Storm of Sinners

Game Master BayouSnowman

Ok Time for new Mission. Report in !

Not long after you return on the ship, Watch Captain Enoch calls a meeting in his office.

"So you got the Lord Inquisitor back safely, that is good." He pauses and looks over everyone. "BUT, I also hear there has been some infighting amongst you. This is inappropriate behavior for an Astartes! While we travel to Orendel's Tomb I want you to think about your actions." You have your cohesion reduced by 2 until you have proven to the Watch Captain you can work as an effective team. There will be lots of opportunity in the next mission to do that.

"Well rest assured, when we get to Orendel's Tomb there will be none of that because I am going down to the surface with you. We are to be presenting the Sarcophagus of the Unknown Hero to the High Lady Sarah Bernard, Canoness-Preceptor of the Order of the Ebon Hand. We will be receiving honors as well, purity seals from the High Lady herself. We will be wearing traditional Astartes Robes, if you do not own one, report to the quartermaster. No power-armor is to be worn during this mission. Our ancient brothers are to be carrying the Sarcophagus. That should dissuade any would-be ganger from attempting anything foolish, but Orendel's Tomb and all of the Shrine Worlds are kept under strict martial law by the Sister hood and the Imperial Guard. I do not anticipate any lawlessness. Now the Lord Inquisitor wishes to speak with you all."

The Watch Captain speaks into a vox caster "Let him in."

The Lord Inquisitor comes into the office holding the data slate recovered in the Transmitorium, and he seems excited.

"Thank you Watch Captain. I just wanted to share with the team how much I appreciated the escort, but more importantly I wanted to show them that their efforts were not in vain. This is what we had hoped for." He holds up the data slate.

"You see, the Gaolists, heretics they maybe, did not only communicate with the Imperium. Sometimes they would receive...errant messages of a sort. How many of you know of the Black Library?"
If you have the skill Forbidden Lore :Black Library you know about it, if you don't than you don't.

The Lord Inquisitor waits for replies then adds "This is a translation of some of the secrets of that secret Eldar craftworld. We are still going over its contents, but it could be what we are looking for. There is reference to something called "The harvester moon" that sounds a lot like our Tyrant Star. We have made a huge break through. The Inquisition keep secrets out of necessity it is true, and I know some of you have been frustrated with that concept. Understand we are all on the same team and we will bring light to the Calixis sector again. Thank you master Astartes. He bows slightly.

reporting in

Reporting in, will we still need to vote on oaths and leader or is it safe to assume that the Watch Captain will be taking the lead?

You have 24 hours until you reach Orendel's Tomb. DO with that what you wish

Primary Mission To present the Sarcophagus of the Unknown Hero to High Lady Sara Bernard.
Requisition0- No Power armor. Every Marine is to be uniform with a Black Cloak of the Ordo Xenos, and a Master Craft Bolter. If you bring any of your standard gear it is to be hidden under your robe.
Oaths/Leader The Watch Captain will provide those this time.*Edit*It will be the Oath of Loyalty as he is having you reflect on that concept before the mission.
This Mission will be RP intensive and has the potential for establishing lasting relationships within the Cabal.

Reporting in

Reporting in

Lucian takes the Watch Captain's words to heart, and feels that the infighting reflects poorly on his leadership. As such Lucian is keen to observe the Captain's leadership style.

Going unarmoured is unusual on this sort of the deployment, but Lucian looks forward to the opportunity to establish lasting relationships with the representatives of the Inquisition, and so is willing to remain quiet about the order. He will, however, strap his combat blade in its sheath to his left forearm under his robes, in the event that it is required.

Tellemachus dons his robes, quickly assessing his wargear, he decided to strap his sword to his thigh. He would not wish to part with such an ancient weapon. He pulls the hood over his head, cloaking his face again leaving florescent glows where his blue eyes lie
He has a quick meal in the Mess hall, looking about to see if any of his kill-team was there as well

Lutha had taken to having his meals in the general mess area rather than the Astartes-only zone. He found eating amongst some of the guardsmen and crew members to be comforting, although it took some time before they felt the same.

When Tellemachus entered to collect his food Lutha waved him down, offering him a seat at his table.

"Before I go it is my pleasure to bestow up Brother Tellemachus on behalf of High Lord Inquisitor Caidin of the Calixian Conclave, the Calixian Cross. The Lord Inquisitor hands it to Brother Tellemachus and bows. Mechanically this is just like the Aquilla Token on page as far as benefits go. Most of the Tyrantine Cabal falls under the Calixian Conclave, and all of the Inquisition and Sisters of Battle in the Calixis sector recognize its authority in the sector.

The Lord Inquisitor turns to Brother Elyas on his way out of the Watch Captain's office. "May I have a word with you Master Astartes once you have finished congratulating your brother? Come find me in my chambers after.

Tellemachus gladly accepts the honor, he makes the sign of the aquila

"I wear this Honor with pride, Inquistor"
Tellemachus exited, accepting congratulations graciously
As Tellemachus makes his way to the tables with his food, as he see's Brother Hallen kind offer he takes it and sits down

"Brother, I trust you are in good health? Why do you isolate yourself from the rest of our Brothers?"

"I am well thank you, and not in isolation brother, obviously you have joined me have you not? No, I enjoy eating amongst some of the other crew members. We Astartes spend a great deal of time in our own company and sometimes a conversation about the sector from the point of view of a guardsmen can be just as enlightening as a lecture on the Codex."

"I trust it can be. However, I restrain myself from building attachments to humans. I fear it would affect my judgement, especially with an objective at risk. But do not confuse it for not being empathic. I just find there are ways to serve the Emperor better without such things on my mind.

I do imagine though, it is very inspiring for these guardsman to speak to the Emperor's finest"

Tellemachus casually removes his hood, his face bears a long scar across his face, many years of battle show themselves evident in his features. His blue eye's still florescently glowing.

"Truly, though I must admit that I find as much interest in their tales as they do in mine. Imagine, mere men and women standing side-by-side with Astartes, staring the horrors of the galaxy in the face unwavering. They face down the same foes as we, unflinching in their duties. Surely it has not been so long that you have forgotten what it is to be human? No second heart, no black carapace, no blessed armour and bolter, nothing but their mortal frames and faith in the Emperor. It strikes me just as admirable when the guardsmen fires from his trench as when the marine descends from his drop-pod."

"That's why I try and help these men at least feel somewhat at-ease in the presence of us. When we are able to come together and act in tandem we can become unstoppable, just as the Emperor intends."

Lutha laughs shortly and shrugs

"At least that's what I think. And what of you Librarian, what of your past glories, your scar?" he says, motioning at Tellemachus' face.

I am just assuming I am able to find the Dreadnoughts from the previous mission, or that I know where they would be.

Valerio skips his meal, not really feeling up to the task of eating. The ongoings of the previous mission were still fresh in his mind. Instead he set to the task of locating the Iron Hands Dreadnoughts they had recruited. When he finally finds them Valerio makes the sign of Aquila and asks "How do you find the Pious Immolation Venerable Ones, and how are your repairs? I would truly hate to find that something was wrong and I had not done my best to fix the issue." Valerio smiles to them, hoping this day finds them both well.

Tellemachus stops eating and looks Brother Hallen, his eye's never leaving his. His expression is of rage and pain

"I fought on Terra itself, during Horus's betrayal. I witnessed many Brothers killed by traitor's hands. However, I slew a great many of their number in vengence. I had recieved a massive wound from a Witch-Sorcerer."

Tellemachus' fists clench, his knuckles white

"I -cannot continue, Brother. Such tragic events pain me to speak of...

"By the throne Black Shield! That would make you nearly 10,000 years old, how is such a thing possible!?"

"It is difficult, but I was kept in a type of stasis. It effectively induced a catatonic state. However, after a time when I was stated to be "stable" I was released back into the service. It is good to serve again"

"Well Tellemachus you certainly seem to be blessed by fate to lead an interesting life, though whether that is good or bad is yet a mystery."

Reporting in, better late than never :D

Feeling he has done nothing wrong Elyas hears the words of his new captain, but take them not to heart. Those are meant for others, he reasons. When the watch captain continues Elyas' interest peaks. He is offended by the suggestion of not wearing armour on a plant only guarded by two lesser branches of the Empire. That and leaving weapons behind.

Puzzled by the inquisitor's request Elyas exists deep in thoughts a little while later, having recognised Brother Tellemachus. "Well deserved," he says before leaving. Everything he has been thought by his chapter screams something is wrong. Very alert to his combat knife he reports to the inquisitorial chambers.

I am contemplating how best to play out the scene where Elyas has misunderstood the orders and appears in his white robe of the Dark Angles when everyone is in inquisitorial black. Basically which thread? and when?

When the kill team is about to depart Elyas that might be best time.

Please note I have edited both spoilers to include the possibility listed in the last sentence of the first spoiler.

You can burn one for that last result Elyas sure

Finishing his meal, Tellemachus stands up throwing his hood over his face.

To Brother Hallen
"Brother, do you feel up to a bit of sparring? I'm quite sure it will get us more used to moving these robes."

"I'd be happy to oblige, the I must admit it has been many decades since my time as an assault marine. I may lack some of the refinement in technique that our other brothers possess."

After your meals and a bit of rest. Inquisitor Van Vuygens requests an audience with the Kill-team. He meets you in the Watch Captain' office.

Inquisitor Van Vuygens is an elderly man, older than most Inquisitors on the Pious Immolation. Known for being more of a scholar than a warrior, Inquisitor Van Vuygens remains a respected member of the Ordo Xenos in the Calixis sector.

"So good to finally meet you all. Apologies for not introducing myself earlier. I have a lot of research and data slates to go over. That last one you recovered is an amazing piece of information, a laughing god who knew...where was I? Oh, yes as I was saying I have been wanting to meet you for some time. I am Inquisitor Van Vuygens, humble student of Inquisitor Kryptmann, maybe you heard of him?"

Forbidden Lore(Xenos):INT 40+35=75: 1d100 ⇒ 18

Tellemachus listens quietly, and then begins to speak his tone is very highly of the Imquistor

"Your predecessor's work examining the physiology of the Xeno: Tyranid, has very interesting points. Especially the one concerning the Tyrant Star. It is an honor to meet his pupil"

Tellemachus bows slightly

Sir, it is a great honour to meet with one who has been so involved with the struggle against the Great Devourer. My brothers in the Ultramarines thank you and your former master for your diligent efforts in the fight against the Tyranids. I look forward to learning as much as I can from you about how we may defeat the Hive Fleets, and erase the Tyranid menace from the Emperor's galaxy.

Forbidden Lore Xenos 50 + 35: 1d100 ⇒ 20

Lucian recalls Kryptmann and Van Vuygens' theories about the Tyrant Star and their work on the physiology of the many Tyranids bio-types. Their work is well regarded in Ultramar, and Lucian is somewhat enawed to be able to meet a man who's work formed part of Lucian's hypno-conditioning when he was merely a novitiate back on Parmenio.

Forbidden Lore: Xenos (75): 1d100 ⇒ 85

It wasn't until very recently that Lutha had taken anything more than casual interest in Ordo Xenos, particularly the Tyranids, and he had the lack of knowledge to match. Still, he had yearned for the opportunity the meet Inquisitor Vuygens for some time and was eager to learn anything he could about the "bugs", although he was a little lost during the Inquisitors introduction. With nothing significant to add to the conversation he decides to remain politely silent.

"Ah, such bright Astartes you have Watch Captain Enoch. I should have known, Deathwatch only has the best of the best. Yes, his research has lead me here to the Calixis sector. Those of you from the Jericho reach know the Tryranid threat is nothing to scoff at, but here in the Calixis sector I have a hard time getting the conclave to believe my theories. Luckily the cabal was more accepting. Hmm were was I? Oh, I know you have all had some concerns with the manner of secrets and perhaps some light was shed on a darker part of the imperium. I never lie to my Astartes so if you have a question you may ask me. The old man seems sincere, though his mind is certainly preoccupied and quick to go off subject.

"Inquisitor, how is it possible that such a once proud sector be reduced to its current state so quickly? Grangold was reduced from a shrine world to a dead on in the span of a single year, and I hear tell that riots like those on Hredrin have erupted across many more planets in the sector. A blind eye was even turned to the summoning of Daemons under the pretense of having no other option, in a sector so frequented by Daughters of the Emperor no less, but House Aleene seems to have been passed up until now for unknown reasons. It suggests some unknown factor that the cabal has to take into consideration."

Leaving the cell Elyas walks away from the interrogation wing, his face betraying nothing. It is interesting how they can be so close to us at some points he contemplates.

Following his brothers Elyas says nothing but a smile strains on his face. The second inquisitor in just as many weeks, more that I ever has encountered before. I wonder what my brothers will think of me when my secondment ends? He listens to the scholar's words and are surprisingly entwined by the promise of knowledge. "Inquisitor are there any suspicion of tyranids on Orendel's tomb?"

Forbidden Lore (Xenos), 45+30: 1d100 ⇒ 19

" I see, well understand that Grangold was very remote. It was only visited once a year by a small group of pilgrims. My theory is that there is something within the human psyche that can actually detect what we call synapse. Synapse is what the Tyranids use to communicate. I believe it to be akin to psychic ability. With the migration of the Tyranids, I believe they are sending out this synapse and it affects the minds of certain susceptible individuals. I can not confirm this yet. " He starts to mumble about tyranids for a moment before returning to the question at hand .

"As to the Gaolists, understand that they had been doing that archaic practice long before the Angevin Crusade. For a long time they kept the secret of their abilities hidden. Only recently did the Sisterhood and some other parties uncover their practices, but it was deemed at that time to be necessary for long distance communication. You must understand, for many it was a choice of using daemons, or using high powered psykers, or, as is in place now, genetically altered humans. The later two are only slightly more appealing in many eyes, and potentially just as dangerous, and we did not have the required personnel to fit those roles even if we wanted to until we struck a deal with House Aleene." He gives a brief history of the House before coming back to his point...

"Now we have a powerful Navis House in charge, but what are they really? Are they not mutant psykers when you stripe the pretense and titles? When we decide to commit the Deathwatch and other Inquisitional assets, we have to look at the bigger picture. What is the Greatest Threat? Believe me, I would like to stomp out all heresy where we found it, but that is not always feasible. We must rely on the Imperium of man to stand on its own and aid us in this fight. That is why tomorrow's ceremony is so important. It helps the population of the Calixis sector see our accomplishments. So many are unknown or forgotten." He digresses into further speculation on the state of the Calixis sector before answering the last question.

"As to a Tyranid threat on Orendel's Tomb. No, no, the shrine worlds are some of the most protected in the sector. Even though many visited Grangold, understand it was deemed a dead world long before the recent incident. If Inquisitor Kryptmann's calculations are correct, the Tyranids will likely come through the well of night from the Jericho reach. That will be many years from now. Unless.." He continues to talk about various theories and speculations of the Well of Night.

"I do not mean to contradict you Inquisitor, but I have heard a great deal of rumors regarding the Tyrant Star. Many say that it is cursed, and that it is the source of the growing dissent in the sector. If their claims have ground, and if you say that the Tyranids have some manner of unnatural communication, perhaps they are drawn instead by the madness, like a moth to flame, rather than propagating it."

"Yes, that is certainly possible, though even if that were true the Tyranids will remain a threat, but it is that sort of speculation that lead us to creating this cabal. The belief is if there is such a source, and we can locate it, than perhaps we can avoid many tragedies. With every mission you accomplish, we get closer to that end. Now unless there is more you wish to ask I must get back to my research."

Post anything else you'd like to do during these 24 hours. My next post will be starting the mission.

I'm done unless anyone else wants to initiate anything

I'm ready. Post away Nimon

It is a few hours before you are about to land and make your entrance for the Ceremony when the Watch Captain asks to see everyone in their Robes for a quick inspection.

Brother Elyas, we are to wear Black Robes of the Ordo Xenos, not chapter trappings. He says as he eyes the Dark Angel in his White Robes.

He spot checks the robes and the master-craft bolters to make sure they look pristine.

"Ok, when you receive your purity seal from the High Lady, just bow your head slightly and say 'By the Emperor's hand.' Brother Leon, hide your cybernetics best you can, I know it is not easy." He says as he points to his noisy bionic leg.

Once he is certain everyone has passed inspection he leads the team to an Aquilla lander.

Though it is not the norm for Astartes to make a public appearance such as this, it is common enough that most chapters instruct their marines in at least the very basics of social etiquette. For the Lamenters, though their celebrations be few and far between, the tradition was to be seen with robe hood down, to show the people the faces of their protectors.

So it was that Lutha wore his robe with hood down, his sand-brown hair pulled into a neat ponytail. He had also elected to wear a matching black undershirt to cover the parts of his arms that the short sleeves of the robes did not (often the various input jacks of the Black Carapace were unsettling for those who had not witnessed them before).

As Captain Enoch catches Elyas on his chapter trappings Lutha sweats a bit. He had taken his own purity focus and wrapped it around the handle of his bolter just so that it would remain near him. He would just have to hope that the Captain would either overlook it or deem it subtle enough to allow the icon to remain.

Assembling with his brothers in preparation for their embarkment, Lucian looks around at the surprisingly different appearances of the other Astartes. Lucian's long black robes, with full sleeves and the sigil of the Ultramarines embroidered in silver thread over his left breast, looked similar, yet different enough, to those of his brothers to remind him that although they were now battle-brothers, everyone here had different outlooks and different traditions that must be respected.

Lucian's golden hair was cropped close to his skull, and the silver service stud above his left eyebrow shone in the lights of the flight deck. He checked that his combat blade was securely strapped to his right forearm, hidden by the sleeves of his robe, and checked over the master-crafted bolter he had been issued for this mission.

Lucian looked forward to this mission, despite the chance of combat being low. He knew that he needed to make a good impression of himself, his Chapter, and the Deathwatch, and that this was an important opportunity to build relationships with the Inquisition and other powerful groups in the Sector. It was an opportunity he would not pass up, and he determined to make the best of it.

Looking over at Hallan, Lucian spoke.

Is there much tradition of public appearances such as this within The Lamenters, Hallan? Although it is a common occurrence within Ultramar, I confess I know little enough of your traditions that I find myself curious about the ways of my new brothers.

"Very well captain," Elyas replies his voice a little strained. These are my robes, bestowed after that mission, he tells himself as he takes his leave from the others.

Carefully folding his white cloak away, he affirms that the combat knife is still securely strapped to his right leg before donning the black cloak. This isn't me, he contemplates as he makes his way back to his brethren.

In the lander he sad in silence, confirming that his bolther was load and fully functioning, admiring the craftsmanship. When Lucian spoke he looked up, following the beginning conversation. Public appearances common? he wondered, with whom? he continued.

Tellemachus stands quietly waiting in the lander. The solid black robes feeling quite familiar as his florescent eyes dance from position to position inside the darkness of the hood, absorbing every detail.

"I have not been to such a celebration in a very long time. Such niceties seem almost alien to me, Brother"

Tellemachus leans slightly toward Brother Hallen. He speaks softly in a jokingly manner

"Another reason we this day is needed Brother Tellemachus. It is good to have a reminder of what we fight for. Orendel's Tomb is not as glorious as Terra, but the Shrine Worlds are a site to behold. Anyways, one last thing I forgot. The general population is ignorant to the Deathwatch and we like to keep it that way. You will all be introduced as Astartes and it will be left at that. Doubtful any citizen will question you further, most have never even seen an Astartes let alone have any concept of the various chapters. 1d100 ⇒ 31 The Watch Captain has a discerning eye for detail and catches some minor issues. He continues to speak...
"Small things, like your chapter focus, can be with you so long as you do not seek to display them. The people of Orendel's Tomb simply know you are the holy warriors that championed for mankind during the Angevin Crusade. You are to play the part today and remember what it means to be the Emperor's Chosen. Remember your primarch's teachings and today will go smoothly. Soon we will be bringing justice to his enemies, but today we fight for the hearts and minds of those that are more susceptible to corruption. Show them that there is an alternative to the dark promises of the warp." Watch Captain Enoch grimaces as he speaks the last part, then looks over the Kill-Team with pride and offers the hand of the Aquilla.
"You look good Brothers. Today will be a day to be remembered.

As you arrive on the planet, you can see the majesty of the Shrine World below you. Indeed it is a site to behold. Orendel's Tomb

Lutha responds to Lucians question:

"Our two chapters have very different ideas of what justifies a victory, something that has caused...friction in the past though I'm sure you know what I speak of. Nonetheless on the rare occasion when we do have have reason to celebrate we try and include others beyond our chapter halls in the festivities."

then he goes to Tellemachus:
"Just smile and wave Librarian, smile and wave."

Scrutiny (50): 1d100 ⇒ 27

Now was neither the time nor the place to discuss such things. Lutha remained quiet during the Captains final address. He let out a small sigh of relief when the Captain mentioned chapter trappings, his purity focus made him feel comfortable (especially considering recent events) and he was glad he could keep it on his person.

When they arrive on the planet Lutha exits the lander with head held high and with pride in each step. He elects to remain near the rear of their formation, giving room for either Tellemachus or Captain Enoch to lead the group through the streets.