You last remember reporting to an arbiter station.
...
(unknown amount of time)
...
You awaken in a sitting position and have been shackled in place by metallic objects around your neck, waist, wrists and ankles. It is pitch black.
You soon hear a voice that seems to be coming from within your head.
"Welcome, acolytes, to the Inquisition. By now your old life has died, now you can be reborn within his Service. It is currently 6.117.930.M40 and you are on the world of Septar 3.
I realize that not all of you may have chosen this new life but remember, faking your death is a capitol offence. so make the best of your situation as I had to many years ago.
Your new identities are stowed within the bag between your legs along with your gear. Your first mission will begin shortly. It, like the remainder of your days is a test, failure will not be taken lightly.
Your mission is to track down one Titus Qui'Ge a member of the screaming skulls. He is thought to live somewhere within Hive Octavan, level Theta 7. Your new IDs will be tagged in 48hrs as wanted for questioning by the arbiters, so you have that much time.
Once you have secured Titus, go to the House of the Dancing Monkey on Theta 1 and ask for Twister. Twister will deliver your next instructions.
Welcome acolytes to Septar III, Hive Octavan, Theta 7"
Phedra quietly gains her footing and begins going through her gear, making sure she has everything and it is all in working order. She then looks around to her new companions. "Well let us be on our way, can't believe they gave us 48 hours to find this man. Some faiths are weaker than others it seems." Phedra will give her new companions a few moments to collect themselves.
Slowly coming to consciousness, Wraxus feels each sensation in his body carefully. "Total darkness, and I dead? I feel pain and stiffness in my limbs, cold steel around my throat, wrists, and ankles, and what feels like a fully intact skull. Guess I avoided that commissar's boltpistol after all." Wraxus, strains against the metal bindings around his limbs fruitlessly.
Hearing the voice within his head, he glances around the utter darkness seeking its source. The sounds of shifting and struggling around him along with the voices words suggest others are present to Wraxus. Twisting his foot inward, he taps the bag between his leg, hoping his blade is still there.
"Bein' outta these frakkin' chains would be mighty helpful if we are ta accomplish whatcha been askin... and a touch a light in this grox's ass wouldn't hurt either..."
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Keeping my eyes closed I begin an internal diagnostic and memory recall of the events previous to my being here. Finding nothing amiss with myself or the blessed augmentations that I have been chosen to bear.
I begin to process what is going on around me. I hear the words 'inquisition', 'capitol offence'. 'death' over and over in mind my mind as the voice speaks. I wonder why the hells I did to deserve this punishment of no longer being me.
"This unit once known as Cortez will do as requested. Where is the nearest data port that I may perform the rite of communion and see if anything is available to my protocol's, if they still work."
Unit formerly known as Cortez attempts to insert his Electro Graft into the chair he is secured to attempting to access its controls and free himself, thinking it may be a test, if he can reach his multitool he will also attempt to use that.
Moments after the voice stops you feel the shackles come loose and a light comes on. A hatch drops to your right.
After gathering your things and exiting the room, you discover that you were inside a bulk transporter, it looks as rundown as everything else around you. The street is dirty, narrow, and you feel that being out after dark would be a bad idea.
All the buildings are of approximately uniform height at 4 stories, in most cases it appears to be a store on the first floor with apartments above it. About 20ft above the roofs of the buildings is a solid roof made of some kind of metal. Most buildings are touching their neighbours and in some cases the 3rd and 4th floors from opposite sides of the street touch or are in fact one building with a hole cut through for the street.
Directly in front of you is what appears to be an tavern with a broken cog hanging out above the door.
Varis listened carefully to his instructions, certain of his duty at the word 'acolyte'. After determining that he was sitting in the dark, he closed his eyes again until the light returned, silently offering prayer's to the Emperor toward the completion of this task. The voice told him that his old life was dead, but he knew better. A false, arranged death would not absolve his sins, they were still his to atone.
When the shackles released, Varis stood and grabbed the bag. He began looking through it, wondering what had been provided for him. Once he was satisfied with what was inside, he looked at the others and said, "We have a worthy task and little time, best to set ourselves to it."
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Still vary confused about the situation, but willing to flow with the pattern for now. Cortez looks at the others, really taking them in for the first time. First there is a woman with a hunting rifle over her shoulder. Next is a man with a small armory of weaponry, Third is another man, this one bearing a sword and board as well a hand cannon of all things. Geeze, this is one vary heavily armed group we are of these Acolyte's.
"This one wonders if we are going to be able to enter this tavern with all of the weapons you soldiers are carrying. This one does not drink, so is unaware of procedure. Do we just walk inside and interface with the staff and see if they know this Titus Qui'Ge we are to find? Get me to a data-port and this unit will see what is he can find."
Varis began to equip himself, first the helmet and flak jacket. Above that he donned his Ecclesiarchy robes, pulling the hood over his head to hide his armor. The weapons, or at least, the axe would be more problematic. He strapped the shield to his arm, and rigged the holster for the hand cannon there, to provide easy access. He did not expect a cleric to be questioned much about, so he felt confident that the shield would not cause concern.
He was surprised that the bag did not contain a hymnal, or even a book of the Emperor's teachings. Did this inquisitor not know of his calling? He supposed he could do well enough from memory, but still. . .
Varis left the axe in the backpack and looked over the false identification he'd been provided with. "I suppose introductions are in order," He mumbled, mostly to himself, as he looked at it.
"one ghost master to the next... just another string pulling puppeteer... at least now I can choose the manner in which I die... and from what I know of these Inquisitors, I have the power to accomplish goals and no need to follow rules... my foes be damned... time to become the lost."
Wraxus sets about modifying his garb and gear, removing any sign of his former service in the Imperial Guard. Aquilas are removed, unit numbers torn off, and even his armor is adjusted and stripped of certain parts to take on the appearance of a merc. After checking his firearms, he restores his lasgun and laspistol in the rucksack, along with his helmet. His dagger is strapped to his left hip, while his shotgun (loaded) and sword are hung over his right shoulder.
Looking about the company, he takes note of the others: the petite female in the black body suit with the sniper rifle, the heavily armed priest in the firey red robes, the mechanically enhanced creature in dark red robes... "she could be a hunter, a merc, a killer... but the other two, sore thumbs..."
Looking down at the false ID he has taken from his bag, he shares his 'name' while holding up his new life. "Guess I am Kraven Thorne... you?"
Phedra pulls her ident out and reads it."My ident says I am Virginia Thomas and apparently I am a teacher, and while I am pleased to meet you all I do believe we have been given a task. To that end I will introduce myself again, I am Phedra, I am a problem solver, I find people who have gone astray and I rid the Imperium of those who have fallen from the Emperor's Holy Light. If everyone else would introduce themselves by given ident and then real name and what you bring to the table it would be apreciated."
If these three do not prove useful I may have to carry out this command on my own... no wait, is that a forth just sitting back there. I wonder why she does not stir yet.
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Cortez holds the ID in his hands looking at it he reads
"This unit is to be referred to as Jon Fawn. I am a Technographer sent here to conjoin the spirits of one of the machines nearby to behave more corporative for a local Scribe.
As for this Unit, I am Cortez. My title is Technographer. This unit is a copyist by Trade. I was born in the Void. This unit has been enhanced with protocols that allow it to pilot spacecraft and most civilian crafts. This unit IS of the Mechanicus, That much is impossible to hide. As such This unit has access to more things then is available than most. I can communicate with all Servitors and control some. In the social structure of the Golden One's Imperium only the Ministorum and nobility are more affluent. This one presumes because of the blessed machines we all bear."
"This un--I, suggest we all are in this together, we pool any Thrones our 'benefactor' awards us. I take as much risk, if not more in physical conformations as you soldiers. If the mechanicus still pay me my same amount of thrones, I will offer full share for anyone who does the same. Risk Assessment determines life loss risk same, internal logical cognates determines pay should be same.
Staring at the man rigged with bionics, Wraxus pauses for a while. "Ya mean each man bears an equal load, so we each get an equal cut? I can live wid that. Real name's Wraxus Drake, an Im a warrior an' a hunter. Come from planet not like this one. Can drive most anythin with wheels, good at huntin, trackin, and livin in the wilds, strong eyes, a solid shot, an' a better swing. Served in the Guard for a spot, thats what got me here, but learned ta kill well before then. Doubtin' I kill ina same manner as her, but I get the job done."
"They chose for me the name Octus Rolf, but I'll die by the name Varis Sieran, just like I was born. I am a confessor, teacher, and giver of last rights in service of the God Emperor. People tell me things that they would otherwise keep to themselves, and I learned to fight on a world where weapons more advanced than swords and bows were rare."
.
She'd finally found the truth... The Inquisitor was unaware of her presence. A lowly Adept, far beneath his notice. She brought the rifle up, her eye to the red-dot scope, breathed deep. She just needed to know their identity before she took the shot. They reached to pull back their hood...
The interruption of that voice. It was only her dream or rather recurring nightmare. This voice was real... Pay attention. Live. Avenge.
The last acolyte to stir was female, long and perhaps too slender. She traveled light, most notably with data slate and auto-quill.
Rummaging thru her pack... Marra Greyson, pleasure to make your acquaintance. Was that too phony?
After you have spent a few minutes in the middle of the street you notice that people seem to be avoiding you, walking to the other side of the street, closing shutters and giving you evil and suspicious glances.
Then you hear shouting from within the tavern and shortly after a man comes flying out through the door, you are fairly certain that he was kicked out it. Another man strides out and points a pistol at the man on the ground.
Excuse me!. A female voice in the darkness, trying to get his attention.
The man with the gun speaks to the man on the ground. "You are lucky that I appear to have more important things to deal with than your pathetic life. Disappear before I decide you are worth my time."
He turns toward the voice, "Strangers, welcome, what happen to you poor souls to bring you to this slice of paradise? Before you answer I will give you some of the keys to staying here in Theta 7, first mind your own business and second, only those authorised by the skullmaster may carry weapons other than a knife."
Fingers hover and poke at her data slate. Marra, assigned to survey Theta 7.
Technographer, continue to record. Unknown subject refers to skullmaster, may designate leader of screaming skulls. Public altercation: unknown subject with pistol; victim unarmed and expelled from tavern. Unknown subject, image transmit. Assign drone parameter, most dangerous.
"And third," with this she shoots a look at Miss Greyson,"Don't Draw Attention to Yourself." Phedra looks over to the gentleman with the gun"So here are three questions, and then I will answer any question you have for me. Who is this skullmaster? How do I find this person? And where can a slip get a meal round this burk pile?"
The second man scurries away.
"The skullmaster runs these parts and he will contact you if he wishes to meet, not the other way round. As for food," he indicates behind him. "The broken Cog is about as good a place as any around here and 3 finger Joe will be happy to store your extra gear during your survey for a nominal fee. If you are worried about your safety without your gear, don't be. Nothing will happen to you without the skullmaster's say."
...broken cog...three finger joe...weapons ban.... Marra speaks mostly to herself as she taps the smooth surface of her slate.
"as long as you don't break anything 3 finger Joe probably wouldn't have a problem with that, though you may not want to try and repair his broken cog."
With a snicker, Wraxus slowly moves towards the bar ,"A Knife, eh? I got me knife, it'll be good cuttin' up 'nyone dat be tryin' to take Nessy here" He taps the handle of his shotgun as he says it.
"Who is dis Skullmasta, he be lookin' for more muscle to break skulls?"
Varis clearly did not appreciate the thought of going unarmed. "I am unconcerned with my own safety, I know how to tend to that, I am more concerned about the weapons I am to surrender, what assurance do I have that I will see them returned?" He wondered if he should adopt some form of persona to attempt to blend in. So far he had heard a shocking absence of references to the Holy Emperor. Was this place the steaming pile of fetid heresy that was implied by that? He supposed time would tell, but he watched carefully.
Accessing known personae, Theta 7: Kora Hanson; Jonas Darius, Titus Q, Logan Smeed.
Marra's fingers tap the screen accessing menu options.
Success w/3 additional degrees? Beat it by 30. Wow.
"as I said the skullmaster runs these parts and if you stick around and follow the rules he may decide you are worth meeting.
As to the other question, Joe has some blood coded lockers where you can stash your extra gear. Now I must depart, but if I see you again and your extra gear is still with you then there will be a problem."
Why, who are you?
Accessing known personae, Theta 7: Kora Hanson; Jonas Darius, Titus Q, Logan Smeed.
Marra's fingers tap the screen accessing menu options.
[dice=Perception 34, reaction to Titus Q]1d100 Success w/3 additional degrees? Beat it by 30. Wow.
== accessing data retrieval system ==
+=+ initialization of search functions +=+
== Input: Titus Qui'Ge ==
+=+ searching ... +=+
== Output: 2 data entries ==
Birth registration indicates he is 28 standard years.
Planetary police records indicate that he was arrested for trying to bypass a checkpoint out of Theta 1. Booked for smuggling charges, restricted weapon possession and threatening an officer in the service of the Emperor. No court date recorded. No sentence recorded.
== Data ends ==
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Cortez walks into the bar, looking for one of the fore-mentioned blood sealed lockers and waiting for the others to come he looks around the room for a visible data-port, not seeing one he interfaces his Electro-Graft to the port on the side of the Auspex Scanner at his side.
Cortez waits just inside the doorway for the others to come inside scanning whatever frequencies he can pickup via the Auspex Scanner at his side to spot things not visible to normal human senses.
The auspex cannot detect what is inside the back room, presumably where 3 finger Joe has the blood coded lockers. You do detect that there is some kind of firearm under the bar, along with copious amounts of alcohol.
The Broken Cog has an open room about 12 meters by 10 meters. There is a bar at the back with a large older man behind it. There appears to be another room perhaps the kitchen behind the bar. There is enough seating for about 2 dozen people in the room but right now there are only 2 customers, who are sitting in the back corner.
Why, who are you?
I am an associate of the skullmaster, helping him maintain order and peace in this area. My name is not important.
Skullmaster and you. You and Skullmaster are important people here. Are you the reason they cower in fear? A strong controlling presence. Yes?. Marra smiles.
You have been so helpful.
[I]This is going to be one of those missions.[i] Phedra watches the man as he walks away from the group.
Well, we get to decide how much trouble we are going to get from this skull master right now. Put our guns up, or eliminate an unknown number of gangers every time we are caught with weapons."
Not so loud that her voice would carry. Tech unit indicates three organics, requests backup.
Suggest taking unknown subject alive, and the bar occupants... negotiate exchange for Q. Exit arena with package.
Wraxus grins at the word eliminate. "now we be talkin'." Pushing swiftly through the door, he looks to the bartender. "hey, ya be Jo? Da grux's ass on da street be sayin' I canna carry my guns in da streets, be sayin' I gotta store dem in de lockas. Where I be gettin' a locka, how much?"
That leaves us three. Can we take him?
Message Reply: "Guardsman en route. Stall."
As the barbarian enters the Cog the man behind the bar begins to speak. "Welcome strangers to the Broken Cog, may the emperor's light shine upon you. I am known as 3 finger Joe or just Joe and you look as if you need to rent one of my lockers for your stay. It is a throne a day for one of the lockers."
Varis spoke to Phedra before following the others, "That these people deserve execution for their crimes is not in question. However, I am not yet sure that painting the streets with their blood is the best way they might earn atonement. I think we should play along for the moment and let the emperor's grace guide us."
He followed the others into the bar in time to hear the cost of the lockers. He set five thrones on the counter and smiled. "There may be more if you can tell us how we might impress the skull master."