Deathwatch: Sons of Jericho IC

Game Master Rookseye

For untold centuries the Deathwatch have stood vigil over the Jericho Reach. Now, the disparate Astartes of Kill-team Umbra must vanquish a threat and unravel a mystery which portends to place the entirety of the Achilus Crusade in jeopardy.


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Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Tomb of Saint Enoch the Thrice-Martyred
242.817.M41
Hour 19 System Sidereal Time

Brother Emeric wrote:


First I make a confession, "I was unaware our Templar Brethren were deployed in the Jericho Reach."

Brother Richter seems pleased with your logical reasoning and the fact that it renders less need to explain the inherent mysteriousness of this occurrence.

"You are correct in your supposition, Brother Emeric, less those that are currently seconded to the Deathwatch, such as ourselves, our chapter does not have a presence in the muster of the Achilus Crusade. This fact though, only serves to further obfuscate the truth of this stain on our chapter's honor.

Brother Emeric wrote:


Secondly, questions, "Has an investigation been launched? Will Deathwatch be involved?"

"While the Crusade forces and the Inquisition have assembled an Inquiry of their own, our chapter has not been included in the investigation, and I fear those of us present in the Reach will only be subjected to more scrutiny for this fact. It is not the remit of the Deathwatch to investigate such matters, and, ironically, it is those of our chapter in the Deathwatch that are most suspect. Neither you, nor I, or a handful of others are suspect in this butchery, and although it is highly unlikely other disparate brothers on their respective vigils could be responsible, it is being looked into."

Brother Richter paces toward the casket, his hands clenched behind his back as he walks, purity seals on his armor rustling like restive spirits.

"No, I believe as you must. That there are those that who have defiled the sacred wargear or otherwise impersonated the heraldry and colors of our chapter. Such an affront to our honor cannot go unanswered. That is why I come to you and the other Templars of Erioch. Although serving Vigil with the Ordo, we all must contribute in our own way to the search for those responsible and gather what intelligence we can."


With another sly grin Snakes are known to be able to open their mouths to swallow their prey whole looking at my tankard for a moment Some other animals pretend they can do the same, but they only have big mouths to talk and nothing to show for the I start drinking the whole tankard until I can see the bottom of it Well... are you both to slow to start drinking I'm already ahead in the competition by 1 tankard


Black Templar Techmarine
The Omega Vault wrote:
"No, I believe as you must. That there are those that who have defiled the sacred wargear or otherwise impersonated the heraldry and colors of our chapter. Such an affront to our honor cannot go unanswered. That is why I come to you and the other Templars of Erioch. Although serving Vigil with the Ordo, we all must contribute in our own way to the search for those responsible and gather what intelligence we can."

"Agreed. Although we are Deathwatch we are still Templars. I am due at the data-stacks and will attempt my own investigation." I place my gauntlet on his shoulder guard. "For the Chapter, Brother Richter."

I take respectful leave of Saint Enoch's Tomb and head towards the librarium.


Brother Decius wrote:
Don't think there is a sea big enough to quench (sic) your boasting if that is the case Hrothgar

"I don't like your tone there, brother. Boasting suggests lying and I don't lie."


The Omega Vault wrote:

Watch Fortress Erioch, Refectory of the Spavined Skull

242.817.M41
Hour 18 System Sidereal Time

Common Lore (Deathwatch) test failed.

"Attalus Fellhand accepts your challenge, Hrothgar. He will show both his boastful kinsman and his late-coming serpent-friend what it means to drink a man beneath a table. Pray only that you have enough that I may properly slake my thirst."

ROUTINE COMMON LORE (DEATHWATCH) 1d100 ⇒ 21

Hrothgar scratches his chin as he considers the stakes to be wagered.


Brother Decius wrote:
With another sly grin Snakes are known to be able to open their mouths to swallow their prey whole looking at my tankard for a moment Some other animals pretend they can do the same, but they only have big mouths to talk and nothing to show for the I start drinking the whole tankard until I can see the bottom of it Well... are you both to slow to start drinking I'm already ahead in the competition by 1 tankard

"Bah, your tankard does not even remotely meet the amount of libations that I have imbibed."


Watch Fortress Erioch, Refectory of the Spavined Skull
242.817.M41
Hour 18 System Sidereal Time

Common Lore (Deathwatch) test successful, Hrothgar.

As he makes the remark to the Iron Snake, Brother Hrothgar considers what stakes to propose to Fellhand. He knows that the young Space Wolf is friendly with the Forgemaster, Harl Greyweaver, and that the Iron Priest once, long ago, fabricated the very chainsword that Attalus carries, sending it along as a gift to the brash warrior when he was but a neophyte garrisoned at the Fang. Even though he wonders at what their true kinship may be, Hrothgar can see no one better placed to provide him an introduction to the Iron Priest and his legendary foundry.

He raises the tankard, a glimmer of mischief in his eye.

OK, once the stakes are clear, the drinking contest will be conducted as an extended test, with the participants involved having the option of either making an Routine [+20] Carouse test, or a Challenging [+0] Toughness characteristic test for the first roll. Failure on the roll means you take 1 level of Fatigue. Once you have failed tests equal to your Toughness Bonus, you pass out. After everyone has rolled for the first round, the second round will begin. In the second and following rounds, a cumulative -10 penalty to the test is incurred for each person who loses the round (the round's winner, by degrees of success, is exempted from this penalty).

Attalus Fellhand brings the tankard to his lips and begins to drain it with gusto.

Carouse skill (Trained) = 51, +20 (Routine test), modified = 71, 1d100 ⇒ 46, success by two degrees.


Routine Carouse Test 44+20; modified 64 (Trained)1d100 ⇒ 13 success by 5 degrees I think

Basic skill counts as trained right?


Brother Decius wrote:

Routine Carouse Test 44+20; modified 64 (Trained)1d100 success by 5 degrees I think

Basic skill counts as trained right?

Nope, unless you possess the Carouse skill 'Trained' Decius, you use half of the governing characteristic. In this case you are better off using the straight Toughness characteristic of 44, as described above, meaning you succeeded by three degrees.

Brother Decius quaffs his tankard of the strong Fenrisian spirits and his head swims in spite of his gene-enhanced constitution. He narrows his eyes as the flood of warmth flows through him, but otherwise tolerates the draught well.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Foundry Level, Forge of Mac Zi Vin
242.817.M41
Hour 22 System Sidereal Time

Brother Caledonii is left by the chapter serf at the threshold to a great Mechanicus forge. The powerful smells of burning promethium, industrial solvents, and smelted metals sear his nostrils as the lambent glow from the forges within radiate outward to bake his skin with an oppressive heat.

Stepping through the stony archway decorated with the augmetic-skull and cog symbol of the Adeptus Mechanicus, smaller icons of chapter heraldry, and other various icons of the Frater Astrotechnicus, he finds himself in an enormous, vaulted chamber supported by a vast scaffolding of durasteel and adamantine. The whole of Forge Master Mac Zi Vin's demesne pulses with the brutal percussion of heavy equipment, as drophammers, winches, and cranes go about their work under the auspices of several tech-servitors. The whole of the place is rendered in a hellish, blood-red glow from the titanic smelters that operate in crater-like center of the forge. The Storm Warden wanders inside, somewhat intimidated by the sometimes unrecognizable pieces of artifice that pound and clang around him. He steps out on to an elevated catwalk overlooking the entirety of the foundry, and spies the Forge Master angrily berating one of his servitors below, shaking a forge mold the size of a small ground car in the grip of his servo-arm to rain ashy debris about. He tosses it aside, behind him, with a resounding boom that shakes your teeth. As if sensing your presence, the aged Storm Warden raises his face to yours, the tattoos around his eyes and mouth subtly shifting from suspicious irritation to a craggy smile and recognition.

He waves you down to the lower level, pointing toward one of the reinforced grill-work lifts.


"Attalus, I wager that we can drink you under. In exchange, you shall provide us with an introduction to the Forgemaster, Harl Greyweaver. Otherwise, we shall tell you of our experience with the minions of the Great Devourer."

"Are the stakes to your liking?"

Once Attalus agrees...

Toughness 1d100 ⇒ 2

Hrothgar drains his tankard swiftly and without hesitation.

I should have maxed out Carouse when I had the chance....


Male Storm warden Tactical Marine

Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Foundry Level, Forge of Mac Zi Vin
242.817.M41
Hour 22 System Sidereal Time

I smile and wave back as I head to the lift down. No point in trying to yell over the din of machinery.


Watch Fortress Erioch, Refectory of the Spavined Skull
242.817.M41
Hour 18 System Sidereal Time

Brother Hrothgar wrote:


"Are the stakes to your liking?"

"These stakes will serve, Hrothgar."

Attalus Fellhand wipes the vestiges of foam from his lips and belches deafeningly, impatiently rapping his fingers against the table as the servitor slowly pours another round.

Round #1 Drinking Contest Results:

  • Attatlus Fellhand: 2 degrees of success.
  • Brother Decius: 3 degrees of success.
  • Brother Hrothgar: 4 degrees of success.

The spirits of Fenris are powerful. Brother Decius' eyes water in spite of his body's efforts to metabolize the alcohol, while the two Space Wolves otherwise look none the worse for wear for their imbibing.

Brother Hrothgar wins the round, Attalus Fellhand and Brother Decius take one level of Fatigue, and are -10 to their next test, meaning Fellhand's Carouse test is now Ordinary [+10], Brother Decius' next Toughness test is considered Difficult (-10) and Hrothgar's remains Challenging [+0].

Once the tankards are filled again, the three drink as one, racing each other to the bottom of their cups.

Attalus Fellhand, Carouse (Trained) = 51, +10 (Ordinary), modified skill = 61, 1d100 ⇒ 56, straight success.

The tall Space Wolf guffaws loudly as Brother Decius wipes at his eyes.

"You come from a world of water, Iron Snake, but it seems you have difficulty swallowing!"

When you glower at him in response, it makes him ever more irascible.

"Bah, it is not your fault, you could distill your world's seas for a thousand years and still have no rival to the brew of Fenris."

Brother Hrothgar wrote:


I should have maxed out Carouse when I had the chance....

I'm just amazed that this skill is actually getting some play in one of these campaigns. It is pretty narrow in its implementation, and frankly I'd be surprised if someone took advances in it without having ample reason, lol!


Toughness 1d100 ⇒ 27

Hrothgar again drains his tankard with the same alacrity as the first.

"Drink! Drink! Drink!"


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Foundry Level, Forge of Mac Zi Ven
242.817.M41
Hour 22 System Sidereal Time

Brother Caledonii is greeted warmly by the thickly-muscled techmarine as the lift hisses to a halt on the lower level. Mac Zi Ven reaches forward with one calloused hand and tightly grasps his Storm Warden brother's bicep in a gesture of friendship as old as the tarns of Sacris. Caledonii reciprocates, grasping the techmarine's arm in turn.

"Hail and welcome, old friend!"

Lowering his ash-scored servo arm behind him and tucking it away, he regards Brother Caledonii with whimsical and curious green eyes, the black stubble on his head and cheeks beneath the soot-caked augmetics glistening with a sheen of sweat raised from the proximity to the sweltering forge.

"What brings you here, Caledonii? It is too long since we last spoke, where was it again, the ruined Basilica of Trajar's Vigil on Protasia? Hah! Now, all these years later, we meet again once again, on the furthest edge of the galaxy as one can be from the Sector Calixis, no less!"


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Librarium, Stack 23
242.817.M41
Hour 21 System Sidereal Time

Brother Emeric strides into the heady air of incense burning from high-hanging censers in the Librarium's vaulted antechamber, and is immediately attended to (or set upon, as the interpretation may be) by one of the doting archivist chapter serfs, the slender man's gray robes swishing a small eddying cloud of dust behind him as he makes his way to intercept the techmarine.

He makes a flourish that is half-bow, half-curtsy, before the Black Templar.

"Lord Astartes, I bid you welcome to the Librarium. I am Ghanu, scribe and archivist of the 23rd Stack, how may I be of service to you?"

Looking past the clearly nervous young serf, Brother Emeric can see through the long, low, arching aperture in the stony walls of the antechamber that leads into the towering heights and depths of the Librarium proper; a chaotic, multilevel glimpse of the titanic, ninety-nine story shaft housing the collected archives of Watch Station Erioch and the Deathwatch. All within is dimly lit by amber lumen globes tethered to precariously winding wrought-iron spiral stairs and catwalks crossing the circular void or ascending up the curving walls like lancet-edged ivy forged of black metal. Thousands of books, scrolls, librams and dataslates crowd the recessed stone shelves along the hollow tower's circumference, while ancient bookcases of polished metal, crumbling wood, and stained plas crisscross the core, connected to one another in a haphazard fashion that defies any semblance of true order. Occasionally the ossified profile of a servo-skull can be seen hovering up or down amongst the stacks, bearing moldering tomes on wide, circular brass trays suspended from their slack jaws by triple-thick chains. The smell of aged paper and ancient paste is nearly as overpowering as the incense here.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Tower of Brass, The Brazen Gates
243.817.M41
Hour 6 System Sidereal Time

Brother Quintus and Brother Vex approach the imposing, five meter high bulkhead doors, brass-stamped in the center with the prominent skull and 'I' motif of the Holy Ordos. They stop respectfully before the portal that leads from Watch Station Erioch into the Tower of Brass proper, the sovereign demesne of the Imperial Inquisition in Fortress Erioch. This particular entry into Inquisitor Hezika Carmillus' sanctuary abuts on the Inquisition's notorious medicae quarantine and interrogation level. It is guarded by a half dozen Inquisitorial stormtroopers, all clad in the black and carmine carapace armor of their vocation.

Brother Vex or Brother Quintus, please attempt a Routine [+20] Common Lore (War) test.

As the battle-brothers draw near, the sergeant-at-arms meets them before the doors, bowing respectfully to the Deathwatch marines. When he speaks, it is through the vox-grill of his masked helmet, his voice muffled but still clear and direct.

"Hail, Lords Astartes, how may I be of aid to you?"


Hrothgar sings a short ditty.

"Ein zwei drei vier
Lift your stein and drink your beer
Ein zwei drei vier
Lift your stein and drink your beer"

Rook, a Space Wolf would have taken Carouse as standard hehehe; now I find myself wishing advances in Perform hehehe perhaps in the next round....


Black Templar Techmarine
The Omega Vault wrote:
"Lord Astartes, I bid you welcome to the Librarium. I am Ghanu, scribe and archivist of the 23rd Stack, how may I be of service to you?"

Looking past the attendant I say, "Emeric, designation Tech-Marine, Kill-Team Umbra. I need a work-space and expect to be here a few days." The staggering size of the stacks sends an intellectual thrill through me. So much knowledge!

I then look down at the archivist, "Thank you, Ghanu, for your offer. For starters bring me lore on the Acheros Salient, specifically relating to Karlak, Vanity, and the Cellebos Warzone. Additionally I desire to peruse volumes relating to Black Templar Deathwatch service and Jericho Reach interdiction."

I wait for the scribe's response, wondering if Inquisitorial intrigue will prevent my access to the library.

Rook:
Since the last two advances taken by Emeric were Forbidden Lore: Jericho Reach and Adeptus Mechanicus, thought I might try to role-play it. Hopefully Inquisitor Quist won't get wind of this!


Male Space Marine Devastator Rank 1

Common Lore(War)(39+20) = 1d100 ⇒ 72
Failed by 1 degree.


Watch Fortress Erioch, Refectory of the Spavined Skull
242.817.M41
Hour 18 System Sidereal Time

Hrothgar:
Totally agree on Carouse for the Space Wolves out there, Rad. I'm kind of surprised/chagrined we're actually using it, that's all. Looking ahead, it may not be the last time either, but it definitely has a limited scope overall.

[ooc]Love the clip, by the way!

[/ooc]

Since all the marines have Unnatural Toughness, we'll only play until the 4 TB threshold is reached. Not that there is any less drinking, it will just save four extra rounds of rolling.

Another reminder too, for Hrothgar and Decius: since both possess the Gregarious demeanor, what better time to use the Demeanor ability than a drinking contest?

To keep the booze-fest proceeding apace, I will roll for Brother Decius.

Brother Decius Toughness = 44, -10 (Difficult), modified Toughness = 34, 1d100 ⇒ 39, straight failure.

The Astartes quaff the next round together, draining the tankards again and slamming them down with resounding bangs upon the tabletop. Hrothgar smirks at Fellhand's quick squint as he swallows the brew, feeling slightly lightheaded but otherwise himself. Brother Decius fares a bit worse, sniffing and rubbing at his eyes as the second tankard is washed down a little slower than the rest.

Round #2 Drinking Contest Results:


  • Attatlus Fellhand: straight success.
  • Brother Decius: straight failure.
  • Brother Hrothgar: 2 degrees of success.

Attalus Fellhand bellows loudly, enough to make the impaled ork skull suspended from the ceiling above sway tremulously on its chains.

"More brew, ye metal-man mongrel!"

The servitor, oblivious to the brash Space Wolf, pours again, and the three marines eye one another across the table as they heft their third round.

Feel free to roll for Round #3. Brother Hrothgar wins the round again, so Attalus Fellhand's Carouse test is now Challenging [+0] and Brother Decius' Toughness test is now Hard [-20].


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Librarium, Stack 23
242.817.M41
Hour 21 System Sidereal Time

"Brother Emeric, welcome. Again, it is my duty to serve. I will arrange a carrel for you on this level and dispatch the servitors with all haste to retrieve your requested selections."

Ghanu leads you to what is little more than a stone cell sized for an Astartes with a plain granite table and antiquated looking autoquill device surmounting it. Simple shelves hollowed from the walls for holding books and dataslates line either side and a bright lumen globe hangs from the ceiling on a tethering chain.

Ghanu nods inside, and continues:

"There is a substantial amount of material for reference pertaining to the the worlds on the rim of the Iron Collar and those in the Cellebos Warzone, in particular I recall a three volume set of portfolios containing the collected logs of a guard commissar stationed on Vanity reflecting on his experiences near the ruins of Corulsiem hive prior to the confrontation with the Stigmartus. The regiment escapes my memory at this time..."

He turns to leave, but stops in his tracks once again, as if recalling something of import, he turns.

"I must confess, the material requested on the secondment of Black Templars will be easy to retrieve, Brother Chaplain Strome has only just completed his own inquiries and the texts have yet to be returned to the stacks."

He offers one last thing before eagerly setting out to his appointed task.

"Feel free to peruse the stacks yourself as well, the servo-skulls acquisition directives are exceedingly precise, but sometimes the logic of a machine is trumped by the intuition of a man, just the same."

He smiles at his observation until remembering to whom he is speaking, before making a mumbled request for your pardon and scurrying away to the stacks.

No need to worry about the Inquisition here, Emeric, these are the Deathwatch's archives from their interminable vigil in the Jericho Reach. It is the Inquisition who petitions the chapter to examine these texts, not the other way around.

Emeric, definitely good RP'ing of the acquired skills. In addition to the research on the Black Templars, is there any specific line of inquiry you are seeking with regard to the specified worlds? Please attempt a Common Lore (Jericho Reach) skill test, as well.

Don't forget about the Studious Demeanor, also. It might be handy in this circumstance.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Foundry Level, Forge of Mac Zi Ven
242.817.M41
Hour 22 System Sidereal Time

"Mac Zi Ven, indeed its been a long time. I have been reminded of even older times of our chapter by an Iron Snakes armament. It was a one handed spear like what was used back in the day by our forefathers, this is what has brought me here to see if there are any such weapons sent here that are available for use."

If he responds in the negative:

"I was wondering then if there would be a way for one to be christened for my use." I swing my claymore off of my back. "Using this as the materials for the manufacture. In a way to remake the weapon into a new shape, to mold it into a stronger lighter and more deadly weapon then it is. The reforging of the weapon you did for me back then has held true but I always know that it was once broken like I was and I have been hesitant in using it for the apprehension of it breaking again."


Dark Angel Librarian
The Omega Vault wrote:

Erioch System

Watch Fortress Erioch, The Tower of Brass, The Brazen Gates
243.817.M41
Hour 6 System Sidereal Time

Brother Vex or Brother Quintus, please attempt a Routine [+20] Common Lore (War) test.

As the battle-brothers draw near, the sergeant-at-arms meets them before the doors, bowing respectfully to the Deathwatch marines. When he speaks, it is through the vox-grill of his masked helmet, his voice muffled but still clear and direct.

"Hail, Lords Astartes, how may I be of aid to you?"

Common Lore:War (1d100=13)

"Greetings Sergeant."

I consider the ramifications if my theory is correct. Deep down I hope I will be wrong for Roge Halis's sake.

I am also suprised the White Consul let me leave so quietly. I expected another insult, lack luster admonishment before I departed his company.

"I have come to examine the survivors of Tantalus psychically for any taint of the Hive Mind."

May as well be direct. They will either allow me entry, or deny me access by the Inquisitors directives. Guess we will see if the speech of us working together is just that or something more tangible.

Again I bring too much attention to myself to the Inquistion by my actions. Makes me feel uncomfortable...

Brother Quintus ordered me with the protection of the Guardsmen. My duty isn't done yet. There lives may still hang by my actions or lack of them. The Inquistions Eye is a burden I will have to shoulder for not thinking of this solution sooner.


Well it won't kill me to try
1d100 ⇒ 46

fail


Black Templar Techmarine
The Omega Vault wrote:

"There is a substantial amount of material for reference pertaining to the the worlds on the rim of the Iron Collar and those in the Cellebos Warzone, in particular I recall a three volume set of portfolios containing the collected logs of a guard commissar stationed on Vanity reflecting on his experiences near the ruins of Corulsiem hive prior to the confrontation with the Stigmartus. The regiment escapes my memory at this time..."

"I must confess, the material requested on the secondment of Black Templars will be easy to retrieve, Brother Chaplain Strome has only just completed his own inquiries and the texts have yet to be returned to the stacks..."

"Feel free to peruse the stacks yourself as well, the servo-skulls acquisition directives are exceedingly precise, but sometimes the logic of a machine is trumped by the intuition of a man, just the same."

I nod at the scribe as he scuttles away. Heeding the advice given, I wander about the librarium and scan some of the titles. So much to consider. Eventually one of the skull-servitors buzzes near me, awaiting instructions.

"Acquire texts relating to the following:

Planetary data, Karlack, geological data, southern hemisphere.
Planetary data, Karlack, Imperial and Inquisitorial presence.
Planetary data, Aurum, indigenous and xenos life-forms.
Xenos data, Genus Dolinae.
Deathwatch exploits, Saint Enoch the Thrice Martyred, Techmarine."

I return to my research chamber with a handful of texts and begin study while awaiting the scribe and servitor.

Common Lore (Jericho Reach) 50, Roll 1d100 ⇒ 79, Failure.

Rook, hoping to accomplish a few things:

1. Learn more about the alleged Black Templar attack on the guardsmen.
2. Decipher the messages received from Magos Vyakai.
3. Learn a bit more about the relationship between the Black Templars, Deathwatch, and Ordo Xenos.

Thanks for the reminder about demeanors. Will hold off triggering for the moment!


Toughness 1d100 ⇒ 13

"More!"


Rook, I have a hectic schedule ahead; major case filing. To abbreviate, I am posting my rolls for the following additional rounds below

Spoiler:

Toughness 1d100 ⇒ 11 1d100 ⇒ 12


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Tower of Brass, The Brazen Gates
243.817.M41
Hour 6 System Sidereal Time

Brother Vex, Common Lore (War) test is successful.

The Librarian cannot be certain, but he believes that there are normally only two stormtroopers usually posted to this detail. Looking over them more closely he deduces that they belong to the elite Maccabean Janisarries of the Calixis Sector, adherents to the Cult of Saint Drusus, and reputedly fierce holy warriors.

Despite his upright and stern military bearing, the sergeant-at-arms is clearly discomfited by what he says next. It is both a brave and awkward thing to refuse the request of one of the noble Astartes, but the trooper is duty-bound by his oath, even if in carrying out his orders its goes against his very nature.

His tone is truly apologetic.

"My deepest apologies, Lord-Librarian, but I am under strict orders not to allow anyone access to the quarantine facility under Inquisitorial edict."

He shows no fear, yet must be feeling it. Brothers Quintus and Vex can only be impressed by the officer and his men. It is clear that they would willingly lay down their lives to adhere to their orders.


Dark Angel Librarian

I nod respectfully to the Sergeant. I maybe more than most can understand the burdens of duty, and how duties can conflict.

I look on his uniform for his last name so I may respond to him properly and with repect.

"Then I ask respectfully for you to contact Inquistor Quist post haste to grant me access to the facility."

"The fate of the survivors of the Karlack 2nd may very well hang by the swiftness of these actions."


Male Space Marine Devastator Rank 1

"Do not worry, we would not ask you to go against orders, but I do ask you to follow Brother Vex's orders and contact the Inquisitor."


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Tower of Brass, The Brazen Gates
243.817.M41
Hour 6 System Sidereal Time

The sergeant-at-arms hesitates for a moment, even at the space marine's politely articulated command. It is clear his standing orders conflict somehow with what the Deathwatch battle-brothers are asking.

Brother Vex, please make a Command skill test.


Dark Angel Librarian

Command Test (1d100=41)


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Foundry Level, Forge of Mac Zi Ven
242.817.M41
Hour 22 System Sidereal Time

The techmarine listens intently to his fellow Storm Warden's words, taking the claymore from Brother Caledonii's hands almost reverently when it is offered, examining the fine craftsmanship and the still visible seam where the blade was sundered and then reforged. His emerald eyes light up like a awestruck child as he nostalgically traces the edge of the blade, even sniffing at the metal.

He smiles admiringly, and then segues into the native tongue of Sacris, his thick brogue accenting his words.

"There is naught that I have here in my forge that rivals the true cold iron, peat-touched and storm-scoured I now hold in my hands. Their are relics of our chapter in the vaults, but these are not mine to give, brother. Tell me, what compels you to remake this fine Sacris blade into the form of a lancea?"


Male Storm warden Tactical Marine

Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Foundry Level, Forge of Mac Zi Ven
242.817.M41
Hour 22 System Sidereal Time

"As I had mentioned I have recently seen an Iron snake with the combination of lancea and combat shield which brought me back to the memories of my youth. The stories that were told of our forefathers riding on the back of rhinos wielding powerful lancea and storm shields spearheading charges through the enemies lines like the lightning of our home world."

I run my hand down the scar in the armor from that faithful day.

"As to why I would have the blade remade, is that I am as knitted together as it is and I have had concerns that the many times I could have charged into melee and have not is because I need to be reforged into a stronger but flexible weapon as the lancea were and are. Using the symbol of the old rigidity the sword represents to an even older just as strong but able to take the stress of being bent and coming back just as strong or even using that force to strike even harder is what I need to be a well rounded weapon for our Chapter, The Deathwatch, and for the Emperor."


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Foundry Level, Forge of Mac Zi Ven
242.817.M41
Hour 22 System Sidereal Time

Mac Zi Ven listens closely to your words, cradling the twice-forged blade in his hands thoughtfully. When he raises his head again, it is to look upon the dull white path of your scars, and the great wound left behind in your powered armor.

"Your words are the truth of your heart, then, brother. This I can plainly see and hear. There is honor in the lancea; it is a symbol of the old ways. The men of Sacris were fishing, hunting, and warring with spear and shield before the first of our kind learned the rudiments of metallurgy. Aye, rare is the warrior who sees the true shape of his destiny. That which will yield, but not falter; bend, but not break. So shall it be for you."

The techmarine smiles enigmatically.

"I will do as you ask."

He looks wistfully into the fire of the smoldering forge, a cauldron of white-hot light that casts the two of you with such a bright glow that any one looking upon you would think themselves staring at a pict-negative.

"It is a long while since I have worked the pure metal of our homeworld, Caledonii. I think I shall take pleasure in this task. It is also too long since I have laid eyes on the endless fens of the Rooning Mere, the crenelations frowning atop Highcastle, or the cairn piled upon my father's bones. I suspect I will find some solace in this task for myself, as well."

He narrows his eyes.

"It will be up to you, however, to find a worthy foe whose blood is fit to consecrate the lancea's point. There is nary a fen troll to be found in this blighted swath of the universe. Only then will the weapon's soul truly be tied unto your own."

He claps you on the shoulder, clasping your bicep again as he holds the claymore effortlessly in the easy strength of his augmetic arm.

"Return to me in a fortnight, and you will have your wish."


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Tower of Brass, The Brazen Gates
243.817.M41
Hour 6 System Sidereal Time

Command test is unsuccessful, Brother Vex.

Before he even finishes his request, Brother Vex can sense the shadow of uncertainty and wary reticence in the stormtrooper's surface thoughts. It is clear that he is as fearful of disobeying the inquisitor as he is refusing the Astartes. Her orders must specifically address a contingency such as the Deathwatch coming to call.

Your respect for the sergeant-at-arms grows. He easily summons the courage to phrase a refusal, even as some of the other stormtroopers become restive at their posts.

"My orders..."

Brother Quintus, you may attempt a Command test as well, if you wish.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Librarium, Stack 23
242.817.M41
Hour 23 System Sidereal Time

The time it takes for Brother Emeric to whisper his requests to the leering servo-skulls until when the first of their number returns to him is considerable, but when they do, the initial trickle of information in the form of dataslates, old manuscripts, and weighty librams, soon becomes a veritable flood.

He spends much of the time while waiting dissecting the mystery of the Magos' encrypted message, parsing it in countless ways, trying to puzzle out the significance of the places and things mentioned and how they might correlate with one another.

The first source returned is an Explorator Fleet survey dataslate, penned by Explorator Magos Halvor himself during the initial forays into Jericho Reach by the lead elements of the Achilus Crusade. It contains a broad summary of the world of Aurum in the margins of the Orpheus Salient hard on the Iron Collar, describing it as a hot/temperate world of median size with a predominantly dry and subtropical climate range over two main continental land masses. The land masses are dominated by arid plains and subtropical rain forest zones surrounding sizable mountain ranges in their geographic center. The equatorial regions are predominantly bands of desert terrain, and two small polar seas cap the northern and southern hemisphere respectively. Meteorologic evaluations showed stable weather patterns of surprisingly moderate storm activity and low rainfall outside the subtropical regions. Magos Halvor's explorators initial auspex sweeps and survey scans detected a pre-feudal indigenous human population, likely descended from whatever dominant civilization existed on the world prior to the Age of Shadow in the Jericho Reach. Contact was not made with the population, however extensive geological corings and assays were conducted in remote regions based upon preliminary scan data. The resultant finds showed that Aurum possessed a remarkable mineral, metallurgical and resource wealth, including vast subsurface reservoirs of easily extractable promethium. The planet was marked as imperative to supplying the future needs of the crusade and was placed in the first percentile of worlds marked for immediate integration and exploitation.

Brother Emeric, please attempt an Ordinary [+10] Common Lore (Jericho Reach) test to glean some further information from the dataslate.


Male Space Marine Devastator Rank 1

Command(24) = 1d100 ⇒ 22
Made it by 2.


Male Storm warden Tactical Marine

Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Foundry Level, Forge of Mac Zi Ven
242.817.M41
Hour 22 System Sidereal Time

"I will return then at the appointed time. As for the consecration of the lancea point I believe the Deathwatch will provide an appropriate subject, either in the field or in its training environments."

With that I put out my hand so his free hand will be able to shake mine.
"Thank you for your help on this. I believe I still have some of the whiskey that I picked up the last time I was home...It might have aged better then we have. Ill bring it by later."


Black Templar Techmarine
The Omega Vault wrote:

...Magos Halvor's explorators initial auspex sweeps and survey scans detected a pre-feudal indigenous human population, likely descended from whatever dominant civilization existed on the world prior to the Age of Shadow in the Jericho Reach...

Brother Emeric, please attempt an Ordinary [+10] Common Lore (Jericho Reach) test to glean some further information from the dataslate.

Common Lore, Jericho Reach (50) + Ordinary Test (10)=60, Roll 1d100 ⇒ 1, Umm... OK, made that one. By six degrees!

Although I should not be surprised, I find it interesting that humans dwell, or at least dwelt, on Aurum. What is the concern with the lizard organism found on the ore hauler? If the cargo originated at Aurum then where was the ore hauler at the time of discovery? Will need to search for that as well.

Rook:
Does Emeric know who Brother Chaplain Strome is? If not then he will ask Adept Ghanu about him at the next opportunity.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Tower of Brass, The Brazen Gates
243.817.M41
Hour 6 System Sidereal Time

Brother Quintus, Command test is successful.

Brother Quintus wrote:
"Do not worry, we would not ask you to go against orders, but I do ask you to follow Brother Vex's orders and contact the Inquisitor."

You can see how torn the sergeant-at-arms is between the two indelible sources of authority vying for his compliance. When he accedes to the Ultramarine's request, he does so fully, leaving nothing to indecisiveness.

"As you will, Lord Astartes, I will return momentarily."

He is as good as his word. Only ten minutes after retiring to the communications console at one side of the door, his fellow troopers part and the tall, brazen portal opens just wide enough to allow two figures to emerge from within.

The first walks with purpose, striding almost irritably toward the battle-brothers, turning once to glare at the sergeant-at-arms, who grits his teeth and looks downcast at the unspoken rebuke. He is tall and coiled like a whip, clad in flowing green robes that drape over his angular, bony limbs. His face is that of an older man, ascentic, pale, with narrow, almond-shaped eyes. A half-meter, elaborately braided gray beard dangles from the very tip of his sharply pointed jaw, swaying to and fro as he walks, partially obscuring the rosette he wears around his neck on a golden chain.

The short figure who walks behind him moves with the easy grace of a remorseless killer, his muscular but lithe body rippling beneath the jet black bodyglove he wears, the hooded black cape that flows over his stooped shoulders concealing most of his face, save for the thin, set line of his pinched lips and hairless jaw. A matte-black rifle, long barreled and as sleek and deadly looking as its owner is slung from his shoulder. Brother Quintus notes that he stops several meters away from both Astartes, keeping his distance to a tactical advantage that is as instinctual as the indoctrinated behavior of the Astartes themselves.

Either of you can attempt a Hard [-20] Intelligence characteristic test to identify him.

The irritable looking adept in the green robes entwines his fingers officiously, wrinkling his mouth and rolling his eyes as if the obsequious tone he must take when speaking with the Deathwatch marines deprives him of the requisite saliva to form words, or pains his dignity overmuch, or otherwise leaves a sour taste in his pursed mouth.

"Lords Astartes, I am Tselomas Dorel, senior scribe and infomancer of Inquisitor Adrielle Quist. As you no doubt can observe by her absence in response to your summons, she is unavailable due to an urgent matter requiring her full attention, and I have been sent in her stead. The sergeant-at-arms has been good enough to inform me that your are petitioning for access to the quarantined guardsmen of the Karlack 2nd and the lone Munitorum survivor of Pyroclast Gamma Nine. I can only presume that your need for such immediate access to them is a matter of some importance. I have been advised to instruct you that any concerns or misgivings you might have about their confinement is a necessary part of the Ordo Xenos' requisite examination and quarantine protocols required to judge them pure of Tyranid taint. If you will relate these concerns to me, I will be glad to bring them to the inquisitor's attention as soon as she is able to receive them."

He smiles, mock beneficently, as if arrogantly presuming the two-meter-tall Primarch-descended killing machines before him cannot perceive the finer nuances of human emotion.

The sergeant-at-arms, perhaps fearful of the delayed reprimand he is sure to be facing, looks down, as if by staring long enough he will be able to see through the deck-plating.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Librarium, Stack 23
242.817.M41
Hour 23 System Sidereal Time

Common Lore (Jericho Reach) test is successful by six degrees, with the usual bonus for rolling a natural 1.

Although Magos Holvar's survey is pedantically detailed with concise scientific observations and reams of datum about Aurum's planetary makeup, it is not contemporaneous by any means, largely collated and collected just after the initial survey fleets began exploring the Jericho Reach through the warp gate decades ago. Surely there must be something more current in the stacks of records the servo-skulls have delivered unto him...

It takes several hours of searching, but Brother Emeric finally stumbles upon something that by no means should be present in the stacks, regardless of the quality of collected lore. It is a single file Ordo Xenos dataslate whose priority indigo encryption has been expertly bypassed. It is mixed in with a dry, repetitive, multi-volume collection of tracts detailing the various flora and fauna of Aurum.

The dataslate is a classified inquisitorial datafax assessment of Aurum, only a sidereal year old.

The bonus for "1":

Aurum Planetary Datafax

The document raises many more questions for Brother Emeric to cogitate upon, and he feels the benign presence of the Omnissiah guiding his actions as he hastily pages through a tripartite survey document on the saurian lifeforms of Aurum. He finds it on page eighteen-hundred and six of the second tome:

Genus Dolinae ~ A minute family of smallish saurian lizards, comparable to Terran monitor subspecies predisposed to subterranean environs. Notable for striated banding on their dermis peculiar for its naturally adhesive qualities, thought to be an adaptation to aid in camouflage via collection of mineral detritus in its native habitat.

Brother Emeric, please attempt a Routine [+20] Common Lore (Deathwatch) skill test to see if you are familiar with Brother-Chaplain Strome.


Dark Angel Librarian

Intelligence Test (1d100=59)

I make it apparent with a stare that I don't like his mocking tone. But keep my voice soft, and even toned.

"Senior Scribe Dorel. Please inform your Master Inquisitor Quist that the survivors need to be telepathically scanned for any taint of the Hive Mind. As your instruments are unable to scan or test for such things. Until such time the survivors need to be separated from each other and from one Roge Halis. We owe it to soldiers loyal to the Emperor not to tarry in this. To do otherwise would be a crime against ones duty of station."

Looking at the Sgt.

"Hold your head up high. You have done your duty with honor and clear thought. Good men's lives can be saved by your decisive action. Let us pray others are as quick and dutiful as yourself."

I eye the Dorel when I finish these words. I know not who the other man is. But an Astrates can always spot a killer.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Tower of Brass, The Brazen Gates
243.817.M41
Hour 6 System Sidereal Time

Intelligence test unsuccessful.

Tselomas Dorel's expression clearly speaks volumes about his opinion of the sometimes intractable nature of the Emperor's Chosen. Still, he maintains proper decorum, even trumping the diplomacy of Brother Vex by gesturing expansively toward the open doorway.

"You have my assurances that those in quarantine have been subjected to the most strident psy-probing and auspex scanning at the Ordos' disposal. Still, I can see that our assurances will not be sufficient until you perceive this for yourself, Librarian Vex. Fortunately, I have been authorized to do so by Inquisitor Quist."

"If you would be so kind as to follow me."

Brother Quintus suspects why the sudden change of heart. Although Tselomas Dorel hides it very well, it is clear that neither the inquisitor nor her acolytes have any inkling about Kill-team Umbra's concerns with regard to the Munitorum adept.

The Ultramarine casts a wary eye, one ever-attuned to danger, upon the short-statured man in the black cloak as they pass. He falls in behind them without so much as a word.

As Brother-Librarian Vex passes, the sergeant-at-arms looks him in the eye, positively beaming with pride at the Astartes' compliment. Half of the honor guard, absent the aforementioned sergeant-at-arms follows the party into the Tower of Brass. As the doors grind to a close behind them, Tselomas Dorel strides briskly ahead down the weakly lumen-lit corridor, passing sealed doorways leading to vacant and dark medicae theatres and quarantine wings.

He lets out a sardonic chuckle, looking behind him to be sure everyone follows, his pace swift for an older man.

"Welcome to the Tower of Brass, Astartes, I regret to inform you that those rescued from Tantalus did not show the same enthusiasm you did for a chance to visit this place. Still, far be it from me to lecture the Deathwatch on the subject of necessary evils..."

Dorel attempts to make his next question sound off-hand, but it is clear he is making little to no effort to conceal his interest. Either he doesn't care, or can't be bothered.

"Now, tell me, what concerns you so much about Adept Halis to warrant such urgency?"


Black Templar Techmarine
The Omega Vault wrote:
Brother Emeric, please attempt a Routine [+20] Common Lore (Deathwatch) skill test to see if you are familiar with Brother-Chaplain Strome.

Deathwatch Lore (50) + Routine (20) = (70)

Roll, 1d100 ⇒ 39, successful.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Librarium, Stack 23
242.817.M41
Hour 23 System Sidereal Time

Successful Common Lore (Deathwatch) skill test, by three degrees.

Taking a few moments to ponder the revelations the planetary datafax contains, Brother Emeric ruminates on Brother-Chaplain Strome's possible connection to this misappropriated piece of intelligence.

Brother Emeric:
Emeric knows that Brother Chaplain Titus Strome is a paragon of everything the Deathwatch represents, possessed of an unimpeachable sense of duty, a supremely resolute faith that would challenge one of his own chapter, and an absolute hatred of all things xenos. He is quite simply a hero in the eyes of his brethren on the sacred Vigil. He is also one of the Black Shields, his chapter, past, and history expunged from all records.

Consulting the servo-skulls again, Brother Emeric tasks them with finding anything that may exist in the stacks on the ore hauler, Shoulder of Stepatikos, although he believes it unlikely any recent intelligence will be found in the Librarium. Perhaps it would be best if Brother Vex consulted the more recent, non-archived mission logs of the other Kill-teams with his clearance as Librarian. It is almost surely classified information, even if the Deathwatch were involved.


Watch Fortress Erioch, Refectory of the Spavined Skull
242.817.M41
Hour 18 System Sidereal Time

Both Space Wolves pound their tankards down together, zestily wiping the foam from their lips, while Brother Decius slams his down a few seconds later. The Iron Snake finds himself reeling somewhat. Truly potent spirits he thinks, as the servitor refills the cups yet again. The laughter of the huge brute, Fellhand, rings painfully in his ears, and Decius can see that despite holding his own, even Hrothgar is getting red, bleary eyes, a crimson flush working its way up his neck and cheeks.

Attalus Fellhand, Challenging [+0] Carouse = 51 1d100 ⇒ 8, success by four degrees.

Round #3 Drinking Contest Results:


  • Attatlus Fellhand: Carouse = 51, roll = 8, four degrees of success.
  • Brother Decius: Hard [-20] Toughness = 24, roll = 46, failed by 2 degrees.
  • Brother Hrothgar: Challenging [+0] Toughness = 48, roll = 14, 3 degrees of success.

This round goes to Fellhand. Brother Decius' Toughness roll is now Very Hard [-30] and one more level of Fatigue will overcome his Toughness Bonus causing him to unceremoniously pass out, enhanced constitution or no. Brother Hrothgar's Toughness test is now Difficult [-10], with three points of Toughness Bonus remaining, and Attlaus Fellhand's Carouse test will remain Challenging [+0] and he is down to two points of TB.

"Again!" cries the Fellhand, shoving the oblivious servitor's arm away again even as it finishes pouring, nearly sending the lobotomized thing to the floor with his drunken zeal.

I have Brother Hrothgar's roll for Round #4, just need one for Brother Decius to continue.


Male Space Marine Devastator Rank 1

Intelligence(39-20) = 1d100 ⇒ 50
Do not know who he is.

"Even I felt the oppression of the Devourer. If Brother Brother Vex feels he needs to test a specific person, then that person needs to be tested. I need no other assurance than that."


Watch Fortress Erioch, Viewing Gallery Overlooking Berthing Cradle 66
243.817.M41
Hour 7 System Sidereal Time

Brother Syne stares out through the curving diamantine viewplate into the starless swath of space that holds Watch Station Erioch to its bosom like a dead lover. His eyes fall once again on the sleek, black, cylindrical shapes of the Deathwatch's kill-ships. Devoid of extraneous adornment, conspicuously small compared to standard ships of the line considering their apocalyptic armament, they seem to stare back at him, the muted red of their running lights winking in time with the syncopations of his own heartbeat.

For all their latent power, their potential for devastation, looking upon them is strangely soothing for the Dark Angel. His eyes somewhat unfocused, he wonders at what stories they could tell him, perhaps...

Unbidden, the specter of death itself rises into the void beyond, a great silvered skull floating impossibly in space over the very kill-ship that so doomed Tantalus and all it was. When the voice speaks from behind him, the Dark Angel comes to himself again, masking his momentary confusion once he realizes this is no vision come to trouble him, but in fact the reflection of the imposing Brother-Chaplain standing behind him.

His voice, although stentorian, is somewhat quietly inflected, but intoned with perfect clarity in the stillness of the deserted gallery. One would call it gentle, almost brotherly.

"Is something troubling you, my brother?"

Brother Syne can now see the full reflection of the figure in the glass as it steps forward from the gloomy archway behind him, and the first thing he notices is the absence of any chapter heraldry on his right pauldron. It is a featureless black void, not unlike what lies beyond the kill-ships. This Chaplain is a Black Shield, it seems.

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