The Deployment Zone’s Black Spiral Campaign - Chapter 5: Judgment

The Deployment Zone’s Black Spiral Campaign

Chapter 5: Judgment

Hello everyone and welcome to Chapter 5 of the Black Spiral Campaign.  I would like to thank everyone for the 62 submissions we received which has triggered this final plot development.  The Campaign itself has received 226 total submissions and I would like to thank every player that contributed to the campaign.  The results will be read over the Deployment Zone Podcast in January of 2014 along with the raffle winners.  Thank you again for playing and enjoy the final chapter!

[[Transmission Initiated]]

[[Inquisitorial Servitor Drone Sigma- One One Four Two]]
[[Location: Aboard the Space Hulk determined to be the Eldar Craftworld of Alcazzara]]
[[Atmospheric Conditions: Faint Atmosphere, suitable breathing conditions for Homo sapiens]]
[[Gravity Conditions: Unstable, Gravity Stabilization systems aboard the Craftworld seem damaged; gravity fluctuates randomly for undetermined periods of time.]]
[[Initiating Return Protocols]]
[Transmission Terminated]]

 

 

Servitor Program – Ios V872.113 Alpha

[[Inquisitorial Conclave Concordance – Calixian Conclave]]
[[Facial Recognition Program Engaged…]]
[[Facial Recognition Program Executed.]]
[[Initiated Vox-recorder]]

[Inquisitor Alexius Morgenson] – You dispatched a Vindicare without consulting the Council?  You have passed judgment on one of our fellow Inquisitors without even the benefit of a trial?  You have gone too far this time Gerin, too far!

[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt] – Alexius, Leviticus has already passed beyond the realm of reasonable justification for his actions.  He has launched attacks on Imperial sites as well as Xenos sites to claim the arcaneotech.  He just authorized the virus bombing of a planet without…

[Inquisitor Alexius Morgenson] – A Xenos planet...

[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt] – A planet, none the less without sanction of this Council.  He has also engaged in a space battle with members of the Thelandira craftworld.  I have had to dispatch Astares to the region to discourage all-out war with the Eldar craftworld. 

[Inquisitor Dregor Thane] – I am aware that the Eldar are concerned about Leviticus obtaining this arcaenotech but do any of us actually think he will be able to make it work?  Are we perhaps over-reacting to the thought of a threat rather than an actual concern? 

[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt] – No, the threat is all too real.  Far too real for my liking.

[Inquisitor Alexius Morgenson] – Why do you say that Gerin?  What have you not told us?

[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt] – The Farseer of the Craftworld Thelandira contacted me; he said that this is not the first time that the Black Spiral has been discovered.  A piece of the Black Spiral was discovered shortly after the Horus Heresy by the Enemy…  If not for the timely intervention by the Ulthwe` Craftworld and their theft of the artifact then I fear the forces of the Great Enemy would have had the Black Spiral millennia ago.  And while their theft was a success, it was not before the enemy had learned some of the technology involved in designing the weapon.

[Inquisitor Alexius Morgensen] – How come we have never encountered this technology before then if the Enemy possesses it?

[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt] – Oh but we have before, many times.  The Planet Killer destroyed the worlds of Macharia and Urthwart. 

[Inquisitor Alexius Morgensen] – You mean that the Black Spiral was originally found by…

[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt] – Abaddon…

[Inquisitor Ilyana Vort] – Are you saying that the Armageddon gun is based off the Black Spiral?

[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt] – Yes, and you are all aware of the devastation that weapon can bring.  Imagine that weapon on a grander scale and that is what we are facing if we do not stop Leviticus Hexx and quickly.  We can not risk Abaddon learning of the weapon being sighted again or even worse finding Leviticus before we do.

[Inquisitor Dregor Thane] – So that is why you dispatched the Vindicare so quickly. 

[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt] – Yes and had the Eldar been more forthcoming with their information, I would have dispatched resources to prevent this from happening long ago.  I can only hope I acted in time.

[[Recording Ended]]

 

 

[[Aboard the Ulthwe` Craftworld]]

Warseer Corin Tahl’Veras – The signs and portents have foretold of this event Autarch.  The Council has made their decision.  It is up to you to lead our forces should this monkeigh take the wrong path.

Ranger-General Sylvos Greystorm – I am aware Warseer but I will mobilize our forces and enter the webway.

Warseer Corin Tahl-Veras  - The Seer Council shall join you in this endeavor Ranger-General.  The Black Spiral can not be awakened again.  We shall attend you to ensure its capture.

Ranger-General Sylvos Greystorm – As always, your presence and guidance are welcome Warseer. 

Warseer Corin Tahl-Veras – Oh we shall be doing more than guiding, we intend to fight!  A vision of a Black Cross on a white field looms heavily over this endeavor; I fear we may have another player in the game.  We must make haste but take heed.

 

 

[[Aboard the Black Templar Strike Cruiser “Journey’s End”]]

[[Pict Recorder Footage – Imperial Date 4^th day of the 2^nd Lunar Cycle of the Taros System, Dominion of Storms region]]

[[Sword-Brother Heinrich]] – Marshal , we have verified the whereabouts of the Silent Retribution.  It is currently heading towards the Corinthe system within the Dominion of Storms.  You were right to set us on this course.

[[Marshal Grayson Maddox]] – Excellent, we will set a course to intercept.

[[Sword-Brother Heinrich]] – Yes Marshall, at once.

[[Marshal Grayson Maddox]] – You may come out of the shadows Assassin.  I tolerate your presence on my ship but I will not tolerate eavesdropping.  I assume that you heard we are on target to intercept the Inquisitor.  Good.  Until then stay off my bridge unless summoned.  Now be gone.                             

[[End Transmission]]

 

 

[[Transmission Initiated]]

[[Inquisitorial Servitor Drone Sigma- One One Four Two]]
[[Location: Aboard the Space Hulk determined to be the Eldar Craftworld of Alcazzara]]
[[Atmospheric Conditions: Faint Atmosphere, suitable breathing conditions for Homo Sapiens]]
[[Gravity Conditions: Unstable, Gravity Stabilization systems aboard the Craftworld seem damaged; gravity fluctuates randomly for undetermined periods of time.]]
[[Pictrecorder Activated]]

Leviticus Hexx – What is the status Lieutenant?  Have the workers finished assembling the Black Spiral?

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – Yes sir, they are putting the finishing touches as per your instructions as we speak.  The weapon will be ready to be brought online soon sir.

Leviticus Hexx – Excellent, you know Lieutenant we are on the cusp of the Imperium’s salvation.  This weapon will bring about the supremacy of the Emperor’s light and peace throughout the galaxy.  They very may elevate me to Sainthood you know.  Yes a saint indeed!  Saint Leviticus!  The Sword of the Emperor they may call me, imagine a universe where Chaos does not exist and where man no longer has to fear the dark.  Where through divine providence I shall bring abou…

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – Sir?

Leviticus Hexx – …salvation through the very words of the Emperor of Mankind himself.  I shall deliver unto…

Lt. Aaron Maxwell  - Sir, we have reports of multiple ships entering the subsystem and heading this way.

Leviticus Hexx – the salvation of mankind and ..what?  How many ships you say?

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – It appears to be an Imperial Strike Cruiser and 3 Destroyer Support Ships and also what appears to be a Dragon Class Eldar Cruiser and 2 Nightshade Class Destroyers coming from another sector.  All of them are heading this way on what seems to be an intercept course.

Leviticus Hexx – No!  Quickly, have the captain send a contingent of soldiers here and then have him take the Silent Retribution and try to lure the ships away from the Space Hulk so that we can continue to bring the Black Spiral online!  Quickly now relay that message!

[[Transmission Interrupted]]

 

 

[[Transmission Restored]]

[[Inquisitorial Servitor Drone Sigma- One One Four Two]]
[[Pictrecorder Activated]]

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – Sir the Silent Retribution was able to lure the ships away.

Leviticus Hexx – Then bring the weapon online!

Lt. Aaron Maxwell - Sir!  The units deployed around the perimeter are reporting drop pod touch downs and spatial anomalies all over the area.

Leviticus Hexx – Tell them to marshal their forces and prepare for assault.  We must get this weapon online!

[[Transmission Interrupted]]

 

[[Transmission Restored]]

[[Inquisitorial Servitor Drone Sigma- One One Four Two]]
[[Pictrecorder Activated]]

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – Sir the weapon is ready to be fired.  But we are hearing weird reports of attacks all over the ship.

Leviticus Hexx – Target the Dragon Class Eldar ship and hurry!

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – Sir the Eldar ship has been targeted.

[Farseer Gilleath] – Inquisitor, please do not pursue this course of action.  Do not activate the weapon.

Leviticus Hexx – Get out of my head witch!

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – Sir?

[Farseer Gilleath] – Please Leviticus, do not jeopardize everyone by pursuing this path of madness.  The weapon is unstable.  You did not assemble it correctly. You have already murdered one world please do not include the galaxy in your quest of madness.  You are opening rifts to the warp all over the ship.   If you do not stop…

Leviticus Hexx – Begone from my mind witch!  I will not be swayed by your twisted lies and honeyed words.  You are in league with the Great Enemy!  You seek to steal the weapon for yourselves!  I will save the Imperium!  I will save everyone!

[Farseer Gilleath] – I’m so sorry Leviticus, I wish this could have ended differently.

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – The weapon is ready sir, at your command I’ll initiate the firing sequen…

Leviticus Hexx – No, I shall fire the weapon. Move over Lieutenant, the salvation of the Imperium begins…

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – Sir!  Inquisitor!  Silent Retribution this is Lt. Aaron Maxwell.  The Inquisitor is down; I repeat the Inquisitor is down!  We need a medic down here. We…

[Transmission Interrupted]

[Vindicare Assassin] – Assassin to Marshal Maddox.  The target has been neutralized.  I repeat.  The target has been neutralized.

Servitor Program – Ios V872.113 Alpha

[[Inquisitorial Conclave Concordance – Calixian Conclave]]
[[Facial Recognition Program Engaged…]]
[[Facial Recognition Program Executed.]]
[[Initiated Vox-recorder]]

[Inquisitor Dregor Thane] – The Vindicare Assassin reports that the once he had assassinated former Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx that a large portal opened up next to the Black Spiral weapon and dozens of Eldar wearing Black and Bone colored uniforms spilled out of it.  They were accompanied by several large Ogrun sized constructs that our records identify as Wraithguard who carried the weapon through the portal. 

[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt] – And what of the Black Templars?  How did our Astares fare? 

[Inquisitor Dregor Thane] – The Templars were assaulted by both Eldar bearing purple and red uniforms which bear the markings of the Craftworld Thelandira and also Daemons that were spilling forth from rifts and portals that were opening up all over the Space Hulk.  The daemonic incursions became so numerous that the Eldar and Templars were forced to fight alongside each other in a desperate alliance until the Eldar bearing what we now identify as the Ulthwe` craftworld markings came to their aid.  The three forces were able to fight off and expel the daemonic incursions then both Eldar forces withdrew and disappeared without a sound.

[Inquisitor Alexis Morgensen] – And what of the Black Spiral?  Did we recover any of it?

[Inquisitor Dregor Thane] – It appears that the Eldar disappeared with all traces of the artefact through the portal. 

[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt] – That is unfortunate but at the same time it appears that our immediate crisis has been averted.  The Eldar will more than likely hide that weapon away once again as they were none too eager to have it operational in the first place.  It also appears that we will need to launch an investigation into what caused our Inquisitor to fall to madness but for now let us move on to other matters.  Next on the agenda…

[[Transmission Ended]]

 

On behalf of the Deployment Zone Podcast and my blog, we thank you for your participation in the Deployment Zone’s Black Spiral Campaign.  Due to the success of this campaign where we fielded the results of over 200 games (226 games to be exact), I will be running another 40k and Fantasy campaign in 2014. 

Thank you again and Happy Holidays!

 

The Deployment Zone’s Black Spiral Campaign - Chapter 4: The Mouth of Madness

The Deployment Zone’s Black Spiral Campaign

Chapter 4: The Mouth of Madness

 

Hello everyone and welcome to Chapter 4 of the Black Spiral Campaign.  I first off would like to thank everyone who submitted their games for Chapter 3.  We received 75 submissions for Chapter 3 which brings the grand total of submissions to 161 for the campaign thus far.  This will be the final player phase of the Black Spiral Campaign at which point after this phase I will post the resolution and announce the winners of the lotto.  You may expect the Black Spiral Campaign Finale before the New Year as I will give the 4^th chapter until December 22^nd.    With that said, I would like to thank everyone for playing and enjoy the scenarios for Chapter 4 – The Mouth of Madness!

 

[[Pictrecorder on the bridge of The Silent Retribution, Dauntless-Class Light Cruiser]]

[Imperial Date is the 30^th day of the 3^rd Lunar Cycle of the Maccabes system, in the year M41.639]

Captain Jonah Orrealus – Lieutenant, I need a status report.

 Lt. Aaron Maxwell – Yes sir, we have crippled one of the Nightshade Class Destroyers and have forced the Dragon Class Cruiser to retreat due to heavy damage suffered on the last pass.  The last Nightshade Class Destroyer is circling again for another run and the Hellebore class Frigate is currently engaged with two wings of our fighters.   Our shields are running at 13% capacity and we have suffered damage along our bow and left flank along with one of our plasma reactors will need to be jettisoned soon in order to avoid detonation should they breach not be repaired.  Unless we can disable the Nightshades we may not be able to disengage and reach the warp gate.

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – I think I have an idea.  Captain how many IXV-39’s do you have on this ship?

Captain Jonah Orrealus – We keep 18 on hand sir along with 4 Incinerators.  I do not think they will have much of an effect on the ships sir, they are world killers.

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – Thank you Captain I am aware of their capabilities and uses.  Lieutenant, would you attempt to hail the Dragon Class Cruiser?

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – At once my Lord Inquisitor.  Sir the Dragon Class Cruiser is responding, on screen in a moment.

Farseer Gilleath – Have you decided to surrender Inquisitor and turn over the Black Spiral to my people?

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – No, actually quite the opposite witch.  You are going to call off your attack on my ship immediately and retreat out of our engagement zone.  My men recovered the artifact yesterday and brought it to the ship.  However while they were slaughtering your shrine guardians, one of your kind begged them not to reunite the four pieces.  I currently only have three.  So you are going to tell me where the fourth piece is located and you will tell me now.

Farseer Gilleath - You amuse me Monkeigh, your ship is heavily damaged.  You are outnumbered 4 to 1 and you have no chance of escaping this battle alive yet you give me demands?  Your race never fails to shock and amuse me with its irrational displays of illogical behavior.  You will turn over the three pieces you have collected of the Black Spiral so that we may properly lock it away like we should have eons ago.

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – This is what is going to happen you degenerate witch.  You will tell me what I want to know otherwise I will unload every single IXV-39 aboard this ship upon the surface of this world that your kind has inhabited.  In case you were unaware of what an IXV-39 does, it is a virus bomb that exterminates all life on a planet.  It reduces all organic matter into a grey sludge as the virulent toxins, viruses and bacteria in these bombs spread through the atmosphere in minutes.  Within minutes most of the world is dead or dying with little hope of survival.  The mass death of organic matter then releases incredible amounts of combustible gases into the atmosphere which we then ignite reducing this planet to a scorched, lifeless and uninhabitable rock forever more.  So how about you tell this “monkeigh” what he wishes to know.

Farseer Gilleath – You would kill an entire planet in the pursuit of your madness?

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – Really now Farseer, you result to insults?  I take that as your refusal to meet my terms then?  Captain would you be so kind as to begin the firing sequen…

Farseer Gilleath – No!  I will tell you what you need to know.  Just know that if you continue down this path it will only end with your destruction.  The Black Spiral was dismantled because it became a threat to the…

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – Yes, yes, yes.  Threat to the cosmos and so on…   Now where is the last part of the Black Spiral Farseer?  My patience is wearing thin.

Farseer Gilleath – Fine, fine.  When the Black Spiral was fired, it caused a deadly backlash that destroyed much of the ship it was housed upon.  We were unable to separate part of the weapon from the ship so we sent the ship adrift into the far reaches of space where it has been hidden for millennia.  I will send you the coordinates as to where the ship was last seen when we last patrolled the region. 

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – Lieutenant have your people received the coordinates?

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – Yes Lord Inquisitor.

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – Is there anything else you would care to share with us Farseer before we depart?  Do you have any dire portents or warnings about cataclysmic events that will happen once I have this weapon?  Cause now would be a good time to regale me with such tales.

Farseer Gilleath – You are foolish human, the Black Spiral will be the death of you.  I beg you to please stop this madness now.  Stop it before it’s too late.

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – Very well, thank you Farseer your cooperation has been most helpful.  As a reward for your assistance, Captain initiate the firing sequence of the IXV-39’s immediately.

Captain Jonah Orrealus – Virus bombing initiated!

Farseer Gilleath – Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx –  Farewell Farseer.  Have a nice day.  Lieutenant cut the feed.  Captain as soon as the firing sequence is done I want you to eject the plasma core into space behind us and detonate it when the Eldar craft comes close.  That should buy us some time to escape. 

Captain Jonah Orrealus – Virus bombing complete sir, 4 minutes until incendiaries are launched into the atmosphere.  We will also be able to eject the plasma core then and travel enough distance from it by then. 

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – Very well Captain, until them try to keep us alive so that we may escape this foray and set a course for the coordinates the witch provided us.

 

[[4 minutes later]]

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – Incendiaries ready sir! Plasma core ready to eject sir! 

Captain Jonah Orrealus – Fire the incendiaries, eject the core!  Wait until the Eldar craft is upon it before shooting it!

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – Incendiaries loosed sir!  Plasma core ejected!  Awaiting firing command on Plasma core!

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – Burn the witch!

Captain Jonah Orrealus – Full speed head! Fire upon the core! Fire!

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – Sir! Plasma core detonated right next to the Nightshade Class Destroyer.  She seems to be limping off and looks heavily damaged!

[End Recording]

 

[[Coded Inquisitorial Missive – Vermillion Level Clearance]]

[[Access Level – Verified]]
[[Decoding Message]]

                Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx has been reported to have virus bombed a planet without the sanction of the council.  It seems the planet he unleashed the full complement of virus bombs upon was what the Eldar refer to as an “exodite” or “maiden” world.  Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx has collected three out of four of the pieces to this “Black Spiral” arcaneotech that the Eldar Farseer referred to that Hexx has been hunting.  His actions could lead to all out war with several Eldar craftworlds unless steps are taken.
                Vindicare Assassins have been dispatched.

In the Emperor’s Name,

Lord Inquisitor Aleksander Rustov
Ordo Hereticus

[[Deleting Message…]]

 

Mission Scenario A – The Space Hulk

The Armies:

A point value of any size may be per side in this scenario.  Recommended size however is 1500-2000.

The Battlefield:

The Space Hulk will use the Hammer and Anvil deployment.  As this is a Space Hulk, it is recommended that the players try to create a Battlefield that closely resembles the massive interior of an ancient eldar Space Hulk.

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 and the winner will choose which side they want to deploy in. 

Place the Primary Objective:

The Defender will choose a single Primary objective and place it within their deployment zone.
The Defender will then deploy their forces followed by the Attacker afterwards.

First Turn:

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

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

Special Mission Rules:

1.       Damaged Gravity Well – This Space Hulk has a damaged gravity well so at the start of every game turn (not player turn) the player who’s turn it is rolls a die.

If a 1 is rolled then the Gravity Well has overcompensated.  Movement, Assault Rolls, Running, and Fleeing all have their distance reduced by 1”.  Also, all Flyers and Monstrous Flying Creatures must make roll a die before they initiate their movement.  On a “1”  they are forced to go into Hover or Gliding mode or they will crash/be grounded.

            All ranged weapons also have their range reduced by 1”.
             All scatter rolls have their deviation rolls reduced by 1”.

If a 2-5 is rolled then the Gravity Well is working properly.  No penalties.

If a 6 is rolled then the Gravity Well has undercompensated and all Movement, Assaults, Runs, Flee, Flying and Swooping distances are increased by 1”.

            All ranged weapons also have their range increased by 1”.
            All scatter rolls have their deviation increased by 1”.

 

2.       Wraithbone Ship – This Space Hulk is made from pyscho-plastic that serves as both a psycho conductor and a psychic shield. 

The Wraith Ship rule provides the following benefits:

a.       Deny the Witch rolls are increased by +1.  (A 6+ becomes a 5+ etc..)

b.      The psyker may attempt to harness the psychic energy from the ship around them.  The player who’s turn it is may at the beginning of their turn roll a D6.

If a 1 is rolled the Psyker suffers Perils of the Warp from the psychic backlash.

If a 2-4 is rolled then nothing happens and the Pysker failed to harness any psychic energy.

If a 5-6 is rolled then the Psyker gains 1 Warp Charge that must be used that turn.

 

The Mission:
The Attacker

Primary Mission: Claim and Possess the Primary Objective at the end of the game with a Scoring unit.
Secondary Mission: Purge the Alien

The Defender

Primary Mission: Purge the Alien
Secondary Mission: Claim and Possess the Primary Objective at the end of the game with a Scoring unit.

Victory Conditions:

Each Mission has its own Victory conditions.

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

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

If a player had his psyker successfully harness a Warp Charge using the Wraithbone Ship rule that is worth 1 Battle Point.

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

 

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

Thank you for playing and I look forward to your involvement!

The Deployment Zone’s Black Spiral Campaign - Chapter 3: Excommunication

The Deployment Zone’s Black Spiral Campaign

Chapter 3: Excommunication

 

Hello everyone and welcome to Chapter 3 of the Black Spiral Campaign.  I would like to thank everyone for the 54 submissions we received which has triggered this plot development.  Enjoy and the next set of missions will be release December 1^st!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Servitor Program – Ios V872.113 Alpha.

[Inquisitorial Conclave Concordance – Calixian Conclave]
[[Pictograph Recording Engaged]]
[[-=ERROR! – Pictograph malfunction=-]]
[[Rerouting feed]]
[[Vox-recorder engaged for Pictograph Recorder XV-3]]
[[Maintenance Servitor Dispatched]]

[Unknown speaker] - …hard to believe that an Inquisitor of Hexx’s esteem and dedication would turn not only radical but rogue as well?  Are we certain that the artifact that Hexx is pursuing is the same one the Eldar witch warned the council about?  How do we know that the Eldar aren’t trying to trick us into preventing one of our own from obtaining archaenotech of great power and use to the Imperium?

[[Voice Recognition Searching]]
[[Inquisitor Alexius Morgenson – Ordo Hereticus: Identified]]

[Unknown speaker] – Look, we took a great risk sending DeOrc to intercept the artifacts and look what it earned us.  We have one Inquisitor severely wounded and unable to continue for now and another Inquisitor that has gone beyond the threshold of radicalism into madness and who possesses part of an artifact of dire consequence.  So choosing now to cast doubt over the information we have already acted upon is neither helpful nor useful.

[[Voice Recognition Searching]]
[[Inquisitor Ilyana Vort – Ordo Malleus: Identified]]

[Inquisitor Alexius Morgenson] – You dare talk down to me in this forum?  I never discounted our information only the source.  And if I recall, it was your idea to have DeOrc intercept the artifact rather than have him accompany Hexx like the others had suggested.

[Unknown speaker] – We can sit here all day and point fingers but the situation is that we have a rogue Inquisitor and now have no way to rationalize with him or even find him for that matter.  So I pose the question, do we declare him Excommunicate Traitorus and mobilize our forces in the Charon system to destroy him and his ship or do we send a party to hunt him down and bring him back so that we may question him and learn more of the artifact he is currently hunting?

[[Voice Recognition Searching]]
[[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt – Ordo Malleus: Identified]]

[Inquisitor Ilyana Vort] – Are either of those solutions even viable at this point?  He may have been last seen in the Charon system but we have no way to find him currently, especially if he has gone to ground or is hunting another artifact.

[Unknown speaker] – We may have a way to locate him but I do not know if it is something this conclave may be willing to entertain.

[[Voice Recognition Searching]]
[[Inquisitor Dregor Thane- Ordo Xenos]]

[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt] – What would that be Thane? 

[Inquisitor Dregor Thane] – Emissaries from Craftworld Thelandira were the first to warn us of this danger, would it not make sense that the meddling Eldar would continue to monitor Hexx?  Perhaps if we petitioned them for aid in locating the rogue inqui…

[Inquisitor Morgenson] – Have you gone insane?  Consort with a bunch of degenerate witches to get aid dealing with one of our own?  Where is your pride Inquisitor? Where is your loyalty to the Imperium?  We need not the aid of Xenos filth.

[Inquisitor Dregor Thane] – Aid from Xenos filth that without it we would have not known that one of our own has possibly gone rogue and seeks to assemble a doomsday weapon that could possibly open a rift to the Immaterium and draw half the known galaxy into it?  Yes, we definitely don’t need any aid.  We have this situation entirely in control.

[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt] – Gentlemen, gentlemen, when we fight against each other we only help our enemies.  Perhaps what Thane says is true, it would make sense that the Eldar would keep tabs on something they perceive as a threat to them.  Let us take a vote, all in favor of sending an emissary to collect information on Hexx to the Eldar say “Aye”.

[Several Unknown voices]

[[-=ERROR! Unable to identify speaker=-]]

[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt] – All opposed say “Aye”.

[Several Unknown voices] [[-=ERROR! Unable to identify speaker=-]]

[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt] – It appears your recommendation wins Thane.  Please arrange a meeting with the Eldar emissary and broker an information exchange.  Should they try any of their witchcraft or trickery, then execute them with extreme prejudice.

[Inquisitor Alexius Morgenson] – And what if Inquisitor Hexx hasn’t gone rogue and is actually operating within the guidance and scope of the Inquisition?  What if he hasn’t turned into a traitor?

[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt] – Then that will depend entirely on two things Morgenson.

[Inquisitor Alexius Morgenson] – And what would those two be?

 

[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt] – First if he convinces me during his interrogation that he has not acted outside the will of the Emperor and the High Lords of Terra. 

[Inquisitor Alexius Morgenson] – And the second?

[Inquisitor Gerin Osvalt] – The second is if Inquisitor DeOrc survives his injuries.  Conclave adjourned.

[Several Unknown voices] – For the Good of the Order!

 
Servitor Program – Ios V872.113 Alpha.
[Inquisitorial Conclave Concordance – Calixian Conclave]
[[Pictograph Recording Terminated]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 29^th day of the 3^rd Lunar Cycle of the Maccabes system, in the year M41.639

I know not whom to trust.

Treachery hath reared its ugly head, taking the form of my former friend and ally Menoch DeOrc.  How badly had the deceitful whispers of the Ruinous Powers poisoned his mind to make him utter such venomous falsehoods and heresy.  He stole from me, lied to me and tried to kill me all the while professing his innocence and asking for my cooperation.  His delusions were so ingrained; I fear he is lost to us.  His platitudes of working for a higher power, of acting under orders, begging me to relent on my search were all poisonous lies the moment they left his lips. 

It is obvious now that the Ruinous Powers fear me getting this weapon.  They know that I mean to bring about their extinction.  This morning my security clearance and inquisitorial permissions had been pulled which can mean only one thing, I am being hunted.  It is apparent that the Ruinous Powers have turned the very institution that I have sworn my live, my fealty and my honor to ruin against me.  I can no longer trust the Inquisition to carry out its mission, especially when its Inquisitors follow false leaders and puppets of Chaos. 

I must remain pure of heart and mind in this mission, I must steel my resolve and protect humanity against the rising darkness

I now possess part of this Black Spiral weapon, I will find the rest of it and carry out my mission.  It is only then will my former colleagues see the truth and the High Lords of Terra see that I am trying to save the Imperium.

The tome that Tobias translated referenced the 8^th planet in the Maccabes system, Cyrana IV so I will travel there to see if I can gather any clues to the whereabouts of where the next piece has been hidden.

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx signing off.

I am the Sword of the Emperor now.

 

      

[[Pictrecorder on the bridge of The Silent Retribution, Dauntless-Class Light Cruiser]]
[Imperial Date is the 29^th day of the 3^rd Lunar Cycle of the Maccabes system, in the year M41.639]
 

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – Captain Orrealus, we need to set a course for Cyrana IV in the Maccabes system.

Captain Jonah Orrealus – Good morning Inquisitor Hexx, we received an encrypted communication this morning inquiring to your whereabouts.  I fear your warning was merited.  Someone is trying to decipher your location within the Royal Navy but fear not sir, they did not provide the passcode you provided to authorize the dissemination of your location. 

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – Very good Captain, your dedication to the Imperium is unwavering as is your loyalty to the Inquisition. I commend you sir.  How long will it take to reach our destination do you think?

Captain Jonah Orrealus – Should take no longer than 2 months dependent upon Warp currents and storms.  What are we looking for sir?  Will we need additional armaments or crew?

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – No good Captain, your current set up is more than adequate to handle anything we are going to encounter. 

Captain Jonah Orrealus – Very well Inquisitor, we shall depart within the hour.  Maxwell, set a course to the Maccabes system.

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – At once sir. 

[End Recording]

[[Pictrecorder on the bridge of The Silent Retribution, Dauntless-Class Light Cruiser]]

[Imperial Date is the 2^nd day of the 10^th Lunar Cycle of the Maccabes system, in the year M41.639]

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – Yes Captain? Your communique said that there are Xenos ships preventing our passage?

Captain Jonah Orrealus – Yes Inquisitor, upon breaking the Warp Gate we picked up numerous Xenos ship signatures in the system.  As we approached Cyrana IV, the signatures converged before us.  We have managed to identify 1 Dragon-Class Cruiser that bears the markings of the Thelandira craftword according to our Xenos records.  There are also 2 Nightshade-Class Destroyers that bear different markings that we have not yet been able to identify as well as a Hellebore-Class Frigate hiding as well.  While we have the firepower to handle them, I do not anticipate that our ship would be in any condition afterwards to handle a second attack. 

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – Sir, we are receiving a transmission from the Dragon-class Cruiser.  Do you wish to receive it?

Captain Jonah Orrealus – Absolutely not, we do not engage in conversa…

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – Yes, Lieutenant we shall receive the transmission.

Captain Jonah Orrealus – Are you sure Inquisitor?

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – Oh yes Captain, very sure indeed.

Captain Jonah Orrealus - Very well, on screen.

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – Greetings, I am Marcus Thandros and to whom do we have the pleasure of addressing?

Farseer Gilleath – I am known as Farseer Gilleath of the Thelandira Craftworld and I do believe that you have already been dishonest with us … Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx.

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – I should have known better than to try to deceive a witch.  What is it that you want Eldar? 

Farseer Gilleath – We merely wish you to turn back and leave this planet alone.  The inhabitants of Velesh’an’theronar prefer to keep to themselves and would care not for any intrusion on their lands.

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – I do not, nor does this ship or its captain take orders from a bunch of witches.

Farseer Gilleath – We do not seek to order you Inquisitor, we merely wish that you would forsake your current mission and abandon searching for what we have hidden long ago.  You know not of what you seek or the dire consequences of what would happen if it was found again.

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – AH HA! You know of the Black Spiral!  You know that I seek it!  Which means you know where it is hidden! 

Farseer Gilleath – We do know you seek the Black Spiral, the runes and portents warn of a Harbinger of Calamity bearing the a cross of secrecy.  All the skeins cast point towards you as the catalyst that spells doom for many. 

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – I care not for your witchcraft or prophesy; it is obvious that you and your ilk do not wish the Imperium to provide salvation!  Your attempt to stop me from stepping foot on this planet tells me that it has something I need! 

Farseer Gilleath – Don’t be a foolish monkeigh!  You can not fathom the destruction your actions will bring about!  You must st..

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – Transmission ended sir.

Inquisitor Leviticus Hexx – Very good Lieutenant, his incessant prattling and whining were most tiring.  Captain would you be so kind as to have a landing party assembled, I will send one of my Acolytes to lead the mission on the surface.

Lt. Aaron Maxwell – Sir, enemy ships have begun to spread out into what appears to be an attack formation.

Captain Jonah Orrealus – Very well, Sergeant go and assemble a strike force to aid the Inquisitor’s Acolyte.  Battle stations!  Engage the frigate first and neutralize the Destroyers as soon as you can.  Launch the fighters to provide support for the Landers.  Go!
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Mission Scenario A – Landing Party

The Armies:
A point value of any size may be per side in this scenario.  Recommended size however is 1500-2000.

The Battlefield:
Landing Party will use the Dawn of War 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 and the winner will choose which side they want to deploy in. 

Place the Primary Objective:

The Defender will choose a single Primary objective and place it within their deployment zone.
The Defender will then deploy their forces followed by the Attacker afterwards.

First Turn:

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

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

The Mission:
The Attacker

Primary Mission: Claim and Possess the Primary Objective at the end of the game with a Scoring unit.
Secondary Mission: Purge the Alien
 
The Defender
Primary Mission: Purge the Alien
Secondary Mission: Claim and Possess the Primary Objective at the end of the game with a Scoring unit.

Victory Conditions:

Each Mission has its own Victory conditions.

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

The secondary objectives of Purge the Alien 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 Scenario B – Leviathans Battle  - Battlefleet Gothic Scenario

This scenario is intended to be used by players using the Battlefleet Gothic rules set and armies.  This mission is to represent the space battle between the Imperial and Eldar forces in the Maccabes system.

Scenario:  Leviatans Battle – Custom Battlefleet Gothic Scenario.

Forces: The recommended point level for this scenario is 300 to 1750 pts.

Battle Zone:  This battle is taking place in the system’s primary or inner biosphere.  Set up a planet in the middle of the table.  The planet’s size is dependent upon the size of the battle.

Small = Up to 500 pts
Medium = Up to 1500 pts.
Large = 1500 pts or larger.
Generate rings, moons, etc.. as normal.  Then determine which table edge is sunward and place other celestial phenomena as normal.
 

Set Up:

As the start of the game, the players roll off with the winner of the roll off being the Attacker.  The defender may then choose D3 ships or squadrons to be on full alert.  These ships may be set up anywhere that is at least 30cm from table edge.  The rest of the defending fleet is still on standby.  Squadrons on standby must be deployed with at least one ship within 15cm of the planet and all ships abeam of the planet’s surface.

The Attacker moves on to the table edge of their choice in their first turn.

First Turn:

The attacker gets first turn.

Special Rules:

Ships or squadrons on standby may not move, fire weapons or launch ordinance.  They may however attempt to Brace and repair critical damage.  Turrets and shields work normally.  To go on alert status, it must first pass a Leadership test.  Note that this is not a Command check, so failing with one squadron or ship will not prevent you from testing the others.  A ship or squadron may not use special orders the same turn it goes on alert status.

Game Length:

The game lasts until one fleet disengages or is destroyed.

Victory Conditions:

Both fleets score victory points as normal and the fleet with the highest victory points total at the end of the battle wins.

 

 

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

Thank you for playing and I look forward to your involvement!