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Well, after a LONG hiatus I've decided that I may end up getting back into 40k, depending on whether or not I can find people in my area who are willing to join in on my mission to create a continuous narrative with an advancing plot that is influenced by the outcomes of campaigns. One of the key things that I will be using to set my campaigns apart from the average ones is that I will be using my knowledge of planetary science, biology, and lore to represent actual characteristics of the planets/settings that each game takes place in. For example, on a planet with little to no atmosphere, Tyranids would not be able to take any FMCs (and depending on the vehicle, other factions might be limited in what flyers they can take). However, Tyranids would be able to adapt to counter such an issue of course, and perhaps create new bioweapons or adapt existing organisms to compensate.

The first campaign I've written is pretty simple; it follows my custom Hive Fleet as it consumes its first planet, a biologically diverse world called Exsteron (as a first planet, I figured it would go for a planet that would give it the biggest yield), which happens to have an Imperium surveillance outpost. The next campaign will be either on a Mercury-like planet (haven't worked out the details other than that there would be very little diversity in biological terms, but the sheer mass of the thermophilic cyanobacteria/archaea would compensate for that), or on a moon somewhat like Titan.

I've also learned a bit more about ZBrush and 3DS Max, and recently created a basic Carnifex model using the former. It's not all that great, but it's just gonna take up space on my hard drive so I'm not planning on doing anything more with it. I've considered uploading it as an obj in case anyone wants to take it and work with it, but there has been no interest in that so I've left it be.



Also, I've come up with an idea for the second system my Hive Fleet will devour. It's 10.6 light years away from Exsteron, and the star is 1.49 solar masses. One of the settled planets in the system is a scorched, volcanically active world that is .30AU from the star. Despite this, there is lots of native life in the form of extremophilic microorganisms (cyanobacteria and archaea, specifically) that grow in massive colonies near fissures/cracks in the crust. Also, due to its close orbit to the star the planet is tidally locked (and a thin atmosphere of .3atm means that heat transfer through wind would not be extremely efficient), and at the poles of the planet there are craters with areas that never see sunlight. In such areas it can get to subzero temperatures, where psychrophilic microbes thrive. The Imperium harvests ore/metals from the planet and sends the materials off to Forge World. There is also a moon similar to Titan in the system, where the Imperium is taking advantage of the vast amounts of hydrocarbons to use for flamers, fuel, etc., which they also export to other worlds. I'm thinking that the Tyranids would consume this world so they could break down those organic molecules to such an extent that they could fix the carbon/hydrogen in those organic molecules similar to how planets "fix" CO2.

After that, I've decided to "skip ahead" and say that at least a dozen other planets of similar size and biomass yield were consumed by Laelaps, since I don't want to be playing the exact same scenarios over and over again. The next target will bring Laelaps into conflict with a Space Marine chapter, although the specifics haven't been decided yet. The target planet is 1.12 earth masses, but orbits a red dwarf star (although still in that star's habitable zone). The frequent flares that the star undergoes means that any life on the surface needs to be extremely tough and/or have intelligent way to protect itself from the damaging radiation brought about by such events. I'm thinking that it would be a recruiting world for some chapter due to the likely increased strength of the recruits and the fact that they'd need to be resourceful to survive on such a world. Plus, I think coming up with a gameplay mechanic to represent the danger of solar flares would be fun!

If anyone is interested in using my campaigns/scenarios in their own games, or would like to see what I have and give feedback from a fluff/balance perspective, I will be more than happy to upload what I have so far!

I'm intrigued by the attempt at applying Hard-Fi to 40k, and it looks like you're putting alot of work into it. Will keep an eye on this thread.

The second image doesn't seem to be working btw.

I'm glad to hear other people are interested in what I'm doing! I'm majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, so naturally I had to choose Tyranids (although I started collecting way before college, back in 2004) I've also always liked astrophysics and stuff, so of course melding three of my favorite things is a dream come true! Particularly I'm interested in coming up with ways that the Tyranids will adapt their organisms to cope with the many different planetary environments they are put through over the course of this series.

As for the second picture, here it is:


I still have to play test the battles, since I obviously want to make sure they feel fair to both sides. I hope to do so soon, but only time will tell. If anyone else wants to play test them, I'll post the scenarios I have so far in this thread. If you do try them out, please do give feedback/results!

I've attached the Word document that has three missions from the first campaign. Once I've had the missions tested for balance, I will play them through for real, and then will write a narrative segment. My ultimate goal is to have a "book"/"books" designed like the Imperial Armour ones, complete with narrative, scenarios, and faction details.

Ran a quick playtest of the first mission and I've decided to try it with a deployment restriction on the Tyranids, as right now it basically feels like a massacre on their part. I tried giving the nids first turn, they annihilated an infantry platoon, company command squad, platoon command squad, and special weapons squad in that one turn alone. I'm sure if AM got the first turn there would've been a slight difference since they would've been able to move one of the units into the Bastion before getting nommed, but I don't think the entire outcome of the game should be dictated by who goes first.

I've decided that the Tyranids should be able to deploy anywhere at least 6" from any outpost terrain. If it were any further the odds would be stacked pretty high against them, as the AM player could easily just get into the comms array on the first turn (due to lack of ranged weaponry on the nids) and by the time the nids could get there it'd be game set and match. This way they have a fighting chance, but I as the Tyranid player get to enjoy tearing some tasty delicious Astra Militarum forces apart as well

Been working more and more on this project, and right now I'm trying to plan ahead for what types of forces to have and what the missions should be for the second set of campaigns (lava world and Titan-like moon). Here's what I've got so far for unique rules to represent their environments:
For the moon:
Thick Haze: Night Fighting rules apply for all scenarios in this mission.

For the "lava world":
To represent the fact that they would need additional protection from the harsh climate, I'm thinking the Guardsmen should get either +1T, +1Sv, or both.

I encourage anyone and everyone to chime in with suggestions!

This looks awesome but I don't play nids with anyone, may take it and bash it to fit my army of daemons using similar restrictions etc low air density means a flying circus wont work so well haha.

Well it would be a lot harder to apply with Daemons simply because they are Warp entities and the Warp doesn't obey the laws of physics because it's a whole different dimension.... They might not even use the same principles as things in our universe do when flying,

Also, one of my long term goals is to create a campaign book akin to the Imperial Armour volumes released by Forge World, complete with narrative portion(s) and art. If anyone would be interested in helping me with that part, or simply helping me construct narratives and scenarios that I could include (or even just giving feedback on what I have so far), please let me know - I'd love to have as much feedback as possible!


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Just finished adding some background for the third world in the series - it is a moon orbiting a gas giant in the same star system as the hothouse world. Climate wise it is analogous to Titan. Here's what I have:

Jana Planetary Survey
Segmentum: Ultima
Sector: Astreon
Subsector: Zabos
System: Procyon, 3 planets (Niae, Stasc, Bubont). 2 inhabited.
Surveyed: The first recorded survey of the Procyon system was in M.37 by Rogue Trader Kage Noctula during his explorations of the outermost fringes of the galaxy.
Summary: Single hothouse world, two gas giants. Human habitations exist on Niae and one of the satellites of Bubont.
Planets:
Inner planets: Niae – Small hypothermoplanet, molten surface.
Outer planets: Stasc – gas giant similar to Jupiter.
Bubont – Gas giant with composition and satellites analogous to those of Saturn.
Satellites: Niae – 0
Stasc – 3
Bubont – 7
Asteroids: One extremely large asteroid belt exists between Niae and Stasc, quite possibly the result of protoplanetary collisions during the system’s formation. Another belt of mid-size icy bodies lies beyond Bubont. A survey in M.38 revealed that this outer belt was analogous to the Kaiper belt.
Comets: 5 minor.
JANA
Bubont: Class I gas giant.
Satellite: 7th moon of Bubont.
Orbital radius: 2038026 km
Gravity: 0.163G
Temperature: 382°C
Population: None. The facilities responsible for refining the abundant hydrocarbons support a total of 7,000 personnel.
Climate Classification: Extremely cold—standard. Carbon-based.
Climate: Extremely cold. When outside humans must wear protective clothing and an air supply, as the atmosphere is devoid of oxygen. However, the combination of nitrogen and organic compounds leads to a thick atmosphere, meaning pressure suits are unnecessary. Overall, climate is similar to ancient Titan in the Sol system.
Climactic Regions: Rivers and Lakes: There are many liquid bodies scattered across the surface of Jana—however, these are filled with liquid hydrocarbons rather than water. Some of this evaporates into the atmosphere, leading to large rainstorms of organic compounds across the frozen surface.
Cryovolcanoes: There are multiple active volcanoes on Jana–however, rather than spewing out liquefied rock, these volcanoes release liquid water. This water affects the surface of these localities in the same way that lava effects the surface of other worlds.
Canyons: Over time, the flow of hydrocarbon rivers has eroded some of the surface on Jana, carving out shallow canyons.
Life: In the liquid hydrocarbon rivers and lakes as well as the areas around them, methanogenic microorganisms can be found in high abundance. It is hypothesized that the sheer number of these organisms is at least partly responsible for creating the organic-rich atmosphere of the small moon.
Economy: Jana’s rich supply of hydrocarbons can be harvested and refined to make promethium and many other sources of energy that are critical for many machines of the Imperium.
Society: No civilian settlements exist on Niae. The Imperial mining facilities house approximately 7,000 Astra Militarum personnel.
Water Supply: Since the crust of Jana is made up primarily of water ice, water can be obtained by gathering the solid material and heating it to melting temperature.
Principle Exports: The refined promethium and other fuels are sent to other worlds in the Imperium, and the moon itself serves as a supply station for ships or very small fleets that travel through the subsector.

Well, I've got another update:

I'm working on creating a custom Space Marine chapter for the fourth sub-campaign. The main thing I wish to do with this is essentially make whatever happens in this campaign make them swear to devote themselves to destroying Hive Fleet Laelaps. What I need is some help deciding exactly what should happen to cause them to do that, as well as other specifics to make the chapter have its own unique character, but not to the point where they aren't really even Space Marines anymore. I was thinking perhaps that this planet would be their homeworld and would be consumed by the Hive Fleet, although the problem would be that since I need them to survive as a chapter they'd have to have enough resources to become fleet-based at least until they found a new homeworld (unless they decided to continue being fleet-based, as tribute or something to the tragedy that occurred on their first homeworld). I also don't mind if they obey the Codex Astartes, but I don't want them to treat it like some holy text that must be obeyed to the letter, so I'd like to have some sense of unique organization that still makes logical sense.

My idea for their future recruitment is based on their devotion to destroying Laelaps - when they defend a world, they try to focus on protecting/working with civilians.. This isn't because they're some Mary Sue superheroes or anything (though their attitude towards it would be a bit like the Salamanders); they would actually use the opportunity to test some of the young boys - those that survived the swarms and showed great skill and resourcefulness would be taken to become future Space Marines. They obviously wouldn't be expected to take on the same battles as the Marines themselves, but it's not like the Space Marines hold their hands along the way.

I've also come up with a color scheme, let me know what you think! Attached is an image of a 5th company Tactical marine.

I've got a few more things I've come up with for the Spess Mehreen Chapter. I named them the Emerald Serpents, and their Chapter Master is Augustus Castinus but I'm still not 100% set on it and could use some input.

Their preferred tactic is inspired by their home star's unpredictable deadly flares - they strike first with a smaller force to both analyze the enemy's forces and weaknesses and also to lull the enemy into a false sense of security. Then, they come in with an overwhelming force that attacks with extreme ferocity, the composition of which depends on what they learned from the first forces.
Also, like I said I could still really use some help working on this, both with art/illustrations and coming up with creative scenarios to play. Please chime in with suggestions!

EDIT: Still could use some help, I'm starting to run dry on creative ideas for fleshing out the chapter, I still need a battle cry, chapter symbol, and some other stuff as well. Help is appreciated

I'd start with what gene they have. And who trained them. Also them becoming fleet based would be best after their world is destroyed. Taking recruits from worlds who have faced tyranids

So, I've made some big changes to this army and the story since this last posting, but I am looking for people who would be interested in helping out with how to continue the narrative to add more factions into the battles in the sector. I have finished the story of how Rivicto fell to the Tyranids, and it is part of a campaign book I have just finished writing (I just finished a rough draft of the narrative. The missions still need to be playtested and stuff). Basically they suffer the loss of nearly their entire 5th company as well as elements from the 8th, 9th, and 10th companies. Their new plan is to become fleet based, and they will take the help of the few survivors from my first narrative (I nixed Exsteron, because I couldn't come up with a cool direction to take that campaign) - these men will provide some guardsmen weapons to the boys of recruiting age on any world the Emerald Serpents defend, and those boys will fight alongside the Serpents in defense of their world. Those that survive will be inducted as neophytes.

Anyways, if anyone wants to help with ideas for subsequent campaigns in this series, let me know!

I'm always ready to sketch ideas. Check out my profile gallery. You might find something you like. I draw fast. Like, 6 hours for a large black and white image with 3 or 4 rough drafts.


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Holy cow! This thread is some hardcore necromancy. Be cautious, the MODs frown upon such things. They care not that you add useful or pertinent updates (which are totally allowed by the forum rules).

Ah, yes. Thank you for reminding me. I should probably post a link to the .pdf versions of the two campaign books.

Vol 1. https://www.dropbox.com/s/cfvjjq6cjkgqi2k/The%20Laelaps%20Incursion%20vol%201%20v2.pdf?dl=0
Vol. 2: The Fall of Rivicto: https://www.dropbox.com/s/e0tq7l70ap13qnd/The%20Fall%20of%20Rivicto.pdf?dl=0

As for art, I would love to have someone to help out by making some sketches like the type that you see in the Imperial Armour books (or even doing "maps" of the planets and whatnot, showing scans and the like. However, I do not exactly have the money to spare for such a project, so I don't know if you'd still be interested.

Anyways, right now I am trying to figure out exactly where I want to take this narrative. I want to ensure that I take on a diversity of factions, as well as different types of environments, to make sure it stays interesting (rather than being "Tyranids vs. Imperium volume 3 - same old thing"). I was thinking of perhaps having a system of worlds around either an F-star (slightly larger than the sun, with a larger HZ, up to 3 habitable worlds could make nice orbits inside), or orbiting a binary pair (probably either 2 dwarf stars or a G-type star and a K dwarf). Thoughts?

-Bump-

Still looking on thoughts for factions or a setting for the next campaign. Thoughts are appreciated!

So, right now I've got a current idea, but I really need help moving this forward. Assistance is appreciated!

My idea is to have this third campaign be Emerald Serpents versus Death Guard/Nurgle Daemons. The system this takes place in has two inhabited planets, both agri-worlds. The first planet, Reinus, is dedicated to raising Reinusian Oxen, which are prized for their meat. The second is a world dedicated to growth of crops which are exported to the rest of the worlds in the subsector, as well as to Reinus to provide extra fodder for the livestock. In return, Reinus exports some of the droppings form their cattle to use as fertilizer, and so the two worlds are tightly linked.

The idea I had is that the way things would start is on Reinus - a rancher is trying to sabotage a rival's herd, so he takes a vial of unknown fluid that was given to him by a stranger, and slips it into the water his rival uses for his ox. Obviously the vial was given to him by a Death Guard agent, and soon a plague is unleahsed, devastating the Reinus ox populations. This obviously spreads to the neighboring planet, and the Emerald Serpents are sent to defend these worlds.

I just need to figure out how the Death Guard themselves end up getting there, and how the Emerald Serpents get the word (distress call?) Ideas are appreciated!

I've been working on this volume and have established the start of the narrative with the help of a friend. Basically, an initial force of Emerald Serpents are sent to aid the Shael system in an odd zombie plague outbreak, when they realize that this is no ordinary zombie plague, but the diseases are being caused partially by Warp-related effects. I am still struggling to move the narrative from where I have it at now, as I need to be able to include actual Death Guard and not just Poxwalkers. Ideas and input on what I have now are appreciated.

Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/gb6v8zsx4tltvx0/Campaign%20series%20volume%203.pdf?dl=0

Well, I've written a VERY rough narrative for the Shael campaign, and have been working on another volume dedicated to how the Emerald Serpents came into the possession of an unusually high number of Horus Heresy-era relics for a late Founding Chapter (hint - it was a Space Hulk). I'm still figuring out the details of the campaign, and could use some advice, suggestions, and feedback on any of this work. For the Space Hulk stuff, I've been working on making a few custom rules to represent weapons that aren't in the vanilla Space Hulk or its expanded Mission Files (ie Reaper Autocannon, Volkite Charger, Tartaros pattern armor), based both on 8th edition rules for the same weapons compared to those already in Space Hulk (ie based rules for Reaper Autocannon on those of the Assault cannon, with changes based on the differences between the two in 8th ed), and a bit of the background lore.

Please let me know your thoughts, as any feedback is appreciated! I've been having trouble getting inspiration sometimes, so it always helps to have other people to talk things out with.

The Emerald Serpents v. Death Guard campaign: https://www.dropbox.com/s/gb6v8zsx4tltvx0/Campaign%20series%20volume%203.pdf?dl=0
Space Hulk campaign: https://www.dropbox.com/s/moyqqiq553zd1o0/Campaign%20series%20volume%204.pdf?dl=0