The Conclave

The Ordos Majoris - Hobby, Painting and Modelling => Inquisitor Game Discussion => Topic started by: Kaled on December 09, 2009, 11:11:41 PM

Title: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Kaled on December 09, 2009, 11:11:41 PM
+++ Report Reference: ADM-8161-43-P +++
+++ Subject Name: Kryzak, Vaal +++
+++ Subject Rank: Magos-Explorator, Adeptus Mechanicus +++
+++ Author: Adept Landeman +++

"The artefact itself is tainted by virtue of it being made by alien hands, but, although perverted by alien minds, the knowledge used in its manufacture is straight from the Omnissiah.  It is this pure knowledge that I seek to further the Quest on which we are all engaged."
<Vaal Kryzak: Extract from vox surveillance file ADM-9456-43-A>

My lord,

Here follows a summary of my report on the life and activities of the Adeptus Mechanicus Explorator Vaal Kryzak <Pict capture> (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t286/kaled100/kryzak.jpg).  As I am sure you appreciate, our limited access to the Adeptus Mechanicus cogitator network means it is difficult to assemble anything approaching a complete biographical record.  Should you require further detail, I humbly suggest that you use your authority to 'persuade' the Mechanicus to grant us access to their databanks.

Details of Kryzak's early life and career are unknown for the reasons given above, however he first came to the notice of the Inquisition when, as a member of Magos Kaydanov's expedition to the LeMay Cluster, he strayed into space controlled by the Gallino Cabal.  Back then he was a mere Tech-Acolyte, apprenticed to Kaydanov, and as such, little attention was paid to him in the ensuing investigation.  The full transcript of the interrogation is available in [1].

Kryzak is now one of the foremost Explorators operating from the Forge World of Morrell-Noon.  His quest to uncover the secrets of the Black Monoliths of Reputus III [2] has entered into legend, and his discovery of the Ferrox-Sung STC data-fragment [3] further enhanced his reputation.  Those who have met him describe him as ruthless and ambitious, and he has been implicated in several mysterious 'accidents' that afflicted his rivals [4].  Kryzak has well known pro-xenos leanings in his interpretation of the Eighth Universal Law*, and it is this fact, more than anything, that has caused him to come under scrutiny from the Inquisition.

The Fabricator-General of Morrell-Noon shares Kryzak's interpretation of the Xenos Testamenta, and I hypothesise that this (along with the aforementioned 'accidents') has contributed to Kryzak's rapid advancement to the rank of Magos, and to his being granted command of an Explorator fleet.  While his interest in alien technology is seen as distasteful by many of his peers, it appears he has not broken any laws of the Mechanicum - thus, although he has clashed with other members of the Mechanicum on occasion, the fact that he has friends at the highest levels of power mean it is difficult (and dangerous) for his rivals to openly move against him.

Furthermore, as a member of the Mechanicus, Kryzak is not beholden to the Dictates Imperialis.  Unless he openly commits some extreme violation of Imperial Law it would be extremely difficult for the Arbites to prosecute him for trading xeno-tech.  Thus, if it is deemed that Kryzak's activities are a danger to the Imperium, it falls to the Inquisition to arrest him.  Even then, to do so without sufficient cause brings the risk of damaging our always delicate relations with the Mechanicus.

+++ Known Affliliations +++

As well as numerous contacts in the many Cult-Colleges of the Mechanicum, Kryzak has contacts in the Cult of Osiron, the Organicists, the Sect of Sollex, Manus Olympus, the Scarion Well, the Khamrians and other, less well known factions [5].  In addition, he is known to be associated with the Magos-Militant, but we have been unable to acertain whether he is in fact be a member of that order.

+++ Military Capabilities +++

While the exact capabilities and make-up of Kryzak's Explorator fleet is unknown; we have been able to identify his flagship as the Mars-class Battlecruiser 'Glory of the Omnissiah'.  It is accompanied by a Tyrant-class Cruiser (tentatively identified as the 'Olympus') and an unknown Lunar-class Cruiser.  As of this date, no other capital ships have been sighted in the fleet.  The fleet is accompanied by two squadrons of escorts, three troop transports and numerous support vessels.  As is common with vessels operated by the Mechanicus, it is believed that these ships have capabilities far in advance of similar class vessels operated by the Imperial Navy.  For example, advanced transporter technology fitted to the Glory of the Omnissiah appears to be the method by which Kryzak escaped Inquisitorial custody after being captured by Inquisitor Valka [6].

In addition to his fleet, Kryzak has been granted executive command of a formidable array of ground forces.  Again, the exact details of these are unknown, but it is known that he commands a legion-sized force of Skitarii infantry, combat-servitors (including Praetorians), a substantial number of armoured assets, and rumours persist that his expedition is accompanied by a cohort of Knights.

Needless to say, to move against Kryzak militarily would be folly of the highest order, however I have detailed a number of alternate strategies by which we might deal with him (see Addendum 2).  Kryzak is known to ocasionally take personal command  of some missions, deploying by Arvus Lighter and accompanied by just a small team of followers, and I believe that this represents the best chance of success should you decide to move against him.

+++ Recent Activities +++

Details of Kryzak's activities are sketchy at best, but from what our agents have been able to gather, he is currently engaged in research to develop new weapons systems initially for use by the Skitarii legions, but which could also be deployed to the Imperial Guard in future once they have been properly tested and approved.

It is rumoured that during his research he has retro-engineered and adapted alien technology and fitted it to servitors in order to both assess its capabilities and extract the knowledge used in its manufacture (what he describes as 'pure knowledge granted to the faithful by the Omnissiah, but which has been subverted and twisted by alien minds').  It is my recommendation that this research be allowed to under close supervision - should he succeed, such technology (once properly blessed and sanctified) could be of great help in our continuing crusade to expand His glorious realm.

I remain, as ever, your most faithful servant.

Landeman



* The Eighth Universal Law: The alien mechanism is a perversion of the true path.


+++ References +++

[1] - Proceedings of the Gallino Cabal, 5392543.M40 (Reference: CGA-43-2343-5a)
[2] - Unlocking the Black Monoliths of Reputus III (Report ID: 67212-EXR-2-e)
[3] - STC Printout 767828-a-21 (Ferrox-Sung) - <CLASSIFIED>
[4] - Skitarii-Provost Investigations 41-1534-07, 41-5376-11 & 41-6788-32
[5] - A Treatise on the Factions of the Cult Mechanicus, Landeman, (IRSN: 7678-2331-4495)
[6] - Investigation 763-222-1 (Incomplete): Subject: Kryzak, Vaal


+++ Addendum 1: Summary of Notable Associates +++

Orla Riall, Tech-Priestess
<Pict capture> (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t286/kaled100/riall.jpg)

Orla Riall is a rising star within the Mechanicum, seconded to Kryzak's expedition to further her career.  We know little of her background prior to her secondment, but it is assumed that she originates from Sollex (as evidenced by her energy blade which is of a type manufactured exclusively by the Sect of Sollex).  Riall displays a preternatural skill with a blade (suggesting the use of one or more electro-grafts) making her an extremely dangerous opponent.

Saphentis, Skitarii Centurion
<Pict capture> (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t286/kaled100/skitarius.jpg)

Saphentis is the senior officer commanding the military forces attached to Kryzak's Explorator fleet.  As well as being fiercely loyal to Kryzak, he is a very capable leader and a formidable warrior in his own right.  He has numerous bionic enhancements, and it is believed he has been inducted into some of the lower mysteries of the machine.

Zurek Nabokov, Calculus-Logi
<Pict capture> (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t286/kaled100/nabokov.jpg)

Nabokov is Kryzak's chief savant and advisor, and should an attempt be made to bring Kryzak to trial, access to Nabokov's memory store would be invaluable.  Nabokov's enhanced brain makes him an excellent marksman, capable of calculating trajectories and making remarkable shots.  He is often seen carrying a hunting rifle, which appears to have been heavily customised.

Alaia Katenta, Tech-Acolyte
<Pict capture> (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t286/kaled100/katenka.jpg)

From the limited information available, it appears that Katenta has been assigned to Kryzak's expedition as an apprentice Tech-Priest and currently functions as his famulous.  Despite not yet being ordained in the priesthood proper, she appears to have a number of augmentations uncommon for one of her rank; most notably a pair of mechadendrites and a multi-function eye-piece.  We believe these enhancements were fitted by Kryzak to allow her to better fulfil her designated role in his retinue.

Vir Dmitrich, Skitarii-Provost
<Pict capture> (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t286/kaled100/provost.jpg)

Dmitrich is known to us through records of several joint investigations he has performed alongside members of the Arbites based on Tigguo Cobauc.  Like all children born on the forge world of Morrell-Noon, Vir Dmitrich was profiled at an early age and assigned to be trained within the ranks of the Skitarii-Provosts.  Lately he has been seconded to Kryzak's expedition where he appears to be responsible for investigating and prosecuting any hereteks or other instances of tech-heresy encountered by the expedition.

Sokol Lazarus, Cybernetic Guard
<Pict capture> (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t286/kaled100/lazarus.jpg)

Lazarus is a member of Kryzak's personal bodyguard.  He appears to have undergone Emotional Repressive Surgery, rendering him incapable of emotion and thus immune to fear.  Lazarus has been injured many times while protecting his master, and much of his body has been replaced with bionics.

Additional: Recent reports suggest that Lazarus has been fitted with either recovered Tau artefacts, or with technology based on knowledge gleaned from examination of such artefacts.  Suggest detaining Lazarus to ascertain the origin of the implants.

Johann-4251, Praetorian Servitor
<Pict capture> (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t286/kaled100/johann.jpg)

Although Kryzak's force contains a number of Praetorian-class servitors, recently he is most commonly accompanied by one designated 'Johann-4251' - a heavily armed gun-servitor whose only organic component seems to be a head suspended in amniotic fluid.  Recent reports suggest the servitor has been destroyed and rebuilt following clashes with Inquisitorial forces.

'The Pariah', Servitor-Experiment
<Pict capture> (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t286/kaled100/servitor_01.jpg)

The origins of the being known only as 'The Pariah' are unknown.  He appears to have been implanted with technology of Necrontyr origin; however the fact that such technology 'phases-out' when the foul aliens are defeated means it is more probable that the implants are human in origin, and merely mimic the outward appearance of Necrontyr technology.  Although the name of this servitor echoes the designation of a class of Necron warrior, the feelings of revulsion it generates suggest that the poor unfortunate being is, or was, a psychic blank.

Test Subject 728, Servitor-Experiment
<Pict capture> (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t286/kaled100/deathspitter.jpg)

Details of Kryzak's work with the Tyranid construct known as a 'Deathspitter' were delivered to the Ordo Xenos fortress on Belekrav III and have been widely distributed within its members.  According to his report, the first seventeen (17) subjects were overwhelmed by the alien biology of the device, however the cocktail of chemicals used to subdue the Deathspitter have allowed Test Subject 728 to resist its influence.  Work is apparently ongoing to discover whether these chemicals can be adapted to use as a weapon against the Tyranid menace.  For more details, see file ID: 75832-DSR-8-a.

Servo-Scarab
<Pict capture - UNAVAILABLE>

The servo-scarab is a small drone shaped to mimic the 'Scarab' drones used by the Necrons.  Although armed, it is believed that its primary purpose is reconaissance.  As with the technology used to create 'The Pariah', we have deduced that it's mechanism must be human rather than Necron in origin.


+++ Addendum 2:  +++
ENCRYPTED TEXT: ENTER ENCRYPTION KEY TO PROCEED...


+++ Addendum 3: Personel Assessments +++
DATA TO FOLLOW...

+++ File Ends +++






For a change, I thought I'd post some background material on one of my warbands, however what I really want feedback on is my proposed rule to represent the capabilities of a Calculus-Logi;

Calculus-Logi - otherwise known as a Lex-mechanic, this human computer is capable of performing complex calculations and extrapolating from incomplete data.  If called upon to make a Sagacity test, he may spend actions concentrating beforehand as he brings his considerable powers of logic and deduction to bear on the problem, gaining a +10% bonus to the Sg test for each action.  In addition, his ability to calculate trajectories gives him an additional +10% To Hit bonus for each aim action (for a total of 30%).

The idea is that the ability be given to a character with a BS of an 'average' citizen, say around 30 - that way he'd be poor at making a snap shot, but if he takes the time to aim he can calculate trajectories and fire extremely accurately.  The same goes for his Sg - it should be pretty 'average', maybe around 50-60 but given chance to ponder a problem he can access his databanks and deduce a solution.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Vladimir on December 09, 2009, 11:20:34 PM
loving that background so far...
Stats soon, yes?
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Kaled on December 10, 2009, 12:17:12 AM
Quote from: Vladimir on December 09, 2009, 11:20:34 PM
Stats soon, yes?
No, sorry.  Skill and equipment lists are a possibility, but I see no reason to tell people things they don't need to know.  For example, if you want to find out how succeptable my characters are to psychic attack then you'll have to try using some powers on them and see if they work.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: MarcoSkoll on December 10, 2009, 01:28:37 AM
Quote from: Kaled on December 10, 2009, 12:17:12 AMSkill and equipment lists are a possibility, but I see no reason to tell people things they don't need to know.
I'm working on that principle for the IGT.

While I might normally post up my characters, I'm keeping Lyra, Kai and Renatus under wraps, because while most people here get the differences between player and character knowledge, sometimes people have their characters act too omnisciently without really thinking.

Really, at the start of the game, it doesn't hurt if the player doesn't know more than they can see on the model.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Inquisitor Cade on December 10, 2009, 01:34:57 AM
Great stuff, I eagerly await 'in the field' posts about these guys.

I really like the Calculus Logi rules. Though in practice the experiance (given that he 'often' carries a favoured weapon) of shooting, and he'd 'get the hang' of the trajectory predictions, so I'd suggest his Bs would be a little higher than the average citizen.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Aidan on December 10, 2009, 04:22:06 AM
Very good background work and well presented. Kryzak sure has a hell of a lot of power (what with a small fleet and army), considering he's sitting on the fuzziest edge of Adeptus Mechanicus doctrine, but with a friend in the Fabricator General of a forge world, I suppose its been explained. I also like the fact that you specifically pointed out that he 'occaisionally takes personal command of missions' despite his obvious resources, otherwise it would be hard to justify him putting himself in harm's way in an Inquisitor campaign!

The Calculus-Logi rule seems like a great idea for a highly specialised character. Definitely an alternative to the standard 'wise old guy' (or old wiseguy) savants.

It will be interesting to see how these guys fare in the field; please post, for the benefit of those of us who'll never get a chance to face them ourselves...  :P

-Aidan.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Adlan on December 10, 2009, 08:05:01 AM
Love the background, the little touches are what make it, like the rebuilding of johann.

As for the Calculus Logi rules though, seems good for the SG stuff, but a little action heavy for shooting. To really gain a major benefit, he'd have to spend 5 actions on one shot (two concentrating, two aiming, one shooting) and he'd be just as well off if he spent 4 actions aiming.

Oh, sorry still drunk, reread the rules. He just as a flat extra 10% aim bonus, makes sense.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Kaled on December 10, 2009, 09:01:41 AM
I wanted him to at least start off at the top - at the minute he has power, resources, patronage at the highest levels; but that could easily change if the Inquisition really decides to go after him or the Fabricator-General dies or is removed from power. Only time will tell whether I actually get around to telling that story arc; it's entirely possible I'll decide to go down a different route.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Vladimir on December 10, 2009, 11:22:20 PM
Quote"Stats soon, yes?"
No, sorry.  Skill and equipment lists are a possibility, but I see no reason to tell people things they don't need to know.  For example, if you want to find out how succeptable my characters are to psychic attack then you'll have to try using some powers on them and see if they work.

Call me stupid here, but shouldn't this thread be in the background bit, then?
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Inquisitor Cade on December 11, 2009, 01:05:36 AM
Perhaps technically, but by convension we've always done specific characters for use in game in this forum and used the background forums for more general things.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Kaled on December 11, 2009, 06:54:47 AM
As Cade says, this is the place for characters.  Originally I was going to post some parts of the character profiles - and I may still do after the IGT, but for now it' background and special rules only.  Which reminds me, I meant to include the energy blade rules in the thread...

I've used them on a couple of occasions, and although potent, I'd say a regular power sword is a much better weapon - the limited fuel, chace of damage to the wielder and no strength bonus mean the energy blade is a lot less good than it's profile suggests.

+++

Sollex-Aegis Energy Blade

A product of information obtained from the Aegis Data Fragment and utilising the properties of the Sollex focusing crystals, this is one of the rarest type of weapons in the Imperium - a power blade of coherent high-energy plasma. Devastatingly powerful, only a few Sollex-Aegis Energy Blades are held by individuals outside the Mechanicus, and their secrets little understood even by their makers in the mysterious Tech-Priest sect of Sollex. Although potent beyond even most power weapons, they can also prove treacherous to the unwary as the energy blade can fluctuate, laser containment fail, or the insubstantial blade slip unexpectedly. [From The Inquisitor's Handbook p.135]

Reach=3 Damage=3D10+4 Parry penalty=-10%

- Assuming the character has the hilt in their hand, activating or deactivating the energy blade is a free action that can be combined with other actions as normal.
- If an energy blade is parried, or successfully makes a parry, there is a 75% chance that the opponent's weapon is destroyed - even power, shock and force weapons are vulnerable to this effect. The energy blade itself cannot be destroyed by power weapons.
- While the energy blade does have a degree of density and mass, physical force applied to the swing contributes nothing to the weapons effect, and so no additional damage is done if the character's Strength is over 50.
- An unmodified roll of 96-100 when attempting to hit or parry means the insubstantial blade has slipped unexpectedly and the wielder suffers a hit from the energy blade to a random location.
- The energy blade consumes cannister fuel, with cannisters usually being worn on the belt and fed by a cable to the hilt. A cannister is good for 5 turns of operation (turns where the blade is active for at least half of the characters successful actions). Changing the cannister takes two actions.
- Due to the harsh actinic light and furnace-blast roar that the blade produces, the wielder cannot attempt to be stealthy while it is switched on. The GM should impose suitable modifiers to any awareness tests made to detect the character while the blade is activated.
- Deflect Shot can be used with an energy blade, however only shots from energy weapons can be rebounded back at the firer; solid rounds are vaporised by the plasma blade.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: DapperAnarchist on December 11, 2009, 12:06:59 PM
So its... a cross between a lightsaber and a super-energy-blowtorch? For modelling, could I suggest that the handle have, coming off at the top, little sort of "balancer" objects? Like on the Chaos Terminator Lord's power fist.

This (and I know its made by the Dark Heresy writers, but I still want to say this) is a good example of porting - yes, its recognisably a lightsaber, but its not the perfect technology of Star Wars, and those who use them are unlikely to be Jedi-like. Perhaps a bit Sith-y....
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Kaled on December 11, 2009, 02:03:48 PM
Quote from: DapperAnarchist on December 11, 2009, 12:06:59 PM
For modelling, could I suggest that the handle have, coming off at the top, little sort of "balancer" objects? Like on the Chaos Terminator Lord's power fist.
Well, the model is made already, but I'm curious - have you got a picture, I'm not that familiar with the Chaos terminator range and am not certain which bits you're referring to.

QuoteThis (and I know its made by the Dark Heresy writers, but I still want to say this) is a good example of porting - yes, its recognisably a lightsaber, but its not the perfect technology of Star Wars, and those who use them are unlikely to be Jedi-like. Perhaps a bit Sith-y....
I agree (which is probably why I decided to make a character with one) - the familiar lightsaber have been nicely converted to fit the 40k universe.  It's no longer an elegant weapon for a more civilized age, but is a barely stable and extremely dangerous weapon suitable for a grimdark future dystopia.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: DapperAnarchist on December 11, 2009, 02:14:08 PM
Its really simple looking - the bottom of the fist has a little cylinder coming out, attached by a narrower cylinder. Nothing complex, but it looks cool... I'm using that fist with the fingers removed for a bionic arm. It may be the Chainfist either, not sure...
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Inquisitor Cade on December 11, 2009, 02:51:32 PM
I still don't really buy that defect shot is humanly possible, and combining it with the energy sword is a bit cheesy. My other worry is that even thou 96-00 sounds unlikely, in practice the weilders of these weapons hit themselves every 20 swings, and given the terrorfying power of the weapon, it's a wonder any of them survive any of their fights. I think that rolling on the plasma pistol overheat table would be a better malfunction.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Kaled on December 11, 2009, 02:57:41 PM
Quote from: Inquisitor Cade on December 11, 2009, 02:51:32 PM
My other worry is that even thou 96-00 sounds unlikely, in practice the weilders of these weapons hit themselves every 20 swings, and given the terrorfying power of the weapon, it's a wonder any of them survive any of their fights. I think that rolling on the plasma pistol overheat table would be a better malfunction.
That's the bit of the rule I've never been happy with, but I couldn't use the risky actions rule so went with a close translation of the Dark Heresy rule instead.  Using the plasma overheat table is a good idea though, I'm going to try that in the next game I use the weapon - it's still dangerous to use, but makes it less surprising that the wielder has any limbs left.

EDIT:
In response to a question in another thread, these are the rules I came up with for another weapon based on a piece of kit from Dark Heresy.

Shock Blaster

Capable of discharging a blast of electro-magnetic energy, the primarily purpose of the Shock Blaster is to disrupt the control systems of a rogue or malfunctioning servitor, but is also capable of overloading a human's nervous system causing temporary paralysis.

Type=Pistol Range=A Mode=Single Acc=-5 Dam=2D6-1 Shots=5 Rld=2 Wt=15

The Shock Blaster follows all rules for Shock Weapons.  I.e. A target hit by a shock weapon is stunned for one turn unless he passes a Toughness test, (no test is necessary if all of the damage was stopped by a force field).  A target can only be stunned once per turn in this way.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: MarcoSkoll on December 11, 2009, 03:09:05 PM
Quote from: Inquisitor Cade on December 11, 2009, 02:51:32 PMI still don't really buy that defect shot is humanly possible...
There are people out there who can catch arrows. Obviously, bullets are somewhat faster (3 to 10 times normally), but a human could at the right range, etc, etc, potentially get a blade in the way of a bullet - not as nearly as easily as the rules suggest, but possible. Of course, seeing the bullet in order to block it... bigger problem.

Personally, I sometimes use a modified version of Deflect Shot for a dodging rule. They get a number of dodge attempts equal to their speed, and if they character passes an initiative test (which, I figure should really be part of DS anyway), they get to try and roll under the hit roll. If they succeed, the shot counts as miss. Obviously, no chance of deflecting the shot back, and still an improbable skill - but a little more believable.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Inquisitor Cade on December 11, 2009, 03:18:34 PM
Okay I buy arrows, but bullets and lasers? Lasers!?.

I suppose on the other hand that if anyone has the instant maths to observe a gun, and predict the trajectory, it would be some admech character like her, and she has the electrgrafts of the skill to put the 'sword' in place before/whilst the gun fires. I'd only allow it if there was LOS to the shooter and she was aware, and add in negative modifiers for darkness/fog etc.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: MarcoSkoll on December 11, 2009, 03:33:46 PM
Quote from: Inquisitor Cade on December 11, 2009, 03:18:34 PMOkay I buy arrows, but bullets and lasers? Lasers!?.
Lasers, no of course not. But while fast, a bullet does still take a humanly observable time to travel a distance. If you know where the bullet is ending up, and when the bullet is going to arrive (obviously, supersonic bullets complicate matters) you could get a blade in the way - provided of course, it didn't need to be moved that far, and still unlikely.

The issue is less the agility needed (which is admittedly soemwhat silly in its own right), but more the information that would be needed for that agility to be used in that fashion. And that information couldn't really be known.
It makes somewhat more sense as a force weapon only ability, because a psyker might have the skills to perform such feats.

Still, film and other stuff has promoted the idea of being able to cut bullets in half in mid air for years. Inquisitor is not a perfect recreation of reality.

QuoteI'd only allow it if there was LOS to the shooter and she was aware
Oh, I wouldn't allow anyone to use an ability like that if they weren't aware of the person - unless of course they're expressly precognitive, but... actually, that is an idea for a character - something a la Phillip K. Dick's "The Golden Man".

Might do that some time.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Kaled on December 11, 2009, 03:39:17 PM
How about the following adaptation of the plasma table for the energy blade?

An unmodified roll of 96-100 when attempting to hit or parry means the insubstantial blade has slipped unexpectedly or there has been a malfunction with the containment field.  The wielder must roll on the following table;
1-2 The character suffers a hit from the energy blade doing full (3D10+4) damage to a random location.
3-4 The character suffers a glancing hit from the energy blade doing 2D6+2 damage to a random location.
5-6 The safety cut-outs engage and protect the character from harm, however the energy blade cannot be re-activated for one turn.

I decided to drop the part about dropping the weapon - if she hits herself in the arm she's likely to drop it anyway.  Having your sword turn itself off in the middle of combat seemed roughly on a par with dropping your gun - probably worse as your opponent is a much better position to capitalise on the situation.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Inquisitor Cade on December 11, 2009, 05:32:03 PM
I'd make it 1, 2-3 and 4-6 instead, as you said, being left in close combat with no weapon is a pretty dim bright side. I don't quite get how the blade 'slips' does it disengage from the handel or something? I think that as a plasma weapon of imperial tech, it overheating/exploding ties it to the fluff well, and I get what it means.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Kaled on December 11, 2009, 05:39:39 PM
Quote from: Inquisitor Cade on December 11, 2009, 05:32:03 PM
I don't quite get how the blade 'slips' does it disengage from the handel or something?
For that one you'd have to ask the author of the Dark Heresy book I took it from...
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Inquisitor Cade on December 11, 2009, 07:29:08 PM
Well fair enough. I do think 1/2,3/4,5,6 is better than 1,2/3,4/5,6 though, a slip should hurt, but not be fatal. Let the safty stop it half the time, and leave a 'glancing' blow as more likely than a full on one.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Kaled on December 11, 2009, 07:41:58 PM
I'll give it a try in a few games and see how it works out.  I've used her a few times, but she hasn't had much opportunity to use her sword so I guess it'll be a while before I can say I've properly tested out the rules.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: DapperAnarchist on December 11, 2009, 08:46:29 PM
If you have a blade that is light and cuts through anything - its far to easy to over reach and chop into your own toes...
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Holiad on December 11, 2009, 09:49:42 PM
Actually I think it has more to do with the fact that a coherent blade is a very unnatural, and therefore unstable, shape for superheated plasma. Theoretically, very powerful electromagnetic fields could maintain such a construct, but it would only take a very small disruption of those fields to cause instability in the 'blade'. Therefore, I'd say a full strength hit should be somewhat unlikely, with the glancing blow a more reasonable interpretation, and less severe gamewise, while still being a significant risk. However, from a gameplay perspective I quite like the idea of the blade suddenly shutting down mid-battle, which has lots of potential for amusing drama as the wielder desperately tries to evade her enemy's attacks until her weapon recovers. A significant factor here would be whether she carries any form of spare close combat weapon for such an eventuality, which she probably would if it was at all common.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Kaled on December 17, 2009, 06:33:48 PM
In case anyone is interested, I've added a link in the original post to a picture of my Calculus-Logi (as well as starting a thread about him here (http://www.the-conclave.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=427.msg5388#msg5388)).
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Myriad on December 17, 2009, 08:36:59 PM
Whether you stab yourself would depend how practised you were with the weapon I guess.  The concept of the containment field leaking and causing low level hits seems a better one.  It occurs to me that superheated plasma tends to lose it's energy quite fast on contact, but this is probably a layer of complexity too many.

The problem of deflect shot is primarily one of anticipation - you can't be fast enough to deflect a bullet, but if you can see the gun, and have an idea where the shot will be...  Takes supreme coordination and no lack of knowledge, of course.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Kaled on January 23, 2010, 04:38:39 PM
I've updated the original post to add Test Subject 728 (the deathspitter armed servitor) - I'll add the Skitarii-Provost and upcoming Tech-Acolyte and Biologis Tech-Adept as I figure them out.

For the deathspitter I've based the rules on Marco's suggestion of using a variation of his gauss flayer rules, but less accurate and with more damage.  I'll start with this profile I think, and then adjust it as necessary as I use it in a few games.  I'm not sure about the D10 damage - it seems a lot, but then I prefer the randomness of a D10 to something like D6+3 which'd be more likely to penetrate armour.  And I think making it range E and accuracy -10 will mean it's unlikely to hit too often...




Deathspitter

Type: Basic  Range: E  Mode: Single  Acc: -10  Dam:D10  Shots: 7  Rld: [2]  Wt: 45

A target hit by a Deathspitter takes damage to D3 locations.  Hits from Deathspitters treat all armour as if it were ablative.  The Deathspitter will grow 2 shots of ammunition (up to a maximum of 7) each turn it is not fired.

Firing the Deathspitter is a risky action; if failed, the deathspitter's instinct to kill overwhelms the wielder.  Until the character passes a Wp test in the end phase, he will fall under the GM's control in the same manner as a character possessed by a daemon weapon.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Inquisitor Cade on January 23, 2010, 08:12:35 PM
On the death spitter, I'm not convinced by the ability to destroy armour of the acid compaired to other weapons, I'd up the damage a bit, but take out the armour is as ablative rule. I agree that the randomness is certainly preferable to +X damage, so I'd say 2D10 damage.
The 'slugs' are supposed to be produced biologically. 2 a turn is far too fast, I'd say that 1 every few turns was using artistic licence, on the other hand however, the 'bag' on the gun is big, so I'd say it should have something like Shots 20, reload 4, so he'll be ably to shoot freely to begin with, but if he keeps shooting recklessly he'll not be able to sustane it.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: MarcoSkoll on January 23, 2010, 10:34:26 PM
Quote from: Inquisitor Cade on January 23, 2010, 01:37:28 PMI'm not convinced by the ability to destroy armour of the acid compaired to other weapons
If you take a rifle, if it penetrates the armour, it punches a relatively small hole in it - disallowing the way that cracks would form around that in ceramic armours, that doesn't much change the protective capacity of it.

In this case, I see the deathspitter as a weapon that splatters acid over large areas, eating away at areas of armour the size of a splayed hand or more.
Okay, there's artistic licence involved there, but that's roughly how a Deathspitter is supposed to work in the canon - some kind of alien super-acid or something*. And while I don't always agree with the science behind the canon, it can't just be outright ignored when writing rules.

*Great, now I've got an image of a whole load of 'Nids tripping out on LSD in my head.

Yes, an odd thing to come from the person who is usually the first in line to go off on a ramble about dodgy science, but it's something you just have to accept if you're playing in any sci-fi universe.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Kaled on January 23, 2010, 11:04:19 PM
Quote from: Inquisitor Cade on January 23, 2010, 08:12:35 PM
The 'slugs' are supposed to be produced biologically. 2 a turn is far too fast
...
I'd say it should have something like Shots 20, reload 4
You think it should grow twenty larvae in four turns?  That's a lot faster than two a turn?  I'm not yet convinced by the profile I've given it, but I think using it in a few games will be the best way to find out how well it works.  I might change it down to reload [1] though...
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: MarcoSkoll on January 24, 2010, 12:06:48 AM
Quote from: Kaled on January 23, 2010, 11:04:19 PMYou think it should grow twenty larvae in four turns?  That's a lot faster than two a turn?
There's some disagreement over what 4 means.

Is it that it regenerates 5 shots every turn, one extra shot every 4 turns, or if you run out completely, it takes 4 turns for you to regenerate a full reload?

In the rulebook, it doesn't matter, because all of those weapons only have one shot, but when you start adding more shots... It's one of the things I've realised that I need to define in the Revised Armoury.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Inquisitor Cade on January 24, 2010, 12:24:43 AM
QuoteIn this case, I see the deathspitter as a weapon that splatters acid over large areas, eating away at areas of armour the size of a splayed hand or more.

I agree with that, my invisioning of the deathspitter is much the same, though the areas are slightly smaller than that, though there are potentially multiple of them slashed accross the body, but I don't think a hand sized area is enough to round up to count as the whole location, but should be rounded down. Maybe a middle ground, but I can't think of anything simple and elegant enough to represent one well.

QuoteYou think it should grow twenty larvae in four turns?

My bad, my meaning was that every 4 turns 1 shot would be produced, up to the maximum of 20. And even this is a bit rapid. For the amount of acid I envision the 'slug' is about the sive of a small fist (if I am wrong in this assumtion then I would question the D3 locations rule), even with tyranid super biology, growing an organism of this size in 20-40 seconds is impressive. Even if they are more like thumb sized, a 5 second growth time is implausable.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: MarcoSkoll on January 24, 2010, 12:50:33 AM
Quote from: Inquisitor Cade on January 24, 2010, 12:24:43 AM...but I don't think a hand sized area is enough to round up to count as the whole location, but should be rounded down.
Well, I can cover a pretty large portion of my chest with a splayed hand. Admittedly, I have an above average large hand span, and that's only the front half.

Perhaps it could be limited by removing a maximum of half the armour in any one hit, but that's obviously up to Kaled.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Inquisitor Cade on January 24, 2010, 02:00:09 AM
If it were me, I'd say that if you were using optional rules for armour destruction then the acid weapon would count double damage, but if not, then not. I'd focus on it being a high damage, multi location weapon.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Kaled on January 24, 2010, 09:17:52 AM
Thinking about it some more, a deathspitter fires a load of acid that splatters the target and anyone nearby, and a small angry bug who eats his way through the target. For the purposes of this, we've been restricting the acid damage to just the one target to keep things simple, but the way I see it the destroys armour should only apply to the acid and not the bug.  So, maybe it should do, for example, 2D6 damage from the bug and then some amount of damage from the acid (which destroys armour). The acid should splatter, but D3 minor hits doesn't seem fair - maybe  the target takes an additional D6 damage from the acid and anyone within a couple of yards must make an Initiative test to avoid the acid? Although that could involve a lot of dice rolling in some situations...

As for the reloading, the confusion with 4 is why I used [2] - I'm not a fan of the article on Stormtroopers, but it's recharge rules set a precedent for recharging multi-shot weapons that avoids much of the confusion.  
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Kaled on January 24, 2010, 10:54:36 AM
Hmmm, form doing a bit more reading it seems there've been a few changes to the deathspitter since the early version I was thinking of (either that, or they've evolved since then). Maybe the D3 hits is better after all...
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: MarcoSkoll on January 24, 2010, 11:36:43 AM
Quote from: Kaled on January 24, 2010, 09:17:52 AMThinking about it some more, a deathspitter fires a load of acid that splatters the target and anyone nearby, and a small angry bug who eats his way through the target.
The description of Deathspitters rather implies that the small angry bug doesn't survive the impact - merely being an unfortunate acid grenade.

I think this is one of those unfortunate weapons that to do it really "right" would involve rather time consuming rules.
I'd like to think I'm reasonable at managing to come up with relatively simple rules that represent various weapons/effects well, but I'm not seeing any shortcuts to this one right now.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Kaled on January 24, 2010, 01:58:37 PM
Quote from: MarcoSkoll on January 24, 2010, 11:36:43 AM
The description of Deathspitters rather implies that the small angry bug doesn't survive the impact - merely being an unfortunate acid grenade.
Yeah, I was misremembering something I'd read in an issue of White Dwarf a scarily long time ago - almost 20 years ago in fact...

For now I'm going to start with the following profile and the special rules in my earlier post;
Type: Basic  Range: E  Mode: Single  Acc: -10  Dam:D10  Shots: 7  Rld: [1]  Wt: 45
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: MarcoSkoll on January 24, 2010, 02:32:58 PM
Quote from: Kaled on January 24, 2010, 01:58:37 PMYeah, I was misremembering something I'd read in an issue of White Dwarf a scarily long time ago - almost 20 years ago in fact...
Longer than I can manage - I've only been in the GW hobby about 10 years.

Although, that said, I have managed to do the "misremembering WD articles" bit. It was only the other week that I was told that I'd got some mistakes in what I knew of Genestealers - and now I want to try and find the article and work out how I got it wrong.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Inquisitor Cade on January 24, 2010, 04:34:32 PM
The 40k rules for the deathspitter say that it's strength is dependant on that of the creature it comes from. That said I agree that a wider damage area, able to him multiple targets would be within the capacity of a deathspitter, but only on of the larger ones. This model doesn't have a gun as large as one you'd find on the larger tyranid creatures, So I think your original D3 locations is the way to go. I still think that the acid would be better represented as more damage without the armour destruction aspect, but each to his own. I also think there should be more ammo, but a longer regrowth time. Even as a fully functioning tyranid biomorph, I can't believe that an acid maggot can be produced and mature within 10 seconds.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: N01H3r3 on January 24, 2010, 04:47:38 PM
Quote from: Inquisitor Cade on January 24, 2010, 04:34:32 PM
The 40k rules for the deathspitter say that it's strength is dependant on that of the creature it comes from.
Not any more they don't. Those rules vanished with the old Codex (except in regards to the number of shots that Spinefists get). The new one, which came out about a week ago, gives Deathspitters stats identical to those of Tau Burst Cannons.
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Myriad on January 25, 2010, 12:14:29 AM
Early deathspitters had a strong initial hit and a weak splatter.  That profiles a bit weaker than I'd guess from the 40K profiles.  I'd give it blast 2 or 3.

Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: RobSkib on January 25, 2010, 12:42:14 AM
It says in the new codex that "The maggot-like creature shrieks thgouh the air until it strikes its target.." Maybe the weapon should impose a penalty to pinning checks? I can't imagine people would want to stick around too long with screaming acid-filled maggots exploding all over the place!
Title: Re: A Report into the activities of Explorator-Magos Vaal Kryzak
Post by: Kaled on January 27, 2010, 05:36:27 PM
Quote from: RobSkib on January 25, 2010, 12:42:14 AM
It says in the new codex that "The maggot-like creature shrieks thgouh the air until it strikes its target.." Maybe the weapon should impose a penalty to pinning checks?
That's a pretty good idea - I'd probably just say that the target doesn't get the 20% bonus if they're not hit by the attack.

I've updated the original post to add in a few details of Tech-Acolyte Alaia Katenta and Skitarii-Provost Vir Dmitrich.  There are at least two more characters to come for this warband - I've got parts for both of them so when you get to see them will depend on where they end up on my list of models to build.