The Imperium of Man is the cruelest and most bloody regime imaginable, spanning so many multitudes of stars that any one man means no more than a grain of sand on the seashore. It is beset by numberless threats within and without, which seek only to ravage and ruin. The God Emperor sits on His Golden Throne and is either powerless to intercede or cares not. The High Lords on Terra sit and politick while whole continents starve and are eradicated in the time it takes them to file a motion for higher tithes. The Adepta bicker and feud among themselves for snippets of power while the work of millennia crumbles around them. Whole worlds are ground to nothing between the gears of blind and senseless tyranny, and any hope of peaceful reform died dozens of epochs ago. The only recourse then, is violent rebellion in opposition to a galaxy-spanning dominion. All such uprisings are doomed to fail and this is no different.
It is, however, yours, and will live and die by your command.
Choose One(1) choice from each category below to determine the initial circumstances of your rebellion. Consider carefully, you cannot choose the same number twice. For Naval Forces and Industrial Capacity, choosing [1] will also provide the benefits of [3].
The Imperium of Man will not rest until your attempt at secession has been crushed, true victory is impossible but battles can be won and the end can be delayed. The only question is for how long and how many lives will be lost.
Naval Forces
[1] Renegade Chapter: Nearly a thousand of the legendary gene-sons of the Emperor, who for reasons unknown, have chosen to fight against their gene-sire. Their ancient history, true motivations, and battle doctrines are a mystery and impossible to determine ahead of time, but pound-for-pound their martial prowess is unmatched. It will have to be, if they intend to fight the Loyalist marines that will be sent in to counter them.
+A handful of veteran companies, with their own Battle Barge and four Strike Cruisers have rallied to your cause.
+Guaranteed to be non-Chaos, not related to the Alpha Legion, and to be committed to the bitter end.
-Their existence will enrage the Imperium even more than your succession already has.
[2] Full Battlefleet: By tongue or by guile, the rebellion has managed to coerce a true naval Battlefleet into backing them. Enough tonnage to enforce the Lex Imperialis on hundreds of stars, their macrocannons have been turned against the Adeptus Terra itself. Such a force would be sufficient to give a Crusade pause in the hands of a fool, let alone under a shrewd admiral.
+Seventy assorted Frigates, Destroyers, Cruisers, and Battleships have pledged to your banner.
-The fleet requires extreme resources and there's no certainty casualties can be replaced.
[3] Proper Battlegroup: For reasons of their own, the forces already assigned to the region have fallen in with the rebellion. They aren't the most numerous but are at naval standard and can be expected to perform admirably against peer threats. It will take cunning leadership for them to stave off backlash from the Segmentum.
+Twenty-three Frigates, six Destroyers, and three Cruisers are at your disposal.
-The fleet requires heavy resources and it's no easier to replace lost ships.
[4] Ramshackle Armada: The very best the rebellion could muster on very short notice, this "fleet" has been subject to unspeakable tech-heresy. Their hulls are rusted and their munitions faulty but they are warp-faring and can fight, though they're just as likely to evaporate against the massed gunnery of the Imperial Navy.
+Thirty assorted "warships" comparable to Frigates are following your orders.
-The fleet is weak and fragile, but its resource requirements are equally small.
[5] Local Garrisons: While the rebellion has no true interstellar navy worth speaking of, their orbital defense platforms and system ships are up to par. At the least, they may dissuade petty opportunists before the Imperial Navy arrives.
+Basic orbital defenses are operational and may serve as a speedbump.
-The rebellion's force projection is questionable at best.
[6] Almost Nothing: The rebel leadership's authority is strictly planetside and it will be an ordeal to bribe smugglers into ferrying their troops between systems, but it must be done. Any enemy, no matter how weak, will be able to invade and bombard its worlds at its leisure. The Imperium is one thing, the vultures that may beat them to the rebellion's still-moving corpse are another.
+The fleet isn't draining any resources because the fleet doesn't exist.
-Anyone with a voidship will enjoy complete orbital supremacy against you.
Industrial Capacity
[1] Heretek Forge World: In defiance of the Cult Mechanicus, a Forge World has rejected the dictates of Mars and pledged its foundries to the rebel cause. Even alone it would be sufficient to meet the needs of a lesser Sector with much to spare but now it serves exclusively to amplify your own production. The specialty and philosophy of the Rogue Mechanicus remain to be seen, though they are guaranteed not to be in accord with Chaos. Only time will tell if they thrive or doom themselves in reckless innovation.
+Extreme production and research capacity once unchained from martian dogma.
+Views the rebellion as integral to their survival and back it nigh-unconditionally.
-The Adeptus Mechanicus will be personally invested in your annihilation.
[2] Orbital Shipyards: The planets of the rebellion possess a rare commodity, one or more shipyard(s) capable of churning out new warships. They are necessarily small and take a long time arriving but the ability to avoid stagnancy in their naval forces is a critical advantage.
+Capable of manufacturing Destroyers in years and Frigates in decades.
-The construction of warships requires constant, heavy resources.
[3] Refined Manufactorums: The planets of your rebellion are at the high Imperial standard, able to manufacture lasguns, armoured vehicles, and industrial goods at an interstellar scale. Further, its artisans are able to produce scarce sophisticated munitions, including plasma and melta technology.
+Imperium standard technology, respectable domestic manufacturing base.
-This industry requires external resources to sustain its operations.
[4] Mineral Extraction: The planets of the rebellion aren't primitive, per se, but the overwhelming majority of their industrial capacity is tuned toward extracting and purifying resources for industrial use. Its domestic production is feeble and demands improvisation for subpar results, though there's no lack of material for what manufactorums there are.
+Rapid, vast acquisition and refinement of resources critical to the war effort.
-Minimal industry capable of using those resources to manufacture material.
[5] Local Industry: The planets of the rebellion are primitive and barely reach the civilized Imperial standard. Lasguns are an enigma to manufactorums, let alone advanced alloys and warptech, but they are at least aware of what an assembly line is. Outside of external factors, the Imperial Guard will have an easier than expected time reclaiming its worlds.
+They're at least capable of manufacturing autoguns and could improve in theory.
-It will be a struggle to meaningfully contribute to the rebellion off-world.
[6] Archaic Backwater: The planets of the rebellion are largely incapable of comprehending what that means. Ranging from Feral to Feudal, gunpowder is a groundbreaking innovation to the population at large and the region as a whole is centuries of development behind being able to support an interstellar empire. It's questionable that they could put up any amount of resistance to an off-world invasion.
+A near-complete blank slate for constructing a society without Imperial influences.
-No means of manufacturing or maintaining military assets for the foreseeable future.
Galactic Location
[1] Isolated in Segmentum Tempesteus: The rebellion took place in the galactic south, on the farthest fringes of the Astronomicon's guiding light. In such distant void, the long arm of Terra reaches its limit and the inhuman Other rears its sensory appendages.
+The Imperium is barely aware of this region and will take over a century to retaliate.
+Numerous small Minor Xenos polities in the area that can be allied with or conquered.
-These Minor Xenos remember the Great Crusade and most of them hate humanity.
[2] Low Priority Region in Segmentum Pacificus: The rebellion took place in the galactic east, where the fires of eternal war rage quieter. Long ago, the Great Crusade cleansed this region of alien life but Mankind has yet to fully settle and exploit the habitable worlds that remain.
+The region is of low importance to the Imperium and blessedly free of most external threats.
-It is of low importance because most of its planets are barely developed or populated.
[3] Between Warfronts in Segmentum Ultima: The rebellion took place in the far galactic west, in the middle of other, more urgent threats. This fortune has earned them a reprieve just as surely as it has ensured their future struggle.
+The Imperium has more pressing concerns nearby, and will focus on them for the time being.
-Those pressing concerns are likely to become your pressing concerns if they aren't suppressed.
[4] On the Fringes of Segmentum Obscurus: The rebellion took place in the galactic north, near to the taint in the Eye of Terror. Here, the lure of Chaos is an ever-present temptation that the multitudes must stand firm against.
+The Imperium has more urgent heresy to crush and infrequently sends its forces so far afield.
-If they aren't kept at bay, vile Chaos reavers and daemonic whispers will scour your worlds.
[5] Near Critical Systems in Segmentum Ultima: The rebellion took place in the near galactic west, surrounded by sites of critical interest. Its opening salvos and skirmishes determined if it would merit massed force or be swiftly forgotten.
+There are several heavily-fortified planets that, if taken mostly intact, could be an invaluable asset to the rebellion.
-The Imperium considers this region to be a high-priority and will soon retaliate with overwhelming force.
[6] In Spitting Distance of Terra, in the Segmentum Solar: The rebellion took place in the galactic center, in an audacious rejection of The Throne's authority. Destruction was inevitable anywhere, but here, the prayer of any more than the briefest of delays was in vain.
+The rebellion has reached the attention of the illustrious High Lords of Terra, who dedicated an entire two-hour meeting to it.
-The Imperium will reroute a handful of Crusades and mobilize a fractional percentage of the full might of the Imperial Navy.
Scale of the Rebellion
[1] Multiple Sectors: Centuries of bloated bureaucracy, the Imperial fleet's inability to address external threats, and arrogant misrule by the Segmentum Lords has taken secessionist sentiment to a fever pitch.
+Over one-hundred systems have sworn to the rebellion and can boast economy of scale, if nothing else.
+Thousands more are sympathetic and could be swayed to join the rebellion if the war seemed winnable.
-These stars are almost certainly lacking something critical or are in a terrible strategic position.
[2] Full Sector: The logistical needs of distant warfronts have forced the Sector Lord to levy unsustainable tithes. Broken by starvation and stripped of their best sons, it's no surprise that their subordinates have declared independence.
+Twenty systems have declared open rebellion and hundreds more hide treasonous sympathies.
-The loss of so many systems will alarm nearby Sectors, who are likely to retaliate on their own.
[3] Partial Sector: Nepotism within a small handful of noble families and subtle mismanagement for their own enrichment has had dire consequences. In an act of rebellion, the masses of several planets have overthrown their administration and yet more may join them.
+A dozen systems have risen in rebellion and dozens more could be swayed to join them.
-The Sector the rebellion has torn itself from, and its garrisons, will be thrown into disarray.
[4] Full Subsector: Continued useless shipments in response to the region's requests for relief and demands for resources its worlds lack entirely or simply cannot produce have strained trust in the Imperium to the point of snapping.
+Six systems have rebelled and a dozen more are watching their initial struggle with bated breath.
-Neighbouring Subsectors are obligated to join together in putting down the rebellion.
[5] Several Systems: An Astropath's misinterpretation of a critical message led to a crackdown on revolutionary sentiment that wasn't there. Paranoia in the leadership saw this spread and in their panic, they caused the uprising they were trying to stop.
+Three systems have banded together in a mass-uprising and six more are likely to join them.
-If the rest of the Subsector can't stop the rebellion in a timely manner, the Sector at large will mobilize.
[6] Lone System: The circumstances that caused the rebellion are isolated to a single world and it is alone in its attempt at secession. Expansion against an enormously larger foe will be difficult but staying isolated is to await the inevitable.
+One system has dared to defy the million stars of the Imperium, and likely has reason to think it can win.
-As far as every other system is concerned, they are upstart traitors and must be crushed.
Population Loyalty
[1] Rabid Fanaticism: No matter their leadership, industrial capacity, or strategic position, the masses are hell-bent on rebellion. They are so utterly committed to the cause that even the thought of surrender is incomprehensible.
+The masses are gripped by frenzied (secular) zeal and won't consider laying down their weapons, even in the face of annihilation.
+Their enthusiasm is contagious and will likely smooth over assimilating former Loyalist elements.
-Mobs may go too far against suspected Loyalist infiltrators or recently conquered populations.
[2] Willing To Fight: The masses have extensive grievances and are prepared to endure misery and struggle if that's what it takes to win their independence. Their dedication is intense but it is within the bounds of reason.
+The population is committed to the war-effort and have realistic expectations of what it will require of them.
-The rebellion isn't made up of zealots and they may lose their resolve if victory seems impossible.
[3] Overconfident: n the rebelling territories, the Imperium is a distant abstraction, a far away metaphor for their overseers to harp on. The masses are eager to throw off their shackles and fight but they fail to grasp the sheer scale of the endeavour, or their odds of success.
+The masses are eager to embrace any propaganda of their impending victory, no matter the facts.
-If the masses realize how outnumbered and outgunned they truly are, they'll break immediately.
[4] Desperate and Skeptical: There is no delusion among the masses of what they're doing and what the consequences will be, but they have been pushed to the breaking point and feel there's no other escape. They will fight until no hope remains, and they have little left.
+The masses will become increasingly driven by the cause with each victory that's won.
-If the masses believe they can win some concessions, they'll likely betray the rebellion.
[5] Riddled with Loyalists: Many among the masses agree with the rebellion but there are many who don't, and most among those are clever enough to keep quiet. The war effort will be plagued by sabotage and treachery, to say nothing of domestic industry and logistics.
+Constant paranoia and propaganda may be able to reverse hostile sentiments, over time.
-All manner of spies and saboteurs will be running rampant through population centers.
[6] Forced at Gunpoint: The rebellion commenced without the consent of the masses, who still pledge loyalty to Terra. Outside of the military and key administrative and industrial positions, there is little to no sympathy for the struggle. Even the most basic governmental functions will be an ordeal and a counter-revolution is likely inevitable.
+The Inquisition will only have to commit a bare minimum of atrocities to reclaim lost territory.
-Suppressing the looming uprising will take substantial time, effort, and resources.
Leader of the Rebellion
[1] Gene-Sculpted Paragon: The end result of a noble selective breeding and gene-culling program spanning millennia, it is no exaggeration to say this man is most likely the best out of any given trillion. More than that, he is a genuinely humble man who found the excesses of the Imperium obscene, and rebelled for the sake of the common citizen.
+An ingenious prodigy in every field, nigh-unrivaled orator and diplomat, functionally prescient strategist, and consummate duelist.
+From a highly prestigious bloodline famed among the noble houses, and genuinely cares about the masses beneath his rule.
-If there are any downsides to him, it's that he is too perfect and will have difficulty finding a successor in several centuries.
[2] Scheming Rogue Trader: Among the wealthiest individuals in a dozen Sectors, with the lofty credentials and storied career to prove it. Fortune alone cannot slake the thirst for authority which has driven him into willful treason.
+A smooth, silver-tongued negotiator with an enormous personal treasury and an opulent flagship Cruiser.
-Incredible arrogance and hunger for power, no real consideration for the masses, only how he is perceived.
[3] Ruthless Pirate Lord: Coated in grime and festooned in ill-gotten gains, this raider admiral was already in a lifelong struggle against the Imperium. Throwing his lot in with the winds of rebellion was only a natural progression.
+An excellent void admiral and vicious warrior who comes with his own fleet of a dozen dilapidated Frigates.
-Blinded by greed and will insist on extracting tribute from the masses and raiding Loyalists whenever possible.
[4] Jaded Imperial General: This officer of the Imperial Guard has seen and done the unspeakable over centuries of struggle for the Throne. He is old, old and tired of fighting for faraway bureaucrats when he has the strength to seize control for himself.
+The veteran commander of a hundred campaigns, a brilliant ground tactician with twenty elite regiments under him.
-No personal charisma, will resort to hellish martial law and brutal crackdowns to keep order, much like the Imperium.
[5] Common Demagogue: One of untold quintillions of forgotten men, one more part of the rabble risen to violent rule. There is no lineage behind him, no legacy worth mentioning, he came from nothing and without this rebellion he would be nothing.
+Came from less than nothing and is a master at rabble-rousing, guerilla warfare, and subtle infiltration.
-Lack of pedigree destroys all legitimacy in the sight of powerful nobles that might've otherwise joined.
[6] Inbred Planetary Governor: True fools are rare in the highest echelons of the Imperium, but these beneficiaries of nepotism are unmistakable and from time to time, one fails to realize how vulnerable their position is. Corpulent, boorish, and vulgar, it's doubtful this man could lead a petty food cart, let alone a rebellion.
+Excellent at sniffing out disloyalty, real or imagined, and stopping even the best assassination attempts.
-Occasionally, he'll stop holding lavish feasts to personally micromanage random critical tasks.
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Topic: Doomed and Futile Rebellion (40k SG) (Read 8559 times)