The Backstory + Random WIP Photos

So here is the back story for my gang and the campaign from my perspective, I thought about scattering random images of models from my WIP bucket throughout so it wasn't just a wall of text. However once I wrote it I knew they would not gel well with the story. So instead here is an image of how my Barbed Heirodule is developing to keep those that want pretty pictures happy. More images are at the end to help you cleanse your palette and some may wish to skip straight to that.

 

Please be advised that in the grim dark not all content may be suitable for the youthful and naive or those weak of heart.

----- Down the Rabbit Hole -----

When the first tremors began, Vorne was at home in her living quarters within the Hab Block. While more vicious than the regular mining tremors, Vorne stuck her head beneath tomorrows mining gear and tried to get some sleep. Being in the mines without proper rest was a death waiting to happen and there was no excuse that could ever excuse you from work in the Underhive. It wasn't until she arrived at work the next morning with a cup of Hot Recaf in hand that things started to get worse.

The tremors had not been coming from the mines in fact to make matters worse due to collapsed mines and other risks (to the precious mining equipment) work had been halted. This had caused commotion for all, as the workers protested for without work there would be no pay. Vorne kept away from the protesters, work would resume as soon as it could. There would be worse consequences if it didn't and she didn't want to be considered a trouble maker if the enforcers showed up to keep things in line.

She was on her third cup of recaf when she saw the first section of the underhive collapse, a section of about five hab blocks became a rolling dustcloud. Scrabbling to bring her respirator to her mouth before it hit she was thrown from her feet by another tremor much larger than any yet.

Blank darkness was what greeted her when she opened her eyes. Thankfully she had managed to get her respirator on before she had passed out. Once her eyes started to adjust she could make out the shapes of the other workers, some had been crushed by falling debris others had died asphyxiated by the relentless clouds of asphalt, concrete and rust. Alone it seemed or at least she hoped for down in the mines were a host of horrors that may have also survived such a disaster. Knowing it was stupid to stay she collected what rations or liquids she could from her co-workers and picked one of the many openings and made her way deeper into the mines.

Time was hard enough to gauge in the underhive with no natural indicators but deep within the tunnels it was even harder, trying to pace herself with what supplies she had proved a futile attempt and it had only seemed like a day or two before she had nothing left. Curled in a corner she waited for the inevitable, questioning whether it would be a stray Ambul that pick up on her scent or the slow death in the darkness she expected. She prayed to the Darkness for anything else, the darkness did not answer as slowly she passed to and from consciousness.

Eventually a sharp light broke the cycle, viciously burning her eyes as it had been days since she saw anything other than a faint light emitted from the toxic waste clinging to the walls. Unable to make anything out as her brain screamed in shared agony she heard the first voice. "Looks like we found another survivor, she must be pretty tough to have made it this long on her own". "Better take her back" said the other. "Well lets make sure we have some fun with her before we have to share" replied the first. Her eyes were finally adjusting to the light as he dropped trow, she began to curse and wished she had died or at least were still unconscious. As she screamed and forced her eyelids to shut she first heard 'the voice', it whispered inside her head. It told her not to worry, to told her how to escape her body and it told her she would have her revenge.

When she came too she found herself within a lavishly lit and decorated cavern, her bare skin on top of the softest material she had ever experienced. Bound however, her wrists tied and pinned above her head. Twisting her body and turning her head she was able to see the source of the odd and varied noises. Men and women, willing and unwilling, thrusting and convulsing. Disgusted Vorne averted her gaze, shuddering at the thought for surely she would be dragged into the heap of heaving bodies eventually. That was when he appeared, a man dressed in lavish silks and a charming smile. He asked if she wished to be a free woman. Gathering what saliva she had in her mouth to spit in his face in answer the voice appeared once more within her head telling her to trust him. Instead as she looked up she answered firmly that she wished to be set free. He drew his blade, cut her loose and as he offered his hand to help her up he introduced himself as Gerrit.

Following him out of the cavern of delights as he fondly called it he showed her to a room full of old clothes. As she picked out some pants and even an armoured breastplate that fitted her well he explained what happened over the past week. Firstly the section of the underhive they had all lived in collapsed. Many died but those that survived found they could no longer live as they had. Travelling into the now exposed tunnel network many found old abandoned or at least unknown parts of the Underhive. No area was self sufficient but linked by the tunnels the survivors were able to make it work. Many a gang including Gerrits own had formed to make claim to parts of the Warren and these connected caverns are where he had chosen to settle.

Once he left her to get settled in the voice whispered about revenge, muttering back so that none could hear clearly they discussed the plan and she set about finding a suitable implement. Amongst a pile of of discarded scraps she found a herself a jagged and sharp but wonderfully solid piece of broken steel just over a hands length long. Quickly she tucked it away before anyone saw.

That night she found the man who had first tormented her, the shard of steel hidden within her top. This time she was one to remove her pants first and told him to relax. Riding him as he edged nearer to his final moments he closed his eyes. Vorne finally drew he jagged shard from her top and repeated plunged it into his neck giving him the the sweet release he so clearly desired. Cackling madly as his corpse went limp within her; the voice whispered sweet nothings within her head.

Vorne never once returned to the Cavern of delights nor was she bothered in her sleep. It might have been word of what she did or the fact that her muttering only got louder and less coherent when she closed her eyes. It was not long before all of Gerrits followers called her Vorne the Crazed.

Gerrit was not shy of the fact that he had forsaken the light of the god-emperor. In fact he proudly bore his new gods signet on his finger. His god would offer pleasure and ecstasy like none other. Any who found shelter in the safety his gang offered would have to forsake god-emperor as well or be bound within the cavern of delights so that others may find pleasure in them. While Vorne had clearly forsaken the corpse emperor and would confirm her hate for him, she had yet to accept this new god as her own. This was enough however and Gerrit offered her along with any others a chance to bear arms and clear a new path for them all within the Warren as it was slowly being referred to.

Within the armoury of scavenged weapons and discarded equipment Vorne found a large antique flamer. This ornate beast had obviously been ignored by those before her as it would be unwieldy and unreliable however with an inbuilt chainsaw Vorne saw only the carnage she could inflict on those before her. Taking some mud and tar she scribbled across the chainblade "Death + Hate". She found herself cackling once again as thoughts of how she would ignite her Hate and bring a bloody Death to those before her trickled into her mind.

In the following months she joined Gerrit and his gang as they cut bloody life for themselves in the Warren. Tales rose of their deeds an they lived like royalty at the expense of those who foolishly still followed the corpse emperor. These tales however were heard by those of faith well outside the Warren.

Gerrit had relocated most of the gang to a new shrine of decadence. It was here that they came raiding in the night, zealous fanatics of house Cawdor and women clad in black and draped in purity seals. Endless streams of fire cut down most of their warriors. Gathering her best friend Razzle and any others she could and with the help of the voice guided them. In the cover of the surrounding violence they made their escape.

Gerrit it seemed had not be slaughtered with his men, instead he alone had been kept alive. All those in the Warren had been invited to his public execution. Covering her identity she and the survivors attended hopeful that they might be able to save him, their savior. It was a foolish hope, the executioners gallows were surrounded by fanatic zealots driven into a mad frenzy by the event and standing atop it were many more of the black clad Sisters more heavily armed than any gang. Cursing her own naivety and foolishness she could do nothing more as he was beheaded but vow revenge.

Returning once again to the caverns where it had all started Vorne gathered up all the surviving followers. Knowing that they must have had a traitor within them Vorne singled out all those who had once offered allegiance to Cawdor. About a dozen were now bound in the Cavern of Delights however it was no longer so delightful, the orgies had ceased and an elaborate ritual circle had been drawn in the blood of another. Vorne would use this chance to bring life to the voice in her head and with its help bring down her enemies.

Knowing that she would need to sacrifice not only the traitors before her but the cursed fetus growing within her as well; Vorne shed her clothing and for the first time in over 3 months removed her armoured breastplate. Steeping past the bound captives into the middle of the ritual circle Vorne began the process, speaking forbidden words of an arcane tongue. At the height of the ritual dark energies flooded out from her and she screamed in pain as she felt the voice inside her take on a new host within her. Her screams did not end, they rose in volume as did the pain she felt. As with any birth it felt like an eternity and single moment all in one.

As she went to lie down next to the convulsing multicoloured heap between her legs it opened its many tortured eyes. Gazing into its eyes and feeling a sense of relief she asked it its name. Opening its Matryoshka-esk mouth a tongue rolled out past its many sets of teeth. Then with its distended maw and tongue lolling about on the ground it gargled "Zarggglebarbeljarg". Vorne smiled in true peace as it suckled up to her.

----- End of Part 1 -----

 

As discussed here are some pictures of my lovely Harpy made from the left over parts for the Barbed Heirodule at the top of the page. If that doesn't cleanse the palette maybe this confusing meme I stole from facebook will jolt you out of it. 

Best not to ask questions

Meeeaaat!!!

Vorne heard word that containers had been dumped from the Upper Hive into the old dome. The street was a buzz with rumours and gossip of what sorts of treasures they may hold. Vorne wasn't so certain and if there was such treasure it wouldn't be there for long. She gathered up some of her best men and set forth. After about half an hours journey into the dome they stumbled across the first of the shipping containers. No lock had been put on them and the inside of the doors and walls were dripping with blood. Anyone of weaker stomach would have surely emptied its contents at the sight.

56 Zombies... it wasn't enough

Suddenly gun shots rang out nearby followed by the revving of chain blades. Vorne signaled for her men to rush to the fight, rounding another container she saw Old Kotton Mouth surrounded by Upper Hivers, their clothes ripped and wounds festering. The containers held not unwanted treasure from the Upper Hive but Infected, crazed by the virus and driven into a cannibalistic frenzy. Without hesitation she revved up her own chain sword and charged to intercept another bearing down on Kotton mouth and his offspring. They nodded for both knew the situation was dire and if they were to survive then any petty squabbles would need to be put aside for later.

The first round.

Vorne lost track of time as they started cleaving and burning their way back towards the tunnel network and the way out. Eventually she found herself free from the infected for a moment, the ones in the immediate vicinity were already butchered and scattered across the floor. She carefully peered around the corner, a large group of the Dustmen surrounded 3 Sisters. Damn those Holy Zealots. Looking back she found that Old Kotton Mouth was missing however half his Kids had made it through with her. She informed them and her own men to put away any of their own religious icons and play along.

Some of Kotton Mouths Kids

She rounded the corner hands raised in peace. She could hear more gun fire and moments later a joint force of the Compact and Belorusskayans came down another passage way. She could hear the scraping of feet and twisted howls of the infected, the respite wouldn't be long. Vorne laughed for it looked like she was going to have to work with her hated enemies as well.  She spotted a broken Ambot in the corner, its head missing and one leg broken. Razzle was pretty good with machine spirits and set about trying to get it as operational as possible, she managed to just in time for the first wave of the infected.

We didn't have a beast lair marker with us so used a half done Ambot

It blasted waves of melta everywhere and clawed aimlessly at the air, however the mindless infected were stupid enough to attack it and get within its arcs of hellish flames. As Vorne let forth another goute of her own flame she found her tank now empty, lucky she came prepared and got Sable to cover her while she swapped fuel tanks. As she stood up Sable was flung backwards past her by one of the oncoming infected. No time or space unleash her fresh flames; she revved up Death and cut down the on-comer.

My Tactics Cards for the Event

Eek

Cursing Vorne could see just how many infected were sprinting towards her. Looking down at Cuddles and Charming; Vorne knew just what to do and met them head on. Her world became a timeless sea of blood and senseless colours, her chainsword heaving up and down almost rythmically. How long it lasted she knew not but eventually she was able to take stock of the real world.

Its like rain, it starts of light but can turn into a shitstorm in a moment.

Dashing backwards behind the Dustmen Vorne was finally free to let lose with Hate, her flames clogging the air with the smell of burnt flesh. Everywhere she turned were infected, and she wouldn't let go of the trigger, she was going to take them all to hell.

Rolled last on initiative, which worked out great for me.

By the time she emptied her tank again the room was piled high with burnt corpses. Taking stock she could only see herself and Kotton Mouths Kids still standing. Looking about she found Razzle and Sable miraculously unconscious amongst the unburnt bodies behind her. Kotton Mouth and the rest of his Kids came down the passage that they had first arrived from, sticky with blood himself. Vorne knew there was no treasures for herself to be found here. Kotton Mouth had 2 of his lads carry Sable and Razzle while escorting her back to the Warren.

The Final Round.

*******************************************

Scenario: Meeaaatt!!
Territory: Collapsed Dome
Winner: Kotton Mouths Kids

#freetheflamer

The Whole Crew including the now deceased Worm

Vorne had sent word for the crew to meet at the depot and to cover their faces and keep any signets hidden. The job was well paying but the cult would not likely be received well by the guilders so it was best to be safe. The truck they were escorting had the meanest looking roller on the front, nothing was going to slow it down and 2 heavy stubbers bound together on top of the cab. Sadly the guilders had locked themselves into the cab and closed the hatch so the guns were unusuable. Something about making sure the most precious of cargo was safe. Vorne had Sible and Sable flank the ride and asked the driver to go at a steady pace so that they could keep up. It wasn't till the old office district long since abandoned from when the Administratum had a presence in the underhive that Sible just stopped walking.

Vorne the Crazed and her Pet Cuddles

Vorne called out questioning why he had stopped and he merely dropped his bandana revealing he was not actually Sible. Enraged Vorne stepped forward only to see cuddles lift into the air eyes glowing. Vorne cursed before her world was suddenly flipped into a cascade of colours. When she returned all but Reek and Riegar had been left as barely recognisable corpses, the pipe bomb had caught them all off guard. Vorne lept from the truck conscious of how precious 'Hates' promethium is at the moment she chose to rev up 'Death' before barreling down at the attacker. Death certainly lived up to its name sake as blood began pooling at her feet.

Sible, Shift, Sable and Riegar

Riegar enraged at the traitor cared not for how low his promethium tank was he was sure to make them pay. In the near permanent dusk of the underhive he turned the traitor into a living beacon for all to see. As they collapsed to the ground Sable ran up and drove his bayonet through the back of their neck to ensure the job was done. He just hoped his brother was okay if this traitor had taken his place.

Reek and Razzle

Looking up from corpse at her feet Vorne could see the Dustmen flooding from behind the buildings and scattered containers, bracing herself as one bearing a shotgun rounded the corner and let lose. Cuddles started to rise eyes glowing once again but before her world flipped inside out again he scattered into the wind amongst the oncoming shrapnel. Vorne was not spared from the blast either, falling to her knees blood coming from a wound under her plate. Looking up to Reek for help she instead saw him pick up one of the containers they were meant to protect and lift his mask. Yet another traitor was revealed. Cursing her ignorance and feeling so naive Vorne called for everyone still able to move to run and prayed to her Dark Gods that they would all make it out.

Opponents Left, Mine Right - Intrigues adding Flavour

Our new Necromunda campaign started at the beginning of Feb. Down the Rabbit Hole Part 2. I had played 2 or 3 games in the last campaign but didn't really give it much love and it was more about learning about the game. I did however write some short stories for those and might post some later on to recap my experience of Part of the Journey. Once nice touch however is that because a Chaos Cult won the last campaign they are being used as an NPC gang almost like a Drug cartel, they have a higher rating and lots of gear and skills. You can challenge them but I think they might also get used in Arbirating the lawful gangs. On the flipside hearing the news of Chaos in the Underhive, Sisters of Battle have arrived and will be treated as an arbitrating tool against any Outlaw gangs who gets too far ahead of themselves. 

Shysaleeeshka, my summoned "Bounty Hunter"

I had my first game of the campaign on the 3rd. The Arbitrator suggested we started with something narrative and fun to get into it, so me and my opponent played the Caravan heist. I was defending and my opponent was attacking. I got the old ork battlewagon out and gave it a good coat of agrax earthshade as I since learned over the years is that washing my models was not something to fear. Sufficiently grimy and thankfully didn't have any orks modeled on. The opening story is based on that game and the outcome was very clear. The intrigue cards coupled with his opening overseer action left me unable to compete. Lessons learned is that a good looking and thematic set up was not always the best tactical option.

Not great but good enough

I wasn't the only one who suffered heavy losses that day. Another player barely got out with any crew that would be available next game. As such 4 of us agreed to do a Pit Fight for the Fighting Pits so that he wouldn't have to play a game and bottle straight away to get his fighters out of recovery.

Zarggglebarbeljarg

I somehow became enemy number 1 in the pit fight with everyone running at poor Zarggglebarbeljarg. Thanks to fearsome the first 2 charges whiffed. I attempted a charge and rolled a 1 on the charge dice. I was 2 inches out, it was declared a failed charge, it wasn't until other people had started their turns that I realised I had a weapon with reach and 2 inches was actually fine but it was too late, people had moved on. I got charged and chopped into bloody pieces. 64 on my injury roll meant he was about to die but 40cr at the doctors later and he had spinal injury or did for the moment before I rolled a 6 for the chance to mutate. Now my horror has a -1 to being hit but cant wear armour. I'm okay with this as I don't think he should have been wearing armour anyway really. I thought about trying to make another short story out of that match as that is my aim to give life to the campaign and my gang but there really wasnt enough to go on and I still cant get over how bad I am at remembering my rules. I will instead treat that as a training exercise and make more of an effort to remember what all my little keywords do.

My Crew at the end of Week 2.
Charming, Vornes newest pet is yet to be previewed.

As seen I have also started making some scratch built terrain for my own sump city. As well as piece I got for a dollar off one of the club members whos wife wanted it gone. Such a vivid green I thought it would make well as my Sump City Radio tower. For those that don't know there is a new Podcast called Sump City Radio, its a Necromunda podcast with a mixture of the hosts discussing the game and the hobby itself and treating the podcast as if it was actually a vox channel in the hive, with weather reports and sports correspondents at the fighting pits. Its worth the listen though I personally had to skip the cooking show as it got a bit to vivid for me. Its things like this that really help bring life to the game and setting especially when the letters to the radio they are receiving do actually seem to set in game as well, messages from other Hives and how their gangs are prospering or not.

Sadly didn't come with the Minis

Anyway more games to come, hopefully I win a territory before we move to the next stage. Also of note I am starting a campaign to free the flamer. It has been house ruled that much like grenades anything with the blaze trait automatically fails its ammo check, the difference from grenades is that they can be reloaded. I didn't understand the reasoning myself. They are very very expensive items, 195crs for a one use turret in the Heavy Flamer. Maybe once I roll high enough on the trading post and get suspensors the heavy flamer might be better, damm outlaw status making that a slightly difficult item to get. The main complaint actually seemed to be about how powerful templates were for pinning people and the Arbitrators gang and a few others stocked up on combat shotguns for that exact reason... No point crying about it though and maybe I will get the chance to set several people on fire and see why such a heavy handed rule has been put in place.

P.S. I saw that someone had printed and painted the objective markers and it makes me happy to see that I am not the only one using them. Much better painted than mine as well.