+ Feast of Blades - Liber Edition: Now with intro & rules! +

[Dosjetka]

[circa 999.M41]

The halls of the Liber are far quieter now than before. The hussle and bussle has all but faded, leaving many of the previously well-lit and well-trodden corridors now dark, silent, and empty. It is however a singular place and despite its current state of disrepair, there are still many secrets to be discovered, Chapters, regiments and warbands to create, battles to be fought...

Ludo had reluctantly left his beloved Culinarium in the hands of his aides and had gone looking for the serfs who had been tasked with the repair of Olis' prized Volkite caliver after it had conked out (again) last week due to his overzealous trigger-pulling. The Liberite serfs had grumbled because the parts needed to make such repairs were extremely difficult to source. They did however assure him that the work would be done within a fortnight. Ludo, ever a curious creature, was rather unsuccessfully attempting to locate the Liber workshop where the serfs were doubtlessly busy repairing the weapon. His aim was simple: uncover the secrets of Volkite technology which were in the 41st Millennium all but lost to Mankind and even the Adeptus Mechanicum. And yet, somehow, the Liber serfs had this priceless knowledge in their possession and Ludo was keen to discover just how they could do such a thing.

After wandering for what seemed like hours (his built-in chronometer had very suddenly and very mysteriously stopped functioning... which was the perfect excuse for visiting the Liber workshop, or so he thought), the Astartes felt rather lost. He used to know the way round the Liber's corridors like the back of his gauntlet back in the day but now, with the deep shadows and abandoned hallways... he was pretty sure he was going round and round in circles.

Choosing to take the right-hand corridor instead of taking the left one like he usually did, he walked a short distance before being forced to stop before a large door carved out of dark marble, shot through with veins of turquoise-blue and white. It was cool to the touch and looked like it hadn't been opened in decades. Ludo was certain he'd never come down here before. After scratching his head for a few moments, he noticed a keypad on the right side of the door. As he approached, the small green screen flickered to life and a short message started to appear...

+ WELCOME LIBERITE +

+ TO ENTER THROUGH THIS DOOR, EERY +

+ PLEASE ANSWER THIS SIMPLE QUERY +

+ DESCRIBE THE DARK ANGELS WITH ONE EIGHT-LETTER WORD +

Ludo groaned and brought his gauntlet to rest against his face: even the keypads in the Liber had a quirky behaviour and terrible sense of poetry and rhymes. He'd have a word with Ace once he'd gotten to the bottom of this mystery.

Pondering the enigma for a few of seconds, he laughed out loud, the sound echoing loudly in the empty chamber, when he realised what the answer was. He quickly typed in the word in...

+ HERETICS +

...and pressed the "Enter" button. For about a minute nothing happened and Ludo was just about to punch the keypad out of frustration when a low rumble started to get louder, and louder, and louder before it became a deafening roar that caused the walls around the Space Marine to shake and small bits of masonry to start falling down from the ceiling. The massive door swung open surprisingly fast for something their size and caught Ludo off-guard.

As he picked himself up from the floor, rubbing his bruised nose, he turned on his hand-held illum stick and pointed it through the door, into the darkness beyond. Advancing cautiously, boltgun loaded and ready in his right hand, illum stick in his left, he moved into the chamber. He had walked a few score metres before a circle on the floor erupted in flames, trapping him in a large circle. Upon the previously hidden walls, torches flared up and banished the shadows with their fiery light, revealing tiered levels all around the circle in which the Space Marine stood. Ludo dropped the illum stick and brought his boltgun up to his shoulder, turning and scanning the room attentively for any threats, alert and ready to engage at a moment's notice. But nothing happened. There was not a soul in sight. The Astartes, visibly confused, waited another two minutes before lowering his weapon. That is when whatever it was that was hiding in the chamber creeped up on him.

"BOOOOO!"

Ludo pivoted 180° degrees and let loose a short burst of bolter fire. The bolts flew through the air and embedded themselves into the wall on the other side of the large room, detonating a moment later, but leaving very little damage. The Astartes, boltgun ready for a second burst observed his foe for a short while before lowering his weapon again, astounded. Before him stood Chaplain Lucifer of the Dark Angels, a fierce grin on his face.

"That was for the heretic thing."

Before he could protest and explain that it wasn't him but Ace playing pranks again, Chaplain Lucifer's features activated their "grim mode", and the Dark Angel beckoned for Ludo to follow him.

"I have much to show you for your next task. You have much work to do and many Liberites to gather for this most special event to be the success it ought to be."

---

Welcome one and all to the Liber Feast of Blades! With the festive season approaching almost upon us (or having already started for some), what better to do than gather with your fellow brother- and sisters-in-arms for a good fight and a hearty feast afterwards? All in the name of the Emperor/Dark Gods, of course!

This event will give you the opportunity to create a character from your DIY chapter or warband of choice. The idea is that each of you writes a bit of background story, builds and paints a suitable model, and then (using the rules provided below and the appropriate Codex) builds a character profile for the Feast of Blades. Once this is done, you can officially enter your character into the Feast of Blades and fight for the honour and glory of victory! The last champion standing shall be crowned as champion of the Liber (well, until the next Feast of Blades that is…) and there shall be much rejoicing!

How can I participate in the Feast of Blades?

It's a relatively easy process.

• Read through this whole post carefully. Make sure you understand everything and if you don’t, ask. If all’s good, go to step 2.
• Using the rules below and the appropriate Codex, create a character profile for your chosen champion.
• Now write between 200 and 500 words of background story for your character. If you haven’t given one already, your character needs a name.
• If you don’t already have a model which represents your character, you need to build and paint one. Only fully assembled and painted models will be accepted as valid challengers. Basing is optional but strongly encouraged. Note: the model must conform to the rules of WYSIWYG that can be found in the Warhammer 40’000 7^th Edition rulebook. No exceptions.
• In this very thread, submit a photo of your DIY chapter/warband champion along with his profile and background story.
• Wait patiently until the fights begin, eat popcorn while others duke it out in the arena.
• Gain honour and glory in the name of Emperor of Mankind or (dis)honour and infamy in the name of the Dark Gods of Chaos!

Example character profiles:
Strike- Captain Lysimachus (C:SM): Terminator Captain, relic blade, storm shield, digital weapons, one re-roll [160 pts]
Veteran Sergeant Olisredan (C:BA): Vanguard Veteran Sergeant, twin hand flamers, jump pack, seven re-rolls [158 pts]
Chaplain Lucifer (C:DA): Interrogator Chaplain, combi-plasma, conversion field, digital weapons, Shroud of Heroes [160 points]

When does it start?

The Feast of Blades event will start on Saturday 19^th November 2016. You have until that to create the necessary model/background story/profile and submit your champion for the contest.

How does it work?

• The first “tier” of pairings is randomly determined, while further tiers of parings will follow a bracket scheme.
• In case of an odd number of participants I will have a stand-in character ready.
• Each champion shall fight another champion in the arena. They start at 18” from each other and both roll for Initiative (character initiative value +/- bonuses/maluses + D6 result) to see who goes first. The champion with the highest score goes first.
• The model going first will get to move, shoot and assault. The model being assaulted can Overwatch at full Ballistic Skill. However if the charge fails the model that Overwatch’d can't shoot during his shooting phase.
• Combats will be resolved just as a normal 40K combat until one model is left with 0 wounds.
• I shall simulate the duels and then write up a report which will be posted here. The main report will be written in the style of an actual story but a full list of the actual dice roll results and such shall also be posted.

General arena rules:

• I will be the Arena/Feast/Game Master. Any decision I make will be final (though strong cases shall be taken into consideration).
• 160 points limit.
• Any character has full access to their respective Codex Armoury.
• No named characters/count-as.
• No bikes or mounts.
• No vehicles.
• There is no Instant Death. Any weapon that would cause ID will cause 1D2 wounds instead.
• Any character is allowed from a Sergeant/Aspiring Champion to a Chapter Master/Chaos Lord, including “specialists” like Librarians/Sorcerers and Chaplains/Dark Apostles. For Sergeants, Aspiring Champions, and other “one-wound characters” read on to see what their base point costs are and what rules apply.
• Characters with special rules will always try to use them to their advantage.
• Acute Senses, Infiltrate, Scout, Split Fire, Outflank, Deep Strike,... basically any rule that affects an aspect of the game that isn’t present in the arena such as deployment or effects on friendly units have no effect.
• You keep your character for the whole event. No changes can be made during combat (unless they come from the Chaos boon table).

Purchasing re-rolls:

Like in Blood Bowl, rerolls may be purchased by characters at a cost of 15 points each. This is to even things out between characters. A Captain has a higher Weapon Skill, more attacks, etc. but a Sergeant’s long years on the field of battle let him anticipate his opponents’ movements, dodge their attacks, etc. Re-rolls are used sequentially for each failed roll a character makes, so if you buy two re-rolls, rapid fire a boltgun in the first turn and miss both, then that is both re-rolls gone until your next fight.


Other character perks:

• Sergeants, Veteran Sergeants, Aspiring Champions, etc. will have the Proven Mettle rule to balance out their inherent weaknesses when compared to more powerful characters. Any character who has only one wound will have a special 6+ save that can be after any other saves have been taken (very much akin to a FNP save).
• Move Through Cover rule gives a +1 movement bonus (applies to basic movement, charge distance, run distance, etc.).
• Eternal Warrior reduces the effects of Instant Death from 1D2 Wounds to 1 Wound.
• Librarians will always roll on the table(s) chosen by the player before the table.
• Librarians will always use one dice from the Warp Charge pool to try and activate their force weapon.
• Jump packs give a +1 to initiative rolls to see who goes first.
• If one model has 2 different CC weapons, the attacks will be split evenly between both or at user's discretion upon submitting entry.
• You cannot re-roll re-rolls (i.e. a Chaplain's Zealot rule gives re-rolls for first round of combat, purchased re-rolls will be for subsequent turns)

---

Now, for any Codex-specific rules, please consult the relevant section below:

Blood Angels

Hidden Content

• Rites of Blood rule applies to the Death Company Chaplain since he has no DC squad with him
• Blessings of the Omnissiah and Bolster Defenses have no effect.
• Honour or Death rule modified: must get into combat as quickly as possible.
• Blood Angels Librarians can roll on the following tables: Sanguinary, Biomancy, Daemonology, Divination, and Pyromancy
• Eligibile characters: Captain, Terminator Captain, Chaplain, Terminator Chaplain, Death Company Chaplain, Librarian, Techmarine, Sanguinary Priest, Company Champion [30 pts], Sternguard Veteran Sergeant (w/ special ammo) [30 pts], Terminator Sergeant (w/ twin claws or storm bolter and power sword) [40 pts], Vanguard Veteran Sergeant (Glorious Intervention gives +1 Initiative) [30 pts], Scout Sergeant [10 pts], Scout Veteran Sergeant [15 pts], Tactical/Assault Sergeant [15 pts], Tactical/Assault Veteran Sergeant [20 pts], Devastator Sergeant (Signum applies to him, can be used in Overwatch) [20 pts], Devastator Veteran Sergeant [25 pts].

Black Legion

Hidden Content

• Demagogue rule modified: at the start of the duel, roll a d6. On a result of a 5 or 6 (can be re-rolled if re-roll purchased), opponent suffers -1 Initiative as he momentarily pauses when confronted with the Dark Apostles' blasphemous rethoric.
• Sorcerer rolls on these tables: Biomancy, Telepathy, Pyromancy, and Daemonology.
• Master of Mechanisms rule modified: roll to-hit as normal at start of Warpsmith first turn. On a hit, one of the opponents weapons (determined by GM) cannot be used until the start of the Warpsmith's next turn.
• Shatter Defenses has no effect.
• Vessels of Chaos rule is rolled at the beginning of each of the Possessed Champion's turns.
• All have Champion of Chaos rule and so can access Chaos boon table.
• Eligible characters: Chaos Lord, Dark Apostle, Sorcerer, Warpsmith, Terminator Champion [40 pts], Berzerker Champion [35 pts], Noise Marine Champion [35 pts], Plague Champion [35 pts], Possessed Champion [35 pts], Aspiring Sorcerer [60 pts], Aspiring Champion [25 pts], Chosen Champion [25 pts], Raptor Champion [25 pts], Warp Talon Champion [35 pts].

Chaos Space Marines

Hidden Content

• Demagogue rule modified: at the start of the duel, roll a d6. On a result of a 5 or 6 (can be re-rolled if re-roll purchased), opponent suffers -1 Initiative as he momentarily pauses when confronted with the Dark Apostles' blasphemous rethoric.
• Sorcerer rolls on these tables: Biomancy, Telepathy, Pyromancy, and Daemonology.
• Master of Mechanisms rule modified: roll to-hit as normal at start of Warpsmith first turn. On a hit, one of the opponents weapons (determined by GM) cannot be used until the start of the WP's next turn.
• Shatter Defenses has no effect.
• Vessels of Chaos rule is rolled at the beginning of each of the Possessed Champion's turns.
• All have Champion of Chaos rule and so can access Chaos boon table.
• Eligible characters: Chaos Lord, Dark Apostle, Sorcerer, Warpsmith, Terminator Champion [35 pts], Chosen Champion [20 pts], Berzerker Champion [30 pts], Noise Marine Champion [30 pts], Plague Champion [30 pts], Possessed Champion [30 pts], Aspiring Sorcerer [60 pts], Aspiring Champion [25 pts], Raptor Champion [20 pts], Warp Talon Champion [30 pts].

Crimson Slaughter

Hidden Content

• Demagogue rule modified: at the start of the duel, roll a d6. On a result of a 5 or 6 (can be re-rolled if re-roll purchased), opponent suffers -1 Initiative as he momentarily pauses when confronted with the Dark Apostles' blasphemous rethoric.
• Sorcerer rolls on these tables: Biomancy, Telepathy, Pyromancy, and Daemonology.
• Master of Mechanisms rule modified: roll to-hit as normal at start of Warpsmith first turn. On a hit, one of the opponents weapons (determined by GM) cannot be used until the start of the WP's next turn.
• Shatter Defenses has no effect.
• Vessels of Chaos rule is rolled at the beginning of each of the Possessed Champion's turns.
• All have Champion of Chaos rule and so can access Chaos boon table.
• Eligible characters: Chaos Lord, Dark Apostle, Sorcerer, Warpsmith, Terminator Champion [35 pts], Chosen Champion [20 pts], Berzerker Champion [30 pts], Noise Marine Champion [30 pts], Plague Champion [30 pts], Possessed Champion [35 pts], Aspiring Sorcerer [60 pts], Aspiring Champion [25 pts], Raptor Champion [20 pts], Warp Talon Champion [30 pts].

Dark Angels

Hidden Content

• Grim Resolve modified: gives +1 BS to Overwatch, other effects as normal.
• Blessings of the Omnissiah, Bolster Defenses, Ravenwing, and Vengeful Strike have no effect.
• Honour or Death rule modified: must get into combat as quickly as possible.
• Librarians have access to: Interromancy, Divination, Pyromancy, Telepathy, Telekinesis, and Daemonology.
• Eligible characters: Chaplain, Company Master, Interrogator-Chaplain, Librarian, Techmarine, Company Champion [30 pts], Deathwing Champion [45 pts], Knight Master [55 pts], Deathwing Sergeant [40 pts], Ravenwing Champion (w/ Hit and Run) [35 pts], Scout Sergeant [10 pts], Scout Veteran Sergeant [15 pts], Tactical/Assault Sergeant [15 pts], Tactical/Assault Veteran Sergeant [20 pts], Devastator Sergeant (Signum applies to him, can be used in Overwatch) [20 pts], Devastator Veteran Sergeant [25 pts], Ravenwing Sergeant (w/ Hit and Run) [20 pts], Ravenwing Veteran Sergeant (w/ Hit and Run) [25 pts], Huntmaster [40 pts].

Khorne Daemonkin

Hidden Content

• The Blood for the Blood God and Skulls for the Skull Throne rules have no effect.
• All have Champion of Chaos rule and so can access Chaos boon table. Any psyker-related results are re-rolled.
• Vessels of Chaos rule is rolled at the beginning of each phase where the Possessed Champion is active.
• Eligible characters: Chaos Lord, Terminator Champion [40 pts], Possessed Champion [35 pts], Berzerker Champion [30 pts], Aspiring Champion [15 pts], Raptor Champion [20 pts], Warp Talon Champion [35 pts].

Space Marines

Hidden Content

• Chapter Tactics apply with certain modifications.
• Black Templars: Righteous Zeal effects trigger after character loses a wound. No Librarians.
• Crimson & Imperial Fists: Siege Masters has no effect. Gain Stubborn.
• Iron Hands: Machine Empathy modified to force re-roll if successful Master of Mechanisms roll (after potential re-roll from Warpsmith).
• Raven Guard: Strike from the Shadows has no effect. Winged Deliverance's first effect is replaced by a +1 Initiative bonus for all characters.
• Salamanders: No changes.
• Ultramarines: To be determined.
• White Scars: Born in the Saddle has no effect. Run distance re-roll automatically applied for Fight on the Move.
• Can take Chapter-specific relics from Angels of Death expansion. Boosted Chapter Tactics from this book are ignored.
• Blessings of the Omnissiah and Bolster Defenses have no effect.
• Eligible characters: Captain, Terminator Captain, Chapter Master, Chaplain, Librarian, Techmarine, Cataphractii Sergeant [45 pts], Company Champion [30 pts], Chapter Champion [35 pts], Sternguard Veteran Sergeant (w/ special ammo) [30 pts], Terminator Sergeant (w/ twin claws or storm bolter and power sword) [40 pts], Vanguard Veteran Sergeant (Glorious Intervention gives +1 Initiative) [30 pts], Scout Sergeant [10 pts], Scout Veteran Sergeant [15 pts], Tactical/Assault Sergeant [15 pts], Tactical/Assault Veteran Sergeant [20 pts], Devastator Sergeant (Signum applies to him, can be used in Overwatch) [20 pts], Devastator Veteran Sergeant [25 pts].

Space Wolves

Hidden Content

• Acute Senses, A Glorious Death, Pack of One, Curse of the Wulfen, and Battlesmith have no effect.
• Oath of War is either against Infantry or Jump Infantry.
• Rune Priests can choose powers from Biomancy, Daemonology, Divination, Telekinesis, and Tempestas.
• Eligible characters: Iron Priest, Rune Priest, Wolf Guard Battle Leader, Wolf Lord, Wolf Priest, Lone Wolf [60 pts], Wolf Guard Pack Leader [20 pts], Wolf Guard Terminator Leader [40 pts], Wulfen Pack Leader [60 pts], Long Fang Ancient [20 pts].

In closing...

Two last things:

• The most important rule of them all! We are here to have a good time! Some match-ups might seems unfair and while I have done what I can to balance things, certain builds will inevitably be more powerful than others. However I ask all of you to keep in mind this: fluff + fun > power + winning. The aim of the game is to tell a good story; winning is very much a secondary objective.
• If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask! Whether by posting them here or sending me a PM, don't feel embarassed to make sure everything you have read is 100% crystal clear.

Now, in the name of the Liber, the Emperor, and Dark Gods, may the mightiest champion prevail over his foes!

[Olis]

I think those serfs need some close supervision... 

[Kelborn]

So 36 hours are over.

Let me guess, your provider derives from the forge world of Bigates Windowes? ;)

[Dosjetka]

A Moderati is never late, Brother Kelborn. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.

 

(Unless my chronometer is as broken as Ludo's I have another 45 mins of panicking to do before hitting the 36-hour deadline. ;))

[Dosjetka]

Aaaaand the rules have been posted. The event proper start on Saturday 5th November 2016 so make sure your characters are submitted by then! :tu:

 

As always, if you have any questions, make sure you ask them!

[Kelborn]

Then my timer was broken, sorry. ;)

 

GL & HF to all participants!

 

I'm outta here as I don't have minis. ^^

[Sete]

I'm interested. Sign me up.

How about the Emperor Champion? Can he be used?

He is not a named Character per se.

And Custodes and Sisters?

And DW? They have their CT.

[Kelborn]

Right. What about DW and GK?

[Dosjetka]

I'm interested. Sign me up.

How about the Emperor Champion? Can he be used?

He is not a named Character per se.

And Custodes and Sisters?

And DW? They have their CT.

Emperor's Champion -> Yes! Oversight on my part. Can be taken for the points value listed in the Codex and has full access to the Armoury.

Custodes and Sisters -> Not Astartes, so no.

DW and GK -> I don't have direct access to their rules so it complicates things. In addition to this, DIY Chapters are not well represented by those two Codecies so I figured we could do without them (at least for this first edition of the Liber Feast of Blades). Lastly, I think that already have enough options as it is. ;)

[Olis]

You know, something occurs to me. I have a spare metal Legion of the Damned model somewhere - that would make a reasonable base for a Conflagrator, I think. Not entirely sure what to do with him, though. Perhaps a Chaplain-Devotee?

 

Edit - Hey, I've found some donor models! I think Seraphicus and Cassius won't mind if I just steal bits and pieces for the Legionnaire, here and there. :wink:

[Dosjetka]

Probably, yeah. I look forward to seeing him!

[Reyner]

Ooooh interesting - is this limited to 40k only? Some of us have wandered back in time to the 31st Millennium so just wondered if we could use those rules?

 

If not that's totally fine as I have a nice idea for a Blade of the Lion anyway :D 

[Dosjetka]

It is indeed limited to 40k, at least for this first edition.

[Kelborn]

Hm... My first idea was a champion of one of my chapters.

But now, after thinking about it, I'll participate with a champion of my 1Ksons warband.

 

He would be the first traitor, right? ^^

[Dosjetka]

Apparently so, yes. But my offer won't able to be fulfilled in that case, because I don't have any Chaos bits left. I sold them all to a friend a few weeks back.

EDIT: The war against the dreaded Typo continues unabated.

[Kelborn]

Aha!

Well, if that's the case... Back to the bat cave!

[Doctor Perils]

Apparently so, yes. But my offer won't able to be fulfilled in that case, because I don't have any Chaos bits left. I sold them all to a friend a few weeks back.

EDIT: The war against the dreaded Typo continues unabated.

I'll just have to find a good use for those in that case

Sooo, the question is: Shadow Wolf, Son of Hashût, or Iron Warrior...

EDIT: Are you allowing access to relics?

EDIT2: Also, when you say they get "full access" to the arsenal, you mean even if they wouldn't usually?

[Reyner]

Ah yeah good shout I was looking at one of the Dark Angels relics for my Blade...

[Kelborn]

My decision would either be Storm Rider, Phantom Blade or a canon chapter.

 

Relics could be difficult for me.

Storm Riders = White Scars successor

Phantom Blades = Alpha Legion successor

[Dosjetka]

EDIT: Are you allowing access to relics?

 

EDIT2: Also, when you say they get "full access" to the arsenal, you mean even if they wouldn't usually?

Relics are in the Armoury, aren't they? ;)

 

And yes. Full access is full access. Though I expect that people will explain in the character backstory why character X has relic Y. Actually, I kinda expect the acquisition of such a piece of wargear to be the central part of your character backstory. :P

 

My decision would either be Storm Rider, Phantom Blade or a canon chapter.

 

Relics could be difficult for me.

Storm Riders = White Scars successor

Phantom Blades = Alpha Legion successor

I'm pretty sure that the White Scars got some relics in Angels of Death. But then why do you necessarily need relics? Sure, they're cool and all but at the end of the day they're definitely not essential.

[Kelborn]

Just thought: named stuff = better

 

^^

[Dosjetka]

Bah! If you really believe that, give your basic power weapon a name and see if it'll perform better or not. :P

 

Anyway, for now we seem to have six interested people, which is a good start. I'm going to drop a few PMs and announcements tonight to try and bring in a few more Frater. :tu:

[Dizzyeye01]

Looks interesting, I've got my modified limited edition ultra made just last night. I'll see if I can get him a lick of paint and get him battle ready :)

[Brother Argent]

I am so up for this.  Last time my guy got squicked badly in the last AoD I went in and I must admit I have been mulling the idea of a Liber one over for a while so this makes it easier.  Now to decide on Chapter/Champion et al...

[Dosjetka]

+ Notice. +

 

Would you folks mind if I pushed the event back to Saturday 19th November? It's going to be a busy week-and-a-half leading up to the original start date and I'm not sure I'm going to be able to pull everything that needs to be done off before then. The week after will also be busy with a few days of military training so if we could do this on the 19th, that would be great. :D