TW: Warhammer 40K (IC)

[ArcaneStomper]

In the far reaches of space lies the Cauldron. A vast vortex of energy where the warp intrudes upon reality. A sight to inspire terror and insanity in those who behold it, normally the races of the galaxy would give the swirling maelstrom a wide birth. But this warp storm is different. There are paths through. Paths that are stable and allow passage without destroying the souls of travelers. And these paths lead to the very center of the storm. Here in the eye of the Cauldron lies a treasure beyond price. The collected remains of wrecked hulks that have spent eons drifting through the warp. Here they have reached their final resting places. A shoal of real space thrust into the sea of the warp where uncounted numbers of derelicts have beached themselves.

And so the Eye of the Cauldron has attracted the attention of a multitude of beings. Here they come to scavenge its wrecks. To pull the secrets of the ancients from its uncharted depths. To mine the masses of drifting debris ripe for picking. The scouts and pathfinders were the first to arrive, but they will not be the last. Already the call has gone out.

To the Imperial Hives of Hyperion IV, where regal bureaucrats move fleets around like toys in the hopes of securing their position in the next of Mankind's many Crusades.

To the small unnamed moon of Megiddo IV where momentary flash marks the arrival of an Eldar fleet. Here to further the dreams of a dying race.

To the hidden Corsair bases on the edges of Hyperion where the Dark Eldar lurk in ambush ready to prey on the unwary fools too eager to make the treasures of the Cauldron their own.

To the world of Daemons Reach where vast warp portals spit out the fleets of the Traitor Legions holding up a dark mirror of the Imperium's dreams.

To a world plagued by monsters where the distant touch of the hive mind has alerted the splinters of a once great fleet to a feast in waiting.

To an ancient world where dark warriors slept untouched for millennia, only now to wake and commence their cleansing war.

To the tiny wordlets of Gork and Mork, where the teeming green throngs of Ork kind pause their endless battles at the prospect of a much greater Waaagh!

To the newly colonized world of Tas'Hel where the great battleships of the youngest of races poor forth an army of warriors to contest the prize for the Greater Good.

The call has been sent, the warriors have answered, now the question remains. Who will claim the Cauldron for their own?

[Exthalion]

Above the nameless moon, or rather the moon with no name of consequence, a sleek vessel slid into view. There was none of the grandiose display that accompanied the warp dries of the younger races. The ship appeared almost to stand still, a curtain of spacetime slowly pulled back along its length.

On the bridge all but two stopped for a moment, aware of... something. The feeling was muffled but unpleasant; like someone drunk and loud and singing a terribly vulger song on the other side of a thick wall. For the Silver Prince, face unreadable as the rest behind a stoic mask, it was neither as intense nor as disconcerting.

Sunhera Athmoryan had already dismissed its iron flavored scarlet and purple notes. From a decorative null entropy case he removed something like a scroll. The rollers and page were sun as one piece. On it foot long length several words were written in different though dark colors. The words were gibberish, but as he ran his hand gently over them flashes of people and worlds came to his mind. The scroll you see was written in the blood of over two dozen species, and memory echos lingered still. When he finished he carefully rolled it again and placed it back into the stasis cask.

"Make for the rendezvous point. We will need all the assistance we can muster in this degenerate age."

[Umbranar]

Big Mek Ghorak Main Depot

Boss, why we no killin`da other orkz? Orkz want fight! Morga was Ghorak`s second and been asking all day about the next battle to come.

Shut ya talker, Morga! Told ya dat we need otherz to fight hoomans 'n claim da big scrapheap in da warp. Wherz da tranzmittah?!

An ork with a huge antenna strapped on the back and some sort of patchwork microphone and speaker runs up to Big Mek Ghorak.


To Madnutz, Gronark & Hagazes

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Orkzez o`da other moonz, dis iz Big Mek Ghorak. A WAAAGH! iz comin`. Da no-Orkz want da big scrapheap in da warp. Datz Ork treazure 'n I say we claim it for da Orkz! Then we go 'n kill da no-Orkz!

[Rafinius]

The Rok Moonbreaka carrying Boss Gronark and his boyz just came out of the warp a few days ago and has settled in a far orbit around the planet Eye of Gork/Mork (Tarsus III). Recently a Kroozer has landed on moon-A and ork nobz and boyz with the Blood Axes symbol and dressed in camo-shirts have come out to resupply, bash some 'eads (ork partying) and get some recruits by boasting about the "Smaat Ork Empaya" they gonna be part of and the "Kunnin' & Smashin' & Stompin'" that they will do on the way to that.
However, if asked it will easily slip from one of the boyz that "Da new boss tried to snik da big boss but dat went nurd. But da big boss was a bog'ead so we go with da new boss and we zogget 'roun' da warp. Now we here. But don't jab 'bout all dat to da other boyz."
If some local boss asks what's going or tries to push them around the nobz have rehearsed the following message:
"Our boss be boss Gronark. He be in da big Kroozer dere and wants to talk."

OOC for Orks (HerbieRAI, Umbranar, Rafinius, League) and GMs (ArcaneStomper, Thelonius)

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I don't expect orks to join me crunch wise, but this action is what brings me fluff wise to the ground army level I have as stat, so that I also have a bunch of local orks with me. It also is meant to establish my faction for future reinforcements, inform ork players about all the stuff I have written in my faction description and allow diplomacy to begin (through the last message).
It would be nice to know which PC ork factions are comming from elsewhere and which ones are native, as well as threads for any other info we should know.
Also I will need all the openly availlible info (gained through talking to the locals) about the planets in the Tarsus system (terrain, inhabitants, potential loot). I think all of us orks would appreciate that.
P.S.: I'm using some oky words sometimes, which I found 'ere.

EDIT {Didn't see the previous post until I posted mine for some reason} :

Snikstompa - Flagship landed on moon A
A Big Mek calling for a Waaagh? Interesting. Gronark grabbed his own Transmittah. While his message was only ment for Big Mek Ghorak, it was probably recievable by anyone in the whole Tarsus system.

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"'ere speaks Boss Gronark. Me and me boyz are also 'eadin' for da scrap'eap. Lets Waaagh in togetha an' stomp da oomies, den share da loot later. It'd be a shame fo' ah boyz to dreg each otherz 'eads and fo' us to get naffing, don't ya thinkk?"

[LongVin]

The Black Brigade
Hyperion Hive World

It had been several weeks since the Brigade had arrived in system and they had quickly made themselves home. The commandeered merchant spire was the perfect place to base their operations and was the proper atmosphere for the soon to be arriving Inquisitor. Some of the resident merchants had complained about the highly illegal nature of the seizure of their property and expressed their opinion to lodge official complaints with the governor...but a visit from some heavily armed guardsmen questioning their loyalty to him-on-earth had quickly persuaded them to quietly drop their complaints and find new living arrangements.

On the Spire's docking bay a whole platoon was out as an honor guard for the soon to be arriving Inquisitor Steiner. The palatial yacht set down on the dock and the ramp opened out marching the Inquisitor and his retinue. Amongst them were 4 guardsmen of the Black Brigade, still wearing the black trenchcoat but now sporting a red lapel meaning they serve with the Inquisitor. This is the highest honor any brigadesman can be given and while not usually a permanent post when they returned they were afforded the highest honors. It is even rumored that a guardsman who never returned was promoted to the rank of full Inquisitor and even now still wears the black trench coat in honor of his roots. But, that was just rumors and now it was time to plan for the coming crusade.

Message to all Imperial Factions:

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The Black Brigade will be moving towards Hyperion II with the intent of seecuring that planet for the glory of the imperium.

Message to Hyperion Battle Fleet:

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The Black Brigade will be deploying to Hyperion II to secure the sector. We are requesting a Naval escort to protect our forces through their transit.

[razovor]

The Necrons

Silence envelops the dusty stone halls of the Necrons. Not a single sound, the squeak of rats, the dripping of water, of the soft hum power-generators whose glow would have penetrated the otherwise pitch black halls.

Apart from a few basic defences, only one machine remains active, a single small clock, ticking away inaudibly, counting out the seconds since the peak of the Necrontyr empire.

Tick... Tick... Tick... Tick... Tick... Thump

The device stops, and begins to glow, thin lines of power running across it's surface. The lines creep out in all directions, reactivating old circuits as they go. The glow reaches a long forgotten mechanism, the protective shell retracts revealing the fearsome figure of a Necron Lord. The lords awakens with a start, eyes glowing with pervasive menace, as he steps calmly out of container.

The Lord walks down the hallway slowly, the lines of power racing ahead of him, power generators flaring into life as they go. The Lord walks out onto the balcony ahead of him, a console activating as he approaches, it's virtual screens displaying read-outs of the entire facility. For a few moments, he stares motionlessly, assessing the information before him.

"Reactivation confirmed. Communication established with Klantaek Dynasty. Orders received."

The Lord makes a motion with his hand, stepping through the screens as they disappear back into thin air. Standing on the edge of the balcony, he looks out across the vast black chasm before him. With a flash, the chasm bursts into light, revealing a vast chamber, kilometres wide.

Rows upon row of pods line the chamber. Every pod opens simultaneously. Thousands upon thousands of Necrons emerge from their slumber, stepping out into chamber. With impossibly perfect rhythm, the legion marches out of the room to gear themselves for battle. Above, the unmistakable sound of necron ships can be heard, vast engines lifting them up into the night sky, to spread the message of death across the stars.

[dhenn]

Aboard the Kabal's flagship, Archon Xelena held court. The final entertainments were coming to a close.

Stripped to the waist, an Astartes warrior, stripped to the waist, swung a long sword at his opponent. Yet he was gone long before the blade fell. The wych swung to the side, jabbing a small knife into the Marine's shoulder.

The fight continued for some time, a dozen small wounds drawing out the suffering, for the pleasure of those seated around the small pit. The wych used only knives, so that it was harder to land a killing blow. Eventually, even the altered physique of the Marine began to falter. Before the audience could grow bored, the wych vaulted onto his back, and with practiced skill, drove a blade into each of the Astarte's hearts.

Now to business. All eyes turned to the Archon. Seated on a throne made from the weapons and armor of those she had defeated personally, she returned their gaze. These were her elite, having proved their merit over decades of violence. While each one coveted her position, as any Dark Eldar worthy of sitting in on her councils would, they knew none could command the support of all the others. Those who let their ambitions become to transparent were soon dragged down, more often by their fellow aspirants than Xelena's loyal cadre.

"It must truly be miserable to have the mind of the mon-keigh. Such predictable psychology, such limited capacity."

Above the pit, a vast display of stars and planets appeared, each appearing to be translucent colored crystal. The Marine, and those who had fought before him, lay forgotten below.

"You all know the crossroads have opened, and, to the surprise of none, humanity is the first on the scene. Both the kin of the Eye and the devotees of the Cadaver are already here.

We can all expect how they shall act. First, they draw their forces close together, believing that their multitudes might keep them safe. They are mistaken. We shall show them nowhere is safe.

Then, we shall drive them apart. They will overextend and falter, so unknowing of their own limitations, and we shall ensure they do not survive to regret those failings.

The Cadaver god commands the largest forces, so we shall bleed them first. Yet those of the Eye may yet be a more potent force. They know they can trust none but themselves. That knowledge shall not save them.

Yet we must remain wary. We shall not be the only ones seizing this opportunity. We may not even be the first. But we shall make them fear us too.

Go to your ships and ready your followers. We shall strike at the system they call Hyperion at once!"

[Thelonius]

Exploration Update 1

Hyperion System Factions

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Call for Help [Hyperion I]

An Astropath’s call arrives from the Hyperion I. A small Imperium fleet carrying a number of Ecclesiarchy Missionaries, and thousands of inspired pilgrims was ambushed by an ork ship that somehow managed to slip into the system undetected. The faithful had to land on the planet, and are currently evading Ork search parties.

An Old Mine [Hyperion III]

Everybody knows about a large mining complex that used to operate on the Hyperion III, supplying the factories of Imperium. It was shut down, after an accident killed a lot of workers as production was already falling. Now, with the approaching crusade and growing demand for raw materials to manufacture ammunition, some speak about possibility of reopening the mine.

Lore 4 Factions

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A cunning and powerful Ork Pirate Gromishka has been raiding Hyperion system for the past year. His successes over Imperium forces are so great, that Imperium propaganda is forced to supress all mention of him, rather than admit the full extent of damage he has done.

Lore 8 Factions

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A Rouge Trader has been investigating a site on Hyperion II recently, hoping to unearth some archeotech treasures. His expedition hasn’t been heard from for more than eight months now.

Lore 12 Factions

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Deep underneath the Hive Cities of Hyperion IV, ancient machines work to prevent earthquakes. Few actually remember about their existence.

Tarsus System Factions

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Pit Boss (Tarsus II)

There are rumours, that Big Boss Kharzzag is holding regular prize fights on Tarsus II. What distinguishes them from the usual ork fights is the showmanship and lethality. None of the contestants so far survived past round four out of twenty. Kharzzag holds a large number of slaves – all great warriors of their races as well as most deadly beasts from across the sector, whom he pits against any challenger.

Dead Ship (Space: South Western Corner)

A ship has emerged from the warp recently. It drifts through space unpowered.

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On Tarsus I, an ancient device is collecting energy from the sun and beaming it into nothingness. Whether one would wish to loot it for spare parts or use it for some purpose, one must first avoid being hit by energy beams and then get to the control center to shut it down.

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A Rouge Trader is hiding his presence on the Tarsus V, yet one disgruntled deserter from his crew has sold out his location.

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On the Tarsus II, apart from Kharrzag’s fights, a racing competition is held in the typically ork fashion. Thousands of orks and their contraptions take part in each race, demolishing everything in their way, as they race across the planet. The winner (survivor) gets the vehicles (scarp) of the losers.

Meggido Factions

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Perfect Storm (Meggido II)

On Meggido II, periodical powerful storms occur in one part of the planet. There is a suppositious belief among many of the Chaos followers, that the storms are sent by the Chaos Gods to test the faithful and passing through them unprotected gives the survivor their favour.

An Unknown Ship

A ship has emerged from the warp at the [north western] part of the system. The few, who have seen it close, only describe it as very odd. The ship has been flying in circles, neither going deeper into the system, nor retreating into the warp.

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A Dark Eldar ship has been spotted near Meggido II, its anti-detection measures failing briefly.

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A weapon has recently made its way on the black market from the Space Hulk Erephrus. It’s markings clearly identify it as one of the weapons of the Reclaimer’s Space Marines.

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There is a hidden Dark Eldar base on Mediggo II. It’s filled with slaves captured on the many raids. The base belongs to Ekawomiyafu, The Howling Dark Wolf. A legendary Dark Eldar pirate, who looted a thousand worlds and slain countless foes.

Tas’Hel System Factions

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Awakening (Tas’Hel I)

On Tas’Hel I, Tyranids are awakening from their slumber and emerging from the swamps.

Fight for Power (Tas’Hel I)

The Imperium on the Tas'Hel is divided, between those following Governor Constantine and those following a revolutionary Inna Velmont. The human infighting leaves them an easy pickings for awakening Tyranids.

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There are rumours of a hidden outpost of the Inquisition, somewhere on Tas’Hel.

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An unknown ship has been spotted in the [south eastern] part of the system, clearly collecting information on what’s happening in the system.

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There are hidden, underwater human settlements on Tas’Hel II.

[Zemalac]

The Rogue Trader
Approaching Hyperion IV

Ambrose didn't trust windows on starships. It seemed to him that there should be something more solid than glass between him and naked void, an opinion that he maintained no matter how many times Sebastian told him that the windows were actually much, much stronger than glass. They appeared weak to the Trader, and if there was anything in this universe he despised it was the appearance of weakness.

Even he had to admit, though, that sometimes they were nice to have around. Right now, for instance, with Hyperion IV spread out below his captain's chair, hive world lights gleaming from horizon to horizon. Beautiful. And in the darkness beyond, hidden by the void and the burning stars, was something far more precious. The trader's eyes were hungry as he raised his gaze from the planet below to the star-ringed black. Out there were the monsters; and with them, the treasures.

Time to make some money.

Message to Imperial Factions

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I feel we should aid the pilgrims on Hyperion I posthaste, not only to ensure the safety of Imperial citizens, but also to (perhaps) eliminate the ork pirates in the system. Take them by surprise while they are otherwise occupied.

[hydroplatypus]

1st Hyperion Regiment
{forgot to put in fluff, so editing that in now}

Colonel James Taylor looked over the assembled forces of his regiment. They had held the line in the systems for a long time, and now with the rest of the imperial forces arriving the morale was higher than ever. As they look up at him he begins speaking Men, you have done the imperium proud. You have held the line until the rest of the imperial forces arrived to aid us, and made the emperors superiority clear to all of our enemies by doing so. Now we no longer have to hold the line, we take the fight to them. We will drive them from these systems, so that their foul taint may never again corrupt the world of the imperium. With this the guardsmen roar with approval, and after some cheering are dismissed, and told to report to their transports for deployment.


To Imperial Factions

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We propose that for the moment we focus our efforts on first rescuing those on Hyperion 1, followed by moving to reopen the mines on Hyperion 3. As Hyperion 1 is on route to Hyperion 3 we believe that this is an efficient way to secure the glory of the Emperor. We do however request that someone with Naval resources (as opposed to our unarmed transports) escort us to Hyperion 1 and destroy the orc warship that is in orbit, as it could cause problems for the ground forces. Additionally Hyperion 1 seems a good location for the hyperion system as it is central, and has fairly easy access to most other planets in the system. Perhaps it should be the default resting place for our naval resources in this system. After all it is no more than 2 turns away from all planets in the system save 5, but nothing is close to that planet.

[LongVin]

Black Brigade

To Imperial Factions:

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We shall provide forces to relieve the church's siege. However we shall also continue our expedition to Hyperion II in order to secure that world before any of the enemies of man can secure a beachhead there.

[Eldan]

Megiddo, the Corsairs

"Brothers. It is dawn. The stars are red. This day, I dream of blood."
Raider Elethaine wore a pathfinder's cloak, though not the hood, the cloth shimmering and twisting. It was not set on camouflage today, instead merely bending the light around him at strange angles and throwing rainbow projections on the midnight blue autarch armour of his his house. He waved a hand, vaguely, lazily, and saw the fleet move in his head though not, as he observed with satisfaction, on any of their detection equipment.
The Redstar fleet sailed into realspace now, paper-thin sails unfolding from complex origami patterns into elegant, curved shapes, hungrily drinking the solar wind.
The young races had smelt treasure, and they were flocking together. Foxes squabbling over a carcass before the wolves arrived.

[puppyavenger]

The Path of the Virtuous is Always Harried

Epistles of Saint Krakus

Having Arrived on Hyperion IV, the crusade had rapidly established itself, taking over a habdome near the space port and rapidly converting it to something more in line with the emperors wishes. At the same time, lay preachers and clergy were rapidly spreading throughout the Hive.

The saint himself was occupied on other matters however. Reading the reports and astrocom transmissions, he was almost shaking with incandescent rage. The very idea that such virtuous aspirants would be attacked was an affront to His plan, and a sure sign of the systems corruption.

The Saint had started his career as an wandering preacher among the hab-blocks of a hive, and it showed. Tall, and with white-blond hair reaching his shoulders, even the aura of majesty created by the Emperors Grace could not disguise his thin, wiry frame. Despite all that, his clean-shaven face was unblemished and his personal power armour and robes of office seemed to fit perfectly.

Leaving the small chapel the Crusade had found in this hab-block when they arrived, which had taken to sleeping next to, he walked to the closest thing to a "War Room" he had. Flanked by two of his Adepta bodyguards he looked over progress. the Renovation of the Hab-block was nearing completion, and evangelism in the surrounding districts were going well. the crowds hearing his disciples were growing larger and larger, and workers were even beginning to throw down their tools and join the Crusade.

But there were disturbing reports, of Guild legbreakers trying to harass of even injure holy men doing the Emperors Work. Yet another immperfection that would have to be dealt with. The Hive could barely be called imperial really, criminal networks, corrupt guilds and decadents nobles had effectively divided the world between them, and any one of them could be open to subversion or corruption by the Enemy, even if, by some miracle, there were all loyal at the moment. Something Had to Be Done.

Composing himself, Saint Krakus composed a transmission to the other servants of the Emperor


Imperial Factions

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We will provide our full support to relieving the innocent pilgrims currently trapped by the orks. In fact, I would lead the expedition myself.

To Black Brigade, Hyperion Home Guard

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The Hives of Hyperion are vital to our war effort, and I fear that the Enemy will use any chance to gain a foothold in it. Therefor, with the approval of the Holy Inquisition and the local Commander I would like to investigate the main Hive Spries and Guilds for any signs of disloyalty to the The Emperor or His Servants. Sabotage on the planet could destroy the whole crusade, we must be proactive to prevent it

[Greystone]

Praetorian's of Molten Blood

The Caldra of Zek, named for the action that founded the Praetorians, was a masterpiece of engineering. Based upon the Imperial Guard Leviathon Command vehicle, the Caldra was smaller and more mobile- trading space for troops for extra shielding and relative speed. It was here that General Arcturius always made his command- whether in the field or safely on a Chaos held world. These were for purely practical reasons- the General does not trust anyone.

Since the warband made landfall upon Meggido III his office had been inundated with requests, threats, and bribes to become the guest to one host or another. All had been denied, politely at first and then violently if the harassment continued. Soon enough the warband had carved out a sizable domain on the planet- ejecting or recruiting the tenets within.

The General was a man of austere good looks- an aristocratic jawline, an unmistakable twinkle of arrogance in his blue-grey eyes, and short black hair that was impeccable- not a single hair out of place. He was also lean shaven, with a finely pressed grey uniform with only his insignia as decoration- his rank and the new symbol of his unit, a broken Imperial Aquila. Currently he sat heavily in his personal quarters, looking over several data slates.

He tapped a finger in annoyance on his desk before flipping to the next slate. These were troop reports, the newest he had available, of his own unit. So many tank crews and squads reported as serving one ruinous power or the other- such a damnable bother. Khorne worshipers too often broke ranks in attacks of suicidal ferocity, those who praise Slaneesh were so wrapped up in their own pleasure to often think straight, the servants of Tzeentch were damned flighty, and the pestilence soaked Nurglites were always a threat to weaken the integrity of the warband.

A cold smirk graced his face briefly as he remembered the last time a coven of Nurgle worshipers attempted to unleash a plague to 'better' his unit. The lovely Major Besk had reported them and he had them shot. When their plague infested bodies survived the first two volley's, he had them burned instead. No, the renegade former members of his original regiment (most of whom made up his personal guard and crew of the Caldra) and those who worshipped Chaos undivided were his most useful tools.

He stood. There were vox calls to make, and a campaign to be launched.

To Chaos forces

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Attention to the forces of Chaos, enemies of the False Emperor:

The Praetorian's of Molten Blood, the finest renegade armored warband in the damned galaxy has arrived. We must discuss plans of action before sitting still causes to many of our 'allies' to start looking at each other instead of outwards for blood.

The Space Hulk in system is certainly a threat and source of possible great wealth, and harm but my warband is suited for other more... ground based operations. We must decide- secure our home sector? Or strike the Imperials before they get the chance to dig in.

Awaiting your replies,

General Andul Arcturius

GM

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What must a warrior do to survive the storms?

[LongVin]

Black Brigade

Transmission to Saint Krakus

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I lend my official support to your investigation of the hive's loyalty to him-on-earth and eagerly await your report on the matter. If the taint of chaos is found the Brigade will be ready to act to stamp it out.

-Inquisitor Steiner

[Exthalion]

Sons of Kurnous and the Reïanar Tan-Lerunoc, a whisper in from the dark

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I think it best that we avoid the ruined world were dwell those who's songs are lost. They are a wound we lack the proper tool to lance at this time.

By means of listening to the songs of the outer sky I have learned that the debris accretion known as Erephrus appears to be composed of fragments from a mon-keigh warrior order known as the Space Marines.

There was also a Commorragh made ship in orbit around the second planet. It is likely that the unknown ship is related to this in some way.

My tentative assesment is this: There is something on the Second Planet that is important to the Lost of Commorragh. I do not think any of the mon-keigh items will be of use to us, though we could perhaps attempt to destroy it to prevent the ruined ones from gaining it.

If we are interested in securing the system we should destroy the hulk. If we are interested in our own gain then we should investigate the second planet and the two ships.

[Eldan]

Reïanar Tan-Lerunoc to the Eldar Factions, the Dark Replies

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Our fleet surpasses most in size. It is our suggestion that in this cycle, we will spread and survey this zone carefully, approaching the second world and the broken ship, which lie in the same direction.

[Rizhail]

The Void Stalkers

Aboard the command vessel

The command team for the Void Stalkers strode purposefully through the wide open corridors of the vessel, heading toward the command center at its heart. Despite the fact that they were aboard their own vessel and not currently in combat, each was either armed and armored or accompanied by a pair of bodyguards; surprise assaults by Eldar reavers had taught the Tau to be prepared for surprise boardings early in the unit's history. At the center of the group were three Fire caste warriors, two armoured as pathfinders and carrying pulse carbines while the last wore the full armor of a Fire warrior with a pulse rifle slung over her shoulder. An older Ethereal marked by the scars of combat strode beside them, his bodyguards only a step behind. A stocky Earth caste foreman and a tall, slender Air caste commander brought up the rear of the group, while a trio of Kroot marched at the front.

Guards at every door and junction stood straight and proud as the group passed by, though the officers were so engrossed in conversation that they never noticed. The first scout reports of the system had been delivered only a half hour before and the Tau had no intention of sitting on their laurels.

"I'm concerned about these sensor readings anti-spinward of us. Our presence is not yet well known in this sector, and it is best if we remain that way," said Kor'El Sha'is, admiral of the fleet section of the Void Stalkers. The others voiced their agreement.

"I agree wholeheartedly. Prepare a strike force, El'Sha'is, and see that any vessels in the area are either destroyed or driven off. If they can't be destroyed, they must be denied the chance to gather intelligence on us," commanded O'Sera'Yon. The Air caste commander bowed slightly and fell out of step, speaking into a communicator while the others continued their discussion.

Looking to the other Fire warrior armed as a pathfinder, he spoke again. "El'Shi, split up the scout sections. We'll need to explore the system quickly yet thoroughly. Coordinate with El'Sha'is and plan on using combined stealth ship and stealth suit teams to scout the nearest asteroid fields and planets. With what we've learned of this system, we're going to need greater resources before moving forward with our mission."

His stealth force commander nodded and fell back to converse with the admiral, leaving Shadowhunter to focus on organizing the rest of his forces. Humans, tyranids, and who knows what else. And these reports... This mission will be taxing.

GM

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Should I PM anything my force would want to communicate to the various NPC Tau factions, or post them here in spoilers? Also, what sort of Tau forces are in system besides my own, assuming said forces are allies.

[GnomeGninjas]

The Shattered Mind

Lobnaeth was happy, they had exited the webway right near a juicey imperial world with a fair population and quite a few Space Marines and other champions of humanity, champions of humanity are great for experiments and it is always fun to see the Imperial's reaction to finding on of their saints wallowing in the mud like a pig and denying all loyalty to the Imperium. "Ork 54, please open comunications with our craftworld kin, and our dark-city fellows I have to tell them something." An ork who have been standing silently beside him silently obeys.

Since I can only send one message out of system I'm not sure if I can send it to multiple people, if it can't be to multiple people than this message is just to Dark Eldar and Eldan. If I can send to multiple people then the other Eldar can read as well.

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"Hello brothers, despite our differences I believe that we can work together, some of us may be craftworlds dwellers who worship dead gods and do things that betray the very meaning of the word Eldar but we are all still Eldar none the less and there for we will triumph becuase we are better than anybody else. I would be willing to help you capture slaves or find pricelss treasures or obey silly things your seers tell you or what ever if you guys also help me. Don't destroy my ships and help me with my battle as well, if you guys want me to signifigently put my neck out for you then I would because you are my kin and I'm sure you would be eager to ship me a few of your citizens in return as well as help me out in a similer situation. If you have any concerns contact me I hope that this agreement will work out favorably to all parties." The transmission ends.

Game Master

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I am going to move my fleet to Hyperion I and III 1/4th of my fleet going to each of those worlds, then dispatch ground troops to the Space Port of Hyperion I and to the abandoned mine on Hyperion III. I am going to try to keep the ships as safe as possible but unfortunatly that means that the ground troops will have to disembark prematurely and less carfuly so the ships can stay out of reach of the planitary defenses as much as possible.

[Eldan]

Reïanar Tan-Lerunoc

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The transmission is faint, flickering, as if relayed by a weak psyker.
"No seers. No gods. In the void, there is only the hunt."

[League]

Mad Mek Madnutz

The ground seemed to rumble from the noise coming from work sheds Mad Mek Madnutz had set up when he arrived from warp a week ago. The pounding of hammers, the roar of machinery, the explosions never seemed to stop. Already there was grey smog in the air and the nearby river had turned to a shade of brown as the sheds polluted at a very impressive rate. There were now plenty of weapons and devices to entice the native orks into joining Madnutz.

Quite down ya idiots im trying to er what da other bossz av to say.

To Ork factions

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Madnutz ere, I agree wit ya, best work together. All with looting but best keep some boyz ere in case some gits come by,

[puppyavenger]

To Inquisitor Steiner, Hyperion Home Guaed

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Wonderful, we shall begin by purging the enforcer corps of those who are unreliable or less then totally devout in their duties, in order to ensure that no attempted coup or mutiny could get off the ground

To Hyperion Battle Fleet

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The Saint will be journeying to relieve the pilgrims currently besieged in the inner system, and would request an escort in force in case there ate more of the green scrum nearby

[LCP]

High above the dull, angry orb of Daemon's Reach, a ripple passed through the shifting fields of dust and debris that circled the planet. There was a long moment of stillnesss.

Appearing slowly at first, a worm of bruised light appeared against the void. It lengthened and spread, sparks of red and purple whipping out from its jagged edges like cracks in glass. The debris field puckered and distorted, the rift sucking in streamers of glittering dust as it grew, hundreds of kilometres long.

In one livid flare of light, a great arrowhead prow surged through the widening rift. Banks of macrocannons followed it, dragging behind them a towering bridge and a fat cluster of blazing engines. The ship shook as it drove back into realspace like a dagger, strings of warp-stuff clinging to every nook and crevice in its ancient architecture.

As the jaws of the rift closed behind it, the Harbinger of Despair killed its engines, gliding away from the collapsing tear in space-time on its momentum alone. Micro-asteroids broke and scattered against the heavy cruiser's void shields, streaming around it in a lozenge of sliding rock dust. Along the lines of its pitted hull, sickly lights winked into life, heavy shutters pulling back in constellations of yellow and green.

On the bridge, seven towering figures gazed out at the dark planet far below. Six of them looked round to the seventh. The seventh held silence.

To the Forces of Chaos

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Arcturius. Death Guard cruiser Harbinger acknowledges your communication.

We bring the Long War to the servants of the corpse god. All other objectives secondary.

M.

GMs

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Can I get as much information as is available on the planets of the Megiddo system, please?

[Falgorn]

The Dark Claws of Xalxes
Aboard his flagship, The Frenzied Vanguard, a Dauntless Light Cruiser of, obviously, Imperial origin, Xalxes grew bored. He had been appointed to lead the Vanguard after his daring actions in securing the vessel. He remembered the battle fondly; while it certainly wasn't as swashbuckler-esque as Blackheart's taking of the Wolf of Fenris, Xalxes certainly enjoyed the bloodshed and carnage rendered upon the Imperial troops. Piracy wasn't about profit to Xalxes, it was about joy.
But he took no joy in sitting aboard an idle ship. The pleasures of warfare were eluding him now, and knowing that enemy forces were alive and active relatively nearby only taunted him further. These things were of no matter at the moment, though; Xalxes had to coordinate with those who pledge allegiance to the Ruinous Powers.
To Chaos Forces:

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Forces of the Dark Gods, hear my words: I am Xalxes of the Red Corsairs, commander of the Frenzied Vanguard, and warlord of my "Dark Claws." In the coming days, we shall destroy any and all who oppose the will of the Ruinous Powers.

General, I have thoughts on the matters presented. You say you are suited for ground based operations - my forces are opposite. We fight amongst the stars. If we were to pool our collective powers, we could cause havoc in the region.

I suggest we strike the Imperials quickly, and without remorse. They will, no doubt, be one of the largest threats in the area; if they can be dispatched quickly, we will have much more room to maneuver. The hulks can be plundered later, as well, after some foolhardy explorers are killed by whatever horrors lurk in them. Those are my thoughts on the matter.

-Warlord Xalxes, of the Dark Claws.

[dhenn]

The Shattered Mind

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The Kabal of the Amethyst Flame has survived for five centuries with no need for your assistance. That has scarcely changed.

That said, these crossroads are ripe with targets, so there should be no reason we cannot pursue our own paths independently. If you abide by two key principles we shall have no reason to quarrel.

Most importantly, the mon-keigh and the rest must not discover the location of the webway gates. If we cannot move about freely the pleasure of this excursion is greatly diminished.

Secondly, you shall not harm or hinder our forces. We shall afford you the same luxury, as long as we have no cause to regret that decision.

We are confident you shall find these principles agreeable, and abide by them.

[Umbranar]

Da Mek Geneeuzuz

To Madnutz

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I thought ya own gunz might hav blown yer 'ead off a while ago.
Da boyz in da starwachtas notices da big ship enterin Tarsus system. It lookz like it be broken but haz great deal o metal. Wanna split da profit? Me boyz tink da yer gunz on our tankz and Gargants would giv da best boom.

[Imperial Psycho]

96th Ornesian Rifles

Colonel Sebastian Dorn stood alone,. watching the Hyperion Hive. He wore the faded white and grey battle armour of a Guardsman in the 96th. He had always hated Hive Worlds. Impossible to defend, unruly, and as likely to spit out gangs as Guardsmen.

Still, it was his first field deployment, and he felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. There was a heavy Guard presence on Hyperion, and not all of them saw eye-to-eye. But as long as we all serve the Emperor, what does it matter?

To Imperial factions

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I agree with these prioritys. However, I do not think the full might of the Emperor will be needed to deal with these Ork Pirates. With permission, I would send my men to secure the mine.

[Sheep Overlord]

Hyperion Battlefleet

Admiral Acclay thumped the flickering pictcaster, bringing it back into focus with a hiss of static, before ordering his assistant to bring the communications reports. The officer on-screen relayed preliminary scanning information about the immediate area, and was dismissed before the communications reached the admiral's hands.

He sifted through the files on the dataslate; most were routine communications and promptly archived. A few, however, required his personal review and response. Flagging those, he perused them more thoroughly and typed a quick response. Handing the dataslate back to his assistant, he opened another channel on the pictcaster and began to issue orders. Momentarily, the fleet began to move.

Re: Saint:

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Request granted. The bulk of our navy shall escort you and provide logistical support in the effort to relieve the pilgrims.

Re: Black Brigade:

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Request granted. An escort force will be provided. Be advised that the majority of the battlefleet is moving to escort and engage pirates on Hyperion I, so a full force cannot be provided. In the event of major naval confrontation, your escort is to run screening tactics and reconnaisance before retreating. Your transports are advised to do the same.

Imperial Factions:

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Battlefleet Hyperion moving to Hyperion I to provide logistical support and anti-piracy measures; communications and auspex hub to be established there. Elements moving to Hyperion II. Recommend against moving to Hyperion III-VI until I and II have been secured to avoid overextension. Request that first contact with xenos in system be reported immediately for purging with extreme force to ensure good morale among local civilians, which should prevent them from hindering the war effort with riots or protests. We cannot afford to divert military resources to handle such heretical insurgency at this time.

[The Zoat]

The Tyranids: HFKronos Splinter alpha

Broodlord M was displeased. HIGHLY displeased. How hard can it be to control tyranids? They barely have free will! This one was different. This one was ANNOYING. This one was- "Rwuff!" "Okay fine, you will get your 'biscuits'", M replied to the drooling Hive Tyrant, "Now leave me alone!"

He hated that thing. "M, your annual training report is here." said the Tyranid Prime as he entered the chambers. "Hurry up and give it to me. I'm not feeling particularly patient, so you know." "Okay," replied Prime, handing over the clipboard-like 'nid.

"So how are our negotiations with the nearby Tau going, Prime?" "The zoats still haven't arrived yet, M. Have some patience at least." "Very well, Prime. If they succeed we will have allies. If they fail or die, we have reserves and not to mention lunch." Prime began leaving but froze as M left him with parting words.

"Don't give me any losers, Prime. I won't forgive you if you do."

[razovor]

The Klantaek Dynasty

To the Orks

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Message Designation: Alliance Proposal

Terms of Alliance:

• Orc forces granted sovereignty over two of the following planets; Tarsus I, Tarsus II or Tarsus V.
• Remaining two planets granted to the Necrons.
• Ork and Necron forces granted permission to move freely around this sector. Must remain more than two galactic hectares away from each others planets.
• Ork and Necron forces will not deliberately attack others territories or forces.
• Other items of interest in the sector to be divided based on nearest planet, or future agreement.
• Permission retained to exchange planets later on if both parties consider it mutually beneficial.
• Necrons to inform Orks of items of Ork interest found during explorations. Orks to inform Necrons of items of Necron interest found during explorations. So that an mutually beneficial trade can be arranged.

Reasoning:

• Necron forces to small to be considered threat at this time.
• Both factions benefit from cessation of hostilities, both in casualties prevented due to lack of fighting, and ability to reduce garrison on worlds due to lower threat.
• Both factions benefit from trade of Ork and Necron items of interest.
• Potential for stronger alliance in the future. Joint military action. Destruction of mutual threats.