Once the arbites accept the group's Inquistorial bona fides, Zoros will extend his hand to each peace officer, recognizing men doing their duty.
He then picks up the old man's body and slings it over his shoulder. Lets see what the sight of their Prophet's corpse provokes out of these blue faces
As they walk with the Arbitrator to the Fortress, Zoros allows Lothar to question the officer, all the while scanning the crowd.
Awareness (Per:29+10:39)
"Someone best report in to this Aristarchus guy, let him know everthin' is alright. Now I fancy myself good at extracting information, but I can't compare to a Judge, so I may as well go myself." He pauses for a moment, locking his eyes on Thrace, "You. You are coming with me.
Thrace scans the area quickly, before relaxing a bit and resting her hand on her sword's hilt. "You got it, Brute Boy," she retorts with a smirk secretly hoping he doesn't plan on just gutting her once the others are gone.
"Alright, now keep up will ya', this thing's f%$$in' slippery."
As soon as they're away from the alley, Logan poses a question over his shoulder as they move through the crowd, "Now, riddle me this Thrace, do you have any idea how close we came to dying back there?"
Cosrach hears Logan and flashes a smile.
"The Emperor protects"
As part of the Retinue approaches, the Precinct-Fortress, the Senior Arbitrator answers Loghar's questions to the best of his abilities. The two Enforcers accompanying you stay silent, content to patrol the area around the group on their combat bikes and keep a watchful eye out.
The Senior Arbitrator, upon being asked to verify his rank scowls, but does so, producing an ID Badge and flashing it in Loghars direction.
In reference to knowing anything about the Gang that attacked you...
They are locals, been on this world since it was brought into the Imperium. Now, they are mainly descendants of the orginial humans, as well as the prison scum dumped upon this world. They are called the Ashleen, and tend to avoid the major Imperial Settlements, preferring a largly nomadic life out in the wilds, though they come in often enough to trade. Though not exactly accepted fully into it, they are slowly being integrated into the Imperial Faith, which has met with mixed results.
The Crow Father...
We have not come across any references to "The Crow Father." I will keep an eye out for any noise of it though and pass it along to Aristarchus.
Regarding strange Phenomena...
We have not heard of anything unusual going on. The Ashleen seem particularly restless and irritable, but thats it. Until today, no strange psychic activity or unusual violence was reported or uncovered.
Regarding his Investigations...
Well, I actually travel all over the Sector, investigating Cult activity and Uprisings, helping the Lord-Marshal keep eyes on the happenings across the Calixis Sector. Many of my activities are classified, even to yourselves, though a full Inquisitor would have access to all my files. However, I do not have any more information here on Iocanthos that would be of use to you in any way that I can see, though I will gladly share any info I do come across.
At the Precinct-Fortress, the following equipment can be made available...
-Everyone can acquire 1 Micro-Bead.
-1 Medi-Kit for the Retinue.
-Everyone can acquire one piece of Flak or Primitive armor.
-2 Glow-Globes or Lamp Packs for the Retinue.
-As many sets of Manacles as the Retinue needs.
-1 Clip of Dum-Dum rounds for the Retinue.
-1 Hot-Shot Charge Pack
-1 Inferno Shell
-1 Clip of Man Stopper Bullets
-Everyone can get 1 clip of basic ammo for their weapon.
-1 Grapnel.
Logan, Thrace, roleplay for as long as you need, and let me know when you are ready to meet Aristarchus.
Thrace gestures with her head back towards Cosrach, "What he said. If the Throne wants to us to survive, we will. But um.. Yeah... The combat simulations they run sanctionites through on Terra Prime don't compare to the real thing. The adrenaline is... Well more compromising than I expected. And unfortunately to do my job, there I always a risk of well... Unintended consequences. That's why I have..."
Her expression becomes much more somber, and her typical degree of shyness returns as she reaches into her boot and pulls out a knife. It is an exquisitely crafted Bowie knife that is made of an inky black, obsidian-like substance.
"This... A Psykata... If things ever get, um, beyond salvaging, I will do what needs to be done to protect the Empire. By the Throne, I swear."
She reverently returns the mercy blade to its hidden sheath before growing silent and distant for most of the remainder of their trek.
Hearing Logan's question to the young psyker and her subsequent response, Zoros' mind hearkens back to his early years as an infantry grunt....
....tracer rounds arced through the twilight, illuminating the trenches with brief strobes of multicolored light. Troopers huddled on the imperial side of the front, waiting for the orders to attack. The front had been in a stalemate for 3 weeks, supplies growing low on both sides. Word was, help was coming from the rear....big help: a powerful psyker was to be attached to the brigade to break the stalemate. The anticipation was palpable as the man in question made his way to the front. Climbing out of the trench 1000 meters to Zoro's left, the man looked very unremarkable, that was until his cloak began to billow in the calm air and strange sparks began to emanate from his outstretched hands. A number of slugs fired at him stopped, suspended in front of him, to drop impotent upon the ground. Watching in fear and awe, the imperial troops near the psyker cowered , some trying to dig deeper into the trench. Suddenly the man rose into the air, purple sparks enveloping him , an unholy scream wrenched from his throat, his back arched backwards, backward, impossibly backwards until with a snap, the man broke in half....then exploded into a swirling vortex of purple and black energy,that roared for a few moments then flickered , then disappeared. In a split second, 500 meters of the front disappeared, along with 1000s of troops on both sides. Looking down his trench, Zoros could see where the edge of the vortex cut through the line near him, men and equipment cut in half, but not cauterized as would a laser cut...and the screaming began....
Looking at Thrace with world-weary eyes, Zoros says softy to Thrace "The Emperor protects...don't worry lass, I've seen your kind lose control before. I'll do my best you don't suffer if it comes down to it."
Bulldog will leave off questioning the ganger until after Aristarchus and the others arrive. He will send the vial of blue paint for analysis by whatever experts there are in the Precinct-Fortress. Bulldog will want to know what it's made up of, how it was made and if it caries any warp taint. To the same degree he will want the patterns the ganger has drawn on himself using this pant analysed.
"Well good to hear that you're ready to do what you need to do, 'cause if you're not, know that I'm more than willing." Logan pats the knife sheathed on his belt, casting a cold glance over his shoulder at the psyker, "I've seen the likes of you at your worst, I know how much damage you can do. Trust me when I say I will not hesitate to end you if you ever put us jeopardy.
Logan continues on in silence as he follows the Cherub, paying little mind to the woman behind him for the remainder of the trip.
Cosrach grins at the psyker.
"Don't worry Thrace, you won't lose control. I trust you."
Well, I have to trust someone and at least we have the same master.
He waits for a couple of seconds and continues softly.
" Anyway.. maybe we should be more.. you know, discreet ? Claiming loudly we serve the Inquisition is one of the best way to tell the heretics they should run and hide. You don't even know if the Arbites is not corrupted."
Zoros regards Logan's back as the man strides ahead of the group, shaking his head slightly, knowing his attitude was shared by the majority of the Empire's populous. With a shrug and a rueful smile to Thrace, Zoros hitches the dead Prophet higher on his shoulder and follows to the Fortress.
Once a the fortress, Zoros will inquire to the Senior Arbitrator whether the oldman was known to them . He may not have known about the "Crow Father" but the oldman might turn up in their records.
Logan and Thrace, the cherubim eventually leads you out of the crowded streets and into a walled compound through doors embossed with the Imperial Eagle. Inside, a functionary shows you into a high-vaulted dark room, blessedly cool after the streets of the town. Some effort to make the chazmber comfortable has been made, as can be seen from the thick rugs on the floors, the presence of real wooden furniture and even a few tapestries bearing Imperial Motifs.
Seated at a wooden table in an old leather chair is presumably the man you're looking for. He wears charcoal grey robes and has a small smile on his lean, handsome face. As you enter, he holds a set of large ivory cards in his hands which he replaces in a silver case and returns to the pocket of his robes.
Welcome! I am the Seer Aristarchus. I trust the trip was pleasant and passed quickly?
He stands, comes around the table and offers each of you in a turn a hand in greeting before gesturing for you to sit. Close up, you see he has curious gold grey eyes and the sanctioning electoo of the Scholastica Psykana imprinted on one cheek. After shaking hands with you all, he adjusts a black satchel hanging at his side. You notice that the bag is made from emadar silk, an expensive material, and held shut with severallead purity symbols, each one bearing a long crimson ribbon that trails behind him.
Not to rush our greeting, or sound to prying, but I was told to expect more of you. Please, where are the others? I am greatly looking forward to this meeting, as I have read much about each of you.
The young psyker removes her goggles out of respect for Aristarchus.
With great effort to keep her voice from quivering, Thrace addresses him:
"Throne be with you, Seer. We ran into some trouble with local gang members and their supposed 'prophet.' There are indeed others in our group, but they are currently with the Senior Arbitrator wrapping up the situation at the precinct-fortress. I hope we will be of use to you in the meantime before the others arrive. We didn't want to keep you waiting longer than needed, sir."
Cosrach will stay with Zoros and try to help him.
"Or actually, it would probably be more prudent to meet the others down at the precinct... If that is ok with you, Seer."
Logan dutifully takes the Seers hand, suppressing a scowl upon noticing the mark of a psyker adorning the man as it does the woman next to him.
"If it's not ok, I can go get them if you prefer. Streets are dangerous afterall, not an hour off the boat and we got jumped by a bunch a' crazy locals. Had quite the time explaining the whole situation to some rightly pissed Arbites."
Actually, my dear, if you all do not mind could you retrieve them and bring them here? I have a little more work to get down and this will allow me a few moments to prepare for our first formal meeting.
"I'm off then, why don't you stay here Thrace, I'm sure a pair like you two have plenty to talk about." Logan says as he casts a leering glance at the psyker, making it clear that he wasn't making a suggestion.
"Yeah... Sounds like a plan..." she replies as Logan is leaving.
Thrace sits there and sinks into the chair nervous to be alone with the high ranking Psyker, but she is also releaved not to be around the suspicious bounty hunter.
Thrace, Aristarchus will encourage you to speak, and will try to draw you into conversation. He seems genuinely interested in anything you have to say, and pays attention to the smallest details, often asking questions for clarification. He seems very friendly and approachable, but he does put off any personal questions concerning himself or the Inquisition until the others have arrived.
Assuming the others are ready to come...
After Logan retrieves the rest of the Retinue, you all arrive back at the home of Aristarchus about an hour later. Again, armed guards let you into the luxurious waiting room where Aristarchus sits, laughing at joke he just made to Thrace. As the rest of you file in, he stands and warmly greets each of you, extending his hand and introducing himself again. Finally, after everyone has been seated and made comfortable, he pours everyone a glass of amasec and produces a fine meal of steaming Grox steak, and local vegetables arranged into a fine salad.
As everyone begins to eat, he looks arround at each of you.
So, tell me of this incident that required an Inquisitorial presence at the Precinct-Fortress this evening. Any details would be appreciated, as the smallest clue can reveal the greatest of secrets.
"Remember how I mentioned we got jumped not an hour off the boat? That. Stumbled across some old man screamin' about a 'crow father' and other s@#@, next thing we knew a bunch-a blue faced a+&$@&@s got the idea that they'd teach the offworlder's a lesson. Needless to say, they didn't. Rest a the party went off an' interrogated em. Speakin' a which, probably should have asked on the way here, but you find out anything good?
Bulldog will leave off questioning the ganger until after Aristarchus and the others arrive. He will send the vial of blue paint for analysis by whatever experts there are in the Precinct-Fortress. Bulldog will want to know what it's made up of, how it was made and if it caries any warp taint. To the same degree he will want the patterns the ganger has drawn on himself using this pant analysed.
Before heading to see Aristarchus, Bulldog and the Retinue questions their captive with the aid of the Senior Arbitrator. However, no amount of questioning, charm, or torture and convince the Ashleen to say anything, beyond one phrase he repeats vehemently, with much spitting and thrashing.
The Wise One's have seen darkness brought from afar!
As time wears on(how long will you continue to interrogate him?)he just continues the same phrase, though he lapses into silence for long periods of time as well.
Cosrach makes himself comfortable and drinks slowly his amasec, listening quietly to the others and observing their host.
Bulldog will only question him for about 20-30min before leaving him in the hands of the Arbitrator. He has no wish to keep the Aristarchus waiting.
Relieved that the others have arrived, Thrace grows quiet hoping to melt into the background and just observe the conversation. She fights the initial impulse to tap into the Warp to truly hide herself realizing that it would be a grave mistake. Instead she just sips the beverage and silently eats the meal unless asked a direct question by the Seer.
Crow Father, hmm? Cannot say I have encountered any references to such an entity before, though I can look into it when time permits. The Ashleen custom of face painting is well known however, and does not appear to be indicative of cult behaviour, more a social and cultural peculiarity.
Regardless, I would not worry too much about it. Such is life here on this dangerous world, o barbaric Iocanthos. But, The Emperor Protects. Now, however, back to business.
Aristarchus signals for more refreshments, as well as servitors to take away any baggage you have brought with you.
While I'm certain that the mission briefing you recieved from our honoured master describes in some detail the nature of our purpose here, I have had the benefit of spending a few weeks in this...unfortunate...outpost, and I have not been idle. You see, Iocanthos, for all its squalor, is near to my heart. The venerated Saint Drusus himself, to whom I have the very great honour of being distant kin, claimed this world for the Imperium, sweeping over the savage peoples and bringing them into the light and glory of the God-Emperor. As you know, the cathedral of Stern Hope is due to be consecrated to this great hero, and I would not see the memory of this Saint diminished by heresy and such a holy purpose thwarted by a backwoods witch or some such.
So, Stern Hope...the information I have been able to discover does seem to suggest some psychic phenomena occurring there. While I cannot say, based on the muddled reports we have recieved, whether this is the result of some reckless, prevously undetected psyker or of something far darker, the evidence suggests that all such strangeness has occurred in or around the new cathedral. Bleeding statues, manifestations, haunting noises, sounds of scratching from the walls...
He trails off and stares distractedly a moment into space before retrieving a data-slate from his bag and reading it for a few moments before continuing.
Ah yes, Stern Hope lies to the north, high in those mountains you may have seen on your way here. On a more civilised world, you would have gone directly to the outpost by air, but thats not possible here, so we have to travel by the Pilgrims Road as they call it, a rutted dirt path more like it. I've managed to secure us transport, an all-terrain flatbed, and I'm hoping one of you drives, as I've never been much of a hand at the wheel. We must pass through the barren shale wastes first though, and this is not a journey to be taken lightly. The locals claim that the wastes have witnessed all of the greatest battles of Iocanthos' long and bloody past and remain to this day a favoured battlefield of the clans. No one knows for certain, but rumours claim that all manner of terrible things lurk out there, although bandits and marauders are the most likely threat, so we ought to be prepared for any eventuality. Do you have any questions?
Zoros accepts their hosts greetings, offing his hand in a firm handshake.
To Aristarchus' questions he backup Logans statement with his own "Had their heretic Prophet in my hands, but our little zero-g incident cracked the crazy's neck..."
He then digs into the meal with gusto, having learned from experience never take a good meal for granted, you never know when you'll see the like again.
Leaning back after the meal with a glass of amasec, Zoros asks the Inquistorial agent "You seemed to go somewhere else there sir, when you were detailing the phenomenae. Care to elaborate?"
"Remember how I mentioned we got jumped not an hour off the boat? That. Stumbled across some old man screamin' about a 'crow father' and other s*!!, next thing we knew a bunch-a blue faced a@%+#!#s got the idea that they'd teach the offworlder's a lesson. Needless to say, they didn't. Rest a the party went off an' interrogated em. Speakin' a which, probably should have asked on the way here, but you find out anything good?
"He kept repeating 'The Wise One's have seen darkness brought from afar!' no amount of persuasion would get anything more out of him"
Bulldog turns to Aristarchus.
"Master Aristarchus, if you would please I have some questions. It seems a lot of this mystery is wrapped up with local history and lore. A good ruffle through a library or a talk with an expert would go a long way to finding us some answers. If we can I'd like to try and see to this before we leave. Can you point me in the right direction?"
"Also being a great follower of the Saint Drusus and have good knowledge on the cathedral, can you perhaps tell us the significance of the site on which it was built. Why was it chosen?"
"Is the Sorities abbey nearby? Do we have any contact with them? Do they have any opinion on all of this?"
Aristarchus looks over at Zoros, favoring him with a smile as he does so.
Well, Zoros, as you surely know, I am a Seer. Gifted by the Emperor with his own psychic gifts. My gifts lay more along the lines of divination, and gathering information. The talk of psychic phenomena distracted me for a moment, but do not worry, I saw nothing of import.
Well, Lothar, in all honesty you will not find a better collection of local legend and lore than in this very building, as I collect information that the average citizen should not have access to. Perhaps the Senior Arbitrator, if you have not already spoken to him?
As for why it was chosen, I am not sure as to why that exact location. I do know that legends claim Saint Drusus, back when he was a General, overthrew a powerful Daemon on this world, and reclaimed it for the Imperium. This will also be the first actual Cathedral on Iocanthos. The Abbot is a influential man, and his request to build one, as well as his request for aid, could not be turned down.
As for the Adeptus Sororitas, the Sisters tend to keep to themselves. Unknown to most, they are aware of the Inquisition's activities in this area and at times, with the permission of Lord Inquisitor Zerbe of the Calixian Conclave, can be called to battle. They are the most elite soldier's in the sector. We maintain limited contact with them, but they keep to themselves, and as far as I know they do not know of the disturbances.
"That's all eh? F!%%, maybe I shoulda' come with ya, sounds like you lot couldn't get a joygirl to show ya where her naughty bits were." Logan says, resisting over his shoulder at the end, "Alright, so has your poking around local lore revealed anybody who might not want to see the church built? Are there any local factions not so in line with the idea of a big building being built in the name of someone who isn't their hell born deity of darkness and despair? Logan asks before digging into his meal wholeheartedly, periodically lifting his eyes up to the seer.
Well, Lothar, in all honesty you will not find a better collection of local legend and lore than in this very building, as I collect information that the average citizen should not have access to. Perhaps the Senior Arbitrator, if you have not already spoken to him?
"He claimed to have little to no informationfor us. I tend fto believe him." Bulldog frowned as he spoke.
As for why it was chosen, I am not sure as to why that exact location. I do know that legends claim Saint Drusus, back when he was a General, overthrew a powerful Daemon on this world, and reclaimed it for the Imperium. This will also be the first actual Cathedral on Iocanthos. The Abbot is a influential man, and his request to build one, as well as his request for aid, could not be turned down.
Being one of his primary interests, bulldog pushed this point a bit further "Was it the Abbot who chose this location? Did anything else change about the same time these psychic phenomena began?"
As for the Adeptus Sororitas, the Sisters tend to keep to themselves. Unknown to most, they are aware of the Inquisition's activities in this area and at times, with the permission of Lord Inquisitor Zerbe of the Calixian Conclave, can be called to battle. They are the most elite soldier's in the sector. We maintain limited contact with them, but they keep to themselves, and as far as I know they do not know of the disturbances.
Contemplating scrapping this line of inquiry entirly bulldog asked the question that would put the final nail in it's coffin "Is the Sisters of Battle Abby located close enough to the Cathedral to be significant? Or are they on the other side of planet?"
"That's all eh? F&&%, maybe I shoulda' come with ya, sounds like you lot couldn't get a joygirl to show ya where her naughty bits were." Logan says, resisting over his shoulder at the end, "Alright, so has your poking around local lore revealed anybody who might not want to see the church built? Are there any local factions not so in line with the idea of a big building being built in the name of someone who isn't their hell born deity of darkness and despair? Logan asks before digging into his meal wholeheartedly, periodically lifting his eyes up to the seer.
Bulldog ignores the slur completely, his mind still awash with posabilities. Even though the question is not really for him he volenteers his theory, if only to hear it out loud himself.
"Closest I can guess at the moment is that this deamon that Drusus overthrew somehow survived, and is one in the same as this 'Crow Father'. Perhaps one of these bands of nomad wariors has taken to worshiping it."Bulldog looks around. "It's a weak theory, but it fits. This Deamon would certainly not want to see an Cathedral raised for the Saint Drusus."
Bulldog turns to Cosrach and Thrace
"Perhaps after the meal, we can go to through Lord Aristarchus's collection and see if we can find something useful related to this crow father or the deamon and Saint Drusus."
Cosarch listens quietly to the discussion, nodding in answer to Bulldog.
"Fine for me."
He quickly smiles to Thrace.
"Even if I think I'd appreciate some healing now"
Aristarchus looks over at Zoros, favoring him with a smile as he does so.
Well, Zoros, as you surely know, I am a Seer. Gifted by the Emperor with his own psychic gifts. My gifts lay more along the lines of divination, and gathering information. The talk of psychic phenomena distracted me for a moment, but do not worry, I saw nothing of import.
Zoros accepts Aristarchus' answer with a shrug, taking a gulp of his drink.
"So we have all of these reports of sightings and apparitions. Have you or your staff interrogated those making these claims. Or have you or your staff witnessed any of these occurances"
Thrace shifts nervously.
"Um... I don't know if it is proper to attempt to use my abilities in the Seer's home. And I'm sure Seer Aristarchus's control is far superior than my own..."
The Seer turns back towards Lothar, as Lothar so far has seemed to take the mantle of leader.
Indeed, the Abbott himself chose this location, though I do not have a copy of the petition, and as such do not know exactly why he chose it. As for the Sisters, they are not close enough to affect events unless they spiral out into something much darker. As for your theory, remember, you serve the Inquisition of the Most Holy God-Emperor now. It is your mission to track down any leads, even the wildest of theories. Do not be so quick to discount your instincts. And my library will of course be open to all of you.
Aristarchus lets out a wide yawn, though he politely covers his mouth with a napkin, and stretches momentarily.
Please excuse my weariness, I am not the young man I used to be, and my duties can be quite demanding at times, as the young lady no doubt can empathize with. Zoros, I do not think you understand the whole situation here. We are the first line of inquiry. We are the investigation. No one has traveled to Stern's Hope and investigated, that is what you are here to do. You are the response to the Abbot's plea for aid.
My dearest Lady Thrace, I can understand your hesitance, but to grown in our powers and continue to serve the Holy Inquisition, you must not doubt yourself, or your control. The Warp can be a fickle entity, and even a seasoned Psyker such as myself loses control. I could perhaps share some stories with you later, on the road if you would like? Regardless, please feel free to employ your gifts here to heal your comrades. I can even provide a sealed safe room, similar to an astropathic chamber, if you are truly concerned about the possible perils. I have faith in you my dear.
While we are on the subject of Stern's Hope, Lothar, let me provide some more information. We will be leaving by dawn, so I suggest everyone take this last opportunity to rest, and procure any supplies you may need. Those who wish can stay here tonight, and rooms will be provided for each of you. Also, I have procured a personal vox and lamp pack for each of you, to aid in our travel. Remember, we only have five days until the consecration. Haste is of the utmost importance. I have also arranged for each of you to receive 100 Thrones. I recommend you go to the Pitts for gear, and perhaps rumors and information.
Bulldog will offer to go to the pitts for anyone who's staying with Aristarchus. Just give him the thrones, equipment to sell and a precise set of instructions, He will get you the best deal he can.
Zoros isn't interested in the library nor does he need any other gear at this time. Knowing the importance of a good nights rest before an operation, he says his good-nights and retires.
Stuff to sell:
Quilted vest (10)
Stub Revolver (40)
Personal Vox (?)
Stuff to Buy:
Mesh cowl (100)
Hand Cannon (65)
Man stopper rounds (5 for 6)
Inquiry:
Stuff to sell:
Brass Knuckles
Flak Vest
Stuff to buy:
Bolas
Inferno shells (Up to five)