Taking the interest in gathering and using knowledge to end those of heretical beliefs and thereby serve the Emperor, who protects us all, as a given. I just had a few questions; Where will we be travelling to find these heretics? What current evidence do we have as to the nature, location and identities of these heretics? Oh wait sorry I missed the social queues there. I realise now that will come with the more specific mission briefs. This was more of a rhetorical question. In that case I will echo the sentiment of my gun inclined colleague here. When do we begin?"
"I'm good to go sir." Slim says simply and just waits for a response as he lights a Lho Stick.
Liam grins at Gaius.
"I like him, "Gun inclined colleague" sounds better than "low-life dross hound" dont'cha think?"
Amun looks about your company smiling, "I am pleased by your eagerness to get to your task - let us see if the eagerness persists. Know that there is a great deal of heresy across the stars, you will need to be ever-vigilant. I am sending you to the nearby world of Vaxanide. Some would call it a growing hive world, others a pathetic frontier, and still others a broken, shattered shell of a world. In truth, it is all of these."
Amun gestures toward the table-slate, indicating that you should approach. Manipulating it with his hands, he presents first a view of a lush green planet from space, then zooms in descending on a sizeable hive. "There is one main hive, Vaxanhive - that is where you are heading. Beyond its walls the nearby lands have been wiped clear of resources. Further out the leading up to lush forests and equatorial jungles. The world outside the hive is littered with ork marauders, a byproduct of two vicious Ork invasions over the past millenium. But the orks not your target."
Pausing for a moment, he looks to each of you, then to your empty hands. "Are none of you hungry or thirsty? Please, nourish your bodies and spirits, for the road ahead will have little room for any comforts. Marson, would you come here?"
A friendly looking chap with a little too much luxury in his belly enters, dressed in the clothes of a personal attendant. He carries a metal carafe, from which he pours what you assume is wine into a goblet for Amun. He then turns to you, "Pardon me gentlemen, but can I get you anything to eat or drink? If the spread in the gathering chamber was not to your liking, please let me know what you desire and I will attend to it." He waits anticipatingly.
Once Marson departs, Amun continues. "Where was I. Ah yes, your purpose on Vaxanide. Just under a century ago,a nihilistic death-cult known as the Pilgrims of Hayte worked their way deep into the culture of Vaxanide and unleashed ruthless violence upon the planet, particularly in Vaxanhive. Through the unified efforts of the planetary government, the PDF, a detachment of Adeptus Arbites, a mission of Adeptus Sororitas, and the leadership of my mentor, the insurrection was put down. Several key members of the cult's leadership were neither captured nor killed, and a vile daemon artefact, the Mace of Judgment, was not recovered."
"As you can imagine, if even a shred of heresy persists, it will eventually take root and begin to grow once more. While there have been no formal reports of the Pilgrims' presence in Vaxanhive, I am sure they are brewing in the depths of the underhives. Your mission is to head there, find what lies beneath, deal with what you can, and call for backup if necessary. Questions?"
"Sounds straight. You got some peeps to speak wit once we get hiveside or we just askin' 'round?"
Shifting eagerly at the mention of the artifact, "How do we call for assistance in the underhive? Won't the depths block all vox chatter? More so, how do we handle the artifact if we do discover it?"
"Aw, your too good to me mr inquisitor sir.
Heading into the underhive, snatch something nice an' then 'ead on back.
That's what I've been doin' as a reclamator all me life.
Now I'm eager to get started."
Handing his almost empty plate to the valet.
"Jus' fill 'er up with whatever grub YOU'D have picked, that'd be tasty no doubt."
Praetus relaxes a bit and removes his helmet again, keeping it nestled under his left arm.
Did any further information about the cult survive the purging? That you would permit us to look at of course.
"Marson, could I have a plate containing an appropriate balance of nutrients and some water please. Food for the body, but more importantly the brain"
"Ah yes I remember reading about that. Do we have any current information to give us a starting point?"
Solon shook his head politely, "I have eaten all I need, thank you."
Solon fought to stifle a scoff at the mention of the PDF. In all his years he'd never heard of an actual accomplishment from those corrupted wastrels. Better to ship them all off to the Imperial Guard to make proper soldiers of them.
When the inquisitor was finished, he nodded, "We will do as you ask."
Amun drinks again as he listens to the questions of his acolytes. "Hmmm, let's see. Yes, some more background information. It is unclear where the Pilgrims of Hayte first took route, for the truth of their nature was not revealed until they had amassed a great coven of worshippers. Given their violent nature and desire for wonton destruction, I am sure it is no surprise to learn that many of the cultists were underhivers. So yes, your investigations should venture into the Underhives."
After a breath, he continues, "Yet do not limit your investigations to those wretched slums. The lure of strength and power is tempting to men across all classes - three full common households of the lower hive, along with key members of one of the noble houses, gave in to the dark worship of the Pilgrims. The eyes on the ground would be your starting point for information - the local Enforcers, known as the Rods of Vaxan. But do not play your hand too clearly with them either, for heresy can be found at all stations."
"I do have a man on the ground, deployed a few months back. His name is Rory Grayfellow. When you make it planetside, he will seek you out at the starport and bring you into the hive. I am sure he has cemented other contacts, but who they are and what they can provide you will need to address with him."
"Let me be clear," he eyes Liam sternly, "your primary objective is to determine if the Pilgrims have regained a foothold, and to deal with it as necessary. The Mace of Judgement is a secondary objective, and not something to be trifled with. If you locate it, send word to me immediately. Do not try to recover it yourselves, is that understood?"
"As you wish. I now see why you have considered us for this mission."
Unsettled by the Inquisitor's lack of trust with the artefact, Skarr will turn to find Marsun for something to eat.
Intrigued, Taalik looks at Brother Skarr for a moment, "Please, enlighten us. Why is it I have considered you for this mission?"
"The mission is not linear. We are not to find the cult by opening a door. Praetum's service experience and Gaius's thirst for knowledge provide two avenues of approach. Liam is a hiver with proficiency with tech; he is essential to keeping us alive. The legionnaire is here to provide the 'muscle' for IF we have to engage the Pilgrims of Hayte, while it is on Solon and I to keep the faithful strong and on mission while looking of signs of corruption. Our political ties can grant us sanctuary within the hive and confessions can grant us hidden routes to information that can not be found by mere inquiry. That is my summation. That leaves Seth out of my summary. His skills must be more discreet, or he is an expendable addition much like the legionnaire, Solon or me.
In order for this group to operate, the key members are Praetus, Gaius, and Liam. All other members' survival is tertiary or trivial. We are merely support."
Praetus listens to the cleric speak, just waiting patiently and leaning up against a wall, arms crossed over his chest. When there is a pause, he waits to see if the Inquisitor is going to respond. If not, he speaks up, raising one hand.
Speaking of doing my job, do you have any remaining markings, robes, or other identifying clothing for the Pilgrims of Hayte left around? I plan to ask around on the government side of things first, but I suspect there will come a time when undercover work is needed and authentic symbols usually help with that.
Taalik smiles, "You are all expendable...WE are all expendable. Amidst the vast trillions of citizens in the Imperium, we are but a speck of dust. Yet, none of us are normal. And through our unique natures we can bring about the survival of worlds, of entire systems. Never doubt your worth and ability. Yes, some of your roles in this endeavor are obvious. Yet the rest are equally needed. First, you are all capable of lending skill at arms when necessary... even Gaius. Prior to his recent incarnation as a penal legionnaire, Slim was a hive rat - he understands the layout, the lies, the lingo, and the roads. Seth too is hive born, though his skills with a blade and his sixth sense are his stronger talents. And you greatly devalue both your and Solon's parts as brothers in the Ecclesiarchy. Your skill at arms is the only factor to be considered tertiary."
"You are all of great worth."
SlimGrim remains silent as he thinks to himself about the mission. Just like I thought, been doing this job my whole life. Just a different employer this time. Find someone for some reason, put the hurt on them, get paid. This time I'm the good guy. HA!
SlimGrim takes a puff off a Lho Stick and asks "How will we know Rory, and is that what we should call him or he got some kinda nick for the mission? Skarr seems to make a habit of underestimating his fellow acolytes it seems, once we grab one of these "Pilgrims" I will make em squeal no prob boss."
"If any trappings survived from the purge nearly a century ago, I know not of them. Perhaps in back corners of forgotten vaults in Vaxanhive. Be careful asking in the government - keep your words vague, lest you stir up fear and unrest. The Pilgrims function as cells, rarely knowing specifics of other cells, though the could be mere meters from each other. Bring down one cell too publicly, others will go to ground. Discretion is advised. If there is a substantial presence, the key to bringing them all down woul be to track down one of their demagogues, the so-called False Prophets, and eliminate them."
"As for Rory, you'll know him when you see him. He is an irreproachable rapscallion, with a mess of brown hair and a scar on his right cheek. He is rarely without his emerald-lense monocle, or his handcrafted stub pistol - the grip is carved from the ivory tusk of a Phyrr Cat."
Liam merely grins and nods at the inquisitor when he is reprimanded, then he continues to listen for awhile.
When he speaks next, he does so a little hesitantly, clearly broaching a subject he is less comfortable with.
"So, find, identify an' exterminate...ye be thinkin' that if'n we cut the 'ead of the snake it'll be enough?
Erm, this guy, Rory...he's been investigatin' this fer a long time? Yer sure he ain't been...seduced?"
Taalik laughs heartily at Liam's words, "Rory... investigate... seduced? Nooo, not quite. He will likely have a few leads for you, but his skill is more in making contacts and utilizing them - no so much interrogating. He is good at setting ground work - connections, logistics, equipment - those sorts of things. And given that the Pilgrims of Hayte are a vicious murder cult, I don't think he would really be their ideal target for conversion. Of course, if he is, I trust one of you will put a round through his skull."
"I suggest we start among the commoners." Solon said, finally. "I think we should start with the common folk. The nobles think they are safe in their towers, plotting against each other. The vermin of the Underhive may be our foes, even if they don't belong to this cult. It is among the hivers that we will find our answers, because they have the least to lose, and the most to gain from snuffing out any enemies of the God Emperor."
Liam shrugs, reassured by the inquisitors words, when Solon speak he frowns a little however.
"Eh, those that 'ave the least to lose are also t' ones most likely t' listen t' lies."
"Well I don't see any reason to take any more of your time boss. Find Rory, find cultists, deal with them, if find this mace, call for backup. Got it. Unless there is something else, I'll go get some more grub before we need to head out. Thanks for that by the way, been long time since had good food. " SlimGrim begins to head out unless asked to remain for something else.
"Liam is correct. From what I can gather from the Inquisitor's briefing on the Pilgrims of Hayte, they will focus their efforts on the bilge rats. If they target the nobility, it will be only for resources to arm the lower hive. If they were seeking something other than numbers and anonymity, they would have struck a different world other than a hive world. It simply makes the most sense. They will repeat their previous methods since they were near success before. I suggest we start from the beginning, investigate previous files and return to the cult's point of origin in the hive. If anything remains, we may find a more stable lead on what their goal is or how they plan to accomplish it."
"From my knowledge of this cult, we will need to be careful and should try to keep our dealings with the Arbites subtle. As a judge was amongst those turned from the light of the Emperor by this artefact, the hivers have a dislike for the Arbites and all those associated with them. So Praetus I would suggest your mask may prove useful in aiding you in staying anonomous.
Also as a lot of the property owned by the corrupted families was given over to houses who either suffered a lot or were instrumental in the purge, so any of them with a yearning for revenge or a predisposition to violence might be susceptible fodder for the cult re emerging under a different alias.
I for one am eager to get started and will trust in the Emperor to guide us to the knowledge we seek."
Gaius begins to pack his data slate away inside his voluminous robes.
" Ah one other thing my lord inquisitor. I remember an association between this cult and daemons. I believe the cult's sorcerers were able to summon them. Do you have any suggestions about combating them? I have read many treatises on tactics for facing daemons, but have no experience myself.
Praetus chuckles softly. Everyone hates the Adeptus Arbites. But disguising myself is one of my talents, don't worry about me.
I'll ask around the government about murders. Patterns of death lead to cults. That's something I'm certainly used to. And we can pose as merchants or even journalists if you want. No reason to walk in to the government shop with my Arbites ID in the face of the receptionist.
Liam raises an eyebrow at Skarr.
I never mentioned my name...huh, t' inquisitor mighta given someone a file on me after all...
Meh, no big thing, expected it I did.
When Gaius mentions fighting a daemon SlimGrim stops and chuckles "I'll tell you how to fight a daemon slick. Call for ordinance and pray you are no where near when it come through. Ain't none of us gonna toe to toe no daemon no matter how bad they think they are. Best run and call for back-up that scenario goes down, but my plan is to take out the crazy bastards before they can do that. I'll be out here with the food when ya'll done speculatin'."
To Seth " Indeed, it is a fine line, between enough to serve the Emperor better and too much. One that I think we all will face in time."
To SlimGrim with an attempt at a smile " That isn't far from what the various tactics suggested! Although there were various suggestions that certain holy items, wards and other bits and pieces may help."
"Demons? Eh...call the Sisters o' battle an' run? 'Cause that's what'd I am gonna' do fer sure.
...
...
...
Anyone know any sisters t' call? An' not yer own sister no.
No?
That's put a kibosh on that plan then."
"The Sisters are led into combat by priests like myself. I am beginning to understand the value of Solon and I, Inquisitor. The best tactic, Gaius, is faith in the Emperor. Purity of heart and devotion are the greatest weapons we have against the foulest enemies of Man. Have unyielding faith in your comrades, your wargear and your very soul as all are provided to you through the providence of the God-Emperor."
I had forgotten that Liam's name has not been revealed. If you will replace all mentions of Liam with "reclamator," we can restore that aspect of the rp. My apologies for posting before work in a rush.
"Actually, there is a monastery of the Adeptus Sororitas, the Abbey of Divine Judgement, on Vaxanide. It is nestled up in the mountains perhaps a thousand kilometers from Vaxanhive. It was nearly destroyed during the second ork invasion and has never fully recovered. Still, the Sisters of the Valorous Heart are a stalwart force, and just as they lent their aid a century ago, if called upon so too will they do it again."
Looking at the acolytes he finishes his drink, "If there are no others questions, I recommend you take your leave and get some rest. A cargo vessel leaves the station in 14 hours for Vaxanide. If you have any needs, you may address them with Marson and Kiernan. I will be watching your progress carefully. Emperor protect."
With his final words he nods to you then gestures toward the door, which opens on cue. Amun then turns and picks up a dataslate. He begins reading as he walks across the chamber, pouring himself another glass of the strange liquor before taking a seat in a distant aged chair.
"The Emperor protects, Inquisitor."
Skarr moves swiftly out the door to ask Marson where the cargo vessel will be located. Upon finding out what the name of the vessel is, he will board as soon as possible and take to his quarters.
Praetus, despite the prior admonition, snaps to attention and salutes the Inquisitor before marching out with a straight back and a formal posture. Once outside he goes to look for Marson.
Do we have a vessel to make planetfall or are we to be assigned a pilot to transport us?
He looks down at himself and his armor before pulling off his mask and running his fingers through his messy black hair.
And can I get a few sets of clothing? I could use something professional - something that will let me pass as a scribe or a journalist. And another crappier outfit...something that looks like the local gangers. Oh, and a rebreather. I've got the money if any of that would require additional funding.
Catching Seth before he leaves the area, "May I inquire as to what skills you exhibited in order to be present on this mission? The more information we have on each other, the better suited we are for survival."
"I am uninitiated in the terms you are speaking of. It appears dire. Should we wait until we are alone to speak of this?"
"I should say it makes me more curious than anything. The 'Black Ships' must be those who take away the psykers for sanctioning. Aboard the Enamoured Shield, we knew them as the ebon keepers, ships that appeared without warning and within a few days, people would be found missing from the crew. That must leave you to be a rogue psyker and a prescribed threat to the Imperium of Man."
Skarr looks deeply into the appearance of Seth. Taking a moment before speaking again.
"I should burn you where you stand if this is true. The Imperium does not abide witches and the like. Yet, I must ask this first. Was it the Inquisitor who saved you or the providence of the Holy God-Emperor upon the Golden Throne?"
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"Your understanding is incomplete, cleric. Not all who are taken on those ships are sanctioned. Others are offered up to the God-Emperor."
"To answer your question: I was saved by by the Inquisitor himself. Now whether or not he acted as the strong right hand of the God-Emperor I do not know. I do not claim to have such insight into the divine."
"As to burning, you can try. But this mission will be at an end before it even started. Do you understand, cleric?"
"I find your answer wanting. I understand that you are a pariah in the eyes of the Ecclesiarchy. However, rather than burning you for a witch, I will rather offer you my service in return for yours. You have confessed your seemingly most prime sin to me on a mere inquiry. I shall watch you for corruption, vouch for you in the Inquisitor's stead and in return, I would be most pleased if you would teach me of your kind and your ways. What is heresy to one is an infallible tool to another. The dark holds have taught me such. That is, so long as the Emperor holds sway over your soul. The forces of Chaos will hold no dominion in my presence."
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"Spare me your threats and insults. You are foolish, cleric, to think that the inquisitor will associate himself with a rogue psyker. And if you continue to imply that then I will end you here and now. Now apologize to the inquisitor."
In Volg Hive Dialect
For the GM
"I am astonished at your blatant disregard for the Inquisitor's wishes. If I was to be killed by your hand, he would have simply told you to do so. AND if the Inquisitor wishes to be in the company of or demand the services of a rogue psyker, it is well within his means and rights. You insult yourself with your blatant twisting of words and undermining of the mission as a whole. Without transparency, no trust will flourish on this mission. Without trust, heresy will take root and corruption will grow unchecked in your soul."
Noticing the conversation in a foreign dialect between the hive scum, Skarr procs the igniter on his flamer resting on his shoulder.
"It would appear you are intending something unsavory. Reveal your intentions, and we can let this go."
Praetus turns from his discussion with Marson at the sound of the commotion. Raising his voice, he calls out to them.
What possible reason could there be for a witch, and an unsanctioned one at that, to threaten a cleric of the God Emperor right outside of an Inquisitor's personal chambers? And you, witch, muttering in some gutter talk with a criminal who holds a weapon makes you look guilty, not innocent.
He unslings his autogun and shakes his head, his volume returning to normal.
Now will you idiots stop muttering in vermin tongue and put down whatever drug caused you to threaten a representative of the Ecclesiarchy? And all of you, your absurd inclination to threaten agents of the Inquisition with bodily harm moments after being appointed such does not bode well for your ability to deal with a cult of murderers while resisting their influence.