Honours and Distinctions

By Jkilla41, in Deathwatch

I have my RoB book heading to my doorstep by the end of the week. But I am asking, anybody who has it, how is the Honours section? I was actually stoked for it, detailing different badges that I could visualized what adornes my SM's armor. Also on the same token how is the book itself?

Thanks guys and gals!,

-J

Its detailed pretty well. However, there are no rules for them; they exist as RP tools only.

kenshin138 said:

Its detailed pretty well. However, there are no rules for them; they exist as RP tools only.

And distinctions?

Alex

kenshin138 said:

Its detailed pretty well. However, there are no rules for them; they exist as RP tools only.

But I got the impression that many of them were elaborated on, purely as fluff? Like an explanation of the Crux Terminatus, laurel wrathes, and other sorts of decorations you often see on models.

It explains the nature of the honours, how you can potentially earn them during the course of the game, and any benefits they offer (which are mostly RP but can certainly affect dealings with NPC's).

I'm pretty sure you're able to purchase a Distinction from some TEP adventure which gives mechanical effects. I was under the impression there were more similar to that in RoB.

Sorry, I totally missed that he asked about Distinctions as well.

Honours : Detailed very well. No rules. RP item only.

Distinctions : This is a cool idea, but requires a bit of GM work. Basically, they have a nice list of various Distinctions all with rules and whatnot. The GM can use these to make a unique bundle so to speak. This bundle can then be offered kind of like an Elite Advance. Its a nice way to give a healthy reward at the end of a group of missions/campaign and something to make the KT stand out.

IIRC one example they give (not related to the Jericho Reach) is a Tyrannic War Veteran. Its a combination of about 3 distinctions that make it up. These are designed to be offered during a campaign, not at character creation. Though I suppose if you wanted to make slightly tougher starting characters you could with these pretty easily.

Deeds : These however are designed to be taken at character creation. Similar to the background packages in The Inquisitors Handbook (for DH) they have a wide variety of options. This will likely be one of the most used sections in the book for most groups I think.

Thx Kenshin, you have been helpful man! Im actually just as excited to dive into the section now!

P.S. Me and my group like the RP heavy elements, so we will probably like the honours section alot.

-J

One of the Deeds (Second in Command) even lets you start with an Honor. (Iron Skull IIRC).

Are the deeds pretty nice? Sounds like it so far...

-J

Yes, the Deeds are especially useful. In fact almost every one of my players (4/5) took one.

They are broken down, some are Chapter specific, some are Speciality specific, and others are generic.

One of them even requires Rank 2 and is based on the idea that the character has served in the Deathwatch before and is just now being called back. Perfect for replacement characters for established groups.

To use a specific example for my group. One of my players rolled "Scout Sergeant" for his background, so he took the Deed "Second in Command". That is the one that gave him some increased command skills and the Iron Skull honor.

Now I can't wait for it to get here tomorrow! Thx again Kenshin. My group will love this book!

-J

Jkilla41 said:

Now I can't wait for it to get here tomorrow! Thx again Kenshin. My group will love this book!

-J

I hope so. I was part of the playtest group, so I obviously want people to like the final product.

Then I give you this for a job well done.

aplauso.gif

-J

I so want to oogle over the Deeds for a new assault marine character I'm making. Will probably not get my hands on a book before the campaign starts **** >_<

What kind of Deeds did your group take Kenshin?

BrotharTearer said:

What kind of Deeds did your group take Kenshin?

Lets see here:

Brother Calibos (Dark Angels Librarian): Initiate of Secrets. He rolled member of the Ravenwing as his background so felt this was the best option for him.

Brother Yngvar (Space Wolves Assault Marine): Ritual Duel Fighter. I totally forget if he rolled or bought the result...

Brother Thor (Lamenters Tactical Marine): Second-in-Command. Again, he has scout sergeant in his background so went with this.

Brother Marius (Iron Hands Techmarine): Omnissiah's Calling. Duh, more bionics and whatnot? :)

Brother Ae'dan (Salamanders Devastator): None. He couldn't find the starting XP to fit a Deed in based on the home-brew Salamanders rules I made.

kenshin138 said:

Brother Calibos (Dark Angels Librarian): Initiate of Secrets. He rolled member of the Ravenwing as his background so felt this was the best option for him.

That sounds kinda cool. Has it something to do with Forbidden lore?

My Assault Marine is a Black Templar. I saw in the RoB content thread info about a Deed called No Quarter Given or similar which, as I understood it, granted earlier (rank 1) access to the Counter Attack talent, as well as some WS bonus (+5 I assume?). Is there any more fitting Deed for that type of character in the book in your opinion? The character is rather heavy on the WS and offensive side, and will probably use a Chainsword and Hand Flamer/Bolt Pistol most of the time (atleast until Distinguished) if that helps.

There are quite a few that could fit to be honest. Probably best to just look them over.

kenshin138 said:

There are quite a few that could fit to be honest. Probably best to just look them over.

Yeah, I wish I could actually ;D

Let's make Distinctions more concrete please: the Designer Diary mentioned combining Campaign Hero (Tyranids) and Enduring Name (Avalos). What effect would that have? Bestow any Fel-test bonuses on Avalos? Do you get any armour marking for that like a checkered kneepad?

Alex

kenshin138 said:

There are quite a few that could fit to be honest. Probably best to just look them over.

could you give us a list of the Deeds available in ROB and maybe a short description. i can't wait for the book babeo.gif , thanks happy.gif