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Cuugo gives you a quick nod. "Aye, Princeps, scrubbing...three, no four enemy Engines detected, two appellated "Stompers", two appellated "Gargants."

You magnify on the incoming engines; each bristle with an assortment of guns, crude claws, and beaten armor plating. As abominable to the Machine God as they are, you know from experience that Ork Engines are nonetheless brutally effective.

"This is it!" says Servatus. "Are you ready, Darius?"

"Tankred and Gladius, this is Herrax. Ready your weapons and prepare for war. We will..."

>Choose a battle plan:
>Hang back with the rest of the landing forces. Have the Karthadi, Tung, and Iron Hands lend what fire support they can. Note: this will expose more of the Imperials and Astartes to danger.
>Go forth and confront the Orks, leaving the landing forces behind to secure the beachhead. Note: this will expose you more to danger.

>Additional vote:
>Do you guys want to use criticals for this quest? If yes, then I will use the following system:
>1 = critical fail
>20 = critical success
>If in the first 3 posts there are both a 1 and a 20, they will cancel each other out. The third post's result will be chosen instead.
>If there are multiple 1s or 20s, there will NOT be "super-criticals" or "super-fails".

Housekeeping:

Voting instructions:
For combat rolls, please roll 1d20 for each weapon you are firing. For example, if you want Tankred to fire both the Vulcan and the Turbolaser, roll 2d20. The first roll result will be for the Turbolaser, the second will be for the Vulcan.
If you also want to try re-raising Void Shields while also firing weapons, roll 3d20. The 1st and 2nd numbers will be the Turbolaser and Vulcan, respectively, while the 3rd result will be the Void Shields roll. If you're attempting to use the Pugio on top of all of this, then roll 4d20. The Pugio will be the 4th roll result.

>>30637011
What kind of artillery does the infantry have? Maybe we could have those walkers softened up, or outright destroyed by some barrages?

>>30637011
I do not want criticals.

>>30637074
The Karthadi have managed to land one or two Earthshakers (long-range artillery), and the Iron Hands have brought along a Spartan Assault Tank (heavily armored troop transport). They can only do so much damage to Ork Engines by themselves, but they are available.

Keep in mind that the Iron Hands, at least, might not take orders from you.

>>30637011
>Go forth and confront the Orks, leaving the landing forces behind to secure the beachhead. Note: this will expose you more to danger.
This Legio has an aggressive fighting style.

>>30637011
vote for critical

>>30637132
how would asking for firesupport work?

>>30637011
Against criticals. Maybe if it was 1d100. Don't want contrived super-successes or super-failures. It is better to effect our success with tactics and minimize risk. You really want an 11% chance of critical failure for every roll?

>>30637011
>Go forth and confront the Orks, leaving the landing forces behind to secure the beachhead. Note: this will expose you more to danger.

Sure, everything is fun when there is a chance for things to go horribly. Crits get my vote.

>>30637242
When engaging the Ork Engines, you will have the option of requesting fire support from the Karthadi and/or the Iron Hands. If the targets are in range (and they will be, Earthshakers have a long arm), they will attempt to shoot it and do damage.

I will wait 3 more minutes for some more votes. Until then, please enjoy the following:

>>30636663

>>30637304
Voting end. Writing...

>>30637132
See if the Karthadi can concentrate fire on a Stompa. Don't stop firing until it stops.

Then we go in for some kills.

>>30637011
No criticals.
Go to meet the Orks

They are almost in range of our Turbolaser. We should lay down fire with it for at least one round, longer depending on how fast the Gargants move. We want them kept away from the infantry.

>>30637377
I second this motion

also, if we can, use the vulcan to clear a path for the iron hands, we should

that thing has dual-Quad lascannons! according to forgeworld

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>>30637450
From last thread.
Iron Hands and the IG have the Ork infantry under control. The infantry is also out of range of our Vulcan Megabolter.

>>30637450
the spartan assault tank?

>>30637521
is there another titan with us?

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>>30637347
>"Tankred and Gladius, this is Herrax. Ready your weapons and prepare for war. We will go ahead of the infantry and engage the Xeno Engines by ourselves."

Servatus' voice cuts through. "By ourselves? Lord Herrax, why not have the infantry come with us? We need--"

Herrax interrupts him smoothly. "Neither the Imperials nor the Astartes will last long if they are caught in our cross-fire. Our mission is to support and help them, my good son, remember that. Now, with me, both of you."

"But my Lord, without support we will be in far graver danger--"

"Come with me, my good son," says Herrax again, his tone firmer now. "Walk with me."

"...aye, Lord."

"There are only three of us, Lord" says a Moderati. You have difficulty remembering who it is.

"Only?" Despite the vox-corruption, you can still hear the mirth in Exobite's voice. "They will need more if this is to be an even fight."

>Choose a target (if you want to use your Vulcan, you will need to get closer):
>S1
>S2
>G1
>G2
>Focus fire on whatever Herrax and Gladius are shooting

>Also: choose targets for Karthadi and Iron Hands. I will roll a d20 publicly to see whether or not they want to help you.

>TANKRED STATUS:
>SP = 9
HP = 9

>>30637560
Haha, messed that map up. Re-exloading...

>>30637554
Two.
>>30637560
>G1

Target for Karthadi and Iron Hands also G1, but I don't think we need them.

>>30637560
what weapons are the other titans equipped with?

In WW2 German tiger tank commanders got fanmail while they were in battle.
>"No tankbattle is not atall like bauwxing"
I like to think titan commanders have a certain fame aswell.

>>30637560
G1 is about to get shot at.

>>30637560
>S1

if the guns depress, there is a chance they will come apart

Karthadi and Iron hands go for S1 also

>>30637560
TwiceBorn, do we have any idea what the stats of our enemies are? Because if they can take a lot of punishment like us or not, it will make a difference in choosing which tactic.

>>30637560
>G1

have the infantry go for S3

>>30637619
There is a Titan roster for Pugnatores on the Dramatis Personae pastebin: http://pastebin.com/aAs3rCka

A bit further down, past the Princeps and Moderati roster.

>>30637665
For the sake of this quest, assume that Ork Engines in general are noticeably inferior to their Imperial equivalents. At the moment, this is a fairly even fight not including the Astartes/artillery support, not to mention the Belligator is heavier than anything else out on the battlefield, and the two other Titans with you are experienced.

Basically, don't worry about shooting Ork Stompas (Warhound equivalents) or Gargants (Reaver equivalents) with your Turbolaser, at least...unless you roll poorly.

>>30637560
>G1

Have the infantry stay back.

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>>30637753
Voting end.

...aaand I just realized I never actually uploaded the new map. WELP

>>30637753
Alright, in that case I think we should target S1.

>>30637784
While I'm writing:

Quick revote on what targets the Astartes and Kathadi are firing on. We have a 3 way tie between S1, S3, and G1.

>>30637853
S1 ain't on the map...

>>30637853
G1.
Their weapons have the best chance at disabling a smaller titan.

>>30637560
>S2
lets take out there flanks first

>>30637853
S3.

>>30637870
It must be colored purple.

>>30637853
S3

>>30637880
Absolutely right but we should take out the left flank first. The other two Titans have the right.
So, S3.

>>30637870
Doh, I must have mislabeled the Stompas.

Rolled 14

>G1 targeted, instructing Karthadi to fire on S3, currently contacting Iron Hands for assistance

"Mistra, Cuugo."

They both turn around as far as they can, despite the MIU plugs holding them in place. Their faces are confused, slightly shocked--it is unusual for you to refer to them so informally in the middle of a battle.

"Our first Engine combat, all of us. We've been friends for as long as we can remember. You're both ready, correct?" A pair of nods. "Good. Now...

"EXPUGNATA!"

You roar out the time-honored warcry of Legio Pugnatores, Tankred's battlehorn sounding in kind. Your Moderati join you moments after.

"Targeting solution on the left Gargant!" you cry.

"Targeting solution cogitated!"

To your right, you can already see Gladius and Belligator striding forwards, straight at the oncoming Engines.


>Roll for weapons. If you want to use the Megabolter, please keep in mind that you'll need to close in.

>If you'd like to move Tankred before/after firing, please indicate by giving a general direction and speed to go in.

Rolled 15

>>30637997
lets keep up and be flank guard for our fellow titans

Rolled 6

>>30637997

Rolled 13

>>30637997
>>30638036
Yes just keep in a line with them. We could start moving forward after we've fired towards S3 but it depends on how fast the Orks are. If, say, after this turn they are 3km away we can fire another volley and then close in to use both of our weapons.

>>30637997
Move towards S3. Gladius and Belligator are already moving. Let's not be left behind. Keep pace with them.

Voting ends. Writing and drawing...

>>30637275
I'd like to see criticals confirmed, or the crit # randomly rolled for at the start of each thread, trump/spades style.
Nonrandumb tg dice roll 1s far too off

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mOG3Q8CSoY

"Ahead, full stride," you say. "Keep pace with the Burning Brand and the Warbringer." Tankred obeys, surging ahead with steel-bound legs.

You decide to ask the Imperials and the Astartes for support. "Colonel Mago! This is the Tankred! Are your Earthshaker cannons deployed?"

"Affirmative, Tankred," comes the reply. Colonel Mago seems to be breathless. "Would you like some fire support?"

"I would be most appreciative."

"Compliance, Tankred. Alright, men, load up! Sight the ugly one on the far left!"

Wasting no time, you vox the Iron Hands as well.

"Captain Entomac, this is the God-Engine Tankred. If the Gorgon's Hammer is prepared, we would be most appreciative of assistance."

A growling baritone answers you. "Acknowledged, Tankred. We are honored to fight at your side." Your 360-degree vision granted by your auspex suite lets you see the Spartan Assault Tank, dwarfing all other land-engines save Titans, rumble forwards.

"Coordinate fire with the Karthadi, if you would, Captain."

"Compliance."

You surge forward, kicking up earth as you move.

"Firing Turbolaser," you say.

[1/3]

>>30638600

[2/3]
The red light-lance darts foward, smashing head-on into the oncoming Gargant. It seems to almost stumble as its crude shields are all but stripped away, verging on the point of failure.

To your right, Belligator and Gladius concentrate fire on the right-most Xeno Engine. From what the Mechanicus can tell, this type of Engine--called the "Stomper" by some Magi--is approximately the equivalent of an Imperial Warhound.

That means it disintegrates under the withering fire of two heavier Titans.

"Yes!" roars Herrax. "Into them, Warmongers! Expugnata!"

For their part, the Gorgon's Hammer fires its laser-destructors and the Karthadi their Earthshakers. The Karthadi miss, but the Iron Hands hit home, badly weakening the leftmost Stompa's shields.

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>>30638665
(That's weird, I'm trying to upload a new version of the map but 4chan keeps saying I have a duplicate up already...)

But the exchange of fire is not entirely one-sided. Of the three remaining Ork Engines, two decide to target the Belligator, surely eyeing it as a great prize. One, however--the Gargant you first targeted, decides to go for you.

"Ork Engine firing! Brace brace bra--"

A colossal belly-gun, jutting forth from the ugly machine's torso, fires once. Your Void Shields take the full brunt of the blow.

"Void Shields capacity at 66%," says Deculta over the vox.

>Choose a target:
>S3
>G1
>G2

>Choose targets, if any, for the Iron Hands and Karthadi

>Please indicate if you wish to attempt to restore Void Shields (can only be done once every other turn)

>>30638697
TANKRED STATUS:

6 Shield Points
9 Hull Points

>>30638697
>G1

Have our infantry keep hitting S3, our fellow titans can take G2, and we can take another hit to our shields, lets see how they are next turn before restoring

>>30638749
agreed on infantry,

lets hammer the gargant that hit us

>>30638697
Get another volley from the Earthshakers onto the Stompa, and let the Iron Hands do their thing. They agreed to help, after all

>>30638808
This.
Should have had all of us fire at G1. It is best to concentrate fire.

And yea, try to regain Void Shields. Why wouldn't we?

>>30638958
ideally we can tank another hit from G1, while G2 is distracted and finished by our comrades, and S3 has no big guns, so we tank the hit, finish it off, and then restore shields and enter the next fight at 100%

>>30638999
This is the smartest plan.

>>30638728
Voting ends. Writing...

Meanwhile, please vote on to break the tie on the following:

Restore Void Shields, or no? Remember that you can only attempt to restore Shields once every other turn.

>>30639019
so we'd have to wait 2 turns before we get another chance?

if so, I say restore now

>>30638999
Um, okay, but why not regain Shield Points? We can only regain one point every other round, so in combat we should be doing it every other round consistently.

>>30639019
Yes, restore them. I don't see why we wouldn't. It's not like it hampers us in any way.

>>30639019
Hold off on restoring them.

>>30639066
Hrm, I might not have been clear on the Mechanics pastebin...

Restoring shields works much like rolling for weapons: the bigger the number you roll, the bigger the effect. For each degree of success you get on a DC 12 check, you get 1 extra shield point back.

So a result of 14 = 2 shield points restored (1 base + 1 degree of success).

>>30639019
lets restore

Once G1 is down we charge S3 to get within 1 KM and fire both weapons.
I wonder if the Plasma Blaster would have been better. 2KM range. I don't think it will matter much. Everyone knows in 40k the most important heroes fight in melees.

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"Princeps, restore Void Shields?" It is subtle, but you can tell that Cuugo is slightly shaken from the damage Tankred received. For your part, you grit through the welt blossoming on your shoulder.

"Moderati Nicator, focus. Look to your station and do your duty." Mistra's words are clear, somehow cutting through the din of engine-noise hydraulics.

Cuugo swallows hard, but his mood seems to be improving. "Aye...aye, you're right. Thank you, Mistra."

"That's 'Moderati Ossea' for you. Restore Shields, Princeps?"

A nod. "Attempt to restore Shields at once."

"Aye, Princeps."

You take aim at the Gargant that wounded you again.

"Firing..."

>Roll for weapons. If you want to use the Megabolter, you will be within range if you move forward first and then fire.

>If you'd like to move Tankred before/after firing, please indicate by giving a general direction and speed to go in.

>Roll 1d20 to restore Void Shields (so a total roll of 3d20 if you fire both weapons and attempt to restore shields). Shields will be restored before you fire weapons next turn. Again, if you choose to fire both weapons AND restore shields, 1st roll = Turbolaser, 2nd roll = Megabolter, 3rd roll = shield restoration attempt.

Rolled 20, 15, 19 = 54

>>30639331
Yes. Move forward fire both weapons and restore shields.

>>30639331
move

SMASH THEM

Rolled 9, 11, 13 = 33

>>30639401
crap forgot dice

>>30639401
So...use the Pugio?

>>30639353
Dat roll

Rolled 13, 15, 11 = 39

>>30639331
move then shoot

>>30639427
Oh, just the Laser and the Megabolter I assume.

Rolled 15, 12, 15 = 42

>>30639427
no

we need to kill a few more

>>30639427
For the record I am against criticals. I like the degrees of success system. Not every quest needs to use crits.

So, we will do heavy damage on G1. If it is not destroyed another hit from the Megabolter should be enough. We can focus the Laser on S3 or even rush in with the Pugio, though I'd advise against it. Melee combat does direct hull damage which cannot be repaired in combat.

>>30639463
Rolling over, writing...

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>>30639542
"Void Shields at 100% capacity," says Deculta.

"Acknowledged. Firing Turbolaser..."

Another shot, another true blow. The Gargant's fading shields are gone now, exploding in an ear-shatting *POP* of displaced air. Pieces of armor slough off as your laser-lance continues tearing apart the Ork Engine.

Something within the Gargant explodes--a reactor, perhaps? Or did the ammunition cook off from the heat of the Turbolaser? Either way, the ugly engine seems to be on its last legs. You hose it down with your Vulcan, starting from its crudely welded head and aiming down, down, and down, until the monstrosity is cut in half by Megabolter-fire.

With a shriek of metal even you can hear, the Gargant falls in half.

"Engine kill, Engine kill!" crows Cuugo. Even Mistra gives a nod of approval.

On the left, the second volley of Earthshaker rounds smash into the Stompa. Its shields are gone, its hull ruptured in multiple spots, smoke streaming out of several wounds. But it still stands, and the Gorgon's Hammer misses its shots.

On your right, the remaining Gargant is almost within grappling range with the Gladius. You can see the Burning Brand deploy its immense power-claws as it readies itself for its opponent. The Gargant is wounded, you can see that--but Orks are nothing if not tenacious. You can see the Belligator attempting to flank the wouned Gargant.

The Gorgon's Hammer shudders as a glancing shot shears away a track. It is stuck, no longer able to move, but for its part it defiantly spits bolter shells at the oncoming Stompa.

>Choose a target:
>S3
>G2

>Choose a target for the Iron Hands and Karthadi:
>S3
>G2

>TANKRED STATUS:
>9 SP
>9 HP

>>30639869
>Move towards S3
>Target Turbolaser to G23
>Target Vulcan to S3
>Iron Hands and Karthadi Focus S3

>>30639869
We can finish off the S3 easily, and our comrades can kill the G2 at their leisure. I say the Iron hands and the Karthadi support attack the G2, just in case.

>>30639869
i'll second >>30639979

>>30640018
I'd say, given that Warhounds appear to be able to torso-twist, ~180 arc of fire in front of you.

However, you can simply shoot one target and immediately shoot another one.

>>30640018
Sounds good to me.

Honestly our fellow titans have the Gargant under control. Let's focus both weapons on the S3 in case we miss with one. We don't want the Gorgon's Hammer to be destroyed.

>>30640139
I second that motion. let's stay good with the iron hands

Voting end. Writing...

>>30640112
Err, Brutus feel free to repost your vote. The vote you quoted seems to have...disappeared for some reason.

>>30640218
protip TB, get 4chan X, it shows deleted posts, that post got deleted, its contents were:

>>>30639869
>Turbolaser against S3
>Vulcan Megabolter against G2

>Target for Iron Hands and Karthadi, S3

>In what arc can our weapons fire?

>>30640258
this magos speaks true code

>>30640218
Basically it was Turbolaser agains S3

Vulcan against G2.

Iron hands & Karthadi S3

>>30639869
Have the Earthshakers deal with the Stompa, and the Iron Hands help us.

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>We're pretty much done with this part of the battle; the enemies basically have no health left. Therefore, I will forgo the rolls to keep things moving.

Servatus can deal with the Gargant, you think to yourself. The Gorgon's Hammer is in true trouble.

"Left, left, full stride," you say. "The Gorgon's Hammer requires our assistance."

"Princeps, what of the Gladius?" asks Mistra.

"Servatus knows what's he's doing." Nonetheless, you can feel the prinpricks of sweat coursing down your face. If the Gladius is faster with its power-claw...

Brushing dark thoughts out of your mind, you target the leaking, smoking Stompa lumbering at the Gorgon's Hammer. Its remaining tread still chews away at the ground, but the Spartan remains stuck.

"Targeting...fire!"

A flash of light, and the Stompa explodes, everything from its belly up now raining down on the battlefield. Nothing left for your Megabolter to rip apart.

"Engine kill," says Mistra satisfactorily.

Speaking of Engines...

Your auspex tells you that the Gladius has won its own duel--indeed, its clawed hand is deep within the Gargant, tearing at vulnerable innards. Belligator's own immense fist appears to have struck off the Gargant's left arm.

The skirmish, as it was, is over.

Congratulations and whoops of victory sound out over the vox.

"Yes, yes, well fought, my good sons, well fought," chuckles Herrax. "Especially you, Darius, especially for your first Walk."

Servatus speaks as well. "Indeed, well done Darius, that Turbolaser shot to the first Gargant was well-aimed." The tone of his voice seems...off somehow. As though he had injecte false cheer into it.

>Choose your response:
>"Ha! If this is the best the Orks can offer, we'll be done with this campaign within the month!" (Confident)
>"The Machine God merely watched over me, that's all." (Humble)
>Other [Write-in]

>>30640587
>Ha! If this is the best the Orks can offer, we'll be done with this campaign within the month!

>>30640587
>"The Machine God merely watched over me, that's all." (Humble)

>>30640587
>>"The Machine God merely watched over me, that's all." (Humble)

>>30640587

>"The Machine God watches over his own. An excellent first start to the battle." (Humble)

I made some edits.

>>30640587
>"The Machine God merely watched over me, that's all." (Humble)

>>30640841
Voting ends. Writing...

>>30640785
>"I am glad to honor the Pugnatores."
More like the Dice God, really.
7 Gargants on the map now. This should be fun.

>>30640878
Two more Titans of ours should land soon.

>>30640878
Note: on the Strategic Auspex, 1 dot does not necessarily correlate to 1 object. In the previous Strategic Auspex maps, Gladius and Belligator were represented combined as one red dot; likewise, 7 green dots on the Strategic Auspex means a lot more than 7 Gargants.

>>30641084
Oh, well, more Fun then.

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>"The Machine God watches over His own. An excellent start to the first battle."

Servatus lets out a chuckle. "Oh, you and your humility. It's no heresy to be proud of your achievements, Darius. Boast now, eat your words later, I say!"

"Hrm, I'm not sure," you reply, "if my head were as big as yours, it'd never fit into Tankred's MIU."

"Ha! I know I can barely fit in Gladius'!" The tension for battle ebbs away as both of you share in the laughter.

"But all jests aside," says Servatus, "don't be so hesitant in taking your share in the glory. We are unto Mars and Forge World Yitorach what the Astartes are to the Imperium: we're creatures that know only battle, you and I. Our fate is to die in our Titans. Whether that's because we can no longer tame the machine spirit, or because we're slain in battle, that doesn't change." He pauses, taking a breath."What we achieve on the battlefield, what we kill with the metal gods we wield, in the end that's what we will be remembered for. That's all we are. So partake in the glory, my friend, there's a time for humility and a time for pride."

"Servatus..."

Your conversation is interrupted by a Karthadi trooper.

"All units, be advised: auspex reports indicate multiple xeno forces have converged onto Site Primaris. I repeat, the Orks are fortifying Site Primaris. Auspex returns detect Titan-sized enemy armor moving in, approximately twenty-five in total."

"Repeat, how many Engines?"

"Twnety-five, that's twenty-five engines. Skyshield generators are still interfering with the auspex, but we estimate...up to twenty-two Engines of Warhound and Reaver-size, and about three Warlord-sized."

Herrax lets out a long sigh. "We will need all Engines, Pugnatores and Perditores, to battle such a thing. We can only wait, now."

"If they decide to charge us, we're finished," says Cuugo.

"Then let us hope it doesn't come down to that."

[1/2]

[2/2]

To everyone's great fortune, the Orks seemed content to consolidate their forces around Site Primaris. This meant that the rest of the Pugnatores and the entirety of Legio Perditores were able to land their Engines unmolested. The Uthuan Harbingers brought along several armored columns as well.

You had asked Herrax why the Orks would throw away such an advantage:

"Orks...ah, the Orks," says Herrax. His tone is relaxed, slightly amused. "The Magi Biologis are not entirely certain as interrogation of their species is, well, difficult. But as best as we can tell, Orks lust for the biggest and the thickest of fighting. The Ork warplane that puttered out of sight a few minutes ago? No doubt it flew back to tell its masters that our great host was mustering. My suspicion is that they will wait until they grow impatient or decide we have no more reinforcements to bring. Then it will begin."

And so you had to wait, interposed between the vulnerable Imperial troops and the ravaging Ork Engine mobs. Though you keep an eye on the auspex for any major movement, you decide to...

>...speak with Moderati Cuugo Nicator
>...speak with Moderati Mistra Ossea
>...speak with Princeps Exobite Herrax
>...speak with Princeps Servatus Obsevat
>...speak with Captain Entomac
>...speak with Princeps Cantor Alaios
>...speak with Princeps Hexa Atarko
>...speak with Enginseer Deculta
>Other [Write-in]

>>30641420
>>...speak with Moderati Cuugo Nicator
He was a little rattled in the last engagement. We should bolter his morale.

>>30641493
>We should bolter his morale.

This is the best typo.

Rolled 1, 18, 16 = 35

>>30641514
everyone loves bolter augmentaions

>>30641420
>...speak with Moderati Cuugo Nicator
>...speak with Moderati Mistra Ossea
>...speak with Enginseer Deculta
see how our crew fairs after their first kills

and get Decu to stop looking at porn

>>30641539
I was thinking more of the *BLAM* type of morale bolting.

Imagine what Titan combat would be like if Commissar-Titans (with giant hats and all) sat back with long-range laser cannons, sniping any Engine that tries to run away.

>>30641556
This. First battle we should look within our Titan and make sure it is functioning at full capacity.
I would like to talk to Entomac and Alaios though. I'm curious about the latter.

>>30641560
only if they have a rusted companion titan with tania dispenser tank

Voting end. Writing...

>>30641613
"Oh God-Emperor! The inside of that titan REEKS Princeps!"
"True, but his Princeps' aim is excellent and he brews a fine cup of recaf."

So, 20 engines on our side in total?

>>30641747
>>30641710

We can destroy the Orks swiftly and with a minimum of casualties if we managed to bring down the Skyshields.

I don't feel confident fighting 25 Ork Gargants at once, we're going to have to drastically change the battlefield situation to our advantage.

>>30641849
can we kick up enough dust and sand to over stress the sky shields combined with a focused bombardment?

>>30641849
Will be tough. The nearest generator is 10km away in the middle of a horde of Gargants. Plus we'll need to destroy all anti-orbital guns to get air support and orbital bombardment. We'll not be able to destroy them unharassed.

Just need to fight well. Use good strategy. We just killed 5 with just 3 titans. 20 of ours vs 27 of theirs is not dire.

>>30641931

You mentioned this last thread but I don't see it being a good strategy. We have no idea how the Skyshields won't and frankly we don't have the ability to generate a sandstorm.

>>30641982
Yea, it also does nothing against the antiorbital weapons. Without those down the skyshield's status does not matter.

>>30641974

Hmm. The Gargants are probably going to mass-charge our Titan group.

That means we should position ourselves to the far side of our group and be prepared to flank if possible. We may be able to greatly weaken one side of the Gargant charge simply by firing at their backs, and if we get the opportunity, we can destroy a few anti-orbital cannons and shield generators to create an opening for air support.

in addition to the engines, what other ground support do we have?

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>>30642044
>Speak with Cuugo Nicator, then the rest of the Tankred crew

"Cuugo," you say. He is tense, you can tell from his hunched posture and the way he drums his fingers on the armrest. It was a habit that got him disciplined more than once when you were both novitiates--Cuugo had a way of setting off Instructor Tenarus, by accident or no.

"Cuugo," you say again. "Are you feeling alright?"

Cuugo starts at your voice. "Aye, Dariu--err, Princeps? Yes, yes, I'm alright. Why do you ask?"

"You seemed a little unnerved when the Gargant shot at us."

"Ah, that," he says. His laughter sounds forced. "It's..."

"Cuugo."

Cuugo lets out a deep sigh. "Alright, I admit it. I was afraid."

"Afraid?" you ask. "This isn't our first Walk. I know you weren't like this on previous Executions."

"That's true enough, but it is the first time the three of us have Walked together, in one Engine."

Mistra turns in her seat, no longer able to ignore the conversation. "And what difference does that make?"

"It's my dream," he says. You can't tell very well since his back is turned to you, but the Cuugo you know would make a tired grin at a moment like this. "It's always been my dream to Walk with you two."

[1/2]

>>30642095
Mistra nods. "Yes, and now here we are. So what is the matter?"

His laughter is nervous, his hidden secret spilling out into the open. "Well, just, it's just that now that I'm living my dream, serving with you as Darius' Moderati, I get concerned about how it will all end. The Ork Engine's cannon reminded me of that harshly. There!" He laughs again, and this time it's real. "Now you know all my secrets! Just don't tell Servatus, he'll mock me for weeks if he ever finds out."

>Choose your response:
>"Cuugo, I swear to you on the Machine God's own blood: I will get all of us through this, alive, whole, and well. So don't be afraid; we are with you." (Comforting)
>"I understand, but now's not the time for fear; we have twenty-five Engines to kill, and the Forge World's broken reputation is ours to fix in this upcoming battle." (Admonishment)
>"As long as I'm Princeps of this Engine, Cuugo, we will destroy anything in our way. How many Ork Engines did we just slay? On our first Walk, no less. If you're ever feeling fear, Cuugo, just tell yourself our Legio's warcy: Expugnata." (Inspiring)
>Other [Write-in]

>>30642118
>"Cuugo, I swear to you on the Machine God's own blood: I will get all of us through this, alive, whole, and well. So don't be afraid; we are with you." (Comforting)
>"As long as I'm Princeps of this Engine, Cuugo, we will destroy anything in our way. How many Ork Engines did we just slay? On our first Walk, no less. If you're ever feeling fear, Cuugo, just tell yourself our Legio's warcy: Expugnata." (Inspiring)

>>30642118
"As long as I'm Princeps of this Engine, Cuugo, we will destroy anything in our way. How many Ork Engines did we just slay? On our first Walk, no less. If you're ever feeling fear, Cuugo, just tell yourself our Legio's warcy: Expugnata." (Inspiring)

>>30642118
Do not fear Cuugo, Tankred Endures

>>30641931
I don't think this would work: while dust particles can interact with Power Fields/Void Shields, it takes a good bit of kinetic energy to really do anything to them (for reference, in the tabletop game Void Shields are roughly equivalent to medium tank armor in how well they can stand up to attacks). The Skyshields are basically Orkish Kustom Forcefields/Power Fields (Ork equivalent to Void Shields), so...

>>30642007
Technically, with the Skyshiel down the Fleet can attempt to commence orbital bombardment of the area. However, with the orbital guns still online, well...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsDMOVkCWKc#t=3m44s

See those nice Imperial ships getting blown up? Yeah.

>>30642044
You'll see. One of the upcoming conversation options will be an emergency strategium meeting.

>>30642118

>"As long as I'm Princeps of this Engine, Cuugo, we will destroy anything in our way. How many Ork Engines did we just slay? On our first Walk, no less. If you're ever feeling fear, Cuugo, just tell yourself our Legio's warcy: Expugnata. And Cuugo, it has been my dream as well." (Inspiring)

I added that last sentence. Don't worry, brosef, we'll get through this.

>>30642118
>>"As long as I'm Princeps of this Engine, Cuugo, we will destroy anything in our way. How many Ork Engines did we just slay? On our first Walk, no less. If you're ever feeling fear, Cuugo, just tell yourself our Legio's warcy: Expugnata." (Inspiring)

Voting ends. Writing...

>>30641931

It should be mentioned that 40k shield technology generally ignores anything that isn't moving at massive speeds, which is why various things that move at slower-than bullet speeds ignore things like void shields

>>30642118
>"Cuugo, I swear to you on the Machine God's own blood: I will get all of us through this, alive, whole, and well. So don't be afraid; we are with you." (Comforting)
>"As long as I'm Princeps of this Engine, Cuugo, we will destroy anything in our way. How many Ork Engines did we just slay? On our first Walk, no less. If you're ever feeling fear, Cuugo, just tell yourself our Legio's warcy: Expugnata." (Inspiring)

>>30642366
there goes that plan

>>30642366
its why titan melee weapons are so effective against other titans

>>30642547
And it's one of the reasons why Titans have melee weapons in the first place: Titans have lots of Void Shields, so sometimes it might be worth just running up and slapping a bitch. In Storm of Iron, a Warlord Loyalist Titan did a lot of damage to THE Traitor Imperator Titan, Dies Irae, when it went up and slapped it around.

...that, and urban warfare mixes things up.

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I'm thinking we should form something like this.

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>>30642725
Just think attacking in this fashion is nice because of the sea protecting our right flank.
Yea it's awful but it is easier to post this than describe it in words.

>>30642827
that plan is good for situation

>>30642725
if there were less gargants on the right, would use the ork excitement to our advantage

>>30642725
>>30642827

I'd support this. We'll have to see how the battle develops though, really our biggest contribution will be the swift destruction of Gargants.

>"Cuugo, I swear to you on the Machine God's own blood: I will get all of us through this, alive, whole, and well. So don't be afraid; we are with you. And as long as I'm Princeps of this Engine, we will destroy anything in our way. How many Ork Engines did we just slay? On our first Walk, no less. If you're ever feeling fear, just tell yourself our Legio's warcry: Expugnata."

The drumming of Cuugo's fingers pause. Plugged into Tankred, he is unable to fully turn around, but he does his best to face you as much as he can. "...thanks, Darius. I mean that."

"Oh, and Cuugo."

"Hmm?"

"It's my dream as well."

Cuugo's melodious laughter fills Tankred's cockpit.

-

"Your turn, Mistra: what sort of poignant, tragic backstory do you have to share with us?"

Mistra gives Cuugo a glare, as she is wont to do. You vaguely muse that it's a good thing she never got that las-blaster upgrade for her bionic eye, like she kept threatening to do.

"...no? Nothing?"

The glare continues.

"Fine."

Mistra clears her throat. "That said, Princeps Pullo, I am pleased with how smoothly the Walk has gone so far, even if there were difficulties with the initial Engine landings."

'Princeps Pullo'. You're not entirely sure what to think about Cuugo's informality, but you're not entirely comfortable with Mistra's formality either. "Mistra, we've been friends for years, but ever since Shofet you've only ever called me 'Princeps Pullo'. Why is that?"

She quirks an eyebrow. "That is protocol."

"Yes, but Cuugo, Servatus, and Lord Herrax just call me Darius."

"Servatus is an honored Princeps, Lord Herrax is Princeps Ultimus. And Moderati Nicator is an error-shunt-abort zinchead."

Cuugo does his best to look indignant. "Wha--hey! I'm not a--wait, no, you're absolutely right. But still!"

[1/2]

"Whether or not Cuugo is an error-shunt-abort zinchead ("You too?"), we don't have to keep up protocol all the time, surely."

Mistra utterly ignores the other Moderati as she shakes her head at you. "I cannot agree, my Princeps. Protocol exists for a reason: to guide us as we do our duty. And what are we, we Moderati and Princeps, if we cannot do our duty?"

"But something like always referring to me as 'Princeps Pullo'..."

"'Pay the greatest attention to the smallest details, for it is the most minute bolts and hair-thin wiring that constitute--'"

"'--even the greatest of God Engines', I know, I know, we all read Artisan Antero when we were young," you say with a sigh. "But that aside, aren't we friends? That still means something to you, doesn't it?"

You can see Mistra's hands tightening into fists. From the look Cuugo gives you, you sense you've struck deep.

"Of course I do."

>Choose a response:
>"Then call me by name, Mistra, not my title." (Insist)
>"But if it makes you uncomfortable, then refer to me however you wish." (Relent)
> Other [Write-in]

>>30642932
>"Then call me by name, Mistra, not my title." (Insist)
"it would at least make me feel better."

>>30642932

>Other

"Mistra, you are already a Princeps in my mind. We are all equals here - but do as you see fit, and I shall respect your choice."

>>30642932
Err, the last sentence should be,

"Of course it does."

wah wah

>>30642932
>"But if it makes you uncomfortable, then refer to me however you wish." (Relent)
She's very Iron Hands. Thinks of the Titan as a machine and its crew as cogs and sprockets within . Let's let her call a cog a cog here. She'll work better that way. Outside of the God-Engine she'll be more willing to act human.

>>30642932
Relent.

>>30642932
relent

don't want to cause any problems mid walk

we can deal with any tension after the battle

Voting ends. Writing...

It's not like what she's doing is wrong. Calling things by their titles reminds you of what they are and how they are supposed to function.

We have a turbo-laser, and we have sand.

Move back, fire into the ground to glass the surface. Draw the gargants onto the glass, which should break under the weight, and cause them mobility issues, or we can cut trenches which will make their advance harder.

better than standing waiting.

>"But if it makes you uncomfortable, then refer to me however you wish."

Mistra lets out a sigh. She glances this way and that, shifting her weight from one side to the other, until she finally says, "Very well. Thank you for your understanding, Princeps...Princeps Darius."

...well, one step at a time, you suppose.

-

A muttering fills the back of your mind: talks of "hip-bones" and "pectorals" and "aesthetically-pleasing golden ratios".

It is easy to forget about Deculta; a good enginseer is one a Princeps never notices, so good is he at maintaining the systems and appeasing the machine spirit. You decide to strike up a private conversation with Deculta.

<Honored enginseer,> you data-blurt. <Are you receiving?>

<Greetings, Princeps Pullo. How may I be of service?>

You...are not entirely certain what to say. While the Collegia Titanica and the rest of the Mechanicus are nominally of one body, there is nonetheless an informal, unspoken degree of separation between the two institutions. The Titanicus, after all, are not directly involved in the Quest for Knowledge.

You sift through some questions, and finally decide to ask...

>Choose a question for Deculta:
><Why the, err, interest in the human form?>
><You were an Artisan, once? What wonders have you made in the past?>
><How extensively do you emulate the Machine God, honored enginseer?> (Ask about his bionics)
><Do you ever wish to become an Artisan again?>
> Other [Write-in]

>>30643347
> Other [Write-in]
"How performs the most wrathful Tankred honoured Enginseer?
and then
><Why the, err, interest in the human form?>

>>30643347
><Why the, err, interest in the human form?>
>>30643404
Yea ask him about Tankred first.

>>30642547
Titan melee weapons are both too slow to trigger voidshields and melee combat often takes place within the layers of void shields that protect titans.

this is also the same reason that naval torpedoes and attack craft ignore the voidshields on ships.

>>30643347
><Why the, interest in the human form?>

Phrase it as an honest inquiry, not as something we're dancing around.

>>30643409
>>30643404
ask him about tankred
human form
and then what he used to make as an artisan

Also, remove the "err". He's a tech-priest. He'll like the most direct communication.

>>30643428
Sounds good to me.

>>30643422
Righto.

Voting ends. Writing...

><How fares Tankred, honored enginseer?>

<Tankred is performing at approximately 99.9993% efficiency--.0000001% margin of error. Due to circumstances, including but not limited to: your own skill at piloting, favorable quantum states, and the blessing of the Machine God, this Engine only sustained minor damage to systems, if any. Any flaws that would result in performance issues have already been repaired. If we were at a proper Titan bay, I could increase performance to 100.001435% efficiency, but alas.>

><Why the interest in the human form?>

Deculta is silent for a moment. Then, in a stream of data-blurt he replies.

<In previous eras, the earliest of our kind studied metal and electricity. To what end? To not only start on the Quest for Knowledge, but to better emulate the Deus Machinae.

<Now, consider the following: when a piece of the Machine God, even the simplest lever, is to be upgraded and changed, does it not require a minimum base level of understanding before the proper rites of upgrade can be performed on it? As we Tech-Adepts seek to artifice ourselves in the image of Deus Machinae, so we must better understand the base flesh that we seek to replace.

<That, Princeps Pullo, is why I study the human form as rigorously as I do that which is made of iron and steel.>

You nod your head, though whether it's in understanding or out of politeness you're not absolutely certain yet.

<I see-->

<I also find the human female form to be more aesthetically appealing than the male form. My internal sensors indicate a spike in dopamine levels whenever I analyze female bodies, and I find that higher levels of dopamine are directly proportional to increased levels of concentration and creativity.>

<Ah.>

<If you permit, Princeps Pullo, I am willing to provide you the secrets which I have uncovered about the-->

<No,> you blurt, <that is quite alright, honored enginseer.>

>>30643873
so he is like every engineer today when it comes to women

He stays

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>>30643873
And on that silly note,

THREAD END

We will pick up on Thursday with the rest of Deculta's conversations. Join me next time for the exciting conclusion of Operation: Eagle's Landing.

Next thread: 7:00 PM, Thursday, 3/6/2014

Thanks for playing!

(Hmm, I hope the battles were exciting at least. This is honestly the first time I've ever tried to write action.)

In any case, archiving...

>>30643932
thanks for the thread TB, cya next time

Archived:

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/30636988/

>>30643873
Thanks. Fun quest.
If it works for Deculta it is fine. All knowledge is good, right, 'cept AIs and sorcery and whatnot. Still concerned. He seems like he could be easily convinced to join Slaneesh or Tzeentch.

We should also talk to the Astartes commander next thread and thank him for the assistance.