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ROLEPLAYING IN THE GRIM

DARKNESS OF THE 41ST MILLENNIUM

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Credit

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Lead Developer

Ross Watson

Written and Developed by

Owen Barnes, John Dunn, Andrew Fischer, Andy Hoare, Tim Huckelbery, Kevin Rubitsky, and William Thrasher

Editing

Graham Davey

Proofreading

Matt Eustace

Graphic Design

Kevin Childress and Chris Beck

Cover Art

Michael Phillippi

Interior Art

Even Mehl Amundsen, Jacob Atienza, Ryan Barger, Ted Beargeon, Alberto Bontempi, Matt Bradbury, Dmitry

Burmak, Daarken, Zach Graves, Nikolaus Ingeneri, Jason Juta, Karl Kopinski, Adam Lane, Clint Langley, Damien

Mammoliti, Daniel McGowan, David Nash, Ameen Naksewee, Brad Rigney, Adrian Smith, Mark Smith, David

Sondered, Frank Walls, and Andrea Uderzo

Managing Art Director

Andrew Navaro

Art Direction

Kyle Hough

Production Manager

Eric Knight

Licensing and Development Coordinator

Deb Beck

Executive Game Designer

Corey Konieczka

Executive Producer

Michael Hurley

Publisher

Christian T. Petersen

GAMES WORKSHOP

Licensing Manager

Owen Rees

Head of Licensing

Andy Jones

Head of Intellectual Property

Alan Merrett

Special Thanks to our Playtesters

“The Bolter and Chainsword Playtest Group” Ryan Powell with Matt Bogart, Jon Cox, Max Hardenbrook, Matt Hunt, Steve Koelzer, Anders Lang, and Richard Sanders, “No Guts,

No Glory” Sean Connor with Adam Lloyd, Aaron MacManus-Wood, Stephen Pitson, Mark Smith, and Simon Tierney, “The Librarians” Pim Mauve with Keesjan Kleef, Jan-Cees Voogd, Joris Voogd, and Gerlof Woudstra, “Roll Perils” Matt Eustace with Sean Kelly, Rob Lord, Stuart Lord, and Mike Madani,

“Veterans of a Psychic War” Benn Williams with Chris Lancaster, Scott Philips, John Ross, Rebecca Williams, and Eric Young.

Copyright © Game Workshop Limited 2011. Games Workshop, Warhammer 40,000, Warhammer 40,000 Role Play, Deathwatch, the foregoing marks’ respective logos, Achilus Assault and all associated marks, logos, places, names, creatures, races and race insignia/devices/logos/symbols, vehicles, locations, weapons, units and unit insignia, characters, products and illustrations from the Warhammer 40,000 universe and the Deathwatch game setting are either ®, ™, and/or © Games Workshop Ltd 2000-2011, variably registered in the UK and other countries around the world. This edition published under license to Ulisses North America. All rights reserved to their respective owners. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by

any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

CREDITS

Ulisses North America, LLC8225 Sedona Sunset Drive

Las VegasNV 89128

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Contents

ContentsIntroduction 4

What’s in this book? ...............................................................4

Chapter I: The Jericho Gate 6The Enigma of The Warp Gate .............................................6

Chapter II: The Crusade Begins 12The Most Glorious Achilus Crusade.................................. 12A History of Conquest and Carnage ................................ 14A Dream of Glory ................................................................ 14Into the Breach ..................................................................... 15Total War ............................................................................... 19Warmaster Tiber Achilus ..................................................... 21A Rise to Glory .................................................................... 21Commanders of the Crusade .............................................. 24 Imperial Guard ................................................................... 24 Adeptus Arbites .................................................................. 25 Imperial Navy ..................................................................... 25 Adeptus Ministorum .......................................................... 25 Adeptus Administratum .................................................... 26 Adeptus Mechanicus .......................................................... 26 Adeptus Astartes, Inquisition and Deathwatch .............. 26Soldiers of the Crusade ....................................................... 29 Landrian “Drusus’s Own” Militia ..................................... 29 Castobel Vengeance Company ........................................ 30 Storm’s Warning ................................................................ 30Deathwatch Involvement .................................................... 32 Deployment and Relations ............................................... 32 Recruitment in the Field ................................................... 33 The Omega Vault ............................................................... 33A Dark Web of Worlds ........................................................ 35 A Pattern of Death ............................................................. 35 Using the Dark Pattern ..................................................... 36Crusade Campaigns ............................................................. 37 Military Involvement ......................................................... 37

Chapter III: The Orpheus Salient 41The First Successes ............................................................... 41Command of the Orpheus Salient ..................................... 43Themes of the Orpheus Salient .......................................... 44Hive Fleet Dagon ................................................................. 45The Slinnar Drift .................................................................. 56The Mortis Thule ................................................................. 61 A Lineage of Doom ........................................................... 61 The Dead Hulls .................................................................. 63 The Dwellers Within ......................................................... 63

Chapter IV: The Acheros Salient 69The Stigmartus ..................................................................... 69The Charon Stars ................................................................. 75 The Hadex Anomaly .......................................................... 80 Recorded History ............................................................... 80 The Wreck of the Limitless Grasp ................................... 81 Kokabiel’s Drop ................................................................. 83Daemon Worlds of the Hadex Anomaly ........................... 87

The Fallen Forge world of Samech .................................... 89 The Fall ............................................................................... 90 The Way of the Iron Pit .................................................... 91 Agents of the Furnace Lord .............................................. 93Daemon Prince Mephidast the Plaguereaver ................... 95

Chapter V: The Canis Salient 101Lord Commander Sebiascor Ebongrave ..........................102 The Madness of Lord Commander Ebongrave ............104The Main Advance .............................................................107The Velk’han Sept ..............................................................110 The Way of War ...............................................................112 Tau Space Travel ..............................................................114 The Mal’caor Shi Fleet ....................................................118Contact with the Tau .........................................................119Relations with the Tau ......................................................123 A History of Confl ict ......................................................124 Truces and Traitors ..........................................................125For The Greater Good .......................................................127 Imperial Diplomacy and Trade ......................................127The Black Reef ...................................................................129 Gravity Storm ...................................................................129 The Black Heart ...............................................................129

Chapter VI: Heroes of the Crusade 132Friend or Foe ......................................................................132Villains .................................................................................132 Lord Militant Solomon Tetrarchus ................................133 Brother-Captain Kynar Half-Hand ................................134 Lord General Magratha Orphel von Karlack ...............135 Enter Magratha ..............................................................135 Return and Ascension ...................................................135 The von Karlack Conspiracies .....................................136 Lord Captain Gravis Terrozant ......................................137 Plenipotentiary-Designate Urwin Sire ............................138 Lord Castellan Ortarna Lokk of Castobel ....................139 Commodore Thalion Vycorious.....................................140 Syndilian Shanyr the Traveller .......................................141 Lord Commissar Vance Theren ......................................142 General Derian Arkelius ..................................................142 Lord Admiral Anastasia Arkelius....................................142

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Introductio

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Introduction

The essence of war, heroism, and duty pervade the setting for DEATHWATCH. The task of the Achilus Crusade embraces all of these themes, yet it faces great challenges

from both without and within. To try and live up to these ideals is a diffi cult task, yet it is the fate of the Deathwatch Space Marines in the Jericho Reach to shoulder this duty head-on—they are the fi rst and last line of defence against a myriad of threats to the Crusade of which some commanders are not even aware.

The Achilus Assault is a guide to the fi res of war raging in the Jericho Reach, from the numberless tides of the Tyranids in Hive Fleet Dagon to the hellish legions of Chaos pouring forth from the Hadex Anomaly and the expansionist aggression of the Tau Empire. The threats presented in this tome provide Game Masters with a surfeit of antagonists and mysteries to confront a Deathwatch Kill-team.

WHAT’S IN THIS BOOK?This sourcebook is divided into distinct chapters, each focusing on a variety of organisations, personalities, events, and warzones that are the focus of the Achilus Crusade into the Jericho Reach. Each section provides key insight into particular aspects of the Crusade, the history and character of the individual Salients and commanders, the particular challenges and enigmas that the Crusade must overcome, and ultimately, its purpose. Where relevant, Game Masters are presented with a range of suggestions on the use of these setting elements in his campaign, as well as possible scenario ideas and adventure seeds.

CHAPTER I: THE JERICHO GATEThis chapter contains various reports, sealed data, and rumours providing fragmentary glimpses into the nature and dark history of the Warp Gate in the Jericho Reach. A measure of truth may be gleaned from these mad rantings and offi cial (albeit often confused or contradictory) reports—the nature of that truth, however, rests in the hands of the Game Master and the ingenuity of the Player Characters.

CHAPTER II: THE CRUSADE BEGINSThe history of the Crusade itself is written in blood and ambition, chronicled in this chapter. Particular focus is granted to the Crusade’s original Warmaster, Lord Militant Achilus, and his successor, Lord Militant Tetrarchus. The involvement of the Deathwatch into the affairs of the Crusade is examined at length.

CHAPTER III: THE ORPHEUS SALIENTThe alien threat of Hive Fleet Dagon has driven the Orpheus Salient into near-collapse, and its battle lines are now riven with confusion and fear. This chapter describes the Orpheus Salient, from its original successes to the fateful encounter with the Tyranid hordes.

CHAPTER IV: THE ACHEROS SALIENTA central push of the Crusade smashed directly into a force of heretics and daemons pouring forth from the hellish Warp intrusion known as the Hadex Anomaly. This chapter focuses on the Acheros Salient’s origin and current status, holding the line against the warp-spawned forces of Chaos.

CHAPTER V: THE CANIS SALIENTAn expeditionary force from the Tau Empire began the confl ict in the Canis Salient when the Imperium’s Crusade interfered with the Tau’s plans for expansion. This chapter discusses the Canis Salient in detail, including the mysterious Black Reef.

CHAPTER VI: HEROES OF

THE CRUSADEChampions of the Crusade, enemies of the Warmaster, and famous warriors can be found in this chapter. Many infl uential and signifi cant individuals are detailed.

MODIFYING ENEMIES

The enemies presented in this book can, and should, be modifi ed by a Game Master to create the types of enemies he requires for his game. Some options and variations are presented as part of the enemy profi les but the possible variety of enemies far exceeds these, and a Game Master should feel free to make adjustments to them as he sees fi t. If, for example, a game requires a group of Renegade Militia armed with missile launchers, they can be created by removing their autoguns, giving them missile launchers and the Heavy Weapon Training (Launcher) Talent.

ENEMY PROFILE PRESENTATION

In all the entries presented in this book, the characteristics, movement values, and weapon damages have been presented with all modifi cations included. Weapon damages include the effects of the enemy’s Strength Bonus and Talents that always apply to damage such as the Crushing Blow Talent. Talents, Traits and Special rules that have a variable effect or will only apply in particular circumstances, such as the Hammer Blow Talent, have not been combined into the profi les presented here. It is also important to note that NPCs are not necessarily bound to follow the same strictures for their profi les as player characters.

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THE ENIGMA OF THE GATE

•A DARK PATTERN

EMERGES

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I : The Je

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Chapter I:

The Jericho

Gate“The opportunity that we are offered is far too great to ignore. A brief foray, using the assets of the Calixis Sector, could spread the glory of the God-Emperor to millions who crave his light and return untold wealth and glory to Scintilla.”

–Tiber Achilus, in his bid for command of the Crusade intothe Jericho Reach

This section contains a series of primary source reports on the discovery and analysis of the Warp Gate artefact that connects the Koronus Passage with the Jericho

Reach—an artefact later named “the Jericho Gate” by the Crusade forces. Those who discovered the artefact, studied it closely, and felt its true nature compiled these reports directly. Agents of the Administratum and the Ecclesiarchy have studied each of these extensively. They ultimately launched the Achilus Crusade based upon the information provided by these and similar, related reports. When woven together, they offer hints about the artefact’s origins, purpose, and portent.

The future of the Achilus Crusade is entirely dependent upon the Jericho Gate, and without it, the Crusade could never have occurred. Millions of Imperial soldiers would have never seen duty outside of the Calixis Sector, the Deathwatch of the Jericho Reach would be operating against Tau, Tyranid, and Chaos forces with little hope for Imperial support, and dozens of planets in the Reach would never know the light of the God-Emperor.

At the same time, in order to pursue the Crusade, the Administratum has chosen to wilfully exploit an artefact that is clearly of xenos origins. More than sixty years of analysis by the most accomplished scholars of the Adeptus Mechanicus and the Inquisition have not even managed to identify the race that created the artefact. The long-term risks of using it remain unknown. In fact, they may not even be identifi ed until they are experienced and can no longer be avoided. Many of those aware of the Jericho Gate have questioned this decision—at least in private. Exploiting the artefact seems inconsistent with the Imperial Creed and exposes humanity to xenos contamination. However, if the Imperium is to prevail with the Achilus Crusade, it will need to press forward with the use of the Jericho Gate for the time being.

The very nature of the Jericho Gate dictates that ignoring it is an unacceptable risk. Its existence presents a huge tactical opportunity for any force, including the growing Tau Empire, to introduce tactical elements into a portion of the Imperium that seemed comparatively safe from external threats. These threats must be prevented from reaching fruition with extreme prejudice, for the safety and security of mankind. The only practical way to eliminate these is to secure both termini of the Warp Gate.

Analyses further suggest that simply destroying the artefact may not be a viable option. The xenos technology involved in its construction is, at best, poorly understood by the Adeptus Mechanicus. Though its use may be dangerous, its obliteration could have even more severe consequences. Better to face known and partly comprehensible risks than to needlessly take risks that are not understood whatsoever.

The Jericho Gate has indirectly caused the deaths of millions and directly caused the deaths of many who attempted to plumb its mysteries. It is a xenos device, representing a threat to the Imperium. While that might place it under the purview of the Deathwatch, other elements of the Imperium have claimed it for themselves. The possibilities this presents for confl ict—both internal and external—may be endless.

GUIDANCE FOR THE GAME MASTER

Sidebars are placed throughout this volume that offer suggestions to the Game Master (GM). These include tips on using the xenos threats presented in a campaign and on the various ways that the material might be interpreted. Please keep in mind that these materials are subject to the GM’s discretion. Stories and themes that are well suited to one playgroup may not be ideal for others. Choosing what material to embrace, what to ignore, and what to reinterpret allows a GM to uniquely tailor the Jericho Reach. Additional information about the Warp Gate (and a sinister plot involving it) can be found in the adventure sourcebook THE EMPEROR PROTECTS.

USING THE JERICHO GATE

The Jericho Gate represents a core element for any Deathwatch campaigns set in the Jericho Reach. It can offer an impending threat, a source of hope, or an unresolved mystery. These articles, and others like them, may offer insights to the Warp Gate, or they may offer false leads.

The artefact may play as small or large a part as the GM feels is appropriate. If the Jericho Gate is unreliable, a campaign might recount the Deathwatch’s efforts to recover those lost to the artefact. If it is perfectly safe, then it might instead slide into the background, as yet another miraculous device upon which the galaxy depends. Alternatively, the Warp Gate might appear safe, but hide a xenos threat that could be revealed at a crucial juncture in the campaign. Regardless of what role the Warp Gate presents, the GM should determine how it will impact his campaign.

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