In the Shadow of Behemoth

[Kurisu313]

In the Shadow of Behemoth

The planet known to the Imperium as Vorax was a pleasant gamma-class planet. It had a population of twelve billion, spread relatively evenly over its surface. A temperate climate spanned the majority of its surface, providing ideal conditions for crops and grox herds. Thus the population were able to remain almost entirely self-sufficient, and were even able to export a fair quantity of their produce off-planet.

Vorax's most interesting feature was that it had a relatively high gravity, at 1.3 Terran standard. This led to their PDF being comprised of a high percentage of retired Keldorian veterans, who found the gravity ‘quaint’. They often bored Voraxians with tales of the 1.8tsg back home.

In many ways it was a sleepy place, blessed to live mostly undisturbed by the various xenos and heretics that plagued the galaxy. Of course, in the 41st millennium, nowhere can go untouched by war forever…

[Kurisu313]

Game 1: The Enemy Below

“C’mon boys,” Said Lieutenant Krasser. “Let’s just get this over with.”

None of his unit seemed particularly happy, and he could well understand their discomfort. There had been people disappearing, an event unheard of on Vorax. They all had one thing in common, they had all last been seen in the vicinity of sewer entrances. The Arbites, throne curse them, had ‘decided’ that this matter went beyond civil justice, and had called in the PDF to do their job for them. Below their pay more like, Krasser thought bitterly.

In fairness, he thought, one of the usual reasons for disappearances on any planet were some chaos cult, and that did fall in to their jurisdiction. He would have liked significantly more information however. He had gone over the maps with his men, and his platoon would split up into fire teams and enter the sewers by different paths, sweeping the entire structure.

Krasser turned to his men, who were still grumbling as they checked over their gear. “Lads, I don't want to be here any more than you. Off record? I think it's a waste of our time. Odds are, the silly buggers have gone for a wander and gotten lost. We’ll do a sweep, check out any vagrants we come across and go home. Just keep your trigger fingers scratched, we don't want to shoot any wayward civilians. Now put your game faces on, this'll take a few hours at most and then we can all head back to the 'racks. All teams ready, let's do this.”

Krasser lifted the manhole cover and descended first into the darkness.

Deep in the sewer tunnels, something stirred in the dark.

Intruders.

The genestealer was silent as it unfurled from it's sleeping place in the wall of the tunnel. It's size was far greater than the others who were now also stirring. A broodlord, bred to lead the pack. They had arrived with a shipment of grox, stowing in the ventilation shafts as they had done so many times before. The journey had not been easy, and the brood had to hibernate most of the way. Thus on arrival they had gone to ground, biding their time and regaining lost strength. Two of the weaker members had been devoured to ensure the survival of the brood. But now they were close, ready to fulfill their purpose on this planet.

The beast turned as another broodlord approached. A brother beast, born of the same progenitor. The smaller genestealers assembling round them were their brood, and answered to the 'brothers'. Who in turn answered to another...

There was a great movement in the darkest corner of their tunnel. As one the brood turned to it and lowered themselves to the ground as a great blackness shifted on the mound of bones gathered there. The genestealer dwarfed even the massive broodlords, its age apparent in the scars that ran across its chitinous body. A broodlord among broodlords, one that had spawned generations of its kind on numerous planets.

The patriarch emitted synaptic signals to the broodlords, who in turn relayed them to the brood. There was only one response their kind understood when faced with a threat.

Attack

Overview

Hello there and welcome to our new campaign! I will note right off the bat that this is not the sequel to the Ateph Campaign that I’ll be running with Orlando Davion later on, but rather a campaign I’m running with another friend, Vampiric16.

The first mission for this campaign is still played under fifth, so sorry if you’re looking for sixth experiences. However, this is such an unusual mission that you might not notice.

This is almost a Space Hulk game. A platoon of Guardsmen scours the sewers looking for signs of anything. Unbeknownst to them, there is a brood of Genestealers lying in wait! In this game, the units all move as five man squads, except the Patriarch and Broodlords who move independently.

My mission is to locate the Patriarch and kill it (preferably with fire), and he only has to stop me. There are six entrances onto the board. Half of his army starts on board, and most of mine comes on turn 1. We both have more allies to come on later, though.

This game is being played in the spirit of the narrative, and is not to be taken overly seriously.

The Behemoth Vanguard Force


The Patriarch (Warrior Prime)
Designation Mohawk – Broodlord
Designation Beast – Broodlord
Alpha Brood - 5 Genestealers
Beta Brood - 5 Genestealers
Gamma Brood - 5 Genestealers
Delta Brood - 5 Genestealers

PDF Patrol


Lieutenant Krasser – Bolt Pistol and Chainsword, 4 Shotguns, Vox
Squad 1-1 – Grenade Launcher, Vox
Squad 1-2 – Flamer, Vox
Squad 1-3 – Flamer, Vox
Squad 1-4 – Grenade Launcher, Vox

Deployment


The Tyranids deploy three counters (blips) in three rooms. One of these is the Patriarch and will be revealed to me on line of sight. The Broodlord designated ‘Mohawk’ for the ridge of bony plates on its head is nesting in one of the central rooms. Alpha Brood deploys in the northern room with one of the blips, and Beta Brood deploys in the south-east.

Turns 1 and 2


Infantry Squads 1 to 3 move on from the six entrances, split into five man combat teams. They sweep the gloom with their flashlights, looking for anything untoward. One Squad reveals Blip 1 as an empty room. Buoyed up by the false return, they advance deeper. As it rounds a corner, Squad 1-B is pounced on by Mohawk. Corporal Jenkins dies first, screaming his own name in defiance. Wrong footed by the monstrosity, the remaining men turn to flee, and are butchered.

The ghostly echoes of their dying friends spur on the remaining squads. Squad 1-A spies Alpha Brood around a corner and washes it with their flamer. The fiends are driven back, but none fall. The moment the concussive rush ends, the Brood swarms around the corner and charges headlong into them. More prepared than their comrades, they slay one of the beasts in the tight corridor as one of their number is dragged screaming into the murk.

Mohawk, who had turned around to defend blip 2 attacks another combat team. However, fighting around the corner fouls the beast’s aim and only a single guardsmen falls, knocked unconscious by a single backhand from its claws. His bayonet protrudes from the things neck.

Turns 3 and 4


Corporal Nappa leads his Squad towards Beta Brood, but even a fusillade of lasfire fails to kill more than one beast. However, they don’t rush down the corridor in reply. “Goddammit…” roars Nappa as his men are quickly overtaken from the side by the newly arrived Gamma Brood. Their cries echo down the dark hallway. Around the sewers, both Mohawk and Alpha Brood finish off their targets, leaving them unconscious where possible, and only killing when necessary.

More Genestealers appear, rallying to the Clarion Call of the Patriarch. The Beast appears near his brother Mohawk, and take a combat team from both sides, easily overwhelming the Guardsmen. Delta Brood follows the trail of other humans, but they are met by Alpha Brood first, and the last models on the table vanish.

Gamma Brood looks up in surprise as Lieutenant Krasser arrives, shotguns tearing them apart in the confined space. The last stumbles out of the deluge only to be dispatched by his revving chainsword, flashing in a flawless arc. Beta Brood meets similar fate as Squad 4-A lands a frag grenade right in their midst, tearing them apart and finishing them with lasbolts.

Turns 5 and 6


The Genestealers respond to this new threat swiftly, stalking through the tunnels. Alpha Brood descends upon Squad 4-B and dispatches them in little time. Squad 4-A meets Mohawk as they press towards blip 2. As Mohawk leaves the confrontation, it is now clearly favouring its right side, dragging its bulk along.

As Alpha Brood rounds a corner, they find themselves in a well laid trap, and Krasser tears the Brood apart as well. However, a veteran also falls in the skirmish, his head split open. Krasser’s team pushes on, to find themselves facing the badly injured Mohawk. It surges forward, ignoring its own injuries as lasbolts ricochet from its hide. One Veteran falls, and then another, and the last.

Krasser roars forward, but the creature slaps his chainsword away. Its claw reaches out towards his throat…

Results

The Patriarch is not only alive, but has not been revealed!

The Tyranids Win!

Thoughts

Well, that went badly! In fairness, I think I should have had a fifth squad to balance things out better, but oh well! In the end, only one Brood was left, and one Broodlord was nigh dead. Overall, though, I don’t mind losing this mission for the sake of narrative. The Genestealer Cult will flourish.

The Broodlord dragged Krasser down the dark corridors, and even the prodigious strength of a heavy-grav worlder was like a child in its grip. As they went, they passed the catatonic bodies of his men, and Krasser's heart leapt to see so many still alive. If only they could stall for time, maybe they could fight back later.

He never questioned just why they weren’t dead.

They reached a large room and he was thrust sprawling onto the floor. The Broodlord retreated briefly, and was joined by a second. They both lowered their heads in deference. Krasser followed their gaze, as something moved in the shadows. Cold fear swept over him as the beast emerged. He marveled at the litany of scars that it bore, evidence of it's great age.

The Patriarch reached out and grabbed his throat so serenely and stately that Krasser didn’t even think to avoid it. It just seemed inevitable, an unavoidable destiny. He began to struggle as it lifted him off the ground. His eyes widened in horror as the thing’s mouth opened and its tongue wormed out, the sheathe on its ovipositor retracting…


Major Barakov looked at Lieutenant Krasser’s bedraggled form. He looked a bit off colour, his skin pale and his eyes dull, but he couldn’t blame him for that.

“Throne damn it man, what happened down there?! A quarter of your men dead, as if clawed by beasts of the warp!”

“Just…just some Scavvies, sir. Best organized group of mutants I’ve ever seen, but we scoured them all in the Throne’s service. My men and I need rest, sir, but we ask that we can lead a patrol down there in the morning to confirm that they are all gone.”

Barakov was moved by the man’s sense of duty. “Of course, Krasser. Please, get some rest for now. You’ll have as many men as you need. In fact, it would be good to get regular patrols going down there. As long as they have someone leading them who’s already familiar with the sewers.” To his surprise, the man laughed.

“That’s wonderful, sir. Thank you.”

[orlando davion]

And so it begins.............

Great write up as always.

Looking forward to the next!

[gutsmaka]

goddammit nappa, and leroy jenkins. great use of refrences there

[Sqallum]

Great stuff!!! I have a feeling Krasser is plotting some nasty stuff...

[Shadow Lord]

Woohoo, a new story is taken to the boards...very interesting set-up! I'll be following this thing like a Broodlord follows his meal!!

[Vampiric16]

About time I introduced myself!
I am Vampiric, and I am playing the part of the Great Devourer in this here campaign. I've been playing Tyranids since 3rd edition, and they've been my main 40k army for 7 years now. This campaign not only allows me to use the majority of my collection, it's also given me an excuse to expand (shut up wallet!). I have a feeling I'll be needing some more Gargoyles and a few Harpies for this campaign, can't imagine why
Kurisu is one of my favourite opponents, so I'm looking forward to running a campaign with him, as well as collaborating on the fluff side of things. Will be a nice challenge to write stuff for the Tyranids, not like they're the most conversational of creatures!

Well enough babble from me, I've got to get on and get spawning: Vorax won't harvest itself!

[SevenSins]

nice setup this and good loss for storybuilding

[GenerationTerrorist]

Excellent report and background! Love it :-)

[Lord Cook]

Everybody loves Tyranids vs Imperial Guard.

[Kurisu313]

Game 2: And the Heavens Opened…

Years Later...

As always, they followed the call of the Genestealers. As the Patriarch's flock grew, their 'voice' beckoned louder and louder. From across the endless void they came, following the psychic trail like sharks after blood. Miles above the surface of the planet Vorax, thousands of vessels were gathering.

Tyranids.

Known by many names to the inhabitants of this galaxy, all synonymous with death. But they themselves had no concept of names, only of survival and hunger. This fleet was no stranger to the Imperium; the black and red markings on the bioships were all too familiar to the xenobiologists of Vorax. Behemoth had returned, or at least a part of it. This fleet owed it's existence to a lone ship that had been stranded in the wake of the original invasion that steamrollered it's way to Macragge. Years of small skirmishes and minor victories allowed the fleet to expand from one ship to hundreds. Each year the fleet got bigger, and more daring. Now they had grown to be truly threatening again. Behemoth had returned.

As one, the fleet began to descend...


Major Raigor bellowed orders to his men as he trudged around the compound. They were clearly spooked, and he was doing everything in his power to keep morale. The main thing, he believed, was to be visible, to let the men know that he was with them. They had been charged with defending Outpost 419, and he’d have given anything to be back within the city walls of the planetary capitol, Novum Ascalon. More like Outpost SOL, he thought bitterly.

Even the Imperial propaganda machine could not suppress the news of the Hive Fleet’s arrival. Panic had spread like wildfire. Governor Maximillian Augustus assured them that he had sent astropathic signals for help before the shadow had passed over them. They just had to hold on until help arrived.

The only platoon that seemed to be in their element was Krasser’s. If anything, they seemed bizarrely enthusiastic. Raigor remembered that they’d become something of specialists in recent years, scouring the underworld of mutant scum. While all of the Keldorians were career vets, most hadn’t seem combat in years. Krasser was probably the most prepared of them all. He smiled as the Major stumped over.

“Do you feel that in the air, Major? Today will be a historic day.” He was gazing at the sky. Raigor found the sentiment unusual, but didn’t reprimand him. Not now. His main priority was capable warriors, willing to fight.

“Yes, it will. We’ll send this Xenos scum packing like a dog with its tail between its legs. It’ll be a victory for the history books all right!” He’d expected a resounding cheer, but if anything, Krasser’s men looked slightly pissed off. His train of thoughts was interrupted by panicked cries.

He looked up, and the sky had ceased to exist. All that remained was a roiling cloud of fire as a multitude of Meicetic Spores rained down, burning with the heat of atmospheric entry.

“Man the walls!” Roared Raigor. “For the love of the Emperor, man the walls!”

Overview

Hello, and welcome to our second game! In this game, we’re playing pseudo-planetstrike mission to represent the initial zerg…er, Tyranid landings. The win condition is for the Tyranids to level the Fortress of Redemption and devour Major Raigor.

In addition the force has been infected by the genestealer cult. Units act normally until a Synapse creature moves to within Synapse range, at which point roll a D6. On a one, the unit are cult members, and they become Vampiric’s units. However, they drop to WS and BS 2 to represent the shaky connection the Hive Mind can make to human slaves. Even after being revealed, other Tyranid units can shoot and assault them if they wish, as they care not for them.

If they lose Synapse, they become catatonic and cannot do anything. Krasser’s unit will obviously, autofail the test, but Major Raigor autopasses.

After deploying the terrain, we decided to let deep striking Tyranid units only scatter 1D6, as there wasn’t much room left.

Major Raigor’s Defense Force
Major Raigor – Power Fist, Standard, Vox, Medic, Flamer
Grimlog’s Boys - 6 Ogryn
Lieutenant Krasser – Bolt Pistol, Vox, Flamer
Infantry Squad 1-1 Vox, Flamer
Infantry Squad 1-2 Vox, Flamer
Infantry Squad 1-3 Vox, Flamer
Infantry Squad 1-4 Vox, Flamer
Infantry Squad 1-5 Vox, Flamer
Lascannon Team
Lascannon Team
Lieutenant Barger – Power Sword, Vox, Plasma Gun
Infantry Squad 2-1 Vox, Plasma Gun, Autocannon
Infantry Squad 2-2 Vox, Plasma Gun, Autocannon
Infantry Squad 2-3 Vox, Plasma Gun, Autocannon
Infantry Squad 2-4 Vox, Plasma Gun, Autocannon
Infantry Squad 2-5 Vox, Plasma Gun, Autocannon
Lieutenant Manna – Power Fist, Vox, Meltagun
Infantry Squad 3-1 Vox, Grenade Launcher, Heavy Bolter
Infantry Squad 3-2 Vox, Grenade Launcher, Heavy Bolter
Infantry Squad 3-3 Vox, Grenade Launcher, Heavy Bolter
Infantry Squad 3-4 Vox, Grenade Launcher, Heavy Bolter
Infantry Squad 3-5 Vox, Grenade Launcher, Heavy Bolter
Hellhound – Dozer
Hellhound – Dozer
Leman Russ Battle Tank – Lascannon, Dozer Blade
Leman Russ Battle Tank - Lascannon
Leman Russ Battle Tank – Lascannon
Aegis Defense Line – Quad Gun
Fortress of Redemption

Behemoth Seeding Swarm


Hive tyrant w/ Lash whip, bonesword, heavy venom cannon
3 Tyrant guard
Tervigon w/ adrenal glands, toxin sacs, catalyst
Tyranid Prime w/ twin boneswords, deathspitter, adrenal glands
3 Hive Guard
3 Zoanthropes
2 Pyrovores
2 Lictors
4 Warriors w/ twin boneswords, devourers, adrenal glands
5 Warriors w/ scything talons, deathspitters, barbed strangler
20 Hormagaunts w/ toxin sacs
20 Hormagaunts w/ toxin sacs
20 Hormagaunts w/ toxin sacs
12 Devilgaunts: 120pts
Tyrannofex w/ rupture cannon, cluster spines, desiccator larvae
3 Biovores:
Carnifex w/ 2x scything talons, frag spines, adrenal glands
Carnifex w/ 2x scything talons, frag spines, adrenal glands

Deployment


I deploy my Fortress of Redemption in the very centre of the board, surrounded by barricades. The Lascannon Teams occupy the Bunker and the inside of the Lascannon emplacement. Two more squads deploy upon the battlements, and Major Raigor gestures imperiously from the central tower.

The Ogryn hold the corner opposite the bunker, and the rest of the compound is a sea of guardsmen and tanks. Krasser mans the Quad gun…

Tyranid Turn 1


Meicetic spores rain down around the compound, and the western flank becomes home to a Tervigon and two huge broods of Hormagaunts. The Scytal Warriors, Hive Guard and Zoanthropes appear in the north, and Two Carnifexes and the Prime with the Bonesword Warriors arrive in the south.

Immediately, Lieutenant Krasser, Lieutenant Barger and Infantry Squad 2-3 turn upon their friends. However, the shaky connection the Hive Mind made in those moments ruins their aim and they kill only a few Guardsmen.

Lictors slink out of the central tower itself, and in an amazing shot, spark off a Leman Russ’ fuel supply, killing a cult member. A second Russ explodes as Imapler Cannon shots rain down upon its rear armour, but the explosion is small and no one dies. The Zoanthropes fail to damage the fortress.

Guardsmen die in droves as the Warrior’s deathspitters rake them, and the Tervigon takes out a clutch with a salvo from her spine clusters. They flee the board in terror. They won’t get far.

Imperial Turn 1


Reacting quickly to the enemy dropping in their midst, a section of the guard pile out and surround a Carnifex, felling it with multiple lasgun hits. The second Carnifex is met by the Ogryn in hand to hand, and is severely wounded by the hulking brutes.

One Hellhound is forced to turn its cannon upon its friends, scouring the majority of Squad 2-3 as they twitch to the Hive Mind’s tune. The other immolates the Bonesword Warriors, killing one. Now at the front, the Prime takes a wound from the fire of Infantry Squads.

One Zoanthrope is severed in two by a lascannon beam. The Lictors and Hive Guard both take wounds, but none die from it. Several Hormagants drop as they are riddled by lasbolts, and the missile silo also clips one brood.

Tyranid Turn 2


With an enormous thud, the Tyrannofex arrives in the south, though its aim is fouled as it exits its spore. The Biovores and Pyrovores wreak bloody death among the southern guard squads, killing more than twenty between them. The Tyrant too, arrives, out on the eastern flank.

Stalking along the fortress, the Lictors pounce upon the squad holding the missile silo. Though frenzied shots damage the front Lictor, they get in amongst them, gutting them all. They are thrown from their feet as the central tower is struck by the full force of the Hive Mind. The Zoanthropes smash a great rent in the tower, setting off a chain explosion that kills all of Raigor’s command squad. He exits the ruin, scorched and bleeding, and promptly falls over, awaiting rescue or consumption.

The Warrior Squads move forward, gunning down more and more men. The Hive Guard stun the nearest Hellhound, stripping away at its hull. The thing calling itself Lieutenant Barger runs down an infantry squad after slaying three with its power fist.

Hormagants and newly hatched Termagants overrun the western flank in its entirety, though a few Guard hold on against the Termagant’s onslaught. The Tervigon fails to reach the bunker. Surrounded, the Carnifex is brought down by Grimlog’s boys.

Imperial Turn 2


A Hellhound rushes around the Tyrannofex to douse the Hormagants moving over the defences, frying thirteen of the critters. The Pyrovores are surrounded by multiple remnant squads and brought low by fire from every side.

Fresh from his kill, Grimlog heads towards the Hive Tyrant, shouting, “Me Grimlog love a challenge!” Before he gets there, a pinpoint round from a Leman Russ slams into it, killing two of the Guard outright. The Ogryn open fire and flay two wounds from the Tyrant, before the third Guard is killed by lascannon fire. The brutes slam into the beast, but despite causing 10 wounds, the Tyrant passes 9 saves on 3+. Argh.

The Tervigon is lanced twice by lascannon fire, and a wounded Hive Guard is finished off. The Guard fighting the Termagants manages to hold on against the superior numbers.

Tyranid Turn 3


In a final wave, the Devilgants and last Hormagant Brood show up in the south-east. The Devilgants immediately make their presence felt, flaying a Leman Russ’ rear armour until there is nothing left.

The Tyranid Prime cuts into the able Hellhound, ripping its crew out threw the hatches in retribution for the Hormagants. The Hive Guard obliterate the other. The Scytal Warriors demolish an intact infantry squad.

The Termagants finish off the Guardsmen as a sister brood is spawned in their wake. The Tervigon smashes against the bunker, but cannot damage its sturdy construction. In contrast, a warp lance from the Zoanthropes disables the missile silo, and in addition reduces the armour of the whole section. The Lictors head to the other side of the fortress and kill the squad manning the Lascannon, but one dies in the process.

Barger hurls himself into another squad, but these are prepared for the treachery and gun him down.

A swing from the Tyrants bonesword fells an Ogryn, and they are unable to take the beast’s last wound.

Imperial Turn 3


Things are looking bleak. Infantry Squad 3-4 move to defend Raigor’s fallen body. The squads that had dealt with the Pyrovores move up to deal the same damage to the Devilgants, thinning their number considerably.

An Infantry Squad with no chance of living moves up to fell a Scytal Warrior. The Lascannon emplacement rotates and takes off the Lictor’s head at point blank range. The Squad in the Bunker scores another two wounds on the Tervigon.

The Ogryns lose two of their number to the bonesword's affect and break, only to be run down.

Tyranid Turn 4


Hormagants overrun most of the survivors on the ground, with the rest being taken out by the Prime’s Brood or the Devilgants. The lascannon emplacement withstands the punishment of the Tyranid forces, but the missile silo section is destroyed by the Tyrannofex.

Imperial Turn 4


The lascannon emplacement and the lascannon team within focus their fire on the Tyrant and obliterate it.

The Tervigon is still unable to breach the bunker.

Results

The Fortress is breached, Raigor is dead, and the Nids have his body.

The Tyranids Win!

Thoughts

Wow, was that brutal and fast! I was honestly just happy that none of my tanks ended up being Genestealer Cult! It’s nice to have an excuse to use the fortress every now and again. Might have to use it more often: thanks, 6th!

My big disappointment was the Tyrant passing all of his saves. If the Ogryn had killed him, they’d have gone on to star in another game…oh well, at least its dead.


Bleary eyed, Major Raigor looked up to see Krasser’s form, silhouetted by the massive frame of the Tyranid Prime advancing behind him.

“Why, Krasser…” He trailed off, his voice weak. The Lieutenant’s face was slack, dull-eyed. Nonetheless, he felt that the corners of his mouth were tugging into a grin of ecstasy. His sternum suddenly erupted as a bonesword impaled him from behind. In that moment, the grasp of the hive mind seemed to leave him.

“I go to join the hive…” were the last words to leave his lips. A few instants later Raigor joined him, his exsanguinations finally complete.

The sounds of fighting had finally died down; as the Tervigon and Tyrannofex cracked open the last few refuges of the humans. The Prime began to gather his forces on his position. The loss of the Tyrant hurt the Hive. Only a Tyrant had the synaptic potential to control so many creatures for an extended length of time. It devolved as much control as it could to the other synapse beasts nearby.

Through the synaptic net, it could sense the overwhelming victories the Hive was having across the planet’s surface. Only the most powerful strongholds of the humans had withheld. However, the humans had succeeded in felling synapse creatures wherever they appeared. The Hive would have to put resources into remaking the synaptic web, and that would slow their advance.

For the moment though, the Hive Mind relented and the Prime gave way to its need to eat, and began to devour Krasser’s body, his reward for betraying his kind.


General Barakov stood before Planetary Governor Augustus’ desk.

“I’m sorry sir, but it looks hopeless. Only here, behind Novum Ascalon’s walls have we managed to hold. There are next to zero survivors outside,” Barakov reported. “Ninety nine percent of the population now resides here. Several million refugees and a few thousand PDF, manning all of the walls. By the Emperor, we can hold for a while, but we will be overrun.”

Augustus still looked like he hadn’t had the pomposity knocked out of him yet. “We sent astropathic calls for help,” he sniffed. “Our neighbours will come to our aid.”

“My lord, you can’t be certain of that. The shadow in the warp may have stopped them from getting through. Even if they did, can anyone help us stop such a powerful force?”

“What is the alternative?” snapped Augustus, and Barakov paled. He was right. The only option now was to grit their teeth and hold on, in the vain hope that someone would rescue them. It was unlikely, but it was all there was.

“Only in death does duty end,” he responded, and Augustus nodded.

“Come, dear Barakov. Get some rest. The enemy is out there, not beneath our feet.” He smiled at the last remark. “I assure you that I have my cities’ best interests at heart, and would not lead her wrong. I have sent for help, and it will come, trust me.”

[orlando davion]

Good stuff; well done.

[Desalbert]

Great write ups! Inspirational, clean and well-written quality! I'll be following!

[Elyrioth]

Great reports can't wait for more.
Berekov never trust someone that says trust me!!

[Shadow Lord]

What a brutal game!! Excellent report and good story...again! I hope for the survivors sake that the call for help got through...maybe throw in some Space Marines into the feeding grounds...lol

[SevenSins]

Very Cool game
Loved the stealer cult mechanic, inspiring as usual

I must say that 6th seem to be made for campaigns, lot of potential there

[Vampiric16]

Suppose I should give my thoughts on the game!
I really love these narrative led scenarios, so much more interesting than standard stuff. I'm glad the cult idea worked out the way it did. I was afraid I'd end up with half his army on my side! As it was, they acted as a nice distraction without swinging things too far in my favour.
Ok, unit performances. Kinda hard to make judgements, cos this was a very specific scenario. That said, the lictors rocked in this game. Rear shot on the Russ was excellent, the two squads afterwards were just icing on the cake. Slightly disappointed with the carnifexes, but I think that was more to where I put them than anything. Seriously underestimated the Ogryns. My tyrant got lucky big time, 9 saves on a 3+ was unbelievable. Shame he got shot in the face the next turn but oh well...

The next game will be in a week's time, so in the meantime we have some extra fluff for you guys. Should hopefully whet your appetite for the next installment
Cheers for reading!

[Kurisu313]

I just want to say thank you to everyone for the nice comments. I probably should take more time to respond to people but please know that I read all your comments and really appreciate it.

Might be a slight problem with the date for the next game, but I think we've sorted a time to squeeze the game in.

[Kurisu313]

A Council of Dragons

In the wake of Behemoth came a small flotilla of Imperial ships. Chief among them was the Striking Talon, a space marine cruiser in the livery of the Dragon Guard chapter. Ahead of it roamed three gunboats, forming a protective screen for their charge. To the side, maintaining a respectful distance was a much smaller vessel, black and sleek, the steed of an Inquisitor.

Aboard the Striking Talon, Brother-Captain Deinon had called a council of war, to discuss the upcoming battle with the Tyranids. Seated around the large table were himself, Chaplain Xyrix, Epistolary Nara, Techmarine Rodan and the eleven sergeants of second company, as well as Sergeant Ryuu of the first.

Chapter serfs moved around, serving a light meal of flavourless but nutritious rations. The only vice to be allowed them this day.

Deinon sat back on his throne, observing his men with pride concealed by scarred features. Scars that he had gained in another Tyranid invasion, years ago. Perhaps that is why he felt little of his usual joy to be going in to battle.

“Is something bothering you, Brother-Captain?” asked Sergeant Jakyrus. Of course the man had noticed his disquiet. As the sergeant of his command squad, Jakyrus was effective second in command of the whole company. The pair had fought together since their initiation as scouts, and had forged a strong working relationship.

“This is not a foe I relish, my old friend,” he replied. “Even among the foulness of Xenos, there are few with less humanity than the Tyranids.”

“It is our duty to fight the Emperor’s foes, not choose which we would prefer to fight,” stated Varus from the end of the table. There was an uncomfortable shuffling at the direct challenge in the words. He could see that Sarutobi and Arus were ready to jump in, to defend their captain. He fixed his gaze on Varus’ arrogant features. An arrogance born of skill with the gun, which had lead to his promotion to Devastator Sergeant at a young age.

“And it the duty of a sergeant to obey his captain, is it not?” asked a quiet voice. Varus’ baleful gaze snapped up to focus on Ryuu, but he kept his mouth shut. He might tempt his captain’s wrath, but he cherished the first company too much to risk falling foul of the veteran.

Deinon laughed out loud. “I’m sure I’ll get my fire back in me once I have my feet on solid ground, young Varus.” He leaned forward. “Best estimates are that Vorax will have been reduced to a few principle holdings. Our job is simple; to hold those until further help arrives. Calls have been made to Keldoria and Segmentum Command; it is only matter of time now. From those strongholds, we will have to operate as best we can. If we keep on the defensive, we will surely be overrun. We must attack at critical points in the swarm to disrupt them.”

“It’s what we do best,” said Helios, the assault veteran. The oldest in the room, Helios had led his assault squad for over a century. He was a true predator, a fact belied by eyes so pale green that he always seemed to have the angry stare of a falcon. Janten chuckled quietly in agreement, and even Rhoceus broke his usual stoicism to nod.

“Landings will be contested,” ventured Sarutobi, sergeant of first squad. His hair hung like a halo of silver around his shoulders, one of those affected by Vulkan’s geneseed, which had touched these children much differently than the sons of Nocturne. His was the poise of a master swordsman, previously the company champion before his promotion to sergeant.

“It will. We’ll be deploying our full aerial and naval might, and no ship will be able to remain on station. This will be a ground war, with air support.” Sarutobi nodded in understanding. Radtz and Arakine both had brief expressions of apprehension pass their faces. Even among astartes it was not uncommon for soldiers to hate any part of war before your feet touched blessed earth.

“Dororo and Saracen, I’ll be giving the motor pool over to you for the duration of this campaign.” The two sergeants were the most experienced with bikes and gave their assent. “Brother Rodan, how are the machine-spirits?”

“All of the Rhinos and battle tanks are fully operational. As are our aircraft,” the Techmarine replied succinctly.

“Awaken Kranix and Arguron.” There was a motion of surprise from the assembly. “We will be pushed to the limit in terms of resources. I need their strength now. If they express displeasure, I will speak with them.”

“As you wish, Brother-Captain.”

“I believe that covers everything?” Jakyrus asked. Deinon nodded and motioned to Xyrix. “Bless us please, Chaplain.”Xyrix moved around the table, swinging a censor around while chanting the catechism of good fortune. Sergeants stood to receive an anointment upon their foreheads as he passed. Epistolary Nara did not stand and Xyrix did not try to bless him. Lastly he came to Deinon.

“Do you lead us in the Emperor’s name?”
“I do.”
“Do you pledge to bring death to the Emperor’s foes?”
“I do.”
“Will you yield?”
“Never.”
“And where do you lead us?”
“To victory!”

There was a resounding cheer, and with that, the meal concluded with some trivial matters and the sergeants dispersed to do their other duties. Deinon sat alone in the empty hall, save for the serfs clearing the tables, contemplating.

“Do you require council, brother?” The voice came from the behind him, accompanied by the ring of armoured boots. Deinon recognized the voice and turned to face the newcomer, bowing.

“Master Hiruzen.” Unlike Deinon’s simple robes, Chapter Champion Hiruzen was already clad for war, in his intricate artificer plate. He was a living legend, the Chapter Master’s right hand. He had accompanied this mission along with a couple of Honour Guard for reasons unknown to Deinon. He waved a hand.

“Please. We both know I have no rank over you. Rise, Brother-Captain.” He placed his hands on his shoulders. “I remember when you first made Captain. You thought yourself too low-born, too much of a common soldier to lead. I’ve seen you wrestle with that for…how many years now?”

Deinon looked away. “Seventy eight.”

“And is that not enough time for you to see how well you have done? Is it Tirion’s shadow you still stand in? Or is it Kabuto’s?” Deinon’s eyes flashed. “Tirion is dead, and you succeeded him well. Kabuto was never in contention for the position, no matter what he might think. The first company suits him much better.”

“We all have our daemons, and this is mine. I am no more than a placeholder; until a better candidate is found. Jakyrus and Sarutobi are both much better suited to the task.” To his surprise, Hiruzen laughed.

“But you have such a good eye for character! Yes, either of those two would make a fine Captain one day. One is your life long companion and the other your apprentice. The only one who doesn’t see why they’re fine commanders is you. Ah well, your daemon pushes you to try hard to fulfil a goal only you can see, so perhaps it is for the best.”

The sword master turned to leave. As he did so, he spoke over his shoulder.

“Remember the view of your superior’s back, Deinon. It’s what your company sees as they charge into battle. If all you do is keep your back straight and your shoulders square, you’ve achieved as much as ninety percent of the great leaders in the history books.”

Deinon turned away, tired of rationalizations. Normally, all he wanted was to get on the ground and to start discharging the Emperor’s will. Only there, in the fires of war, could his doubt dissolve. But the scars on his face ached. Of all the Emperor’s foes, this was the one he cherished least. He no longer had that escape.

For now, all he had was foreboding of the upcoming war. He could no longer see victory.

[Kurisu313]

An Ancestral Enemy

All over Vorax, the Tyranids were establishing footholds in the wake of their initial successes. Only the largest bastions and outposts had held against the first wave of invaders. Having tested the strength of these positions, the invaders dug in for a long siege. Serpentine Trygons and Mawlocs borrowed into the ground, creating networks of tunnels under the defenders. Bloated Tervigons established nests in which hordes of Termagants were spawned, while Hormagaunts bred in their thousands. Thus the ground forces began to replenish, and the stage was set for the final push.

Suddenly, the synaptic web shifted its attentions. Something was coming. The hive mind reached out across the stars to further identify the incoming fleet. Age old aggression surged through the fleet in recognition of the would-be aggressors. The hard meat had come to fight. They had met before in battle, on a planet much like this. The defending humans had been all but crushed, the last few pockets of resistance being overwhelmed one by one.

But they had come, the Space Marines, to delay the swarm and refuse it final victory. Though the Hiva had driven them off and beaten them, the Marines had succeeded in slowing the advance of Behemoth, wasting valuable time and energy. This time though, the swarm would not be caught unawares.

****

Deep underground, the Patriarch listened. As a Tyranid, it could understand and comprehend the synaptic web of the fleet. As a Genestealer, it was immune to its control. It had learnt to use the signals to its advantage, to plan its escape off planet.

Between the Tyranid signals and those from the remaining cult members, the Patriarch was able to build a picture of the situation above, and where its escape off planet lay. But something had changed, and new signals were being relayed. The Patriarch felt unease at what it found.

Astartes, the sword that was driven through the heart of Genestealer infestations, were en route. Worse, an old enemy accompanied them. A snarl escaped from the beasts’ fanged maw as it remembered the man in golden armour that had inflicted the wound that scarred its face. He had slain many of the Patriarchs children, each ones passing felt as a spark in the creatures mind.

Genestealers awakened in their hundreds all over Vorax as the Patriarch sent an enormous psychic signal forth. Escape was forgotten as a drive stronger than survival took over the Patriarch.

Revenge.