a/5/Imperial_Fist_by_MasterAlighieri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs38/i/2009/001/a/5/Imperial_Fist_by_MasterAlighieri.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the Slaanesh Marines had fled, Tassius scoured the battlefield surrounding him. Out of the corner of his eye he saw one traitor marine attempting to slowly slither away.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tassius walked over to the wounded heretic. He spun him over onto his back, and stamped on the marine’s chestplate, holding him in place. He was about to draw his bolt pistol to put an end to the traitor’s wretched existence, when the heretic began to chuckle.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You servants of the false emperor have again done our Gods a wonderful favour!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The marine’s jovial statement angered Tassius.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You are beaten heretic. The Wolves began your demise, we have overcome you here and your retreating brethren are about to get a surprise from the Inquisition.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t you see? Your faith in the emperor blinds you. This is EXACTLY what we want! Do you really think it’s a coincidence that we were discovered here shortly after the Hive Fleets arrived? Do you honestly believe the Wolves stopped our ritual? Who do you think told the Greenskins to come to Varlislia?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Silence!” </i>scream Tassius. He reached for his pistol, and shot the heretic. All fell silent. Tassius turned and began to walk back towards the rest of the Imperial Fists.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Suddenly, the sky darkened and the air grew cold. Tassius heard a deep voice laughing behind him. It was not human. Turning around, he saw the traitor marine sat up. The marine’s black and pink helmet had been replaced with a pale face, distorted and stretched. It writhed with energy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Tassius. Tell this to your Inquisitor. You have walked into our trap. All of you. When the body count is high enough, the warp shall open up on Varlislia. There is no escape. If you throw down your weapons, the Tyranids alone will cause the suffering required for us to complete our goal. If you continue to fight, well, you will receive your release sooner. There is NO ESCAPE.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The body jerked, and fell to the floor. Tassius called back to his brothers<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Jorn, get your men to burn this entire battlefield. Make sure nothing remains.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-12767775184075205832012-03-02T13:16:00.000+00:002012-03-02T13:16:23.655+00:00Round 2 UpdateQuite an even run of results between Imperial and Non-Imperial factions - the overall position on Varlislia has not changed greatly this round...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CpF8sl6V9MZcqZS9D9826aTPSVrQJf6FNiE0J4GwmLmssELRs7x5caTC0dXdtEAMv_zciY7jjBKwexlDsynOkCl8QJ4p6To4a6QrIdD_P1qRMFkN_0SwE58QyjlE10mWchUeTgOn24w/s1600/rnd+2+update.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CpF8sl6V9MZcqZS9D9826aTPSVrQJf6FNiE0J4GwmLmssELRs7x5caTC0dXdtEAMv_zciY7jjBKwexlDsynOkCl8QJ4p6To4a6QrIdD_P1qRMFkN_0SwE58QyjlE10mWchUeTgOn24w/s640/rnd+2+update.png" width="640" /></a></div>Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-54766165990027902092012-03-02T13:06:00.001+00:002012-03-02T13:06:37.327+00:00A Costly Victory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110914222612/warhammer40k/images/c/c7/Imperial_Fists.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110914222612/warhammer40k/images/c/c7/Imperial_Fists.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Captain Tassius watched the command console as reports flooded in from across the planet; everywhere war waged as the Tyranids fell upon the prepared defences of Varlislia while the forces of Chaos assaulted it from within. The Orks had not yet made their presence felt but Tassius knew that this would not last.</div><br />
One report stood out amongst the others, a warband of Slaanesh had revealed itself led by a perversion known as ‘Doomrider’ and was advancing on one of Varlislia oldest Imperial Temple and reliquaries. Clearly his plan would be to capture and defile some of the systems most ancient and revered items for his nefarious ends. <br />
<br />
Tassius knew that the temple guard would prove no match for the oncoming warband and only through the direct intervention of the Imperial Fists would the relics be saved. <br />
<br />
Sallying forth with his advanced guard at the dawn of battle to secure the three reliquaries, Tassius and half of Squad Gorfast arrived to find the vanguard of the chaos warband had also arrived but neither could do damage to the other within their armoured vehicles. <br />
<br />
The Imperial fists reinforcements soon arrived, two predators led by the Land Raider Redeemer ‘Angels Bane’ carrying the terminator assault squad ‘Shield Guard’ advanced to support Captain Tassius in the centre of the battlefield. The ancient Dreadnought Argus strode forth alongside the other half of Squad Gorfast on the left flank while more marines from Squad Valor advanced on the far right. <br />
<br />
The forces of chaos responded in kind, Slaanesh allowed a favoured greater demon to enter the field through an unfortunate champion with a host of demonettes. A possessed Vindicator escorted two rhinos onto the right of the battlefield and its chaos possessed weapon destroyed the Rhino and two of squad Gorfast were lost in the resulting explosion. Of the warbands heavy support there was no sign as they remained within the warp subject to the whims of Slaanesh.<br />
<br />
To oppose this mobile threat on the right flank, Captain Tassius deployed two landspeeders which with the lascannon of squad Valor immobilised both Rhinos. While the Predators took up over watch positions the landraider advanced to collect Captain Tassius and ready for a counter attack. Together they unleashed a volley of fire which wounded the greater demon and killed several demonettes while Squad Gorfast prepared to face down the approaching demonettes.<br />
<br />
The attack was not long coming as the demonettes charged the three remaining marines of combat squad Gorfast. Their attacks felled one marine but First Sergeant Gorfast killed two with a mighty swing of his powerfist and his brother held fast beside him. <br />
<br />
Slaanesh, tired of playing with her warband for its small amusement, finally released the Chaos Terminators and Obliterator from the Warp and they appeared behind the Landraider Angels Bane. Their melta guns wrecked its tracks and left it immobilised but did no more damage.<br />
With his command vehicle immobilised, Captain Tassius led his Shield Guard towards the greater demon seeking to end its threat to the nearest reliquary. While the remaining marines of Squad Gorfast both stood fast and killed several more demonettes, the Shield Guard and Tassius smited the demon with their thunderhammers yet Tassius took a mighty blow while doing so.<br />
<br />
With the threat of the Chaos Terminators and Obliterators finally exposed, Ancient Argus turned his autocannons upon them and with the fire of both Squads Gorfast and Valor they brought all but one terminator down. <br />
<br />
As both chaos rhinos were now immobilised, the landspeeders took their time to finish them off with their multi meltas and then moved to support their brethren in the centre of the battlefield. <br />
<br />
The Demon Prince Doomrider called upon Slaanesh to aid him in clouding the minds of Captain Tassius and his brethren to draw them away from the battle but they shrugged off such sirens calls and continued forward. The Slaanesh Noise marines from the two wrecked rhinos moved to support the vinidcator and push towards and contest the reliquaries while the third squad ran towards the unclaimed one far to the left of the battlefield. <br />
<br />
The last Chaos terminator charged combat squad valor and felled two of them with its chain Axe, the return blows could not pierce its chaos armoured hide. <br />
<br />
Squad Valor raced in their rhino to secure the right flanks Reliquary while Gorfast killed the last demonette and closed on the other central objective. Tassius and his terminators charged and destroyed the demon possessed vindicator and readied themselves to block the advancing noise Marines. <br />
<br />
Ancient Dreadnought Argus smashed the last chaos terminator to the ground and stamped on him to end his vile days. The two combat squads of Squad Gorfast looked to regroup together on the middle reliquary but fell just short of securing it. <br />
<br />
The Third Noise marine squad arrived at the left objective and begun to ransack the relics there while the two other squads opened fire on Tassius and felled a terminator before charging to bring down another. Tassius, enraged at the loss of his brethren crushed two with his hammer in return. <br />
<br />
As the battle was almost concluded, Tassius called upon his forces for one final effort <br />
<br />
With Doomrider closing upon the central Reliquary, both predators and Ancient Argus turned their guns upon him and the wounds he took were grievous enough to force him back to the Warp. As Tassius finished off the last noise marines and closed on the last squad his surviving brother’s secured two of the three Reliquaries. With Doomrider gone, the last Chaos champion called upon his brethren to flee with the few items they had secured and fell back from the field as Slaanesh reclaimed the bodies of many of those who had fallen to the Warp.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Assault Sergeant Jorn impaled the last Noise marine upon his lightening claw, distaste evident on his face as he slung the dying warrior away whose face even in death betrayed agony and ecstasy in equal measures. As the Shield Guard finished the few survivors, Tassius turned to First Sergeant Gorfast and his approaching squad. <br />
“Report First Sergeant”<br />
<br />
Gorfast flexed his powerfist and the demon blood upon it smoked as the energy given off by his glove burned it away, his anger contained upon a short leash as he spoke<br />
<br />
“Captain. We have secured the reliquaries, one was ransacked by those abominations we once called brothers. They were unable to take much, the rest are being loaded within our rhinos for transportation back to a suitable location in the Hive spires.”<br />
<br />
“And our losses” Tassius asked<br />
<br />
“Several brothers have gone to the emperor’s side; Apothecary Tillis says more will need his ministrations aboard the Shield maiden”<br />
Tassius nodded at the news, speaking clearly to all his warriors around him.<br />
<br />
“A victory that has cost us dear brothers, yet we remain victorious. Signal the Imperial Governor that we have driven off the chaos interlopers and stand ready for battle.”</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<em>(provided by Major Tom)</em>Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-70924872450073579372012-03-01T22:10:00.005+00:002012-03-02T13:07:34.527+00:00The Battle of Alarc Minorius<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/141/e/0/Ultramarine_Tyranid_Hunter_by_LynxC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/141/e/0/Ultramarine_Tyranid_Hunter_by_LynxC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">There was a settlement up ahead. On the view screen, the grey slabs that represented low-grade Imperial </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">manufactora</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> were clearly distinguishable amongst the small groups of trees. Cassius looked at the adjacent screen on the wall of the Land Raider to a reconstruction of the best map they had for the area. </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Alarc</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Minorius</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> was the name of this settlement. On the outskirts of a larger population centre, this and its larger twin had been responsible for producing many of the basic products consumed in the hives and by the tourists who visited the more beautiful parts of </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Varlislia</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">. If the other settlements they had driven through</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> were a guide</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">, however, it would now be deserted. With the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tyrannid</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> invasion in full swing, and rumours of </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">insurrection, </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">traitor </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">astartes</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> or worse, the population of </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Varlialia</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> seemed to either be fleeing to the defences of the larger cities and hives, or dispersing up into the deserted mountains. </span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Cassius didn’t really care about the locals, once on campaign, the intense fire that had drawn him to the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">chaplincary</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> in his youth returned to his aged frame. But he was no son of </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Fenris</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">, driven berserk by this rage against the enemies of the Emperor, he was still an Ultramarine, and </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">was surrounded by Ultramarines. He could lean on them to remind him that for </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">an Ultramarine</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">, simple destruction of their enemies was unworthy of the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Astartes</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">. They were much more than that, and should seek to </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">always </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">follow in their </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Primarch’s</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> footsteps. That meant building up the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Imperium</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> to be as strong once again as it was in the Great Crusade. That meant having to care about protecting the civilians and infrastructure of Imperial worlds so they could more quickly return to being valuable components of the Emperor’s Design.</span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Still, Cassius rankled for the intensity of combat. Since arriving on </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Varlislia</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">, his force had only fought in one serious encounter. The fight to secure a decent landing ground had been hard won. The Ultramarines had worked hard to restore their injured brothers to health, and to fortify their position. Their reinforcements were still delayed. The 3</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 8.5pt; vertical-align: super;">rd</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> company and its Titan support could still be weeks from </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Varlislia</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">. Therefore, Cassius had acted. Leaving the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tallarns</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> to guard the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">dropsite</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> in preparation for landing the Titans and supplies they would need to complete this campaign, his force had driven out in strength as an armoured strike force to push back the growing waves of </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tyrannids</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> infesting the planet.</span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">S</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">cout reports from the Navy frigates patrolling the sector indicated that two separate hive fleets were attacking </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Varlislia</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">. The one Cassius had already encountered seemed to be the weaker, its main fleet were probably lurking near some of the asteroid fields</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">, avoiding combat and seeding the planet with scouting vessels. However, the second hive appeared in no way weakened. It had already deployed several sizable hordes to the planet, and was likely r</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">esponsible for putting that</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Inquisitor in a med bay. The thought brought a rare smile to Cassius’ wizened face. </span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">It was these </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">xenos</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> that Cassius was hunting. Orbital scans indicated that the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tyrannids</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> were fanning out and were likely to be in this area, seeking to extend their dominance on </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Varlislia</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">. Before any of the major attacks on the hives began in earnest, control of the outlying areas would be important in deciding the balance of the campaign. The </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tyrannids</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> would need all the biomass they could get in order to produce the endless stream of attack organisms that would be required to overwhelm the major defences.</span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Watching his forces encroach on the outskirts of the settlement, Cassius ordered the Land Speeder forwards to scout the way. A predator and vindicator rolled up on the left, followed by some tactical squads who were protecting the flanks of the column. Ahead of his Land Raider, attack bikes moved forwards while a dreadnought walked alongside. To the right, another tactical squad advanced, with a combat squad getting out ready to scout a nearby building as the rhino moved up.</span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">As the ‘Speeder neared a copse on the edge of </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Alarc</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Minorius</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">, Cassius began to get </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">dishearted</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">. Would this be another day without contacting the enemy? </span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">------</span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Lorium</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> peered over the trees from his cockpit. </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">A tumbleweed</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> moved through the centre of the settlement, next to a large logic core. He banked to the right towards a large garage for excavation vehicles. He was sure he could see shapes moving in the woods beyond, but there was nothing confirmed</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> on the scanner</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">. </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Dogurim</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">, his gunner, sensed his frustration, “Probably just the wind, we’ve been out for too long, </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">i’m</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> sure the tech-priest needs to check my helmet again”. But, </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Lorium</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> wasn’t listening. He was looking across the settlement to the left side where he saw trees being thrown into the air. </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">The ‘Speeder jerked back towards the approaching column, just as </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Dogurim</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> could see what had caught the pilot’s eye.</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> A giant </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tyrannid</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> creature, surrounded by a horde of smaller organisms came crashing through the woods toward the settlement.</span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">------</span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">The inside of the Land Raider was full of movement. The Terminators were lumbering their weapons while Cassius looked at the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">pict</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> feed from the ‘Speeder. Three waves of </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tyrannids</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> were approaching </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Alarc</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Minorius</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">. Their markings probably meant they were from the hive he had been looking for. He ordered his tanks forward, and into battle.</span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">------</span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Lorium</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> jinked the ‘Speeder to dodge the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tyrannid</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> fire, using its speed to avoid </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">their unnervingly accu</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">rate shots. It was unclear</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> how the battle was going. Around the Land Raider, the Ultramarines were pouring disciplined fire into the giant worm-like creatures slithering towards them. It didn’t seem to matter how much they fired, those beasts just came on and on towards them. To their left, the Ultramarine tanks were shooting into the swarm of </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">termegants</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> coming out of the woods. His concentration was broken by a deafening roar and a wave of flame lashed against the ‘Speeder. Below, where the Vindicator had been was just a scared crater, the enemy having finally found their mark and detonated the ammo. In the same instant, the ‘Speeder was hit by a rain of </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">asidic</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">larve</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> from the right. As </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Dogurim</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> used his knife to clear them from his flamer and the cockpit, they burrowed into the engines and </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">grav</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> plates. There was nothing they could do. </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">The ‘Speeder glided to the ground, its propulsion gone.</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Lorium</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> grabbed his pistol. The </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">xenos</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> coming towards them looked </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">alot</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> larger from the ground....</span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">------</span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Cassius too had seen the explosion on his screens. It was time to strike. He had watched the swarms move forwards and link up near the centre of the settlement</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">. If they waited any longer the whole place would be overrun. The squad monitors showed injury lights on another combat squad as the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">supporting troops struggled to bring down the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">tyrgons</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> assaulting the front of the column. But the other tactical squads had moved up from the flanks, and the tactical terminators had lumbered into position on the left. With a single thought, Cassius executed his command signal to the whole force and put his plan in motion. Like an unstoppable wall, the Land Raider began its advance. </span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">------</span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">With tremendous waves of energy from their hammers, the terminators despatched the still writhing remains of the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Trygon</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">. Cassius used his boot to clear the corpse of a termagant from his </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">crozius</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> and then checked his internal </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">comms</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> feed to asse</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">s</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">s the battle. It seemed like his plan was working. The </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tyrannid</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> swarm had been cut in two by his strike to capture the central logic core of </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Alarc</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Minorius</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">. On the right flank by the garage, survivors of a combat squad wer</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">e</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> firing from the hatch of their rhino into the</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">swarm of </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tryan</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">nids</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> that surrounded them, when</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> giant spiked barbs glanced off the slides, forcing them to dive inside to take cover. To the left, the swarm around the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">hab</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> block was weakening and the Ultramarine tanks were</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> advancing well. Just one threat</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> remained. One of the leader organisms was leading his bodyguard in pursuit of a combat squad. Cassius hefted his </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">crozius</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> and called to his bodyguard to give chase.</span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">------</span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX89892714" style="background-color: black; color: white; margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">With their backs to the wall of the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">hab</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">, and covered in the slime of the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">tyrannid</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> guns, Cassius and his surviving squad were trying to hold back the warriors from the combat squad who were </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">busy </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">despatching the remaining </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">termegants</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">. Cassius had to </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">leap</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> backwards to avoid another thrust from the Prime. This creature was just too quick. As Cassius parried another </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">swipe from another limb, he saw, in sickening slowness, one of the creature’s swords carve into </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Ephestus</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">’ breastplate. The junior librarian sank to his knees and collapsed into the mud, as his life indicator blinked out on Cassius display. But before Cassius could avenge </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Ephestus</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">, the Prime swung around, the force of the blow knocked the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">crozius</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> out of his hand and the return slice of the blade forced through the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">rosarius</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> overloading it and cut</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> deep</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> into Cassius’ hip. He sank to the floor as the Prime reared up over him, preparing to finish its kill. Cassius always knew his end would come in the service of the Emperor and he was glad that it would be against the </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tyrannids</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">, the Ultramarines</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">’</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> most hated foe. The Prime swung his blade down, and Cassius whispered a prayer to the Emperor. </span><span class="EOP SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="Paragraph SCX89892714" style="font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div></div><div style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">The blade sliced down, but as it neared Cassius it seemed to slow, as if something was impeding its progress. A look of confusion crossed the creatures face as its blade struggled against the force field. With a mighty roar, the last terminator of Cassius’ bodyguard still standing</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> threw his sizable mass in between the Prime and Cassius, the energy from its storm shield protecting both from the frenzied attacks from the Prime, enraged that it had been denied its final prize. The terminator swung his hammer, reducing one of the Prime’s limbs to a fine mist of </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">ichor</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">. The blow forced the Prime backwards, and seemed to give it time to evaluate its situation. It prepared to charge again when a shriek pierced the air. With his vision fading, Cassius saw the dreadnought rip the head clean off the other </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tyrannid</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Prime. The remaining Prime seemed to recalculate its charge, and without a sound, the remaining </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tyrannids</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> headed out of </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Alarc</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Minorius</span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> to the cover of the trees. Content that the battle had been won, Cassius put his body into a restorative coma. You could never be too careful </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">with injuries </span><span class="TextRun SCX89892714" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">at his age....</span><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(provided by Dr Weir)</span></em></div>Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-68269219981366923092012-03-01T22:05:00.001+00:002012-03-01T22:06:07.096+00:00Clash at Middenpoint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.games-workshop.com/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m290028a_P2Mb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://www.games-workshop.com/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m290028a_P2Mb1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Hive Mind was relieved – Coteaz’s daring mission had failed and Hive Fleet Mothra’s Swarmlord had escaped, and whilst dozens of bugs had died standing between the Grey Knights and the Swarmlord, the toll on the Inquisitors supporters had been greater.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The nature of the invasion had suddenly changed. Hive Fleet Mothra had been gearing up for devouring a large number of humans, with limited armour, supported by a small band of Imperial Fists which had been strengthening fortifications. The Inquisitor’s arrival had brought with it Space Marines from three further chapters, who were well armed and armoured; stopping these would be key to the successful consumption of Varlislia.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mothra was presented with a big challenge; it had little experience and expertise in overcoming Astartes. A contingent of Space Wolves had made planetfall and had a strong position – the Hive Mind needed to deal with this threat before it build upon the platform it had made for itself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">An element of the Swarm met some of the Wolves head on in a small outpost filled with ruined bunkers. The Wolves were well prepared – within seconds of meeting their Priests saw past the shadow in the warp to remove half of the swarm’s Hive Guard – dealing with the vehicles they had brought with them had become an increasingly big challenge. Missiles from the Long Fangs rained down upon one of the swarm’s Tervigons – the Wolves wanted to cut off the chance for any reinforcements to outnumber them. The swarm was taking a lot of damage; the Hive Mind shuddered with the screeches of pain it felt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then something happened. The swarm’s three Trygons had moved around the side of the armies, and one met with the Wolf Guard terminators. After a few minutes of intense fighting, the Wolf Guard had been overcome, despite the first Trygon being severely wounded. It carried on nevertheless, attacking Grey Hunters, whilst its two kin dispatched of the Wolve’s APCs and Dreadnought.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There was one pocket of resistance from a second wolf priest; who had dug in with his Grey Hunters. Despite this, Hive Fleet Mothra had managed a slight victory, the two remaining Trygons eating the Wolve’s rearguard.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mothra had bought itself time – it now had to deal with Cassius and the Ultramarines...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-17154019600082795282012-02-27T21:23:00.000+00:002012-02-27T21:23:51.230+00:00Assimilation Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs38/f/2008/354/8/1/Hive_Tyrant_by_Zen_Master.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs38/f/2008/354/8/1/Hive_Tyrant_by_Zen_Master.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Now that the Hive Fleet Haephestus had a proper beachhead on the planet, it was now time to start harvesting the rich biomass. Already great spore chimney's were rising over vast swathes of land. The verdant jungle was being stripped of life as fast as the giant extractors could manage.<br />
<br />
The spawn pools bubbled furiously, creating broods in a matter of hours. The Hive Mind was content but its first among it's children, the Swarmlord was still wary. It knew that the inhabitants of the planet and there allies from space would not give up without a fight.<br />
<br />
It directed all the newly spawned organisms directly to the planet's surface. The biomass extraction needed to be increased and the area under the Hive's thrall needed to be expanded.<br />
<br />
Broods were sent in every direction from the beachhead. If resistance was met, the Swarmlord direct any organism under it's control to converge and wipe it out.<br />
<br />
For many days little resistance was encountered. Small settlements were found but the inhabitants had either long fled or were unable to provide the broods with little more than sport. After 5 revolutions of the planet the area controlled by the hive had doubled enabling more and more creatures to be birthed.<br />
<br />
Then, at the dawn of the 6th day on the western most verge of the Hive's territory the Swarmlord sensed something. Sink holes of pyschic energy, the monstrous commander could not ascertain what the cause of these disturbances was but it had there was a hint of the other Hive Fleet - Mothra - about it, although it was certainly not Tyranid in origin.<br />
<br />
The Swarmlord sent out a sizeable swarm to investigate.<br />
<br />
The swarm approached the area the disturbance was first felt. It seemed to be the outskirts of a great settlement, not unlike the one the Hive first attempted to make landfall weeks before.<br />
<br />
The close proximity to the source of the pyschic anomaly allowed the Swarmlord to finally detect the source. Humans! Bedded down in the city, apparently waiting for the swarm, most in more of the large machines that was a constant bane to tyranids everywhere, preventing them from reaching the succulent bodies inside.<br />
<br />
The swarm charged forwards. Great tervigons spewing forth termagants to add to the wave of bodies. A winged Tyrant swooped down on the flank followed by Hive Guard eager for targets for their impaler cannons.<br />
<br />
A giant metal bird swooped down from the sky shooting round after round in a tervigon skulking in the cover of a building before depositing it's load on the ground in front of the Tyrant.<br />
<br />
The Tyrant instantly recognised the main source of the pyschic disturbance in the Inquistor and charged into his entourage.<br />
<br />
As he did a small object flew towards him. The Tyrant snapped at it, gobbling the device. At that instant it's connection to the Hive Mind was broken. Using the eyes of a nearby Tervigon, the Swarmlord could see the Tyrant turn on a nearby termagant brood, tearing them apart before the humans managed to overcome it.<br />
<br />
A spore crashed down behind enemy lines. As it's great maw opened 2 Zoanthrops emerged, their huge brains pulsing. No sooner had they disembarked then they sent force 2 spears of raw pyschic energy ripping apart the closest vehicle which exploded in a massive eruption. As the smoke was clearing a mighty Trygon appeared from a tunnel in the ground and sent waves of bioelectrical enegy into the human's dreadnought rendering it helpless.<br />
<br />
The hive guard fired volley after volley into the metal bird without effect before it turned it's weapons on them and blew them apart. The Northern flank had been lost to the humans.<br />
<br />
One the southern flank a lone human had held back wave after wave of termagant attacks singlehandedly before eventually succuming to the vast numbers that Tyranids can bring to bear. More hive guard appeared from a ruin and fire on a nearby troop carrier tearing it's armour apart just as a brood of genestealers entered the fray.<br />
<br />
The humans that survived the destruction of the carrier turned tail and fled only to be cut down my a small termagant brood.<br />
<br />
The losses on both sides were mounting, the momentum of the swarm was gone but the humans had lost the apetite to finish the job. Both sides retreated to live and fight another day.<br />
<br />
<i>(Provided by CunningStunt)</i>Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-37305501336932570052012-02-22T16:43:00.000+00:002012-02-22T16:43:31.162+00:00Haephestus' Hunger Satiated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDGxb0yA4-GBnuyo6EGyypMcA-TbzjLixNUrmAXZmy1UK5kVzzqEksO-9UbhhyphenhyphenlV5eKBmr6uK-LFiGH6cVMYblIr5iDdv9pJFoQG1rh1JEMp2d7wT5H-B0NI_-4kADZSPbcY_hczUrEo/s1600/imagesCA2XONZG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDGxb0yA4-GBnuyo6EGyypMcA-TbzjLixNUrmAXZmy1UK5kVzzqEksO-9UbhhyphenhyphenlV5eKBmr6uK-LFiGH6cVMYblIr5iDdv9pJFoQG1rh1JEMp2d7wT5H-B0NI_-4kADZSPbcY_hczUrEo/s1600/imagesCA2XONZG.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Reeling from the defeat by the human habitat, the hive was growing even more desperate for biomatter. The lifeblood of all tyranid life. Even now Hive Fleet Haephestus's reserves were dwindling to nothing. The conflict so far had only served to drain what they had more quickly. <br />
It needed to feed and soon.<br />
<br />
At the centre of the fleet in its specially made birthing pool, the Swarmlord was pouring over all availabe data. Drawing on the senses of every brood and synapse creature it had sent to the planet. Searching for a target.<br />
<br />
Just one easy victory was needed to refill the pools and get them creating new life to fill the ranks of the Hive. Even better if an arase rich in life could be seeded with Pylons to draw the very essence of the planet up to the Fleet.<br />
<br />
So far the only areas of the planet below that had been seeded were either retaken by the prey on the planet or their brethren that came from the hulking vessels in orbit that arrived at the same time as the Hive Fleet. Or the area that was seeded proved lacking in life. Great pylons reared out of tundras and sandy deserts. The indigenous life barely sufficient to support the growth of these great structures let alone provide extra resource to transmit to the waiting Hive.<br />
<br />
Days passed, the spawning pools had dried out, the Fleet near death. Brood began to feed on brood as the Hive mind struggled to keep control. The situation was desperate.<br />
<br />
Then, almost by chance the Swarmlord spotted an opening. A large group of prey on the ground was spotted by Lictors and genestealers moving through an area dense in vegetation. They had stopped in a clearing in the middle of a vast jungle, a long distance from the closest habitat.<br />
<br />
The group was large and had with it a great number of the metal hulks that was so common amongst the prey. The same hulks that the Hive Fleet had learned to break down and incorporate into it's own organisms but also struggle to bring down without sufficient firepower.<br />
<br />
These 'tanks' would be a problem for the brood. But the great cunning of the swarmlord was unpeturbed. It sent gathered what Zoanthropes were let in the fleet and channeled their power through its own mind. Sent out pyschic tendrils to the group on the planet, searching for the leader.<br />
<br />
Once found, the tendrils were sent into the mind of this leader. Nudging and suggesting but not outright controlling. Even for just a single organism this subtlety required great concentration and power. By the time the work was done half of the Zoanthropes used were dead or dying. With a brief after thought the swamlord commanded the drones to break them down to be immediately reconstituted before directing his mind back to what would soon be the battlefield.<br />
<br />
The ploy worked, the commander ordered a portion of his group, including the greatest of his 'tanks' to scout ahead. Breaking his force up. Breaking it up to make it easier prey for the approaching swarm...<br />
<br />
Two great tervigons smashed into the group's flanks accompanied by various smaller broods, a handful of biovores and a unit of genestealers that had been monitoring the group.<br />
<br />
The biovore's sporemines smashed right into the middle of the group, caught by surprise the humans could barely react before they were ripped apart by the explosions.<br />
<br />
Before they could regroup the genestealers charged amongst them to take them on at close quarters. At the front of the field a great Winged Hive Tyrant swooped down and reduced a team of humans dug in at the top of an old building to nothing but worm riddled corpses. Its accompanying Trygon followed behind, uncharacteristically bogged down by the terrain.<br />
<br />
Hive guard on both flanks let rip with their great guided cannons, destorying a metallic hulk on oneside and imobilising another filled with prey on the other.<br />
<br />
A large brood of hormagaunts tore accross the river to engage the foot soldiers that had accompanied the 'tank' across the river. The foot gave a valiant defence and the commander managed to weather the initial charge.<br />
<br />
After the initial attack the prey seemed to rally. The great armoured hulk at the front fired 3 great shots of energy at the hive guard that threatened it. When the smoke cleared, a grey smudge on the scarred earth was all that remained of them.<br />
<br />
The tervigons to either side of the force took the brunt of the attack taking severe wounds each. <br />
The damage and the like of sufficient nutrition affected their ability to spawn more young, both only giving birth to a handful of gants before turning barren.<br />
<br />
Showing almost superhuman courage and resilience, the prey managed to tear apart the genestealers without too many casualties only to be met by a charge from the hormagaunts who had finally dispatched the group's leader.<br />
<br />
The Tyrant dispatched another group of humans with great volleys of carnivorous worms before finally charging the great 'tank' of the force, his Trygon, not far behind.<br />
<br />
<br />
The combined might of these two creatures made short work of the creation, leaving a smouldering wreck behind them before moving on to more prey.<br />
<br />
Following suit the tervigons, on the verge of death made for the closest 'tanks' and ripped them apart. One of them, caught in the fire of nearby gunfire collapsed with a great scream before falling silent.<br />
<br />
It was enough though. The enemy was falling back. The Swarmlord dispatched lictors to follow the fleeing force. Nothing would go to waste.<br />
<br />
Already the seeds were planted, the area rich in flora and fauna, as well as the bodies of the fallen would prove a great feast indeed. <br />
<br />
For the first time in countless decades, Hive Fleet Haephestus fed. Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-38517790917597462872012-02-22T13:40:00.000+00:002012-02-22T13:40:21.110+00:00Round 1 UpdateDear all,<br />
<br />
Here is a quick breakdown of the games played in round 1. Please bear in mind the percentages are a quick back of the envelope calculation, so nothing hugely scientific. I hope this gives some high level impression of how respective factions are doing and how this is affecting the relative standings of each faction and the influence each faction is having over Varlislia.<br />
<br />
Matt<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6hYD7IQqRHJdnISp7Vss8Serjer4SzpjwElubMhFzAfjC8RbnkY7LSQWXkmzgA4OsOjcR_xaw4Fws2E67nxLNdZOUZIwUVLI19ON_1SpQWNYvuUBW7Th738ViWMDPSV-KEw2Tqb6zcw/s1600/Rnd+1+update.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6hYD7IQqRHJdnISp7Vss8Serjer4SzpjwElubMhFzAfjC8RbnkY7LSQWXkmzgA4OsOjcR_xaw4Fws2E67nxLNdZOUZIwUVLI19ON_1SpQWNYvuUBW7Th738ViWMDPSV-KEw2Tqb6zcw/s640/Rnd+1+update.png" width="640" /></a></div>Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-5790182084808454532012-02-22T12:39:00.001+00:002012-02-22T12:40:53.032+00:00Miller's Crossing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2011/2/8/182721_md-Cadians,%20Comic,%20Imperial%20Fists,%20Tyranids,%20Warhammer%2040,000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2011/2/8/182721_md-Cadians,%20Comic,%20Imperial%20Fists,%20Tyranids,%20Warhammer%2040,000.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">+++Astropathic transmission+++</div>+++Sender: Captain M Petronius Aventine XIII+++<br />
+++Recipient: Lt Gen Ivona Sonnambler+++<br />
+++Thought for the day: Always wear sunscreen+++<br />
+++Transmission begins+++<br />
<br />
<br />
+++After action report – Miller's Crossing – Calhun Province – Varsila Prime+++<br />
<br />
+++Elements of Aventine XII tasked with reconnaissance and scouting encountered heavy Tyranid presence while crossing tributary of Mosse River+++<br />
+++Testimony from reports of 1st Sergeant Jones, Attached Storm Troopers and one of the few survivors: “We crossed the river under orders of [REDACTED] while seconded to the Aventine, despite some arguments the bozo in charge chose to use a Leman Russ to force a way across the crossing, naturally it got stuck yeah? While the rest of us kitted down a bit a couple hundred metres down the road as they got it out the mud we found ourselves surrounded by the bugs, thousands of em. 2nd Squad took one side, we took the other and we managed to repel most of the main wave with Devil Dog support, ever seen one of those big bulgy spewing out little uns ones get a Melta Cannon to the face? Its sweet. By the time we'd got a lid on the situation though the bugs had managed to overwhelm most of the men, they sold em selves well but we lost an entire damn platoon to the things along with that Russ... wasnt worth it, real mess. Then when we saw those big buggers sitting pretty and eating the dead at the other end of the field... I took command and gave the order to fall back, my squad and a couple of the Snipers were about all that was left, we clung to the sides of those Dogs and got out of there”+++<br />
+++Cross examination of Jones and survivors indicates that Lt Goreman of 2nd Platoon led men into Ambush by poor positioning of Heavy Armour+++<br />
+++Lt Goreman held the river crossing with his command squad for approximately 5 minutes against approximately 30+ Tyranid organisms classified: Hormagaunts+++<br />
+++Infantry squads formed up and held against several waves of Tyranid creatures, most noticeably Genestealers. Excellent use of cover and defensive grenades repelled attackers at heavy cost. Further waves of Termagants eventually wore down the platoons defences and they were overwhelmed+++<br />
+++Conclusion+++<br />
+++Tyranids obtained complete surprise against the Recon column, managing to hold 4/6ths of the battlefield after 1 hours combat duration. Despite strong efforts on Guardsmens side the Xenos superiority in Melee wore down and destroyed the Imperial forces+++<br />
+++Due to heroics of defence it is suggested the Lt is awarded posthumous Martyrs Cup medallion, unfortunately due to leading his men into such a situation all benefits to next of kin must cease+++<br />
+++Crews of Aventine Light Armour - “Divine Wind” “Sunspear” to be awarded marksmens medals+++<br />
+++Orbital and surface Artillery to barrage Grids AZ81-BZ79 and further search and destroy operations to be carried out+++<br />
<br />
+++Message ends+++ <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>(provided by Yargalt)</em></div>Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-4656334628360552272012-02-17T12:25:00.000+00:002012-02-17T12:25:08.022+00:00A Foul Discovery<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/e/eb/Lord_Hax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/e/eb/Lord_Hax.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coteaz awoke in a strange chamber; connect to an array of tubes and pipes. The walls were made from a white, ceramic material. Everything in the room was spotlessly clean.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The room was filled with surgical and life support equipment. Whatever had happened to him had been serious enough to warrant a great deal of medical care. The Inquisitor noted it strange that despite the work surfaces being covered in these tools, the glass fronted cupboards were bare.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These facilities would not be available to a normal inhabitant of Varlislia or the wider Imperium. This chamber must be reserved for the aristocracy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With a hiss the door opened. A tall, gaunt figure appeared, covered in an array of bionic implants, the most striking of which were the greasy mechadendrites forcing their way out of his spine. Coteaz could not see the figure’s legs move – he looked as though he glided effortlessly across the marble floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coteaz looked around. Everything around the chamber looked expensive. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘Little wonder why Trantor had fallen behind with Varlislia’s tithes.’</i> he thought to himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“You were very fortunate to be alive”</i> Trantor continued. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Chaplain Cassisus informs me that Calgar himself was beaten by a remarkably similar creature.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“How did I get here?”</i> The Inquisitor replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The Swarmlord left you dying, but fled before she could deliver the final blow – you have your Paladins to thank. They slaughtered dozens of those bugs to create a perimeter around you. Their Stormraven extracted what few survivors remained, including your good self.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What news is there from the rest of the relief force?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Cassius and his Ultramarines have made planet fall, and encountered xenos almost immediately. Without vehicle support they were weakened, but clung on. They are still out in the field, looking to press home their advantage.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“And the Wolves?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Something troubling, Inquisitor. Their planetfall revealed an unknown truth to us. It is not only the Emperor’s Servants and Tyranids present here on Varlislia. Some of the Wolves landed near an old temple, thought to have been abandoned for Millenia. They stumbled upon a ritual being performed by traitor astartes, led by a Daemon Prince. Whilst the vengeance of the Emperor delivered was enough to clear the immediate vicinity, we fear that this runs much deeper – they are likely to be back in force.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coteaz absorbed this new piece of information. The situation had suddenly got increasingly grim, but he was still confident that he could rescue Varlislia; his Grey Knights specialised in dealing with such abominations.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Trantor, have my men informed that I intend to return to the field imminently; the xenos and traitor filth need to be cleansed, and there is no time to lose! At present, they have control of much of the planet. We need to force them back to regain territory and distance them from your people!” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-76855851974769007292012-02-15T16:10:00.001+00:002012-02-15T16:11:39.553+00:00Battle for Varlislia, Round 1 Challenge Thread (17th Feb to 2nd March)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://m.blog.hu/eg/egykir/image/827_realsize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_wb2rst="2" height="320" src="http://m.blog.hu/eg/egykir/image/827_realsize.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Dear all,<br />
<br />
Here is the challenge thread for round one of the Varlislia campaign. Each round will now run for two weeks. The first shall run from Friday 3rd to Thursday 16th Feb. The plan for this round is:<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Round 2: Spearhead </span></span><br />
<br />
After a successful landing, the Space Wolves and Ultramarines are quick to press home the advantages they have gained, having been reinforced and remaining out in the field. <br />
<br />
After narrowly avoiding a brush with death, Coteaz returns to the field, sending out his forces to assist the Planetary Defence force and push the enemy away from Varlislia's centres of population.<br />
<br />
Rolling, bloody battles ensue across the surface of Varlislia.<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Challenges:</span><br />
All 3 Imperial factions vs. All 3 Non-Imperial Factions<br />
<br />
Suggested themes for scenarios/armies: Missions should have multiple strategic points (3 - 6 recommended) for capturing ground. There are a range of this missions available with varying deployment in battle missions. Missions from elsewhere can also be used<br />
<br />
Players should play a minimum of 1 game each, but can play as many games as they'd like within the timeframe, to help build the storyline.<br />
<br />
Players can play any size limit and scenario they and their opponent(s) decide upon.<br />
<br />
When completing a battle, please PM me the following information:<br />
<br />
1) Date battle played;<br />
2) Players and armies involved;<br />
3) Army sizes;<br />
4) Army list themes (if any);<br />
5) Scenario (and source);<br />
6) Type of board/terrain;<br />
7) Result;<br />
8) Victory points scored by each army;<br />
9) Narrative (can only be a few sentences if you want), including any cool/notable events worth reporting.<br />
<br />
For an update on the <a href="http://ruinsofcaliban.blogspot.com/2012/01/battle-for-varlislia-rules.html" target="_blank">campaign rules</a>, please see my blog (linked).<br />
<br />
Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-62381151080463924842012-02-10T08:09:00.000+00:002012-02-10T08:09:19.688+00:00Imperial Fists 5th Company<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>NB - Major Tom will now be using his Imperial Fists instead of his guard. Assume the guard are on the planet, but are a non-player army. The Fists arrived on Varlislia some months before Coteaz's relief force, building fortifications for the upcoming conflict... </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.wikia.com/warhammer40k/images/f/ff/The_Emperor%27s_Finest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://images.wikia.com/warhammer40k/images/f/ff/The_Emperor%27s_Finest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The 5th Company of the Imperial Fists chapter of the Adeptus Astartes, known as the “Shield Bearers” and are currently under the command of Captain Tassius and his loyal senior officers Veteran Assault Sergeant Jorn and First Sergeant Gorfast. <br />
<br />
Returning to rendezvous with the Imperial Fist fortress monastery and space Fortress ‘Phallanx’ after the successful pacification and destruction of Eldar Raiders via Varlislia for resupply, Captain Tassius and his company discovered a world in the grips of Chaos insurrection and Xeno invasion. <br />
<br />
With Imperial reinforcement’s enroute to the system, Tassius decided to land his forces in support of the local Imperial Guard PDF regiments in combating the advancing Xeno hordes to buy time for the rapidly arriving inquisition forces to root out and exterminate the growing chaos threat. <br />
<br />
.....<br />
<br />
The bridge was still, the only noise the occasional whirl from a servitor motors or the bleeps of various consoles dotted around the command pulpit. <br />
<br />
Stood upon the pulpit were three figures, each easily dwarfing the surrounding servitors and chapter serfs who worked diligently around them. <br />
<br />
Each stood still as statues, encased within their yellow power amour with heads bowed in prayer. <br />
<br />
As he finished leading his brothers in prayer, Captain Tassius was first to raise his head. Feeling refreshed in his devotion to the Emperor and glad to be leading his brother to battel once more he led Gorfast and Jorn to one of the overhead displays showing the ongoing situation below.<br />
<br />
<i>“Brothers, this is Varlislia. Until recently this world was a beacon of Imperial Creed yet Imperial control has broken down, Xeno menaces approach its borders with Tyranids and Orks about to fall upon them. <br />
<br />
Within, the forces of chaos attempt to twist its people to their own ends. </i> <i><br />
<br />
We shall not be rendezvousing with the Phallanx, our chapter master has agreed that our place is here where the enemy can not be allowed to gain any foothold. Imperial forces and our Brothers from several Chapters will be here within days but until then we shall hold the line. I have informed the Governor that we shall meet the Ork advance with his PDF forces and once it is neutralised we shall help with the pacification of the Chaos threat.</i> <i><br />
<br />
See to the company, sharpen our blades and prepare our brothers for war.”</i><br />
<br />
(provided by Major Tom)<i> </i>Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-67346096651700004812012-02-10T00:11:00.003+00:002012-02-10T00:16:51.783+00:00Kill 'em all!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs18/f/2007/184/b/4/Tyranid_hive_brood_by_LordHannu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs18/f/2007/184/b/4/Tyranid_hive_brood_by_LordHannu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Hive Fleet Mothra had been biding its time. It had been 9 terran years since the initial seedling spores had landed. The uncertainty, fear and suffering caused by the Genestealer cults had weakened Varlislia. The Hive Mind’s plan had gotten off to a strong start.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Hive Fleet launched a new wave of spores into the planet’s atmosphere. The Lictors’ pheromones had made it easy for the organisms of the Hive Fleet to Rendevous. Adding to the Genestealers and Lictors were Termagaunts, Tervigons, Hive Guard. This wave however was headed by quite a special organism. A Swarmlord.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As the Swarm was moving with all haste toward the Hive the humans nick-named Hedley’s Hope, the Hive Mind felt a scream. The first wave of organisms from Hive Fleet Haephestus had been hurt by the arrival of the Ultramarines. It could feel that more Astartes were en route, and would be arriving at any moment.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Minutes later, beacons were being lit in the hills around the swarm, shortly followed by flaming silver pods hurtling through the atmosphere towards Varlislia’s surface.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Hive Mind almost instantly anticipated what Coteaz’s mission was – “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cut off the head and the body will die.”</i> The advance of the swarm halted. Each of the organisms surrounded its Swarmlord. </div><div class="MsoNormal">To an onlooker, it would have appeared as though each of the bugs were as aware of what was about to happen as the Hive Mind was. They were ready to die so that their Tyrant could live. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Swarmlord looked up. The army was surrounded by several small bands of humans, some with psychic powers, accompanied by a Dreadnought. Some more henchmen were mounted in a Chimera and a small band led by an Inquistor, led by a Vindicare Assassin.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Tervigons began to spawn Termagaunts en masse. Small, chitinous bugs filled the air before the Dreadnought exploded into several fragments. Some of the Termagaunts had the Chimera surrounded whilst the nearby Tervigon tore the tracks off it. So far, so good thought the Swarmlord. Is this it?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Within seconds the air filled with a screeching sound. A Stormraven flew over the horizon, guns blazing. Several missiles hit the Tervigon that had assaulted the Chimera. A blinding cloud of energy stood where the Tervigon had been, followed by a deafening scream filled the air. The organism crumpled on the floor, its skull exploded. Grey Knight Paladins, adorned in Terminator armour landed by the psykers, this was Coteaz’s spearhead. Two spawned swarm of Termagaunts tried to pave an escape route through the assassin and henchmen, and were cut down. Perhaps Coteaz was a skilled adversary after all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Swarmlord’s swarm through its firepower at the humans, causing little damage. The Paladins responded by making short work of the first group of Termagaunts standing between them and the Swarmlord.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Before long, things were getting desperate. The Termagaunts could only hold the Terminators so long, and the Swarmlord was not moving as quickly as the Hive Mind would have liked.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Suddenly, there was a breakthrough. The Hive Guard shooting at the Stormraven hit their mark, sending Coteaz and his entourage crashing to the ground. A new wave of Termagaunts were envigourated by the Swarmlord and the Tervigon which had given birth to them. The assassin and henchmen did not survive the second wave.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Coteaz’s crew were dazed, but they quickly got up. The Swarmlord was slowly getting away, and the Paladins were tied up with seemingly endless waves of Termagaunts. The Inquisitor charged a band of Genestealers, killing all of them. With all haste, they ran towards the Swarmlord. The Swarmlord calculated that Coteaz had one chance. He dispatched of Coteaz’s bodyguard, and whilst the Inquisitor was struggling with Tyrant Guard, laid the final blow. Coteaz fell to the ground, unconscious.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Paladins were closing, and the Swarmlord knew it had to get away. Three waves of Termagaunts and the last remaining Tervigon stepped into the space between them; they would die so that the swarm could feed.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Paladins found a gap in the wall of Tyranids – striking at the Tervigon to prevent further reinforcements weighing them down. As they removed their force weapons from the twitching carcass, they looked up to find the Swarmlord had gotten away...</div>Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7809270321080298793.post-52555483515656110862012-02-08T09:37:00.001+00:002012-02-08T09:37:41.603+00:00A Ritual Interrupted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://wallpaper.goodfon.com/image/113638-2000x1434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://wallpaper.goodfon.com/image/113638-2000x1434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Strange temples in the heart of a ruined city would be instrumental to the Emperor's Children in summoning their daemonic allies.<br />
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Rune priest Irnist the Wise foresaw their potential, and Logan Grimnar dispatched him to smash the Emperor's Children before their rituals could be completed and the chaos forces could be irrevocably reinforced.<br />
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The long fangs and razorbacks succeeded in crippling the enemy rhino’s, and the chaos marines were forced to advance in the open where they came under heavy small arms fire.<br />
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The wolf scouts succeeded in destroying a possessed vindicator before being charged by a squad of traitor marines. The Wolve's champion survived alone to fight again.<br />
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The rituals partially succeeded in summoning the daemons to the centre of the ruined city. And further traitor reinforcements arrived from the EC fleet in orbit.<br />
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Daemonettes, a Keeper of Secrets, and some Slaaneshi Terminators appeared and were engaged by Grey Hunters, Irnist himself, and a squad of Wolf Guard Terminators respectively. The Wolf Guard and Grey Hunters dragged down their opponents and Irnist personally banished the Keeper of Secrets back to the warp. <br />
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Enemy obliterators caused havoc in the Space Wolf lines by engaging and destroying some long fangs and razorbacks.<br />
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Realising the back of their force had been broken, their temples captured, and the rituals disrupted, the traitors withdrew. The Wolves demolished the strange temples so they could never be used again.<br />
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<em>(provided by Mazberry)</em>Deathwing_Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478505796248400775noreply@blogger.com0