So, on the Previous Conclave I posted some profiles for my Mechanicus Entourage. I've been recently thinking about them, so I've decided to rewrite them, based off the stuff on my Computer.
First up: Eliath Avarnus:
Age: 30
Religion: Organicist of the Adeptus Mechanicus.
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 149 Pounds.
Appearance: Blue eyes (Glow due to Internal Augmentation), pale skin (Due to augmentation), black hair.
Notes: Slightly absent minded. Incredibily Strong Will.
Statline:
WS: 51 BS: 54 STR: 45 T: 50 I: 67 WP: 80 Sg: 72 Nv: 60 Ld:60
Weapons:
-PDW Pistol (Loaded with Manstoppers) with two reloads
-Combat Knife
Armour:
-Armour Vest (AV 3) on chest, abdomen
-Robes (AV 1) on arms, legs and groin
-Refractor Field
Equipment:
-Medical Kit
-Respirator
-Autosanguination
-Ocular enhancment: +10 to vision based awareness tests
-Neck mounted Data inload/outload port (GM discretion on uses)
Abilites:
-Medic
-Dodge
-Right Handed
Background: Eliath was raised on Ostien Tertius, a paradise world in the Segmentum Tempestus. It was close to the Forge World, Ostien Primaris, which helped provide equipment for the Cadian Gate, supplementing the Kantreal Forges. Eliath was permanently fascinated with machines, and was considered acceptible for induction to the Adeptus Mechanicus, where after six years, he became an acoltye, and after four more years, achieved full priest hood. Notable for being rather more comfortable working in the open, he joined an Explorator Fleet, and traversed the stars, searching for lost technology.
It was on a dark world, overgrown with thick rain forests and swamps. In the ruins of what was presumably an Eldar fortress, Eliath discovered a strange device. When he took it, it is presumed, he activated a security measure and dozens of feral beasts and fearsome automatons began to slaughter the Adeptus Mechanicus expedition.
Only because of the Skitarii with him, Eliath was able to escape. Just under half the Adeptus Mechanicus operatives who landed on the Planet, died there. Returning to the Forge World, Eliath surrendered the device, and explained that he was to blame for the devastation the group suffered.
The Magi decided that Eliath should traverse the stars again, looking for any technology to return as payment for his guilt.
Eliath is a staunch Organicist, frequently experimenting with ways to enhance his body without machine parts. It is unknown what drives this rejection of orthodox Mechanicus doctrine, but Eliath continues with the bare minimum of metal augmentation.
Hmm, 139 pounds is definitely on the light side for someone of that height. Not unbelievably so, but unlikely.
However, the stats, skills and equipment are all very fair. It's nice to see a character that doesn't qualify as a "Combat character".
One question - any intention for a close combat weapon?
EDIT: Sentence not finished prop
Quote from: MarcoSkoll on August 28, 2009, 06:05:36 PM
Hmm, 139 pounds is definitely on the light side for someone of that height. Not unbelievably so,
It is very light - but then I'm a bit taller than that and only weigh a touch more. I guess it'll depend what the model looks like as to whether it's a believeable number - so, how do you plan to model him?
I would increase his Sg a little, and he is suppose to have 'Incredibily Strong Will' so perhaps that could be increased a little too. It is good to see another non-combat Mechanicus character - I assume his retinue will do most of the fighting while he relies on his brains. Who's he going to be accompanied by?
Just editted it a little. Increased his weight and Sg score a tad.
I did make the Model, and it is currently posted here.
To be honest, I did think of giving him a close combat weapon. Maybe a knife or something short like that wouldn't be out of the question. Yeah, he'll definitly have the Retinue do most of the combat, whereas he'll be there for more technical stuff and 'puzzles'. I'll add his background, and his retinue soon.
Secondly, Heather Gerrick, Skitarii Corporal.
Age: 32
Religion: Adeptus Mechanicus.
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 159 Pounds.
Appearance: Green Eyes, Long hair, half black, half dyed white, pale skin.
Notes: Good Marksman. Very protective of Eliath. No Emotional Suppressive therapy taken.
Statline:
WS:55 BS: 70 S: 50 T: 49 I: 60 Wp: 58 Sg: 59 Nv: 70 Ld: 70
Weapons:
-Sniper Rifle (W/ Reflex sight, W/Man-Stopper rounds), 2 Reloads
OR
-OTR-21 Hellcarbine= (Carbine Barrel, Military Cell, Standard Muzzle, 28 Megathule chamber, Necromunda Discharge generator, Standard Frame, Folding stock), 1 reload. Fitted W/ Reflex sights
-Military Standard Stubber with 1 reload.
-Chainsword.
-2 Frag Grenades.
OR
-Shoulder mounted MIU Auxiliary grenade launcher, loaded w/ Frag, 1 reload.
Armour:
Carapace Armour (AV 6) On chest, adbomen and groin.
Flak weave (AV3) on arms and legs.
Equipment:
-Detox Syringe (5 doses)
-Rebreather.
-Ocular enhancements: +10 to Vision test, fitted with thermal sights
-Autosanguination.
-Neck mounted data inload/outload port. (GM discretion on uses)
Abilities:
-Quickload
-Crack Shot
-Right handed.
Background: Heather Gerrick, known as Skitarii Corporal Epsilon-14, is Eliath's primary bodyguard. A crack shot with her old pattern G43 sniper rifle, she provides long range support for the group, and in extremely rare cases, a demolitions expert.
Born into a low class family, Heather joined the Mechanicum's armed forces when she was of age. After all the training, she proved to be an exceptional leader. After two years, she became a Skitarii Corporal, and it was believed she could easily go on to become a Tribune Officer with time and effort. She declined any promotion, and has been at a squad level commission for over ten years.
Heather is noted for her constant refusal to have Emotion Suppressive Therapies and surgeries, making her a liability in the eyes of most High Ranking Mechanicum officers.
She was responsible for Eliath Avarnus, and saved him from the creatures and automatons on the Dark world, as well as her squad and her Tribune officer, Vendrick Sol. She decided to remain with Eliath during his quest for redemption.
She has inherited Eliath's preference for Organic enhancements, which furthers the prejudice against her. The fact she is a ten year veteran with no E.S.T. and no machine augmentation makes her an anomaly in the Mechanicus.
Liking this warband and their slightly different take on the mechanicus background. T47 seems a touch low for a skitarii, although with carapace armour it shouldn't be a great problem.
New Character: Technopath Selim Grant
Age: Unknown
Religion: Adeptus Mechanicus
Height: 5' 7" foot.
Weight: 130 pounds.
Appearance: Pale skin. Emaciated. No other details known.
Notes: Strong Empathic talents and minor telepathy. Communicative ability with Machine spirits.
Statline:
WS: 40 BS:43 S:37 T:39 I: 70 Wp: 79 Sg: 69 Nv: 56 Ld: 41
Weapons: Laspistol with 2 reloads. Combat Knife. Quarter Staff.
Armour: Flak Weave (Av3) on Abdomen, Chest and groin. Heavy robes (Av1) on arms and Legs. Armoured Mask on Head (2pts)
Equipment: Psi-Lock Mask: When active, reduces Willpower for casting psychic powers by 10, but casting these abilites is no longer a Risky Action. Contains Bio-Scanner.
Psychic Abilities: Telepathy. Machine Empathy. Distraction.
Background: Selim was discovered to be a low strength Psyker in his youth when he used his powers to speak to several machines and was seen conversing with unseen voices. He was abducted by the Mechanicus at night, and was indoctrinated and 'fine tuned' as part of Ostien's limited pool of battle Psykers.
He is known to wear his mask at all times, and his true face has never been seen by his allies. His sibilant, almost hisslike voice, and his small, sharp teeth, blackened by decay, give him a rather sinister look.
Eliath took him along when he discovered his talents. When he realised Eliath was not as prejudiced of him as most other people, he agreed, and has leant his aid, both physical and mental to his current master.
All very fair profiles... but perhaps TOO fair. Personally, I'd be tempted to knock Heather's BS up slightly for a description of "Good Marksman".
Also, it seems like all of your characters are above average height. Assuming Heather is naturally that tall, that's a height that would occur one in less than about 20 000 women, at least by UK norms.
I don't know anything about psykers within the mechanicus. Is the implication that he is a non sactioned psyker kept by them illegaly or is the precident for this sort of thing. Did he ever go through the black ships?
Really great job on the stats, although Grant's Wp seems pretty high, although I suppose that is a by product of psychic power being the same as will power.
When it comes to kit why the stubbers in preference to the issue weapons, laspistols, and why does Heather favour an out moded rifle when she could take an automatic version (or a high power lasgun)? Even with her new preference for organic augmentation, it is only a resent choice and as a professional warrior she is likely to have needed bionics as opposed to chooseing them as an upgrade. I suggest an arm or leg would make sense. I'd also give her a chainsword, as it fits the skitarii image better, is easy to come by and is more effective (plus they are under used in Inquisitor). I'd have expected her to be the one with any grenades in the group.
I'd give Avernus a better ranged attack. I'd recommend explosive bullets for his gun, or else a more impressive gun.
I'd give both characters without close combat weapons, such as a chain knife, a chain blade attachment or an electro flail.
I'm not convinced by the psydamp mask. If it sheilds him from the warp to protect him from psychic overload I'd have thought it would hinder him when he wants to connect to the warp to cast powers.
I always assumed the Mechanicum could acquire Psykers, if they speedy and sneaky about it. I assume they could include a few failsafes into the Psyker (like an explosive) and they could augment them to improve their abilities.
You're right about the mask though. Thanks for pointing that out as well.
As for the weapon preference, there is no reason. Also, an old weapon is never necessarily an outmoded one. The Colt 1911 is almost 100 years, and is still a heavily used side arm. It could be that she simply finds it's a weapon that suits her. In more "hot" situations, Heather can use some heavier weapons, like a Hellgun, autoshotgun or in serious cases a bolter.
As to her lack of Bionics, it could be that she's just adept at avoiding injury. Alternativly, she could have had biological grafts.
Thanks for the contribution. Improved Eliath's pistol as per your suggestion. Hope to hear more.
Quote from: Daxam on August 31, 2009, 07:35:35 PM
I always assumed the Mechanicum could acquire Psykers, if they speedy and sneaky about it.
I'm sure they can, there must be plenty of psykers born on Forge Worlds. I can't think of any mention of whether the Treaty of Mars means the AdMech must give up its psykers to the the Blackships. The AdMech obviously have psykers - for example, there are mentions of psychic machina-mentors and transmats (psychic servitors used to communicate between Forge Worlds). However they also use psykers from the Adeptus Astra Telepathica, such as the psychic assembly who protect the Imperator Titan from psychic assault and assist in targetting its weapons.
I think the most likely answer is that some psykers are sent by the AdMech to be properly trained and sanctioned at the Scholastia Psykana, while the AdMech's own methods of dealing with them are more crude and often involve turning them into psychic servitors.
Not entirely sure about that Custom Pistol. It does somewhat depend on what you mean by 13mm calibre. If you mean something like the .50 GI cartridge, that's a possibility - if a bit weird.
If you mean something more like the .50 AE cartridge, that's seems an impractical choice for someone of that stature.
Anyway, I think you've probably sold yourself short on the Range Band and Encumbrance, particularly for a custom model. I'll be making the Hi Power Stubber in the Revised Armoury 3D6 Damage in the next revision - you may simply want to go with that profile.
Sounds like the High Power stubber would be better than the one I made. I'll have to have a look.
Name: Naverius Tabar
Rank: Interrogator of the Ordo Malleus (Caprica Section, operating in Segmentum Obscurus)
Alias: Bringer of Misfortune. Broken Luck.
Age: 50
Religion: Orthodox Church of the God Emperor, Amalthian.
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 167 pounds
Appearance: Healthy Tan, Blond hair. Green eyes. Scarring along right cheek.
Notes: Soft voiced, well versed in antiquated poetry, Brave. Pessimist.
Statline: BS: 63 WS: 61 S: 53 T:52 I: 68 Wp: 66 Sg: 61 Nv: 79 Ld: 64
Weapons:
-'Crusius Pattern' Bolt Pistol, 1 reload of Spirit Bolts. (See light bolt pistol, Inquisitor Revised armoury)
-Chainsword (Pentagrammic Warding),
-2 'Psyk Out' Grenades,
-Blessed Salts(explained later),
-Auto-Magnum, 2 reloads.
Equipment:
-Auspex (Bio-Scanner, Motion Detector),
-Mesh Armour on chest, Abdomen,
-Flak weave on legs, arms.
-(Average) Bionic Lungs.
Abilities:
-Quick Load,
-True Grit.
-Art of Warding.
Art of Warding: The Art of Warding is a series of techniques that require intense knowledge of symbols and iconography considered blessed or protective and creating protective barriers with them, and taught within some ranks of the Ordo Malleus. Naverius Tabar knows how to construct two types of barriers using a pouch of blessed salts, and often uses them to seal doors from certain foes. The effective range is 10 yards, representing the strange powers emanating from it. One is for use against psyker, the Ward of Unyielding Purity, whilst the other is used against Daemonic foes, the Barrier of Piety. Tabar can spend three actions in creating one of these two wards.
Barrier of Piety: A Daemonhost, Daemon or individual carrying a Daemonweapon must pass a Willpower test at -15 to see if they can pass the barrier. If they fail, they cannot pass the barrier for the remainder of the turn. The Daemon weapon wielder can drop the weapon and pass it.
Barrier of Unyielding Purity: A psyker must pass a willpower test at -10 to walk through the barrier. Additionally, ranged psychic abilities cannot pass the barrier.
Background Profile:
Apparently born on Thracian Prime, Naverius Tabar was born in a middle class family, or so it is officially recorded. He keeps his original indoctrination into the Ordo Malleus a guarded secret, though he does admit it is a blurry memory. When any inquiry is made into his past, it is quickly quashed, ended or otherwise blocked, and even data searches through the data archives of the Caprica section of the Ordo Malleus are met with safety blocks that even Dark Magenta clearance cannot override. There is one data file, though corrupted beyond recovery, that appears when the sequestered entries are pushed aside: The Maiden who Wanders The Stars. Few know who the Maiden is, and fewer could accurately divine the connection between this Interrogator and her.
A relatively quiet man, solemn and melancholy, he has a rather depressing history that involves the deaths of the four Ordo Malleus Inquisitors he's been in service to, earning him several rather negative nicknames. As such, not many Inquisitors are willing to take him into their retinues.
Quick Note: It's been a while since I posted in this thread. I decided I try my hand at writing a character again.
I think our take on stats are very similar. I'd say though that Sg 53 makes him very unexceptional, which is odd for an Inquisitorial acolyte. Given the note that he is particularly brave, I'd give even more emphasis to the Nv too, probably into the 80's.
The bolt pistol has a specific pattern, but no description. I'd recommend a version with a small magazine (6-8 shots) as this would still be big, but not too over sized; it would be a bolt pistol designed for humans rather than Space Marines. Marco's armoury has a 'light' bolt pistol, light, as always with bolters, being relative.
Is the implication that the reload, as well as the initial load are anti-daemon shells? If so I'd suggest rather more shots for the revolver, as presumably that would be his weapon of choise against the many non-daemons that his has to kill along the way. I'd also suggest specifying the revolver, a magnum or auto-magnum would be my suggestion as the recoil would be similarish to the bolter, meaning that they are fairly similar to use and train with.
Also the armoury says there are several flavours of anti daemonic round: silver, spirit and so on, but you havn't specified. There are also wych-bolts and psy-bolts, lesser versions of psycannon ammo. The former is what I'd reccomend, being more specialised than anti daemonic rounds, both to bolt weapons and to the ordo malleus, but not as rare as the latter.
A bit more background would be nice.
I've had a couple more thoughts about the Mechanicus band while I was reading through the thread.
Eliath made tech priest in three years. I'd want Kaled to vet this, but I don't think that the Ad Mech promotes that high that quickly, though again, Kaled is the expert here.
Even given her preference against bionics, Heather doesn't seem skittarii enough. A chain blade combat attachment and/or a techy scope would help, as would other gizmos. An MIU grenade launcher on her shoulder would suit I think, especially given her 'occasional' demolitions expertise.
Thanks for the honest and fair critique. I didn't want to make my Malleus acolyte too exceptional, which is why his SG is a little low. To be honest, I thought that 70ish was a brave character while the 80 region was sheer balls-to-the-walls heroic, but maybe I'm misjudging it.
As for the bolt pistol, I originally did want to put up a design description and maybe a sketch to show what it looked like. I while update it with a profile soon, though it will contain 8 bolts to represent a compact bolt pistol type weapon. It probably shouldn't be loaded with Anti-daemonnic shells first, so I'll change that. Maybe giving his revolver an extra clip or two wouldn't hurt. Again, thanks for the suggestions, they will be implemented.
Taber's background is a little shaky at the minute. Still trying to get some good ideas for him, however, I am interested in what you think of the barrier rules.
As for Eliath's relatively quick ascension through the Mechanicum ranks is too simple and quick, so I may update it. I'm always looking to make my characters more believable (an ambition I sorely fail at on the first half dozen attempts). I will be changing Heather's sword for a chain blade, and giving her a scope. But I'm a little apprehensive about giving her a grenade launcher for fear of making her a little too powerful.
QuoteI thought that 70ish was a brave character while the 80 region was sheer balls-to-the-walls heroic,
Among the guard this would be a fair evaluation, but Inquisitors have to be even tougher. For an acolyte to be notable brave, I'd say high 70's low 80's would be about right.
Character:
Name: Alvares Carrde
Rank: Brother Corporal of the Black Brotherhood, Flamer Troop.
Religion: Mechanicus Church, Ordo Purifico
Age: Unknown (50s region)
Height:
Weight:
Appearance: Pale Skin, bald, red eyes (Augmentation based).
Notes: Expert incendiary weapons user, surprisingly intelligent
Statline:
WS: 56 BS: 67 S: 60 T: 57 I:53 WP:60 NV:61 SG:62 LD:69
Weapons:
- Flamer with 2 reloads.
- Vibro-Knife
- Las pistol- (Comprised of Standard Barrel, Muzzle, Grip, Frame, Military Cell, 18 Megathule chamber, Triplex Phall Generator.)- 1 reload.
- 1 Incendiary Grenade
Equipment:
- Ceramate layered Carapace on all points, except head.
- Closed Helm with Bio-scanner autosenses, rebreather.
- Bionic Paired legs (Average)
- Bionic Lungs and Heart (Average)
Abilities:
- Ambidextrous
- Fast Reload
- Flame Weaver- Alveras has been using incendiary weapons for a good deal of his military career. He knows how flames warp and flow. When using a flamer weapon, he gets a +10 to hit bonus.
Background: A Flame Operative of the Black Brotherhood, a sub cadre of the Mechanicus. Born in a slum-hab on the Forge world of Lucien, he was selected, along with a vast group, to form a secretive chamber militant for the Mechanicus under the guidance of their Tribune Officers. This led to the creation of the Black Brotherhood. A sect that venerates flames as a purifying aspect of the Machine god, they were created to root out possible dissidents and heretics using many non conventional and varied ways. To this day, thirty four years later, the remaining candidates have dwindled, but have often taken new recruits in.
Alvares is a natural with the flamer, able to cook up an inferno quickly, or set a slow burning fire to buy time. He is one of the only officers remaining from the original cadre, and takes great pride in his work. Dressed in black carapace plate, with a crimson visor and a singed cloak, he strikes a terrifying image on the battle field. His lungs and heart were replaced in tone with his work, protecting his circulatory system from the searing fumes, and his legs have been replaced when a promethium facility went up in a poorly executed operation, and have proven to be useful.
Despite his weaponry and talents, he is not a pyromaniac. He has no compulsive desire to burn anything, but simply knows his mission is to burn out those who threaten the Church of the God Emperor and the Omnissiah.
---------------------------------
Guess which game I've been playing too much. What does everyone think?
Mostly what I'd expect from a heavy trooper carrying a heavy flamer. I like the idea of a clandestine military cadre within the mechanicus - nice to be reminded that their politics is often very human under all those enhancements.
I'm not sure of the abilities though - they seem to be circumventing the drawbacks to carrying a heavy flamer, especially fast reload. The re-roll to hit also seems to make a dangerous weapon even more deadly.
I admit, I was a apprehensive when applying the two skills. I did want to represent he was damned good with a flamer, but didn't really know how, so I gave him advantages that do make him a little... Extreme perhaps. May take off or edit flame weaver to make it more balanced. Maybe a bonus to hit when using it?
Out of interest, has anyone got any ideas for other types of flamer fuel?
hmm. Mostly follows. I think a flamer would be sufficient, a heavy flamer seems unnecessary, but there may be a reason for it that I'm missing.
How about a backpack fuel tank, seems all the rage with the guard.
Sg 52 would make him at the upper end of the intelligenge that one would expect. I'd say Sg 62 was surprisingly intelligent. I'd not go higher than that.
A bonus to hit would, generally, be considerably less powerful than a reroll, and in general a better idea.
I think specialist flamer fuels are one the few ammunitions I've not seen discussed. I suppose a fuel that was especially smokey, or that produced a toxic gas when burning (beyond the usual, that is), might be plausible.
if you take a look at modern fuels there are differences in the way they burn and then you can add things to them to change colours/reactions (these are normally metals/metal oxides) (copper oxide + meths = green flames for very pretty fire juggling).
Napalm sticks (to kids) and alcohols produce very hot flames (meths is almost invisible, so you could spray a character and they would start burning before anyone could see). You could have a shorter ranged one that uses gas (think oxy-acetylene) that with a spin of a tap turns into a cutting torch (power weapon rules + can not parry).
You could have a fuel with iron fillings added to not only burn your enemy but cover him in hot metal particles (lovely!).
You could change the way the flamer works also, for different pressures would change the distance the flamer sprays (marco probably could tell you the distances possible).
Quote from: Kasthan on March 22, 2010, 08:55:34 AMYou could have a shorter ranged one that uses gas (think oxy-acetylene) that with a spin of a tap turns into a cutting torch (power weapon rules + can not parry).
While they use the power weapon rules for burnas in 40k (at least, I think they still do), it's not really a comparison I like.
If you were to take a powersword to moderately thick sheet metal, you could rend a huge gouge in it with a quick swing. To make the same cut with a cutting torch would take several seconds.
Gas flamethrowers do exist, but mostly for safety reasons - one use is on film sets. The flames look pretty similar, but they don't leave around burning fuel and the less dense gases hold less heat (although they are a similar temperature), so they don't do as much damage if something does go wrong.
QuoteYou could change the way the flamer works also, for different pressures would change the distance the flamer sprays (Marco probably could tell you the distances possible).
Depends on pressure, fuel density & viscosity, burn rate... it can be worked out, but it's not a quick and easy calculation.
In this case, it's more of a case of winging it. I'd keep inside of 30 yards at maximum though.
ok may be not power weapon rules but it would still make a mess of someone if you swung at them with it.
Maybe does X amount of damage but armour counts as double?
Just a quick bit of artwork I sketched out for Naverius. I'm going to be using it as a guide for him if I ever build up the courage to actually scratch build him.
(http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy250/Magos_Daxam_album/NavariusTaberWIP.jpg)
I may well post other sketches of my characters (if that's permitted), and you can offer your opinions on how they look, what I can add to make them more 40kish etc.
Quoteif I ever build up the courage to actually scratch build him.
My advice is: go for it. A year ago I was horrified by the prospect of sculpting a model from scratch, and now I have four done and have come to really enjoy it. Like with any other skill, it just takes practice. If'n you need ideas, look to some of the great work some of the other conclavers post here every now and then.
QuoteI may well post other sketches of my characters (if that's permitted), and you can offer your opinions on how they look, what I can add to make them more 40kish etc.
Always permitted, nay, welcomed. It's always good so see what the character's creator is picturing. Some people are more keen to display their artwork than others, mind (come to think of it, I've never posted a single scribbling on the conclave myself), but it's always a nice touch.
As for the picture displayed, I think he actually does fit into the most popular 40k style quite well - perhaps lacking a little of the frippery of some of the more over-the-top models (in which over-the-top is a stylistic choice rather than error), but he fits. His chainsword and bolt pistol do look a little small, but that's because such weapons are usually rather oversized in 40k. I've certainly used a wide variety of scales for weaponry myself.
Cheers,
-Aidan.
Thanks. I wanted to make a rather sutble character, though he still does have some minor 'frippery' in my opinion. When i was drawing him, I did forget that 40k weapons are often upscaled slightly, so his armaments are on the small size in the image. Don't worry, I'd make sure to give him the standard 40k sized weapons.
I'll be posting a few more sketches then, and maybe even starting to make him. I have the armature (with the first layer of milliput) sitting on my desk waiting.