The Black Spiral - The Deployment Zone's 40k Campaign - Chapter 2: Treachery!

The Deployment Zone's Black Spiral Campaign 

Chapter 2: Treachery!

Hello and welcome everyone to Chapter 2 of the Black Spiral Campaign.  I would like to thank everyone for the 32 submissions we received which has triggered this plot development.  Enjoy and the next set of missions will be available October 4th.

Inquisitor Hexx:

Access Inquisitorial Log: Hexx 6-14-638.882 Sigma Centari
Passcode: Epsilon Delta 8 3 2 Phi 9 2 4 Gamma

Servitor Program:

[Initiate Retinal Scan]
[Welcome Inquisitor]

Inquisitor Hexx:

Inquisitorial Journal Entry for Leviticus Hexx of Ordo Maleus
Imperial Date is the 7^th day of the 8^th Lunar Cycle of the Charon system, in the year M41.638
 
Acolyte Garroth Malek failed to retrieve the xenos archeotech upon the surface of XC-9.  Upon arrival on planet's surface, the residents had been alerted to intruders and inflicted heavy casualties upon Malek's forces.  Malek had been unable to penetrate the perimeter of the compound and as a result had to withdraw.  Acolyte Malek's faith in the will of the Emperor has shown signs of wavering these past few weeks, perhaps a visit to the purification chambers would renew his faith.  His absolute failure is evidence of this fact.

Computer - schedule Acoylte Gareth Malek a security clearance downgrade to Beta and 72 hours of purification at the hands of  Xander.  Acolyte Gareth Malek is to be contained within his hab cell until he is moved to his scheduled purifcation.

Acolyte Princepia was able to note a small group leaving the scene as our forces arrived.  She pursued the group which consisted of at least 40 heavily armed men and she saw they were dragging a very large object on multiple hoverpads.   Acolyte Princepia dispatched a sentry that wore the uniform of one of Inquisitor Menoch DeOrc vanguard.  The armed force then moved the object, which by her estimates was 11 meters long and weighed several tons, on to a waiting shuttle that took off into the night sky.

Has Inquisitor DeOrc betrayed me?  Why were his men on the scene and what did they recover from the compound?  Was the large object part of the Black Spiral that I seek?  By seeking council with DeOrc have I been betrayed by another's agenda?  I must know what has transpired.  I will get answers one way or another. 

Time to set a trap.

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx signing off.

The Emperor Protects.

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Inquisitor Hexx:
Access Inquisitorial Security Network: Hexx 6-14-638.882 Sigma Centari
Passcode:  Zeta Rho 5 6 9 Kappa 2
Voice Recognition: The Emperor Protects
 
Servitor Program:
[Initiate Retinal Scan]
[Welcome Inquisitor]

Inquisitor Hexx:

Computer, Initiate Dispatch to Inquisitor DeOrc, Calixian Conclave – Ordo Xenos – Inquisitorial Identification Code: Sigma Kappa 3 3 2 Delta Delta 9 Kappa.

Initiating Missive:

Menoch,

I have recently unearthed what could be a very powerful xenos archeotech upon the surface of XC-9 and I am unable to decipher what it's purpose is or how dangerous it is.  I am petitioning your assistance in this matter as you are the resident and leading expert on Xenos technology.  The entire item is covered and inscribed with the sick and demented language of the Eldar. 

if we could meet somewhere, I could bring the artifact with me and you could examine it there.  I am desperate to ensure the safety of the residents of this star system.

In the Emperor’s Name we Trust.

Inquisitor Hexx

Inquisitor Hexx:

Send Dispatch
Close Security Portal

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Inquisitor Hexx:

Access Inquisitorial Log: Hexx 6-14-638.882 Sigma Centari
Passcode: Epsilon Delta 8 3 2 Phi 9 2 4 Gamma

Servitor Program:

[Initiate Retinal Scan]
[Welcome Inquisitor]

Inquisitor Hexx:

Inquisitorial Journal Entry for Leviticus Hexx of Ordo Maleus
Imperial Date is the 16^th day of the 8^th Lunar Cycle of the Charon system, in the year M41.638
 
Inquisitor Deorc has responded to my request and has "graciously" agreed to meet with me to examine the artifact we discussed.  Our conversation leads me to believe that he does not suspect that he is aware that I know of his treachery.  We shall meet on the surface of planet XC-9 this time two days from now.

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx signing off.

The Emperor Protects.

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[Initializing Pictograph -1130A.15DD.79991-]

[Error Initializing PIctograph - Video corrupted]

[Initializing Audio from Pictograph -1130A.15DD.79991-]

[Initializing Audio to Tele-transcription conversion protocols, Pictograph corruption detected]

[Tele-transcription Initialized]

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx: Menoch, it is good to see you Inquisitor.  Thank you for agreeing to meet with me with such haste.

Inquisitor Menoch DeOrc: You are most welcome Leviticus but your missive was most troubling, where is this xenotech you spoke of in your missive?

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx: It's here and we'll get to it in a moment, I wanted to ask you a few things before we got started my dear friend.  Things that have been most troubling to me that I think you may be able to provide answers to.

Inquisitor Menoch DeOrc: Absolutely my friend, what do you need to know?

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx:  Good, this is good we are forging a stronger bond already!  Too often than I would care to admit, Inquisitors double cross each other in pursuit of their own agendas and I'm glad that we have a relationship that does not lend to such cut-throat behavior.  That said, I had sent you a missive concerning a xenos artefact several months ago upon the surface of XC-9.  Do you remember that missive?

Inquisitor Menoch DeOrc: Of course I do Leviticus, that is why I assumed you reached out to me again.  You appear to have found what you were looking for on the surface of XC-9 no?

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx: Actually Menoch, no. But I believe you did.

Inquisitor Menoch DeOrc: What are you talking about Menoch? 

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx:  Come now Menoch, do you actually expect me to believe you did not send one of your shock troop regiments down to the surface of XC-9 and that you did not recover an arte[cccchkkkzzzzzaaaaazzzzzzzzz] *data corruption* [ccchuuuuueeeeeeeeekkkkkkkk] was 11 meters long and load it upon your ship and on the very night I had my raid planned?

Inquisitor Menoch DeOrc:  Leviticus you must be mista..

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx:  Do not lie to me DeOrc!  You sent a covert foray and stole the artefact before I could even get there leaving my men to be butchered like swine when they attempted to infiltrate!

Inquisitor Menoch DeOrc:  Leviticus, let me explain.  The artifact you seek is too dangerous, your Interrogator Vallon showed me the text you were stud...Leviticus put that gun away you dare draw a weapon upon another agent of the Throne?

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx:  Inquisitor Menoch DeOrc of the Ordo Xenos, I find you guilty of heresy against the Throne.  You have transpired against another Inquisitor to prevent the salvation of the Imperium.  For that reason I declare you...

Inquisitor Menoch DeOrc:  Have you lost your mind?  There is no heresy there.  I am acting on orders above our station to bring in this xenotech and protect others like yourse....

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx:  ... Heretic.  You will now burn for your crimes against the Imperium.

[shouting from multiple unidentified sources]

Inquisitor Menoch DeOrc:  You have lost your mind, I am no heretic you fool!  You are pursuing something that you do not understand.  The Conclave bid me to retrieve the weapon before it fell into the wrong hands.  Order your men to stand down!

I repeat, order your men to stand down Leviti...

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx:  Do not say my name HERETIC!  OPEN FIRE!

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Mission Scenario A – The Firefight

 The Armies:

A points value of 1,500 to 2,000 points per side is recommended for this mission.

The Battlefield:
The Firefight will use the Vanguard Strike deployment.

.
Deployment:
Before  deploying their forces, players should first roll for their Warlord Traits.  Once the Warlord Traits have been determined, the players will roll off to determine who is The Attacker and the Defender.  Both players will then roll off the winner choosing which side they wish to deploy in.  The Defender will then deploy their forces first followed by the Attacker after. 

First Turn:
The Attacker goes first unless the Defender spots them coming and can Seize the Initiative. 

Game Length:
This game uses variable game length as described on page 122 of the BRB.

The Mission:
The Attacker:

Primary Mission is Purge the Alien.  
Secondary Mission: None

The Defender:

Primary Mission is Purge the Alien.
Secondary Mission: None

Victory Conditions:
Each Mission has their own Victory conditions.

Should the player meet the Victory Conditions for their Primary Mission, then that player receives 5 Battle Points.  Should the player also reach the victory conditions for their Secondary Mission, they then receive 3 Battle Points.  

The secondary objectives of each mission are worth 1 Battle Point each (Slay the Warlord, First Blood, Linebreaker).

Should the Attacker accomplish the secondary objective of Slay the Warlord - it is worth 3 Battle Points.

Should the Defender have their Warlord alive at the end of the game then they are granted - 3 Battle Points.

The player with the most Battle Points or BP’s at the end is the winner of the scenario.

Mission Special Rules:
Nightfighting, Reserves.

Should the Defender win “The Firefight” scenario, then both players may also play the second mission as well.

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 Mission Scenario B – Righteous Indignation

 The Armies:

A points value of 1,500 to 2,000 points per side is recommended for this mission.

The Battlefield:
The Hunt Begins will use the Dawn of War deployment.  Players roll off to see who chooses which side of the table.

Place a Primary Objective:

After setting up terrain, the players take it in turns to place a single Primary Objective marker in their own table half.  Normal restrictions for placing markers apply.

Deployment:
Before  deploying their forces, players should first roll for their Warlord Traits.  Once the Warlord Traits have been determined, the players will roll off to determine who is The Attacker and the Defender.  The Defender will then deploy their forces first followed by the Attacker after. 

First Turn:
The Attacker goes first unless the Defender spots them coming and can Seize the Initiative. 

Game Length:
This game uses variable game length as described on page 122 of the BRB.

The Mission:
The Attacker:

Primary Mission is The Emperors Will.
Secondary Mission: Purge the Alien

The Defender:

Primary Mission is: The Emperor's Will.
Secondary Mission: Purge the Alien.

Victory Conditions:
Each Mission has their own Victory conditions.

Should the player meet the Victory Conditions for their Primary Mission, then that player receives 5 Battle Points.  Should the player also reach the victory conditions for their Secondary Mission, they then receive 3 Battle Points.  

In The Emperor's Will Mission - the Attacker scores 5 Battle Points for claiming the Defender's Primary Objective.

In The Emperor's Will Mission - the Defender may use the Heavy Metal rule (Big Guns Never Tire Mission p.128) in this scenario.

The secondary objectives of each mission are worth 1 Battle Point each (Slay the Warlord, First Blood, Linebreaker).

The player with the most Battle Points or BP’s at the end is the winner of the scenario.

Mission Special Rules:
Nightfighting, Reserves, Mysterious Objectives.

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The Black Spiral – The Deployment Zone’s 40k Campaign – Chapter 1: The Hunt Begins

The Black Spiral – The Deployment Zone’s 40k Campaign – Chapter 1: The Hunt Begins

 

 

Inquisitor Hexx:
Access Inquisitorial Security Network: Hexx 6-14-638.882 Sigma Centari
Passcode:  Zeta Rho 5 6 9 Kappa 2
Voice Recognition: The Emperor Protects
 
Servitor Program:
[Initiate Retinal Scan]
[Welcome Inquisitor]

Inquisitor Hexx:

Computer, Initiate Dispatch to Acolyte Garroth Malek – Inquisitorial Identification Code: Tau Delta 8 8 9.  Initiate Dispatch to Inquisitor DeOrc, Calixian Conclave – Ordo Xenos – Inquisitorial Identification Code: Sigma Kappa 3 3 2 Delta Delta 9 Kappa.

Record Missive:

Acolyte Malek,

There has been a rumor of a possibly dangerous Xenos artifact upon the surface of planet XC-9.  You are being dispatched immediately to investigate this rumor and report back your findings.  You have been granted Gamma level resource allocation, and full access to the ships Imperial Guard and Naval ground forces upon this ship.  You will find the attached dossier which contains the planets information and locations of possible sites.  Expect threat level to be Malleus Majorus or higher.  Proceed with extreme caution.

In the Emperor’s Name we Trust.

Inquisitor Hexx

Inquisitor Hexx:

Send Dispatch
Close Security Portal

Servitor Program – metallic/robotic voice:

[Message Dispatched to TD889>]
[Message Dispatched to SK332DD9K]
[Portal closed, good-bye Inquisitor]

 

The Deployment Zone podcast would like to kick off the Black Spiral campaign with Chapter 1: the Hunt Begins!  The campaign will be a four month long event with updates both on the podcast and this blog.
Please remember to email your results to john@thedeploymentzone.com and I will compile them for the next chapter. 

You may find the information and rules here.

The Black Spiral, as mentioned before, is a weighted campaign where the results of the previous chapter will determine the missions and storyline moving forward.  Players are encouraged to also send battle reports and summaries in as well and I will do my best to post them.

 

 Mission Scenario A – The Hunt Begins

 The Armies:

A points value of 1,500 to 2,000 points per side is recommended for this mission.

The Battlefield:
The Hunt Begins will use the Dawn of War deployment.

Before placing terrain, place a counter or coin in the center of the battlefield to represent the Relic.  Note that in this mission, no impassible or lethal terrain can be placed in the center of the board.

Deployment:
Before  deploying their forces, players should first roll for their Warlord Traits.  Once the Warlord Traits have been determined, the players will roll off to determine who is The Attacker and the Defender.  The Defender will then deploy their forces first followed by the Attacker after. 

First Turn:
The Attacker goes first unless the Defender spots them coming and can Seize the Initiative. 

Game Length:
This game uses variable game length as described on page 122 of the BRB.

The Mission:
The Attacker:

Primary Mission is The Relic
Secondary Mission: Purge the Alien

The Defender:

Primary Mission is Purge the Alien.
Secondary Mission: The Relic

Victory Conditions:
Each Mission has their own Victory conditions.

 

Should the player meet the Victory Conditions for their Primary Mission, then that player receives 5 Battle Points.  Should the player also reach the victory conditions for their Secondary Mission, they then receive 3 Battle Points. 

The secondary objectives of each mission are worth 1 Battle Point each (Slay the Warlord, First Blood, Linebreaker).

The player with the most Battle Points or BP’s at the end is the winner of the scenario.

Mission Special Rules:
Nightfighting, Reserves.

Should the Defender win “The Hunt Begins” scenario, then both players may also play the second mission as well.

Mission Scenario B - Breaking and Entering

The Armies:
A points value of 500 points is recommended for this mission. 

The Force Organization changes for this battle thusly:
Attacker: Min 1 HQ, Min 1 Troop OR 1 Elite
Defender: Min 1 HQ, Min 2 Troop or 1 Troop and 1 Heavy.

Restrictions: Neither Attacker nor Defender may use Vehicles (Tanks, Walkers, Transports, Bikes – Jetbikes however are allowed, Skimmers, Chariots) or Cavalry.  Nor may either side use Fliers. 

The Battlefield:
The Battlefield is a small frigate that has not yet left the planet’s orbit.  The Defenders having won the previous scenario have decided to move their Relic to a new location.  Therefore the battlefield is the hull of a ship. 

The Battlefield is to be played upon a 2’ x 4’ board.

 

The Breaking and Entering mission will use a modified Hammer and Anvil deployment.

Before placing terrain, place a counter or coin in the center of the battlefield to represent the Relic.  Note that in this mission, no impassible or lethal terrain can be placed in the center of the board.

Please try to mimic the displayed map as much as possible to represent the corridors and walls of a frigate in space.

Deployment:
Before  deploying their forces, players should first roll for their Warlord Traits.  Once the Warlord Traits have been determined, the players will roll off to determine who is The Attacker and the Defender.  The Defender will then deploy their forces first followed by the Attacker after. 

The Attacker may set up within 6” of their board edge.

The Defender may set up within 12” of their board edge.  (Please disregard the incorrect label on the map that should read 12”)

First Turn:
The Attacker goes first unless the Defender spots them coming and can Seize the Initiative. 

Game Length:
This game uses variable game length as described on page 122 of the BRB.

The Mission:

The Mission is a modified The Relic mission, where the goal is to capture the Relic and bring it to your short board edge. The Relic will follow all the same mission special rules as the BRB mission.

Victory Conditions:
The player who brings the Relic to their board edge in their deployment zone wins the Mission. 

Secondary Objectives for this mission are: Slay the Warlord and First Blood.

Winning the Scenario is worth 3 BP’s.

Each Secondary Objective is worth 1 BP each.

Mission Special Rules:

Nightfighting will be in effect the first turn due to the power loss of the Attackers breaching the frigate’s hull. 

Deepstrike may only be used by Chaos Daemons.

Please email the results to john@thedeploymentzone.com and I will compile the results before I release the next mission pack.  Please don’t hesitate to email me also with any questions you may have about the above missions.

Thank you for playing and I look forward to everyone’s involvement!

The Deployment Zone's - Black Spiral Campaign: Prelude - Part III

The Deployment Zone's - Black Spiral Campaign: Prelude - Part III

 

 



Inquisitor Hexx:

Access Inquisitorial Log: Hexx 6-14-638.882 Sigma Centari
Passcode: Epsilon Delta 8 3 2 Phi 9 2 4 Gamma

Servitor Program:

[Initiate Retinal Scan]
[Welcome Inquisitor]

Inquisitor Hexx:

Inquisitorial Journal Entry for Leviticus Hexx of Ordo Maleus
Imperial Date is the 14^th day of the 6^th Lunar Cycle of the Charon system, in the year M41.638
 
Tobias has finally translated the entire text.  It has taken him almost two years but he has finally discovered what the witches were doing on that planet.  The Eldar had developed a weapon they called “The Black Spiral”.  This weapon was capable of destroying planets with a single shot but the Eldar only used it once according to these records.  They said the weapon’s power came at “too great a cost”. 
 
Tobias says that the Eldar, fearful of the power they could have unleashed upon the galaxy, dismantled the Black Spiral after its first foray into space.  The Eldar then spirited away the parts of this Black Spiral and hid them across the cosmos, never to be reunited for fear of the death that would follow this weapon’s reawakening.  Tobias states that this book contains a reference to where one of the pieces may reside.  I have decided to dispatch our forces to the edge of the Charon system to investigate a possible lead.
 
My Interrogator Vallon cautions me that I am devoting too many resources to this search and he is concerned that we are chasing ghosts as he put it.  What Vallon does not realize is that mankind is losing a war against the Ruinous Powers.  Mankind needs such a weapon with the constant attacks by Xenos and Chaos.  What is too great a cost when it means that mankind can survive? 

What right does this race of degenerate witches have to determine what is too great a cost in the war against chaos?  What do they know of sacrifice?  If we could fire this weapon into the Eye of Terror, it could wipe out chaos entirely.  Does Vallon not realize that this could turn the tide against the Ruinous Powers?

And what is too much to sacrifice to reach this goal?  What is the life of one person or the lives of ten, twenty, one hundred?  Are a thousand too many? Or maybe even ten thousand, maybe a million…a billion.  When does it stop for us, when is it “too great a sacrifice”.  I won’t have some pointy eared witch telling me what is too much.  Not when the fate of the universe and the struggle against Chaos hangs in the balance.  No sacrifice is too great.  The Imperium of Mankind must survive… at any cost.

 I must find this weapon.

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx signing off.

The Emperor Protects.

The Deployment Zone's - Black Spiral Campaign: Prelude - Part II

The Deployment Zone's - Black Spiral Campaign: Prelude - Part II

Inquisitor Hexx:

Access Inquisitorial Log: Hexx 11-07-637.882 Sigma Centari
Passcode: Epsilon Delta 8 3 2 Phi 9 2 4 Gamma

 Servitor Program:

[Initiate Retinal Scan]
[Welcome Inquisitor]
 
Inquisitor Hexx:
Inquisitorial Journal Entry for Leviticus Hexx of Ordo Maleus
Imperial Date is the 7th day of the 11^th Lunar Cycle of the Charon system, in the year M41.637

It has been fourteen months since I have been sent to the Charon system and no major trace of the Great Enemy has been uncovered.  As my previous journal entries state, numerous minor heretical cells have been discovered, purified and purged in His Name but nothing on the scale of a major uprising or matter of concern.  We will continue to be vigilant nonetheless.

Tobias has continued to translate the xenos text and his discoveries have yielded something most interesting.  The script and dialect that the eldar used in this journal is ancient even according to their race and according to the pages, the Eldar were at war with an unknown adversary that we have yet to determine.  The report states that there are numerous mentions of something called “the Black Spiral” but he is unable to determine exactly who or what that pertains to.  One thing Tobias is certain of though is that something major happened here that resulted in the planet being abandoned by the Eldar.

This will require more investigation perhaps…

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx signing off.

The Emperor Protects.

The Deployment Zone's - Black Spiral Campaign: Prelude - Part I

The Deployment Zone's - Black Spiral Campaign: Prelude - Part I

Inquisitor Hexx:

Access Inquisitorial Log: Hexx 4-23-637.882 Sigma Centari
Passcode: Epsilon Delta 8 3 2 Phi 9 2 4 Gamma

Servitor Program

[Initiate Retinal Scan]
[Welcome Inquisitor]

Inquisitor Hexx:
Inquisitorial Journal Entry for Leviticus Hexx of Ordo Malleus
Imperial Date is the 23^rd day of the 4^th Lunar Cycle of the Charon system, in the year M41.637

Rumors of infernalism and heresy in the Charon system have drawn the attention of the Lords of the Ordo Malleus. 

In order to justify mounting concerns of losing an entire system to chaos, my superiors dispatched me to the Charon system to ensure there is no trace of the Great Enemy. 

Today has yielded the first break through of the past seven cycles in my investigation.  Tobias, my adept, had finally translated the first few pages of that ancient tome my acolytes discovered in the ruins of some sort of Xenos base on Charon IV. 

I had been concerned that this tome and its contents held nefarious and infernal secrets so while Tobias sat in a protective circle and translated the archaic words, an entire squad of storm troopers kept watch with hellguns ready in case possession occurred.  I was not about to have another repeat of the Langstrom IX.  Adepts are easy to replace, frigates are not. 

I have reviewed the report Tobias sent me along with the translated script and the tome seems to be a journal or record of what appears to be an Eldar witch, a farseer they call themselves.  These xenos filth apparently inhabited this world in ages past and were apparently embroiled in some sort of conflict against an enemy that Tobias and I have yet to ascertain. 

I will have Tobias continue to translate this text, the reports from my acolytes state that the ruin’s layout seemed to lend itself to being a fortress of some sort.  This will require more investigation.   While I find no trace of the Ruinous powers thus far, these xenos ruins intrigue me and will require more investigation.

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx signing off.

The Emperor Protects.