I have a document outlining several worlds in the Markayn Marches I'd be happy to share, now that Green Knight has started on it. It's written from the perspective of an Imperial Navy officer briefing on the strategic importance of the worlds (I was going to use it for a BFG campaign), but has a variety of socio-political commentary in there too.

Definitely interested. When doing the world descriptions I try to look around on the webways first, to see if there are any fanmade interpretations already made. If so I try to incorporate them into the gazetteer.

Fantastic. Green Knight, PM me your email address and I'll email the doc over.

And now that interest in Ordo Xenos has been resurrected, what areas do people want to look into and post about? As said, I'm happy to take care of the factional side of things, but won't be able to propose much on the crunch side. Any other suggestions?

It was looking promising for a while there, then Mastigos (originator of this thread) disappeared and it fizzled out. I've been thinking about trying to resurrect it; anyone else interested...?

Im interested. If we are serious about, why not discuss a tentative outline of what should be in it?

Along with the general intro chapters, I imagine we'd need the following:

1) Organisation material. Chapter detailing Ordo Xenos, highlighting key characters, organistions and current activities. Also highlight one or two "nemesis" organisations. Is there enough of these for a chapter of their own? I'm not sure. Part of me wants a feature on Genestealer Cults, but that's because I'm a GC fanboy. Don't think they'll be a threat to Calixis particularly.

Second thought here is whether to bundle up any faction details in this first section, or give it its own later on. Not completely sure where that would fit, though.

2) Alternative career paths and advancement packs. Career-focused crunch based on the material in 1) and some wider inferences about xenos. Adeptus-B's notes earlier in this thread look like a good start.

3) Bestiary. Crunch for some of the key xenos threats in the Calixis sector, and some pointers for adapting rules for GMs' own use. I think package approach would be a bad idea here, but I'd be interested to hear other opinions.

3) Gear. Anti-xeno gear and exotic weaponry. The Inquisitor rulebook and supplements are a good start on what to include here, as well as (possibly) some BL noveis. This should stop it all being about shiny guns and more about the smaller, more smuggleable stuff that should be the focus of a DH campaign.

4) Xenos Stories. Tips for GMs on how to run an Ordo Xenos or xenos-focused campaign, discussing themes and how to potentially use certain types of alien (sentient and non-sentient will have different results, for example).

That's my thoughts on structure. Is it workable? Have I missed anything?

Sounds like a good start. Is this project limited to Dh? or could it be versatile and offer careers and roles for any of the systems?

It might be worth exploring the possibilities of Cross-System Campaigns with Deathwatch, mostly in the way how Acolytes uncover some Plot, gather intel and then the Kill-Teams move in to clean up (although the Calixis-Sector might or might not be a bit scarce on Space Marines), so Cognizar's Idea is actually a quite good one in my opinion.

Gear... I guess Rogue Trader could be some inspiration on that, but yeah, focusing more on smaller stuff is indeed a nice idea.

Another question worth considering is how much existing supplements will be integrated, like Disciples of the Dark Gods and the Creature's Anathema, cause I for one wouldn't be able to come up with another cool Xeno-Race^^

I'd love to write some flavor-text for it though.

Today's world is Fedrid, a dangerous Feral/death world in MM.

Two-page spread. Trying a new variant with some crunchy sidebars.

Fedrid

A really really solid way to generate your own Xeno is a must have if this project ever gets air. I do know that there are some guides here and there, but I would personally say that we need an even better one that that one. One that actually can be used to generate something else than rank 1 Xenos

that's a good idea. I'll work on the xenos generator then. =D

Sounds like a good start. Is this project limited to Dh? or could it be versatile and offer careers and roles for any of the systems?

It could, but I know other FFG systems less well than I know DH.

Another question worth considering is how much existing supplements will be integrated, like Disciples of the Dark Gods and the Creature's Anathema, cause I for one wouldn't be able to come up with another cool Xeno-Race^^

What needs to be integrated? Ordo Xenos reactions to the material in those books? The supplements that I see most likely to cross over are Creatures Anathema, Radica's Handbook and possibly Disciples of the Dark Gods, if they go into xeno cults.

On that note, will genestealers be a thing? Calixis is a far way from the Eastern Fringe, although I note that Ymgarl is in the "galactic northwest", so it's not beyond the realms of possibility.

I've also had a quick check of the interwubs, and looks like there's not a lot. I can make a start sketching out some of the ordo xenos politics/factions when I get a moment this weekend, starting the write-up proper next week.

If you want stealers, here's an idea: The Maw Warp Gate leads to distant Jericho, where Hive Fleet Dagon swims around gobbling up systems. I think that a perfectly viable explanation why there would be a stealer infestation all of a sudden - the greater hive mind learns of the Gate and reacts accordingly.

If you want stealers, here's an idea: The Maw Warp Gate leads to distant Jericho, where Hive Fleet Dagon swims around gobbling up systems. I think that a perfectly viable explanation why there would be a stealer infestation all of a sudden - the greater hive mind learns of the Gate and reacts accordingly.

My thoughts exactly... I mean, we do have a profile for a Lictor in the Creature's Anathema, so it might well be possible of one or two (hundred?) passing unnoticed on a freighter or something.

Another point, how much do we know about the Hrud? I mean, there is a picture of one in Xenology and I roughly remember them being mentioned in some historic text where... I think a Space Marine Chapter? was involved in the cleansing of the hrud-warrens, implying a (probably quite fascinating?) Social Structure, although I somehow doubt their "Usefulness" in the setting of the Calixis which is mostly one of intrigue and subterfuge... I'd consider the Hrud to be relatively straightforward. (Dunno why though).

Currently reading up on Hrud-Fluff in the Lexicanum... I slightly need to change my mind, having a world with a Hrud-Tribe on it would definitely be interesting in the Calixis... the more I read about them, the more I am fascinated by them... not by the fact of them being the Skaven of Warhammer 40k though, mind you

Attachment: Balecaster.pdf

Attachment: Warproutes - Markayn.pdf

Attachment: Subsector Markayn v0.6.pdf

Sample subsector: Markayn Marches!

Really like the look of this so far, although I've yet to go through in detail. I assume you're using the established warp routes in the rulebook for the maps? Also, what software are you using to pull all this together?

Another point, how much do we know about the Hrud? I mean, there is a picture of one in Xenology and I roughly remember them being mentioned in some historic text where... I think a Space Marine Chapter? was involved in the cleansing of the hrud-warrens, implying a (probably quite fascinating?) Social Structure, although I somehow doubt their "Usefulness" in the setting of the Calixis which is mostly one of intrigue and subterfuge... I'd consider the Hrud to be relatively straightforward. (Dunno why though).

It was the Dark Hands, purged Hrud warrens on Cinchare. From Xenology I didn't really fee like they had a society as such, space skaven be damned; the rotting space scavengers are far more interesting and unique.

Sample subsector: Markayn Marches!

Really like the look of this so far, although I've yet to go through in detail. I assume you're using the established warp routes in the rulebook for the maps? Also, what software are you using to pull all this together?

I do intend to use the established routes as a basis - and then build from there. This isn't the final version, more like a rough draft really. I decide to keep it simple (no Photoshop or other nonsense) so I imported the map into Snagit (screen capture software) and used the built-in arrows and stuff. Once I tweak it some more its good enough for my purposes.

For you xenophiles: There is a mention of a 'wrack way' in Hazeroth that may be an anti-xenos operation.

Chapter 2 Preview of my supplement, 'Look not Upon the Witch".

http://darkreign.org/forum/download/file.php?id=2048

(no Photoshop or other nonsense)

when did you become a heretek green knight? =/

XD

(no Photoshop or other nonsense)

when did you become a heretek green knight? =/

XD

At some point in late M39

It was looking promising for a while there, then Mastigos (originator of this thread) disappeared and it fizzled out. I've been thinking about trying to resurrect it; anyone else interested...?

Im interested. If we are serious about, why not discuss a tentative outline of what should be in it?

Post #34 in this thread has my wish-list of stuff to include, and Mastigos expands upon it in post #36.

Another point, how much do we know about the Hrud? I mean, there is a picture of one in Xenology and I roughly remember them being mentioned in some historic text where... I think a Space Marine Chapter? was involved in the cleansing of the hrud-warrens, implying a (probably quite fascinating?) Social Structure, although I somehow doubt their "Usefulness" in the setting of the Calixis which is mostly one of intrigue and subterfuge... I'd consider the Hrud to be relatively straightforward. (Dunno why though).

Currently reading up on Hrud-Fluff in the Lexicanum... I slightly need to change my mind, having a world with a Hrud-Tribe on it would definitely be interesting in the Calixis... the more I read about them, the more I am fascinated by them... not by the fact of them being the Skaven of Warhammer 40k though, mind you

Check out the NEW XENOS link in my sginature below for my take on the Hrud in WH40KRP .

Here is how I would like to see it organized: create both chat on skype that will allow us fast discussions, deciding what to put inside the book, dividing work and chatting about the project. And I would like to set up some small private forums to post content, provide lengthy reviews and point out things that need to be reworked. I do not want to do it here on forums because it would be very inefficient for a group project. Posting things here and getting opinion is perfectly fine if someone posts things he's doing on his own. But discussions and lots of people seeing the project in work would just create unnecesary clutter that would slow things down. While my intent is not secrecy, it's after all project "whoever wants, joins" and everything will be published for free for everyone. I would just prefer to avoid been slowed down by people discussing about things posted, sending their ideas, demanding this, hating that. Etc.

Okay. I'm not sure how often I'll be able to participate on Skype, though...

To get the ball rolling, here’s a quick summary of what I could find relating to the Calixis Ordo Xenos:

DARK HERESY RULEBOOK- p.272 contains a one-page summary of the Ordo Xenos, including a tantalizing reference to the use of alien allies by some radical Inquisitors.

THE INQUISITOR’S HANDBOOK- p.58 details the Calixian Xeno-Arcanist Alternate Rank, a specialist in xeno-lore.

CREATURES ANATHEMA- A smattering of Calixian xenos and xenobeasts, very much in need of expanding. The only sentient xenos native to Calixis presented here are the Enoulians (p.86); there are hints of some kind of Big Mystery behind their activities that should probably be explored…

THE RADICAL’S HANDBOOK- By far the most info relevant to the Ordo Xenos is in this book. Chapter VI ( The Lure Of The Alien , starting on p.198) contains descriptions of several items of Xeno Technology , including some interesting references to various alien species (Xenarch, Scythian, Q’Orl), including some native to the Calixis Sector. There are also sections on Xeno Lore (mosty covering interacting with xenos) and some Xeno Sites .

Additionally, RH includes some xeno assets in the Resources section (the Kabal of the Crimson Woes p.134, The Cortax [“A rough alliance of roving alien mercenaries-“: this really needs to be expanded upon!] p.135, and the Axebiter Tribe p.136). Blasphemous Allies (p.140) deals with training xenobeasts, and there is a brief description of the Calixis-specific Ordo Xenos faction Xeno Hybris on p.128.

DISCIPLES OF THE DARK GODS- Chapter III: Xenos (p.70) has a lot of good info, including an overview of the Cold Trade (with a handful of xeno items, plus a reference to another local xeno species: the Fra’al), plus some factions (the Amaranthine Syndicate, the Beast House), xenos (Slaught, Cryptos), and details on Halo Devices (these really need more background detail, i.m.o.). Also, p.181 has more info on Xeno Hybris.

BOOK OF JUDGEMENT- P.37 features the Cold Trader Background Package.

DAEMONHUNTERS- The description of the Synapse Disruptor (p.68) contains this fascinating reference: “The Terlain Cluster, found trailing from the Hazeroth Abyss, has long been a hub of the Cold Trade”, plus a mention of “-reptilian-looking Vault-Keepers-“. This really needs to be explored- I’m picturing something like a Calixis version of William Burroughs’ ‘Interzone’…

The ROGUE TRADER game also has a fair amount of Calixian xenos information:

ROGUE TRADER RULEBOOK- The Armoury section contains a handful of xeno items, and an interesting reference to the extinct Crux (p.127).

INTO THE STORM- P.22 has Xenos Hunter and Xeno-Arcanist Background Packages. P.100 features the Xenographer Alternate Rank. There are also some xeno items in the Extended Armoury section; the Galthite Lacerators (p.125) hint at a new xeno race. ITS also includes rules for Sanctioned Xeno PCs (Orks and Kroot); I’m sure that whether or not something like this should be included in this project will be the subject of much debate…

EDGE OF THE ABYSS- Chapter III: Foes and Rivals features information on several xenos found in or near the Calixis Sector.

HOSTILE ACQUISITIONS- P.34 features the Cold Trade Broker Alternate Rank. There is also some xenogear included in the Tools of the Trade section.

KORONUS BESTIARY- Many xenos included in this book, and the most information anywhere on the Yu’Vath.

THE SOUL REAVER- This adventure (and it’s supplementary .pdf The Dark Kin ) includes a great deal of information on Dark Eldar, including details on their Calixis-menacing base: the Nexus of Shadows.

______________

So, what do we need for an Ordo Xenos sourcebook? Here are my thoughts:

• An overview of the factions and cabals within the Ordo Xenos, and a ‘Who’s Who’ of prominent figures within the Ordo. Also, information on the Ordo Xeno’s support of the settlement of the Koronus Expanse, and their work as ‘advisors’ to the Imperial Guard fighting the Ork Waaagh! on the Spinward Front.
• More Background Packages and Alternate Ranks, naturally (I’m working on a Freed Thrall Background Package and a Xenoarchaeologist Alternate Rank).
• An Armoury; possibly divided into 'Xeno Items' and xeno-fighting 'Counter-Measures'.
• There’s already quite a bit of info on the Cold Trade, but I think a detailed example of a Cold Trade organization would be useful. And I would really like to see a 1d100 list of minor xeno artifacts (with no combat applications) that can be used to quickly flesh out a Cold Trade auction, wearhouse, or smuggler’s vessel.
• Information on the Calixian Deathwatch, possibly with guidelines for including a Deathwatch Kill-Marine ( Rites of Battle , p.123) in a team of Throne Agents. (I set my Deathwatch campaign in the Calixis Sector; here are a few details that I’ve come up with)
• Lots more information on Calixian xenos- both those wiped out in the Angevin Crusade and those that are still active within the sector. I’ve already come up with my own versions of Hrud, Morgauth ( RH p.200), and Verminthiculians ( DHRB p.258)- see the ‘New Xenos’ link in my ‘signature’ at the bottom of this post- and I’m working on detailing the Draethri ( RH p.201). Fra’al ( DotDG p.73), Galthites ( ItS p.125) and the extinct Crux ( RTRB p.127) would be very good to have detailed, as well as the Xenarch ( RH p.200) and Q’Orl ( RH p.202)- these last two having write-ups in the Black Library book Xenology . And more information on the Slaught, including details of their conflict with the Storm Wardens on the planet Vigil.
• More xeno sites within the sector (-why are some of the Calixis Sector’s ‘Forbidden Worlds’ forbidden …?).

That’s my ‘wish list’…

Think I'll just call "Dibs" on an interpretation of the cleansing of Vigil, since it's kind of a side-mission in the campaign I'm writing... in fact, the campaign involves the Slaught moderately, so I think I'll be able to contribute a bit there as well. I'd write a mock-up of some sorts, but currently I don't know when I'll have the time and, more importantly, the inspiration, so it might take a while.

Edit: The connection between the Haarlocks and the Slaught is also something of interest to me

As always Cogniczar, hit me up on skype if you want any input from me.