Crusade Campaign: The Taran Heresy

[Jye Nicolson]

The Taran Heresy

"The Cicatrix Maledictum and the Eye of Terror are but distractions from a simple truth: this universe is already hell, because its inhabitants have lost the capacity to relate through any means but violence and suffering. In this fallen age, we have only the crudest and base avenue of salvation open to us. Only war."

Master Inquisitor Tara's coterie of Inquisitorial philosophers are united in their diagnosis of the ills of the Imperium, but profoundly divided over the means of cure. She holds that despair is the greatest catalyst of suffering, and that only hope will cultivate in the people of the Imperium a capacity to engage with her colleagues' more sophisticated soteriological methods.

To that end her work is in generating stories for the Imperium, victories snatched from the jaws of defeat, desperate last stands rescued by the descent of glorious angels, heroes whose unyielding will turns back the greatest darkness. She is the saviour of worlds that any sane strategist would give up for lost, and is the doom of others when she lets a preventable threat blossom into an apocalypse worthy of legend.

Charismatic and cunning, Tara prefers a network of allies in place of a standing organisation of her own, but two forces in particular find her methods appealing and reliably respond to her requests:

The Daughters of Russ are a Wolf Time cult that have radicalised female warriors of the Vlka Fenryka with the belief that Russ will return to fight alongside his literal daughters; while they are aware those daughters never existed, if their sagas become sufficiently glorious they will nevertheless be true. They have swelled to the size of a Great Company, causing troubles for Logan Grimnar that for the moment he has chosen to manage by permitting their association with Master Inquisitor Tara.

The Orders of the Sanguine Halo are tightly knit alliance of minor orders of the Adepta Sororitas seeking to "complete the Great Martyrdom of the Unconquered Saint", which seems to manifest in actively searching for exactly the sorts of opportunities for death in battle in which Tara specialises. They are noted for a pre-battle ritual of dying their hair blood red and producing truly prodigious numbers of Repentia (usually volunteering on dubious grounds) and Zephyrim (when their desire for martyrdom overwhelms their ability to maintain rational thought). Worse yet, frequent association with the Daughters of Russ is leading them to overlook that cult's heresy, drawn to the promise of the war to come.

Tara has also been aided in the past by what appears to be a company of the Emperor's Scythes Adeptus Astartes (though fighting with distinctly divergent tactical doctrines from those that chapter is known for) and at least one Forge World.

[Jye Nicolson]

Order of Battle - 351/360PL

Edit: I've changed the source of truth for the Crusade to this sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... sp=sharing but will endeavour to keep this thread up to date

Master Inquisitor Tara PL 4, Crusade Points 6

Daughters of Russ

Jarl Sangrior (Ragnar Blackmane) PL 7 (currently resting)
Wolf Priest Sigrun Primaris Wolf Priest on Bike, PL 6, Crusade Points 6
Jarl Geiravör Wolf Lord, PL 6, Crusade Points 11
Iron Priest Sveid, Primaris Iron Priest, PL 4, Crusade Points 2,
Rune Priest Herja, PL 6, Crusade Points 3,
Thane Gunnr Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf, PL 7, Crusade Points 2
Thane Kreimhildr Judicar, PL 4, Crusade Points 2
Thane Sigrdrifa and pack, Bladeguard Veterans, PL 5, Crusade Points
Thane Skalmöld and pack, Bladeguard Veterans, PL 5, Crusade Points
Thane Hjalmþrimul and pack, Thunderwolf Calvalry, PL 7, Crusade Points 1
Murderfang, PL 8 (currently resting)
Brynhildr, Redepmtor Dreadnaught, PL 9, Crusade Points 2,
Sif, Redepmtor Dreadnaught, PL 9,
Kara, Redepmtor Dreadnaught, PL 9, Crusade Points 1,
Trygve, Veteran Dreadnaught, PL 8, Crusade Points 1,
Birger, Veteran Dreadnaught, PL 8,
Thane Reginleif and Pack Intercessors, PL 5, Crusade Points 2
Thane Þögn and Pack Infiltrators, PL 6
Thane Rota and Pack, Wolf Guard, PL 7, Crusade Points 1
Thane Skeggjöld and Pack Blood Claws, PL 6
Verdandi Impulsor, PL 7, Crusade Points 2
Skuld Impulsor, PL 7, Crusade Points 1
Skofnung Repulsor, PL 16, Crusade Points 4
Sangrior's Hounds, Fenrisian Wolves, PL 2, Crusade Points 1
Herfjötur, Attack Bike, PL 2

Orders of the Sanguine Halo

Canoness Hypatia Esserine PL 3, Crusade Points 3
Morvenn Vhal PL 13
Palantine Himiko Immacea PL 3, Crusade Points 3 (Saint Potentia)
Battle Squad Saberine PL 6, Crusade Points 3
Celestian Squad Decata PL 7, Crusade Points 2
Celestian Squad Ionula Celestian Sacresants, PL 3, Crusade Points 1
Benevolent Exegesis, Exorcist, PL 9, Crusade Points 3
Retributor Squad Mirais, PL 9, Crusade Points 4
Trespass on Righteousness, Mortifier (Anchorite), PL 3, Crusade Points 2
Dominion Squad Ioneia, PL 4, Crusade Points 1

Canoness Jeanne Sabathiro PL 3, Crusade Points 2
Repentia Squad Haruka, PL 6
Harbinger of Mercy, Rhino, PL 4

Dialogus Eudoxia Seraina, PL 3, Crusade Points 1

Ephrael Stern, PL 6

Scythes of the Emperor

Lord Cassus Mirhen, Captain in Gravis Armour, PL 6, Crusade Points 7
Ser Dysus Gorhaged, Primaris Lieutenant, PL 4, Crusade Points 3
Intercessor Squad Tassius PL 5, Crusade Points 2
Intercessor Squad Lytanus PL 5, Crusade Points 1
Apothecary Gerlach PL 4, Crusade Points 4
Eradicator Squad Osrak, PL 6, Crusade Points 2
Aggressor Squad Aximov, PL 6, Crusade Points 2
Bladeguard Veteran Squad Ulrech, PL 5
Heavy Intercessor Squad Thane, PL 7
Bulwark of Our Legacy, PL 7, Crusade Points 1

Captain Lazarus, PL 6
Intercessor Squad Mebahiah, PL 5
Inceptor Squad Abathar, PL 7
Inceptor Squad Israfil, PL 7



House Naga

Skillfull Means, Knight Castellan, PL 32, Crusade Points 3

[Jye Nicolson]

The Taran Heresy

Faction: Imperium

Battles Fought/Won: 46/33

Requisiton Points: 0

Investigation Points: 0

Unforgiven Points: 20

Supply Limit: 360

Supply Used: 351

Crusade Goal: Victory is the Cessation of Despair

Battles won by 10 or less VP: 0

Battles won using detachments from two or more different Imperium factions: 5


Master Inquisitor Tara, PL 4, Crusade Points 6

Unit Type: Inquisitor (Ordo Malleus)
Equipment: Nemesis Demonhammer, Immolator
Warlord Traits: Psychic Mastery
Relics: Blackshroud
Upgrades: Alpha Class Psyker
Psychic Abilities: Terrify, Castigation, Warding Incantation

Battles: 16
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged/Psychic): 8/4/2/2

Rank: Heroic
XP: 49
Battle Honours: Psychic Might, Swift and Agile, Master-Crafted (Immolator)
Battle Scars:

[Jye Nicolson]

Crusade Cards - Daughters of Russ

All models have the Space Wolves keyword unless otherwise specified

HQ


Jarl Sangrior, PL 7 - Currently not part of the roster but will wander back sometime

Unit Type: Ragnar Blackmane
Warlord Traits: Saga of the Warrior Born

Battles: 7
Units destroyed: Just so many, the showboating kill stealing jerk

Jarl Geiravör, PL 6, Crusade Points 11
Unit Type: Wolf Lord
Equipment: Jump Pack, Thunder Hammer, Storm Shield
Warlord Trait: Saga of the Wolfkin
Relics: The Wulfen Stone

Battles: 12
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 24/22/2

Rank: Legendary
XP: 51
Battle Honours: Swift and Agile (+1 M, +1 Charge/Advance), Deadly Charge, Artisan Bionics, Archeotech Nano Med, Fleshbane (Thunder Hammer), Null Field Disruptor
Battle Scars:


Wolf Priest Sigrun, PL 6, Crusade Points 5
Unit Type: Primaris Wolf Priest on Bike
Warlord Trait: Hunter
Relics: The Armour of Russ
Litanies: Exhortation of Rage
Upgrades: Permanent Deed

Battles: 5
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 2/2/0

Rank: Blooded
XP: 16
Battle Honours: Swift & Agile, Chooser of the Slain
Battle Scars:


Rune Priest Herja, PL 6, Crusade Points 2
Unit Type: Rune Priest
Equipment: Force Sword, Combi Flamer, Jump Pack
Relics: The Storm's Eye
Psychic Powers: Murderous Hurricane, Instincts Awoken

Battles: 3
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 0/0/0

Rank: Blooded
XP: 11
Battle Honours: Psychic Might, Halo Indomitus (4++, 4+++ vs mortals)
Battle Scars: Loss of Reputation


Iron Priest Sveid, PL 4, Crusade Points 2
Unit Type: Primaris Techmarine
Relics: Mastercrafted (Forge Bolter)

Battles: 2
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 0/0/0

Rank: 2
XP: 7
Battle Honours: Swift and Agile
Battle Scars:


Thane Gunnr, PL 6, Crusade Points 2
Unit Type: Wolf Guard Battle Leader on Thunderwolf
Equipment: Teeth of Terra, Storm Shield
Warlord Trait: Sword of the Imperium
Relics: Teeth of Terra

Battles: 2
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 0/0/0

Rank:
XP: 0
Battle Honours:
Battle Scars:


Troops


Thane Reginleif and Pack, PL 5, Crusade Points 2

Unit Type: Intercessors
Equipment: Reginlief - Thunder Hammer, Squad - Auto Bolt Rifles
Upgrades:

Battles: 15
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 16/14/2

Rank: Battle Hardened
XP: 26
Battle Honours: Fleet of Foot (+1 M, +1 Charge/Advance), Reginlief's Hammer (+1 hit, 6 explodes)
Battle Scars:


Thane Þögn and Pack, PL 6

Unit Type: Infiltrators
Equipment: Helix
Upgrades:

Battles: 1
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 0/0/0

Rank: 1
XP: 1
Battle Honours:
Battle Scars:

Thane Skeggjöld and Pack, PL 6, Crusade Points 1

Unit Type: Blood Claws
Equipment: Skeggjöld - Power Fist
Upgrades:

Battles: 3
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 0/0/0

Rank: Blooded
XP: 6
Battle Honours: Fleet of Foot
Battle Scars:


Elites


Thane Kreimhildr, PL 4, Crusade Points 2

Unit Type: Judicar
Warlord Trait: Saga of the Warrior Born
Relic: Masterwork

Battles: 2
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 2/2/0

Rank:
XP:
Battle Honours:
Battle Scars:


Thane Sigrdrifa and pack, PL 5, Crusade Points 1

Unit Type: Bladeguard Veterans

Battles: 3
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 0/0/0

Rank:
XP: 3
Battle Honours: Fleet of Foot
Battle Scars:


Thane Skalmöld and pack, PL 5

Unit Type: Bladeguard Veterans

Battles: 1
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 1/1/0

Rank:
XP: 1
Battle Honours:
Battle Scars:



Murderfang, PL 8 - Currently unavailable, frozen in a block of ice
Unit Type: MURDERFANG
Warlord Trait: Saga of the Hunter

Battles: 0
Units destroyed: Can't count that high



Sif, PL 9

Unit Type: Redemptor Dreadnaught
Equipment: Macro Plasma Incinerator, Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Icarus Missile Pod, Fragstorm Grenade Launchers

Battles: 0
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 0/0/0

Rank:
XP: 0
Battle Honours:
Battle Scars:


Brynhildr, PL 9, Crusade Points 2

Unit Type: Redemptor Dreadnaught
Equipment: Macro Plasma Incinerator, Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Icarus Missile Pod, Fragstorm Grenade Launchers

Battles: 4
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 7/5/2

Rank: 3
XP: 18
Battle Honours: Enhanced Engines, Autoloader (Macro Plasma Incinerator)
Battle Scars:


Kara, PL 9, Crusade Points 1

Unit Type: Redemptor Dreadnaught
Equipment: Macro Plasma Incinerator, Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Icarus Missile Pod, Fragstorm Grenade Launchers

Battles: 2
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 2/0/2

Rank:
XP: 8
Battle Honours: Enhanced Engines
Battle Scars:


Trygve, PL 8, Crusade Points 1

Unit Type: Venerable Dreadnaught
Equipment: Fenrisian Great Axe and Shield, Heavy Flamer
Battles: 2
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 3/3/0

Rank:
XP: 12
Battle Honours: Enhanced Engines
Battle Scars:


Birger, PL 8

Unit Type: Venerable Dreadnaught
Equipment: Fenrisian Great Axe and Shield, Heavy Flamer
Battles: 2
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 3/3/0

Rank:
XP: 4
Battle Honours: Enhanced Engines
Battle Scars:


Thane Rota and Pack, PL 7, 1 Crusade Point

Unit Type: Wolf Guard
Equipment: Jump Packs, Storm Shields, 2x Thunder Hammer (Rota), 3 x Lightning Claw

Battles: 2
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 3/3/0

Rank: Blooded
XP: 6
Battle Honours: Centurious Service Studs
Battle Scars:


Dedicated Transports


Verdandi, PL 7, CP 2

Unit Type: Impulsor
Equipment: Shield Dome

Battles: 11
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 2/0/2

Rank: Blooded
XP: 5
Battle Honours: Enhanced Engines (+2 M, +1 Advance/Charge), Blessed Hull (5++ vs mortals)
Battle Scars:


Skuld, PL 7, Crusade Points 1

Unit Type: Impulsor
Equipment: Shield Dome

Battles: 4
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 2/0/2

Rank: Blooded
XP: 7
Battle Honours: Enhanced Engines
Battle Scars:


Fast Attack


Sangrior's Hounds, PL 2, Crusade Points 1

Unit Type: Fenrisian Wolves

Battles: 7
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 0/0/0

Rank: Blooded
XP: 2
Battle Honours: Fleet of Foot
Battle Scars:


Thane Hjalmþrimul and pack, PL 7, Crusade Points: 1
Unit Type: Thunderwolf Cavalry
Equipment: Thunder Hammers + Storm Shields
Upgrades: +1 Advance, Fall Back & Charge

Battles: 2
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 2/2/0

Rank:
XP: 1
Battle Honours:
Battle Scars:


Herfjötur, PL 2
Unit Type: Attack Bike
Equipment: Multi Melta

Battles: 1
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 0/0/0

Rank:
XP: 1
Battle Honours:
Battle Scars:


Heavy Support


Skofnung, PL 16, Crusade Points: 4
Unit Type: Repulsor
Equipment: Las Talon, Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Twin Heavy Bolter, 2x Storm Bolter, 2x Krakstorm Grenade Launcher, 2x Fragstorm Grenade Launcher, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Icarus Rocket Pod


Battles: 2
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 4/0/4

Rank:
XP: 15
Battle Honours:
Battle Scars:

[Jye Nicolson]

Crusade Cards - Orders of the Sanguine Halo

Order of the Enduring Wrath - the following models all have the Valorous Heart keyword

HQ


Canoness Hypatia Esserine, PL 3, Crusade Points 23

Unit Type: Canoness
Equipment: Chainsword, Condemnor Boltgun, Brazier of Holy Fire
Warlord Trait: Beacon of Faith
Relic: Brazier of Eternal Flame

Battles: 11
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 2/1/1

Rank: Blooded
XP: 7
Battle Honours: Hieroptek Staff (unlocked)
Battle Scars:


Troops


Battle Sister Squad Saberine, PL 6, Crusade Points 3

Unit Type: Battle Sisters Squad
Unit Size: 10 Sisters
Equipment: Saberine: Power Maul, Combi-melta. Sister with Heavy Weapon: Multi Melta. Sister with Special Weapon: Flamer. Sister with Simaculum.
Upgrades: Incensor Cherub

Battles: 12
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 10/1/9

Rank: Battle Honoured
XP: 22
Battle Honours: Cool Headed, Fleet of Foot, Armoured WIth Contempt
Battle Scars:


Elites


Palatine Himiko Immacea, PL 3, Crusade Points 3

Unit Type: Palatine
Warlord Trait: Indomitable Belief
Relic: Book of St Lucius

Battles: 1
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 0/0/0

Rank: Blooded
XP: 6
Battle Honours: The Phial of Donlan
Battle Scars:



Celestian Squad Decata, PL 7, Crusade Points 2

Unit Type: Celestian Squad
Unit Size: 10 Sisters
Equipment: Decata: Power Maul, Combi-flamer. Sister with Heavy Weapon: Multi Melta. Sister with Special Weapon: Melta gun. Sister with Simaculum.
Upgrades: Incensor Cherub

Battles: 4
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 11/1/10

Rank: Battle Honoured
XP: 19
Battle Honours: Cool Headed, Battle Tested
Battle Scars:


Celestian Squad Ionula, PL 3, Crusade Points 1

Unit Type: Celestian Sacresants Squad
Unit Size: 5 Sisters
Equipment: Ionula: Spear of the Faithful, Inferno Pistol. Sisters: Anointed Halberd

Battles: 1
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 1/1/0

Rank: Blooded
XP: 6
Battle Honours: Fleet of Foot
Battle Scars:


Fast Attack


Dominon Squad Ioneia, PL 4, Crusade Points 1

Unit Type: Dominion Squad
Unit Size: 5 Sisters
Equipment: Stormbolters x 2, Ioneia: Combi Flamer, Power Maul
Upgrade: Incensor Cherub

Battles: 1
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 0/0/0

Rank: Blooded
XP: 6
Battle Honours: Armoured With Contempt
Battle Scars:


Heavy Support

Retributor Squad Mirais, PL 9, Crusade Points 4

Unit Type: Retributor Squad
Unit Size: 10 Sisters
Equipment: Mirais: Power Maul, Combi-flamer. Sister with Heavy Weapon: Multi Melta x 4. Sister with Simaculum.
Upgrades: Armorium Cherub x2

Battles: 4
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 9/0/9

Rank: Bloodied
XP: 19
Battle Honours: Cool Headed, Battle Tested, Veteran Warriors, Armoured With Contempt
Battle Scars:


Benevolent Exegesis, PL 9, CP 3

Unit Type: Exorcist
Equipment: Exorcist Missile Launcher
Battles: 9
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 10/0/10

Rank: Battle Honoured
XP: 32
Battle Honours: Improved Sights (+1 to hit, Autoloader, Exorcist Missiles), Elite Crew
Battle Scars:


Order of the Terminal Clemency - the following units have the Order of the Bloody Rose keyword


HQ


Canoness Jeanne Sabathiro, PL 3, Crusade Points 2

Unit Type: Canoness
Equipment: Chainsword, Inferno Pistol
Warlord Trait: Blazing Ire
Relic: Benifience

Battles: 1
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 0/0/0

Rank:
XP: 1
Battle Honours:
Battle Scars:


Elites

Repentia Squad Haruka, PL 6

Unit Type: Repentia Squad
Unit Size: 9 Sisters

Battles: 1
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 1/1/0

Rank:
XP: 1
Battle Honours:
Battle Scars:


Dedicated Transport


Harbinger of Mercy, PL 4

Unit Type: Rhino

Battles: 1
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 0/0/0

Rank:
XP: 1
Battle Honours:
Battle Scars:



Adeptus Ministorum Units - the following do not have an Order keyword


HQ

Ephrael Stern, PL 6

Unit Type: Ephrael Stern & Kyganil of the Bloody Tears
Warlord Trait: Executioner of Heretics

Morvenn Vahl, PL 13

Warlord Trait: Righteous Rage


Elites

Dialogus Eudoxia Seraina, PL 3, Crusade Points 1

Unit Type: Dialogus
Relic: The Sigil Ecclesiasticus
Prayers: War Hymn, Refrain of Blazing Piety, Litany of Enduring Faith

Battles: 0
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 0/0/0

Rank:
XP: 0
Battle Honours:
Battle Scars:


Heavy Support

Trespass on Righteousness, PL 3, Crusade Points 2

Unit Type: Mortifier (Anchorite)
Equipment: Penitent Flails + Heavy Bolters
Battles: 5
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 6/6/0

Rank: Blooded
XP: 9
Battle Honours: Enhanced Engine, Elite Crew
Battle Scars:

[Jye Nicolson]

Crusade Cards - Scythes of the Emperor

Mirhen Company - The following models have the Imperial Fists keyword.

HQ

Lord Cassus Mirhen, PL 6, Crusade Points 7

Unit Type: Captain in Gravis Armour
Warlord Trait: Stubborn Heroism
Relic: The Eye of Hypnoth

Battles: 17+
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 23/22/1

Rank: Legendary
XP: 51+
Battle Honours: Inspiring Hero, Finely Balanced + Fleshbane (Power Fist), Master of Rites, Deadly Charge
Battle Scars:


Ser Dysus Gorhaged, PL 4, Crusade Points 3

Unit Type: Primaris Lieutenant
Warlord Trait: Hand of Dorn
Relic: Bellicos Bolt Rifle:

Battles: 10
Units Destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 1/0/1

Rank:
XP: 14
Battle Honours: Tactical Experience
Battle Scars:


Troops


Intercessor Squad Tassius, PL 5, Crusade Points 2

Unit Type: Intercessor Squad
Unit Size: 5 Intercessors
Equipment: Tassius: Chainsword, Squad: Bolt Rifles

Battles: 24
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 8/3/5

Rank: 3
XP: 12
Battle Honours: Cool Headed, Marksman's Honours
Battle Scars:

Intercessor Squad Lytanus, PL 5, Crusade Points 1

Unit Type: Intercessor Squad
Unit Size: 5 Intercessors
Equipment: Lytanus: Chainsword, Squad: Bolt Rifles

Battles: 6
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 1/1/0

Rank: Blooded
XP: 11
Battle Honours: Cool Headed
Battle Scars:


Heavy Intercessor Squad Iagico, PL 7

Unit Type: Intercessor Squad
Unit Size: 5 Heavy Intercessors
Equipment: Auto Heavy Bolt Rifles, Auto Heavy Bolter

Battles: 2
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 0/0/0

Rank:
XP: 2
Battle Honours:
Battle Scars:


Elites

Apothecary Jachaeus Gerlach, PL 5, Crusade Points 6

Unit Type: Primaris Apothecary
Warlord Trait: Architect of War
Relic: Purgatorus
Geneseed Collected: 9
Upgrade: Chapter Command

Battles: 13
Units Destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 2/0/2

Rank: 5
XP: 51+
Battle Honours: Swift and Agile, Purity Seals, Marksman's Honours, Centurious Service Studs
Battle Scars:


Aggressor Squad Aximov, PL 6, Crusade Points 2

Unit Type: Aggressor Squad
Unit Size: 3 Aggressors
Equipment: Boltstorm Gauntlets

Battles: 9
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 4/0/4

Rank: Blooded
XP: 10
Battle Honours: Cool Headed, Fleet of Foot
Battle Scars:


Bladeguard Veteran Squad Ulrech, PL 5, Crusade Points 3

Unit Type: Bladeguard Veterans
Unit Size: 3 Bladeguard Veterans
Equipment: Ulrech: Volkite Pistol

Battles: 5
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 6/5/1

Rank: Battle Honoured
XP: 21
Battle Honours: Centurious Command Studs, Bladesman's Honours, Fleet of Foot
Battle Scars:


Heavy Support

Eradicator Squad Osrak, PL 7, Crusade Points 3

Unit Type: Eradicator Squad
Unit Size: 3 Eradictors

Battles: 9
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 7/0/7

Rank: Blooded
XP: 16
Battle Honours: Cool Headed, Fleet of Foot, Marksman's Honours
Battle Scars:


Dedicated Transport

Bulwark of Our Legacy, PL 7, Crusade Points 1

Unit Type: Impulsor
Equipment: Shield Dome, 2xStorm Bolters

Battles: 5
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 1/0/1

Rank: Blooded
XP: 8
Battle Honours: Enhanced Engines
Battle Scars:



Lazarus Company - The following models have the Dark Angels keyword

HQ

Lazarus, PL 6



Troops


Intercessor Squad Mebahiah, PL 5

Unit Type: Intercessor Squad
Unit Size: 5 Intercessors
Equipment: Mebahiah: Power Sword, Squad: Auto Bolt Rifles

Battles: 2
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 1/0/1

Rank:
XP: 2
Battle Honours:
Battle Scars:


Fast Attack

Inceptor Squad Abathar, PL 7

Unit Type: Inceptors
Unit Size: 3 Inceptors
Equipment: Plasma Exterminator

Battles: 2
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 1/0/1

Rank: Blooded
XP: 7
Battle Honours: Marksman's Honours
Battle Scars:


Inceptor Squad Israfil, PL 7

Unit Type: Inceptors
Unit Size: 3 Inceptors
Equipment: Plasma Exterminator

Battles: 2
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 2/0/2

Rank: Blooded
XP: 5
Battle Honours:
Battle Scars:




Crusade Cards - House Naga

All models have the House Naga keyword unless otherwise specified


Skillful Means, PL 32, Crusade Points 3

Unit Type: Knight Castellan
Equipment: 2xSiegebreaker Cannons
Warlord Trait: First Knight
Relic: Cawl's Wrath

Battles: 0
Units destroyed (Total/Melee/Ranged): 0/0/0

Rank:
XP: 0
Battle Honours:
Battle Scars:

[Jye Nicolson]

“They missed you! You should visit the ship more often, Hypatia.”

It was all the Canoness could do to remain standing as the Jarl gave a friendly clap to her pauldron and five gigantic canids milled around her affectionately. It felt so much like a familiar scene, but she was sure the Daughters of Russ did not possess a ship, having frequently relied on the good graces of the Master Inquisitor for transport. Yet they now stalked the stars in this predatory, ancient vessel, bedecked in carved wood and bone, as clearly they always had.

“Jarl Sangrior, my personal name is a liberty not even the Inquisitor dares to presume.”

“You should know my sister well enough to not use the word dare with her, Canoness. The simpleton can be goaded to any arbitrary foolishness with a challenge to her courage.” The other Jarl - Hypatia was still at a loss as to which if either of them commanded the Daughters - pushed through her sister’s wolves to offer the Canoness a drink, in a guest’s cup sized for the human hand. “How went your entrance to the war?”

“I thank you for asking, Jarl Geiravor.” Though Sangrior was the taller, every last one of the Daughters was a giant, and Hypatia had to crane her neck with some indignity to meet Geiravor’s eyes. “Inauspiciously. The slaves of the plague demons are riled, and I was unable to fully suppress the weight of foul sorcery they brought to bear. Their war machines are possessed by truly fell entities, and are not easily brought low. We retreated in good order but were obliged to give up the landing points.”

“The drones!” laughed Sangrior, playfully punching her sister’s ceramite-encased arm. “Geiravor did you a disservice by letting them escape so lightly damaged.”

“Rich words from the woman that so consistently sought softer prey to inflate her tally of kills. Yet again responsible warriors like myself and the good Canoness carry the burdens you deign too tedious, sister.” Geiravor took a seat beside Hypatia, shooing away the intervening wolves, and leaned in earnestly. “Indeed you have our apologies. We made sport with the plague demons alongside our friends in the Guard, and cut many down, but without the sorcerer’s head we should have known they would only have come back stronger, reinforced from the Warp. Instead of finishing the matter we tarried to train with the Greyshields - our cousins - themselves newly arrived to the warzone. We should have brought them with us and joined you in the field.”

“The Adepta Soroitas cherish our allies but we are not afraid to stand without them, you need make no apology to us, Jarl Geiravor. But I do not see this war being resolved soon, the flow of reinforcements into this sector is secure for all sides, it can only escalate from here. The Master Inquisitor’s doctrine is predicated on victory, and while we do not fear the fight I am unclear on what she seeks to gain in what will likely become a quagmire. I had hoped to consult the wisdom of Wolf Priest Sigrun.”

Sangrior gave a toothy grin from across the table, absent mindedly scruffing the fur of the hounds displaced by Geiravor. “Sigrun is with the Inquisitor still, that pair are not apt to separate long, though we intend to lure her back with the gift of a steed. But the Rune Priest will have news. Herja!”

In answer to the Wolf Lord’s bellow came a figure striding from the other end of the ship’s long hall, bone charms jangling against ceramite, eyes crackling with lightning, a raven perched upon her runed staff. Hypatia knew little of the sorcery of Fenris, save the Inquisitor’s assurance it was sanctioned, but it clearly did not involve avoiding the trappings of ancient heresies.

“Do you lackwits require Sigrun and Tara’s words to take the least action? Aye, I have spoken to both, but there is little to know. It is plain to your own eyes that this is no lightning raid, we will be watering the soil of these forsaken rocks with the blood of the enemy for long to come. They are but marshalling more comrades to join us in this mire of slaughter, and we will not see them until they have gathered the Scythes.”



OOC

I think, like all reasonable people, my Crusade is developing a grudge against that damn drone. While that's a little unfair since luck was only with Dave for one battle and otherwise went the other way, its persistent survival is infuriating

[Jye Nicolson]

Hypatia observed the loading of supplies from the upper decks of her War Cathedral with approval. She did not fear to suffer hardship in the names of the Martyr and the Emperor, but the defeat at the hands of the Plague Heretics had threatened to constrain her Order's contribution to the Master Inquisitor's Crusade, and that could not be tolerated. Today's action had not avenged that slight, but allowed operations to proceed as originally planned.

And she feared that without victories to her name, Jarl Sangrior would become intolerable.

"Decata, Saberine" The Sisters Superior flanking her shifted their posture ever so slightly at her words, waiting for her question. They were very different women, Saberine the taller and more junior, for all her promise, Decata the veteran with scars and wisdom earned from years as a Celestian; but they looked like sisters in truth with their hair dyed the Martyr's red. "What did you think of the enemy's fieldcraft?"

Decata nodded to Saberine, allowing the younger woman the opportunity to prove her understanding.

"Canoness, leaving unsaid the matters of their heresy, I was impressed. They did not have the equipment they needed to resist us, but even their least soldier fought with an awareness of the battlefield, their lines of fire and our movement rare even among our Sisters. We could have used that discipline against the Dusk Raiders, and I intend to incorporate my observations into my squad's training."

"Decata?"

"I concur. Even my Celestians can learn from such. We will be watchful for the subtlety with which alien heresy might communicate itself through innocuous means, but there is no apostasy in noting how lines intersect, and sending a bolt shell down such a line."


* * *

OOC: Luckily the narrative and the upgrades I wanted for my foot sisters lined up; if you were ever going to buy the Overwatch upgrade, doing so after fighting the Tau is the right time.

[Jye Nicolson]

"Now, dearest sister, I know we all have rough days out there, but I can't help but notice the Iron Priest is working very hard on my Verdandi, who has holes in her. What happened to my Impulsor?"

Geiravor didn't bother to look up at Sangrior, instead focusing on the delicate job of rewiring her storm shield, which had shorted out under a hail of plasma fire from Crisis Suits earlier that day. Twice. She'd barely be able to hear anything over the din of the repairs to the Impulsor just metres away, but her sister's bellows could outcompete any din.

"Property isn't really a thing between family, Sangrior. They're all gifts from father, surely?"

"Then you won't mind if I borrow your hammer and go on an outing of my own, surely? I promise to return at least half of it."

Geiravor sighed and reluctantly made eye contact. "I upset the Tau."

"Tau?" Sangrior's eyebrows shot up. "Little blue people in the flying suit things? They're here as well?"

"Everyone's here." The storm shield crackled back to life, which felt like Geiravor's first accomplishment for the day. "They tried to assassinate me, I gently dissuaded them, then I got distracted by Orks, who I also gently dissuaded. By the time I was done with them, the Tau reinforced their losses with some very angry elite units. It...was not one for the Sagas from that point."

"Cousins!" Yet another booming joined in the increasing aural hazard of the Consequences of Her Deeds' hanger, as a giant, his Gravis armour of black and gold stark against the Fenrisian grey of the Daughters' tanks, strode into their company. "Who upset the Tau?"

Geiravor rubbed at her brow as Sangrior wordlessly pointed the blame her way.

"I upset the Tau, Lord Mirhen. And there were Necrons? It was a long day. But it gladdens my heart to see you."

"And mine to see you, though this is not the jaunt I was promised. I brought green troops - Reivers, Hellblasters - for an easy campaign to season them, clean up for whatever was left in the wake of the fabled savagery of the Daughters of Russ. But I must call on my own elites if the Tau have committed theirs. The Necrons, at least, have been suppressed, but you know their kind, never discouraged for long."

"I am glad to see you too, Mirhen. But now that you have joined us in the Master Inquisitor's tarpit, I do beg you be kinder than Geiravor here and invite me when there's Orks."

***

OOC: The Wolves' run of luck and victory abruptly ended thanks to @Karantu's rejiggered list and those extremely spicy Crisis Suits. The first time was (very) bad luck on charge rolls, but I also put myself in the position to have that luck be a disaster rather than merely suboptimal so that's on me. The second was just an incredibly brutal alpha strike, but then again I was probably due some brutality after busting out Ragnar in small games. The good news is two losses was still enough to buy me the Scythes, who are currently specced to be a more "friendly" option but can expand into a solid shooting team once I paint a few more things up in Daves' scheme. Sadly they also promptly got alpha'd off the board by the newly resurgent Tau, and then finally managed to chalk one in the win column against @Mogus' Necrons, largely because *I* got first turn and some terrible luck with the return fire (thankfully it was a nice long grinder of a game with lots of learning opportunities rather than a quick tabling though). Not really salty about the losses, which I was cruising for anyway, but slightly concerned about losing every time I went second and winning the first time I went first; feels like there's a right amount of mid board terrain we're not hitting, so first turns are either too good for shooting or too safe for melee units setting up their turn 2 (or turn 1!) charges.

[Jye Nicolson]

"This is why, Reginleif." The Master Inquisitor's eyes shone as she answered a question the Thane had not asked. The Wolf took her meaning easily enough though - the field was held by jubilant and overwhelmingly alive soldiers of the 82nd Tarsonian Ashwalkers. The Scythes and Wolves had formed the vanguard but it was the men and women who rushed forward at the critical moment to flood the stage with their courage and their lasguns that had won the day.

"Not for this trinket, my lady?" Reginleif held up a faintly glowing mass of ancient wires still projecting ineffable holograms, the ostensible object of the battle. The Tau and Necrons had fought like demons for it, putting aside whatever animosity normally existed between them to push back the Astartes, but whatever it was it belonged to neither Xenos culture.

"Oh my no, I haven't the faintest idea what that even is. Give it to Geiravor, she can mount it on her hammer or something." Tara turned and smiled up at the towering Primaris. Her armour, a gift from her Sororitas allies, lent her some height but not even halfway enough to easily meet the Thane's eyes. "Look at them, how the suffering that pervades all things is gone for them in this glorious moment. Happiness itself is not a release from suffering, for happiness can be lost and that loss is feared, but such a tale as this is bulwark against the despair that makes suffering inescapable."

Reginleif saw easily enough why her Jarls were so enamoured of this tiny woman, why the Wolf Priest Sigrun so often appeared on her arm like a giant crow shepherding a golden songbird. They lived for the sagas, for tales written in fire on the darkness between the stars. But as Thane she had the burden of caring for logistics and strategy, maps and objectives, so the charm was somewhat lost on her.

"The Necrons and Tau have both massively escalated their presence in this sector, my lady. I hope you'd appreciate the value of holding back their respective advances and damaging their material, regardless of the quality of anyone's feelings about it."

"Oh sweet Reginleif, whoever knew that the Fang held such a practical soul? You must be heartbroken that I let that Riptide escape." Tara took a moment to fix her hair, which had degraded somewhat below optimum presentability under the foot of said Riptide. "How are your Jarls? The plan here did not give them the sport they usually seek, and I am sorry for it."

"Sangrior gripes that Verdandi's hull will be more patches than actual tank at this rate; we were not well pleased with that Null Zone. Geiravor is in more buoyant spirits, she forms endless grudges against the Xenos and Heretics and a chance to swing her hammer at something like that insidious plasma conduit cheers her immensely. Nothing ever changes Sangrior, but Geiravor drinks deeply from this war; it gives her a fervour I have not seen before even on her most ferocious days. She will lose the claim to being the level headed sister soon."

"She never had it with you in the family tree. Sangrior embodies a mighty legend very much like her father's. It never wanes, nor can it truly wax till her Wolf Time comes. Geiravor carves a saga into blank stone, and she will grow before your eyes. As you will before hers."

With this last, the Thane could not argue. She too was a daughter of Russ.


***

OOC: We had a big 2x2 battle - Matt's Guard and my Marines versus Mogus' Necrons and Karantu's Tau. The mission was to hold objectives, but also a shrinking central area worth a potential 15VP a turn around a 12" radius zone in which invulns did not work - and when we lost both starting rolloffs and had to face the incredible firepower of those teams when they'd already flooded the zone I despaired!

My Wolf list *does not like* things that ignore invulns, being heavy on HQ and Impulsors, and the Scythes had to grimly advance without LOS blockers (my shiny new Eradicators got zero turns in their first game ). It was a gruelling battle and the marine losses were shocking, I got run down to just the protagonists of this little fic - my veteran Intercessor Sergeant and the Master Inquisitor in her first game. We had done a hell of a lot of damage to the Necrons ourselves and stripped the Tau of their Obsec but between Resurrection Protocols and the flights of drones we lost the centre, the Xenos banked 15VP and I was sure it was all over.

The Ashwalkers were completely intact though, and let me tell you, when they want to, they can *move*. Matt flooded the centre, while Reginleif chased down the last Destroyer to its home objective and took it in melee. We went from nowhere to holding all four objectives. There were enough murderous Tau guns to make the last couple of turns reasonably painful but not nearly enough to dislodge the Ashwalkers, and we walked away from what I had thought an unwinnable game with a scoreboard that was very strongly in our favour. The VP did not at all tell the story of the brutality of those first few turns!