Tau: The expansion program for establishing beach heads on Persephone Prime has been escalated. It is clear that new forms of technology (i.e. Necron) that the Tau seek could provide a significant advantage during the Third Sphere Expansion. The Tau are desperate to capitalize on any advantage that might counteract the significant Imperial resources they might encounter if the Imperium decides to make a concerted effort to stamp out the aggressive growth path the Tau are pursuing.
Additionally, there are outside forces beginning to influence events with agendas that are not remotely understood by the PDF. This could become a serious obstacle to resolving the growing insurgency within the planet's population and eventually their own ranks.
Astartes: Two forces have been identified as operating within the Persephone system. The Raven Guard, perhaps still stinging from their treatment during the Agrellan Prime campaign, have followed the Tau to Persephone, seeking vengeance. The November Warriors, for reasons unknown, began clandestine operations upon their own initiative without notifying local authorities of their presence. In fact, neither Astartes chapter is currently aware that the other is operating in-theatre.
Children of the Dragon: The cult continues to gather forces despite several military failures...or are they truly failures? It is clear that the cult members do not shy away from engaging in conflicts with the PDF, even though at this stage in their campaign, they are no match for any military force currently operating on or near Persephone. What has been observed, though unclear as to how, is the continued use of advanced non-Imperial technology in support of their cause. Also, strange and terrifying forces have begun integrating themselves with mainline Cult units. Arbites precinct houses continue to note that the population at large appears to be shrinking, though no migration out of the city has been observed.
The Watchers: Mysterious observers seen in multiple locations. Their reasons for only revealing themselves to the Tau forces remain unknown as well as their intentions.
Blood in the Void, Round 2
Operation Velocity will feature the full set of Blood in the Void (BitV) rules (IA9). All battles will be played at 750 points.
Scenario adjustments:
1. All FOC slots are open for use.
2. Only infantry, walkers, beasts, swarms, and monstrous creature Unit types may be selected.
3. Roll for scenario information as normal for BitV scenarios. Special Rules Hazardous Ground, The Cold Void, and Catastrophic Damage.
4. For the purposes of choosing deployment, Astartes forces receive a +1 to die when rolling for deployment. For example, a non-Astartes player rolls a 6 and the Astartes player rolls a 6. Normally, this would be a tie, causing a re-roll. The Astartes +1 modifier will break ties in their favor.
5. Only units able to teleport or materialize out of the warp are able to deep strike from reserves, i.e. other units must come on from their table edge.
6. Table size for all battles is 4' x 4'.
Operation Velocity - Ground Missions
Scenario adjustments:
1. All FOC slots are open for use.
2. Roll for scenario information as normal for Battle Missions.
3. All Unit types are available per Battle Mission scenario rules.
4. For the purposes of choosing Attacker Astartes forces receive a +1 to die. For example, a non-Astartes player rolls a 6 and the Astartes player rolls a 6. Normally, this would be a tie, causing a re-roll. The Astartes +1 modifier will break ties in their favor.
5. Table size for all battles is 6' x 4'.
Available Battle Mission Scenarios:
Space Marine Attacker: Roll, 1-3 Vanguard pg 54, 4-6 Surprise Attack pg 55
Inquisitorial and PD Forces Attacker (IG): Roll, 1-3 Prepared Assault pg 41, 4-6 Surprise Attack pg 55
Tau Attacker: Roll, 1-2 Vertical Envelopment pg 61, 3-4 Counter Attack pg 62, 5-6 Fighting Withdrawal pg 63
Children of the Dragon Attacker: Roll, 1-2 Ambush pg 44, 3-4 Night Fight pg 18, 5-6 Fight to the Death pg 22