Not really.

>>25453342
A little early, aren't you?
Also, Adonis meeting with the Secretary General means that a backstab is likely to occur. At the very least, Stalin's going to try to play the Ultramarines off of the Knights.
A Planetary Governor doesn't have the right to mess with Astartes like that, but he'll try it anyway.

As for tasks, have analysts on the Midnight Flame go over the old metro tunnel systems and identify likely tunnels and stations used by the Orks in their attacks.

>>25453390
It's saturday, I was bored, and I figured some players would be here, and some are in other timezones, so I decided to start now.

Content in a moment.

>>25453388
Kalec is also already working on scanning systems for detecting tunnels, but it seems that no tunnels in the cities themselves were being used.

It is his theory that the orks have used natural ice tunnels to get around, and widened them themselves.

>>25453400
Hi, touchy feely tyranid hugger anon here, I'm too tired to troll your thread today so have fun without me!

>>25453423
We'll try, thanks for checking in.

>>25453415
>but it seems that no tunnels in the cities themselves were being used.
Ah, then instead of having the analysts check the old metro tunnels, can the Midnight Flame do a magnetic scan of the planet to identify where the Orks are building their vehicles and Kans?

Also patrol flights by the Shrikes to identify openings large enough to have accommodated the Killer Kans and that battering ram.

>>25453423
Thanks for telling us. We appreciate your custom.

>>25453443
Wish I could contribute but i'm far too 40k ignorant to even know what's going on.

>>25453390

Let's not get overboard with Meta and Paranoia. We're all faithful servants of the Emperor after all, are we not? Although I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have non-offending part of the ASIS team doing some inconspicuous observations...

Did we lose many men during the recent attacks?

>>25453423

Ah well, perhaps another time then. Thank you for your consideration.

>>25453342

With nothing better to do, you see to the care of your wounded men and retire to your HQ for the night.

Checking to make sure that none of your staff would cause a scene, you enter your HQ, Lykos in tow, and head back to the Knight quarters. Lykos examines the building as he passes, seeming to approve of the diligence with which the officers there carry out their tasks.

After removing your armor and storing your weapons, you retire to the dining hall to oversee evening rites for your men at the HQ, Lykos attending out of respect.

>>25453473
Don't be intimidated by the massive monolith that is the 40k lore, we can explain on the way.

>>25453473

I don't think anyone would mind (too much), especially if you have penchant for military tactics (unlike an ordinary grunt like myself)

>>25453505
Eh, I've spent a few hours reading through the lore, but I'm not far enough into the details to be able to suggest actions at a point such as this.

>>25453505

"Knights." You begin, taking your seat at he head of the hall.

"Today we stand victorious again, our enemy driven far from our sight, but the war rages on. We have made safe the civilians who stand as our charges this day, but many have been lost in this endeavor.

Let us raise our glasses in memorial to the fallen heroes who won the day, and in salute of the courage of those whom we fight alongside going forward."

You and your brothers stand and raise their glasses, observing a long moment of silence, Lykos following along a moment behind.

"May they never be forgotten." You intone and drink, as do the rest.

After that the room relaxes a great deal, various Knights conversing in even tones, Lykos overlooking the hall as he sits beside you as the honored guest.

"You rites are interesting, simple and to the point."

"We pride ourselves on efficiency." You say as you drink, thinking of the battles fought and the good men and women lost. Shaking yourself from your reverie, you converse with Lykos for some time more before retiring for the night.

TBC

>>25453527
I or one of the players would surely answer any questions you might have.

>>25453592
Thank you, you're very accommodating.

>>25453592

After a few hours sleep, you rise and don your gear. Checking into the HQ you see that Kalec has forwarded his status report on detection of ork tunnels.

With his usual manic energy, the techpriest has developed a simple thermal imaging system to be mounted on the hull of an aircraft or spacecraft. This craft is then flown at low altitudes over the surface of Volkgarod, and should be sensitive enough to penetrate through the ice to detect orks under the icy surface.

This system is proposed to be mounted in some local propeller craft, thus freeing up JTF assets for direct combat.

It seems that sister Cypress and commander Vael have secured their respective cities, and that the Ultramarines are proceeding with their Steel Rain tactics, dropping from orbit on any discovered concentrations of orks.

All in all, things seem to be progressing with some semblance of order.

Any actions to take now that you are freed up? Or do you wish to wait until something interesting happens?

>>25453616
I try to be helpful. Also, guardsman Ivan is one of my more dedicated players, feel free to ask either of us any questions. There also should be some great Anons here, but as I cannot tell who they are I am unable to recommend them.

>>25453677
Well /tg/ in general is very agreeable so I would expect no less.

I'll be more content to lurk for now, thank you.

>>25453677
Besides ordering the Knight Squads into deployments to support Aprior Guards when necessary, I don't think there's anything that needs immediate attention until we find where the Orks are actually hidden.

If we can find the primary Ork concentration, I suggest continuous and concentrated orbital bombardment before sending in ground troops.

>>25453677
Plan a few ground offensives to retake lost territory. Unless we've already recaptured important cites. Also, continue to look into upgrading the PDF armory where appropriate. Think we could swing Ragnarok tanks for them?

>>25453719

You spend a little time overseeing the deployment of your forces to the various fronts across Volkgarod.

After that you check your inbox, finding a few progress reports from various units. It seems that the majority of lost territory has been reclaimed, but with the orks continual surprise attacks many forces must be taken off the front lines to deal with them. Kalec is on course for deploying thermal scanner planes, and says that the first refitted plane should be airborne within a few days.

You read a report from Confessor Cromwell, detailing the reconstruction of the Imperial Faith on Volkgarod, saying that the locals are most devout in their beliefs and worship of the Emperor, even being quite fanatical. He also notes that their brand of faith seems to see little difference in devotion to the Emperor and to his realm, specifically devotion to those whom he places in power over his dominion. They seem to see service to the state as the highest form of piety.

The final status report is from agent Kolchack, detailing his continuing investigations into the people and government of Volkgarod.

TBC

>>25453733
No Ragnaroks in our inventory, but we are getting lasgun factories online, the first units are starting to roll out now into the hands of the locals.

They are crude compared to Aprior lasguns, but much more effective than the simplistic autoguns the locals have been using.

>>25453831
Yeah, I was figuring that if we were looking for cheap tanks the locals can use the Ragnarok and Siegfried are probably something they might actually be able to make.

>>25453818

His report covers the recent political state of Volkgarod, specifically dealing with the current leadership.

It seems that about two decades ago, the world was gripped by a sudden popular uprising against the governor. Due to the primitive nature of the world, news either never left Volkgarod, or nobody in the administratum cared enough to deploy assets there.

Order was restored, but not before the death of the old governor, who was killed in a rebel attack, along with all his heirs.

The general of the PDF then assumed the mantle of governor and adopted the title Secretary General, and has ruled over Volkgarod to this day.

This is all the information he has been able to gather, but Kolchack continues to work to uncover more information.

It seems that the aging ASIS agent has taken back to fieldwork, especially with Jager stuck on the ship due to the Ultramarine presence.

Actions? Or continue on.

>>25453873

We don't have those designs in any case.

>>25453900
Can't really see what else to do right now. Until we find them we can't do much but gather information and upgrade the PDF as best we can.

>>25453900
I can't think of anything else. Continue on.
>>25453616
Am by no means an expert on 40k lore but Icahn answer the basics.

>>25453900

A revolution? Extinguishing a bloodline? Oh my. Well, if the folks feel no inkling to revolt again and the world performs its assigned duties, I don't think we should interfere with local politics and focus on the green plague instead. When's the last time we've had a chat with the Secretary? Keep him informed of the situation, perhaps hear out his comments.

>>25453992
Well perhaps the easiest thing would be to explain the basics of what is happening here. All I have gathered so far is that a group of some size or marines cleaning the orks out of an imperium inhabited world (I think).

>>25454001
The last time you spoke with him was after you liberated the capitol the first time. Since then you have not spoken with the man, only to general Zhukov and his various other representatives.

Whenever you have attempted to reach him in person he has always been detained by matters of state.

>>25454025

Well, the short story is that the PC is commander of a Joint Task Force of the Knights Inductor, or "reasonable marines" and some specialised units (see OP) that has been sent forth to the Imperium to help any imperial worlds that find themselves in trouble and spread their ideology in doing so.

In first few threads we contained a jeanstealer infestation on another imperial world, now we are exterminating Orks on another. This is second planet the JTF has been to.

Things have been spiced up two threads ago by arrival of a company of Ultramarines, which are much more traditional compared to the Knights Inductor. This could prove a problem since some of our forces are actually xeno in nature - see link in OP. Namely Tau guardsmen, some of their battlesuits and a few Elfs.

>>25454025
Ok let try to nutshell this. First the orks attack this planet. Then we arrived to save the planet (We being a Joint Task Force consisting of Marines, Sisters of Battle, Imperial Guards, and others(xenos). Then the Ultramarines showed up, which is very good and slightly bad.

>>25454038

How inconvenient. Does he have more top commanders on par with Zhukov? And is Zhukov respected among the troops, relative to the Secretary?

damn, I've caught the paranoia.

>>25454038
Why do I have the feeling that he just doesn't like us?

>>25454109
>>25454115
Many thanks, gentlemen.
So we're hoping that the ultramarines won't go on a sudden unreasonable spree "FUR TEH EMPROAH!!!1!" and smash us?

>>25454149

He probably didn't take it well how we challenged his authority, along with his faculties, on our first meeting.

>>25454161
And slightly hoping that we can show them the merit of our way of battle.

>>25454109

With nothing else to do, you leave your men to their work and continue overseeing the various skirmishes and strikes happening over the planets surface.

This continues for most of the day, various staff wandering in and out of the command center, until in early evening brother Lykos walks in.

"Captain." he says respectfully, "I have received word from Captain Adonis that a few Ultramarines have been deployed to the city of Nevamorsk, an industrial center in the north.

It appears that the workers in the mines and manufactoria there have revolted against the management there, and the Secretary General has requested our assistance in restoring order."

You frown. "Why was I not informed of this sooner?"

"I do not know." Lykos shrugs, "The Secretary General made this request to Captain Adonis not half an hour ago, I do not know why he would not have told you."

Actions?

>>25454161

indeed. Although I don't think that's very likely unless we go out of our way to provoke them.

>>25454204
Time to put on our negotiation hats.

>>25454161
Basically, also the Inquisition is watching the JTF like a hawk.

Puritans want to wipe us and our homeland out, but know it would be a bloodbath. Radicals are hoping we'll do well and be an example to the rest of the inquisition and the Imperium, but neither side has an advantage over the other.

Your last campaign did not give them any cause for complaint, but the puritans still want you dead. The radicals are cautiously pleased thus far.

>>25454204

I don't think we should barge in uninvited - personal request and all. Do we have any scouts in the area? Also have ASIS double check the intel we have on the concerned area.

>>25454204
"Probably because we are very closely aligned with the Salamanders when it comes to such matters. Still, the material must flow and now is not the proper time to discuss the respect due to Astartes with him."

>>25454263
You have no scouts in the area, but you do have Cypress' report from when she fought there.

It seems that the government shipped in new workers as soon as the battle was finished, and that working conditions there are harsh.

Also, while it may not go over well with the Secretary General, Adonis may be better disposed to your presence, as he seems to see you as a worthy ally based on how you have handled the campaign thus far.

>>25454261
Trying to keep a balance is always fun
>>25454315
Perhaps we should make an appearance then.

>>25454326
Always forgetting my name, christ.

>>25454315

Very well, then we might offer the good captain our support. At least that of our air forces, if nothing else. If he refuses, we can always find a different matter to concern ourselves with. How much of the railroad network do we control, for insteance?

>>25454204

"Whatever his reasons, I would like to see to this. Tell Adonis that I shall attend to this dispute, negotiation is the strong suit of the Knights Inductor, and I have a great deal of experience in ending such disputes without bloodshed."

"Really?" Lykos says, genuinely surprised.

"Indeed, I dealt with a similar incident on Tyrae, I like to think I helped avert a civil war before it got needlessly violent."

Lykos nods, considering. "Impressive, I shall vox ahead and inform my brothers of your departure."

Do you wish to select new weapons now?

>>25454397
I don't know the tactical implications of this but new weaponary sounds nice!

>>25454397

Ah, damn, I misread the issue there. Screw air support, diplomacy is indeed on the order of the day.

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>>25454416

(and non-lethal ordnance)

>>25454397
Lots of non lethal ordinance.

>>25454413
Standard marine kit is available, bolters of all descriptions, reliable non-explodey plasma guns as well.

Then you have the gear unique to the Aprior sector, your homeland.

The SAW light machine gun modified into a rifle format.

The stormlas, a marine sized hellgun fully automatic las weapon fed from your reactor backpack.

The Avenger minigun, which is exactly what it sounds like.

You also have your pistol to choose from, as well as your trusty shock maul for melee purposes.

Also, your bolter can fire tear gas, rubber pellets, and beanbags for nonlethal fighting, and your stormlas can be tuned down to deliver nonlethal burns and scorches.

>>25454485
Bolter, Stormlas, bolt pistol, maul, and more than standard amount of non-lethal ordinance.

>>25454485
What's our limit here? Stormlas sounds nice and versatile. Bolt pistol with that non-lethal ammo, along with shock maul.

>>25454543
Pistol and two large two handed weapons, maul is standard.

>>25454485
i'd say take the SAW. the Avenger would burn ammo too much without a pack (which we wouldn't want to bring), and we should try to show that we're all comrades fighting against a common foe.

Get our brothers together, and we shall bring Order and Justice to our Brothers in Humanity. Say a communal prayer to Remember the Fallen and how we shall, with pen and word, bring peace and prosperity to our Imperium.

>>25454557
then add the SAW to that.

>>25454485
stormlas is nice.

>>25454583
>>25454577
>>25454564
Stormlas and SAW?

Bolt pistol for painful ordinance?

>>25454598
Pain to the max, sir!

>>25454598
alright. but to the meeting proper we're not bringing weapons. we don't want these people thinking we're their enemies.

>>25454633
Oh of course, that would be undignified of us.
And quite unreasonable.

>>25454633

I wouldn't go completely unarmed. We are a Space Marine after all. Bring at least the bolt pistol. And perhaps one main weapon of your choice we can make a show of putting down.

>>25454670
Perhaps a main weapon would be a bit heavy-handed. A bolt pistol with painful ordinance loaded, with lethal rounds on our person just in case?

>>25454598

"Ready yourself Lykos, we deploy immediately."

You go to your personal chamber and don your weapons, equipping a stormlas and SAW for direct combat. Hopefully that would not be necessary, as you also strap on a few clips of nonlethal ordinance for your bolt pistol, as well as your trusty shock maul.

After that you head to your waiting thunderhawk, Lykos and a few Knights awaiting you.

From there it is a swift suborbital hop to Nevamorsk, and within two hours you are stepping off onto the frosty rockcrete of the landing pad.

You overlook a grim, but sturdy city, howling wind blowing snow fast through the streets. Judging by the few buildings you can see, it does not seem to be a very large city.

"Ho there!" comes a voice, and you see a local trooper, his face masked against the cold.

"Thank you for coming sirs, the rest of your people are already inside."

As you enter the nearest building, you see the reason for the small city. Most of the settlement is underground, built into a large cave network below the surface city. As you descend the elevator into the city proper, you get a good look at what you have come to.

The city is dimply lit by luminators, which seem to have failed in some sections almost completely. Most of the buildings are small boxy affairs bolted onto the rocky walls or floor, but some rise from the floor to the ceiling, and pierce through to the surface.

Down across from you the mouth of the mines open like a great beast, its dark maw stretching wide as through it is about to eat the city whole.

TBC

>>25454788

Reaching the bottom, you see that the mines have been cordoned off by a perimeter of local soldiers, autoguns, heavy stubbers, and a few new lasguns aimed down the slope.

Off to one side you see a local officer speaking into a vox. Towards the mouth of the mines itself you see the shining form of Captain Adonis himself, his heavily adorned armor shining bright even in the dim light of the mines.

Actions?

>>25454850
Perhaps approach Adonis, get the low-down on the situation from him.

>>25454850
Speak with Adonis

>>25454869
>>25454874

Thirded

>>25454874
>>25454869
i'd say adonis first, then see if the Officer has anything to add.

>>25454887
>>25454874
>>25454869

You walk over to Captain Adonis, the Ultramarine commander standing on a metal platform, gazing deep down into the dark depths of the mines.

"Greetings Captain." You say as you approach.

Adonis turns, "Captain, glad you could make it, I only arrived here recently myself."

"I would appreciate a rundown on the situation thus far." You say.

Adonis nods, "Indeed. Three days ago the workers here revolted against their overseers and sought to wrest control of the mines from imperial authorities.

The Secretary General dispatched the army here to quell the insurrection, but was unable to do so. Following the initial conflict, the rebels fled into the depths of the mine and have put up stiff resistance. I was about to lead a foray into the mines when you arrived."

"Three days?" You ask. "And the government did not contact us sooner?"

"Apparently the Secretary General saw this as an internal matter, and only contacted us when he saw he was unable to contain it alone."

Further questions?

>>25455009
I want information from the local forces.
What the demands of the rebels are, about the working conditions, and what was done in the three days until the Ultramarines were brought in.

I want to know the underlying problem with this mine, and solve that, rather than simply remove the symptoms.

>>25455009
He said it he said rundown!
How are they armed? Their numbers? Why are they rebelling?

>>25455009

Has any of the restless citizens present themselves for negotiation? If not, we should request that they do at once. People we've encountered so far have been adamant in their loyalty to the Emperor.

They probably ran out of vodka.

Or they harbor some leftover royalty?

>>25455009
*sigh* Get it together SG.

"Do we know why they revolted? Was it working conditions? Was it a power grab?"

>>25455076
ohshitson.jpeg

tell them to order their soldiers off. then announce to the miners that we of the Knights of Reason are here, and wish to negotiate in good faith with their leaders. as a gesture of this, we shall return any prisoners we've found, and allow some medical supplies in.

>>25455009

"Do we know why the rebels have revolted?" You ask. "Poor working conditions or resentment against the government?"

"Unknown." Adonis says. "Not that it is important in the grand scheme of things."

"I beg to differ." You say. "If we can solve the core root of the issue it will end this conflict without bloodshed, and prevent similar events in the future."

Adonis shrugs. "Perhaps, but in any case I do not know."

You shake your head, peering into the depths of the mine.

"Have any rebels come forwards to negotiate? If not we should request a representative to help solve this issue."

"No negotiations have been attempted by either side to my knowledge." Replies Adonis, "And any requests we make would most likely be ignored out of fear. I am intending to lead my marines down into the mine as the spearhead of the local army to put down this revolt and reclaim the mine. Would you care to accompany me?"

Reply?

>>25455174
Perhaps it would be unreasonable to spearhead in there, glack-glacking everything in sight. Though I do not know how to get in contact with them without coming into possible harm.

If all else fails, maybe there is some sort of object or support system we could destroy to demoralise/drive them out?

>>25455214

Well, they are armed with primitive stubbers, which are not terrible effective against power armor, though in numbers they could prove dangerous.

You also have tear and knockout gas with you.

>>25455174

sounds like >>25455157 is a good idea. we need to prove that there is new leadership involved in this, not the previous aggressors. again, see to the prisoners, see if they can be made mobile again, then announce that we will (alone) be going down with them with some med supplies.

we might be able to salvage something out of this, but i doubt they'll trust us unless we show first some sign of good faith.

>>25455174

"Your eagerness to fight is commendable, Captain, but every man we slay here is a lasgun less for defence against the Orks or a pair of hand missing from the production line. If you would please, I would attempt to solve this situation peacefully."

>>25455280
Going with this for now.

>>25455280
Seconding this. We need to put our wish to negotiate in the context of preserving more resources for the fight against the Orks.

>>25455174


"Your eagerness to fight is commendable, Captain, but every man we slay here is a lasgun less for defence against the Orks or a pair of hand missing from the production line. If you would please, I would attempt to solve this situation peacefully."

"And how do you intend to do so?" Adonis asks.

"Are there any prisoners we could release?" You ask, "Doing so may prove that we are willing to negotiate in their eyes and earn their sympathy and gratitude."

Adonis shakes his head, "The locals have not taken any rebels prisoner thus far."

You think for a moment. "Very well, then I shall take a small shipment of medical supplies down into the tunnels as a show of good faith and meet with these people."

Adonis looks to you, surprise evident on his face. "You are going in alone?"

You nod and don your helmet. "Taking a force with me would spook them and perhaps provoke a confrontation, if I do this I do it alone."

Adonis finds his words after a few moments. "Very well Captain, may the Emperor guide you."

Anything further or set out?

>>25455400
Load up that painful ordinance and roll out!

>>25455400
Load up on stun weapons, get those supplies.
Tell the local garrison commander what we are doing, and why, and that he will answer to us if a problem occurs during our negotiations.

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>>25455400

Do we have a (human) ASIS agent or two to back us up? That would be nice.

Wonder if stories of our arrival have reached the place. I seem to remember we've left some degree of impression.

We should perform some theatrics at the barricade.

"People of Volksgarod! Your world is besieged by greenskin invaders. Emperor's finest [motion to Adonis] have come to your aid and shed their blood on the icy reaches of your home. Why would you pick a troubled time such as this to turn on Emperor's servants? I, captain Numeon Smith, shall hear your grievances."

...or something like that. Hopefully someone comes up with something more elegant.

>>25455460
>>25455430

"And you Captain."

You walk over to the local commander, who looks you up and down as you approach.

"Yes." He says, "Very good that you're here, with your people present we can finally put this revolt to an end. I need you to lead your people as the spearhead to draw enemy fire whilst we..."

"I am going in alone to reach a peaceful settlement."

The officer stops for a moment, stuttering before he starts again.

"You can't just, it is the order of the state that these rebels be made to pay for their transgressions, the Secretary General commands that..."

"Is the Secretary General here?" You ask.

"Um... no."

You lean in, towering over the officer. "No he is not, I am here, and I am in charge of this operation."

A pair of Knights and a Ultramarine walk over, bearing bags and crates of medical supplies, which you heft easily.

"Now I am going in, should you or your men cause any problems during my negotiations I am sure that these good Knights will know what to do."

The two Knights take up positions on each side of the local officer as you turn and walk down into the dark maw of the cave.

TBC

>>25455571
seconded. perhaps announcing our bringing medical supplies on our person would also help in not getting shot.

>>25455592

The purposeful, even, tromp of your boot soles on the metal grate floor ring dully in the great cavernous mines. Eventually the metal turns to rock, crude winding paths in the stone lighted by dim luminators. Occasionally you pass a small shack of metal or wood, but they all seem abandoned, some bearing battle damage but whether by the orks or the locals you cannot tell.

Eventually your enhanced vision picks up what seems to be a makeshift barricade in the distance, and you can make out figures running around on it, readying themselves for an attack. Not bothering themselves with hiding, you think they they believe you cannot see them in the darkness.

You stop a few hundred feet in front of the barricade and crank your amplivox to maximum.

"I am Captain Numeon Smith of the Knights Inductor, and leader of the forces of the wider Imperium who have come to defend this world." You begin, watching as the locals cease their movement.

"I have come to reach a peaceful settlement to the conflict you now face. I shall hear your grievances and demands and weigh them fairly and justly, for I wish to see this conflict ended without bloodshed."

Your words echo around the great chamber, as you await a response.

TBC

>>25455718

Eventually, you hear someone keying an amplivox from the other side, a woman's voice ringing out over the rocky field.

"And how do we know you have not come to lure us into a trap?" She asks, "Why should we trust you stranger, when all we receive from our own kin is slavery and death."

"You do not know me." You reply, "If you knew me, you would not doubt me. In good faith I have come alone, without any of my battle brothers to ensure my safety. I have also brought these medical supplies, which I shall leave with you regardless of your response to me.

I wish to see justice done for all sides here. Let me enter into your halls and speak with your leaders, enough blood has been spilled on this world already, I would not see any more good lives wasted when I could prevent it."

The other side is silent for a few minutes, but eventually the voice speaks again.

"Very well, our leaders will meet with you, but you shall have to leave your weapons at the gate."

Response?

>>25455784
We'll agree to putting down our main weapons, but keep the shock maul.
Though since we're in full Space Marine armor, we could probably tear through them even without weapons.

Ironically, there'd be less casualties if they left us our non-lethal weapons than if we were forced to use brute strength.

>>25455784
make a show of removing our weapons. we didn't come in heavily armed, so hopefully that will show our good faith as much as the medical supplies.

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Rolled 94

>>25455784

It's a deal. Ask our fellow captain to wait for a certain time before taking actions - should six hours be enough?

And if there is no danger of being overheard, instruct some infiltrators to mingle in if at all possible. It's always handy to have some hidden assets at our disposal.

rolling for the skill of winning without making other person lose.

>>25455784
Ditch weapons and get in there.
It's getting late here, gonna leave for the night. See you in another of these threads, perhaps.

>>25455875

>boom.

well, I guess someone else should roll.

Rolled 15

>>25455875

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>>25455912

Now that's more like it. Thank you, Anon.

Rolled 49

>>25455912
rolling

>>25455875
>instruct some infiltrators to mingle in if at all possible
Which infiltrators, though?
We came alone here. Or are you talking about back with the local garrison?

>>25455912
>roll unneeded but accepted.

"I will leave my guns here, but I do not part with my maul."

"Very well," says the voice, "But we shall be watching you closely."

You walk forward towards the barricade, it seems to have been made mostly of sheet metal, mining equipment and slabs of rock. A simple metal gate creaks open and a few rebels with purloined stubbers tremble a bit as you walk in.

You leave your weapons with the rebels and look up to see the middle aged woman you conversed with earlier.

"Where do you wish these medical supplies to be taken?"

"This way," She says, and walk off, you tromping after her.

It seems that your journey has brought you to the mining face, the deepest reach of the mine. Here a small town of sheet metal and patched wood has been built, as well as a few guard towers you notice.

As you walk you see the lights of eyes shining from the shadows in the huts and shacks, or hear the scrabbling of bare feet on the rock face.

Ahead of you stands the largest building in the shanty town, constructed of bits of mined rocks held together with crude mortar.

Too large to allow you entrance, you see that three older people, two men and one woman, have come out and await you on the front steps.

You also see a ring of guards hiding in the shadows, unaware that you know of their positions.

How do you begin?

>>25456011

I kind of hoped some of our ASIS operatives would tag along for the ride, just in case. But hopefully they should not be necessary.

>>25456084
"Shall I deposit the supplies here, then?"

>>25456084

Ask for their side of the story. Why did they rebel, and under what circumstances are they willing to lay down arms.

>>25456178
Seconding.

>>25456135

"Shall I deposit these supplies here?" You ask simply, and your escort nods.

Setting the crates and sacks down, you walk towards the rebel leaders as a group of guards move over to start carrying off the supplies.

"I am Captain Numeon Smith of the Knights Inductor chapter of the Emperor's space marines. I am here to reach a peaceful settlement with you and solve the root of this conflict.

Now, for what reason have you rebelled against the authority of the Secretary General?"

"For what reason?" Asks the head man, seeming surprised, "Do you mean to say that it is not obvious? We slave away in these mines, our children as well, working at all hours under the gaze of the army, and you wonder why we revolted!"

You cross your arms and fix him with a stern gaze.

"This world is in crisis, the ork invasion presses on your world in all its savagery, and many millions, if not billions of your people have already perished. This is not the time to abandon your labors however arduous, we are all servants of the Imperium and we must stand together if we are to defeat this enemy."

The rebel leaders seem stunned or confused.

"Did you say, billions?" The leader asks.

"Yes, billions." You reply seemingly baffled, "An ork WAAAAAGH! has you in its sights, this is not a time to allow personal grievances to drive us apart, however serious."

The leader slumped back into his chair, pressing a trembling hand against his forehead.

"We were, unaware our world faced such a dire threat, we never knew."

TBC

>>25456362
>"We were, unaware our world faced such a dire threat, we never knew."
Likely not the only ones.

>>25456362
Wat. I don't even...

>>25456362
Show some confusion at this.
"You...were not informed? I had been told that you were newly relocated to these mines after the previous miners had been killed by the Orks."

I wonder if we can just execute the Secretary General for incompetence. He isn't a blood relative of the previous governor; does he even have a right to the position, according to Imperial law?

>>25456438
Imperial Law doesn't give a fuck about anything except "do you send the tithes? if so, CONGRATS ON YOUR GOVERNORSHIP!"

>>25456438

Indeed it seems the propaganda machine is not working nearly well enough. We should make sure to establish a news service for the citizens. Should not be too difficult for local AdMech to carry out. The secretary might take an issue with that though...

We should offer the miners lenient treatment if they surrender willingly and get back to work. It would certainly be very lenient for someone who took up arms against Emperor's servants, but I'm not sure what punishment short of executing them we could carry out, given circumstances.

>>25456438
>He isn't a blood relative of the previous governor; does he even have a right to the position, according to Imperial law?
As he is likely the highest ranked officer of the government about, unless there was a viceroy/prime ministerial position, I would believe he does. High Commander of a world's military is a powerful status.
That said, he either is lying to us (likely), an idiot who thinks hiding the truth from his people will make it easier to assure order (just as likely), or just an idiot.
But smart enough to use the Ultras as pawns to cover his ass knowing their by the book rep decrees they take any and all rebels, dissenters and seditionists to task.

>>25456362

"Unaware?" You say, confused now as well.

"How could you be unaware that your entire world has been under invasion for months? Where have you been all this time!"

"We have been in our camps." Says the woman, holding onto the arm of the man next to her. "For years now, some since the last rebellion, and the ascension of the Secretary General.

You are silent for a long moment. "Tell me everything." You say in the end. "Start with the camps."

"Terrible places." Says the other man, "Frigid and desolate camps, some larger like this one, wherever the Secretary General thinks there are resources worth exploiting but not worth sending people anyone cares about. No news comes in or out."

You raise an armored hand. "Wait a moment, why were you sent to these camps in the first place?"

"A few are fighters from the old rebellion." The leader says, "The rest are political dissidents, failures or anyone who displeases the Leader. If you speak out too loud then you and your family goes to the camps."

Response?

>>25456503
I smell something rotten here.
EVERYONE should already be aware of the fairly large invasion occurring on the planet. I find it hard to believe that no rumor, no whisper, no talk has circulated even among the most remote communities.
This smacks of "We were put here and isolated on purpose because we are not a part of the system". Only the SG or one of his closest cronies would have the clout to do this.
Subtly pump the rebel leader for information, in return for his life and that of his people being safeguarded by the Knights should their complaints be just, or the information they give revealing a greater rot at work.

>>25456533
"And there is no way out of the camps? No appeals process? No term of sentence?
"Did your camp receive any newcomers, any new prisoners who talked of the invasion?"

>>25456533
The realization that what the SG is doing is technically not WRONG must be acknowledged by everyone here. It makes him an unrepentant asshole and tyrant, not a traitor or heretic.
What I want to know is WHERE are these different places, and whether or not the resources recovered are being recorded and reported as a part of the planet's tithe. Such a system is ripe for abuse, and while gutting the SG for being a dictator is unwarranted, doing so because he is traitorus swine is magnitudes different.

>>25456533

I'd say it would be nice to arrange improvement of conditions at these gulags and reconnect them to the information networks.

Full pardon to anyone willing to sign up with the Guard. If the SG is unwilling and we lack the authority, perhaps we could bolster ranks of our own guard element? Surely SG would not miss a couple of criminals, especially if they went off planet even if they survived the fighting...

Still, the crux of the problem seems be in dealing with the SG. And, before that, how to talk about it with Adonis.

>>25456629
Yes. The Secretary General is within his rights to arrange the penal and criminal codes in whatever way he wants.

However, sending people into places where he THINKS there might be resources and then devoting additional resources just to keep them there is wasteful.
This would be incompetence.

But if he is getting resources, and not reporting them to the Imperial Tithe, then that's not incompetence, that's treason, and something we can deal with swiftly.

>>25456629

Well, it IS wrong by our Aprior standards, but technically not a problem by Imperial ones. Still, if there is an way of making everyone better off, we should take that path.

>>25456533
the old rebellion? perhaps you need to fill me in on some of this planet's recent history....

>>25456697
People revolted, Old Governor+ his family got killed, SG took over.

>>25456743
i saw what our dudes were able to find out, but i want their perspective.

was intended to be an IC statement, sorry 'bout the confusion man.

>>25456697

see >>25453900

>>25456688
We do not have the time to make the world a better place, not right now, and not so brazenly.
The status quo must be maintained until the invasion is ground underfoot. However, this may be the first step on uncovering something of value to wield against the SG in the future, or more immediately if pressed.
Pump the rebels for all the information that can be gained, assure them safety and survival in return for cooperating with us, leave them a small guard detachment and a vox to stay in contact. I have no doubt the SG will try to silence them later when our eyes are elsewhere.
As for Adonis, assure him that the matter is settled, and you will place the honor of your chapter on the peace that you have brokered. If he is unwilling to accept that exchange, he is no Ultramarine I have heard of.

>>25456800

I would perhaps leave out the "or he's no Ultramarine" bit out, but otherwise it seems good. The Orks ARE our primary concern here after all.

>>25456533

"Have there been no new prisoners?" You ask, "No rumors from the guards that spoke of invasion?"

"There were some rumors, but no definite news, and nothing of the scale you speak of. And our camp has not received any new members for some months now, they must be being diverted elsewhere."

Likely drafted, you think to yourself.

"As for this old rebellion, please give me your side of the story."

The leader nods, "It began a little over twenty years ago. It started when the old governor instituted new policies dealing with wages and food distribution. Some elements in society were disgruntled by this and began to riot.

A few weeks after that the governor and his family were killed when their car was bombed, and the supreme military leader took over and declared himself the Secretary General. Once that happened the situation got much worse, the new leader cracking down on dissidents with the military.

People fought back but were defeated in the end, the survivors and their families sent off to the camps."

"Is there no way out of the camps?" You ask, "No option to appeal your sentence or time served?"

The lead man shakes his head and lets out a bitter laugh, "The only way out is feet first."

Further questions?

>>25456852
So the place was isolated, with no influx of fresh workers?
Are there any adepts remaining? Records of the production of the mines and the destination of the ore? Hit the vox and tell Adonis negotiations are going well, then hit an encrypted channel for your Knights and tell them to keep both eyes open, something is off.

>>25456927
sounds alright

>>25456927

You nod to the leaders, "Just a moment."

You activate your vox. "Captain Adonis, this is Smith."

"Captain, what is going on down there, do you require reinforcements?"

"No, the negotiations are going well, I hope that a peaceful solution can be reached soon, now I must contact my people."

You put a call through to O'Niell, as well as the Knight squad leaders.

"This is Smith, the negotiation at Nevamorsk are going well, but I have discovered some disturbing information. The workers here are political prisoners, brought here from a work camp, it is likely that many such camps exist.

O'Niell, I need an Aprior guard group to safeguard the prisoners working here, make sure they have a powerful vox caster to get through to the 'Flame if they need it. Stay alert everyone, the Secretary General is playing some sort of game."

You change frequencies to contact agent Kolchack. "Kolchack, I need you to investigate the tithe information for this world, how much of what was sent, as well as the amount of resources being diverted to pay them, something is wrong here but I am unsure as to what."

Further statements, or end negotiations by promising their safe conduct.

>>25457063
I think we need to end our negotiations.

>>25457063

They've probably told us as much as can be expected. Maybe we could fish for an veteran that might give a reliable account, but such would probably be executed outright rather than shipped to labor camps.

We can't promise we WILL improve their lot, but we will try. On top of defeating the Orkish horde.

>>25457063
You deactivate your vox and turn your attention back to the rebel leaders.

"I lack the power to release you people from your punishment, and frankly I do not have the right to pass judgement on your world. However, rest assured that I will do what I can to better your plight. I am sending a garrison of my own troops to oversee this operation, you will find them much more pleasant to deal with than your current guards."

"And so, our sentence continues." Says the first leader.

"I am sorry, but with the ork invasion to deal with I cannot allow this mine to sit idle, and if they win then your lives will be much worse, and much shorter. I shall do what I can. Until then, know that your pleas have not fallen upon deaf ears."

"I understand Captain, for what it is worth, you have my thanks."

You turn from the compound and walk back up into the light.

TBC

>>25457063
"i believe an agreement is in order:

we need those ores and minerals. there's a war going on, and we don't have time to fool around. it would take a good deal of time to root you out, and it would leave a bad taste in my mouth if i had to do so.

so a proposal: you guys run things here, make sure at least some minerals flow and we'll protect the mine from the government forces. we'll also secure supplies, both medical and otherwise, and ensure you are well cared for. in essence, a temporary cease-fire, you guys send US the materials, and we give you food and medicine for them. once the war is over, we'll revisit any issues you and the population at large have with the government.

sound fair?"

>>25457331

With all respect, brother, this camp is not an isolated case, there's a whole archipelago of 'em. And we probably can't spare troops to wage a civil war as it were. Let's reason with the SecGen once our hands are not so tied with greenskins.

Bigger fish to fry, as it were

>>25457288

After the long walk back to the upper mine, you are greeted with looks of shock and amazement by the local garrison. Evidently they had not expected you to just walk out like nothing had happened.

Waiting for you is the local commander, flanked by his 'honor guard' of Knights. He steps forward and begins to speak.

"I trust that all is ready for our offensive." He says, a statement not a question.

"There will be no offensive. Also, some of my guardsmen will arrive shortly to relieve you of this command, your services here are no longer needed."

The officer puffs himself up to somewhere along your upper chest. "You cannot do that! I am tasked by the Secretary General to..."

You lock eyes with him, staring him down with the cold inhuman visor on your helmet.

"You're in charge." He sees meekly.

You leave him behind and walk over to Adonis.

"Is what I heard true?" He asks, "You got them back to work without a shot fired?"

"Yes." You say, "A well placed word can have the same effect as a thousand bolter rounds, and with much less fuss or collateral damage. The locals will continue to operate and run the mine under the supervision of my own guardsmen. We should be able to provide them with much better working conditions than they have been used to. Also..."

You lean in, glancing to the local officer, cowering between the two Knights.

"Watch your back around the locals, something is afoot here but I cannot tell what."

Adonis nods. "It did not make sense to tell me about this incident and not you, I shall be wary of any 'personal requests' from the Secretary General in the future."

Anything further to say here?

>>25457446

Maybe we should tell him what we know of the power struggle that took place here? And assure him that we'll forward any information we might come across?

It strikes me as better to be honest with him. If we ourselves act suspiciously, SG could use it against us.

>>25457288
Don't forget to tell them that if they need more food medical supplies, some basic comforts, our better tools, or soldiers can provide them.

>>25457446

"That may be wise." You say, "The Secretary General is definitely playing some kind of game, I suspect that he told you about this situation and not me because he hoped you would kill all the dissidents before I found out. The man has never agreed with my decisions and set himself against me from the first day I arrived here."

Adonis frowns. "Someone should tell the Secretary General that the Adeptus Astartes do not take kindly to being played."

"Later." You say, "We cannot afford to alienate the planetary leader in the middle of battling the orks, we shall deal with him once their threat is ended. In the meantime my people shall do what they can for these, and any other such prisoners. A little extra food and medical supplies, some better tools and any other creature comforts we can provide to ease their pain."

Adonis shakes his head a little. "Yours is a strange chapter Captain, but you seem to know what you are doing."

"I am not in the habit of wasting lives. If there are any defenseless innocents who can be saved, I shall do all in my power to do so regardless of who they are." All too true, you think to yourself.

"A noble sentiment." Agrees Adonis.

Anything further or leave this frigid mine?

>>25457639
Leave we made a good impression on the Ultras which will help once they find out about our radical methods. Their literally by the book which makes them predictable. Unless we encounter someone like the captain Uriel.

>>25457639
Nothing much, although we can assume based on how we've handled this that the Secretary General probably knows all about this.

Also, we need to contact Kolchack about the SG's ascent, and how legit it seems.

>>25457639
I would ask of Adonis his personal measure of the commander as warrior, man and servant.
Following, assure him that what information comes to your hands, you will pass on to him. If and when the time comes, a healthy mutual respect between astartes leaders (and hey, being cool with a First Founding never was a bad thing) can be the tipping point.

>>25457446
>Adonis nods. "It did not make sense to tell me about this incident and not you, I shall be wary of any 'personal requests' from the Secretary General in the future."

"If my forces recieve such a 'personal request' in the future, I will most likely inform you - that is, I will not waste your time for a simple briefing or cup of tea - and ask that you do the same. If the secretary general IS playing a game, we must not let him play our two forces off against each other, and sharing information ourselves is the only way to prevent a schism in the fighting force. Agreed?"

>>25457825
>I would ask of Adonis his personal measure of the commander as warrior, man and servant.

Additionally, I would ask how the Ultramarines came to be here?
Did the SG request reinforcements? Was there a distress call? Was it a DIFFERENT one than the ones that brought US here?

>>25457885
Same distress call that brought you here, they just took longer to get here.

>>25457872
>>25457825

You look over to Adonis. "What is your measure of the Secretary General?"

"He is a hard man." Adonis says. "Not afraid to spill blood when need be, and he seems very devoted to the Imperial way and has done much to support the Imperial Cult upon his world. He seemed like a decent enough ruler, but then I have seen some truly bad ones in my time."

"Perhaps," you say, "but we must be careful with him. If my forces recieve such a 'personal request' in the future, I will most likely inform you - that is, I will not waste your time for a simple briefing or cup of tea - and ask that you do the same. If the secretary general IS playing a game, we must not let him play our two forces off against each other, and sharing information ourselves is the only way to prevent a schism in the fighting force. Agreed?"

"Agreed." Adonis nods, "I shall reciprocate as well, we Astartes are brothers are we not?"

Anything further?

>>25457972
>"Agreed." Adonis nods, "I shall reciprocate as well, we Astartes are brothers are we not?"

"We are. Anyone who wears our armor is cut from the same cloth. " (agree).

Nothing further. On the trip back, though, ask Adonis to share some of his company's lore and traditions, make conversation about it.

>>25457972
Give him a nod, set up the new guard, mosey to the next objective.

>>25457972
"We are. Anyone who wears our armor is cut from the same cloth."

You leave a few Knights behind to see to the changing of the guard and ascend the steps to your waiting gunships.

"Captain," You say, "Would you do me the honor of accompanying me back to the capitol?"


He considers for a moment. "Of course, our thunderhawk is needed elsewhere anyway."

Adonis and his marines climb into the thunderhawk along with your team, and you sit across from each other. The thunderhawk lifts off and you leave the grim mining settlement behind you.

"Your chapter is a most unusual one Captain." Adonis says, looking around at the simple clean inside of the gunship.

"I would be interested to learn more about it."

You nod. "We are a relatively young chapter, as such things go, and wandered the stars looking for our way in life. We were taught by the Salamanders in battle and dealing with civilians, and we see it as our task to better the lives of all who we can.

We were eventually trapped in the Aprior sector by a long lasting warp storm, and settled down there. Now that the storm has lifted, we have returned to the stars of our birthplace with our allies in battle, to carry forth our purpose of reason and brotherhood."

TBC

>>25458233

"And what of your company, Adonis? What exploits and traditions would the Ultramarines be willing to share."

Adonis leans back. "In my company it is custom to engrave the names of the fallen upon our wargear, so that the sacrifices of our brothers shall not be forgotten. In the fires of battle we build a memorial to our fallen brothers, so that they may be commemorated in the memory of the chapter, and in the terrified eyes of the enemy."

You nod in understanding. "My chapter has a similar tradition, in our headquarters in Aprior we keep a shrine to memorialize the numbers of dead, Knights and guardsman, soldier and civilian from each of our campaigns. When we partake in evening meal and prayer we observe a moment of silence in honor of the fallen."

Lykos nods. "Indeed Captain, I have seldom seen marines more invested in the fate of the locals under their charge."

Adonis nods, you can tell he is interested.

You spend the rest of the flight back swapping stories of battles fought and discussing your chapters histories, with you leaving out the more sensitive bits where needed.

When you arrive back at the capitol you go your separate ways, departing as brothers in arms.

TBC

>>25458391

The day winds down to its inevitable conclusion, you discuss the situation with your commanders and confirm that the guards at the mine have been taken over by the JTF.

You also issue orders to watch out for similar installations and to treat them in similar fashion, both in order to avoid such conflicts in the future, and better the plight of the prisoners there.

You retire to the meal hall with Lykos in tow. After your observe your customary moment of silence, you express thanks that the situation could be resolved without bloodshed, and swear that you shall continue to uphold the name and customs of the Knights in the future.

After that you retire to your chambers to rest.

More content in a moment, I just need to take a few minutes to think about this.

>>25458466
Are we good to continue on?

>>25458641
Yes.

>>25458651
Righto, hopefully enough people are still here.

>>25458692
I am here

>>25458692
I've been lurking here, I'll try to contribute more.

>>25458641
Continue.

>>25458233

"I told you earlier that my chapters tactics were shaped in part by lack of resources and the quality of supply lines that an established and successful chapter such as the ultramarines might be accustomed to."

"In truth, that theme runs a bit deeper. Efficient is a word you may hear used among my forces. "

"At the basic level, a soldiers job is to put their life on the line for the sake of the mission, whether it is defense of the homeland or attacking an enemy. Where other chapters are ready to die for the emperor at a moment's notice, or even eager to prove their devotion - the knights inductor try to sell their lives as dearly as possible if they must die, but not dying at all is preferable if the mission still gets done. "

"Its also one of the reasons we have experience in combined arms. While a marine is worth ten, or even a hundred men, sometimes you don't need a marine at all."

"If you truly wish to learn more of our chapter, then I have a challenge for you. A practical test for you to think about. Consider the weapons at your disposal, that don't fit in your hands. Tactics, strategy. The spoken word. It is one of the most basic force multipliers at your disposal. Communication is a basic requirement for an army, concise orders in battle a necessity. A speech can inspire and lift the spirits, demoralize foes - even take the place of a battle as you saw earlier - or nearly cause one, as the secretary general was likely hoping. "
"You're a Captain. You clearly understand how to lead. Take it a step further - try your hand at diplomacy and persuasion when the opportunity arises. I think you will find it can accomplish objectives without needing the drop pods"

>>25458741

well that took way too long to write, i missed the update.

Forget about it for now, use it when we Adonis gets curious again

>>25458466

After that the war continued as it was wont to do, ork concentrations being targeted for destruction, either by shells dropped from orbit or the infinitely more dangerous pods of the Ultramarines, whilst the Knights Inductor and the men and women of the JTF press the front line harder and harder against the orks there.

Kalec deploys his scanner planes a few days after your return and they begin to bear fruit, locating orks in the subsurface ice tunnels, which are promptly destroyed by orbital strikes or airstrikes.

The workers at the mines are back to work, being cared for by the JTF guard, and seem to be in better overall spirits, with the output of the mine increased due to the introduction of Apriori technologies to aid the process.

About two weeks into his scanning campaign Kalec tells you that he thinks he has found something major, and that he is on his way to the capitol to speak to you and Adonis about his findings.

Is there anything you wish to do before the mad techpriest drags you off on another adventure?

>>25458741
Actually, that is such a perfect addition to the dialogue, consider it retroactively added into the conversation.

This gets across everything about the Knights that your conversations with him really needs to say.

>>25458869
Adventure Time!

>>25458950
agreed

>>25459006
>>25458950
Right, continuing on.

>>25458913
>This gets across everything about the Knights that your conversations with him really needs to say.

Thank you.
I'm just trying to butter him up with the basics before he realizes the full extent to which the reasonable marines have embraced their namesake.
(its probably going to be when the fighting gets intense enough that we HAVE to call in our alien allies. )

You know, the same thing that, when ingested and processed all at once, like the inquisition did when the aprior sector reestablished contact, that makes people's though process go something like this:
"Wait, they do WHAT? And it WORKS? And they haven't fallen to chaos yet?!?!?! That's borderline heresy!" And then they turn the next page of the briefing, and say the same thing all over again.
The equivalent of the office prank where you move a coworkers desk an inch every day until they notice.
Except the desk is the border of heresy, and nobody noticed until now.

>>25458869
Nope. Let's see if we can crack the surface above this Ork concentration with orbital bombardments.

>>25458869

You stand ready in your briefing room in your HQ, Adonis and his command squad joining you after a few minutes.

"Captain Smith, to what do I owe the honor?"

"Apparently my chief techpriest has discovered something which has him very excited, he wanted to show us at once."

A few moments later you hear the sound of hurried footsteps outside, before the doors are flung open and Kalec burst in, his robes whipping around him.

"Captains!" He exclaims, rushing over to the hololith. "I believe that I have found what we have been searching for!"

He manipulates the console to bring up a planetary map, focusing mostly on the zone near the cities attacked by the sudden orkish horde, and being savaged by repeated ambushes.

"After several weeks of concentrated scanning, I have detected a number of underground orkish concentrations, which were of course wiped out within minutes of detection, normally, these would not seem to be of much interest, however when back checking with the recursive analysis done on the previous orkish incursions, with also taking into account the various logistical columns and troop movements of the orks I believe I have found the source of the orkish menace!"

He gestures to the map impressively.

TBC

>>25459282

You both look at the mostly blank map, then back to Kalec, whose dramatically out swept arms sag a little.

"Must I explain everything to you?"

"That would be preferable." Adonis says, and you nod.

Kalec grumbles something in binary and starts manipulating the map. He highlights several orkish tunnel networks, as well as the maneuvering of the greenskin forces.

"I devoted myself to analyzing the data coming in both from forces in the field and the scanning planes, leading me to form a cross checked data network to search for any commonalities in the orkish movements, based upon this data I was able to see how tunnel placements influenced the orks movements, in the fifty fourth hour of the analysis I received a vision from the Omnissiah, that or one of my cranial implants short-circuited, hard to tell which but regardless I was able to discern a pattern."

He points to a large central space, devoid of anything ork related, where a small dot appears.

"All orkish concentrations appear to be influenced by this point, whilst the tunnels they follow are winding in the extreme they all seem to radiate from this central locus, the nexus of the tunnel network the orks are using to move their forces across the planet, that is in all likelihood the main base of the horde attacking Volkgarod!"

-----
More content in a few minutes, I have to go walk the dog

>>25459451
Is the point he's indicated far from civilian areas?
I want to be able to crack the surface with orbital strikes before we send in people on the ground.

>>25459451
I return, and Kalec's rant continues.

>>25459451

This is NOT the time for it, but I would like to ask Adonis for a favor at some time when we have a chance/before we leave the system - meeting up with our techpriest jogged my memory.

We should ask to see some of his chapter's Tactical Dreadnought Armor. one of the most famous and rare holy relics of the marines - bring Kalec with us as our +1.

(i'm assuming that its a rare piece of technology, or at least playing up the angle of the 'supply lines' theme). If we can get them to gift us a suit or two, perhaps in exchange for stable plasmaguns(not the plans, but actual guns and maintainance rites), the chapter may benefit -greatly- from examining them.

>>25459617
If it is away from civilian areas, then I second this notion, combined with drop pod assaults around the ring to turn the entire bombardment cave-in into a killing zone.

>>25459451

Well that gets your attention, and Adonis' too by the way he leans in.

You examine the data from the sector targeted, and find that it has been scanned, but that nothing was detected. Adonis sees this as well.

"This sector turned up no greenskin activity." He says.

"On the scans yes, but the data points to a large concentration here, examine this data if you will."

He calls up a recording of an orkish unit moving along one of the tunnels, the thermal blotch growing brighter and brighter as they near the end.

"As you can see, the thermal signature increases the closer they get to their goal, but the size of the group remains constant, from this I can draw that the tunnels become closer to the surface as they radiate out, and conversely that they drop deeper down as they approach the central point, meaning that the orkish home base is so deep that our sensors cannot reach it."

You nod, his logic seeming sound enough. "Good, relay the targeting information to our orbital forces and let's finish them off."

Kalec wrings his hands nervously. "Unfortunately, whilst an orbital strike may indeed cause significant damage, it will not end our problems, examine if you will the distance from the central locus that the tunnels drop below our scanning depth, if my calculations hold true, and I ran them fourteen times, then the central locus itself would be so deep that the bombardment would not destroy it, though it would likely cripple the connecting tunnels and damage whatever facilities lay within."

Response?

>>25459729
Be aware that the Knights have terminator suits, you just don't have any with you, as the original players did not elect to bring them during unit selection.

Actually, as Knight terminators use stealth devices reverse engineered from tau stealth suits, they are probably better than what the Ultras field.

You could choose such a unit for reinforcements at the end of this campaign.

>>25459896
Then we will time our attack for right after the bombardment. Hit them while they still don't know what the zog is going on.

>>25459959
Going with htis

>>25459959
What if we wait for the Ork's next attack? We destroy the tunnels with the Ork attack force, then we go in with our forces using the other tunnels.

>>25459896

"A shame," You say, "We shall have to root out the orks the traditional way."

"Suits me fine." Adonis says, a hint of anticipation in his voice.

"We shall execute an orbital bombardment on the orkish forces, then hit them whilst they are confused, Adonis please have your strike cruiser coordinate with the Midnight Flame for the maximum possible bombardment.

Nicely done Kalec, we move as soon as our forces are prepared."

How do you distribute your forces?

>>25460118
Will the Fenris tanks fit into the tunnels?

I'm thinking that we collapse a good half to 3/4 of the tunnels with orbital strikes.

Rocket artillery and Guardsmen will dig in and cover the remaining tunnel entrances except 2.
We will go down one, with all Knights, Sisters, and Fenris tanks. Adonis and the Ultramarines will go down the other.

If all of the Ultramarines go down the tunnels, then it should be safe for Vael to deploy his battlesuits in support of the Guard on the surface.

>>25460263
Tanks should fit at least some places, the orks are getting their vehicles out after all.

What are we doing about Lykos?

>>25460263
Don't forget our Eldar Snipers.

>>25460263
>If all of the Ultramarines go down the tunnels, then it should be safe for Vael to deploy his battlesuits in support of the Guard on the surface.

Not necessarily. They were keeping some of their troops on their battle barge for reserves. also, it is still in orbit

>>25460303
Lykos would come with us, of course, to see how we fight.

>>25460118

"When our forces are ready to deploy we shall utilize orbital bombardments to seal off all but two tunnels, we shall then split our forces to proceed down each tunnel, Knights taking one, and Ultramarines the other, each with guard elements to support their advance, with the rest of the guard taking position on the surface to secure the tunnel entrances."

Adonis nods, "A sound plan, I shall see to the disposition of my marines, we've got a lot of work ahead of us."

You look down at the dully flashing icon indicating the ork stronghold beneath the ice.

"Yes, yes we do."

I think that's it for the night, I am starting to get very sleepy and quality would take a nosedive if I continue.

Thanks for playing everyone, welcome new players and thanks to returning players for sticking it out.

Sadly there will probably not be a game tomorrow, as I am going out with the family, but I should be back on Monday for the big finale.

I will hang around for a little while if there is any discussion, if not then I'll see you around.