More Necrons in Spaaaace! Kitbashing the fleet part 2.

Here's a picture dump of more on my attempt to turn my bits box into a Necron BFG fleet. Unwilling and if I am honest, unable, to pay the evil bay prices... here is my attempt.

The winning formula of the Jackel class Escort proxies, by using Lych Guard shiels, gauss blaster nozels and Rods of the Covenant Pommels made me another couple.  I think I have enough to make 9!!

My... attempt to make a Tomb Ship.  Not entirely won over by the Destroyer body.  Loving the wings... but no.  Looking into alternatives.

Needed something for the smaller Escort class, Cairn?  Noticed the Rods of the Covenant I had spare are looking very promising.  Just need to decide on what I will do with the rear to make it more engine like.

Recently got some bits an bobs which may give me the scythe shape I want.

With there being plenty other things to be done, this is a nice alternative now and then.  What can you do with your bits box?

Watch this space!
R

Battlefleet Gothic Necron Kit Bash.

Just a quick blog post to show of my forray into making a super cheap Necron fleet for BFG (Battlefleet Gothic).  As many know, this great game was sadly discontinued by a suffering Games Workshop leaving its rules online and its figures ebay hotspots.

Having seen some excellent kit bashing and proxies appearing online, though mainly Dark Eldar for some reason, I decided to take a shot at seeing if I could do something.  The rule?  It could only be made from bits in my bits box.

Basically, this was made from a Necron energy shield (from that double set including Triarch Praetorians), with the energy bands cut out from the centre.  I was inspired by the Narn battle ships from Babylon 5!

I then cut to fit the barrel from a Gauss Blaster to fit down that front bit, and added a Triarch Praetorian's Rod of Covenant pommel to the back to act as a fin.

A simple conversion, counting as a Jackal Class I'd wager.  And the best bit?  Its all bits I have a few of.  Expect at least 4 of these guys soon!

Now, what about that Cairn Class...

R

Terrain for the Necrons, from ttcombat. A Review.

Now as a little aside, I've gone and spent a surprisingly low sum on acquiring some MDF laser cut terrain from a not too well known company called ttcombat.com.

Originally this was discussed on the Facebook Necrons page (hi guys!) I decided to share my findings and experience dealing with this UK based company.  Because lets be honest, there are sadly a few companies out there which waste our time or worse, steal our money.  Not many by far, but enough to check before buying.

So.  I ordered the following:

• The Cyber Bunker.
• The Cyber Tower.
• The Cyber Defence Platform.

This ironically, with international posting came to under 40 GBP.  As you can expect, I was damn happy with that price.  Especially for what I got!

What and where are these things then?

Ttcombat first came to my attention on their evilbay store, and then on their website, which appeared on the afore mentioned Facebook page.  They are a small company and began selling their products to further their primary goal of being a base for "news and reviews."

Obviously, they were a victim of their own success and having discovered a demand, went nuts. Seriously, they have some amazing ideas.

The products arrived with signed tracked deliveries within the expected 2 weeks.  Everything was well protected and even the torn cellophane on one had been packed in a box with plastic wotsits.  Someone had gone to lengths to make sure I got my stuff safely.

Their products are made in 3mm MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) and come in the form of plates which have had key segments laser cut to a point where you can punch out components.  These components are often detailed with laser burns that cut through half way, creating a variety of patterns.

Now I've acquired these for the last battle for our local narrative campaign "A Prison For Gods" as it reaches its climax at the end of this May. How these scenery elements work for that game?  I am not telling you.  Like the players, you gonna have to wait, son!

Assembly.

Firstly, I want to talk about the little extras.  Like the old action figures of the 80's these sets come with these interesting little wall sections.  Much sturdier than card, they make for an interesting incentive to get more terrain just to have enough for an Aegis line.  They certainly arn't intricate in their design though, and the back is completely bare.

This made me sad...

The construction is robust, as mentioned before, layering up the core of the build to double thickness while using the opportunity to create depth on the figure.  The sides slot on like jigsaw pieces and the whole construciton can be glued together with PVA (Woodglue, recommended adhesive) in a matter of minutes.  Note these things do not come with bases.  Not that they would need them, I'm just a bit OCD about my bases is all...

Now I didn't do these walls first, something I should have done in hindsight as to get use to the process of handling MDF, luckily this isn't my first rodeo, but for anyone unused to assembling laser cut MDF, mess around with things like these first and work out those oversights and mistakes. 

The Cyber Bunker.

Straight in with the big one.  This central piece was based around a standard criss crossed structure which slots together without need for trimming.  Intrestingly enough I was expecting to need to cut out the bits from the sprue with a scalpal but they just popped out and required next to no cutting bar a tiny 1mm connecting point here and there.  Which to be fair, didnt need to be tidied up.  You can really be lazy with this kit.  And I can be damn lazy. 

Now I began to worry at this point that the main roof section might be a bit, fiddly to place correctly, but huzzaa!  the ttcombat team thought ahead.  The criss crossing bits came with a lip, designed to help the roof settle in place and creating a very solid structure to work from.  Such a simple design addition allowed me to thankfully avoid the danse of drying PVA glue while I tried to make sure everything was flush and perfect!

Seriously.  Yes!

Consulting the instructions, I ploughed ahead (total assembly time so far: 20 mins), assembling the sides, which come in to doubles, one pair possessing a couple of mm extra to overlap on the corners.  They essentially sit on the slopping struts without much ceremony. Thanks to the stable base, went on near completely flush. 

Now the base was complete, with all that burned in detail it really was taking shape, but it seriously lacked detail that popped. Thankfully, and apologies for the lack of photo at this stage, each level has a number of "fins" that slot straight into the hole pictured above, really echoing the older Necron Monolith design.

The second level had the same construction as the first, criss crossing struts and the detailed fins along the sides. This time however the roof contained slots for the addition of four hooked details that again was very reminiscent of the Monolith and the more recent Ghost Arks prow. These details were doubled up to 6mm in width and I doubt could easily be snapped! Though it did sacrifice the more angled finish of the plastic.  

It was at this point I dove into doing the steps.  You get four sets in total, although the website only shows two.  This gives some interesting options.  For me, I planned on two on either end, allowing for some excellent king of the hill like opportunities. The steps were simple affairs, four steps slotting in without room for confusion.  Sadly, the pieces are without decoration, but are very tough. 

Both levels, have one of these details, constructed from a circle and four "petals" forming a slot which, you will never guess, fits the Monolith Crystal almost perfectly. This indicates to me though that the designers wanted to allow us to vary the construciton somewhat, having the first level and the second level seperate buildings whenever we felt like.  For me though, I wanted a tough piece of terrain, so I would be gluing on the second level.

Adding the steps and them slapping the lot onto a base, voila.  Total construction time, 30 minutes, mostly waiting for the glue to dry.  This set is perfect for emergency builds. Not too sure on the painting yet, but I plan on building up the sides with wood or wall filler to show it being partly emerging from the earth, old school necron style!

The Cyber Tower

The next kit was much smaller, and I was interested to find out how ttcombat would go about a detailed box build. Usually, attaching the top layers can be a nightmare of symmatry and basically getting stuff in the right place.  

As before, the sprue was well cut, pieces could be popped out with no risk of damage.  I neatened the little tab that remained just in case with a sharp scalpel.  Actually managed to NOT cut the crap out of my thumb this time... 

The initial box was a jigsaw build, as you can tell it was very sturdy and everything slotted on during the dry build without errors or issues.

Now the interesting part.  The outer layers were attached on the edges: two matching jigsaw parths that when aligned against the corner ensured correct and symmetrical placement. I had a bit of an accident with one piece that was troublesome, but nothing worth going into.

Total build time: 15 minutes. 

Though the final touch was the centre circle component, which had to be set in by eye.  I thought I'd done a good job but the next morning I noted that one had drooped during the night.  Damn.  Still, lesson learned.  Patience and letting it dry on its side would have helped there.

A really simple kit which on thinking about it, would have looked nice ontop of the Cyber Bunker!  Very reminicient of the Dawn of War Necron buildings.

The Cyber Defence Platform.

Then came the one which everyone seemed interested in.  The Cyber Defence Platform.  This one promised to be more complecated then the other two by virtue of being more detailed.  

As usual, I popped out the bits, which were mainly repeating braces for the feet sections and the big cresent arm making up the gun.

The instructions for this degraded in clarity as I went along, sadly by the end I was comparing before and after pics to figure out what had gone where in each picture. At this point though, it was hitting midnight and my light was getting worse.  Sadly my Samsung Core didnt really have the pull to do the figure justice.



The model was made up mostly of the layered up feet and carriage which thanks to interweaving braces proved to be very tough.  The carriage itself was one layer 3mm thick and does bend when pressed on.

The carriage had an interesting circle swivel join which in the instructions said "don't glue", however I couldn't figure out how this benefited the model at that time.  In hindsight, I think the plate which sits on top of the carriage wasn't meant to me glued with, so the weapon could feasibly turn in place.  Again, the instructions could do with a slight go over to make this clearer.

Despite this, the kit was easily to assemble and I had it up in around 30 minutes.  The weapon comes with two forms of vanes but to be honest the alternative set just couldn't compete.

Mini Cthulu for Scale purposes only.

I mentioned briefly before the issues with the instructions for this piece, this was especially true of the weapon barrel, which turned out to be far more complicated than expected.  It felt poorly explained, measured and in the end I gave up in favour of something more appealing from my bits box: A Necron Doomsday gun!!  Just needed a touch of bits to fill in holes and boom.

My penchant for bases demand I cut some up and glue it down, but I decided to keep the gun itself loose as to pack it away easiler.  Currently looking into magnets as an option but basically the whole thing is practically snap fit.

Use in games?

The Cyber Bunker is essentially a hill. Great for blocking line of sight.  In more narrative games, this could include non deep-striking rules for the top, maybe something borrowing the Monoliths Eternity Gate? Or even using the Forgeworld Tomb rules?  For me, I'm happy with it being a simple hill for objectives to be fought over.

The Cyber Tower is more of an aesthitic piece. Its height is great and it looks fantastic, but its lack of width means it really only affects so much in terms of LOS.  Would make an excellent objective or with some extras on top a very Dawn of War: Dark Crusade inspired turret.  Count as Vengeance weapons platform?

Now the Cyber Defence Platform, the big questions is: Necron Pylon?  Or Necron Sentry Pylon?

Sadly, its somewhere between the two.

To give you an idea, the MDF Cyber Defence Platform is 22cm tall. Accoring to Dinodeampostcat on Librariumonline, the FW Pylon is a wopping 29 cm from base to top.  The Sentry Pylon is 15cm high. Meaning the Cyber Platform sits almost in between.  So whats to do?

After chatting with some in the group, it can be argued to be used as a traditional Pylon.  After all, with true LOS, this means if I can see you, you can see me.  And the reduction in height also makes it easier for incoming fliers (the unit it excels at ending) to find a spot to hide behind.

But the decision is yours, and your groups.  At a little of 7 quid, what do you think?

Thanks for reading!
R

A Prison for Gods: The Calm Before the Storm... End of Phase 2!!

That's right! Though February was a hard month personally for many of the players.  We continue regardless. One player has left, the Factions have fallen into every-man for themselves.  It is (excuse the pun) utter chaos. And the Necrons have emerged to claim their prizes.

The current situation is now this:

Got da shiny.  Lets leave.

The map as of the beginning of the final phase 3.

Big thanks to Chris as usual for knocking together an updated map.

The Necrons have swooped in on Tresium, devastating the Arbiter precinct based in the huge lake there.  The lake was later evaporated causing massive weather disruptions: thunderstorms continents wide, tornados and downpours as the water settled. Underneath the lake of Tears as it was known, the Necrons are alleged to have secured one of the Shard Keys supposedly essential in locating the final world of Solemnum. The gate to the Prison.

As the power vacuum of the Mechanicum's absence is filled, it leaves the Craftworld Eldar in possession of key positions on both Tresium, Sordid and Nolan.  With no allies left to them, former friends may fast prove to be easy pickings. Meanwhile the Imperial Guard and former allies of the Craftworld Eldar With bastions on both Tresium, Nest and even Wake.

The score?

Edit: Eivind is actually on 75.  

After the collapse of the Factions the last Phase tally merges the Personal Conquest points and the Faction Points.  Also, Grand Warlord traits no longer apply.  Its all or nothing, every man for himself.

But what does that mean?  Well, we see that the nefarious Black Scorpions are still in the lead, though without Magnus to back him up with his Imperial tank divisions, Rory will quickly find himself attacked on many fronts. But will their attacks simply allow for more expansion from defence.

Across the table we can see Eivind and his Tyranids are close second on Conquest Points. The great devourer has gone largely ignored as the potential threat it is so far. Will the other players be able to resist the consumption? 

In this last Phase, the weak will be picked on for easy pickings, titans will be bashing heads for scraps and the goal of Solemnum will be in sight, all the while the Necrons will be following their agenda. As Players work on their own narrative goals, will there be anyone left to stop the opening of the Prison for Gods?

So Rules for this 3rd Phase:

1. Factions are abolished.
2. Personal Points are immediately added to Conquest Points. 
3. Grand Warlord Traits are now closed and no longer apply. 
4. Any Player completely moved from the map then plays for the final conquering Player in his future games.

The final Turn will see the emergence of Solemnum, and those with the Shard Keys will have bonuses on the end battle which very well could see all the territorial gains made by any Player moot if ignored.  

Next up is establishing where people will be placing their extra flags for this final phase in regards to the Bastions owned by: 

• 2 to Eivind's 'Nids
• 2 to Thomas and his Imperial Guard
• 3 to Chris and his Dark Eldar!!
• 2 to William and his Craftworld Eldar
• 1 to Magnus and his Imperial Guard

I'm gonna see these updated as I bash out the final Blog Post regarding the game proceeding into the Third Phase, based around two upcoming sets of games, both of which see the Necrons attacking all quarters. 

What I'm personally looking forward to are the developing armies.  All the while everyone has been building up new tactics, units and more in an effort to dominate the campaign.  Rory has been labouring tirelessly to ensure his superior forces remain top dog, while both Eivind and William have been working damn hard to produce everything from more Carnifex to 3 bloody Wraith Knights!

Oh and the Imperial Guard players Thomas and Magnus now have the game making Cadian Detachment rules to even the odds. 

The campaign is very much still to play for!!

But what about the Phase 3 World?

Under the circumstances I've decided in my capacity as GM and generally all round god person, to leave the final world until the 2nd part (or turn?) of this final Phase.  Its a big deal. And the Shard Keys which players have been understandably ignoring in favour of their own agendas!

Prefab Hab Block: Warhammer Scenery on a Budget! (Picture dump)

I've been requested by a couple of people on Facebook to show more pics of the recent additions to my scenery collection at home.  As some of you know, I've got space for a rather large 8 by 4 footer, and it sees a loooot of action.  The scenery on it is getting a bit stale, but not being ultra wealthy, I have to think efficient when it comes to getting scenery.

The below housing (ignore the ruins), was inspired by something I found on Pintrest, a 20mm scale version.  The principle remained the same: Find gift boxes of the same size and appropriate scale to the 28mm game.  Decorate with bits to show it as a building and paint up.  Simple.

A Prison For Gods: The March of Bone

So!  After Phase 2 Turn 1, there has finally been a narrative development.  

"I gave you EVERYTHING.  My career, my integrity, my very purpose.  You promised me.  You promised me the technology." 

The words of the Inquisitor echoed for far too long.  The shadowed throne room, illuminated by the burning emerald of the Necron's energy flickered in the half light.
Inquisitor Yvassilli Craven, instigator of the Faustian Schism, the deaths of so many lives was for the first time in his 80 year career: uncertain. He stepped forward and straightened his back.  Realising his next words could cost him his life.  If his anger hadn't already done so. 

Beyond him, as he stood on the bridge of black stone, up steps and looming over him sat the Necron Overlord.  A giant skeleton of bone in gold and crimson.  It sat not on the throne, but beneath it.  The throne of engraved boneworks, which looked suspiciously like real bone, was empty. To the Overlords right, the Cryptek, his voice looked at the human and the Necron uncertainly.  Not a good sign. 

"Forgive my impertenance." He began.  "I simply misunderstand the reasoning behind your actions. Have I failed you?  Have I offended you so much that you feel compelled to act this way?"  

The Necron Overlord simply stared, unblinking with those terrible burning orbs of balefire.  It looked down at its hand idly, clenching it almost as if surprised it was empty.  It looked around for a second, saying something in its own tongue.  The Cryptek approached and muttered something back.  Slowly, the Overlord nodded, looking strangely... sad.  So pitifully sad.  Something lost long ago had come to memory perhaps. 

The Overlord's fist clenched and slammed down shattering the perfect steps. It stood up as one might expect a puppet, unhandsomely and yet with inhuman grace.  It extended a hand and right before the Inquisitors eyes a stave of crackling energy materialised in his grip.   

"YOU HAVE SERVED."  It said, the translation of Its voice to Gothic horrid and without emotion.  "WHILE OTHERS HAVE SQUANDERED OUR OFFER, SOUGHT THEIR OWN ENDS.  YOU HAVE SERVED."   

It took one step down, cracks forming in the stone.  With a deliberate test swing it brought the stave around and gripped it with both hands.

"FOR YOUR SERVICE, I WILL GIFT YOU." 

The gap indicated it was his turn to speak. "What gift, my Lord?"  Craven asked. 

"TIME." It said, moving slowly, surely towards him. Time.  What?  Time for what.
He looked up, taking in the sudden dreadful context.  The Necrons would move, something he had hoped to forstall until he was ready.  But no.  This was too soon.  Time.  Not time.  The Necron Overlord meant he would "gift" the Inquisitor something else:  A head start. 

Turning away from the approaching giant, Craven ran for his life, mind racing with contingency plans and agents he would need. He needed to act, quickly.
The Necrons were coming...

Damn your inevitable betrayal!

Emergency Junct. Astopathic Message.

Burn out rate 97%.

Encrypt level: Ataxia. 

To all agents in the Faustian theatre: Bone March Protocols are now in affect.  Seek out the Sentinels, tell them the information below and the attachments.  Allow this information to be captured.  Not easily.  Enough to ensure its appreciation and sincerity.  Our sponsor has betrayed me.  Us. 

Good luck. The Emperor Protects.

***

"Addendum #23.  The Duat.  A Prison which is mentioned several times in the journals of the Proto-gypters on Holy Terra.  How this information came into their possession is a heretical journey unto itself.  But if accepting this is possible, it indeed sheds light.  Illumination, on the Duat.   

In the time of flesh, the Necrontyr worshipped death in its many forms. Life was cheap it seems.  So the concept of a Prison was terrifying to them.  Imagine, losing what life span you had to boredom and insanity. A living hell.  

This place is imagined to be a separate plane, existing of several layers and separate entrances hidden away in puzzles and constellations. 

At the time of transference, this place held the rebellious, the detractors and the worst:  The political. It is here that the legends revolving the Trazian Dynasty or the House of Bones merge.  The House of Bone, otherwise known as the Trazian Dynasty was their priesthood, their religious sect looked after their pantheon of death gods. It seems that in the time of transference, when the C'tan made their devils bargain, the House was condemned to be the first among those turned into machine.  Against their will.  They were at first made subservient slaves, guardians of those C'tan who they despised as untrue gods.  

Then, as the War in Heaven reached its conclusion, they were used by the 'Silent King' to be instrumental in defeating the C'tan they once served.  Freed from their servitude, they were rewarded for being correct in their distrust in the C'tan by being locked in the Duat, with those C'tan Shards deemed too dangerous for imprisonment by simple means.
If what you say is correct Yvassilli, this Overlord you deal with is non-other than one of this House of Bone these legends speak of. What It wants with the other levels of the Duat terrifies me to the core. If It came from the higher levels, imagine what one may find in the Duat's lower darker places? 

No good will come from this..."

***

Necron Challenges?

As the challenges last month havn't been a hit, which is completely understandable, and as the campaign is heading into its final phase soon, I wanted to heat things up some.

Especially as people keep asking me: Where are the bloody Necrons!?

Here.  Here they are. :D

Essentially, the Necrons of the Trazian Dynasty will attack the key points where the "Shard Keys" mentioned in the blog entry "here" where.  They will attack the owning player or simply take the territory.  To what end?  Finding the rogue planet's location and opening the Duat.  A Prison.  For Gods.

Once these challenges have been played out and the winners are given the Shard Keys we can proceed with the big Plot A stuff.  The attempts to calculate the location of the mystery world which will appear in Phase 3.

There will be a big game to conclude who holds the most keys at the end of this Turn.  Thinking Apoc.  But we will see.  Either way, stuff just got super serial!

So what happens?

The Mist Walker - Tresium
"Uhsen’Relah, the C’tan known for it’s use of the local weather patterns.  This Shard Key may affect the local moisture levels to dangerous degrees.  Look for any build up of water or odd weather."

Upon Tresium, as the Adeptus Arbites make ready for a siege against the criminals and invaders, they are surprised by an attack from another side.  Upon the fortress which lies atop the planets greatest source of water, the Necrons attack.  With noone in the vicinity to help them, the fortress goes silent and disappears beneath the waves.  Whatever happened and happens still, remains to be discovered.  But the Necrons have taken the entire area, and show no signs of leaving.

• Necrons Take T7.

The Never Ended - Rust
"Derth’Sanykk, a fearsome C’tan known to for its resilience.  Literally un-killable.  I have been instructed to be on the look out for any obvious extensions of life, or such “miracles” in the Faustian Sector."

Even as Ozzy marshalls his forces to kick the Craftworld kin from his new prize planet, ships from darkest legend scour the skies as phalanxes of Necron troops materialise on his very doorstep.

• Necrons attack R4! Challenge against Chris' Dark Eldar!

The Frozen Rage - Sordid
"Sezalak, the Frozen Rage, this being delighted on drowning entire worlds into premature ice ages.  Look for out of the ordinary low temperatures."

On the frozen ruins of Sordid's capital city, infested with the bio-organisms of the Tyranids, the Necrons appear without warning, deeming the world eaters unworthy of the courtesies of war.  Only Extermination awaits them.

• Necrons attack S6! Challenge against Eivinds Tyranids!

The "Twisted Hoof" - Wake
"Little is known about this C’tan, though one mention describes it has bearing “no proof of tongue nor sounds rung.”

In the Valley of Fears the sadistic Dark Eldar thrive, but as their communications fail and the skies bleed, it is obvious a significant force has invaded.  Skeletal figures of bone and blood can be seen on the horizon.

• Necrons attack WA1!  Challenge against Chris' Dark Eldar (Again!)

A Prison for Gods: End of Phase 2, Turn 1.

End of Phase 2, Turn 1. 

Warrens End

The capital world of the sector continues to go into its death-throws as the weapon of Nolan does its work.  Forests die an unnatural death as every living life form suffers critical radiation poisoning yet cannot decompose.

Thankfully the military forces there are taking measures, though only the insidious Black Scorpions and the Imperial Guard are offering any aid to the civilian populace.  Increased terrorist activity is hampering efforts, and some are questioning where the Astartes are taking those they "rescue." Regardless the drive to evacuate has allowed, whether innocently or not, the pretence to expand further into Warrens southern forests.

The Adeptus Mechanicus forces that appeared alongside the Imperial Guard in Warrens North Western reaches came as a shock to all, catching Ozzy's Dark Eldar by surprise and forcing them back to their hold out on the other side of the planet. What the Mechanicum's intentions are, remains to be seen, but their appearance has shown to be fortuitous.

At the beginning of the Turn, a push from the Black Scoprions into the eastern mountains initially was met by success, taking territory from the Craftworld Eldar.

All the while the Dark Eldar of Ozzy took the opportunity to prey on the retreating Eldar and took land of their own.  However, upon reaching the mountains, the Astartes were hit hard by the lurking Tyranid threat even as evacuations were underway.  Theories have been proposed that it was the Craftworld that was keeping the Tyranids in check, other theories suggest they planned the event like a trap.  Either way, the Tyranids on Warrens End have come down from the Mountains, and show no sign of stopping.

Rust

The world that is forever dying saw an epic return by the Iybraesil Eldar, returning after a series of brutal loses.  Dark Eldar forces were surprised by the sudden return and lost a sector to the advance giving their vengeful Craftworld brethren a foothold on the world.  Will this advance continue?  Or will Ozzy's Dark Eldar be able to push them back from the old Eldar world?

The loss of territory on so many worlds for a gain on one leads many to believe the leadership of the Iybraesil Eldar is running either a campaign of revenge against the Druchii of Ozzy, or they have a secret agenda regarding that world...

Sordid

Magnus'tank battalions took advantage of the Iybraesil's lack of focus on the corrupt world of Sordid and took territory despite heavy loses to their anti material weaponry.

Tresium

The lawless planet was further controlled by the forces of the 501st as its Imperial elements were bolstered by the arrival of returning Adeptus Mechanicum forces sent to secure Nolan.  Rumours have begun that the Mechanicum having linked up with the 501st may seek to retake the Forgeworld from the Black Scorpions before the majority of its hardware is removed.

Nolan

Having pushed the 501st Imperial Guard back towards the poles, the Black Scorpions have dug in, quarantining the area to the west and holding gains made while engineers acquire as much machinery as they can.  The move has born yet more criticism from the Imperial elite, and while complaints may take centuries to be reacted on due to bureaucracy and long distance communications, it is already clear: The Astartes do not care.

Nest

At the beginning of the Turn, Nest saw the Craftworld Eldar losing territory to both the unstoppable advance of the Black Scorpions and the treacherous back stabbing assault from their Dark kin. Pushed off Nest completely, it forced the Eldar to rethink their deployment and heavier weaponry was brought in.

Meanwhile, the Dark Eldars base has so far been ignored by the Astartes despite being close enough, while the Dark kin are happy enough to raid the wastes nearby, terrorising locals and harvesting body parts for some unknown horrors.

Space Hulk

The Gospel of Fear saw the total attention of the Black Scorpions Chapter this Turn, slaughtering and pushing the Imperial Guard of Thomas from its many winding corridors.  Even a sudden appearance of automated Necron defences didn't deter them and that area is now quarantined.  Regardless, the clean up will take some time and the Imperial Guard stood hard, lead to the last by their preachers.

Weapon failures and ammunition quality were a major factor in the losses causing many to wonder if the Black Scorpions used some immoral infiltration methods, purgings have been made through the command structure after the loss in attempt to rule this out.  However, another possibility is the involvement of the Munitorium's supply which goes via the Mechanicum stationed outside the Sector at Altra Teir.  Rumours among the ranks have lead to some quiet distrust towards the regiments Enginseers.  Crack downs have already begun.

To the end of the Turn, the Imperial Guard have been met with allies from an unexpected quarter: Black Scorpions, claiming to be Loyalists to the Imperium and condemning their brethren as heretics.

The sudden attention of the Black Scorpions against the Hulk begs the question to all agents of opposition: What do the Astartes want with it?  Do they know something the rest do not?

Acre

Despite her many natural barriers alongside the reinforced fence-works, The Tyranid's already on the world linked up with the invading Hive Mind, causing a sudden expansion against the Craftword Eldar, seizing the planets core power creating complex.  With the Tyranids showing intense levels of intelligence, it wasn't a total surprise when the layers of ray fences across the continent began switching off, allowing for the Tyranids to run unchecked across Acre's jungles and forests.

This leaves both the Dark Eldar, Eldar and even the Astartes holding out in their last on world pockets of resistance.  Acre as a whole seems to be losing to the Tyranid infestation and though no Hive fleet has been seen yet, a shadow on the warp is emerging, her wildlife is altering and becoming hostile. The planets very climate is changing, heating up and preparing itself for consumption on a global scale.  If not for the current conflict, efforts could be made to end this, but as it stands, Acre is on the brink.

So what's the score so far?

Well, bearing in mind this is only the 1st Turn of Phase 2, and that the big scores come in at the end of the phase, it is as expected.  Objective traits don't count for Turns and despite the extension of the Turn length, not so many games have been played.

The Bringers of Silence, though down a man since Chris' (Ozzy's) defection, the Bringers of Silence have maintained their hold on terrain, even gaining some.  In second place, but only just, are the Bearers of Change, stealing the position although both Eivind and Chris have placed most of their points on Personal gains.  Last but with a varying degree of luck, the Sentinels of Fire have continued their run of luck, but with some late victories, perhaps the tide is changing?

But what of the narrative missions?  What of the quest for the final planet and its riches and glory? Although many clues of secret locations have been given out, due to time constraints and a general lack of interest, they have gone ignored, usually in favour of personal agendas.  William's Eldar have finally gotten their foothold back on Rust, Rottimus' Black Scorpions have been claiming everything from Mechanicum machinery and the Space Hulk for their survivalist empire and even Thomas' Imperial Guard have taken in supposed crusaders and malcontent from the Astartes, including a as of yet unknown Battle Chaplain.

All this boils down to players creating an maintaining their own narrative in game. Which with all the fighting, duels, grudges and epic battles gives each faction a history and each forces more exceptional characters a story.

However....

The Necron sponser is getting impatient...