A brief look into last weekend: A collage

For those of you who don't know, I play airsoft actively. Airsoft is a military simulation sport in which two teams of multiple people use tactics, communication, and strategy to best the other team.
Our squad (that's myself, Cameron, Alex, Taylor, William, And Jokob) Were assigned to 2nd platoon for the course of the game. The objective of 2nd platoon was essentially search and destroy.  I'm not doing an after action report, just sharing some pictures. Hope you all enjoy

Jakob, Cameron, William, Myself, Alex

The game was taking place at an old farm. Around 250 acres to play on, about a hundred players. Fifty players each team. Two day game with night-fighting allowed.
A river divided the farm, and thick forest overgrew around the fields of the farm. There were a few abandoned buildings within the forest as well.

Me on the horn with the platoon lead
letting him know we've setup a position
across from an old barn

2nd Platoon Medics relaxing after a firefight

2nd Platoon scouts pinned down in an old Animal pen

                                                      This guy was our platoon leader



Myself in the back of the truck our team used
to get around quickly



2nd Platoon holding up on a trail while waiting for
the rendezvous with 1st and 3rd platoon.







 

Me enjoying a tactical snack while our squad took

a fiver. This was during the first day after a nice, hour long firefight with the other team. 



Taylor Crawling under a barbed-wire fence that ran
Parallel to the river.

 

Myself and Another returning to our Forward HQ for the night.

This was my favourite picture. Anyways. Hope you all enjoyed the pictures

Things will be posted soon, I know I keep saying that but I keep getting distracted. This time I'll make sure things are done.

A little Fluff: Vatarian Plate

This post is born from a discussion we had during Dark Heresy after getting spaced. Several times. It goes into light detail of the various suits of Vatarian plate Armour. On a side note, expect more posts soon.





Mark I-A - The Vatarian Mark I-A suit of armour is a reliable design from early M.37. It is expensive, but is durable, easy to maintain, and strong enough to withstand most types of ballistic weaponry.Additionally, the power cables on the suit are covered by a light carapace coating. The joints are also reinforced with additional padding to protect the wearer from shrapnel. It's internal systems give it the ability to track targets, provide multiple vision settings to see in a higher spectrum, and allows the wearer to patch into local computer and navigation networks. More recent upgrades have increased the vox range to nearly a kilometer without having to tap into an external vox link.

The suit also has capacity to go into space for limited time. The wearer can comfortable stay in an airless/toxic environment for about forty five minutes without having to find another air supply. Along with the internal air unit, the suit also has mag-boots to allow the wearer to walk in a Zero-G area. This is the suit preferred by spacers, assassins, and units on long-range missions that expect little to no supply.

Mark I-B - The Mark I-B suit has all the aforementioned capabilities, with the edition of an improved logic engine. This suit can track multiple targets at once, provide an improved HUD for the wearer, as well as increased motor units that allow the wearer to better move around and fight.


Mark II - The Mark II suit loses some of its internal systems, but has gains in mobility. Now unable to track more than one target at a time, it now can allow the wearer to run faster, just higher, and have overall better gyroscopic control.

The upgrades also mean that Zero-g movement has become much simpler with the addition of Mag-gauntlets. However, this comes with a sacrifice: The suit is only able to operate in airless environments for half of an hour. The power consumption of the suit is also led to exposed power cables along the chest and back. Normally the wearer of the suit would be a scout, a medic, or a light infantryman.

Mark III -  The Mark III suit was developed in mid M.38 as a replacement for the aging, and flawed Mark I and II suits. It has an extended battery life to allow to the wearer to operate for several days without having to recharge. It's internal systems were improved to allow the wearer to track multiple targets at once, have an integrated HUD system that connects directly to the user's weaponry, improved communication and navigations modules, and a wireless logic tool that can hack into various frequencies and signals. The power cables on this suit have been covered by several layers of Carapace plating, and the joins have been reinforced with flak/carapace fibers to protect the wearer from explosive and ballistics damage.

This suit also has external hardpoints to mount various devices and equipment, further freeing the wearer from having to carry cumbersome bags and pouches. There is also an optional Vox Caster unit that can be mounted on the back of the suit, but this would definitely limit the wearer's mobility and maneuverability. This suit is preferred by Commanders, Vanguard Units, and Technicians.

Battle of Charger Pass Pt. 1

Planet: Arrakia
Location: 170 km northeast of Leton City; 15 km away from Dusse Port

A week after Leton City fell to a surprise attack of Black Legion and ork auxiliaries, the last vestige of still-loyal citizens was decimated.  The PDF on the planet were still reeling, and unable to effectively coordinate a counter-attack.  This opportunity was seized by the ork forces who fractured into individual warbands.  They started reeking havoc across the main habitat region between the Sawtooth Mountains out west and the east coast of the Wave Dune Ocean.
By the time an encircling army was finally able to contain the enemy to the capitol, the orks had spread beyond the local area.  The most immediate ork concerns for the defenders was a massive horde of greenskins headed north to where the Field Marshall's last known position.  The Thunder Dragons send a force up north to lead the regional PDF in intercepting them.
They risked the only five Predators their chapter still had to eliminate the main ork assault estimated to contain close to 300 tanks.  Captain Kaga of the 4th Company decided the best course of action was to set an ambush at Charger Pass along the stretch of Leto Highway.

The dust plumes rose high above the stretches of the Red Mane Plains.  Through the rangefinders, the Thunder Dragons' three Predator tanks (Prophet of Truth, Prophet of Mercy, and Prophet of Regret) spotted the bikers ahead of the battlegroup.  "Regret, begin the attack," the commander of Truth stated.
Regret was the only Annihilator-pattern tank the chapter possessed armed with sponson-mounted lascannons.  It roared towards the highway the orks were using.  Constant adjustments to their targeters ensured that they were ready to fire as the tank slid to a stop over a kilometer away from the road.
As soon as the bikes were within range, autocannons opened fire followed by a salvo of energy bolts.  Three of the four shots hit true; the bikers raced off the pavement in pursuit.  Regret moved back while the guns continued to blast away; more bikes exploding along the way.
Now in range, the other two fired their autocannons.  When the orks got close enough, the heavy bolters started shooting as well.  Regret passed the others and turned around.  Its guns swivelled around to continue their barrage.  Mercy and Truth proceeded to follow whilst keeping the autocannons trained on the bikers.  Unfortunately for Mercy, orks caught up with it and started pounding the treads and sides of the tank.  One nob armed with a power klaw snapped the support for one of the heavy bolter sponsons.  It was quickly forgotten in the chase.
Back at the highway, smoke screen provided by the bikes dissipated.  A massive armoured column of ork tanks rolled out of the dust cloud.  They barrelled on ahead even as the road became a valley in a dense region of hills.  An explosion on the underside of the lead tank took them by surprise.  Shots boomed from the surrounding hillsides and plumes of flame and dirt leapt up all around them.
Cries of WAAAAGH!!! were drowned out by the volley by explosions in their midst.  The orks started wildly firing their guns every-which-way they could.  Thus, the first major armoured battle of the Arrakian Campaign began.

(NSFW) Tales of Infinite Mischief Ep. 3

The Space Marines who waited at the armoury doors had black armour with white aquilas or skulls.  Their knees plates down to their boots were a dark red color and the helmets were a pale green.  One poised a missile launcher to fire at the Valkyrie while the others aimed their boltguns or a bolt pistol.  They allowed the gunship to land on the sky pad without incident.
Grim shut off the engines and got out of the gunship.  He walked over to the Space Marines with arms wide.  Wolfe nervously sat at the heavy bolter emplacement, thumbs hovering over the triggers.  "What's the tech-priest thinking?" he whispered.
"Hopefully, preventing another friendly fire incident," Millard directed the last few words at Jax.  Tense minutes went by as the tech-priest talked with the one wielding a bolt pistol and chainsword.  Finally, he gestured for the rest of the group to come over.
"Captain McCormick of the Steel Nightmares task force on this planet."  He shook Jax's hand.  "Gulliman was persuading me that you were here to kill the traitorous Hive Governor.  He's locked up inside the armoury."
"Why has he not been punished yet?" Titus asked.
"Those blast doors are protecting him.  This squad secured the only entrance to the place, but lack the equipment to punch through the door.  I've recalled a squad from down below to bring a meltagun."
"We might be able to get in there," Jax stated.
"I was just about to mention the air duct.  It's big enough to allow small people through, but too small for even my scouts to move in it."
"We'll take things from here then."  They headed over to the giant hole in the wall where the grate used to be.  A Space Marine lifted Jax up to the entrance.  Wolfe went up after them.  Garvel was about to go when he noticed only Titus was with him.  "Why aren't the rest of you coming?"
"I am too big to fit in there," Gulliman explained.
"You can't get me in another confined space that quickly," Tybalt replied.  Millard was on the other side of the marine squad talking with a boy and girl younger looking than he was, smoking a lho-stick all the while.
"Get going assassin; we don't have time to dawdle.  You need to get your hands dirty for once," Titus said as he shoved Garvel forward.  The assassin got lifted into the vent.
"Now put me up there gently, like a good servant," Titus ordered the marine.  The giant of a person threw Titus so hard at the opening that his face got buried in Garvel's but.  A vicious shove sent the assassin sliding into the person in front of him.  "You will pay for this indignity assassin."
The quartet proceeded along the vent in as noisy a manner as they could.  Jax had his face smashed into the grate at the end so hard that it popped out, and everybody fell onto the floor.  A slow clap accompanied their efforts to get back on their feet.
"To think that these people are whom the Inquisitor sent to kill me."  Jax lunged for cover and peeks over the box of grenades.  The Hive Governor was dressed in a overly long robe of purple and gold.  More troopers like those they met in the dreg quarters earlier were arrayed around him.  They were overshadowed by the presence of someone in the back corner.
"Like I said, she became fearful of the power you could wield," the figure replied.
"Anybody would be," the governor winked, revealing his dark purple eye shadow.  "Guards, prepare these wretches for sacrifice.  Slannesh will simply love the tribute I'm about to offer him."
Hellrifles blast at the wall behind their position.  Titus moved a knife to in his jacket sleeve before he stands up, arms raised.  "I'll do as you wish," he said.
He walked toward the governor, and knelt down in front of him.  "Captain Titus!  How good it is to see you again.  I feared you were still here when I ordered the Arbites to be sacrificed."
"You had them killed?" Titus asked.
"Of course I did; they refused to follow me.  I can not have such impenitence from people who are beneath me in station.  But, you are one of the few noble-blooded in this sector.  I'd hate to lose anyone who is actually worth my attention."
"I am honoured by such words.  And am relieved to hear I no longer have to deal with the Arbites of lower standing or lower class than me."
"Interesting to hear that from you.  Do you desire to become a willing sacrifice to Slannesh?  To be taken into the bosom of the Prince of Pleasure?"
"I do!"  He bowed his head to the ground.  The Hive Governor knelt down, raised Titus' head while removing the hat; and kissed him on the forehead.  A bright pink lipstick mark was left after he withdrew.
The governor was handed a knife from one of his men.  "I will make sure your death is the most beautiful of them all today."
Titus whipped his knife into place and stabbed the governor in the side of the head before his own throat could be slit.  Hellrifles fired on him, but Titus propped the corpse to cover him during the retreat.  Jax and Wolfe threw grenades from the nearby containers.  Explosions ripped the enemy troopers apart.
Within seconds, the firefight was over.  The remaining kill team member was hit with a boltgun shell from behind.  His killer stepped from the shadows, revealing a techmarine in pale light-green armour.  A symbol of an eye with a sword tip pupil imposed over a downward pointing arrow marked his chest plate.
"Big Eye!" Wolfe gasped.
"Thank you for taking care of the governor.  Better he's dead before having a chance to become a sticky situation later," the techmarine said.
"We'll take you down for everyone you caused here!" Jax yelled before he unloaded his autogun on the enemy.  The rounds bounced harmlessly off the techmarine's armour.
"How pathetic."  Big Eye touched the temple of his helmet and teleported away.  Wolfe let out a sigh of relief.  "I think its time we let the others inside," he stated.
Garvel worked on the door controls while the others rummaged through the contents of the room.  The doors hissed open; allowing the others to join in the pilfering.
After half an hour, everyone was outfitted with Vatarian Heavy Plate battlesuits and more heavy weapons for the Valkyrie.  Only when the room was violently shaking did the group cease what they doing.  Gulliman headed outside to observe to goings-on.  A massive explosion occurred very close to the outskirts of the hive city.
"We need to get out of here, NOW!"  He sprinted for the gunship as the others came out.  Another explosion shook the entire complex, knocking everyone off their feet.  They scrambled to the Valkyrie as its engines flared to life.  A slow takeoff preceded the frantic attempt to escape the orbital bombardment.  Massive shells fell down around them as the gunship raced out of the atmosphere, many of the just acquired contents sliding out the back opening.
Over the private vox channel, Gulliman said, "Get your suits on their own air supply.  We're about to break orbit."
Everything in the compartment started floating around when the gunship got into space.  A vessel nearby opened its docking bay for the Valkyrie.  Gulliman eased the plane through the door without too much hassle.  Once the ship landed and they were all on ship's air did anyone leave the Valkyrie.
Outside, a commissar was waiting for them.  "I'm here to bring you worthless sods before my mother," the commissar said as she turned and left the bay, "And welcome to the Breaking Dawn."
The group caught up to her and Jax, having removed his helmet, went up to her and asked, "Hey sugar-tits, what's your name?"
She kicked him in the crouch so hard that the armour was dented afterwards.  A swift punch immediately followed, breaking Jax's arm.  Millard scooped his brother up and helped him walk down the corridor.
"So, not only are you great at maiming people, but you back it up with a smoking hot body and a great butt," Titus said.  The faceplate for his helmet was quickly smashed by her fist.
"Before anyone else asks, I am Commissar Raege," she stated, straightening her uniform.  She led them through the confines of the ship without any incident.  After three decks of travel, they arrived at their destination.  It was a replica of a throne room with two chairs atop a dais.  One large, metal, and golden in colour sat at the center of the display.
Inquisitor McDowell sat in the small wooden seat in front and off to the side of the empty centerpiece.  "Out of all the initiates I sent down there, I never imagined it would the ones I had the least amount of faith in who would accomplish the task.  It's a sad day for the Inquisi..."
"That's it!  I've had enough of this!" Millard yelled as he stormed forward.  Jax lied where he was dropped by his brother.  "You can not just abduct anyone you want to do your job for you!  WHAT GIVES YOU THE EMPEROR-DAMNED rig..."
Millard was silenced by a single shot from an infernus pistol.  His head melted in an instant.  "MILLARD!" Wolfe and Jax screamed.
The Inquisitor stood up, silencing the group.  "The rest of your lives is now dedicated to protecting the God-Emperor's realm to the best of your ability.  That is all he asks of his holy Inquisitors, and now of you."
She left the room, followed shortly by the commissar.