IndyKophen

Oath of Glory, Oath of the Astartes, Oath of the Emperor, Oath of Loyalty.

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—" "Meuler, hand me the other chainsword." While not terribly heavily at about ten kilograms, the Astartes Chainsword, nonetheless, appeared absurdly large in the midshipman's hands. Handing over the weapon gingerly, Meuler took care to not run afoul of the forward curved section where the chain teeth, which even while not spinning, could easily bite into flesh and bone. Despite the risk of great bodily harm, Meuler was honoured for his role in preparation for the battle to come. The lone human stood among the squad of giants, all assembled in the staging area. Raven Guard, White Scar, Luna Wolf... and Death Guard. While Madoc watched the Stormseer's ritual with a wary eye, Morrigan, in turn, watched Madoc. Though they both shared the same Assault Marine specialty, Morrigan had failed to find reason to engage with Madoc directly, albeit, in the short time since they met. The Raven Guard was certain he could learn from the much older Marine, but Morrigan was wary, himself, of the veteran among veterans. Madoc's age undoubtedly meant he was Terran-born. Drawn from his own experiences, Morrigan's interactions with the Terran-born members of the XIXth Legion left much to be desired. Before the XIXth Legion was united with its long-lost Primarch on the world of Deliverance, the Emperor recruited the first Legionaries from a number of Old Earth's regions, with the majority drawn from the Xeric tribes of the Asiatic Dustfields. These savage warrior people made constant war upon one another and against the neighbouring and much larger Yndonesic Block with relentless fury, battling ceaselessly for possession of scant natural resources. The Xeric warriors proved well-suited to the Emperor's vision, though some observed their propensity for cruelty when ordered to attack as well as a disdainful attitude to those they considered weak. The culture of the Xeric people demanded that a vanquished enemy be watched over with a cold, all-seeing eye and any hint of recidivism crushed utterly lest the subjugated rise up in strength against the victor. Born into a life of oppression, repression and occupation, Edryc could not help but view the more extremist Terran members of his Legion something akin to the slavers of Lycaeus. The very same slavers Edryc had helped Corvus Corax overthrow, liberating Lycaeus, forevermore renamed as Deliverance. His mistrust of Terrans, therefore, ran deep. "By the way, Meuler," Morrigan, now with chainsword in hand, eyed the human suspiciously, "where exactly were you born?"

Thanks. Meuler and Morrigan, or as I prefer: Team M&M! I got a little lazy towards the end; the jump pack engines aren't symmetrical, but you know, I can easily write off any imperfections as, uh... battle damage. I may have to work on a whole squad shot next.

I'll second Vorticar as squad lead. Seems right to have a Luna Wolf leading the pack.

Edryc "Shadow" Morrigan 1 Astartes ChainswordThe Chainsword has served many a Battle-Brother during his time in an Assault Squad. These weapons generally have a flat carapace containing the chain with only the forward curved section open where the spinning chain teeth can bite into flesh and bone. (5 Req) 1 Astartes Boltgun (Stalker)The Stalker-pattern boltgun is most impressive when used in conjunction with Stalker Rounds, but it is still an effective sniping weapon with any ammunition type. It significantly muffles the sound of any shell fired, and produces no muzzle flash. Awareness Tests to hear shots made with a Stalker-pattern boltgun suffer an additional –30 penalty and can only be attempted at half the normal distance. See Stalker Rounds in the Ammunition section for more information on combining the two. (15 Req; Respected Renown) 2 Clips of Stalker RoundsStalker rounds were designed for sniping use in Stalker-pattern boltguns, and that is still where they achieve maximum efficacy. However, they may be used in other bolt weapons to reduce their report. A stalker round’s core is replaced with gas propellant and the mass-reactive explosive replaced with solid mercury. Effects: Awareness Tests to hear shots made with stalker rounds suffer an additional –30 penalty and can only be attempted at half the normal distance. Reduce the weapon’s Damage by 2. When used in a Stalker-pattern Boltgun, this damage penalty does not apply. Additionally in such a weapon, no Tests to detect the shot are possible (however, depending on the situation, the appropriate Opposed Skill Test may be required for the firer himself to remain hidden). Used With: All bolt weapons. (5 Req each; 10 Req) 1 Red-Dot Laser SightThis is a laser sight that grants a +10 bonus to Ballistic Skill Tests when the weapon is fired on single shot. Upgrades: Any Pistol or Basic ranged weapon of the following types: Las, Solid Projectile, Bolt, or Plasma. A red-dot laser sight counts as a sight, and a gun may only have one sight. (10 Req) 1 MultikeyAs it can open most standard Imperial locks, a multikey is reason for suspicion in the hands of a common citizen. For organisations like the Deathwatch they are indispensable, as it is considerably faster and quieter to infiltrate the enemy’s fortifications than to blast through them. A character with a multikey gains a +30 bonus to any Security Test when trying to open locks. (15 Req) 1 CartographThis specialised data-slate accepts geographical and navigational information on a planet, either from existing data-banks or gathered by a ship’s Augur Arrays in orbit. Its geo-locator tracks the user’s planetary coordinates, enabling it to provide distance and bearing to any known location. This provides a +10 to all Navigation (Surface) Tests. It is also capable of storing detailed maps and schematics, which can be useful for objective approach planning. Many cartographs are also equipped with a small holo-projector that displays three-dimensional maps of its contents. (5 Req) 1 AuspexThese devices are used to detect energy emissions, motion, and biological life signs. A character using an auspex gains a +20 bonus to Awareness Tests and may make a Tech-Use Test to spot things not normally detectable to human senses alone, such as invisible gases, nearby bio-signs, or ambient radiation. The standard range for an auspex is 50m, though walls more than 50cm thick and certain shielding materials can block the scanner. (12 Req) 1 CharmA charm is a keepsake, holy relic, or good luck token that is intended to draw the benevolent eye of the Emperor, a Primarch, or other patron to the bearer. They take myriad forms including such things as fragments of blessed bolter casings, water from holy seas, and pelts of sacred animals. Charm choices vary with Chapter and with the individual. Charms have no tangible benefits. However, when the unfolding plot calls for something bad to happen to a random squad member, at the GM’s discretion a character with a charm may be exempt. If all characters carry charms, then it is up to the GM to choose which charms are the most potent. (6 Req)

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—" As Morrigan had come to expect, the Armoury was as impressive and grandiose as the rest of the vessel. Assailed from every corner of the galaxy by every manner of foe, the Imperium required an arsenal mighty enough to hold back this abominable tide. The Armoury aboard the Imperator Somnium included some of the finest weapons and armour beheld by Mankind, curated over thousands of years at war. Morrigan strode past the servitor standing motionless at the entrance. Set to standby until activated, the mindless, cybernetic drone created from a fusion of human flesh and robotic technology belonged to the Techmarine residing over the Armoury. Also known as the Master of the Forge, it was his knowledge of the arcane sciences and technology which guaranteed the wargear in this Armoury far exceed those of any individual Legion. Protocol dictated submitting a requisition form to the attending servitor, who would then process the request dutifully and without emotion, in the cold and sterile sequential order in which the request was received. War was rarely cold. Or sterile. As time was of the essence, Morrigan felt justified in bypassing protocol. If the Master of the Forge takes issue, Morrigan thought, he can route his complaint directly to Horus. The Assault Marine perused the infinite racks of wargear, and every so often, grabbed items of interest and tossed them to the midshipman trailing behind him. Akin to a shark attracting a school of remoras, Morrigan had acquired the human companion. It was indeed a symbiotic relationship. The Raven Guard needed someone who knew their way around the Command Carrier, and inversely, in accompanying one of the Emperor's Angels of Death, the officer was instantly elevated in status, at least until Morrigan deployed. The officer responded to the name, Meuler. Stalker rounds. Red-Dot Laser Sight. Multikey. Cartograph. Morrigan stacked each item onto Meuler's outstretched arms, building an ever-wobbling tower of gear, which soon surpassed Meuler's eyeline. "Don't drop anything," warned Morrigan. The human comically struggled to maintain balance while keeping stride with the Raven Guard.

I've narrowed down Edryc "Shadow" Morrigan's selection. Personal Requisition (55 Req) 1 Astartes Chainsword (5 Req) 1 Astartes Boltgun (Stalker) (15 Req; Respected Renown) 1 Stalker Rounds (5 Req) 1 Red-Dot Laser Sight (10 Req) 1 Multikey (15 Req) 1 Cartograph (5 Req) That leaves about 25 Req points left on the table. I toyed with the idea of grabbing a Melta Bomb (25 Req) or a couple Demolition Charges (10 Req each), but Shadow would offer that up to anyone on the Squad with the Demolition skill, or at the very least, a higher Intelligence than Shadow. Low confidence on Shadow's ability to make things go boom!

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—" Mission briefed. Objectives identified and prioritized... Once formally dismissed, Morrigan wandered the Gothic halls of the Imperator Somnium. Far from wandering aimlessly, the Raven Guard moved with purpose in an attempt to orient himself within the massive vessel. Contrary to popular belief that the Mechanicum of Mars held the monopoly on all technical knowledge in the Imperium, the Imperator Somnium was not constructed on The Red Planet, but rather on Terra. The Command Carrier was constructed with the advanced secrets from Terra's Dark Age of Technology, the zenith of mankind's scientific knowledge and technological power, simultaneously wonderous and terrible. It was a unique, golden vessel of immense size, dwarfing even the largest Imperial battleships, and its size was on par with that of the Orbital Plates of Terra. Remarkable, thought Morrigan. A magnificence to rival the Black Tower. The Ravenspire, the Fortress-Monastery of the XIXth Legion, was the only comparable frame of reference known to Morrigan. The Ravenspire was a place of great significance to the sons of Corax and to the people of Deliverance and Kiavahr; a place Edryc Morrigan knew all too well. Conversely, unfamiliar with the flagship's layout and more than slightly intimidated by its daunting size, Morrigan had no choice but to admit defeat. Facing failure so soon, Morrigan chuckled darkly to himself. Definitely a suicide mission. Outstretching a gauntleted hand, he stopped a passing midshipman in his tracks, and demanded to be taken to the Armoury. Struck dumbfounded, the midshipman stared at the massive, gauntleted hand, which was easily double, if not triple, the size of his head, whilst processing his sudden predicament. The genetically modified, psycho-conditioned Space Marine must have stood as foreign and imposing to the human, as Horus was to Morrigan upon first meeting, which, while only moments ago, felt like days. Unhelmed, the Raven Guard's extreme pale complexion certainly added to the human's crippling paralysis, like some ghostly haunt, made flesh, emerging from the shadows and now lording over him. "The Armoury," barked Morrigan. "Now!" While not intended to be unkind, the Assault Marine nonetheless spoke in a booming, commanding voice which jolted the naval officer out of his stupor. Fearful of the consequences should he delay, the midshipman darted off in the direction of the nearest Armoury. On power armoured legs, Morrigan effortlessly followed his newly acquired guide and impromptu attendant.

Oh, damn! Neo-Geo console, here I come! Could I actually get a pair of Astartes Lightning Claws (45 Req) and Wings of the Raven (35 Req)? Astartes Lightning Claws (Deathwatch Rulebook, pp. 154-155). Wings of the Raven (First Founding, pp. 101, 104).

The collective requisition for the whole squad is set at 80, correct? So, I shouldn't go on a crazy shopping spree (as if I was in the )? S'okay. I don't think Shadow has the renown for a pair of Distinguished Astartes Lightning Claws or the Famed Wings of the Raven. I may have to take up Harding's suggestion for dual wielding chainswords! Personal Requisition (subject to change) 1 Astartes Chainsword (5 Req)

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—" "If I may my lord, have the details of our orbital drop been finalized? Strike procedures such as these are something of a specialty of mine, and I would be remiss not to offer my insight where it may be best utilized." "I am in agreement with Battle-Brother Vorticar." To get to the surface of the moon, Morrigan was willing to defer the orbital drop procedures to Vorticar's expertise, and Emperor-willing, avoid a repeat of Lux Majoris. Once on the surface, however, the Raven Guard was quite adamant cooler heads prevail, lest they all walk blindly into the open maw of the ork infestation. "Indeed. Best to utilize all our skills as the needs arise." Morrigan cocked his head in the direction of Degei; his black-eyed gaze lingered uncomfortably long on the Stormseer. "For instance, Stormbird extraction requires the elimination of the enemy's significant air superiority surrounding the Magos' compound. I know of a Raven Guard Attack Pattern to exploit a foe’s weaknesses which may prove applicable." Morrigan turned his attention back to the towering Primarch. Throughout the Great Crusade, Corvus Corax's talents for planning and sabotage were of great effect for delivering potent, strategic blows to the enemies of the Imperium. And the Raven Guard, fighting frequently under the orders of Horus Lupercal, became renowned for an unmatched ability with covert ops, infiltration and lightning strikes. But the pair never saw eye-to-eye. Having now met Horus, Morrigan begun to formulate his own answer as to why. "Afterall, what good is retrieving our objectives if we cannot extract ourselves?" The rhetorical question was asked with dispassion so as to be nonaccusatory. Left unspoken, however, was Morrigan's understanding of Horus' haunting words that recovering the data on the artefact was the primary objective and anything else, to include the life of the Magos and potentially their own, was of a lesser priority. Data, of course, could always be transmitted with or without securing their physical extraction. Darkly, Shadow wondered if Horus' assembled squad of elite troops was nothing more than an expendable task force on the verge of a suicide mission.

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.

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.

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."