Synopsis
The following events take place during the Terran Campaign: Rebel Yell. This is the story of an isolated conflict, centered within the Confederate system of Brontes, as the Zerg Swarms continue to encroach upon the core Terran worlds.
The solar system of Brontes hosts a scattering of sparsely populated mining communities. Part of the Confederation but far from the scene of battle, its planets’ militia is both few in number and poorly trained. The most far-flung of these planets is Brontes IV, the center stage of our adventure.
Terran Campaign
The story begins upon the small planet of Brontes IV. A unit is sent to investigate rumors of rebel activity. The threat proves genuine, and far more serious than predicted. Due to the war, however, support from neighboring military installations is unavailable. The local garrison must use its own meager resources to deal with the growing rebel threat.
Under the charismatic guidance of their leader, the rebels are rapidly gaining advocates. In no time, the Fist of Redemption (as the rebels have named themselves) spreads throughout the neighboring settlements. Feeling the sting of the Fist’s efforts, and regretting their prior decision to provide help, several outlying colonies form a Council of Inquiry to deal with the escalating situation. It is the Council’s decision to create a military body to quell the threat. Summoned from the surrounding colonies, these units are formed into an elite task force with the sole objective of eliminating the Fist of Redemption. The strike force is dubbed the Hammer.
Protoss Campaign
Meanwhile, far above the planet’s surface, a debate rages amongst the Protoss Conclave. Convinced that the Zerg will ultimately use humanity as the next rung on the genetic ladder, they witness the escalating situation on Brontes IV as the beginning of the end. Many support the destruction of the planet, hoping to eliminate the growing power of the Zerg. Others, however, believe in less drastic measures.
Sensing that time is of the essence, a small force is deployed from Tassadar’s main host. They are known only as the 7th Fleet. Intent on eliminating the threat, they destroy several infested planets before reaching the source of the disturbance. The surface of Brontes IV lay rife with infested colonies. Only a few scattered human encampments remain to fight against the Zerg and their followers. The 7th Fleet engages the Incubus Brood until a new enemy appears upon the horizon…
Zerg Campaign
The prolonged battle against Terran and Protoss has weakened the leader of the Cerebrate Auza, master of the Incubus Brood. With the assimilation of the rebel’s psychic leader, Atticus Carpenter, the link with the Overmind has even further strained. Only later does it become apparent that the Cerebrate Auza no longer exists. The indomitable will of Carpenter has triumphed, and a new cerebrate has been born out of the union between Carpenter and Incubus. Sensing the Cerebrate’s growing insanity, the Overmind creates a new cerebrate to deal with the insurgent menace. With the help of the Cerebrate Nargil, the Overmind’s youngest has been given one command. If they bleed, they shall die.
NEW TERRAN FACTIONS
The planet of Brontes IV has long been loyal to the Confederacy. In the wake of recent events, however, the political landscape has changed dramatically. As the larger Squadrons are deployed closer to the arena of battle, more and more of the local citizens have joined the call to arms, in order to protect them from the alien threat.
Brontes IV Confederate Militia
COLOR – Brown
The Battalion stationed on Brontes IV is similar to any other military body stationed throughout the Confederation. Until the events of the following adventures, the Battalion was unremarkable from any other within the galaxy.
Delta Squadron "the Hammer"
COLOR – Purple
Upon grasping the threat of the Fist of Redemption, the combined governments of the Brontes system decide to form a Council of Inquiry to deal with the problem. It is decided that martial action must be implemented immediately, and thus the Council’s Hammer is formed. Comprised of the best of the best that Brontes has to offer, and under the leadership of Commander Frost, the task force is charged with eliminating all seditious behavior within the system.
Over the course of the first Campaign, the corruption behind the Council becomes evident. The Hammer (as they dub themselves), once freed from the yoke of the Council, seize their autonomy and work towards their original goal – the elimination of the Fist.
THE PIRATE MILITIAS
The Rebels "Fist of Redemption"
COLOR – White
Little is known about the Fist of Redemption. Atticus Carpenter, a former Ghost of the Confederation, is rumored to be the ringleader of the revolt. In truth, the Fist is far more powerful than anyone could have realized. Led by the deluded genius of Carpenter, the Fist plans to bring about the evolution of all mankind.
NEW PROTOSS FACTIONS
The 7th Fleet
COLOR – Blue
The Zerg must evolve psychic awareness if they are to face the Protoss and emerge the victor. The Terrans pose as a potential source to this power. Atticus Carpenter, a highly psychic Terran, is a veritable gateway to their conquest.
A small division of Tassadar’s Fleet, the Seventh has been deployed to secure the Brontes System against the encroaching swarm. While the Enclave argues about the fate of the Terrans, Andraxxus guides his small group to victory.
NEW ZERG FACTIONS
Incubus Brood
COLOR – Teal
The Brood known as Incubus excels at the arts of conversion and consumption. Lacking the sheer destructive capacity of most of the larger broods, the Brood is most often directed towards smaller fringe colonies and settlements. Its powers of conversion enable the Zerg to learn of their enemies’ future intent, often before their infiltration is discovered.
Carpenter’s Brood
COLOR – White
Carpenter’s Brood has two goals, self-preservation and the accumulation of power. Many would have thought Carpenter to be mad with his aspirations of ultimate power. Regardless of what his critics may think of his sanity, he has accomplished his goal. If his ambition continues unchecked, it is only a matter of time before he challenges the Overmind.
The Brood has several advantages over its more numerous brethren. As it receives commands directly from Carpenter, it is faster to react to any immediate situation.
ROSTER OF HEROES
Jack Frost
Male Terran, age 38
Ex-Confederate Officer
Firebat
Cool as a cucumber, that’s Jack. Heralded as one of Brontes’ most brilliant tacticians, he wrote the book on colonial warfare. However, the patriotism of his youth has since turned to bitterness. He left active duty after witnessing the atrocities committed in the name of justice. Now he’s tired of fighting, and has begun to comfortably settle into his role as the retired local hero. Disillusioned, but with a heart of gold, he does his best to look out for his friends and fellow citizens. In times when he feels he’s needed, Jack’s a born leader. When the heat’s turned on, he just smiles and nods.
Charlie Vane
Male Terran, age 28
Colonial Scout
Brontes Battalion IV (later the Hammer)
Wraith Pilot
According to Vane there are two things you need in order to get by in life: good looks and a strong right hook. What’s more, he fancy’s himself a lady’s man, and of course it’s this sort of rakish charm that landed him in his current predicament; a petty-officer on a backwater Confederate planet.
He’s the consummate gambler and could outdrink a fish, but as Vane always says, it’s the vices of life that make it worth living. Ask him no questions and he’ll tell you no lies.
 Tsuname
Male Terran, age 48
Confederate Lieutenant
Brontes IV Battalion Division (later the Hammer)
Not even dismemberment could keep him from active service. Both ill tempered and violent, the Goliath known only as Tsuname has served the Confederation for more than 20 years. Tsuname’s valor is matched only by his cruelty.
 Black Morgan
Female Terran, age 36
Former Colonial Lieutenant
Whereabouts unknown
Former Dropship Pilot
In the day, Black Morgan was known to be one of the hottest Dropship pilots in the Confederation. There was no mission too deadly for her to undertake, although she made no promises to her passengers. One of her favorite passengers was Jack Frost. And, as the story goes, they shared many trips together. After many years of active service, Morgan vanished. Some say she retired to her hometown of New Dresdin, others say she fled as far away from Jack as possible.
 Atticus Carpenter
Male Terran, age 38
Rebel Ringleader
Fist of Redemption
Ghost (later Carpenter Cerebrate)
A former Ghost, little is known of Atticus Carpenter. His former superiors are dead, a parting gift from the prodigal son. His dossier labels him one of the most promising of the Brontes IV trainees. Exactly how and why his psychic dampers malfunctioned has been the source of much speculation.
 Andraxxus
Protoss, age 314
High Templar
Executor of the Brontes IV Expedition
Andraxxus carries the weight of several worlds upon his shoulders. Loyal to a fault, he wavers in his vindication to indiscriminately destroy the Terran settlements of Brontes. Although it grieves him to commit such acts of terror, he has hardened his heart to the fate of the Terrans.
 Syndrea
Protoss, age 323
Judicator
Advisor to the Brontes IV Expeditionary Force
Syndrea has always been held in high esteem by the ruling Conclave. She firmly believes the Terrans should be destroyed for the safety of the Protoss. She fears Andraxxus’ compassion for them, viewing it as a weakness that may be her people’s downfall. Because of this, she takes every opportunity to sow dissent amongst Andraxxus' followers. She hopes to shatter their vindication and convince them of the error of their ways.
 Aedus/Xerxes
Protoss, age 13
Archon
The Archon Aedus/Xerxes exists solely for war. Although originally not of the 7th Fleet, it quickly followed after learning of Andraxxus’ mission. No one was willing to stop it.
 Demioch
Protoss, age 272
Dragoon
Demioch is one of Andraxxus’ most trusted subordinates. He’s known and respected for his wise council. Although most often calm, he is inspired to great furies in the defense of his people. He does his best to guide his daughter’s political ascent, hoping to keep her closer to him.
 Edullon
Protoss, age 103
Zealot
Edullon is renowned for her skill and valor. However, despite her father’s best intentions, she remains amongst the rank and file. Having proven herself fearless through many battles, it is only her tongue that keeps her from attaining higher authority. She will only accept those accolades she feels she has gained from her own merit, casting disdain upon those who would denote special treatment.
 Auza
Zerg Cerebrate, age Unknown
Master of the Incubus Brood
Auza excels at enticement and conversion. Seemingly innocuous, the Incubus Brood stretches its slippery tentacles far behind enemy lines. Once deeply rooted, Auza’s enemies collapse in upon themselves. Direct conflict is most often a last resort. The main force of the Incubus consists of Defilers, Queens and, more often than not, Infested Troopers.