Vulkar would join too, not as a participant but an observer. He's skeptic and distrustful of psykers, but would still be there out of academic curiosity.

Hey y'all sorry for the silence! I've been traveling, was in Amsterdam all week but heading home tomorrow. As for the Augury sessions, Madoc would be a wary but willing participant. Not inherently distrustful of psykers or librarians, but most Death Guard put their faith in brawn rather than brains, so to speak. Happy to play it out in RP PbP or privately, at the GM's preference. I should be able to respond in RP within a day or two, but I don't really have much in-character to add so Trish if you'd like to move things along, please don't wait on my behalf!

Right, the in-game benefits will indeed be slight, especially in the beginning. There is a good change the same answer will be provided for us all. But as Maester said, it might give us a clue as to what kind of enemy would be the most dangerous (ex. hordes, Nob, Vehicle, etc.), or even provide a vague hint of some twist to come. Provided I make my roll (my suggestion is that I don't make the roll. I'd rather not know how accurate the information is). That said, maybe it is a bit too much to ask everybody. Perhaps a better idea is to perform the ritual for a different marine for each mission? As a side note, I will be unable (or at-least limited in my ability) to post for the next two days as I will be traveling.

Yeah, I'd be shocked if we encounter anything other than Orks at this juncture. That said, knowing if a Nob or other powerful Ork unit is planetside could have its uses. Practically speaking, it seems like recovering the data/artifact is our Primary Objective while recovering Valenthius is our Secondary Objective. This governs our Experience and Renown Rewards for the mission itself.

If you want to do Augury for the roleplaying, I'm game. Zorael will have no complaints. His Primarch is well known for his visions of the future. If the intention is to do it for game benefits... it's a little more fuzzy. You need to ask a question, and at PR 1-3, you'll only "determine the most dangerous opposition that the subject will face." It's very unlikely that the results will vary between each of the Astartes as long as we're planning to stick together. You may also just get a simple answer such as "greenskins", which doesn't help us a whole lot. I'll be honest; I feel Augury is somewhat useless on most missions. It has its uses; if we were heading down to a planet and had no idea what we'd face, it'd be great to know what we're up against. That allows us to requisition weapons/equipment specifically to handle that challenge. But unless an entirely different type of Xenos is besieging the moon, I doubt we'll be surprised.

Vorticar would show for that yeah.

Edryc "Shadow" Morrigan would normally be skeptical of the psychically "gifted" Librarian, but he is intrigued by Degei so far and would participate in such a session. I would be happy to role-play it out.

Question mainly for our DM, but partially for everyone. Degei is able to use Augury via the Emperor's Tarot, to gain insights into the near future. I am however struggling slightly how to use this in a PbP setting. Ideally, Degei would like to ask everyone if they would sit with him for a Tarot session before the mission. Now, not every marine might not be eager to participate, but if we play it like that it could still disrupt the flow if we play it like that. So a few questions: Triss: Do you mind the use of Divination powers? How do you handle things like Augury? Would you like this to be role-played, or just be an off the screen roll. Do you mind if Degei invites the rest for such sessions, or would you prefer that Degei keeps this to himself? If you do like to roleplay this out, what form do you suggest this takes? Everyone: Would your marine like to participate in such a session, given your attitude towards psykers/librarians in general and Degei in particular?

I think it is a great question; I suspect we are to retrieve it, but it is also nice to know our options when we are in a bit of a pickle. Edit: I think there is an unspoken rule that (human) artifacts are generally sought to be retrieved for our own use1, but the calculation can be different if there is a significant chance of failure. For Xenos artifacts I'd say it completely depends. Edit 2: I would not be surprised if our Techpriest would have some sort of fit over this outcome thought. I forgot we are talking about a Xenos artifact here. Regarding your other questions: The Core Rule Book (CRB) has a Vox-Caster on pg.176 which can be used to communicate with a ship in orbit. Rites of Battle has various naval assets which can be (potentially) requisitioned: ex. a Lance/Torpedo Strike, High Altitude Bombing run, or Close Air Support. These do all require more than the starting Renown though, so I don't think they will be available unless our DM is extremely nice to us. Depends on the asset ;-), but the Lance strike is accurate to about 1km or when it misses, it is off by 1km/DoS, whereas a strafing run is basically an ally shooting a las- and/or autocannon at the target and hopefully hitting. So unless we are in melee, the chance of us getting hit are rather slim (Unless our DM is rather devious ;-) ). 1) from my understanding, and I could be incorrect here, almost everything from the Dark Age of Technology seen as Sacred, with the exception of AI, and possibly cloning.

Am I silly for asking if they want the artifact destroyed? Is there an unspoken rule that all artifacts ought to be retrieved for research or something along those lines? By the way, is requesting aerial bombardment (or atmospheric bombardment) something you can do in 30k? I guess that's at least three questions in one: 1. Can the people on the ground communicate with the people the voidships without having a psyker with the relevant powers? 2. Does some sort of tactical bombardment -- that is, not blowing up the entire planet, but hitting a moderately small area -- exist? 3. How good/bad is the accuracy? Are we talking meters/yards away from the target area, or kilometers/miles?

Characteristics: WS 50 (+5), BS 44 (+4), S 35 (+8), T 38 (+6), Ag 49 (+5), Int 36 (+3), Per 44 (+4), WP 44 (+4), Fel 39 (+3) Movement: 14/28/42/84 | Armor: Body 9, Rest 8 Wounds: 20/20 | Fate Points: 3/3 | Pain Suppressant Doses: 6/6 "Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore—" Back to form, Morrigan silently observed his fellow Astartes' immediate reactions after receiving orders. To the Raven Guard, the orders and priority of those orders were clear: first, recover information on the location of the artefact; and second, rescue the Magos. Interestingly, the resulting responses were as varied as those assembled. Vulker lumped recovering the artefact and securing the Magos together as a single primary objective. The Techmarine's words revealed he held equal regard for both the agent of the Mechanicum and the mysterious xenos artefact. With Edryc's deep-seated mistrust of Tech-Guilds, he secretly questioned Vulker's loyalties. By contrast, Zorael introduced the possibility of destroying the artefact. Sound logic. If the artefact could be used as a weapon in the hands of the orks, then best to destroy it, and deny the enemy the opportunity. Rightfully so, the Sanguinary Priest obviously considered life of far more importance than any artefact. Morrigan was most impressed with Degei's response, as one that best mirrored his own. The Stormseer understood that uncovering information on the artefact was the first and foremost objective. Degei's interests in the extraction process indicated a desire to get in and get out quickly, preferably before being inevitably mobbed by orks. Despite the White Scar's rugged outward appearance, Degei possessed a strategic mind which the Raven Guard found welcoming. Ever eager, Vorticar had no questions, trusting his Primarch-Progenitor had disclosed all pertinent information, and instead focused on bloodying the enemy. The Luna Wolf's thirst for glory, whether for his own or for his Legion's, was evident. From Madoc's and Elyas' previous warnings about underestimating the fury of the orks, Morrigan wondering if even engaging the enemy was wise. In this situation, recon and stealth might be the more prudent course of action. Morrigan was, however, keening aware should he, as a Raven Guard, offer recon and stealth as the best option, he would likely be ridiculed for favouring his Legion's strengths above all others. Instead, he remained quiet, patiently biding his time. Shadow's cold and calculating black-eyed gaze observed all, signifying nothing.

Characteristic Bonuses: Str +10, Tgh +8, Ag +3, Int +4, Per +3, Will +4, Fel +5 Wounds: 22/22 Movement: 4/8/12/24 Armour: Body - 10 (Front)/6 (Back), Arms - 7 (Front)/6 (Back), Other Locations - 9 (Front)/6 (Back) Pain Suppressant Doses: 8/8 Current Ammunition: N/A Fate Points: 3/3 So they are to serve aboard the Somnium then? Interesting. The ship certainly had the resources to operate as a mobile command centre, and he could not deny having such a powerful vessel at their disposal would be useful. No complaint from him, for such was a golden opportunity... At last rising to his feet, Vorticar's attention is fixed upon the display as Horus speaks. A standard retrieval mission, albeit with the added prospect of an Ork presence to wade through. A good challenge to whet his blade against in this campaign. Besides, even Vorticar could appreciate having such a high ranking member of the Mechanicum in his debt should they manage to save the Magos. "No questions my lord; the course is clear, and I am eager to cut a bloody swathe through the damned Orks that stand between us and Valenthius."

Characteristic Bonuses: WS 45, BS 41, Str 438, Tgh 428, Ag 53, Int 41, Per 48, Will 55, Fel 39, Psy 3 Movement: 5/10/15/30, Awareness: 58(Sound,Sight)/48, Wounds: 20/20, Fate Points: 4/4 A smile graced Degei's lips as he observed the banter between the Marines. While he often carried a serious demeanor, witnessing Shadow's attempt at levity brought a welcomed sense of camaraderie among them. As Lord Lupercal delved into the details of their mission, a momentary surprise flickered across Degei's face. He had anticipated the usual formalities followed by a briefing from an officer, but the direct address from the Primarch caught him off guard. The White Scar recovered himself quickly enough, and moved to the holographic display to observe the mission parameters. Degei's mind raced with questions as he absorbed the gravity of their mission, his gaze flickering between the holographic display and the imposing figure of Lord Lupercal. The revelation of facing such a formidable foe as Thogzulk Skullrippa, coupled with the urgency of retrieving the xenos artefact, intensified the weight of their task. With a respectful nod towards the Primarch, Degei stepped forward, his guttural voice firm as he addressed Lord Horus. "My Lord, in addition to the excellent questions of my brothers, if I may ask a few questions regarding the operation." He waiting a moment to the the Primarch the option to refuse, before continuing, "Am I correct in assuming that this is a single mission, or are we expected to perform several missions before extraction to the Imperator Somnium?" Degei's inquiry aimed to clarify the scope and duration of their assignment, ensuring they were prepared for any eventuality that may arise during their deployment. "Additionally, if we uncover actionable information regarding the artifact, are we to prioritize its retrieval over the safety of the Magos?" "Second, what are the resupply or extraction options?" This was an extension to his first question, since the initial briefing implied to Degei that they were expected to be cut-off from resupply or extraction during these operations, but the mission's briefing suggested otherwise, thus he requested clarification. "Finally, what is the expectation on enemy voidship activity around the moon? Is the Imperator Somnium expected to stay on station continuously during the length of the mission?" This could enable observatory support from the voidship, and, if there was significant activity, it might be an indication that preparation for an extended stay on the surface was in order, regardless of intentions of the mission planners.

Their belief system only work with things they fabricate themselves, and it is limited to the limit of their logic/belief. Good thing for the galaxy, the Orks are very simple minded

, Sanguinary Priest WS 43 (+4) BS 39 (+3) S 40 (+10) T 46 (+8) A 44 (+4) I 50 (+5) P 44 (+4) WP 47 (+4) F 42 (+4) Movement: 5/10/15/30 Armor: Body 9, Rest 7 Wounds 19/19 Fate Points: 3/3 Pain Suppressant Doses: 6/6 Zorael merely nodded, unwilling to retort in the primarch's presence. But in his mind, he wholeheartedly agreed. Nothing would be better than to rack up kills and fulfill their duties while no one even got hurt. He listened to Horus' explanation about the upcoming mission. The explanation left a lot of questions, but he did not believe the primarch would withhold information from them. Rather, the Empire was itself lacked information on the subject, and they'd just have to make do with what little they had. "I understand the mission is time critical and will not waste our time. If I may just pose one question: Does the Emperor desire the artifact retrieved or destroyed?" Provided they made it in time, Magos Valenthius should be able to provide more details on the artifact itself. If they knew in advance that the Emperor wanted it destroyed, they could ask the Magos some relevant questions, such as how big a melta bomb they would need.

, Sanguinary Priest WS 43 (+4) BS 39 (+3) S 40 (+10) T 46 (+8) A 44 (+4) I 50 (+5) P 44 (+4) WP 47 (+4) F 42 (+4) Movement: 5/10/15/30 Armor: Body 9, Rest 7 Wounds 19/19 Fate Points: 3/3 Pain Suppressant Doses: 6/6 "Well done, brethren," Zorael said. We might yet make it.

More of a lore question, but... if greenskins can make magic/supernatural stuff happen just by believing very hard in it and there being a lot of them, do they really need genuine artifacts? Wouldn't a fake one -- one they believe is genuine -- be just as dangerous in their hands? In other words, if someone managed to switch out the artifact with a fake one, would that actually solve the problem?

Vulker Grievius Salamander Tech Marine Rank 1 Wounds: 20/20 | Fate: 3/3 |SB: 8 (+10 in armor) |TB: 10 (+2 to head, legs, arms) BS WS S T Ag Int Per Wp Fel 49 42 66 50 43 53 44 43 39 Damage resistance: Body: 10 + 10 from armor (-1 armor if injured/dirty) Head: 12 + 8 from armor (-1 armor if injured/dirty) Arms: 12 + 8 from armor (-1 armor if injured/dirty) Legs: 12 + 8 from armor (-1 armor if injured/dirty) Vulker maintained his composure, unaffected by the banter among the other marines. Instead, he regarded them with a hint of pride and approval, acknowledging the growing camaraderie within their special task force unit of Legionnaires. However, Vorticar's request for prestigious ships from his Legion over the one proviced puzzled Vulker, who silently questioned the true importance of such requests. To him, the comparison of technical data and actual deeds of the crew should hold more weight than prestige, regardless of the vessel's origin. He admired Horus's wisdom in his selection process. Following Lord Horus's briefing, Vulker absorbed the holographic display showcasing the formidable Ork known as Thogzulk Skullrippa. The mention of the elusive xenos artifact sought by the Orks heightened Vulker's resolve, realizing the grave threat it posed if it fell into enemy hands. It wasn't just his duty to the Imperium but also to the Mechanicus to retrieve such advanced technology and prevent its misuse by the brutish Xenos. The consequences of allowing the Orks access to such powerful artifacts could imperil not just the Empire but the entire galaxy. As the display shifted to the gas giant Mork's Eye and its crucial moon, Vulker's attention sharpened further. The mention of Magos Valenthius and the distress call from the Mechanicum research station underscored the urgency and peril of their upcoming mission. Deploying to recover vital information and rescue the Magos became their immediate objectives. Stepping forward with purpose, Vulker's red eye gleamed with determination beneath the Mechadendrite-enhanced hood of his Techmarine armor. "Acknowledged, Lord Horus," Vulker responded firmly, his voice resonating with readiness. "Recovering the artifact and securing Magos Valenthius will be our primary focus. We will ensure that the mission is executed swiftly and effectively." Turning his attention back to Horus, Vulker inquired with a tactical mindset, "What are the details of our insertion? And what opposition should we anticipate encountering on the moon's surface?" His inquiry reflected his strategic approach, seeking critical intelligence to ensure the success of their objectives.

The primarch chuckles lightly, seeing right through Vorticar’s attempts to secure more prestige for their legion by way of having their own vessels involved in the operation. “The Imperator Somnium features a fully-stocked armoury, and drop pod capabilities, which is all your impromptu squad is expected to require.” Taking a step towards a nearby console, he brings up a holographic display of an enormous ork in mega-armour, the scrap metal from several Imperial tanks bolted or welded directly onto his body in a messy patchwork of reinforced plating. “The ork known as ‘Thogzulk Skullrippa’ has been noted as one of the most dangerous orks of the Ullanor Empire. Previously a warboss of dread renown in his own right, he has since attached himself to Urlakk Urg’s empire, styling himself as ‘Unda-Boss’. He retains a considerable following of greenskins under his command, and a degree of autonomy, which he seems to have put towards trying to find a powerful xenos artefact. The Emperor has reason to believe this artefact would be unacceptably dangerous if it fell into the hands of the orks.” The holographic display changes to the image of a grey-green gas giant; orbiting around it are three large moons, but one features a visual ping to denote its importance. “The orks call this gas giant ‘Mork’s Eye’. Of the moons in its orbit, only one has previously featured human inhabitants, primarily a Mechanicum research station. We received a message from the techpriest in charge, a Magos Valenthius, claiming to have secured information on the location of this artefact. Around the same time, a distress call was sent from the facility. You will deploy via drop pod to the surface of this moon; your first priority should be to recover the information, and secondarily, to rescue the magos.”

I’m still around! Just wanting to let you guys set the pace for the most part; we have a lot of players, and I want to give everyone the chance to respond as they want before moving forward with more plot stuff. Since Horus has been spoken to directly though, I’ll write up a reply in a bit

I would like to answer the quip about the reductor getting rusty and stuff, but I've refrained from posting because I feel it is disrespectful to argue in front of the primarch. Effectively, I'm waiting for the next GM post. But don't stress, ; do it when you have time. I know how stressful real life can be, and this is supposed to be your hobby -- something you do for fun.

Characteristic Bonuses: Str +10, Tgh +8, Ag +3, Int +4, Per +3, Will +4, Fel +5 Wounds: 22/22 Movement: 4/8/12/24 Armour: Body - 10 (Front)/6 (Back), Arms - 7 (Front)/6 (Back), Other Locations - 9 (Front)/6 (Back) Pain Suppressant Doses: 8/8 Current Ammunition: N/A Fate Points: 3/3 Affording himself a momentary chuckle at the exchange between Edryc and Zorael, Vorticar - remaining kneeled - refocuses upon his gene-father. "My lord if I may, what resources are we to have for this work? I presume we shall not be operating from aboard the Somnium, nor a common ship of the Imperial Fleet. That in mind, a ship of the Sixteenth Legion seems only fitting; perhaps the Raksha or Cthonic Blood? The Fourfold Wolf would be a fine vessel as well, though speed and stealth would be of paramount importance in any ship we use."

Characteristics: WS 50 (+5), BS 44 (+4), S 35 (+8), T 38 (+6), Ag 49 (+5), Int 36 (+3), Per 44 (+4), WP 44 (+4), Fel 39 (+3) Movement: 14/28/42/84 | Armor: Body 9, Rest 8 Wounds: 20/20 | Fate Points: 3/3 | Pain Suppressant Doses: 6/6 "Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore—" The words rung hallow as soon as they were uttered. Contrary to his bravado, the Marine had no more control of his fate than did the previous owners of the many Corvia he carried. Indeed, Morrigan did not survive Lux Majoris through any cunning ingenuity on his part. Rather, he was fortunate enough to not be outright obliterated by artillery fire with the rest of his team within seconds after they dropped into that heavily contested warzone. Every single Battle-Brother was killed in the hail of fire, save one. Whether his miraculous survival was due to blind luck or divine intervention, the Deliverance-born remained uncertain. Regardless, Morrigan shrewdly refrained from sharing the particulars of that doomed mission, whilst on the cusp of embarking on another. "Apologies, my Lord," he addressed the Primarch directly. "Levity is not one of my strengths. Quite the opposite, a Raven Guard is arguably best..." he whispered the final words to hammer home his point, "when silent."

Characteristics: WS 50 (+5), BS 44 (+4), S 35 (+8), T 38 (+6), Ag 49 (+5), Int 36 (+3), Per 44 (+4), WP 44 (+4), Fel 39 (+3) Movement: 14/28/42/84 | Armor: Body 9, Rest 8 Wounds: 20/20 | Fate Points: 3/3 | Pain Suppressant Doses: 6/6 "Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore—" "Your trust in us is not misplaced. I will do my utmost to ensure the survival of my brethren, and, if the worst should come to pass, make sure that their gene-seeds are preserved." Morrigan moved up behind the Sanguinary Priest. "Well-spoken, Brother. Though, let us hope it does not come to that." The Assault Marine once more clutched the collection of recovered Corvia at his belt. The skulls of the Corvia, small avians native to the forests of Kiavahr, were worn as potent totems which hung from chains from a Raven Guard's belt or battle-plate. These fetishes represented an individual warrior's honour, and when one fell in battle, a fellow Battle-Brother would recover the Corvia from their fallen brethren and continue to carry it in battle, and thus, carry their fallen brethren's honour until such time that they could return to Kiavahr to bury the small avian skull in the soil of their Legion's homeworld. "I did not survive the counterinsurgency operation on Lux Majoris only to then be laid low by foul, filth-covered xenos scum." For the Raven Guard, the claiming of a fallen warrior's Corvia went hand in hand with stripping the deceased of all equipment, Legion trappings, and the harvesting of the all-important gene-seed. "While I recognize the import of your role, Zorael, I, for one, hope your medicae services are not needed." He clapped the Blood Angel heartedly on the back. "May you be crippled by boredom and your reductor rust from disuse."

Vulker Grievius Salamander Tech Marine Rank 1 Wounds: 20/20 | Fate: 3/3 |SB: 8 (+10 in armor) |TB: 10 (+2 to head, legs, arms) BS WS S T Ag Int Per Wp Fel 49 42 66 50 43 53 44 43 39 Damage resistance: Body: 10 + 10 from armor (-1 armor if injured/dirty) Head: 12 + 8 from armor (-1 armor if injured/dirty) Arms: 12 + 8 from armor (-1 armor if injured/dirty) Legs: 12 + 8 from armor (-1 armor if injured/dirty) Before Vulker could make much progress on repairing the wall, the imposing figure of Horus, the first son of the Emperor himself, entered the room. It required a true test of willpower for Vulker to set aside his task and fully focus on the Primarch's presence. The powerful aura of Horus subdued Vulker's Salamander obstinacy, and he prepared himself, saluting the Primarch with a slight bow and his arm over his chest. "My lord," Vulker said simply, acknowledging Horus as he awaited the Primarch's instructions for their diverse and unconventional group of warriors from different Legions. Horus's briefing resonated with Vulker; they had been chosen for their exceptional determination and readiness to see a mission through to its conclusion. While surgical strikes were not his specialty, Vulker anticipated learning from experts like Edryc to refine his skills. As Lord Horus concluded his explanation, Vulker nodded in acknowledgment and responded with unwavering resolve. "Understood. I am prepared to defend humanity with my life, as I'm sure everyone here is eager to do. There is no greater honor than serving and fighting for the Imperium of mankind! Long live the Emperor!" Vulker's voice carried an uncommon passion, his fist raised high in a show of fervor that contrasted with his typical stoic demeanor. The commanding presence of the illustrious Horus ignited a profound sense of purpose within Vulker, stirring his Astartes spirit a, a sensation that was dulled by the 30 years he passed on Mars. His fighting spirit was awakening, and it was exhilarating from toes to the fiber optic of his eye.