Project Distant Darkness

At a Dis ta n t locat ion shrouded in Da rk ne ss t he ga l a x y is a bou t to ch a nge

P R O J E C T

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Project: P r i n t e r Fr i e n d ly

Chris ‘Zhai Morenn’ Lautermilch Project Advisor

R o y ‘ H o r i z o n ’A m k r e u t z Project Leader

Erwin Leufkens Project: Cov er

J a c k Wa t l i n g Project: Photoshop

This publication is completely unofficial and in no way endorsed by Games Workshop Limited, Specialist Games and/or Forgeworld. Many background images for the photoshopped pictures have been provided by: http://resurgere.deviantart.com and http://funerium.deviantart.com

Project Distant Darkness For the Greater Good For many Tau’cyr I have envisioned this. A few Tau’cyr ago Tau High Command decided to initiate a project that would change Tau warfare in space. The Unity would finally receive a fleet that had the potential to sweep through new systems. A fleet which would spearhead the Fourth Phase Expansion and more. It was at that time that project Distant Darkness was initiated. My dream of a Great expanding Unity. Then we suffered a major drawback. At the meeting at the Orbital City of D’yanoi, the administration reported that the needed resources to start work on a full fledged fleet would have a too high of an impact on Tau industry. High Command was quick, too quick in my opinion, to reduce the size of the project. After a short round of voting, won by the conservative majority, it was elected that only the Lar’shi’vre would be subject to the project group. I put my initial disappointment aside because if this is what the Unity wants then I will serve for the Greater Good. I made it my task to create a combat vessel which would strike fear into our enemies, be they Gue’la, Or’leath or otherwise. In the Tau’cyr of the Kir we started work on the new to be Lar’shi’vre class vessel at a distant backwater colony. Far away from the masses. Using the available resources as effectively as possible work progressed rapidly. Before the first Lar’shi’vre was completed we requested at High Command to assign Kor‘vre Ry’zon to the project. To our relief they granted the request. As soon as Ry’zon entered the project we assured him a promotion to the rank of Kor’el. The reason I requested this particular officer is because of his great work on testing the Qath’Fannor which engaged the Imperial fleet during the Taros Campaign. His experience would be invaluable. The offer to him on becoming a Kor’el on a Lar’shi’vre class vessel was something he took with both hands. After a couple of Kai’rotaa the first Lar’shi’vre was ready for its maiden

flight. Kor’el Ry’zon’s first test runs where promising and the design seemed to be capable to withstand any manoeuvre we envisaged it to do. Further testing improved the vessel further. Near the Khareshi Expanse, far away from known shipping the Lar’shi’vre Ry’zon undertook its first major task in eliminating a pirate stronghold. Assisted by few Castellans the raid was successful with Ry’zon taking most of the credits. But perhaps the best example of this new design was when an outpost picked up an Gue’la convoy. Before Tau Command was instructed we assigned two of the new Lar’shi’vre class vessels to intercept them. Again we celebrated a major success. All Gue’la vessels, including two Dauntless class light cruisers, where destroyed swiftly. Driven by the results we finished four more Lar’shi’vre vessels and started to draw schematics for other vessels to be improved. Against better judgement? Maybe yes but the asset we made to the Greater Good would be recognized we imagined. But that hope was shattered as soon as a delegates of Tau High Command visited the project with the news that project Distant Darkness was diverting too many resources from other Tau areas. With that they disbanded the project, deeming further development unnecessary. The currently produced and maintained Qath’fannor was everything the Unity needed in space warfare at this given moment. Devastated by this I went back to my residence at T’au to think over my situation. I was willing to do everything for the Greater Good. The whole project was meant for the Greater Good. I could not, and still cannot, comprehend on why they disbanded it. Four Kai’rotaa after the closure I was visited by Por’el Wt’ail. As he started to speak I was not listening as I really couldn’t be bothered listening to all his talk about administrations, numbers, figures and logistics. That was until he dropped those four words: ‘Restart Project Distant Darkness.’ My attention rose to its peak. Wt’ail showed me numbers and figures for a full day explaining all his ideas for the project. I didn’t even ask Wt’ail why he all had done all of this. There was one slight downfall, it had all to be in secrecy. The biggest covert operation ever imagined. Before Wt’ail left he mentioned he would visit me in five Rotaa’s to await my answer.

’Everything is allowed for the Greater Good even if that means to disobey.’ - Fio’O Ly’tan

The next days I didn’t sleep a single Rai’kor, my mind raging in a constant battle. For a covert operation within the Tau Empire was not heard of. By the great Aun’va! The imagination on what could happen. Still, the idea, of completing my dream regarding our Kor’vattra, the tool to expand our fledging Empire. It was at the last day that I came to the belief that the Greater Good was above all and project Distant Darkness would aid the Greater Good immensely. The Aun’va would understand. I am not trying to become a second Farsight. My loyalty is still with the Unity and our Aun’va. With this renewed faith in the Greater Good and my part in it, although being in secret, I informed Por’el Wt’ail that I was ready to take command over project Distant Darkness once more. The next Kai’rotaa we started setting up the whole operation. Many fio caste members from the old design where chartered into the project. The most hazardous undertaking was re-assigning people without raising questions. Por’el Wt’ail already had an extensive network even within the Shas caste. As he informed me that there was a substantial group within the Shas who would support the project. This way we acquired our much needed Firewarriors. Por’el Wt’ail ran this operation smoothly with great knowledge of administration and logistics. I cannot say how he actually created all of this but he managed to keep everything in cover. I personally was assigned as head of a large production facility at Es’Tau. From here the access to resources was given as long as we kept a steady production on standard utilities we where required to produce. Gaining resources was a tedious and patient process and it took another two Tau’cyr before we actually could start building a new spaceship. Another point I am very fond of are the pilots we managed to introduce to the project. With or without administrational ‘errors’. Those are just necessary means to serve the Greater Good. The only side note being the admiral who might be the only one in the project who consistently questions a lot of decisions. Maybe that is his right as he had a high price to pay. But it was essential as he was involved as a test pilot in the first project distant darkness. Now, present day, seven Tau’cyr after we started building the first Lar’shi’vre we have completed a full new fleet. Every design from the Qath’fannor has been made part of this vision. From the small Kir’la to

the mighty Or’es El’leath. For I can tell these ships are battle worthy and ready to face the enemies of the Unity. And more of them are slowly being built right now. The test results are far above expectations. But this is not all. During the test cases we have invented even more new technology. Most notable are the advances we had on our Warp dive engine. An engine which gives the vessel more accuracy in its dive and can actually move as it pleases during its dive for lengths of time. A system which allows us to strike where and when we want. Unseen. Although we only succeeded in upgrading the Il’Porrui class with this engine only one of them exists because for some unclear reason other vessels of this class or another class cannot cope with this engine. But I am confident our Fio department can overcome this hindrance over tine. At this time there is only one task ahead of us. It is up to the leading persons of the project to convince Tau High Command of these vessels. But this is a thin line. We should wait our moment. For I still think Tau High Command and our great Aun’va could see this is whole operation as a token of undermining their leadership. Even if we only support the Greater Good. For this Por’el Wt’ail has set up a secret meeting. Fio’O Ly’tan ‘Well then Por’el Wt’ail, is everything set in motion ?’ ‘All data has been removed or sealed from the central Unity data-storage. Subsequently resources have been re-allocated as we have agreed on.’ ‘Then we are shrouded in darkness?’ ‘Yes, it will be unable to trace us, no one will notice missing resources or otherwise.’ ‘This is very good. Let us proceed to phase two.’ As the elder Por’el reached the door to leave the Fio’s office he turned around and took a deep sigh before asking: ‘Fio, a personal question, are you sure you want to bring back admiral Ry’zon into the project?’ ‘A daring question I will be willing to answer just this once: we need the admiral, his dealings are of the utmost concern to me.’ As the last words spoken died away in the oval office and the door closed Fio Ly’tan turned his comfortable chair around and overlooked from his viewing window the gigantic orbital ship yard as it swarmed with activity.

Distant Darkness - CC3415

[TAU - PROJECT DISTANT DARKNESS - PRODUCTION LEVELS PHASE 3 FLEET PRODUCTION PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE ADVANCED SYSTEMS PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND PHASE 2 FILES FIO’O LY’TAN PERSONAL FILE

CLASS [OR’ES EL’LEATH] [LAR’SHI’VRE] [ERASED] [ERASED] [IL’PORUI] [IL’PORUI - X3] [ERASED] [IL’PORUI - X7] [KIR’SHASVRE] [KIR’LA]

DESIGNATION [GRAND CRUISER] [ATTACK CRUISER] [ERASED] [ERASED] [LIGHT CRUISER] [MARAUDER] [ERASED] [MANTIS] [HEAVY ESCORT] [HUNTER ESCORT]

OPERATIONAL IN PRODUCTION SCHEDULED [2] [0] [1] [4] [2] [2] [ERASED] [ERASED] [ERASED] [ERASED] [ERASED] [ERASED] [3] [1] [3] [2] [0] [1] [ERASED] [ERASED] [ERASED] [1] [0] [2] [12] [4] [3] [15] [2] [2]

‘The loss of the experimental warp dive Lar’shi’vre meant a drop in farming equipment production of 12.6% in the following Kai’Rotaa.’ - Por’el Wt’ail ‘Fio’O these are the latest production numbers. As you can view on the chart the production of agricultural machinery has increased at 0.1%, current orders being shipped out. Civilian tech products have decreased in production by 4.3%, caused by decrease in interest on the old ranges, Fio Caste is on it. Worrying is the decrease of military production with 1.5%, we have decreased to a total output level of 79.2% which reaches critical levels. High Command might start asking questions on the low output level. I might suggest to make more resources available to the production of the much requested Piranha and Scorpionfish.’ - Fio’ui Tena’i at monthly evaluation of productivity

‘You know what is strange?’, Garit said while he ate his lunch. ‘yesterday morning I was picking up crates in the storage room and I saw that there where five boxes less then the evening before.’ ‘So, maybe they did something themselves.’ Liens numbly replied. Gars sighed and said: ‘I’ve never seen them at those levels, much too filthy. Pffft.’ ‘Then someone else did it, why care anyway.’ ‘But…’ Garit couldn’t finish his line as the all familiar sound filled the cantina: ALL GUE’VESA PROCEED TO DOCKWAY’S ONE, FOUR AND ELEVEN +++ ‘Is everything loaded into the cargo bay?’ The tall Firewarrios asked firm.

Authorized: Por’el Wt’ail Classified: Fio’O Ly’tan [All vessels build which belong to the Distant Darkness project will be painted in the colour’s of established Septs with known fleet facilities. This to appear optical as standard vessels when witnessed by unwanted eyes [example: merchants, civilian transports].]

[Order to Fio Department CVI] Regarding attached document from Kor’vre L’ikei. Basic guideline. Warp Dive engine on Mantis operated at 73.4% reliability. That is a decrease of 0.3%. [/Order to Fio Department CVI]

‘Yes, the designated shipment has been transferred.’ Was the swift reply. As the Firewarrior started to make his way to the shuttle a sudden noise caught the attention of the two Tau. The Firewarrior immediately charged around the corner and readied his Pulse Carbine Rifle at the same moment. As he reached the end of the hallway the Firewarrior caught the glimpse of someone running while bumpig into various crates. ‘No, hold Shas’vre.’ The second Tau ordered the Firewarrior. ‘I know enough, I will deal with this. Further chasing wouldn’t be a good idea.’ ‘Well then,’ the Firewarrior said as he lowered his rifle. ‘I trust you in this.’

‘Resources are never scarce, it is logistics that fail.’ - Por’el Wt’ail

+++ The moment the two Firewarriors lifted him from his bed he was scared to death. Now they pushed him into a large oval room, at the end seated another Tau As Garit got closer to the Tau more fear crept into him. The cold eyes of the Tau where showing no emotion, nothing at all. As Garit reached the desk, the Tau raised from his chair and signed the Firewarriors to stand back. ‘Well mister Garit,’ the Tau started speaking transfixing his eyes on the Gue’la in front of him. ‘the Unity has done so many good things for your kind, for you, but now I am deeply sorrowed by your actions mister Garit.’ Garit crumbled.

Project Distant Darkness Kor’O Ry’zon Personal Lar’shi’vre Vessel [Phase 2] PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE PHASE 3 LAR’SHI’VRE PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND KOR’O RY’ZON PHASE 2 LAR’SHI’VRE

[First Lar’shi’vre produced though the original project distant darkness. Given the fact that the first project was authorized by Tau High Command more resources where available to build this vessel. This is the reason the Lar’shi’vre Ry’zon carries more and better armament then the new generation of distant darkness Lar’shi’vre class vessels. It is not known where the other five original distant darkness produced Lar’shi’vre cruisers are located.]

[…for we must grow, for we must prosper childhood should not be forgotten yet in darkness I wander for I have sinned for the Greater Good…]

CLASS HITPOINTS TURNS ARMOUR LOCATION

CRUISER 6 90* 6+ / 5+

POINTS SPEED SHIELDS TURRETS

WEAPONRY

200 25cm 2 3

Ry’zon LAR’SHI’VRE IN FLIGHT DETAILS FILE 375889

RANGE

STRENGHT

ARC

PROW RAILGUN BATTERY

45 cm

6

F

PORT RAILGUN BATTERY

45 cm

2

F

STARBOARD RAILGUN BATTERY

45 cm

2

F

PORT ION CANNON

30 cm

1

L/F

STARBOARD ION CANNON

30 cm

1

R/F

Barracuda: 25cm Manta: 20cm

1 1

-

20 - 40 cm

5

F

DORSAL LAUNCH BAY PROW GRAVITIC MISSILE LAUNCHER

UPGRADES: • PROW DEFLECTOR [DESCRIPTION] • INTEGRATED TRACKING SYSTEMS [DESCRIPTION]

coordinates 45 755 22 headng: 07 Khareshi Expanse processing...

Tactical Mission 760 Intercept Gue la Weapon Freighters

‘My poems turned into dark visions. Is this what is becoming of me?’ - Kor’O Ry’zon

PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE PHASE 3 OR’ES’LEATH PHASE 3 LAR’SHI’VRE PHASE3 IL’PORRUI PHASE 3 KIR’SHASVRE PHASE 3 KIR’LA PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND

Project Distant Darkness Kir’shasvre [Phase 3]

CLASS HITPOINTS TURNS ARMOUR

[Again, a good heavy escort which needed higher speed to catch the nimble pirates and assist Ill’Porrui and Lar’shi’vre class vessels.]

Project Distant Darkness Lar’shi’vre [Phase 3] [the main combat vessel of the distant darkness fleet. With its great speed and manoeuvrability this vessel is an incredible hunter. With its forward fixed batteries its tuning ability is necessary. Enabling the Ion cannons to fire to its port and starboard side ensures the cruiser will always keep a lock on the enemy vessel. Per usual the ships are equipped with standard Tau gravitic missiles, Tau Barracuda fighters and Tau Manta Missile Destroyers.]

LOCATION

ESCORT 1 90* 5+


WEAPONRY

50 25cm 1 2 RANGE

STRENGHT

ARC

45 cm

2

F

20 - 40 cm

2

F

RANGE

STRENGHT

ARC


45 cm

4

F


45 cm

2

F


45 cm

2

F

30 cm

1

L/F

PROW RAILGUN BATTERY PROW

GRAVITIC MISSILE LAUNCHER


CRUISER 6 90* 6+ / 5+


WEAPONRY

PORT ION CANNON STARBOARD ION CANNON DORSAL LAUNCH BAY PROW


190 20cm 2 3

30 cm

1

R/F


1

-

20 - 40 cm

4

F


‘These vessels will be the pinnacle of our technology. We cannot allow this dream to be abandoned a second time. The concealment of our Project must be executed with a level of highest perfection. The Greater Good allows nothing less.’ - Fio’O Ly’tan

Project Distant Darkness Or’es El’leath [Phase 3] PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE PHASE 3 OR’ES’LEATH PHASE 3 LAR’SHI’VRE PHASE3 IL’PORRUI PHASE 3 KIR’SHASVRE PHASE 3 KIR’LA PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND

[Even though the initial Or’es El’leath was a very fine carrier we needed to adjust the ship to keep it more in pace with the rest of the distant darkness fleet. To this end we changed various mass ratios to achieve the same turning point as the smaller cruisers. We also upgraded the shield strength to make this vessel more durable in battles. As we had only limited personnel available we decided to lower the launch capacity of Manta’s and Barracuda’s. To balance this loss of offensive weaponry we increased the gravitic missile output by a large margin by using the decomissioned hangar space for ordnance storage.]

Project Distant Darkness Kir’la [Phase 3]

CLASS HITPOINTS TURNS ARMOUR

GRAND CRUISER 10 45* 6+ / 5+

LOCATION

WEAPONRY


320 20cm 3 4

RANGE

STRENGHT

ARC


45 cm

4

L/F


45 cm

4

R/F

PORT ION CANNON

30 cm

1

L/F

STARBOARD ION CANNON

30 cm

1

R/F

PORT LAUNCH BAY


2

-

STARBOARD LAUNCH BAY


2

-

20 - 40 cm

8

F

-

3 WARDEN

-

PROW


VENTRAL GRAV HOOKS


[This was already a very good support ship. We managed to boost its speed a little further and make it a dedicated hunting vessel.]


ESCORT 1 90* 5+


WEAPONRY

30 25cm 1 1 RANGE

STRENGHT

ARC


30 cm

2

F

PROW ION CANNON

30 cm

1

L/F/R

‘You did what?’ the Por’el asked with a voice full of disdain ‘You dared to pretend you’re the Aun’va himself in that communiqué? This is going too far!’ ‘Do not tempt me Wt’ail! I am doing what is necessary! The future of our Empire is at stake.’

Project Distant Darkness Il’Porrui [Phase 3] PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE PHASE 3 OR’ES’LEATH PHASE 3 LAR’SHI’VRE PHASE3 IL’PORRUI PHASE 3 KIR’SHASVRE PHASE 3 KIR’LA PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND

[The standard Il’Porrui class vessel suffered heavily from its slow speed and turning rate. This was especially demonstrated during the Pirate raid against Envoy Ku’ronu. His Il’Porrui was boarded by the pirates and in the following action the envoy was murdered by them. The defending escorts [Defender class] and a second Il’Porrui proved ineffective in preventing the pirates from succeeding in their raid. Only one Defender returned to Vash’ya. Given these facts we envisioned a ship that would be able to outmanoeuvre and escape the more nimble craft of pirates. Unfortunately, this meant weapon output dropped significantly to accomodate the alterations.] CLASS HITPOINTS TURNS ARMOUR LOCATION

LIGHT CRUISER 4 90* 6+ / 5+ WEAPONRY


130 25cm 1 2

RANGE

STRENGHT

ARC


45 cm

2

F


45 cm

2

F


45 cm

2

F

Barracuda: 25cm

1

-

20 - 40 cm

3

F

DORSAL LAUNCH BAY PROW


UPGRADES: • PROW DEFLECTOR [DESCRIPTION] • INTEGRATED TRACKING SYSTEMS [DESCRIPTION] • MAY SWAP PORT/STARBOARD RAILGUNS FOR GRAV HOOKS TO CARRY WARDEN HUNTER ESCORT [DESCRIPTION]

PHASE X MANTIS

PHASE X MARAUDER

After 14.00 hours of investigating the wreckage and log of Patrol Group Ceta 7 the following temporary conclusions can be drawn: • both Sword Class Frigates have been destroyed by conventional weaponry [REF: WP-X3.z074] • the logs did not detail on the exact kind of warp anomaly reported • as for now it seems Patrol Group Ceta 7 ran into a well executed ambush. Though a definitive report will follow for the ambush and the accompanying last transmission warrant a longer investigation then standard protocols • no confirmation can be made on the identity of the attackers Additional information pending situation: • Since the Daedalus arrived at the ambush location no strange warp occurrences have been reported • Captain Lochkin of the Ruinor outpost cooperated in sensible fashion. A side note must be placed on his total loyalty to the Emperor, as this is questionable at the moment. [REF: PERS-12v8-CPT.LOCHKIN-RUINOR-C237] Current proceedings: • In consultation with Captain Veliaz of the Daedalus we will remain here for 4.30 more hours. Then we will depart for a nearby Nebula to possibly locate local pirates. Awaiting your instructions, Maz Torl May the Emperor Shine on Thy Path

‘The Greater Goods warrants everything I do.’ - Fio’O Ly’tan

PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE PHASE3 IL’PORRUI PHASE X MANTIS PHASE X MARAUDER PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND

Project Distant Darkness Il’Porrui - Mantis [Phase X]

Project Distant Darkness Il’Porrui - Marauder [Phase X]

[During the test period Fio Caste working on improved Warp dive engines developed this remarkable ship as a testbed for the prototype drive system. The most recent addition to the distant darkness fleet. This new engine allows the Mantis to stalk through ‘diving’ space entering and leaving at any desired point. The perfect technology to instigate secret missions, hit and run attacks and so forth. Through some curious circumstances we have only one of these vessels operational.]

[Again a variant on the Il’Porrui class. Designed to slip past enemy space defences and assist ground troops with specifically designed missiles. In space battles it needs support by standard vessels as its weaponry is not suited towards ship engagements though it can be used as an surprise attack.] CLASS HITPOINTS TURNS ARMOUR




150 25cm 1 1

LOCATION

RANGE

STRENGHT

ARC


30 cm

2

F


30 cm

2

F

Barracuda: 25cm

1

-

20 - 40 cm

3

F

DORSAL LAUNCH BAY PROW


UPGRADES: • PROW DEFLECTOR [DESCRIPTION] • INTEGRATED TRACKING SYSTEMS [DESCRIPTION] • EXPERIMENTAL STEALTH SYSTEM [DESCRIPTION]




130 25cm 1 2

RANGE

STRENGHT

ARC

45 cm

2

F

PROW


20 - 40 cm

3

F

PORT


20 - 40 cm

2

F

STARBOARD


20 - 40 cm

2

F

Barracuda: 25cm

1

-

DORSAL LAUNCH BAY

UPGRADES: • PROW DEFLECTOR [DESCRIPTION] • INTEGRATED TRACKING SYSTEMS [DESCRIPTION] • ADVANCED MISSILE SYSTEM [DESCRIPTION]

Note entry #2: arrived in system. Note entry #4: pathfinder team arrived four Rotaa ago at the planet of Inul’ish. Controlled area in wide diameter on landing point. When the second sun fades we will make our way for the An’itusk river. So far no air traffic spotted. Note entry #7: As predicted transport shuttle arrived three dec ago. Landed behind ridge. Moved forward to get into visual range. Note entry #8: cargo crates transferred to trucks. It has been confirmed it are the Cargo crates as described. Enclave involvement still suspected. Transport lifted of 1 dec ago. Note entry #11: Received orders from High Command to pursue transport. Calculating Warp Dive. Shas’ui Vio’shin

‘He who designed the administration can use that administration. In every imaginable way.’ - Por’el Wt’ail

Profile

Kor’O Ry’zon PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND KOR’O RY’ZON KOR’VRE L’IKEI KOR’VRE NUA’TA KOR’VRE SHEVA’S KOR’EL TAS’KA PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE

Birth of Place: Second Phase Sept of Elsy’eir Youth notes: • raised at Elsy’eir • strong fascination for tactical space combat • except for quick understanding of new technologies and implementing them into tactical simulations Ry’zon did not have any remarkable traits • On courtesy of Aun’el Em’eru Ry’zon was transferred to the academy at Dal’yth to receive further space warfare training. Academic notes: • Skilled Barracuda Fighter Pilot, ranking amongst top contenders Career notes: • Aun’el Am’eru offered Ry’zon a position as test pilot for the new Kor’Vattra • During Taros Campaign Ry’zon was not allowed to take part in the fighting. His order was to analyze gathered tactical data. Note: it is known that Ry’zon opposed to this decision • After the Taros Campaign Ry’zon was an important speaker at the tactical evaluation of the Qath’fannor at a High Command meeting on Dal’yth First Project Distant Darkness notes: • Under command of Fio’O Ly’tan Project Distant Darkness initiated. Ry’zon assigned as test pilot for the new Lar’shi’vre • Ry’zon promoted to rank of Kor’el • During various secret missions near the Khareshi Expanse Kor’el Ry’zon proved to be a brilliant ship admiral absolving all missions with a level of at least 98.7%. Ref: MAGTA. • After six new Lar’shi’vre where built Tau High Command cut resources to Project Distant Darkness, subsequently canceling it.

Further Career notes: • Promoted to Kor’O and assigned to Battlefleet Prometheus • Noteworthy commendations: • Victorious against two Chaos fleets • Victorious against Dark Angel Space Marine Fleet • No loss record Second Project Distant Darkness notes: • Assigned as tactical advisor to Battlefleet Triceanos • Kor’O Ry’zon re-assigned to Project Distant Darkness • Ry’zon’s mentor and friend Am’eru reported dead after raid on his transport shuttle

‘Aun’el Am’eru, you have been my guidance throughout my career, my life, always guiding me on the true path of the Greater Good. But now my mind is troubled. Clouded by unforeseen circumstances. I cannot enlighten you on my shrouded thoughts for that will lead to our fall. For this instance I cannot trust my own judgement yet I am the only judge possible! This request which has been passed on to me will end the life as I have lived it the very moment I accept. Yet declining it could mean I stray away from the true path of the Greater Good.’ ‘Don’t hesitate Ry’zon. Do as the Aun’Va has ordered for he is the guidance to the Unity.’

‘Show tactical display of our fleets and locate Kor’O Ry’zon.’ ‘Kor’O Ry’zon is currently Tactical Operation advisor in Battlefleet Triceanos.’ ‘Why has he been stationed that far away?’ ‘According log file he has been ordered at Highest Levels.’ ‘Shame, we need him at our borders. Contact Battlefleet Prometheus, find out who their current Admiral is.’ Aboard Or’es El’leath Bor’kan Netrau Za’iin Tau Borders investigating Piratical uprising

‘The admiral troubles me. A brilliant tactician and an asset we cannot miss in this project, yet his mind seems to fly in another galaxy.’ - Kor’vre L’ikei

PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND KOR’O RY’ZON KOR’VRE L’IKEI KOR’VRE NUA’TA KOR’VRE SHEVA’S KOR’EL TAS’KA PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE

Profile

Profile

Kor’vre L’ikei

Kor’vre Nua’ta

Birth of Place: Dal’yth

Birth of Place: Third Phase Sept Ksi’m’yens

Youth notes: • No remarkable features

Youth notes:

Academic notes: ΔΔΔ • Top runner in Orca class escorts and tactical deployment • Well known for her admiration of Commander Shadowsun Career notes: • Distinguished at battle of Rieonoor against Or’es’la pirates • She received honourable mentions in making pirate free shipping lanes between Third Phase Septs Second Project Distant Darkness notes: • Reported as reassigned to deep space analysis and listening post. • Expert pilot of experimental Mantis variant ‘I am still unconvinced that he should be involved in this project, Fio’O.’ The Por’vre replied. ‘His medical records indicate that he still suffers from mental trauma after the incident.’ ‘I understand your concern, but he is the perfect candidate to command one of our Il’Porrui sub-projects. He has mastered combining surprise with the Mont’ka and has an exemplemary record of service after his capture by the Da’ar’cea. I will not certify your report on his mental health status. After what he has seen and endured, waking up in chills off and on is testament to his fortitude.’ ‘I understand, but we are walking the blade’s edge between serving the Tau’va’s most extreme needs and darkness. I worry that without the structure and clarity that normal service provides, he may begin to lose himself.’ Fio’O Ly’tan smiled faintly. ‘We will be observing him and guiding him, helping him keep his way. Now if you would excuse me, I must review a few more files before the meeting.’ The Por excused himself dutifully as O’Ly’tan once again looked at the image in Kor’vre Nua’ta’s profile.

Academic notes: • Displayed a marked proficiency in misdirection, stealth and surprise during tactical excercises. Career notes: • Successfully counter-ambushed numerically superior Gue’la attack upon orbital city during the Taros campaign. • Was presumed lost in aftermath of an attack upon a Gue’la convoy. Report: TKN864 • Recovered 3 Tau’cyr after reported death by Demiurg trader at unknown trade port. • Underwent an additional 3 Kai’rotaa of mental therapy to recover from trauma. Second Project Distant Darkness notes: • All records dating after return: erased from primary and secondary data archives. • Recruited against advice of Por mental health specialists. • Appointed to command and test prototype Emissary Marauder variant. Additional Medical Notes: • During medical examinations after Nua’ta’s return, several semi-organic constructs were detected in his body. As far as examination can indicate, they are inert, bone- like structures. Since his return, Kor’vre Nua’ta has displayed remarkable physical health, but has reported disturbing dreams when he sleeps. Whether this is the by-product of the constructs remains to be seen. • Failed attempt to remove constructs surgically nearly killed subject.

‘You have no concept of the true horrors that stalk the dark.’ - Kor’vre Nua’ta

PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND KOR’O RY’ZON KOR’VRE L’IKEI KOR’VRE NUA’TA KOR’VRE SHEVA’S KOR’EL TAS’KA PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE

Profile

Profile

Kor’el Tas’ka

Kor’vre Sheva’s

Birth Place: Vash’ya

Birth of Place: Bor’kan

Youth notes: • No remarkable features.

Youth notes: • Eager to learn

Academic notes: • Demonstrated exemplemary command skills in coordinating strike craft. • Received commendation in Manta command.

Academic notes: • Top student. • Arrogant behaviour towards lower scoring scholars

Career notes: • Led Manta squadron on multiple support and rescue missions during Taros campaign. • Manta squadron credited with destruction of Gue’la cruiser. • Honourable mention during fleet appraisal. Second Project Distant Darkness notes: • Officially reported to have perished in training accident. Mechanical failure suspected. • Currently training Project Distant Darkness’ strike craft crews.

--- magnetic docking clamps released-----all systems green--‘Initiate engines, half speed. Take us away from dock.’ Ry’zon tuned his chair a little to check another holo display in his own Lar’shi’vre. Here in command of a spaceship he felt at ease. Peace in his mind. Forgetting the darkness which haunted him almost every Rotaa. A flashing green light on one of the consoles caught his immediate attention. ‘Kor’la calculate best warp dive point and estimated arrival. Send all data to our squadron.’ The three Lar’shi’vre class vessels swiftly dived into warp.

Career notes: • Captained a Lar’shi’vre squadron during the Taros Campaign with great success in its raids on Imperial lines. • Assembled own Firewarrior bodyguard making his Bor’kan Lar’shi’vre Lanu Shes’va infamous for its boarding actions. Second Project Distant Darkness notes: • Brought in because of his highly skilled boarding expertise. • Captained the first Distant Darkness Or’es El’leath.

‘The nebula revealed no sign of pirates or raiders, as I prepared for our route back to Kar Duniash Marine-Captain Veliaz ordered me to the bridge. Long range augurs of the Daedalus have picked up warp anomalies.’ Maz Torl Personal log ‘…followed the warp anomaly at long distance in silent running mode. The anomaly seems to follow a specific pattern. Brother-marine Reez has been assigned to reveal and possibly predict the pattern. Thunderhawks are set on standby. Awaiting answer from Master of Fleet to possibly enter Tau Space. Captain Veliaz Novamarines – Daedalus Strike Cruiser Ship’s log

‘When I saw the docks burn, by the hands of our own people, I felt as if the last glimmering light of the Tau’Va had been blotted out and denied to us. Are we too lost to be redeemed? Have we even fallen?’ - Kor’el Tas’ka

RAILGUN BATTERIES

PHASE 3 FLEET PRODUCTION PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE ADVANCED SYSTEMS -2 PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND PHASE 2 FILES FIO’O LY’TAN PERSONAL FILE

Railgun Batteries function exactly like Weapon Batteries.

MANTA MISSILE DESTROYERS Manta’s are bombers. They are well shielded and if intercepted by enemy fighters roll a D6, on a roll of 4+ the Manta is not removed. Manta’s move 20cm.

ION CANNONS Ion Cannons function like Lances in all respects. GRAVITIC MISSILE LAUNCHERS TIGERSHARK AX-1-0 FIGHTER BOMBERS Any Tau ship which carries Manta Missile Destroyers may choose to change them for Tigershark AX-1-0 Fighter Bombers at no cost. Tigersharks have a speed of 25cm and function like any other fighter bomber in all respect. Each Squadron (marker) gets D3 attacks + 1 for each turret on the ship to a maximum of +3.

ENHANCED ENGINES All vessels of the Distant Darkness Project gain 5D6 cm when on All Ahead Full special orders.

Tau missiles are drone-guided. These missiles are able to alter both their speed and course throughout flight, so may move at any speed between a minimum of 20cm and a maximum of 40cm each ordnance phase. As they are guided they may change course by 45 degrees at the start of their movement in each ordnance phase after the first. However, you must roll a dice for each point of missile strength at the start of each ordnance phase after the first. The salvo is reduced by 1 point for every 6 rolled.

Endless. I am walking down a path into my own. Confused. I am searching for a sign. Devotion. To my all and everything. Submission. To our only choice. Truth. There is no only choice. Ry’zon

‘I am preparing myself for the moment our Aun’va will finally see our Masterpiece in space.’ - Fio’O Ly’tan

PHASE 3 FLEET PRODUCTION PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE ADVANCED SYSTEMS-1 PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND PHASE 2 FILES FIO’O LY’TAN PERSONAL FILE

PROW DEFLECTOR

EXPERIMENTAL STEALTH SYSTEM

Prow Deflectors raise the frontal armour to 6. This is disabled if the ship suffers a prow critical hit.

This Stealth System is based on a new experimental Warp Dive Engine.

INTEGRATED TRACKING SYSTEMS Integrated Tracking Systems allow the ship to re-roll misses when using turrets and ignore the column shift when firing Railgun Batteries at ranges above 30cm. Integrated Tracking Systems continue to operate when the ship is braced for impact Special Orders.

ADVANCED MISSILE SYSTEM The Advanced Missile System is a recent innovation in drone controlled projectiles. • This ship may fire it’s missiles in low orbit and can use them to bombard a planet, but it may not use any other weapons if missiles are being used in this way as it requires additional targeting and ballistics correction from the ship’s combat Artificial Intelligence. As far as bombardment is concerned, they obey the rules for Barrage Bombs, with the exceptions that they are unaffected by shields, and they still obey normal Tau missile rules. • This vessel may split or combine it’s torpedo salvoes, thus being able to fire either 1 salvo of 7, a salvo of 5 and a salvo of 2, or a salvo of 3 and two salvoes of 2. Two Enuzian birds glided down into the clear lake. A small insect hovered away from the lake as the waves of the birds landing reached it. The trees surroundig the lake watched in revered old silence. Then the birds looked up as a hissing sound emerged in the distance, then all changed as the sound was followed by the shrieking sound of drone controlled missiles.

• This engine allows the vessel to move slowly within warp dive levels and exactly pinpoint where to ‘dive up’ in real space. Order of procedure • the Tau commander can choose to not deploy this vessel as usual but keep it in warp space outside the deployement zone [not on the table] • in anyone of its movement phases the Tau commander may place a marker anywhere on the table, representing the hidden vessel. The marker may move at normal speed but cannot shoot or otherwise. The enemy cannot shoot at this marker (neither can they board or similar). • in the following movement phase the Tau commander may choose to ‘dive’ into real space [facing any direction] with the vessel and move and shoot per usual. Enemy vessels may target the vessel per usual. • The Tau commander may choose to dive back into the warp at the start of a movement phase. Place the marker back on the table. This operation can be done as long as the battle lasts • The Engine malfunctions: this warp dive engine is experimental and the used version is still highly unstable: each time the vessel makes a dive (in or out) roll a D6, on a 4+ the engine fails and the vessel falls/ stays in real space and cannot make another dive in the remainder of the battle. If the engine fails when diving into real space the ships counts as disengaged for victory point purposes • This ship cannot be fitted with an exterminatus weapon

‘Join me. This is all as Aun’Va wished. He needs warriors steeped in shadow, to protect our people from the harsh truth of this universe. To acknowledge us would be to show our people the horrors we were commissioned to defend them from.’ - unknown

PROJECT DISTANT DARKNESS FLEET LIST FLEET COMMANDER

PHASE 3 FLEET PRODUCTION PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE ADVANCED SYSTEMS PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND PHASE 2 FILES

Kor’O Ry’zon 110 pts Leadership 9, 1 re-roll Elite Command Crew. The ship’s command crew work well as a team, able to respond quickly to the orders of the fleet admiral. Once per battle the ship may automatically pass a Leadership test or Command check – there is no need to roll any dice. Kor’vre L’ikei 90 pts Leadership 8, 2 re-roll Innovative captain: a fleet led by Kor’vre L’ikei may re-deploy one capital ship or escort squadron after the deployment phase up to the maximum speed of the given vessel or vessels. Kor’vre Nua’ta 90 pts Leadership 8, 1 re-roll Ambush specialist: Nua’ta may be placed upon either a Protector, an Emissary Mantis, or an Emissary Marauder. For the first 2 turns that his ship is revealed upon the table (not simply a marker but actually present) his ship’s attacks gain a +1 modifier to critical hit checks. This means that for those two turns, normal non-eldar foes will receive critical hits from his ship on 5+ while Corsair and Craftworld Eldar will receive critical hits on a 3+. Nua’ta does not count as a fleet admiral but rather a specific captain, and so may be used under the command of another Kor leader so long as he is on a different ship. Kor’el Tas’ka 80 pts Leadership 8, 1 re-roll. Strike craft admiral: Because she advanced through the ranks of the Air Caste almost exclusively by piloting, and later commanding strike craft squadrons with great adeptitude and finesse, any ship commanded by Kor’el Tas’ka may combine its strike craft groups into larger waves even if they had been launched separately. In essence, she may combine smaller waves of attack craft into larger waves, so long as this new wave’s number of strike craft squadrons (markers) do not exceed the number of launch bays her ship has.

Kor’vre Sheva’s 75 pts Leadership 8, 1 re-roll, Arrogance: because of this flaw his command vessel takes BFI tests at –2 Leadership. Countering this is his experience at boarding actions he drilled with his elite Fire Warrior crew, gaining a +1 modifier in a boarding action. In a combined boarding action Tau do not halve their boarding value. CAPITAL SHIPS 0-2

Custodian Class Battleship may take 1 Custodian for every 1500 points

320 pts

0-4 Protector Class Cruiser 190 pts 0-1 Protector Class Cruiser Lar’shi’vre Ry’zon 200 pts may only be taken if Kor’O Ry’zon is taken as well. Kor’O Ry’zon must always be placed aboard his personal vessel if this is taken. 0-3 Emissary Class Light Cruiser 125 pts 0-2 Emissary Marauder Class Light Cruiser 150 pts may only be taken if one standard Emissary Class Light Cruiser is taken as well. 0-1 Emissary Mantis Class Light Cruiser 150 pts This is a ‘fluffy’ vessel and should not be taken each and every time, it is especially suited in scenarios such as Convoy Run or the Raiders in which it should operate as the only vessel or in conjunction with another standard Emissary class cruiser or a single squadron of Castellans. ESCORTS 0-12 Castellan Class Escort

50 pts

0-15 Warden Class Escort 30 pts may take as many Wardens as Grav Hooks are available within the selected fleet.

‘A magnificient display.’ - Fio’O Ly’tan

PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND SCENARIO ONE MISSION SCENARIO TWO SCENARIO THREE SCENARIO FOUR SCENARIO FIVE SCENARIO SIX SCENARIO SEVEN SCENARIO EIGHT SCENARIO NINE

‘Head for that Nebula.’ Kor’vre L’ikei ordered from her command chair. ‘Lets see if that Gue’la vessel is really following us.’ +++ ‘The anomaly is heading for that Nebula, sensors show heavy interferences within the Nebula.’ the Novamarine reported from his station. ‘Follow the anomaly into the Nebula. Increase energy output to our shield reflectors.’ Captain Veliaz replied. ‘Acknowledged captain Veliaz.’ ‘They know we are following them.’ Maz Torl said. Captain Veliaz did not reply to the remark of the Inquisitorial agent but he knew it was the truth. +++ ‘Kor’vre, they are taking the bait.’ the Kor’la at the helm said to her Kor’ve. Kor’vre L’ikei faintly smiled. ‘Calculate diving point. Prepare missiles and targeting computer.’ ‘Calculating now.’ the eager reply came. ‘Remember once we dive into real space this vessel must move as an ordinary Il’Porrui. They may not suspect anything if they manage to escape.’ L’ikei mentioned as she overlooked her control panel. +++ ‘Augurs scanning near region of Nebula. Captain, the anomaly seems to have disappeared.’ Captain Veliaz and Maz Torl exchanged a worried look. ‘Helmsman, head us out this Nebula as fast as possible!’ Captain Veliaz ordered. +++ ‘Entering real space……Now!’ ‘Launch missiles and acquire target lock!’ L’ikei ordered as she rose from her chair. A loud hiss caused a confused look on the bridge crew. +++ ‘Captain, Tau Emissary class vessel approaching into Nebula. They are moving in behind us.’ +++ ‘What was that?’ L’ikei asked as she looked around the bridge towards her technical engineers. ‘The Nebula caused various malfunctions as we entered real space!’ +++ ‘……Battery fire has reduced shield strength to 35%…...’ ‘…Incoming missiles….’ ‘Prepare counter measures’ Captain Veliaz commanded as tension grew aboard the Daedalus. +++ ‘Status?’ L’ikei quickly asked and continued with a new order: ‘Reload missiles!’

‘Engine capacity down to 49%, shields down at 21%, various sub systems off line!’ the engineer answered. ‘Kor’vre, battery fire reduced enemy’s shield strength, missiles bound to strike.’ +++ ‘Roll the ship over and turn to our port! Fire batteries as soon as they are in range!’ Captain Veliaz bellowed above the sounding siren. A loud roar made the ship shudder. ‘Status? Now!’ ‘Captain, missiles penetrated our hull and caused heavy damage in our engine room!’ +++ ‘The gue’la cruiser suffered heavy damage at its stern.’ The young kor’la reported to his commanding Kor’vre. ‘Heavy incoming fire!’ ‘Brace for Impact!’ L’ikei said as she tried to get back to her chair. +++ ‘…Battery fire effective, enemy vessel hit!’ ‘..they are passing us, we are unable to create forward thrust.’ Veliaz looked grimly at his consoles. He needed the Emperor’s strength to find a way out of this situation. ‘Keep pouring fire into those aliens. Send all available repair teams to the engine rooms.’ ‘Captain, fires reported on our gunnery decks!’ +++ Kor’vre L’ikei fell to her knees as the Mantis shuddered heavily. ‘Give me a damage report now,’ L’ikei said as she crawled back up her feet. ‘Get us out of here.’ ‘Weapons off line, engine capacity down to 3%, shields are recovering.’ +++ ‘Status?’ Veliaz asked aboard the Daedalus. ‘Status?’ L’ikei asked aboard the Mantins ‘Engines down – no weaponry – shields online. Engine repair time estimated at 5 hours, fire will be put out shortly. Enemy vessel conceded heavy damage and is currently not moving at 5000km distance.’ ‘No Warp Dive capability, engines down to 0,01%, weapons offline, shields holding. Estimated repair time for engine 6 hours, weapons will be available in 2 hours. We damaged the Gue’la cruiser significantly, they are unable to move away or towards us. +++ Veliaz grinned darkly: ‘Then we should repair the Daedalus as soon as possible. Give priorities to engines’ +++ L’ikei smiled softly: ‘Send a distress call at a secure channel. I believe our Kor’O is doing a test run not too far away.’

‘The Mantis is my ship Kor’O Ry’zon. I demand nothing less than full trust when commanding it.’ - Kor’vre L’ikei

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PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND SCENARIO ONE INTRO SCENARIO TWO SCENARIO THREE SCENARIO FOUR SCENARIO FIVE SCENARIO SIX SCENARIO SEVEN SCENARIO EIGHT SCENARIO NINE

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Background Story Kor’vre L’ikei must use all her talents to get away from the closing Daedalus without leading them to forbidden places. The mantis appears in a nebula striking at the strike cruiser but subsequently moves like a standard emissary in order to not raise suspicion from the strike cruiser. After that they just want to get away…..

Game Length The battle lasts until one ship is destroyed or has left the table edge.

Forces Tau 1x Mantis Class Emissary, commanded by Kor’vre L’ikei

Novamarines: the Daedalus must make at least one successful Hit & Run or boarding action against the Tau vessel. They also win if they manage to destroy the Mantis.

Victory Conditions Tau: Kor’vre L’ikei must escape from the Tau table edge. They also win if they manage to destroy the Daedalus.

Novamarines 1x Strike Cruiser, commanded by Captain Veliaz Leadership 9, 1 re-roll

20 cm

Tau Escape Zone

Battlezone 120cm x 120cm playing area. This battle takes place inside a dense Nebula. Divide the table in nine 40cm x 40cm quadrants. Place D3 + 1 gas/dust clouds in each quadrant. Within the Nebula the sunward edge has no effect, so use a scatter dice on how the gas/dust clouds are placed length ways. These gas/dust clouds block line of fire and sight. When in contact apply all normal rules for being a normal gas/dust clouds as well, except that movement is reduced by 10cm. Ships may not go on All Ahead Full orders within the Nebula. A ship does receive no leadership bonus when the opponent is on special orders.

Tau Mantis

Set up See Map

Novamarines Daedalus

40 cm

First Turn Kor’vre L’ikei has the first turn.

40 cm

40 cm

Special Rules See Battlezone. Ships may not disengage.

‘Always eager, always ready to learn. Always watch around the corner.’ - Por’el Wt’ail

20 cm

20 cm

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PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND SCENARIO ONE SCENARIO TWO SCENARIO THREE SCENARIO FOUR SCENARIO FIVE SCENARIO SIX SCENARIO SEVEN SCENARIO EIGHT SCENARIO NINE

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Background Story Kor’O Ry’zon leads a raid on an Imperial Convoy but runs into trouble by images of the transports being human transports instead of the debriefed cargo freighters. Forces Tau fleet: 1x Phase II Protector Class Cruiser, commanded by Kor’O Ry’zon 4x Castellan Class Escorts Imperial Navy convoy: 1x Endeavour Class Light Cruiser, commanded by Captain Murinsk, Leadership 8, 1 re-roll 1x Endurance Class Light Cruiser 1x Defiant Class Light cruiser 1x Firestorm Class Escort 3x Sword Class Escorts 6x Cargo Freighters (transports) Battlezone 120cm x 180cm playing area. The battle takes place in the Outer Reaches of the Nurinor system. Place the celestial phenomena per usual. First Turn The Tau fleet has the first turn. Game Length The game lasts until a fleet has been destroyed or disengaged. The game also ends when all transports moved of the table edge. Victory Conditions Tau: As Ry’zon takes on the convoy he discovers that there are no weapons on board the freighters but only civilians on the move. When Ry’zon gets into weapon range (45cm) of the freighters the Tau player gets the following objective: Protect the freighters and take them as hostages. To do so he must eliminate all enemy forces before any freighter leaves the area.

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Imperial Navy: Escape with as many as possible freighters from the long table edge. 5-6 transports escaped = Major Imperial Victory 3-4 transports escaped = Draw 1-2 transports escaped = Major Tau Victory

Imperial Navy Escape Zone

60 cm

Imperial Fleet deployment 60 cm

>

20 cm

30 cm

90 cm

Kor’O Ry’zon Tau Entry Zone

‘Kor’O Ry’zon, there is something troubling you.’ L’ikei carefully asked. ‘Since mission debriefing you have not spoken to us. Is their something you need to tell us? Off the record…’ Tas’ka added to her fellow Kor’vre. The dimmed lights of the room seemed to turn darker as the Kor’O turned away from the viewing window. But that was just imagination Nua’da reminded himself. ‘The mission went fine,’ Ry’zon said. ‘there is nothing to add. My mind belongs to me alone.’ Without looking back the Kor’O left the room. The three officers looked at each other with a puzzled look on their faces.

‘In space, commanding my ship, I can let it go. But sometimes it returns and I shiver.’ - Kor’O Ry’zon

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Background Story Kor’vre Sheva’s commands a squadron of Castellans and must stop a Rogue Trader within the vicinty of the Orbital City serving as the public arm of the Project. Strike Teams of Fire Warriors must search transport to retrieve the stolen goods.

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Rogue Traders Escape Zone

Forces Tau fleet: 3x Castellan Class Escorts, commanded by Kor’vre Sheva’s 2x Warden Class Escorts 1x Tau Orbital City Rogue Trader (rules from Warp Rift 17): 1x Trade Galleon Archis Noca Pattern, with extra turret upgrade commanded by Captain Lunerton, Leadership 8, 1 re-roll 2x Recommissioned Escorts, 1 Pinnace, 1 Brigantine 6x Armed Cargo Vessels Battlezone This battle takes place in the Inner Biosphere Place the celestial phenomena as shown on the map below. First Turn The Rogue Traders take the first turn but may not use any Special Orders. Special Rules Number the Rogue Trader transports (in secrecy from the Tau player) from 1 – 6. Roll a D6, the result is the transport with the stolen goods. Game Length The game lasts until all transports moved of the table edge or the Tau found the stolen goods. Victory Conditions Tau: The Castellans must successfully board the transports to retrieve the stolen goods. When they find the correct one the Tau claim victory. Rogue Trader: must try to escape with the stolen goods.

Rogue Traders 20 cm

Kor’Vre Sheva’s entry point

Tau Orbital City 20 cm 60 cm

CLASS HITPOINTS TURNS ARMOUR POINT

ORBITAL CITY 12 0* 5+


WEAPONRY

RANGE

STRENGHT

ARC

45 cm

12

All round

20 - 40 cm

6

All round


2

All round

N/A RAILGUN BATTERY N/A


N/A LAUNCH BAY

130 0 cm 3 4

UPGRADES: • INTEGRATED TRACKING SYSTEMS [DESCRIPTION] • ORBITAL CITY ALLOWS THE INCLUSION OF 2 WARDENS [DESCRIPTION]

‘Ha! I will take the low Gue’la trader. He cannot escape justice from the Greater Good!’ - Kor’vre Sheva’s

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Background Story ‘... We have discovered the location of a major threat to the Tau Empire. One week ago one of our reconnaisance agents located a force of Mon’tau Gue’la in orbit of a dead desert world. Our agent was able to successfully relay to us information that leads us to believe that these foul creatures are attempting to open a gateway or rift of similar manner to that which was observed in the system known to the Gue’la as “Medusa”. We know that if they establish this gateway, they will be reinforced with beings that defy our scientific understanding and indeed, defy logic. Therefore, we are preparing a strike force to destroy this gateway before it is brought online.’

Battlezone This battle takes place in the Flare Region. Place a small desert planet as shown on the map below, it has no rings or moons of any form. Place other celestial phenomena per usual.

Forces Tau Strike fleet 1x Custodian Class battleship 3x Warden Class Escorts 2x Emissary Class Light Cruisers 1x Marauder Class Emissary commanded by Kor’vre Nua’ta 6x Castellan Class Escorts

Victory Conditions The Tau win if the Reliquary Structure has been destroyed (from low orbit) and at least one capital ship survived the battle to salvage destroyed Tau vessels. If no cruiser remains it only counts as a draw. If the Reliquary Structure survives it is a Chaos victory.

Chaos Fleet: 1x Hades Class Heavy Cruiser, Lord Gha’har’hagnish, Ld 9, 1 re-roll 1x Devastation Class Cruiser 2x Murder Class Cruiser 3x Iconoclast Class Escorts 2x Idolator Class Escorts Orbital defences: 2x Weapon Battery platform 1x Lance Platform 1x Minefield

First Turn The Tau fleet take the first turn. Game Length The battle lasts until the Reliquary has been destroyed or one fleet has been destroyed.

Chaos Deployment Zone

20 cm

10 cm 150 cm

120 cm

Planetary defences: 1x Torpedo Platform 1x Weapon Battery battery The Reliquary Structure is stationed on the planet and has the following profile: 4 hitpoints and 6+ armour, no weaponry.

‘Unguided. Uncontrolled. I never seen a better deep space captain in low orbit.’ - Kor’O Ry’zon

Kor’vre Nua’ta Tau Entry Zone

PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND SCENARIO ONE SCENARIO TWO SCENARIO THREE SCENARIO FOUR SCENARIO FIVE - MISSION SCENARIO SIX SCENARIO SEVEN SCENARIO EIGHT SCENARIO NINE

‘Time to target?’ El’Tas’ka asked. The Kor’la sitting at the sensors station glanced at the displays before him. ‘Five decs, Kor’el. Telemetry drones indicate no significant change in position of our targets.’ he replied. Tas’ka nodded and turned to the Lar’shi’vre Tas’kas wing commander. ‘Kor’vre, instruct the Manta crews to launch. They are to deploy separately and at oblique angles to our approach of the objective. Navigational telemetry and targeting data will be provided for them enroute.’ ‘Yes Kor’el!’ The wing commander turned and started on his way to the launch bays. Tas’ka took a moment to compose her thoughts and settle into the flow of command. Her mission was simple: track down and destroy the raiders who had assaulted a Tau convoy returning from beyond the empire’s borders. The Or’es’la had been becoming more daring as of late and this asteroid field was an ideal point from which to ambush. Many convoys had to pass by this location, and it was far enough from the hot zones of the Tau border that there would not be an overpowering military presence. Barracudas had been deployed on reconnaissance and located the Or’es’la, in orbit of a large asteroid near the edge of the field, ready to pounce. Tas’ka turned to her tactical officer. ‘Confirm weapons status!’ ‘Railguns loaded and charged, Ion Cannons are hot and ready to fire. Missiles loaded and awaiting targeting telemetry.’ He dutifully replied. ‘Helm, set course to initiate a left sweep, bearing 231 by 85. We will use that asteroid to shield our approach from their sensors and pounce on them from behind.’ The bridge became alive then, with some of the crew anxious with the impending engagement, while others like her tactical officer wore a small grin on his face. The next few minutes passed with the anticipation building. The Or’es’la outnumbered them, and outgunned them. But the greenskins would be facing away, and their ships turn sluggishly. Their weak and poorly defended armour will be exposed. ‘Kor’el, time to targets, 1 dec. Weapons are loaded and ready and our Manta is in position.’ ‘Target the nearest cruiser, lock on and acquire precise targeting solutions. Once this is done you may fire at will.’ ‘As you command Kor’el!’ Tas’ka brought up the visual sensors onto the primary holo projector before her. ‘Firing!’ Tas’ka watched the screen as the nearest capital ship, a Kill Kroozer, took a full barrage to its aft quarter. The shields quickly collapsed and the unarmored engines began to suffer greatly. One of her ship’s ion cannons even sliced deeper into the Ork vessel, causing secondary explosions near it’s port weapons arrays. The other

Or’es’la Kill Kroozer fared only slightly better as her ship’s Manta missile destroyer launched a devastating strike against the unprepared and unalert vessel. ‘Power readings spiking, Kor’el. They’re powering up their drives, enemy escorts have left the gravity well and are making a wide turn to face us.’ ‘Continue firing on primary target.’ Tas’ka commanded. She watched the hololith as her ships guns continued to cause untold amounts of damage to the Or’es’la craft. ‘Kor’el! Ion cannons have caused severe internal damage in primary target, detecting an escalating reaction from their primary power core.’ Tas’ka knew what that meant. The ship was going to blast itself apart. ‘Helm, come to starboard and use the gravity well of the moonlet to get us out of close proximity. Angle us toward the moon and let it’s gravity add to our acceleration.’ Tas’ka smiled as the helm officer did as she had instructed flawlessly. Behind her ship, the Kill Kroozer was ripped in half by it’s overloaded reactors. No massive explosion this time, which was just as well to Tas’ka. It could have alerted others to the activity within the asteroid belt and altered the trajectories of the field nearby, making navigation highly dangerous. ‘Kor’el, Manta 1 reports the Or’es’la are not coming around to engage...’ He paused, ‘Hold one, Kor’el...’ Tas’ka waited as her comms officer listened very intently to whatever the crew of the Manta destroyer had to say. His eyes widened, ‘Tau signals on approach Kor’el! One Lar’shi confirmed along with at least two Il’Fannor starships. Looks like a heavily armed merchant convoy!’ This was bad. Operation Distant Darkness must have it’s secrecy maintained at all costs and if they were to be sighted by merchant vessels when fleet command has no Lar’shi’vres stationed in this area, questions will be asked. ‘Rig for silent running! Shut down all weapon systems, active sensor sweeps and cut primary gravitic drives to 40% output. Order Manta 1 to give those ships a wide berth and return to us with all haste. Helm, take us under the southern pole and use the moon’s sensor shadow to put distance between us and them.’ All of her bridge crew responded in the affirmative and went to their tasks with speed and diligence. Tas’ka brought up passive sensors and comm activities on two separate hololiths. The passive sensors registered weapons fire the corresponded to Tau railguns and ion cannons. What concerned her more was the comms traffic. If their unknowing comrades had seen them, they would attempt to establish contact. If they did this, it would make maitenance of the project’s secrecy difficult to maintain. The only thing Kor’el Tas’ka could do was wait...

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PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND SCENARIO ONE SCENARIO TWO SCENARIO THREE SCENARIO FOUR SCENARIO FIVE - INTRO SCENARIO SIX SCENARIO SEVEN SCENARIO EIGHT SCENARIO NINE

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Background Story A Tau fleet intercepts a roving Ork Horde just at the moment Kor’el Tas’ka is attacking them.. Kor’el Tas’ka must get away fom the battlezone without being detected by the Tau ECF fleet. The Orks are just there to do what they do best: make war. Forces Tau Strike fleet 1x Protector Class Cruiser, commanded by Kor’el Tas’ka 2x Castellan Class Escorts Ork fleet 1x Terror Kroozer, commanded by Warlord Raghaxhor 1x Kill Kroozer with 6 hits left, port armament damaged 1x Kill Kroozer 2x Brute Ram Ship 4x Ravager Class Escorts 3x Onslaught Class Escorts Tau ecf 1x Hero Class Cruiser 2x Merchant Class Light Cruiser with Grav Hooks 4x Orka Class Escorts 3x Defender Class Escorts

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The Tau ECF player/fleet must act independent and concentrate on the destruction of the Ork fleet. It may go not hunting down Kor’el Tas’ka. (Acting in the spirit of the game and story). Whenever Kor’el Tas’ka moves within 30cm of a Tau ECF vessel they must make a Leadership test, when passed the Kor’el has been discovered. When Kor’el Tas’ka has shot at an Ork vessel in the same turn the Tau ECF gain +1 to their Leadership roll to detect him. The Ork may attack all Tau present. They are facing the Ork ECF when the battle starts. Game Length The battle lasts until Kor’el Tas’ka has been detected by the Tau ECF or when he manages to escape unnoticed. Victory Conditions Kor’el Tas’ka wins when he manages to escape of the Tau entry zone. The Tau ECF win when they destroy the Ork fleet. The Ork win when they destroy the Tau ECF fleet. 10 cm

Tau Entry Zone 60 cm

Battlezone This battle takes place in the Outer Reaches. Place a medium planet as shown on the map, it has no rings or moons of any form. Place other celestial phenomena per usual. 180cm x 120cm.

Ork

^ 30 cm deployment zone

First Turn The Tau fleet, Kor’el Tas’ka in this case take the first turn. Special Rules Kor’el Tas’ka must escape from the Tau table edge, it cannot escape from the other edges or through a disengage order because of celestial phenoma surrounding the battlefield.

40 cm

150 cm

Kor’el Tas’ka

‘The perfect coordination of attack craft is the art of command I strive for.’ - Kor’el Tas’ka

90 cm

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Background Story ‘...and in the time since the Kor’Vattra’s scout ship identified the threat, the enemy’s numbers have nearly doubled. In order to protect our comrades without revealing ourselves, we will not be sending them a warning.’ Kor’O R’yzon raised his hand to forestall protest from his various Captains. ‘We will be launching a raid to disrupt our enemy’s operations and soften them up for the Kor’Vattra force which was deployed two days ago. We will arrive before them but only with a small window of opportunity. Our primary target, will be the depots of this installation.’ He continued to explain, highlighting an asteroid build space dock. ‘Because this installation was quickly constructed, they do not have standard measures in place to protect such a vulnerable area. If we can detonate their munitions and fuel cache, the entire hangar array will explode with enough force to cripple the entire installation, thus denying our enemy a means to resupply so near our space.’ R’yzon looked at each of his captains individually. ‘This is of the utmost importance and failure is not an option. Our secondary objective is to cause as much damage to the enemy fleet as is possible while minimizing any damage to our own.’

Battlezone This battle takes place in the Outer Reaches, 180cmx120cm, place one large asteroid field along side one long table edge, reaching 30cm onto the table. The Imperial depots are deployed in their zone within 30cm of the asteroid field.

Forces Tau Strike fleet Pick a fleet up to 1000 points, it may include one or more of the available commanders available in the Distant Darkness fleet (eg: so it is for example possible to take both Kor’vre Sheva’s and Kor’el Taska).

Victory Conditions The Tau fleet must destroy at least 3 depots to ensure they stop functioning. In addition they should try to destroy as many Imperial Navy vessels as possible. If the Tau have any hulks on the table by the end of turn 8 Distant Darkness is uncovered. Imagine surviving ships at the end of turn 6 to leave just before the Kor’vattra arrives in turn 9. The Imperial Navy wins if they protect the depots.

Imperial Navy Pick a fleet up to 1500 points, it is led by Fleet Admiral Starking (Leadership 8 & 2 re-rolls), who’s point cost is included in those 1500 points. The Imperial Navy may take 150 points of orbital defences except Space Stations or Orbital Dockyards. 500 points of the fleet is deployed in the patrol zone. In addition the Imperial Navy has the following four depot which must be defended at all cost, below are the profiles for the connected depots:

First Turn The Tau fleet take the first turn. Special Rules • In this battle the Tau may shoot at own hulked vessels to destroy them, this to prevent being discovered by the Kor’vattra. • The Imperial Navy suffers –2 leadership for the first D3 turns. • After turn 8 (at the start of turn 9) a 1000 point strong Kor’vattra fleet arrives. Game Length The battle last eight turns.

Imperial Navy

80 cm

60 cm

>

Imperial Navy Patrol

Tau Strike Fleet

30 cm

Defence / 4 hitpoints / 5+ armour / 2 shields / 3 turrets strength 4 weapon battery @ 30cm all round

20 cm

‘I hesitate to put the Project in such a risky situation, yet I cannot avoid the essential need of the attack.’ - Fio’O Ly’tan

20 cm

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Background Story In a nearby system a roving pirate band has become a major harassment to Tau supply lines. Its path of butchery is leading towards the secret Distant Darkness facilities. Kor’O Ry’zon and Kor’el Tas’ka have been sent forth to make a preemptive strike on the Pirate fleet. Forces Tau Strike fleet 1x Phase 2 Protector Class Cruiser commanded by Kor’O Ry’zon with Tiger shark fighter-bombers 1x Phase 3 Protector Class Cruiser commanded by Kor’el Tas’ka 3x Castellan Class Escorts Pirate fleet 1x Murder Class Cruiser, Master DuPouzin - Leadership 8 and 2 re-rolls 1x Endeavour Class Light Cruiser 2x Escort Carriers 3x Iconoclast Class Destroyers 2x Sword Class Frigates 2x Firestorm Class Frigates

Lar shi vre Dimensions Lenght 600 metres Width 1200 metres Height 150 metres

Tau ships may enter from any board edge.

Battlezone 120cm x 120cm. This battle takes place in the Outer Biosphere. Place celestial phenomena per usual. First Turn The Tau fleet take the first turn. Special Rules The suprised Pirate fleet has -2 leadership modifier for the first D3 turns. Game Length The battle lasts until either fleet has been destroyed or has disengaged.

40 cm

Pirate fleet (all ships facing same direction)

40 cm

Victory Conditions Standard Victory Point rules apply.

‘We are the Hunter Cadres in space. High Command will be very pleased.’ - Kor’O Ry’zon

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Background Story Eldar catch a Tau explorer all by itself. Knowing the enemy the Eldar attack the vessel. But the vessel is by no means an ordinary explorer and puts up a tremendous fight. But despite the surprise the Eldar still feel superious and continue to attack the ship. Ly’tan sends out a secret distress call to a nearby Distant Darkness test patrol. Forces Tau ‘Ly’tan’ fleet 1x Explorer ‘Ly’tan’ Class Battleship, Leadership 9, 1 re-roll 2x Warden Class ‘Xi’s’or Shi’ntai’ Escorts

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Corsair Eldar entry zone 60 cm

Fio’O Ly’tan >

Corsair Eldar 1x Solaris Class Light Cruiser, prince Makaviel, Leadership 9, 2 re-rolls 2x Hellebore Class Escorts 2x Nightshade Class Escorts 1x Aconite Class Escort, squadroned with Nightshades. Tau Sheva’s rescue fleet. 1x Protector Class Cruiser, commanded by Sheva’s 1x Protector Class Cruiser with Tigershark fighter-bombers 3x Castellan Class Escort Battlezone 180cm x 120cm. This battle takes place in Deep Space. Place Celestial Phenomena per usual. First Turn The Tau fleet, Ly’tan in this case, takes the first turn. Special Rules Use the rules from The bait scenario from the rulebook. Ships may not disengage voluntarily. Victory Points Tau: Ly’tan and Sheva’s must survive. Eldar: destroy all Tau vessels.

Explorer ‘Ly’tan’ Class

In secrecy, unknown to all but High Command, Fio’O Ly’tan build himself a command vessel during phase I of Project Distant Darkness. Hits: 12 / Speed: 20cm / Shields: 3 / Armour 5+ (prow deflector 6+) Turrets: 4 / Turns 45* / Integrated Tracking Systems Prow weapons battery: Dorsal weapons battery: Port Launch Bay: Starboard Launch Bay: Grav hooks:

strength 8 – 45cm LFR strength 6 – 45cm LFR strength 3 - na strength 3 - na 2 Wardens ‘Xi’s’or Shi’ntai’

Warden ‘Xi’s’or Shi’ntai’ configuration

Hits: 1 / Speed: 25cm / Shields: 1 / Armour 5+ / Turrets: 1 / Turns: 90* Ion Cannon:

strength 2 – 30cm F

‘You must understand Kor’vre Sheva’s, I cannot go into full exposure with this ship. It was build at the same time and with the same secrecy as phase I of Project Distant Darkness. Only High Command and I, of course you as well now, know of its existence. I am sure you will understand and keep the existence of my ship to yourselves.’ - Fio’O Ly’tan

PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND SCENARIO ONE SCENARIO TWO SCENARIO THREE SCENARIO FOUR SCENARIO FIVE SCENARIO SIX SCENARIO SEVEN SCENARIO EIGHT SCENARIO NINE - MISSION

Upon the bridge of his Marauder Emissary, Kor’vre Nua’ta was examining the data logs from all of the recent tests of his ship. His ship, docked to the project’s ship yard, floated passively, an elegant predator at rest. As he viewed the communication logs, he noticed something odd. Being an unknown and unacknowledged force within the empire meant there was little information that they gathered that was actually meant for them. What appeared odd, however, was that the regular progress report of a relatively young colony was overdue. It could ofcourse be due to message drone malfunction, transmitter failure, or any number of innocent causes. But Nua’ta suspected it was something much darker in reality. As he began to ponder this leap of reasoning, he not so much heard, but sensed a presence upon the bridge with him. He looked over his shoulder and what he saw brought both fear and anger to the forefront of his stoic mind. In an instant his pulse pistol was drawn and leveled at the lean creature standing before him. ‘This can’t be real. You couldn’t be here. What is this?’ The Tau demanded of the Haemonculus standing before him. ‘Real? Curious choice of words, young one. This is no waking nightmare, and yet it is not entirely real as you believe it to be...’ The Dark Eldar’s response was in fluent, if accented Tau. ‘The real question, Nua’ta, is how real am I to you?’ In response, Nua’ta fired the pulse pistol. It’s muzzel flash lasted not even an entire heartbeat, but he found himself staring at a pulse burn on the far bulkhead of his bridge. The Haemonculus’ voice came from behind this time. ‘I am now part of you Nua’ta.’ ‘Lies!’ The Tau shouted as he pointed his pulse pistol at the Haemonculus’ face. ‘Did you think your pristine health and youth were an accident?’ The Dark Eldar countered. ‘I am a copy of the personality belonging to the Haemonculus who tortured you and dissected your Aun. I exist in your mind alone.’ ‘That’s impossible...’ replied a bewildered Nua’ta. ‘You’re a hallucination.’ ‘You don’t believe that. You have heard me speak to you in the place between your nightmares and wakefulness. I would like us to have a diplomatic relationship, especially if I am to live in your head from now on...’ Replied the spectre. ‘You aren’t real.’ Nua’ta replied as he attempted to refocus upon the delayed colony check. Still, the spectre would not leave him alone. ‘Ah, those poor unfortunate colonists. It seems they have been dealt a fate crueller than most.’ He mused. ‘It is best that we are here. Even I do not know

how strong the attack is.’ Nua’ta hesitated at those words. This was all likely a hallucination or some waking nightmare. But if it were not... Nua’ta decided then and opened a comm channel to dockyard command. ‘Kor’vre Nua’ta here. Request permission to undock and engage in spy drone calibration test.’ He received permission and was soon bound for a warp dive vector that would take him to the colony. Less than a rotaa later, Kor’vre L’ikei stood in a briefing room with Kor’O Ry’zon discussing Nua’ta’s disappearance. ‘The only real lead we have is that his exit vector which we observed him leaving on matches the coordinates he gave docking control for where he would be conducting these tests he spoke of.’ O’Ry’zon explained. ‘And we are certain that these spy drones have already been calibrated?’ Vre’L’ikei responded. ‘Yes. They were tested and approved for operational use several rotaa ago. What I want you to do is to take the Mantis and find him, learn why he left, if he left under false pretenses, and bring him back to us undiscovered.’ Ry’zon replied. Hiding in the moon’s sensor shadow on low power output, Nua’ta deployed the spy drones around the curvature of the colony’s only orbiting body. The spectre, which Nua’ta had decided to call Dar’ce as a shortening of the name given to the rumoured Dark Eldar race, had remained bothersome. ‘I’m impressed, Nua’ta. You actually lied to your comrades to take me on a little adventure. Bringing more than a skeleton crew may have been advisable though.’ Dar’ce commented over Nua’ta’s shoulder as he awaited the data from the drones. ‘It is good that we came.’ ‘I don’t think you can convince me you have altruistic motivations Dar’ce.’ Nua’ta replied sarcastically as the data feed began. ‘On the contrary, I wouldn’t want to live in the head that blamed itself for doing nothing to prevent a slaughter. You have enough convoluted and conflicted memories, thoughts and dreams as it is.’ replied Dar’ce. ‘Well it doesn’t matter. I’m just verifying and field testing these spy drones’ functionality and at the same time checking on a colony late for...’ His sentence was cut short be an alert from his ship’s combat AI, a network of interlinked tactical drones throughout the ship. Nua’ta brought the data to the main tactical display. Before him hovered the holographic image of a pair of Dark Eldar corsairs.

‘I am lost. I am falling in a hole and I still do not see the bottom.’ - Kor’vre Nua’ta

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PHASE 3 FLEET PROCEDURE PHASE 3 FLEET COMMAND SCENARIO ONE SCENARIO TWO SCENARIO THREE SCENARIO FOUR SCENARIO FIVE SCENARIO SIX SCENARIO SEVEN SCENARIO EIGHT SCENARIO NINE - INTRO

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Background Story Nua’ta has disappeared to intercept a Dark Eldar raid and L’ikei has been sent to find him. However, due to other influences, Nua’ta will not only engage the enemy ships he has discovered, but attempt to bomb the city that the Dark Eldar have invaded from low orbit. Kor’vre L’ikei must stop him, by any means necessary. ‘You tricked me!’ Forces ‘I simply showed you where your enemy was.’ Kor’vre Nua’ta, Marauder Class Emissary‘You twisted the ideals of the

Tau’va and used it to manipulate me!’ ‘I simply helped you remember how you suffered once. It was Dark Eldar your decision to prevent the colonists from 1x Corsair Class Escort with Weapon Batteries suffering as you did.’ 1x Corsair Class Escort with Torpedoes ‘No more of this, Dar’ce! You obey my rules as long as you live Battlezone here! I am a servant and protector of the Tau’va Kor’vre L’ikei, Mantis Class Emissary

180cm x 120cm. This battle takes place in the Inner Biosphere. Place one medium planet and a moon as shown on the map.

and I will not let you corrupt that!’ First Turn ‘Do you honestly think you could

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return fire, but Nua’ta may not initiate a firefight between the two ships. If either Tau ship is crippled or takes damage when already crippled as a result of battling one another, Nua’ta snaps out of it and stands down and the mission is a success for L’ikei. Victory Points If both Tau ships survive the battle and L’ikei prevents Nua’ta from destroying the colony: Tau Victory! If, somehow, both Tau ships are either destroyed or disengage and at least one Dark Eldar escort is still in play then: appaling Dark Eldar Victory! If one of the Tau ships is destroyed, or the city is destroyed: Tau Defeat! 40 cm 60 cm

Dark Eldar Corsair

60 cm

Kor’vre Nua’ta 100 cm

Kor’vre Nua’ta has the first turn.

walk the paths of shadow and maintain your integrity?’

Special Rules ‘O’Ry’zon has and continues to do so. It burdens At the start of the second turn Kor’vre L’ikei in her Mantis may enter the battle using its special stealth rules. him but he is unbroken. I

will follow the path he has shown to us.’

Once the Dark Eldar are destroyed, Nua’ta must enter low orbit at the earliest opportunity and use the Marauder’s special missiles to bomb a target that counts as a 4 hits, 5+ armour ground defense with no turrets or shields. In order to stop Nua’ta, L’ikei will use any means necessary. If at any point after the Dark Eldar have been destroyed and L’ikei’s ship is within 15cm of Nua’ta’s ship, she may attempt a dice roll on 2d6. On a score of 9 or higher, she has successfully talked him down and her mission is a success. She may fire on Nua’ta in an attempt to cripple his ship, and he may

Kor’vre L’ikei arrived in orbit of the colony to find Nua’ta engaging Dark Eldar craft. One corsair had already fallen to his missiles but another was in the blindspot behind his ship, preventing him from returning fire. L’ikei entered at this moment and destroyed the remaining Dark Eldar ship. When she realized what her comrade intended to do next, she attempted to talk him out of such madness but to no avail. By the time she entered low orbit, he had already fired a triple salvo of missiles. She piloted her ship so as to interpose it between the missiles and their intended target, while launching Barracuda fighters to intercept some of the missiles, but they were met by the fighter pilots of Nua’ta’s ship and they stalemated one another, neither taking the offensive against the other until finally recalled. The missiles however, continued on and impacted the vulnerable starboard of L’ikei’s ship, causing serious damage to the prototype vessel. Kor’vre Nua’ta, realizing what had happened turned his full attention to lending aid to L’ikei and redirected the missiles at the last instant to detonate in the upper atmosphere. As they returned to base, Nua’ta fell into a coma that lasted two kai’rotaa.

‘I mourn what he has and continues to endure. What we found in the city, what our communications revealed to us, was evil and madness. He had to endure these nightmares once before, and now he faces them again. I hope the Tau’Va provides the guidance he will need. I hope we are able to help him’ - Kor’vre L’ikei

‘ Is he read y fo r the tr uth? ’ ‘Almos t . Eve r y thing f l ows as p re dic te d .’ ‘G o o d, tim e to p re p are the ne x t p has e.’ ‘ Fo r the G reate r G o o d .’

TO B E CO N T I N U E D

Project Distant Darkness

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