Essential listening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa-0hOsYTcg
"Macragge, this is -----------hirty two individual elements. No Heavy Support. Continuing on mission."
Despite the interruption on the transmission, the Watch Captain knew it was Kill Team Secondus reporting in. With a wave, he signaled the servitor clicking away next to him to put the Sergeant's helmet feed on the big screen, illuminating the dark war room with a vision of the hell enveloping the planet below. The city was ablaze as conscripted humans and Xenos alike moved through it, empty except for the warriors jockeying for position amid the dense structures.
The Deathwatch Space Marine looked out from his position on the tenth floor of a living complex and at the road below him. The Xenos had found his position in the dead of night, and on his infrared scope he could see them pointing and running into the building he had been scouting them from. At this moment the twenty nine remaining breachers moving from room to room were all more than likely aware of his exact location and collapsing on him, since he had just killed one of their fire teams.
Footsteps outside the door of the tiny apartment drew the Space Marine away from the window. They were here. He reached for his weapon, and it was a...
[1] Bolter. It's the most reliable weapon in our arsenal.
[2] Chainsword. All worthy combat is close combat.
[3] Heavy Bolter. Go big or go home.
>>45258973
>[3] Heavy Bolter. Go big or go home.
>>45258973
>[3] Heavy Bolter. Go big or go home.
>>45258973
>[3] Heavy Bolter. Go big or go home.
>>45258973
>[1] Bolter. It's the most reliable weapon in our arsenal.
Most versatile = most freedom as a player.
>>45258973
>[3] Heavy Bolter. Go big or go home.
Yesss
>>45259274
>>45259436
>>45259528
>>45259638
>hurr durr go big or go home XD
[3] Heavy Bolter. Go big or go home.
A massive form of muscle and scale stepped through the doorway, its perverse human-like torso splitting along its back to reveal a massive fin, its sinewy arms wrapped around a foreign weapon, and its large, pointed head opening to reveal three competing rows of triangular teeth. It roared at the sight of the Space Marine, standing as he was amid three of the monster's dead brothers, and raised its weapon...
...too slowly. The Marine had already raised his and fired a stream of bolts into the doorway, hammering the Xenos back with heavy explosive shells. After splitting it's armor like so much plywood they exploded, filling the hearth with a cacophony of silver and blue gore, and leaving behind of the strange alien nothing but a pile of smoldering holes on the wall. A wall which gave way under the withering assault and collapsed, revealing a stairway behind it, and the shouts of the twenty-eight remaining Xenos.
Pressing the corresponding button on his helmet, the Sergeant brought up his armor's geopositional auspex, mentally creating a waypoint to be relayed to the rest of his Kill Team. Their target was near, and it was time to rendezvous. He...
[1] Rappelled out the window. It's the fastest way down from the top floor of the building, and his bike awaits him on the ground.
[2] Proceeded into the stairwell. He placed the rendezvous on his own position, so the least he could do was provide a clean RZ.
[3] Call in extraction. One of his Battle Brothers was standing by in a land speeder, ready to collect the Sergeant at a moment's notice.
>>45259670
>[1] Rappelled out the window. It's the fastest way down from the top floor of the building, and his bike awaits him on the ground.
>>45259670
>[1] Rappelled out the window. It's the fastest way down from the top floor of the building, and his bike awaits him on the ground.
GLORIOUS
>>45259656
>>45259670
>[2] Proceeded into the stairwell. He placed the rendezvous on his own position, so the least he could do was provide a clean RZ.
Let's pop some fuckers while we wait.
[1] Rappelled out the window.
Wary of the incoming assault teams, the Sergeant turns away from the doorway and puts into practice the escape plan he had prepared prior - a rappelling line attached to one of the building's support columns. Hooking it to his armor and reaffirming his grip upon the heavy weapon, he hurls himself out the window and swings back towards the building, running down it while surveying the situation below.
It seems most of the Xenos are inside the building already. He sees eight more of the large, shark-like aliens standing outside taking directions from their leader, a short, four-fingered creature standing on two hooves, its face and body covered by golden armor punctuated by strange geometric shapes. The Fire Warrior suddenly looks up at the Space Marine running down towards him, its reflexes too slow to allow it to prevent him from...
[1] Throwing grenades at the whole group. It's the most reliable way to clear the landing zone.
[2] Opening fire with his heavy bolter. It will be a difficult shot, but he has a lot of shots.
[3] Cutting his line and landing among them. It's an aggressive move, but he'll probably kill two with bulk alone, and getting the rest in CQC shouldn't pose a problem.
[In any event, roll 3d6. Best of three posters.]
Rolled 1, 3, 3 = 7 (3d6)
>>45260170
>[1] Throwing grenades at the whole group. It's the most reliable way to clear the landing zone.
Rolled 6, 6, 3 = 15 (3d6)
>>45260170
>[3] Cutting his line and landing among them. It's an aggressive move, but he'll probably kill two with bulk alone, and getting the rest in CQC shouldn't pose a problem.
Rolled 4, 5, 3 = 12 (3d6)
>>45260170
>[3] Cutting his line and landing among them. It's an aggressive move, but he'll probably kill two with bulk alone, and getting the rest in CQC shouldn't pose a problem.
>>45260234
WITNESS
>>45260170
>[3] Cutting his line and landing among them. It's an aggressive move, but he'll probably kill two with bulk alone, and getting the rest in CQC shouldn't pose a problem.
Rolled 2, 1, 1 = 4 (3d6)
>>45260170
>[3] Cutting his line and landing among them. It's an aggressive move, but he'll probably kill two with bulk alone, and getting the rest in CQC shouldn't pose a problem.
>>45260170
>[3] Cutting his line and landing among them. It's an aggressive move, but he'll probably kill two with bulk alone, and getting the rest in CQC shouldn't pose a problem.
>>45258973
Wow, I didn't expect you to start running so soon.
I see it is going well.
>[3] Cutting his line and landing among them. Rolled 6, 6, 3 = 15 (3d6)
In a flash, the Space Marine is no longer running towards the Xenos below. He is FALLING towards them. His ponderous bulk smashes him into the heads of one of the larger aliens, and the shockwave of his crashing down knocks half the group to the (now heavily damaged) pavement.
He already has his combat knife out, and introduces it to the skull of the short Xeno leader in the same moment as it shouts something in it's vile tongue. He cleaves through into one of the toothy ones next to him, and begins slashing at them with a preternatural speed. For a few short moments, he is a whirlwind of death, each movement of his blade ending one of the strange lives before him and covering the ground in torn flesh. Finally, when one of the Piscaens has the good sense to create some distance between himself and the Avenging Angel before him, his back is filled with more of the exploding heavy bolter shells.
The Sergeant then produces a detonator from his belt, turning his thermal sensors towards the dim shapes now occupying his former reconnaissance position. As he presses the button that ends their existence, his eyes are drawn briefly to an emblem on the palm-sized detonator switch. It is a simple Deathwatch insignia, but done in its owner's chapter colors, in this case...
[1] ...green and black, the colors of the Dark Angels.
[2] ...white and red, the colors of the White Scars.
[3] ...yellow and red, the colors of the Imperial Fists.
>>45261060
Another wonderful day in the service of the Emperor.
>[2] ...white and red, the colors of the White Scars.
>>45261060
>[3] ...yellow and red, the colors of the Imperial Fists.
>>45261060
>[2] ...white and red, the colors of the White Scars.
Deathwacth AND my fav underrated chapter!
>>45261060
>[1] ...green and black, the colors of the Dark Angels.
>>45261060
>[1] ...green and black, the colors of the Dark Angels.
>>45261060
>[2] ...white and red, the colors of the White Scars.
While I like all of the options white scars seems to be the chapter we see the least of in, well, and medium that has 40k. Space Mongolian here we come.
>>45261599
*well, any
>>45261599
>picked heavy bolter
>rapelled down a window
>engaged in melee in a dramatic fashion
I suppose it fits the bill.
So I don't forget to post it later: https://twitter.com/DeathwatchQuest/
Also, in case it's not clear, I'm going to 3 votes or after 30 minutes picking whatever has two votes/came first.
>[2] ...white and red, the colors of the White Scars.
Placing the detonator back in it's place, the White Scars Sergeant "Chogoris" takes a brief reprieve to brush some of the blue and silver blood off of his heavy weapon. He doesn't bother with his armor, which has been far dirtier in its day, but angering a machine spirit capable of spitting an entire company's worth of death is rarely wise.
Already his squad is checking in over the Vox as they converge on the rendezvous point. Sergeant Chogoris runs towards his assault bike, hidden under an extra large camo-cloak on the side of the road, and checks in one more time with the Watch Captain. The sounds of artillerly hang in the distance, and Chogoris can just make out the rumble of tanks and the whir of Xeno grav-vehicles nearby. Both armies seem to be concentrating their forces here, escalating the battle for the city. If they're not careful, he and his Kill Team will run out of time.
The ruined architecture surrounding him looms overhead as he performs the Rites of Activation for his vehicle, carefully placing his heavy bolter in its special carriage hanging off the bike's left side. He notices on his geopositional auspex that one of his squad members is much closer to him than the others...
[1] ..."Kiavahr". This Raven Guard Assault Marine is a veteran of the Damocles Gulf Crusade, and a more knowledgable enemy of the Tau you will not find inside the Imperium.
[2] ..."Xenax". A member of the Subjugators, and a veteran of the Tyrama Secundus Campaign, Xenax is a young but quick-witted and adaptable Tactical Marine.
[3] ..."Honourum". A Chaplain from the Novamarines, and an eternally uncorruptable soul, he has among the sharpest eyes for loyalty in the Adeptus Astartes.
>>45261818
>[3] ..."Honourum". A Chaplain from the Novamarines, and an eternally uncorruptable soul, he has among the sharpest eyes for loyalty in the Adeptus Astartes.
>>45261818
>[3] ..."Honourum". A Chaplain from the Novamarines, and an eternally uncorruptable soul, he has among the sharpest eyes for loyalty in the Adeptus Astartes.
>>45261818
>[3] ..."Honourum". A Chaplain from the Novamarines, and an eternally uncorruptable soul, he has among the sharpest eyes for loyalty in the Adeptus Astartes.
Chaplains are without a doubt my favorite marine units
The Assault Bike hums to life, and Chogoris pulls himself up and astride the familiar vehicle. He takes a moment to review his mission while his geopositional auspex automatically populates with possible routes to the waypoint he set.
The planet he is on is called Villam XII, and was a massive agri-world like no other. It could easily be confused for a hive world, covered as it is by towering spires that shoot towards space from land and sea alike, but a closer examination reveals the truth - that over half of these Gothic towers would be better described as Manufactorums than habs, but for plant life rather than technology. The world is a strategic lynchpin in the sector, providing food to a dozen others and supporting the existence of almost a thousand Imperial Guard companies.
When the planet's production had waned, the Inquisition had responded almost immediately, expecting simply to inspire the proper reverent fervor for their work that Imperial citizens aught to have. If it had been that simple, Chogoris and his platoon wouldn't be here now.
The road is pitted with the signs of a hard fought battle, and the experienced rider weaves between the holes as his nearest squadmate checks in.
"Emperor guide you, Sergeant."
"Honourum. What's the situation?"
"For me, nominal. For our friends, dire."
"Explain."
"I have eyes on a company of Planetary Defense Forces engaging the Xenos. They're having trouble, but I know we could turn the tables in their favor."
[1] Meet up and ride to their aid. Loyalty and Faith are precious commodities when the Tau are involved, and a show of Astartes support might just secure it for these men.
[2] Tell Honourum to disengage. Our own mission here takes priority, as does keeping the enemy in the dark about our presence.
>>45262482
Oh man, this is a tough one.
Uhh...
>[2] Tell Honourum to disengage. Our own mission here takes priority, as does keeping the enemy in the dark about our presence.
We're here to eliminate a specific target, yes? Let's do it quickly, then begin assisting local forces.
>>45262482
>[1] Meet up and ride to their aid. Loyalty and Faith are precious commodities when the Tau are involved, and a show of Astartes support might just secure it for these men.
We'll finish the fight quick and get back to our objective. No point in winning a battle and losing a war.
>>45262482
>[1] Meet up and ride to their aid. Loyalty and Faith are precious commodities when the Tau are involved, and a show of Astartes support might just secure it for these men.
>>45262482
>[1] Meet up and ride to their aid. Loyalty and Faith are precious commodities when the Tau are involved, and a show of Astartes support might just secure it for these men.
Let's ride.
>>45262482
>[2] Tell Honourum to disengage. Our own mission here takes priority, as does keeping the enemy in the dark about our presence.
>[1] Meet up and ride to their aid.
"Copy, Honourum. Keep eyes on the fight, I'm coming to you."
The sounds of war echoing around him grow louder as the Sergeant moves toward Honourum's marker. He unhooks his close combat weapon as he flies between Villam's towers at a speed few other Space Marines would dare. The Chaplain's power armor automatically links up with Chogoris' helmet display via the auspex connection, and they rally on each other, the experienced White Scar slowing his speed to match that of his battle-brother's bike.
"This way, Sarge." Honourum has his Crozius Arcanum in hand and gestures to the right, the two turning down a thin alley, the other end of which is obscured by thick black smoke.
"The enemy are moving through a park, surrounding an Imperial position in the cathedral."
The Space Marine brother-pair switch their visor modes to give them a view through the smoke, and round the corner on their enemy. Immediately apparent is the large Tau grav-transport moving down the road, surrounded by a half dozen disc-shaped drones, each one with a pair of carbine weapons hanging off of it's ventral side.
The road continues for a short distance before opening up into the aforementioned park, with the massive cathedral visible in the middle of it. Judging by the fire going towards the windows, the Tau advance through the city has been held up by it, and they're trying to get in. A pair of heavily-damaged Imperial Chimeras are visible among the trees, choking the air around the cathedral with more smoke.
The pair rev up their engines, going into the straightaway. The drones turn around almost immediately, exchanging fire with the bikes, but the Devilfish is not quite so nimble.
[1] Jink left and right while shooting down the drones.
[2] Full throttle and ready krak grenades - it's dangerous, but you have the rear armor for but a moment!
[3] Skirt around these two. Find a position to set up overwatch with your heavy bolter.
>>45262482
>[1] Meet up and ride.
Also bunp.
>>45263955
>[1] Jink left and right while shooting down the drones.
Let's get this done fast
>>45263955
>[1] Jink left and right while shooting down the drones.
>>45263955
Jink left and right.
>>45263955
>[2] Full throttle and ready krak grenades - it's dangerous, but you have the rear armor for but a moment!
Forgot to call for a roll there. Just gonna assume it was a good one.
>[1] Jink left and right while shooting down the drones.
The pair of Deathwatch fire their quad of bolters into the drones as they shoot back, scoring scattered hits as they empty their bike's ammunition into the tiny targets. The drones spread out according to their battle-programs, shed circuitry and ablative shielding before falling and scattering across the deck. Though far more inaccurate than what the highly experienced Marines are capable of putting out, a shot sears into Chogoris' chest armor, causing his vision to go white as he struggles against the shock of the powerful pulse weaponry.
"Stand strong, Sergeant! You have the Emperor's protection!" The Devilfish has turned around fully now and opened up fire with it's two front-mounted light guns, but it's too late. The pair pass it on either side, tagging two more drones as they do so with their close combat weapons.
The transport and it's two remaining escorts now behind them, they enter the park, their bike's treads turning grass into dirt as lightning illuminates the darkened thicket of vegetation before them. They see shadows of humanoids and vehicles, and flashes of red and blue coming off of the imposing cathedral - which seems much larger and further away than it had before.
A much brighter flash of light comes off the building - a flare, illuminating the entire park for several moments. Perfect timing for a pair of warriors looking for their enemy.
[1] Turn left, and hit the Tau gunline lighting up the cathedral.
[2] Drive straight, and join the melee taking place on the cathedral's stairs.
[3] Turn right, and hit the Xenos flanking around behind the Imperial position.
In any event, roll 3d6.
Rolled 4, 4, 6 = 14 (3d6)
>>45265281
>[3] Turn right, and hit the Xenos flanking around behind the Imperial position.
Rolled 1, 3, 4 = 8 (3d6)
>>45265281
>[1] Turn left, and hit the Tau gunline lighting up the cathedral.
Break the gunline, and turn one melee and a ranged engagement into two melees.
Rolled 4, 5, 1 = 10 (3d6)
>[1] Turn left, and hit the Tau gunline lighting up the cathedral.
What >>45265443 said.
>>45265443
>>45265592
>letting the enemy get a flank
>>45265281
>[3] Turn right, and hit the Xenos flanking around behind the Imperial position.
>>45265393
This.
>>45265800
It's not a flank if the front's torn apart.
>>45265800
>Enemies assaulting from a flank
>You roll up the front line
>You're now flanking the assault force
>>45266160
are you forgetting about the enemy troops already in the building
>>45266211
>>45265281
>join the melee taking place on the cathedral's stairs.
>the cathedral's stairs.
The center holds.
>you will never slaughter filthy xenos in the name of the emperor
>>45266612
You can join the Kurds and slaughter heretics though.
I'm back. Got pulled away from my computer unexpectedly. Currently writing the next one.
>[3] Turn right Rolled 4, 4, 6 = 14 (3d6)
The pair turn right, trees whipping past them as they unflinchingly target the unknown - but most critical - enemy.
Drawing closer, the Marines make out the details on their foe. Gaunt faces, their green skin pulled back into an effervescent sneer, capped by long scything teeth. Standing as tall as a man, but with massive quills shooting out from their heads. Gripping weathered rifles with spiked blades strapped to them. Covered in furs and wrapped in hides, the Kroot wheel about on the advancing pair, and yell out their shrill war cry.
The Chaplain lets loose a laughing shout of his own, so strong that for a moment his distinctive skull mask seems to be smiling, as he plows his bike into one of them, the force instantly severing both of it's arms and sending them flying in either direction while the body is driven into the dirt.
Sarge is next, slashing his elongated crescent of a sword at his foes while he rides past, severing head from neck and spraying his right arm with a fresh coat of paint that only the enemy can provide.
The two pull around and continue fighting the Xenos in this manner, their screams of terror punctuated by vain attempts at shooting the Space Marines as they wheel around in figure eights through the trees. The Kroot finally gather their wits about them, and group up tightly around the largest of their number - a massive pack beast called the Krootox - and form a dense square to resist further hit-and-run attacks.
[1] Dismount and see them off in a proper fight.
[2] Circle around them and shoot what you have while they cower behind the corpses of their own dead.
[3] They're done. Ride off to the other end of the battlefield to render aid.
>>45267232
>[3] They're done. Ride off to the other end of the battlefield to render aid.
>>45267232
>[2] Circle around them and shoot.
I just read up on the White Scars, and fighting while mounted seems like the proper way.
>>45267232
Toss a frag grenade into their formation as we pretend to rush their formation.
>>45267232
>[3] They're done. Ride off to the other end of the battlefield to render aid.
We're a quintessential White Scars marine. Use fast moving hit and run attacks to cripple filthy blueberry loving xenos, then speed off to hit the main force.
>>45267378
>[3] They're done. Ride off to the other end of the battlefield to render aid.
Whoops, misread, meant this one.
>>45267232
>[3] They're done. Ride off to the other end of the battlefield to render aid.
Essential Listening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwcS5e0OYQM
>[3] They're done. Ride off to the other end of the battlefield to render aid.
With their foe crippled, the Space Marines wheel about towards the front of the Governor's mansion, where the melee on the stairs has turned against the defenders. The thunderous tide of Xenos - both Kroot and Piscaens - are storming up the stairs, while the few visible humans are attempting to ward them off at the doorway and windows with bayonets.
Then the Deathwatch hit them from behind, their bikes carrying them up the stairs with ease, and their weapons hitting the unsuspecting aliens from behind. For several seconds the Xenos have no idea what's happening to their back ranks, but soon the screams and sprays of gore get their attention. What they see is a loud, violent, and total eruption of death, and before long the Marines have fought there way to the humans on the other side.
Looking back at the overwatching Tau forces, Chogoris sees them falling back - most likely expecting even more reinforcements en route. Behind him, the human forces erupt in cheers as the Chaplain raises his Crozius Arcanum and shouts victoriously.
Chogoris picks up his bike and turns it around, noting the elapsed time with disdain. "We are running late" he muses aloud, already knowing Honourum not to particularly care. Checking his geo-auspex once again, it seemed that one member of the Kill Team had made it to the rendezvous point already...
[1] "Mars", a Consecrators-born Techmarine that spends perhaps a bit too much time talking to radical inquisitors about Xeno tech.
[2] "Vulkan", a Librarian from the Salamanders. He is a man of endless patience, able to remain calm even as he brings a flamer (or worse) to bear on his foes.
[3] "Baal", a Blood Angels Sanguinary Priest who, despite his rampant temper problem, has a way of dealing with Inquisitors that always secures a few more resources for the squad.
>>45268326
>[1] "Mars", a Consecrators-born Techmarine that spends perhaps a bit too much time talking to radical inquisitors about Xeno tech.
We already got a Chaplain, and everyone needs a techpriests skillset sooner or later. And I love me some Consecrators.
Nice soundtrack by the way, OP.
>>45268326
I'm torn between 2 and 3.
>[2] Vulkan.
Flamethrowers make good, roasted Xeno.
>>45268695
I change my vote from 3 to 1
>>45268326
>[3] "Baal", a Blood Angels Sanguinary Priest who, despite his rampant temper problem, has a way of dealing with Inquisitors that always secures a few more resources for the squad.
>>45268326
>[3] "Baal", a Blood Angels Sanguinary Priest who, despite his rampant temper problem, has a way of dealing with Inquisitors that always secures a few more resources for the squad.
Though to vote between my two favourite chapters.
>[1] "Mars", a Consecrators-born Techmarine that spends perhaps a bit too much time talking to radical inquisitors about Xeno tech.
>>45268326
>[2] "Vulkan", a Librarian from the Salamanders. He is a man of endless patience, able to remain calm even as he brings a flamer (or worse) to bear on his foes.
Into the fires of battle, unto the anvil of war!
>>45268326
>[2] "Vulkan", a Librarian from the Salamanders. He is a man of endless patience, able to remain calm even as he brings a flamer (or worse) to bear on his foes.
>[1] "Mars"
Rain pours across Villam's surface, carrying with it atmospheric interference so heavy that it has rendered the Marines' Vox units worthless, and fog so thick that they are better off simply removing their helmets than trying to look through their visors.
The three currently-present Marines of Kill Team Secondus are gathered in the first floor of one of the planet's many nutricomplexes, going over the mission plan.
Chogoris pointed on the map to the center of a large area marked out with hazard stripes. "The general's said to be a suit pilot."
He glances at Mars, who nods, holding up his plasma gun.
Honourum chimes in from his post, staring out the building's window at the bikes. "We're still one short."
It's true. They had entered the battlefield as a Kill Team of four, not three. The group currently present exchange looks, and Mars' servo arm flexes down and scratches his chin.
"Most likely he got held up" the Techmarine offers, "SOP is to try and meet the rest of the kill team at the next rendezvous point."
The Sergeant nods grimly at the reminder. It was a different SOP from "regular" service, where your platoon was to double-back and recover your geneseed if nothing else. Kill Team members, if missing, were presumed dead or worse.
"Then we hope he meets us there." The White Scars leader rolls up the map and tucks it away in it's carrying tin. The missing member has forced him to reconsider how they are going to hit the Shas'El.
[1] Ram the bikes up his exhaust pipe. Assuming they can get eyes on the target before going in, pretty much guarantees they get the kill. Not so much escape from the dense forces surrounding him, however.
[2] Hide and ambush. His unit is on the move through the city. The Kill Team can set up overwatch on his route and open fire when he gets close enough.
[3] Distract and stab. Two members engage the target's local forces from the front, while the third goes around the back for the kill.
Roll 3d6.
Rolled 5, 1, 1 = 7 (3d6)
>>45269937
Can it be a mix?
Have two members ambush and the third remain hidden until such an opportunity presents itself to go for the kill.
>>45269997
Hmm.
Add [4] Write in.
Rolled 6, 5, 5 = 16 (3d6)
>>45269937
>>45269997
Supporting this.
>>45270255
niiiiice
Rolled 1, 6, 4 = 11 (3d6)
>>45269937
>[4] Write in.
>>45269997
>>45270255
Weeb status: PURGED
>>45270255
Fucking wreck those filthy xenos.
>>45270255
>The Greater Go - OH FUCK
>"PUUUUUUUUURGEEE!!!!"
>>45270255
>>45270644
We're at the climax for tonight. One more decision point to go and then an epilogue before I call it (for now!).
>[4] Write in. Rolled 6, 5, 5 = 16 (3d6)
The Tau formation rolls down the main road, though it would be more accurate to say it "glides" down "several" roads. It seems that, in the extra time they were alloted, the Shas'El has been able to summon around himself a much more imposing force than the Kill Team had initially planned to encounter. The hardened Space Marine veterans see little difference, however, between ten enemies and a hundred - they would fall all the same before the Emperor's might.
Sergeant (and designated Devastator Marine) Chogoris stands overwatch on the seventh floor of one of the many structures lining the advancing Xenos column. All of the pride they took in their advanced auspex and augery arrays were worthless in the face of the torrential rains that had followed them here, but did little to hinder the posthuman senses of the Deathwatch.
The first vehicles drifted past the White Scar, and while he felt anticipation for the destruction those heavy tanks could leave in their wake, he remained focused on his task. He just needed to spot the command squadron.
And there it was. Much like the Space Marines themselves, the Tau appreciated the intimidating and inspiring effect of bright colors, and this commander was no different. His armor was painted in the same respondant gold as the rest of his battle group, with the addition of several gaudy battle stripes, no doubt each representing some honor won while subjugating the various Xenos races he commanded.
He was flanked by a squadron of three similarly decorated suits, scanning the buildings they passed out of habit, but ultimately in vain. Chogoris waited until they were directly below him, and then...
>>45271179
soon
...he unleashes a rain of his own upon them, timed with a tumultuous thunder seemingly granted to them by the Emperor himself. The bolts come down hard on the heads of the hovering battlesuits, and hammer into their armor for a full second before the units around them realize what is happening.
Their reaction is precise, as expected of a professional warrior caste. One of the bodyguards interposes itself between its commander and the rain of fire. Another fires its flamethrower into the air above them, creating a steam so thick it can't be seen through. The other nearby forces open fire in the direction the sound was coming from.
The alien plasma slams uselessly into the building all around Chogoris, though he suspects it would become much more deadly if one of the scout drones is able to discern his exact location and light him up. He repositions himself to a different window as a team of twelve Fire Warriors storm the building, searching for him-
-only to be met by Honourus in close combat.
"Really, running into the same building as me was a terrible, terrible idea." He has nothing but laughter as he tears his crozius through the one in front, and then the second in line, and then the third.
While the rear element of the Fire Warrior team routs from the building almost as soon as they entered it, the commander and his squadron put distance between themselves and the occupied structure. One of them flies off to tell the tanks at the front of the column to turn around and provide support.
The commander can barely work his suit through the damage it has sustained, and falls back a full city block, unknowing of the extra-large camo cloak concealing an extra-large enemy in one of the many crevices created by the spires Gothic design...
>>45271391
Honourus is best battle brother.
>White Scars
Ah yeah!
...the Techmarine doesn't even bother removing the cloak, knowing that he can easily repair it. He fires the weapon straight through his concealment.
It burns so bright that every sensor in range of it is briefly blinded. It leaves a trail of steam in it's wake, and the ground tracks it's progress by briefly drying out completely. Several pieces of the bolt break off, dripping to the street below and searing holes into it. And then the main body of plasma hits the Tau commander.
There is no screaming, as the commander is flash-cooked inside of his own battlesuit faster than his mind can process the pain. It's so hot, however, that the Techmarine who commanded the blast takes pleasure in the knowledge that the Xenos' soul most likely felt a great deal of pain before evaporating from existence.
He can only consider the fate of his enemy for a moment, however, as the two bodyguards spin around, seeking vengeance on the Space Marine for the death of their commander. Knowing all too well the strength of Tau weaponry at range, the Techmarine tosses his plasma weapon aside and produces his power axe, charging into the two of them and hoping to take them both with him before those tanks come to claim the kill...
>>45271656
sheeiiit
>>45271656
You are great at describing sceens
...Side by side, Chogoris and Honourus withdrew accross the roof to the next building back, just as the building they had previously occupied has a pair of magnetically-accellerated explosives shoved into it and begins collapsing almost immediately. The sergeant knew that they weren't going to make it.
"We're gonna make it, Sarge! Bikes are right down here." Honourus got there first, and threw his brother's rappel line to him before affixing his own. The White Scar has a sense of deja vu as he leapt off the side of the building, his line allowing him to run straight down the side of it.
But it would seem his first instinct had the right of it, as the next sound he heard was the double-bang od those tanks firing into his escape plan, and causing the building to collapse with them still very high up it. The two battle-brothers entered free fall amid the debris, crashing hard enough to stun them.
Honourus landed on his head, so he'll be fine, even if it takes a minute. Chogoris, on the other hand, landed on his weapon, and struggled for breath as he pulled himself off of the shattered remnants of the heavy bolter. He managed to turn around and stand up, facing the tanks as they beared down on him. And exploded, first the rear, and then the front.
For a moment, the White Scar thought it to be an illusion his mind was conjuring to ease his death, but then it lingered. Fire and smoke spat into the sky from the Xeno battle tanks. A figure appeared, carrying a melta bomb in each gauntlet, forcing a single word of surprise from the sergeant's mouth.
[1] "Sacris!", an Assault Marine from the Storm Wardens known as the best swordsman in the entire platoon.
[2] "Badwater!", coming to us from the Raptors, this Tactical Marine is among the best marksmen in the sector.
[3] "Deliverance!", the only man in the platoon as good on a bike as Sgt Chogoris, as a result of being from the Ravenwing.
>>45272025
>[3] "Deliverance!", the only man in the platoon as good on a bike as Sgt Chogoris, as a result of being from the Ravenwing.
>>45272025
>[1] "Sacris!", an Assault Marine from the Storm Wardens known as the best swordsman in the entire platoon.
Slay the Xenos with swords!
>>45272025
>[1] "Sacris!", an Assault Marine from the Storm Wardens known as the best swordsman in the entire platoon.
>>45272025
>[1] "Sacris!", an Assault Marine from the Storm Wardens known as the best swordsman in the entire platoon.
>>45272025
>[3] "Deliverance!", the only man in the platoon as good on a bike as Sgt Chogoris, as a result of being from the Ravenwing.
One of these days, I'm will have to figure out which tense I using.
>[1] "Sacris!", an Assault Marine from the Storm Wardens known as the best swordsman in the entire platoon.
12 hours later, on the Hunter Destroyer "Xenophage", Watch Captain Macragge greets Kill Team Secondus as they return from the surface.
"Good evening, Marines!" He liked to draw the "good" in his proper greeting of the day way, way out, like the narrator of a second-rate theatricarum performance.
"Good Evening, sir." The quad of Deathwatch responded in unison, like children in a schoolhouse.
As they checked their gear back into the armory and removed their armor for inspection, their Captain filled them in on the aftermath of their mission.
>The Tau leadership has been spooked by the Shas'el's death. Expect them to have extremely tight security from here on, though it will come at the cost of their subordinates' morale.
>Stories of the Deathwatch are circulating on the planet already. While this will increase morale among the loyal PDF units, it will also provoke a response from the Tau.
>The battle on the ground was fought to a stalemate, and continues at this time. The Tau eventually instituted a new commander, but he is not as experienced as the old one.
Finally, with the entire Kill Team circled around the war room onboard the (relatively) tiny repurposed destroyer, the captain imparted his darkest news.
"You were the only ones to come back. I have lost all communication with kill teams Primus, Tribus, and Quatrus." He looks at each of the surviving Deathwatch members in turn, and then, with a dark grin, "Just means you'll have to kill four times as many Xenos. Each."
---
NEXT TIME ON DEATHWATCH QUEST: CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!
That's it for me tonight. Check the twitter [https://twitter.com/DeathwatchQuest/] for part two, probably same time next week. I'll be around for a minute if you want to throw some critique my way or talk about what you want to see next time though.
>>45273001
NOICE
THANKS FOR RUNNING
>>45273001
>back onboard the ship
Does this mean we're going to get to choose our deployments ala DoW2?
>>45273001
Thanks for running dude, you've got some really impressive writing skills here, I'll definitely try to catch your threads in the future.
Now, how in the Emperor's holy name did these foul xenos manage to eliminate 3 highly trained deathwatch kill teams. Oh well, more ultraviolent xeno slaying for us.
>>45273072
Right now my idea has the first post of each thread (except for this one, which began in media res because I didn't want to start off boring) being the Watch Captain talking about the situation on the ground and a few recent developments, and then the first vote is which mission to pursue (with write-ins allowed, of course).
So, yes.
>>45273284
Fucking nice, I'll be here for the second thread.
>>45273284
This sounds like a fucking badass way of running a quest about purging xenos with high impact violence, I can tell already this is going to be fun.
>>45273420
Oh most definitely.
>>45273284
We get to scream down to the surface in a drop pod, right? Maybe even choose the landing zone?
>>45273109
> how in the Emperor's holy name did these foul xenos manage to eliminate 3 highly trained deathwatch kill teams
They resolved combat with our shit rolls.
>>45276714
>>45273109
Or their are more insidious forces at work.
Desperate human population = more Choas worship
