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 Foundry Level, Forge of the Forgemaster Greyweaver
258.817.M41
Hour 19 System Sidereal Time

In his own gruff, largely guileless way, Brother Fellhand seems satisfied with your answers. He bangs loudly upon the large durasteel door, refusing to pound his hand on the wolf head sigil out of either reverence or superstition, and perhaps both in equal measures.

Somewhere far off, a loud gong tolls, and after a moment the door opens with a hiss. The three of you pass into the poorly lit corridor beyond, fragrant with restorative unguents and machine oil, making your way past numerous branching corridors that are bracketed in many of the same savage and fetishistic totems. Brother Emeric cannot help but feel somewhat discomfited by the bizarre amalgam of such animalistic tropes and the holy icons of the Mechanica, but Hrothgar, although placidly reverent, inwardly rejoices, as the Forgemaster's domain reminds him of the sacred places of the Iron Priests in the Fang back on Fenris. Passing beneath a slavering wolf's head of brightly polished, embossed iron, he and the Fellhand even genuflect slightly in true reverence.

Just before they pass beneath the archway, the Black Templar can hear the building, almost ululating howl of rage. It reaches a crescendo just as the trio emerge into a circular chamber that appears part workshop, part librarium, and part apothecary. Teetering bookshelves of corrugated iron sag under the weight of hefty tomes and even more massive slabs of rune-graven stone, while a sizable cluster of haphazardly arrayed worktables stand piled with oversized tools, armor molds, and partly finished servo and actuator mechanisms. Strange, almost anachronistic elements are interspersed throughout, from a hanging rack containing what appear to be bottled herbs and poultices in multicolored glass bottles, and even a huge wrought-iron cauldron, that bubbles with a tarry mixture simmering within. The roar of rage is followed by the figure of what at first appears to be a tech-marine, covered in tufts of fur, slamming down a bent and scored armor cowling of jet-black metal directly at the feet of a myopic looking servitor whom he dwarfs in stature. With a fierce bellow, he rips another cowling out from a massive vise with such force that it spins across the circular room to slam against the side of the cauldron, only a meter or so away from where you stand. He shouts something in the tongue of Fenris completely indecipherable to Brother Emeric, but the two Space Wolves with him chortle in spite of themselves.

Brother Hrothgar:
Forgemaster Greyweaver roars the following at the poor, upbraided servitor: "Ye'd best get it right next time, or I'll be ripping out your damnable ocular appendages and pissing into your accursed eye-sockets until your motivator core burns out, you daft thrall!"

Sensing your presence, Forgemaster Greyweaver turns his massive frame from the target of his considerable wrath and regards you all with frosty gray eyes. A great flowing beard of silver chased with white overflows from the jutting jaw above his powered armor's chest plate, random strands of which are wound around metal gears, screws, bolts, and even something that wriggles as if it is alive. You are relieved to see that it is some manner of twitching mechanical armature, likely a half-remembered project rather than a small animal trapped somehow therein.

The Iron Priest swivels and lowers two massive servo-arms, each covered in flaking red paint and faded yellow runes, as he walks in your direction. His recalcitrant servitor is just as quickly forgotten as his momentary rage. A hiss sounds from another mechadendrite, this one tipped with the nozzle of a fusion torch, as he deactivates it and pulls it in close to his servo-harness. His jet black Deathwatch armor hides the scars and scrapes of his trade passably well, with only the crimson and white of the Mechanicus skull-cog on chest and knee and the howling wolf sigil of the Space Wolf's chapter emblazoned on the yellow field of his right pauldron showing anything but the dark tones that seem to match his current temperament.

Seeing the two Space Wolves, and particularly the Fellhand, his angry grimace quickly transforms into a great, snarling grin, likened to that of a man who has just noticed unanticipated, but heartily welcomed guests. He spares barely a glance for Emeric before wrapping Attalus Fellhand and then Hrothgar in an embrace that would crush the bones of a lesser man. Braided beard whipping around in his excitement, he bellows over the sounds of his servitor's monotonous work.

"By Russ and the Allfather, and black Kraga's ten teats! Welcome! Welcome, my brothers! It is good I have no leash on my temper, else I would be shamefaced that you would see me act so. These clanking, idiot thralls, feh, I would rip them all into puny bits of salvage and melt them down into a chamber pot to fill were they not my only help here."

He snorts derisively as he looks back at the servitors, his yellowed fangs bared in contempt.

"Fellhand, I know. You, young Wolf, and you Templar, I do not. I am Harl Greyweaver, Iron Priest and son of the Fang, Forgemaster of Erioch. By what names are you called?"


The Omega Vault wrote:

Erioch System

Watch Fortress Erioch, Dormitorium Level 9, One of the Thousand Cells
246.817.M41
Hour 12 System Sidereal Time

Eli emerges from the shadows of the corridor and nods to the two Dark Angels already in the cubicle.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Hunting Grounds, Geodome #12
246.817.M41
Hour 14 System Sidereal Time

Brother Decius follows Brother Caledonii down the twisting jungle trail, the switchback path still muddy from the ferocious artificial downpour of a few minutes ago. He watches intently as muddy runnels of dirty water drizzle down the backpack power plant of the Storm Warden's armor, all while listening to the strange, recorded avian calls of the death world, Mahir, that echo through the sealed environment dome. The smell of loam, wet earth, and the overwhelming plant life fills his autosenses to the point where he must continually remind himself he is still in the fastness of the Watch Fortress.

His training has proceeded apace, and although the adjustment to life away from his chapter has been a difficult one, he awakens in his cell each day, eager to see what Caledonii will throw at him in the training pits. Today a surprise. The older Storm Warden brought him to the Deathwatch's 'Hunting Ground', to one of many sealed environment domes to begin the next leg of his indoctrination. Although he has experienced numerous live fire exercises to this point, today would be the first exercise against a live opponent.

Something along the muddy ravine wall rustles from behind, and he spins his head about to see the furry outline of one of the indigenous, rodent-like prey animals kept inside the dome to better replicate its simulated ecosystem. His senses are keyed in to a preternatural level, knowing that what awaits them is a very dangerous foe indeed.

As Brother Caledonii pushes through a low-hanging mass of trailing kudzu overgrowing a pair of closely growing cycads, he pauses. The torrent of the simulated river ahead is mind-boggling large, fully ten meters across, and the foaming waterway further adds to the illusion the Adepta Biologis has created here. He holds his fist up in a halt, and using hand signals, suggests in a purely mute, instructor-like fashion for you to observe and tell him what you see.

Brother Decius, please attempt a Hard [-20] Awareness test.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, Dormitorium Level 9, One of the Thousand Cells
246.817.M41
Hour 12 System Sidereal Time

Brother Bazzraef acknowledges the arrival of Brother Syne with a grudging nod, smirking slightly with amusement.

"Perhaps apothecary was the wrong choice for you, Eli. With footfalls as soft as those, you would have perhaps been a better fit for the Raven Wing. You breathe too loud, though. An old apothecary like myself always pays special attention to the breathing of those around him. Sometimes it will tell us if a marine is taxing himself overmuch in battle, or if he perhaps has an internal injury with no outward sign."

He sizes up the younger Dark Angel and sighs, almost as if he knows already why he has come.

"You too, eh?"

"My eyes and ears in the Fortress have told me that Strome came to you, I suppose I should give you credit for figuring out on your own our connection, however tenuous it may be."

"I thought you had confided in Brother-Librarian Vex, here, and sent him as your proxy."

"But instead it seems he is here on other matters, although not entirely unrelated to your own."

He turns toward the librarian, smiling ruefully.

"Brother Vex, 'Midael' is a where, not a who, although I suspect the watch station was named after one of our Deathwatch brethren from long ago, so you are not entirely incorrect. It is where my close friend and our brother, Watch Captain Ramiel, met his fate, now thirty years past."

"If I believed in coincidence, I would say that you both coming to me here on your own would be nothing more than just that. I have dwelt in Erioch far too long to delude myself into such thinking, however."

He pauses briefly, as if wondering if he should continue in this vein.

"The Shoulder of Stepatikos was an ore hauler lost to Kokabiel's Drop, if I remember correctly, near the beginning of the Crusade, an old Explorator vessel. It was simply gone, lost with all hands. Then, about thirty years ago, the astropaths of the Watch Fortress received a transmission from Watch Station Midael, which had long been cut off from us by the spreading taint of the Charon Stars. This strange message, sent from a long dormant listening post, indicated that the transponder frequencies and berthing codes of the Shoulder of Stepatikos had been detected in the transmissions being monitored in high orbit over the cursed forge world, Samech, on the cusp of the Hadex Anomaly."

He wets his lips, rubbing at the scar on his broad forehead.

"The Inquisition had an undeniable interest in this. It was determined by the Chamber of Vigilance that it warranted further investigation. It just so happened that it also served as the perfect pretext for Watch Captain Ramiel to lead such a mission to Watch Station Midael, so long cut off from her brothers here."

He looks from one of you to the other, gauging your attention.

"Brother Ramiel's mission was, in fact, a very different one, a personal one to our chapter, to all of the Unforgiven."

He looks at each of you grimly.

"Do you understand?"


Dark Angel Librarian

I nod my understanding to Brother Bazzraef as thoughts of the Battle of Solace flash back into my mind. When I became Unforgiven. When I, and the 4th faced the the fallen reflections of our self. Yes I understand.

"Thank you Brother for illuminating me. It is another piece of the puzzle that burdens my heart with grave concern. I feel it is now my turn to share my tale, and seek your council."

"There are a series of events unfolding that first started on Tantalus that I did not become aware of til after our debriefing with Inquisitor Quist. The first of which was a new Battle Brother confiding in me about having a vision of a Hydra. Initially I thought it was the weight of the Hive Mind bearing down on him awakening his inner mind and filed a report to the Librum thinking the Tyrant being the catalyst of such an event. He told me it was when we saw the mining machinery he felt spurred the vision. I soon realized that's where we encounter Roge Halis. One of Tantalus's survivors. It immediately made me think that he was perhaps infected with Xenos taint, and went to the quarantined area to being a mind scan. Thinking the vision of the Hydra was a subconscious representation of the great entity of the swarm. Such as Leviathan, Behemoth, and Kraken."

I pause collecting my thoughts as I continue my report.

"After gaining admittance to mind scan Roge Halis. I did not find any xeno's taint. Instead I found troubling inconsistencies. As I scanned the man I could feel his emotions. They were tangible. His fear almost palatable. Except for one set of memories. His first love. The memory was there, but no emotion. She was vague no distinguishing characteristics. The memory of her felt inserted. Along with the name of the World Nova Cruxis. I no longer thought of the Hydra as part of the Hive Mind, but possibly relating to the XX Legion."

I take a deep breathe wondering in the name of duty I might have put my Chapter and Battle Brothers in danger.

"I left the quarantine with notes for the Inquisitorial Acolytes to scan him again. In hindsight that may have been a poor decision after what you told me."

"I went to the Librum to seek knowledge about Nova Cruxis. While there I encountered other events that are going on in the Reach, and was asked to assist in an investigation about what transpired on Vanity. The Honor of a Brother Chapter is at stake. Again I thought of how the Hydra operates. My personal experiences battling them on Solace...."

This is hitting to close to home. Loss wells up within me as the pendant burns my chest.

"I became Unforgiven on Solace."

"I was also asked to investigate the history of a ship the Inquisition was interested in around the Aurum System named the Shoulder of Stepatikos. Its history led me here. The ship is connected with the Magos we rescued on Tantalus and the message that we weren't suppose to be privy to."

I rest my throat and await my Brothers feedback. I hope to find council and wisdom in there words. Thinking back this is probably the longest I have ever talked since before my inception into the Chapter. As I prefer few words, but could not think of a more precise way to convey what forces I think are at work in the Reach. Deep down I pray it is just the scars of my mind and heart that is shading the information I have correlated.

I hope I shared enough information to get the information I need while keeping Emeric safe in obscurity. At least til he is ready to share his knowledge with the rest of his Brothers.


Hrothgar nods to Fellhand before facing the forgemaster.

“Hail, Harl Greyweaver! Tis an honor to meet you.”

“I am Hrothgar, I come seeking a favor."

“And this is Emeric of the Black Templars, a puissant battle brother, whose purpose he shall divulge to you in due to time.”


Black Templar Techmarine

During my time on Mars, I was sequestered with Iron Priests for a year learning the intricacies, rituals, and operational rites for tracked armored vehicles. I remember the Space Wolves there as a fascinating combination of feral barbarism and technical adroitness. This place has the same feel of primitive fierceness along with Omnissian brilliance. Praise the Machine God for his many and varied ways. For Your thoughts are not my thoughts nor Your ways my ways!

Brother Hrothgar wrote:
“Hail, Harl Greyweaver! Tis an honor to meet you. I am Hrothgar, I come seeking a favor. And this is Emeric of the Black Templars, a puissant battle brother, whose purpose he shall divulge to you in due to time.”

I follow Brother Hrothgar's lead, "Greetings, Forgemaster Greyweaver," making the sign of the Cog and bowing.

Remembering a dining hall couplet recited often (and loudly) by my Space Wolf brethren on Mars, I repeat it here for the Forgemaster:

"May your sword be always bloodied, your tankard always full
May your data always be studied, your forges never cool"


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Foundry Level, Forge of the Forgemaster Greyweaver
258.817.M41
Hour 19 System Sidereal Time

Brother Hrothgar wrote:

Hrothgar nods to Fellhand before facing the forgemaster.

“Hail, Harl Greyweaver! Tis an honor to meet you.”

“I am Hrothgar, I come seeking a favor."

The Iron Priest regards Brother Hrothgar affectionately, clapping him upon his Space Wolf pauldron and pulling him into a vise-like embrace until the younger Wolf mentions he is seeking a favor. The wild-bearded tech-marine then ends his bear-hug, shooting an unreadable glance toward Attalus Fellhand, whose own reaction is just as inscrutable, if somewhat chagrined. Brother Emeric thinks Greyweaver looks like a wide-eyed madman for the barest moment, but just as quickly his craggy face returns to one of wholehearted enthusiasm and welcome, his infectious bonhomie even relaxing the Templar somewhat.

"Ha! The Fellhand told me you bested him in a bout of drinking, a most reluctant admission I thought I'd need my servo-arm to pry out of him. I must say, it nearly took all the salt out of him to speak it, but now I see why. You are a bold one, Brother Hrothgar. Bolder still to come calling to my forge in search of a boon when we are just met. Still, I am not one to stand on pointless ceremony, speak what it is that you seek, and I will think on it."

Brother Hrothgar wrote:

“And this is Emeric of the Black Templars, a puissant battle brother, whose purpose he shall divulge to you in due to time.”

The Forgemaster turns to size up Emeric, and the tech-marine notes how Greyweaver seems to measure him with his eyes, not in a personal sense, but in a technical one, his steely gaze seemingly calculating and tabulating the dimensions of his servo-arm and harness, gauging the strength of Ferocitas' plating and the integrity of his armor's seals.

Brother Emeric wrote:

I follow Brother Hrothgar's lead, "Greetings, Forgemaster Greyweaver," making the sign of the Cog and bowing.

Remembering a dining hall couplet recited often (and loudly) by my Space Wolf brethren on Mars, I repeat it here for the Forgemaster:

"May your sword be always bloodied, your tankard always full
May your data always be studied, your forges never cool"

"You surprise me Templar! I had thought your kind were as staid and indoctrinated as Ministorum preachers. I have not heard that rhyme since my days on Mars so long ago. A good memory you have stirred. Here is another for you, one my Mars-trained brethren oft-repeated when we were retrofitting the armor-plating for your chapter's Crusade ships during our training,

'A crusader's honor is never stained, in duty they never waver
Precision is the Templar's creed, and you'd be wise to earn their favor'

Never before had I seen such perfect rivet-lines in hull-plating and never since. Your chapter's strike cruisers are truly things of beauty."

He retrieves the cowling he flung aside moments ago, checking over its curving metal for signs of any further imperfections before forcibly shoving it into the chest of the blank-faced servitor, nearly knocking it over in the process.

"It seems by Hrothgar's words he is not the only one who has come seeking something. Surely you have not come all the way to my forge just for the pleasant company of barely-bathed savages such as us. What is it then?"


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, Dormitorium Level 9, One of the Thousand Cells
246.817.M41
Hour 12 System Sidereal Time

The apothecary nods as Brother Vex speaks, politely listening and showing no sign that any of what he says is in the least bit surprising to him. For the librarian it is almost as if he is speaking penance. Perhaps Brother Bazzraef knows much of what he says already. After all, the only way his chapter has learned to so closely guard their darkest secret over the millenia is by ferreting out and hoarding those of others.

"We are all Unforgiven, there are only those who have yet to learn the Truth, Brother-Librarian Vex."

"I am not one to dismiss the import of visions, but there is also a factual link in what you have surmised. Brother-Captain Ramiel confided in me before he set out for Watch Station Midael that the message the Deathwatch were sent from the lost station stated that the transponder sequencing used by the Shoulder of Stepatikos all those years ago while orbiting Samech were decrypted by a known Alpha Legion cipher."

He hesitates for a moment.

"This troubles me. Why would the Alpha Legion use an older code, one they likely knew could be compromised? I am in agreement that the incident on Vanity smacks of their involvement, but why the Templars and not another chapter? I can sense you wish to preserve the anonymity of the brother who brought this information to your attention, but it is no secret that all of the Templar's in the Reach are in an uproar over this event. I suspect I know the identity of the one who imparted this knowledge to your own informant, though."

The Dark Angel apothecary seems lost in thought, extending his silence for some time before speaking again.

"You say the Inquisition has found the ore-hauler, yet you harbor suspicions about this Roge Halis that was found on Tantalus. You suspect he is in thrall to the Twentieth Legion? I would not be comforted by the fact that he remains in Inquisition custody, even this is no guarantee against the machinations of the Alpha Legion."

"Is it possible, that after all these years, the trail is not as cold as I thought? I still do not see the connection, but I will confide in you the reason Watch Captain Ramiel and I accepted our secondment so many years ago. We came seeking rumors, rumors that one of the Fallen had joined the Deathwatch as a Black Shield. Our suspicions were first aroused when we uncovered certain records in the coded data-vaults of the Oligarch's of Tarabalus when their rebellious world fell to our chapter. The records stated that an individual that could only be one of the Fallen was hired by the oligarchs of Tarabalus to train their armies. According to the survivors we interrogated, this individual had left just prior to our assault. It is said that before he departed, he donned armor 'all of sable, unmarked save one pauldron of silver worked into a skull.' We believe we tracked him to Erioch, and Ramiel went searching for him at Watch Station Midael those thirty years ago, never returning."

Brother Bazzraef looks from Brother-Librarian Vex to Brother Syne, and chuckles under his breath at the younger Dark Angel's silence throughout their conversation.

"I had thought that none spoke less than you, Vex, but it seems that Brother Syne wins the day. Perhaps he would like to enlighten us regarding whom he spoke with this day."

Bazzraef retains his sober visage, but his eyes bore into Brother Syne in almost accusatory fashion.


“Pardon my candor, forgemaster, but forthrightness is the way of Russ and I would not have it any other way.”

“Forgemaster, during our last mission I observed that the tyranids lose coordination when their leader is struck down. I suspect that these “leaders” have some sort of sorcery linking them to the others of its kind. A device that can do that would be most invaluable.”

"Do you have such a device?"


The Omega Vault wrote:

Erioch System

Watch Fortress Erioch, Dormitorium Level 9, One of the Thousand Cells
246.817.M41
Hour 12 System Sidereal Time

"I spoke to two brothers not of our chapter, Sepheren and Strome. Both were eager to offer counsel."


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Hunting Grounds, Geodome #12
246.817.M41
Hour 14 System Sidereal Time

Awareness = 54 (+20 for Auto Senses/Heightened Senses, - [20] Hard Test) for Brother Decius, rolling 1d100 ⇒ 37, success by one degree.

The Iron Snake freezes with Caledonii, his helmeted head surveying the opposite bank of the 'river' until it settles upon what Brother Caledonii has already seen. He slowly raises his bolter to point out the trio of Gaunt genus Tyranid clustering almost invisibly beneath the low-hanging foliage that fans out over the surging torrent.

They differ appreciably from the Gaunts encountered on Tantalus, in that their body structure is, by and large, significantly smaller, save for the legs which seem longer, and significantly more articulated. Additionally, their carapaces are mottled, with hard knobby extrusions, suggesting a significantly thicker shell, with a coloration that nearly matches the emerald green of the prevailing undergrowth in the Geodome.

Brother Caledonii was already impressed with his young protege's stealth, but it seems his attention to detail is just as astute. Just the same, he double checks the undergrowth, verifying their targets. He knows from past experience just how good the Mahir Leaper strain is at camouflaging themselves in these simulated jungle environs.

Brother Caledoii, please attempt a Hard [-20] Awareness test.


Male Storm warden Tactical Marine

Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Hunting Grounds, Geodome #12
246.817.M41
Hour 14 System Sidereal Time

Hard [-20] Awareness test=Per 40+20 heighten and auto senses-20 Hard=40 1d100 ⇒ 3

I scan the surrounding foliage making sure I check in the trees as well ans under them and the ground. Don't want to be surprised by any other that might be laying in wait.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, Dormitorium Level 9, One of the Thousand Cells
246.817.M41
Hour 12 System Sidereal Time

Eli Syne wrote:
"I spoke to two brothers not of our chapter, Sepheren and Strome. Both were eager to offer counsel."

Brother Bazzraef nods perfunctorily at the mention of the Blood Angel Apothecary, but locks eyes with Brother Syne when he speaks Strome's name.

"I know you spoke with Strome, brother, my concern lies in the nature of the counsel he offered."


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Foundry Level, Forge of the Forgemaster Greyweaver
258.817.M41
Hour 19 System Sidereal Time

Brother Hrothgar wrote:

“Pardon my candor, forgemaster, but forthrightness is the way of Russ and I would not have it any other way.”

“Forgemaster, during our last mission I observed that the tyranids lose coordination when their leader is struck down. I suspect that these “leaders” have some sort of sorcery linking them to the others of its kind. A device that can do that would be most invaluable.”

"Do you have such a device?"

Harl Greyweaver works to adjust the various vises holding the other pieces of armor plating in place for the servitors, occasionally looking back at Brother Hrothgar over his shoulder, the forgemaster's expression lost in the shadow of the protruding servo-arm.

"Young wolf that you are, Hrothgar, you do not lack for a certain insight, and boldness will never be frowned upon at my forge."

"The sons of Guilliman, with all their trials against the Great Devourer, have garnered the most lore on such matters. Their keen attention to the traits of our common foe, and a hatred not oft-found in our cooler-headed brothers, has long fueled a search for any and all of the Tyranid's weaknesses. The canny beasts adapt, and adapt quickly, but there is one common vulnerability that has been observed across all of the Hive Fleets: many of their greater organisms, their champions, exert this 'sorcery' you speak of on their more numerous thralls at the behest of the Hive Mind. The Ultramarines discovered this and many other secrets of the Devourer, and imparted them to our chapter and all the others. You have seen the fruits of these efforts in the Hellfire rounds for our bolters, and the toxins brewed by the Adeptus Mechanicus' Biologis savants."

He gazes at you keenly, tilting his head back slightly with a look of exaggerated curiosity, trying to read your expression to gauge what you do and do not know.

"You speak of this device as if you suspect it may already exist, and that I had a hand in making it. What have you heard, brother, and from who did you hear it?"


Emeric:
Emeric, feel free to engage Forgemaster Greyweaver in a parallel dialogue, we'll assume it occurs just after Brother Hrothgar's conversation.


Black Templar Techmarine

Patiently I await my opportunity to speak with the Forgemaster. Although Maintaining a respectful distance, I attempt to analyze his current armor project. As an interested student, how does Greyweaver reinforce his plating? Does he use polymers? How does he temper the metal?

Detecting a suitable silence I state, "Forgemaster Greyweaver, I am privileged to walk your holy halls and bask in the warmth of your hearths. Yet I am not here merely a pilgrim but also a supplicant for I seek communion with Magos Vyakai. It was my honor to assist with his extraction from Tantalus and I wish to discuss the data conveyance he assigned to me."


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Foundry Level, Forge of the Forgemaster Greyweaver
258.817.M41
Hour 19 System Sidereal Time

Brother Emeric, please attempt an Easy [+30] Tech Use skill test to identify the armor components that Forgemaster Greyweaver is working on.

After speaking with Brother Hrothgar, the older Space Wolf turns his full attention to the Templar. When he hears Brother Emeric's request to speak with the Magos, the Forgemaster's once amiable manner evaporates as quickly as water poured on a superheated smelter. Although he does not outwardly appear to become angry, Emeric can sense something simmering beneath his abrupt transition to such an impassive mien.

His stomach sinks when he hears what Greyweaver says next.

"The Inquisition had warned me that you might come calling for just such an audience."

Scrutiny test, please, Brother Emeric.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Hunting Grounds, Geodome #12
246.817.M41
Hour 14 System Sidereal Time

Awareness test successful, Brother Caledonii by three degrees.

Caledonii holds up one hand to forestall any sudden actions from Decius.

The Iron Snake is observant, but he has never faced Tyranids such as these before. Scanning the overhanging canopy on their side of the river, Brother Caledonii makes out three more of the foul xenos clinging to the undersides of a broad cycad's branches, not five meters from their present position.

The successful Awareness test grants you the opportunity for surprise, Brother Caledonii, I'll let you decide how to proceed next. If it is to attack, please make an Initiative test as well.


The Omega Vault wrote:

Erioch System

Watch Fortress Erioch, Dormitorium Level 9, One of the Thousand Cells
246.817.M41
Hour 12 System Sidereal Time

Brother Bazzraef nods perfunctorily at the mention of the Blood Angel Apothecary, but locks eyes with Brother Syne when he speaks Strome's name.

"I know you spoke with Strome, brother, my concern lies in the nature of the counsel he offered."

"He wished to know if I were troubled, whether I felt guilt."


Male Storm warden Tactical Marine

Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Hunting Grounds, Geodome #12
246.817.M41
Hour 14 System Sidereal Time

I point to the 3 that Decius missed and then signal for him to aim and fire on them on my go. I then take aim on the ones across the "river" and when ready fire. The signal for Decius to fire.

I take a full round to aim before I fire. BS =36 , +10 (Semi-Auto Burst), +20 (Aiming), modified BS =66 , rolling 1d100 ⇒ 16, hit/miss.

Damage:

1d10 ⇒ 2 or Tearing Die: 1d10 ⇒ 5, +9, = 14 Damage.Pen 4

1d10 ⇒ 7 or Tearing Die: 1d10 ⇒ 10, +9,* = 20 Damage.Pen 4

1d10 ⇒ 1 or Tearing Die: 1d10 ⇒ 1, +9, = 10 Damage.Pen 4

Righteous furry *1d10 ⇒ 1
If one goes down I will spread the next hit to the next target down the line


"Hahaha, proud as I am of my abilities, I am not vain enough to believe that I am the only recipient of the Allfather's blessing of insight. I am sure that I am not the first one to notice the lack of cohesion the tyranids suffer when their leader forms are slaughtered. And who among the Emperor's many servants would be first to get such insight if not the xenos hunters of the Ordo Xenos, the Deathwatch."

"The forging of such a device would fall upon the shoulders of the Forgemaster would it not?"

Hello, guys. Sorry for not posting earlier. RL has shifted into high gear with my personal life, increased case load, and longer stock trading hours (I dabble in the stock market) contributing to keep me away from assuming my other personas (Ryuk, Hrothgar and GM for Dragon Crag). I figure I need more time to get Dragon Crag in order. I'll keep you guys updated.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Foundry Level, Forge of the Forgemaster Greyweaver
258.817.M41
Hour 19 System Sidereal Time

Hrothgar:
That's fine Rad, job workload has been weighing heavily on me, too. Thanks for the update, though. Just a quick question, was there a particular piece of tech-craft (from the sourcebooks) that Hrothgar was angling for from the Forgemaster, or is it just a general request? It will be relevant to his ultimate answer, and I want to make sure I didn't miss anything canon in the equipment section of 4+ sourcebooks.

Brother Hrothgar wrote:
"The forging of such a device would fall upon the shoulders of the Forgemaster would it not?"

"Ah, it would lad, and though I don't doubt that you would find ample use for just such a piece of artifice, we Iron Priest's are ever curious---just what made you suspect I had such a device in my possession?"


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, Dormitorium Level 9, One of the Thousand Cells
246.817.M41
Hour 12 System Sidereal Time

Eli Syne wrote:
"He wished to know if I were troubled, whether I felt guilt."

Brother Bazzraef chuckles ruefully.

"Guilt? Truly? Were I not so worried that he approached you I would find the irony in what he asked even more amusing. It seems sometimes even the mirror itself yearns to find its own darkest reflections in other things."

Looking tired the Dark Angel turns to Vex again.

"The Black Shield possesses an unimpeachable battle record amongst the Deathwatch of Erioch. He is a living hero to many here, and, as Chaplain, his counsel is universally regarded as wise and just. He is also the one that Brother Ramiel suspected. I have been watching him for decades now, for a sign, any sign, of what he truly may be."


Silently nod in acknowledgement to Caledonii's signaling of the three I missed, this is a new species I have never encounter but they are ever deadly and a foul Xenos that should perish. Let the bolter be my instrument of divine retribution in the name of the Emperor and my fallen brothers

As I await the moment to let loose a hail of vengeance to strike them down.

Will aim at the closest one that is not the same Caledonii is shooting at so we spread the damage and if it dies, I will just shoot the closest one after that.

Full Auto Burst BS 44, +20 (full Auto),+10 (Tactical marine), +10 (Hatred)=84 1d100 ⇒ 90

Fate Point; reroll
Full Auto Burst 1d100 ⇒ 10

Damage
1d10 ⇒ 3 or Tearing 1d10 ⇒ 8 Damage Pen 4
1d10 ⇒ 1 or Tearing 1d10 ⇒ 8 Damage Pen 4
1d10 ⇒ 8 or Tearing 1d10 ⇒ 5 Damage Pen 4
1d10 ⇒ 3 or Tearing 1d10 ⇒ 8 Damage Pen 4
1d10 ⇒ 2 or Tearing 1d10 ⇒ 3 Damage Pen 4
1d10 ⇒ 5 or Tearing 1d10 ⇒ 5 Damage Pen 4
1d10 ⇒ 10* or Tearing 1d10 ⇒ 6 Damage Pen 4
1d10 ⇒ 1 or Tearing 1d10 ⇒ 7 Damage Pen 4

Righteous Fury* 1d10 ⇒ 5

Hope I got the damage right, since I still get it wrong since I don't remember if we are using the errata or book one version of the attacks


Dark Angel Librarian
The Omega Vault wrote:

Erioch System

Watch Fortress Erioch, Dormitorium Level 9, One of the Thousand Cells
246.817.M41
Hour 12 System Sidereal Time

Looking tired the Dark Angel turns to Vex again.

"The Black Shield possesses an unimpeachable battle record amongst the Deathwatch of Erioch. He is a living hero to many here, and, as Chaplain, his counsel is universally regarded as wise and just. He is also the one that Brother Ramiel suspected. I have been watching him for decades now, for a sign, any sign, of what he truly may be."

I quietly consider Brother Bazzraef's words. Taking council with transcribed testimony of the guilty to my own experiences on Solace. I think of the frailties in each of us. And wonder... who am I to judge.

"Brother that is a grave accusation. Is there anything to support Brother Ramiel's concern?"

The way of the Black Shields is a lonely one. If the Oath taken is one to erase a previous dishonor. Then should we not let him take that penance and let the Emperor weigh if his deeds are worthy enough to stand again by his side in death? If the oath of the Black Shield was taken for sinister ends. It could undermine the trust in brotherhood. Turning many who could seek salvation toward damnation if they wanted to or not. Much to ponder......

"Do we have anything to go on?"


The Omega Vault wrote:

Erioch System

Watch Fortress Erioch, The Foundry Level, Forge of the Forgemaster Greyweaver
258.817.M41
Hour 19 System Sidereal Time

** spoiler omitted **

Brother Hrothgar wrote:
"The forging of such a device would fall upon the shoulders of the Forgemaster would it not?"

"Ah, it would lad, and though I don't doubt that you would find ample use for just such a piece of artifice, we Iron Priest's are ever curious---just what made you suspect I had such a device in my possession?"

"It was just a hunch, Forgemaster. A touch of Russ' cunning if you will."

I don't recall reading about any such a device in the Sourcebooks so far. Though I might have overlooked it.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Hunting Grounds, Geodome #12
246.817.M41
Hour 14 System Sidereal Time

Mahir Leaper Initiative, 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13.

Caledonii, Decius, please roll Initiative also.

Taking careful aim at the close cluster of 'gaunts across the river, Brother Caledonii slowly depresses the trigger on his bolter, which barks loudly in response. His first two rounds hit the closest of the trio, shredding its knobby carapace to bits and spraying long, severed legs and broken branches into the canopy beyond in a wash of gore. Expertly leading his fire, another round hits the next Leaper in line, wounding it and causing it to let out keening screech.

Three hits, Caledonii. Two are enough to kill one leaper and seriously wound the second.

Almost faster than the marine's eyes can follow, the pair bound almost vertically into the air, their steep arc carrying them across the river to the trees on the marine's side with a crash of foliage.

Brother Decius fires a split second after his Storm Warden brother, raking his bolter back and forth across the unsuspecting xenos.

Decius, using the errata rules for Deathwatch weapons, the bolter no longer has Full-Auto, you still have the +10 you would have lost in the calculation for also being in Short Range, though, so the modifier remains the same. Your first three rolls all hit for 17 damage, with Penetration of 4.

With uncanny precision each of the Iron Snake's rounds strike home; one, two, three! The closely-spaced cluster of Tyranid explode in a bright splatter of ichor and emerald-hued chitin, torn to shreds at such close proximity, bits of them raining down from overhead to patter across Decius' armor.

Three hits, three kills, Decius, looks like the training is paying off!

Surprise Round complete, Round #1 will commence after I have Initiative rolls.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, Dormitorium Level 9, One of the Thousand Cells
246.817.M41
Hour 12 System Sidereal Time

Lyriel Vex wrote:
"Brother that is a grave accusation. Is there anything to support Brother Ramiel's concern? Do we have anything to go on?"

Bazzraef shakes his head, "No, next to nothing."

"That is why even before Brother Ramiel's disappearance we were at an impasse. I myself did not harbor the Watch Captain's suspicions at first, but as more and more of the other Black Shields were winnowed out as possibilities, my own concerns grew. Ramiel charged me with remaining vigilant when he departed for lost Midael so long ago, and my misgivings about Strome have only grown in that time. Though I have never discovered anything damning, nor even anything tangible, something is not right about the chaplain. Small, barely perceptible nuances---apocryphal minutiae that I have gleaned through the intervening decades---he carries with him a secret. I will be truthful, my doubts do remain, but my instincts tell me he is hiding something."


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Foundry Level, Forge of the Forgemaster Greyweaver
258.817.M41
Hour 19 System Sidereal Time

Brother Hrothgar wrote:
"It was just a hunch, Forgemaster. A touch of Russ' cunning if you will."

The Forgemaster wrinkles one eye in an approximation of a wink that manages to appear both intimidating and sarcastic at once.

"Aye, Russ' cunning, and a fair measure of his bold stones as well. You are a fellow Wolf, though, so I trust ye."

He glowers as if reminded of something unpleasant tasting, mouth working like he is masticating upon a tough cut of roast grox.

"There has been more than one of Mac Zi Ven's proxies sniffing about here begging after things such as like you ask for over the years. My artifice, secret Adepta tools---curse his name---even daring to inquire about xenos tech! Damnable abomination in the eyes of the Primarch and the Omnissiah to even dare lay fingers upon the accursed tools of our enemies, yet the Storm Warden would use them if he could, daring to call me hidebound in such matters when he risks his own damnation!"

Having truly worked himself up, Greyweaver frowns slightly, as if returning to the matter at hand.

"When next you know that you are about to face the Devourer's Host, Brother Hrothgar, come to me, and I will grant you a boon."

Brother Hrothgar wrote:
I don't recall reading about any such a device in the Sourcebooks so far. Though I might have overlooked it.

That's OK, Rad, was just checking, I have something in mind already, but just wanted to be certain you weren't thinking of something more specific.


The Omega Vault wrote:

Erioch System

Watch Fortress Erioch, Dormitorium Level 9, One of the Thousand Cells
246.817.M41
Hour 12 System Sidereal Time

"Have you considered trying to entrap your suspects? Perhaps placing them in a situation where their true nature is pushed to the fore?"


Male Storm warden Tactical Marine
The Omega Vault wrote:

Erioch System

Watch Fortress Erioch, The Hunting Grounds, Geodome #12
246.817.M41
Hour 14 System Sidereal Time

Mahir Leaper Initiative, 1d10+8.

Oops sorry forgot that. Ini 1d10 ⇒ 1 +4 agl+ 1 armor=6. Wow I how thats the last low number I get for a while.


Black Templar Techmarine
The Omega Vault wrote:
Brother Emeric, please attempt an Easy [+30] Tech Use skill test to identify the armor components that Forgemaster Greyweaver is working on.

Tech-Use (50) + Easy Test (30) = (80)

Rolling, 1d100 ⇒ 79, success (um, barely)

The Omega Vault wrote:

..."The Inquisition had warned me that you might come calling for just such an audience."

Scrutiny test, please, Brother Emeric.

Scrutiny, Untrained (20)

Rolling, 1d100 ⇒ 49, failure


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, Dormitorium Level 9, One of the Thousand Cells
246.817.M41
Hour 12 System Sidereal Time

Eli Syne wrote:
"Have you considered trying to entrap your suspects? Perhaps placing them in a situation where their true nature is pushed to the fore?"

Brother Bazzraef shoots the younger Dark Angel a sharp look, but visibly refrains from showing outright condescension, his expression instead softening to a self-critical mask of frustration, both morose and resigned.

"On several occasions the opportunity has either presented itself or been contrived, and each and every time Brother-Chaplain Strome has done nothing to impugn his honor or reveal anything further about his true origins or motives. Our suspicions remain just that, suspicions."

The apothecary glowers, the pale band of his scar sinking low over his eyes.

"In spite of this, I remain certain of his guilt. He buries it deep within himself, hidden behind a veneer of piety and devotion to the Vigil that fools all but those who truly choose to see it. Our chapter may not possess evidence enough to condemn him fully in the eyes of the Deathwatch, but for our chapter's purposes a much lesser burden of proof is required."

Bazzraef nods grimly, looking from Brother Syne to Brother Vex.

"Strome has not made a misstep to this point, but that is not to say he has not exhibited behavior that has cast him under suspicion..."


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Foundry Level, Forge of the Forgemaster Greyweaver
258.817.M41
Hour 19 System Sidereal Time

Tech-Use test is successful, Scrutiny test unsuccessful.

Brother Emeric's eyes alight upon the familiar armor cowling that the Forgemaster holds, and his myopia for things mechanical does not allow him to see the look of barely concealed contempt on Greyweaver's face when he mentions the Inquisition's warning to him.

It is clear to the tech-priest that the black, segmented plating is part of the anterior potentia coil conduit-guard of Magos Vyakai's true form.


Black Templar Techmarine
The Omega Vault wrote:
"The Inquisition had warned me that you might come calling for just such an audience."

"Cogitations reveal that to be a likely response by the Ordos; Inquisitor Quist criticized the manner with which I executed my duties. I remain convicted that the course I chose was best for the mission and my Battle-Brothers."

"Identification confirmed, Forgemaster. You currently repair the conduit-guard of Magos Vyakai. I rejoice the Omnissiah's servant is under your esteemed care. How is his Eminence?"


The Omega Vault wrote:

Erioch System

Watch Fortress Erioch, Dormitorium Level 9, One of the Thousand Cells
246.817.M41
Hour 12 System Sidereal Time

Brother Syne's gaze hardens at the implied insult, but he motions Brother Bazzraef to continue.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Hunting Grounds, Geodome #12
246.817.M41
Hour 14 System Sidereal Time

Rolling Initiative for Brother Decius, 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12.


Geodome #12 Training Skirmish
Round #1

Intiative Order:

Mahir Leapers = 13
Brother Decius = 12
Brother Caledonii = 6

With a sound like a whip-crack, the two remaining Leapers on the opposite side of the surging river compress their legs, and bound from the branches, vaulting almost ten meters in the air. Their momentum carries them across the torrent and they land with a resounding crash through the thick foliage, scuttling on hooked limbs along the dense mangroves, moving in the two marines' direction.

Awareness test please, Brother Caledonii, Brother Decius.

The two surviving Leapers on the opposite side of the river needed a Full Move to reach the two of you, so please feel free to act after the Awareness test is made, ranged attacks will have a -10 penalty to BS for visibility from the thick overgrowth.


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Foundry Level, Forge of the Forgemaster Greyweaver
258.817.M41
Hour 19 System Sidereal Time

Brother Emeric wrote:
"Cogitations reveal that to be a likely response by the Ordos; Inquisitor Quist criticized the manner with which I executed my duties. I remain convicted that the course I chose was best for the mission and my Battle-Brothers."

Forgemaster Greyweaver grunts derisively.

"The Ordo Xenos sometimes forgets that the Apocryphon Conclave of Orphite IV negotiated a partnership with the Astartes for purging the universe of the xenos, and not a relationship based upon liege and servant. They would do well to remember this at times like this. I care not what this Inquisitor Quist decrees."

Brother Emeric wrote:
"Identification confirmed, Forgemaster. You currently repair the conduit-guard of Magos Vyakai. I rejoice the Omnissiah's servant is under your esteemed care. How is his Eminence?"

Greyweaver considers one of the welded hardpoints on the cowling with professional interest and chuckles warmly.

"Giving the circumstances, it is amusing you should ask, Brother Emeric, one of the reasons that I give the Inquisitor's words no weight is that the Magos, Vyakai, has asked after you repeatedly during my ministrations and repairs to his holy form. Templar, you Wolves as well, follow and I will take you to him."

Gripping the completed cowling in his servo-arm, the Forgemaster stalks off into an adjoining passageway, hung with all manner of fetishes, machine components, and medicae equipment. As the three marines follow, the rest of the servitors in the small foundry you have left behind continue their work, the steady hammering receding behind you as you walk still deeper into the depths of Greyweaver's forge.

Eventually, the Forgemaster stops at an otherwise unremarkable door of embossed iron and steel, similar to dozens of others you have passed along the way in this particular corridor. Triggering a dusty intercom, his lips move without words, while a stream of strident binary intones from a subvocalizing vox device just below his throat.

Brother Emeric:
010001110111001001100101011001010111010001101001011011100110011101110011001 000000111001001100101011101100110010101110010011001010110010000100000010011 010110000101100111011011110111001100101110001000000100100100100000011010000 110111101110000011001010010000001001001001000000110010001101111001000000110 111001101111011101000010000001100100011010010111001101110100011101010111001 001100010001000000111100101101111011101010010110000100000011000100111010101 110100001000000100100100100000011000100111001001101001011011100110011100100 000010000100111001001101111011101000110100001100101011100100010000001000101 011011010110010101110010011010010110001100101100001000000111011101101000011 011110110110100100000011110010110111101110101001000000111001001100101011100 010111010101100101011100110111010001100101011001000010110000100000011000010 110111001100100001000000110000101101110011011110111010001101000011001010111 001000100000011000100111001001101111011101000110100001100101011100100010000 001100110011100100110111101101101001000000100101101101001011011000110110000 101101011101000110010101100001011011010010000001010101011011010110001001110 010011000010010000001110111011010000110111100100000010010010010000001110111 011010010110110001101100001000000111011001101111011101010110001101101000011 100110110000101100110011001010010000001100110011011110111001000101110001000 000101010001101000011001010111100100100000011000010111001001100101001000000 111010001110111011011110010000001100110011100100110111101101101001000000110 000101101101011011110110111001100111001000000111010001101000011011110111001 101100101001000000111011101101000011011110010000001100101011001100110011001 100101011000110111010001100101011001000010000001111001011011110111010101110 010001000000111001001100101011100110110001101110101011001010010000001100110 011100100110111101101101001000000101010001100001011011100111010001100001011 01100011101010111001100101110

It takes a few moments, but an answering burst follows from the intercom speaker.

Brother Emeric:
010110010110111101110101001000000110100001100001011101100110010100100000011 011010111100100100000011001110111001001100001011101000110100101110100011101 010110010001100101001011000010000001000110011011110111001001100111011001010 110110101100001011100110111010001100101011100100010000001000111011100100110 010101111001011101110110010101100001011101100110010101110010001011000010000 001100111011100100110000101101110011101000010000001110100011010000110010101 10110100100000011001010110111001110100011100100111100100101110

As two younger Space Wolves looks on in superstitious confusion, the sealed door slides to one side, releasing a powerful aroma of heated machine oil, carbonized steam, and pungent incense. As the cloud slowly dissipates, a circular chamber is revealed, dimly lit by guttering censers whose light is reflected a hundred-fold by the gleaming, stainless steel walls. Numerous wheeled tables contrastingly laden with delicate medicae equipment and oil-dripping cogs, cracked bearings, and other sundry mechanica surround a hexagonal pool skirted by a low ceramite wall. The machine oil within is heated to the point that it steams, and the stench to Hrothgar is reminiscent of the cavernous vehicle repair berths in bowels of the Fang.

Suspended on a bracing truss of hanging metal armatures and calipers is the partially repaired corpus of the Magos Vyakai. He is nearly indistinguishable from the crumpled and erratic machine-man remembered from the rescue on Tantalus, as his entire upper body has been repaired and retrofitted from the waist up. Long mechadendrites even now writhe about the Magos' broad, black-armored shoulders, moving deftly here and there, grabbing tools and implements from the tables and shelving, while occasionally dipping them in the oil-bath to purify them before using them on his form. Below the waist, it is a different matter entirely, and it seems as if the ancient tech-priest dedicates the majority of his ministrations to that region. With all of the scored, mangled, and damaged metal removed, only a single thigh of withered, pale flesh remains, terminated by the yellowed knub of bone that once was a mortal man's knee. Even as you watch, a metal tendril extends sinuously from his shoulder to grip the cowling proferred by the Forgemaster, setting it into place across the base of the Magos' exposed potentia coil as several other mechadendrites swarm around to fire quick welds from their attached fusion torches.

Glowing green photo-receptors come to life from the inky shadows of Magos Zardos Vyakai's hooded head and an emotionless, stentorian voice sounds from the vox-grille hidden beneath them.

"You have my gratitude, Forgemaster Greyweaver, for both this component and acceding to my multiple requests to arrange communication with designate Techmarine Brother Emeric of the Deathwatch/Originating Astartes chapter Black Templar."

"Designate Techmarine Brother Emeric of the Deathwatch/Originating Astartes chapter Black Templar, [identified] designate Brother Hrothgar of the Deathwatch/Originating Astartes chapter Space Wolf, you are also designated recipients of my gratitude for extraction from Atlas Stellarum Jericho, M.35 referenced world designate Tantalus, specifically, Pyroclast-Gamma-9 Refinery. Necessary/requisite social etiquette has been completed, please commence dialogue with this interlocutor."


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, Dormitorium Level 9, One of the Thousand Cells
246.817.M41
Hour 12 System Sidereal Time

Noticing Brother Syne's stony expression, Brother Bazzraef's voice softens somewhat, acceding to the fact without actually saying so that his emotions may have gained the better of him.

His gaze flicks back to Brother Vex again.

"What do you know of Brother Richter of the Black Templars?"

Both the Librarian and Brother Syne cannot help but sense that the aged Apothecary expects them to know something of this marine by the measured, almost expectant tenor of his query.


ok

Awareness 54 1d100 ⇒ 61 Fail


Erioch System
Watch Fortress Erioch, The Omega Vault
249.817.M41
Hour 23 System Sidereal Time

Brother Quintus stands before the majesty of a single door over forty paces high, crackling with multiple void shields and reinforced by nigh-impenetrable armor plating thicker than the prow of an Imperial Navy battleship, the top of the sealed portal terminating in a pentagonal buttress that calls to mind an inverted shield.

Engraved upon its surface, bisected by a narrow vertical seam is an image of the Primarch of Primarchs, the God Emperor, strangling a writhing, coiled serpent. The sigil of both the Deathwatch, and a massive representation of the ancient Terran rune, Ω, 'Omega', are set against the center of the titanic vaulted portal.

Quintus, in awe as he kneels before the Deathwatch's greatest secret, cannot help but notice that the sigil is similar in some ways to the stylized "U" of his chapter's heraldry, being nothing more than an inversion of the same.

He completes his prayer by intoning the words graven into the thick band of metal above the iconography.

"And the Last Fortress is Truth."

His deep revery is interrupted by a sound, barely a whisper of unintelligible voices that seems to emanate from all around him---but no, it is merely the voice of the one who summoned him here, the old marine speaking from behind him, and it takes him a confused moment to recall that this marine is Arius Hyzeron.

"Not all hear the sacred ticking of the clock of secrets within as well as I, Brother Quintus, but listen long enough, and you may one day understand the message the Vault speaks."

"Many come here, as you do, seeking solace in the shadow of the Omega Vault on the eve of a member of their Kill-team's taking of the Apocryphon Oath, perhaps to search in their own hearts and souls for the greater truths that always seem so frustratingly out of reach. They ask themselves if they are worthy of their place in the Vigil, was their secondment a will of the Vault or simple chance, and if the initiate sponsored be worthy of their secondment, but only time will answer these worries, and that is something that the Vault possesses in greater measure than any one man, even an Astartes."

He kneels beside you, clasping his hands together in deference.

"Tell me, what do you know of Brother Prascus?"

Brother Quintus, to recall something of this, either make a Challenging [+0] Common Lore (Deathwatch) skill test or a Difficult [-10] Common Lore (Adeptus Astartes: Ultramarine) skill test. You possess this latter skill, it is simply a subset of Common Lore (Adeptus Astartes).


Dark Angel Librarian

"This is the first time that I have heard of his name. I must admit outside of my Kill Team. I have met just a few of our other Brothers in passing. I have been forewarned that the Black Templar's have little to no love for my talents. I have also met the Epistolary. After my brief exchange with him I would prefer the company of the later."


Male Storm warden Tactical Marine
The Omega Vault wrote:

Geodome #12 Training Skirmish

Round #1

Awareness test please, Brother Caledonii, Brother Decius.

Awareness= per 40+20 heighten and auto senses= 60 1d100 ⇒ 45 pass by 1 degree.

While keeping an eye out for other xenos brought to the sound of our fire, I motion Brother Decius to form up back to back as I draw my chain sword in one hand and switch the bolter to my off hand.


Just noticed I forgot to add the +20 to auto senses, but it is my fault so I suppose I still fail it fr not remembering


The Omega Vault wrote:

Erioch System

Watch Fortress Erioch, Dormitorium Level 9, One of the Thousand Cells
246.817.M41
Hour 12 System Sidereal Time

"He was recently seconded here, I have yet to meet him though."


Black Templar Techmarine
The Omega Vault wrote:
"The Ordo Xenos sometimes forgets that the Apocryphon Conclave of Orphite IV negotiated a partnership with the Astartes for purging the universe of the xenos, and not a relationship based upon liege and servant. They would do well to remember this at times like this. I care not what this Inquisitor Quist decrees."

"Forgemaster, you speak words that I find in my own hearts. It is demeaning to my chapter and my Battle-Brothers when I am expected to grovel with deference before the Inquisitor. I find the... politics... of the situation distasteful. Yet I will remember the greater cause: utter destruction of the alien."

The Omega Vault wrote:

"You have my gratitude, Forgemaster Greyweaver, for both this component and acceding to my multiple requests to arrange communication with designate Techmarine Brother Emeric of the Deathwatch/Originating Astartes chapter Black Templar."

"Designate Techmarine Brother Emeric of the Deathwatch/Originating Astartes chapter Black Templar, [identified] designate Brother Hrothgar of the Deathwatch/Originating Astartes chapter Space Wolf, you are also designated recipients of my gratitude for extraction from Atlas Stellarum Jericho, M.35 referenced world designate Tantalus, specifically, Pyroclast-Gamma-9 Refinery. Necessary/requisite social etiquette has been completed, please commence dialogue with this interlocutor."

I nod and raise a hand towards Brother Hrothgar, "Gratitude acknowledged but is unnecessary. It was our Kill-Team's honor to serve the Emperor and extract your grace from Tantalus."

"Substantive dialog commences. Query: did I breach protocol in discharging duties assigned to me, either with my Kill-Team or with Inquisitor Quist?"


Hrothgar nods in agreement with Emeric.

He waits for the two adherents of technology to conclude their discourse.

He sketches a gesture to the forgemaster suggesting a round of drinking.


Male Space Marine Devastator Rank 1

Common Lore(Deathwatch(39) = 1d100 ⇒ 86 failed.
Common Lore(Adeptus Astartes(Ultramarines))(39-10) = 1d100 ⇒ 84
Failed that one too.

"I cannot recall that name."

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