Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Memorial Day BBQ
Poney and I will be hosting a game/movie/bbq from Texas Rib Kings shindig Monday, 26 May, starting about 12:30, till folks wanna split. CXI and spouses definitely invited. RSVP so we can plan for enough!
Monday, May 19, 2008
First try at posting a pic
Oh well. I think I need someone to teach me how to take pictures of minis with a digital camera. Mine always come out very blurred.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Communicatum Militare
Transmitted: Hex
Received: Astropath Numalitor
Destination: Brother Captain Anastasius
Telepathic Duct: Terminus Ehud
Ref: Ordo Malleus/440982230/SV
Author: Justicar Telestes
Thought for the Day: "Emotion is the downfall of the Weak."
Brother Captain,
Daemonic incursion confirmed, destroyed, crystal mines Hex. Thirteen brothers of Titan employing Sus-An and Larraman enhancers for recovery before operations can continue. Seven brothers to garrison site post-rean.
Increased risk of Immaterium Breach also confirmed, sector designate Alpha. Request Brother Captain Athanasius attempt remedy from Environmental Control base, central hub Elysium.
Request immediate audit Psycannon ammunition stores. Tzeentchian filth appears using stolen shells, possibly further tainted, will investigate further.
Telestes, Justicar
Received: Astropath Numalitor
Destination: Brother Captain Anastasius
Telepathic Duct: Terminus Ehud
Ref: Ordo Malleus/440982230/SV
Author: Justicar Telestes
Thought for the Day: "Emotion is the downfall of the Weak."
Brother Captain,
Daemonic incursion confirmed, destroyed, crystal mines Hex. Thirteen brothers of Titan employing Sus-An and Larraman enhancers for recovery before operations can continue. Seven brothers to garrison site post-rean.
Increased risk of Immaterium Breach also confirmed, sector designate Alpha. Request Brother Captain Athanasius attempt remedy from Environmental Control base, central hub Elysium.
Request immediate audit Psycannon ammunition stores. Tzeentchian filth appears using stolen shells, possibly further tainted, will investigate further.
Telestes, Justicar
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Encounter on Hex
Corporal Vespasian was having a good day. He had only recently been given command of the squad after their decimation on Shroud. The officers had seen promise in him and he intended to prove them right. Looking up from the tactical command display he looked at the men. Squad Tertius was in high spirits. They had been sent on patrol across the basalt flats of Hex and were mustered a Rhino APC for the task. Any assignment where you can sit on your ass and watch the scenery go by is a prime one. The squad was only newly reformed and he wanted a chance to test their cohesion.
Forces from several Imperial armies were reported to be on the cursed moon, but not in large numbers. And if they should have a close encounter, Regius their company standard bearer, would have a nasty surprise. Even now he was speaking to the men about the mysteries of the Warp and how they were all the chosen heralds of the lords of Chaos. The crowded interior of the transport had the air of a shrine as all the men gathered around Regius intent on his sermon. As Regius inevitably spoke of the False Emperor their tempers rose to a fever pitch. All were eager to visit ruin on the inheritors of the Great Betrayal.
A warning light woke Vespasian from his reverie. He studied the readings for a moment and informed the squad, "We have enemy movement at 2 klicks. Prepare for action!" Studying the energy signatures further it was clear that these enemies were wearing Power Armor and that they outnumbered his squad by at least two to one. They seemed to be occupying a ruined building of some kind, most likely establishing defensive positions. A Rhino APC was not a stealthy machine - the enemy had to be aware of their presence by now.
"Bring us in behind that rock outcropping," Vespasian instructed the driver. They would take as much cover as possible on the approach. The enemy might have heavy weaponry capable of piercing the light armor of their transport. "To stations!" he barked. As one, the squad moved to positions. Regius, himself, and two other men moved to the rear; ready to exit the ramp at a moment's notice. Balzar took the squad's meltagun, joined by Krys with his bolter, and went to the fire point up top ready to open fire on any targets of opportunity.
As the Rhino cleared the last piece of cover, their enemy came into view. Their blue and white livery announced their identity as clearly as the Fleur de Lis banner they flew. "Sororitas," spat Regius. The zealots were the last force he wanted to face in battle. Space Marines were predictable in their adherence to their holy Codex. Even the Necrons could be counted on to follow their implacable phalanx tactics. But the sisters were creatures of passion and whimsy, much like the Emperor's Children. There was no predicting their tactics. And their Faith gave them strange abilities that could swing the tide of battle. He would have to be very careful against these witches. As if on cue, Balzar began his report. There were thirteen of them in the ruins armed with bolters and a flamer. The squad leader appeared to be wielding a power weapon. No heavy weapons in sight.
Vespasian would play this one conservatively. Their armor would be proof against all the weaponry in the enemy squad. There was no need to leave the safety of the vehicle until the enemy was softened up. "Brother Regius, we have need of your allies. Call upon them to strike the enemy!" Regius began to chant, calling on the powers of the Immaterium to join them in slaughter. His voice was quickly hoarse, as the language he spoke was not meant for a human throat.
Now began the waiting. He had the rhino take station at 120 meters from the ruins. They would provide harassment fire from within the transport until the Daemons arrived - whenever that would be. Creatures of the Warp were notoriously fickle. Still, they should be safe from mere bolter fire until then. Most likely the Sisters would use the ruins to provide cover and discourage assault.
True to their nature, the Sisters did the unexpected. As one they broke from cover and ran directly toward the transport. Vespasian thought them mad. Surely they didn't believe he would allow them an attack on the rear of the vehicle? The rhino fired into them as they ran but they ignored the bolter rounds flying around them. As the Sisters closed the distance they shouldered their weapons and pulled out anti-vehicle grenades. The Veteran Sister, resplendent in her blue cloak, pulled out something much more wicked...a melta bomb.
He tried to give the order to pull back, but it was too late. Multiple explosions rocked the transport, igniting the fuel tanks and hurling the vehicle onto its back. Vespasian had the wind knocked out of him as he was thrown clear of the blast. Armor panels and tread sections rained down on the squad, entangling them in the wreckage. The men were quick to extricate themselves and form up, but the Sisters were even faster. They ran around the burning hulk of the Rhino and unloaded a fusillade of bolter fire into the disorganized squad. Somehow it seemed that the bolter rounds ignored the considerable protection offered by Power Armor and cut his men down like sheathes of wheat. First Krys and then Balzar fell, but still the hail of merciless fire came. The squad was fast approaching destruction and Vespasian knew it was only a matter of seconds until they were all dead.
It was then that the Warp decided to answer their call. A shimmer in the air between the decimated Chaos warriors and the vengeful Sisters began to appear. The shimmer became a horrible rend in reality through which shambled eight warp spawned Daemons. With a wild, inhuman screech they charged into the midst of the Sororitas squad tearing at them with claw and fang. A terrible close quarters struggle then ensued between the Sisters and the Daemons as Vespasian ordered his squad forward. Looking around he realized that there was no one left but himself and Regius. There was nothing for the two of them to do but rush into the combat. The time for subtlety was ended and either glory or death would be their reward.
The next several minutes passed in a haze of adrenaline and pain as the unnatural strength and fury of the Daemons slowly took its toll on the Sisters. Sensing the changing tide of battle, the Sisters executed a flawless fighting withdrawal and retreated under organized cover fire. Vespasian did not pursue. His transport was a burning wreck, the Daemons could return to the Warp at any moment, and his squad was all but destroyed.
"Victory and glory!" shouted Regius, holding aloft the sacred Icon of Chaos Glory. Vespasian didn't dare tell him how pathetic he looked shouting such a thing all alone amidst the wreckage of their comrades. Still...they were both alive and they had driven off the Imperial incursion. He would return to his superiors with an account of a battle hard won against a hated foe. Most likely he would be promoted for this 'victory'. As he thought more about it his spirits began to lift. Perhaps he would be granted command of a company! He grinned evilly as he echoed his companion, "Victory and glory, indeed." Corporal Vespasian was having a good day.
Forces from several Imperial armies were reported to be on the cursed moon, but not in large numbers. And if they should have a close encounter, Regius their company standard bearer, would have a nasty surprise. Even now he was speaking to the men about the mysteries of the Warp and how they were all the chosen heralds of the lords of Chaos. The crowded interior of the transport had the air of a shrine as all the men gathered around Regius intent on his sermon. As Regius inevitably spoke of the False Emperor their tempers rose to a fever pitch. All were eager to visit ruin on the inheritors of the Great Betrayal.
A warning light woke Vespasian from his reverie. He studied the readings for a moment and informed the squad, "We have enemy movement at 2 klicks. Prepare for action!" Studying the energy signatures further it was clear that these enemies were wearing Power Armor and that they outnumbered his squad by at least two to one. They seemed to be occupying a ruined building of some kind, most likely establishing defensive positions. A Rhino APC was not a stealthy machine - the enemy had to be aware of their presence by now.
"Bring us in behind that rock outcropping," Vespasian instructed the driver. They would take as much cover as possible on the approach. The enemy might have heavy weaponry capable of piercing the light armor of their transport. "To stations!" he barked. As one, the squad moved to positions. Regius, himself, and two other men moved to the rear; ready to exit the ramp at a moment's notice. Balzar took the squad's meltagun, joined by Krys with his bolter, and went to the fire point up top ready to open fire on any targets of opportunity.
As the Rhino cleared the last piece of cover, their enemy came into view. Their blue and white livery announced their identity as clearly as the Fleur de Lis banner they flew. "Sororitas," spat Regius. The zealots were the last force he wanted to face in battle. Space Marines were predictable in their adherence to their holy Codex. Even the Necrons could be counted on to follow their implacable phalanx tactics. But the sisters were creatures of passion and whimsy, much like the Emperor's Children. There was no predicting their tactics. And their Faith gave them strange abilities that could swing the tide of battle. He would have to be very careful against these witches. As if on cue, Balzar began his report. There were thirteen of them in the ruins armed with bolters and a flamer. The squad leader appeared to be wielding a power weapon. No heavy weapons in sight.
Vespasian would play this one conservatively. Their armor would be proof against all the weaponry in the enemy squad. There was no need to leave the safety of the vehicle until the enemy was softened up. "Brother Regius, we have need of your allies. Call upon them to strike the enemy!" Regius began to chant, calling on the powers of the Immaterium to join them in slaughter. His voice was quickly hoarse, as the language he spoke was not meant for a human throat.
Now began the waiting. He had the rhino take station at 120 meters from the ruins. They would provide harassment fire from within the transport until the Daemons arrived - whenever that would be. Creatures of the Warp were notoriously fickle. Still, they should be safe from mere bolter fire until then. Most likely the Sisters would use the ruins to provide cover and discourage assault.
True to their nature, the Sisters did the unexpected. As one they broke from cover and ran directly toward the transport. Vespasian thought them mad. Surely they didn't believe he would allow them an attack on the rear of the vehicle? The rhino fired into them as they ran but they ignored the bolter rounds flying around them. As the Sisters closed the distance they shouldered their weapons and pulled out anti-vehicle grenades. The Veteran Sister, resplendent in her blue cloak, pulled out something much more wicked...a melta bomb.
He tried to give the order to pull back, but it was too late. Multiple explosions rocked the transport, igniting the fuel tanks and hurling the vehicle onto its back. Vespasian had the wind knocked out of him as he was thrown clear of the blast. Armor panels and tread sections rained down on the squad, entangling them in the wreckage. The men were quick to extricate themselves and form up, but the Sisters were even faster. They ran around the burning hulk of the Rhino and unloaded a fusillade of bolter fire into the disorganized squad. Somehow it seemed that the bolter rounds ignored the considerable protection offered by Power Armor and cut his men down like sheathes of wheat. First Krys and then Balzar fell, but still the hail of merciless fire came. The squad was fast approaching destruction and Vespasian knew it was only a matter of seconds until they were all dead.
It was then that the Warp decided to answer their call. A shimmer in the air between the decimated Chaos warriors and the vengeful Sisters began to appear. The shimmer became a horrible rend in reality through which shambled eight warp spawned Daemons. With a wild, inhuman screech they charged into the midst of the Sororitas squad tearing at them with claw and fang. A terrible close quarters struggle then ensued between the Sisters and the Daemons as Vespasian ordered his squad forward. Looking around he realized that there was no one left but himself and Regius. There was nothing for the two of them to do but rush into the combat. The time for subtlety was ended and either glory or death would be their reward.
The next several minutes passed in a haze of adrenaline and pain as the unnatural strength and fury of the Daemons slowly took its toll on the Sisters. Sensing the changing tide of battle, the Sisters executed a flawless fighting withdrawal and retreated under organized cover fire. Vespasian did not pursue. His transport was a burning wreck, the Daemons could return to the Warp at any moment, and his squad was all but destroyed.
"Victory and glory!" shouted Regius, holding aloft the sacred Icon of Chaos Glory. Vespasian didn't dare tell him how pathetic he looked shouting such a thing all alone amidst the wreckage of their comrades. Still...they were both alive and they had driven off the Imperial incursion. He would return to his superiors with an account of a battle hard won against a hated foe. Most likely he would be promoted for this 'victory'. As he thought more about it his spirits began to lift. Perhaps he would be granted command of a company! He grinned evilly as he echoed his companion, "Victory and glory, indeed." Corporal Vespasian was having a good day.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
Lucius left the Augury chamber in disgust. If the sorcerer was to be believed, his patrol on Shroud was ambushed and destroyed by a loyalist force. Another patrol was getting ready to disembark, but where to send it? Lucius went to the shrine of Astrogation and viewed the massive holographic projection of the Tyrus system. Glowing symbols showed the locations of both friendly and enemy forces. It was already becoming crowded in the outer system. Should he deploy them back to Shroud in order to exact vengeance or send them somewhere else where they might have more reign to capture resources? The Lord Commander made it clear that he would was not to engage the enemy directly until his force had built up to a size befitting a Lord of Chaos; and Lucius desperately hungered for direct engagement.
It was bad enough that Pox, not he, was assigned to lead the vanguard into the system. Now reports were coming in that Pox had only just begun consolidating his hold on the Void World of Hex and the bloated fool was already under siege from two Imperial forces! The loss of materiel due to the invasion was already being felt in the fleet. They were forced to postpone deploying a third cadre. Apparently the Daemon Prince had spent his time conducting rituals for his own benefit rather than building fortifications and deploying skirmishers. If the Lord Commander did not hold Pox in such high favor he certainly would have been "relieved" by now.
As always, anger helped focus Lucius on the task and he decided on a location to send the patrol force. He had a servant deliver the orders to his unit and walked inside the floating image of the system. Approaching the sun so that it hovered before him like a bauble, Lucius stared at the projection of the strange alien device orbiting it. "I will reach this prize first and claim it for Chaos."
Lucius spun around with inhuman grace and walked toward the exit with flourish. He grinned evilly as he left, "And then...we will see who is in favor and who is not."
It was bad enough that Pox, not he, was assigned to lead the vanguard into the system. Now reports were coming in that Pox had only just begun consolidating his hold on the Void World of Hex and the bloated fool was already under siege from two Imperial forces! The loss of materiel due to the invasion was already being felt in the fleet. They were forced to postpone deploying a third cadre. Apparently the Daemon Prince had spent his time conducting rituals for his own benefit rather than building fortifications and deploying skirmishers. If the Lord Commander did not hold Pox in such high favor he certainly would have been "relieved" by now.
As always, anger helped focus Lucius on the task and he decided on a location to send the patrol force. He had a servant deliver the orders to his unit and walked inside the floating image of the system. Approaching the sun so that it hovered before him like a bauble, Lucius stared at the projection of the strange alien device orbiting it. "I will reach this prize first and claim it for Chaos."
Lucius spun around with inhuman grace and walked toward the exit with flourish. He grinned evilly as he left, "And then...we will see who is in favor and who is not."
Monday, April 14, 2008
The battle for Tyrus has begun!
Forces from all around the galaxy have converged on the obscure Tyrus system. No fewer than 4 Imperial forces have arrived, each with orders to claim the rich resources and artifacts and to stop any other forces doing the same. As happens all too often, strict adherence to orders from the far flung branches of the Imperium Administratus brings loyal troops in conflict with each other. In addition, a contingent of traitorous servants of the Gods of Chaos is also vying for dominion over Tyrus. From the depths of space a Necron Harvest Ship has silently glided into system and even now executes its inscrutable plans.
Thus far, only scouting forces have been sent forth to explore the many moons and asteroids of the outer solar system. Each power present has laid claim to one of the moons. Most have also sent spoiler forces to contest and disrupt the supply lines of their enemies. The only direct conflict occurred on the mist covered Moon of Shroud where a Daemonic incursion was driven off world by vigilant Anger Sharks.
The first two weeks of conflict brings the system to the current state:
The Anger Sharks, successors of the Blood Angels, have earned their dominance of Shroud through battle and are setting up facilities to process the unique chemical resources available there.
The Grey Knights have uncontested control of Borealis and are using the ancient sensor array complex there to assist in navigation throughout the system.
The Necrons, true to form, moved to take the dead world of Ash. What plans they have for the Dark Cathedral on this most ancient of worlds, none can know.
The forces of Chaos moved to take the moon of Hex, with its close ties to the warp. It is said that the Daemon Prince Pox has conducted foul ceremonies there. This has drawn the attention of both the Anger Sharks and the Sisters of Battle - who have both sent skirmish forces to crush this dark heresy.
The Sisters of Battle pacified the volcanic hell of Hephaestus and quickly exploited its many rich resources to field additional expedition forces. A Necron force has invaded to challenge the Sisters' supremacy here.
The mighty Astramalleus Space Marines landed in force in the dense jungles of Phrygia. There they have set up training facilities where unarmored marines fight the many powerful and hostile Xenos life forms. The Grey Knights, sensing the possibility that the Xenos are actually daemons, have sent an Inquisitorial Mission to cleanse Phrygia.
A second expedition from the Astramalleus is currently exploring the asteroids in the Lagrange point of the largest gas giant.
After an initial land grab by all the vying forces, there is little space left that can't be taken without conflict. Events should grow far more violent in the immediate future.
Thus far, only scouting forces have been sent forth to explore the many moons and asteroids of the outer solar system. Each power present has laid claim to one of the moons. Most have also sent spoiler forces to contest and disrupt the supply lines of their enemies. The only direct conflict occurred on the mist covered Moon of Shroud where a Daemonic incursion was driven off world by vigilant Anger Sharks.
The first two weeks of conflict brings the system to the current state:
The Anger Sharks, successors of the Blood Angels, have earned their dominance of Shroud through battle and are setting up facilities to process the unique chemical resources available there.
The Grey Knights have uncontested control of Borealis and are using the ancient sensor array complex there to assist in navigation throughout the system.
The Necrons, true to form, moved to take the dead world of Ash. What plans they have for the Dark Cathedral on this most ancient of worlds, none can know.
The forces of Chaos moved to take the moon of Hex, with its close ties to the warp. It is said that the Daemon Prince Pox has conducted foul ceremonies there. This has drawn the attention of both the Anger Sharks and the Sisters of Battle - who have both sent skirmish forces to crush this dark heresy.
The Sisters of Battle pacified the volcanic hell of Hephaestus and quickly exploited its many rich resources to field additional expedition forces. A Necron force has invaded to challenge the Sisters' supremacy here.
The mighty Astramalleus Space Marines landed in force in the dense jungles of Phrygia. There they have set up training facilities where unarmored marines fight the many powerful and hostile Xenos life forms. The Grey Knights, sensing the possibility that the Xenos are actually daemons, have sent an Inquisitorial Mission to cleanse Phrygia.
A second expedition from the Astramalleus is currently exploring the asteroids in the Lagrange point of the largest gas giant.
After an initial land grab by all the vying forces, there is little space left that can't be taken without conflict. Events should grow far more violent in the immediate future.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
New Campaign to begin April 12th!
As you've no doubt read in email, the new campaign is getting ready to begin. We'll need to work out a venue for the first meeting, as the Lair and Forge are full that day. With six players, we can happily host on Salem, and get three 4x4 tables going (2 in the game room, and one in the living room). Russell has mentioned the possibility of Ninja Pirate for that day, and we've never been there, but I suppose it's possible if folks don't want to come to Salem.
Also, remember that it's "Take Daniel to Chipotle" night the 12th as well, in honor of his having won the Dalyth Campaign.
UPDATE: "Take Daniel to Chipotle Night" will have to be moved, due to Marcellus' declared absence on the 12th! Perhaps we should do this Sunday the 6th, after Babylon 5!
Also, remember that it's "Take Daniel to Chipotle" night the 12th as well, in honor of his having won the Dalyth Campaign.
UPDATE: "Take Daniel to Chipotle Night" will have to be moved, due to Marcellus' declared absence on the 12th! Perhaps we should do this Sunday the 6th, after Babylon 5!
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