"Unfortunately our tithes don't work that Ser Iacton. Every year, two months after harvest we pay our debt to the Imperium in untold tonnes of grains and other such cultivated goods. There is exactly one buyer for our produce, and they pay by leaving us to our own devices, so long as we remain faithful to His Holiness on the Golden Throne. I like your thinking however."
"That is correct however, we would have to gain access to one of the party's records, or at least convince everyone else we have. I lack the layout of the citadel, so that will be one of our first objectives upon arrival. Now, does anyone have any questions?"
"I for one am ready to do the Emperor's will, but I fear that I will be recognized for what I am and cause undue attention. "
"Um um...I...I...I see, but...erm...what about other types of tithes? Manpower for the guards? It might not be hard to find evidence that some troops meant for the guards were...diverted for personal reasons. And...if such evidence should appear in the middle of a civil war...who would question its authenticity?"
Casting a quick glance at Cerelia, Havelock mumbles for a second before speaking again.
"Or the tithes for the black ships...keeping back rouge psychers is no minor thing..."
"Do you have a guest list? It would serve us well to be familiar with the attendees."
"Do you have a guest list? It would serve us well to be familiar with the attendees."
"If he has, we can check it out on the way. Now let's go take a peek at the concealable weapons collection!"
"I would not worry Cerelia, not a person on this planet wields the power to have psykers at their disposal... B-besides astropaths of course. And your brand should be easily concealed, my servants will make sure of that.
"Unfortunately again Havelock, we would only require a tithes of guardsman should our crop yield be found wanting. And as I said, this year we will be more than prepared. Tithes to the black ships however... that certainly is an idea there, perhaps a side is keeping discovered psykers for their own use?"
"And you are quite the eager one Mistress Cho... My Lady. Gunther!" Harlus calls. It takes but a scant moment for the servant to appear at the large double doors at the other side of the room. "Would you be so kind as to retrieve some... essential supplies our guests will be needing for our mission later this week."
With a short bow Gunther disappears from whence he came, only to return several minutes later carrying a large wooden case. He places it in front of Harlus, who gleefully opens it, revealing an array of small weapons and devices. "No man of politics goes without tools such as these. I have here pocket pistols, derringers, disguised knives, and a plethora of hidden firearms. Do you have any particular tastes? Or shall I give you the laundry list?"
"I...I...I...fear there is one question that should be asked, uncomfortable as it is.
What if we discover evidence of wrongdoings...on BOTH sides?"
Cerelia looks over the offered weaponry. She already possesses a compact laspistol, but if there are any that improve upon it she will take it.
"I...I...I...fear there is one question that should be asked, uncomfortable as it is.
What if we discover evidence of wrongdoings...on BOTH sides?"
Uriel cocks her head at Havelock. Perhaps this gesture is supposed to be quizzical, the rigidity of her lower face makes reading emotions difficult.
"Havelock, I fear somehow you've got lost in your notes and missed the drift of our conversation here. We're trying to plant something incriminating, so if we find evidence of wrongdoings, it's all to our benefit. If both sides have managed to tar themselves, then we have the luxury of playing kingmaker, and choosing who rises and who falls."
The tech-priest turns her attention to Gunther's case, intent of poring over each and every item regardless of whether she plans to take it or not.* Her eyes gleam with anticipation.
Hmmm, maybe she is right, my worry was of course that NEITHER might be wise to have in charge. But more questions would only slow us down. Best to keep my peace now.
- a weapon that Uriel could somehow integrate with the bionic elements of her form. For example, a holdout laspistol which could be linked directly to potentia coil, allowing for some limited capacity for overpowered shots at the risk of temporarily shutting down her cybermantle.
- a good old-fashioned sword cane.
- rings or jewellry which are actually mini-grenades.
- a small ranged or melee weapon disguised as something mundane; to an extent that even weapons-scanners will not recognize it for what it is.
"Yes yes, I do believe I have things that will meet your tastes quite well!" From the case, Harlus removes several items, including a swordstick; several necklaces with large, gaudy lockets hanging from them;
Several pens; and a variety of compact pistols and derringers. "As you requested my good techpriest, a swordstick, as well as some disguised grenades. As well, these pens may fire a single poisoned needle, and I've never had one detected on my servants before. Oh, and for you Julius, I have a very nice stiletto, fitted with a tox dispenser as you requested. Not mono I'm afraid, but I can provide various toxins that will mroe than make up for that. Additionally, you have a choice between two sidearms: These two shot derringers, or these eight shot pocket pistols. Neither are exceptionally powerful, though the derringers do have an edge in that regard, and they both lack any form of significant range. I do also have wrist mounted, single shot shotguns if you so desire. Now, are there any further questions or requests?"
Watching the others peruse the options, Cerelia says "I think I'll take some of the disguised grenades as well. Perhaps one of those concealed knives, I won't be able to hide mine. Hmm, I think that would be all, my compact las pistol will serve"
"I...I...I...think that this is suffucient for me. Say the word and I...I...I...am ready to depart."
Havelock pockets one of the small laspitols as well as two spare clips.
He looks nervous, but not more so than usual.
Uriel lays claim to the swordstick, a half dozen grenades a couple of poisoned needle pens, a wrist-mounted single blast shotgun and a two shot derringer. She's more than ready to engage in some subterfuge.
Feeling at little out of her element, Cerelia watches the tech-priest avidly collect her new technology. Hesitantly, then with surer purpose she follows Uriel's example and collects the same equipment she does, then grabs a couple extra grenades. Smiling, she steps back to watch the others.
"Well then, take these few days to relax and prepare yourselves for the coming mission. We must all be in our prime, our lives, and more importantly the planet, depend on us and us alone."
The next several days pass very slowly to you, as it becomes apparent that this Sozomens Last Stand has a significantly longer day than any of you are used to, lasting approximately 36 hours from one sunrise to the next. You go about your business, whatever that may be, and find that as before any service you request is granted to you, (So long as it does not fall within the realms of heresy of course) Finally, after several days have passed, Gunther and Marris go about collecting you, informing you of your imminent departure.
They lead you to the front of the house, and immediatly you are greeted by a luxurious landcar parked on the road at the foot of the gate. Harlus is already aboard, and beckons you to join him with a great smile and a wave of his hand.
Cerelia spends her time meditating and as is her wont, eating little. She tries to order her mind, for the coming days will put considerable pressure on the discipline her requires to hold back and control the power of the Warp.
Having found new clothes that help with the subterfuge in her room, Cerelia dons the fine accouterments; dangerous "jewels" included.
She joins the others in the front vestibule and joins Harlus in the landcar.
Havelock will spend the time requesting various scripts about proper protocol and study them with due diligence.
While nervous, he takes the role of Seneschal very seriously and study with a fervour that often makes him miss meals.
As the day approaches, he dressed in a simple but elegant white robe, putting the compact laspistol in a concealed rig and meet the others outside, doing his best to look focused.
Uriel spends her downtime generally making a nuisance of herself. She wanders idly around Harlus' villa, asking anyone to hand obtuse questions about Sozomen's Last Stand and making suggestions regarding how different technologies might be used to improve the efficiency of their industries. Bored, she dismantles and reassembles several devices she finds around the mansion house, with little regard for the consequences.
She's happy when the wait is over and her companions gather about the landcar. Turning her attention to Julius, she asks;
"Is your flesh repaired, or does it continue to malfunction following the gunfight?"
Julius spends his time wandering about Harlus' estate, sometimes talking to himself. Most of his statements are platitudes or meaningless small talk, as if practicing how to act in the company of nobles. Each time it seems as if he was trying a different persona, such as an arrogant, bawdy fop or an ignorant charlatan.
Looking through Harlus' inventory, Julius dresses in clothes befitting his noble status. He also wears some rings and necklaces to go with his attire.
"Is your flesh repaired, or does it continue to malfunction following the gunfight?"
"I can barely feel my wounds now. They won't be an issue for this mission. Harlus' medicae machines performed admirably. Say what you will about the nobility; when they pay for the best they get it."
With his characteristic smile, Harlus greets you as you enter the vehicle, which you note is quite comfortable, with seats of a fine material and complete climate control. Quickly you all file in, followed swiftly by Gunther and Marris, who take seats near the front of the landcar.
After briefly clearing his throat, the highborn begins, "We will only be using this vehicle for the trip to the space port. There we'll transfer to one of my personal craft. The flight will be several hours at best, all the way on the other side of the continent you see. That'll give you plenty of time to go through this."[b] He says as he pats a stack of folders sitting next to him, [b]"A complete guest list, as well as a layout of the castle and schedule for proceedings. Unfortunately I've nothing definitive on what security measure are there, but I know what we should probably expect." He hands each of you a folder before returning to his briefing, "As I said the other day, we're arriving a few days beforehand, which should give us plenty of time to get acclimated with the fortress, its inhabitants and their habits, as well as get any preliminary investigation out of our way. Any last minute questions?
The guest list is long and rather boring, containing mostly names of people only their to support their chosen side in spirit. Noteworthy people however include the higher ups of each side. In the corner of house Kleitos are Lord Burringer, the man who's supplied the most men and arms, and Lord General Atkins, the man who's been leading the war and the young governor's chief advisor. On the flipside, the Lady is bringing with her only her chief advisor Sevly Bright, an off worlder who's served as her primary liaison to offworld recruitment.
Regarding the layout of the citadel, expansive would be an apt descriptor. It consist of essentially two levels, an underground redoubt that acts as the actual fortress and is more akin a modern bunker than a castle, and the castle itself built on top, a massive stone mansion bristling with towers and gothic scenery.
Uriel slides a finger along the chassis of the landcar, appreciating the obvious quality of the bodywork and the sleek lines of its design. She then climbs in and makes herself at home in the most comfortable seat she can acquire. After a quick inspection of any controls available to passengers (no matter how mundane), she picks up a folder and begins to read.
- - - - -
Uriel takes particular interest in the file of Sevly Bright. She can't shake the feeling that the offworld connections will prove somehow significant in their operation. She reads in depth.
Havelock spends most of the time making copies of the most important information on his datapad, creating a limited reference sheet for himself so he can be sure not to miss a name when called upon.
Cerelia feels that the advisor, General Atkins, may be one to look into closer. She takes the folio and begins to read.
"Lets go over our complete cover story and our roles. The last thing we would want is to inadvertently reveal ourselves to an overly curious noble or guard questioning us."
So I feel like a total shithead for doing this, but I did exactly what I didn't want to do and I threw myself into way too many RPs. I'm slowly but surely burning myself out, so something's gotta go. I must regretfully inform you all that this RP has reached it's end. I'm really sorry guys, I've just got way too much on my plate.