Remaining silent during the ceremony taking it everything the Captain has said, and nodding to the Brother for his well-deserved honors. He retires to his quarters where he polishes his axe ”They need leadership and focus, I shall grant them this things, for it is my duty to them to make them into greater warriors than they already are” as he looks at his shoulder guard ”For I am a Mortiurge”
After eating and resting, Arkhos makes his way to the Captain’s office to meet with this Inquisitor.
Forbbiden Lore (Xenos) INT 40+35 =75
Arkhos nods looking sure of himself and listens to everyone’s words ”I must learn who my men are before I learn how to use them in battle”
Arkhos feels awkward wearing without his armor and in the open, but he would bring his axe with him, for no executioner can perform his duty without it. He conceals it under his robes to avoid any problems with it.
”As you command Captain” he nods at the instructions to receive the purity seal.
Truly intrigued as to what common men would do at their sight, the though head never crossed his mind, "They are servants of the Emperor and do their duty, why does it matter what else is there in their simple lives" as his indifference to the people is palpable he nods and continues to walk stoically to look his best amongst his brothers, like a leader should.
Indeed brother, I realise that our Chapters have not always been the staunchest of allies, but I hope that by working together we might forge a bond between ourselves that transcends past bitterness.
Lucian continues to meticulously check his equipment during the landing, looking over the bolter that he has not personally prepared with a discerning eye.
I understand very well your concerns brother, and I know of the insult that Master Calgar delivered to your Chapter after that fateful engagement, but I also heard of your Battle-Brothers refusing his gift of the Iron Halo. Neither Chapter conducted themselves perfectly that day, but I am not one to make sweeping judgements, and I refuse to tar you with the same brush that The Lord of Macragge did your brothers. I hope that we might work towards healing the rift between our Chapters, as we work towards ridding the sector of the threat of the alien.
Serfs and members of the Ecclesiarch lead you up to a large stage overlooking the vast courtyard of the main Cathedral on Orendel's Tomb. At a podium is a blond woman, the face and voice of an angel. Once you all line up as instructed she begins to speak.
"Praise this day for it marks another triumph of the Faithful! Behold! The Tomb of the Unknown Hero returned from the World of Grangold, a world of vile heresy." The two Ironclad Dreadnoughts bring in the tomb, easily carrying its load.
"Today we honor Elder Brother Gazerich, and Elder Brother Ishmael for their stalwart protection of this sacred tomb. For over two hundred years since the Angevin Crusade have these brothers held vigil over this relic of the Crusade." She steps down to attach large purity seals on the Dreadnoughts. After receiving each of the behemoths bow slightly and a booming "By the Emperor's Hand!" resounds in the courtyard. An audible sound of wonder is heard at first, then after the second seal is given a deafening cheer is heard from the crowd. You likely have not seen so many people gathered at one time, at least not recently.
High Lady Sarah returns to the podium. "Today we also are blessed to have with use the mighty Astartes that secured the relic, going into the toxic planet were we could not. For this they shall be forever blessed and their names ever remembered in the hearts and minds of the followers of The God Emperor and his holy St, Saint Drusus."
"Brother Leon, Step forth"...
Valerio is dressed in black Tech-Priest robes. The various folds of the robes and the baggy hood provide adequate cover in order to obscure view of his cybernetic enhancements. Underneath his robes Valerio has kept his chapter trappings, The Skrimshaw Tools, attached at his hip; never wanting to have them be far from him.
Valerio moves forward, being the first called he felt pressure to ensure that he acted accordingly, not wanting to start this on the wrong foot. He smiles warmly beneath his hood as the purity seal is granted to him. He bows and says "By the Emporer's hand."
He steps back into formation carefully, hoping he did well, both for the Deathwatch and his Kill-Team.
There is some confusion in the crowd, but there is cheering and an overall joyous tone. The Sister just smiles at Brother Leon, and seems to have almost a look of pity like that of a mother witnessing her child do something embarrassing.
The High Lady smiles at Brother Lutha Hallan. The crowd cheers loudly.
Once in the ceremony Arkhos stands firm waiting for his name. Arkhos will walk with the pride worthy to be written in the books of a Death-Speaker should they were there to see how regal he was.
Fellowship (50)
Fulfilling his role as best he could he bowed his head for the Canoness "By the Emperor's hand" with authority and command, loud enough to be heard through the courtyard, taking a quick glance before straightening himself again and take his place once more amongst the other Astartes.
When he hears his name, he carefully ascends to meet the Canoness. His determination, driving him to make an appearance worthy of an Angel of Death.
Tellemachus bows his head, receiving the medal.
"By the Emperor's hand"
He turns to face the crowd before descending.He speaks to the citizens gathered.
"It was His will that we succeeded in our retrieval of such an esteemed relic in Grangold, but you do not have to be a giant such as us to receive such blessings. He watches over all in his dominion. His name is shouted over thousands of battlefields, every man and women is favored his attentions. Have faith in your Emperor, with faith our spirits can never be broken and ALL HAVE A PLACE AT HIS SIDE!"
Raising a fist toward the sky, his words boom. He brings his hand back to his side, murmurs a quick apology to the Canoness for his interruption and descends to meet his Brothers.
The High Lady Sarah smiles widely at Brother Arkhos as he confidently receives his purity seal. The crowd begins to chant "Praise The Emperor! Praise Drusus"
The High Lady Sarah smiles at Brother Tellemachus, but he can tell she does not look well.
Tellemachus whispers quietly to the Watch Captain. However, still remaining respectful to the ceremony.
"Captain..there is a gargantuan disturbance.."
Grunting, his affliction is becoming more evident
"Captain..the Canoness seems to be afflicted as I am..is there something about her we weren't briefed on?"
His grits his teeth as such power assaults his senses..
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Lucian waits in line for his name to be called. Looking out at the crowd of excited citizens, he momentarily forgets his doubts about his leadership on the last mission, and takes pride in the accomplishments of the Kill-Team so far.
Stepping forward to meet the Canoness, black robes moving gently in the breeze, Lucian smiles broadly at her and bows to receive the Purity Seal.
It is an honour and a privilege to serve the Throne my lady.
Turning to the crowd, Lucian makes the sign of the Aquila across his chest and raises his voice in praise.
By The Emperor's Hand!
As he does so, Lucian's warrior instincts quickly scan the crowd for threats.
Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, he turns back to the Canoness, bows again, and returns to the formation with his Brothers.
The High Lady smiles again, and seems to have regained her composure. The crowd cheers and continues to shout praises to the Emperor and St. Drusus.
As the last of the marines Elyas steps forward. A little uncomfortable in his new robes the Dark Angel slower than usually approach the Canoness. Once he is close enough he entones: "Your Emminence," before bowing his head to her. Once the seal is affixed Elyas takes two steps away before turnig to face the crowd. "By the Emperor's Hand!" he bellows then takes his place. A most different mission he thinks And an unpleasent one.
High Lady Sarah bows and smiles widely at the title spoken by Brother Elyas. The Ecclesiarch seems pleased by his manner and the crowd is boiling with zealous fervor at this point. Some members are openly flagellant and screaming the Emperor's name. Such mass displays are rarely seen.
Once everyone has received their seals, the Watch Captain leads them off stage to a private room with high ranking members of the Ecclesiarch. Sister Vesta is there. The Watch Captain takes a moment to address everyone.
"By The Emperor Brother Leon, I thought you had the best memory of the group. 'By The Emperor's Hand' is that so difficult? And what was that speech Brother Tellemachus? I suspect our High Lady is so pure she rejects the powers of the Librarian, perhaps you should keep clear of her during our time here. Well, at least the rest of you did well. Follow me, we are not done yet. We will eat here before going back to the Pious Immolation."
"As you command Captain" as Arkhos cannot believe Astartes are incapable of following simple orders, they will be chastised if they must, but they will learn discipline worthy of their ancestors.
Turning to address some issues with the other Astartes "I shall bring the best out of each of you yet brothers, for I believe this faulty discipline requires some sort of addressing when we are done here."
Arkhos nods to the Lamenter a brother that knows the burden Honor from the Badab War. "Let it be so then, let's give our host and the people what they want to see then"
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You are brought into a lavish dinning hall and seated at one end of the hall. There is a glass ceiling and you can see your Dreadnought brothers flying overhead back to the main ship.
Once everyone sits down, His Eminence Grand-Father Yuri Trovitski , Grand-Abbott of Orendel's Tomb, makes a speech. " Bless you all for coming to honor these Angels of Death. Aptly named I assure you, I have seen pict-recordings of their actions on Hredrin. I will not keep you all from your meals, we have all had a long day, though I could not say enough about these brave souls. Praise The God Emperor and Praise the Astartes! Amen!" There is cheers and clapping in the room by the nobility and ecclesiarch and then refreshments are served.
Brother León bows his head, accepting of the Watch Captain's rebukes."My apologies Brother-Captain, my excitement got the best of me and I forgot my place. I shall not let it happen again."
Valerio sits with everyone else, and makes conversation with many of the attendees. It is a common site to see the Astarte laughing loudly and conversing animatedly with those around him, and Varlieo is quite comfortable with the crowd.
Arkhos will make his best to make small talk and appease the gathering of nobles and ecclesiasrchy.
When the party starts to thin out, a noble woman approaches the Kill-Team
"I am about to retire for the evening, but I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am that the Calixis sector has protectors like these. I never get a chance to meet you on the Pious Immolation as my duties are in the upper decks." She looks at the Watch Captain expecting him to introduce her, which he does though it seems begrudgingly.
"Astartes, this is Lady Olianthe Rathbone, of House Rathbone. It is through much of her generosity that our operations are so well funded.
The Lady gives a curtsy and replies "You are too kind Watch Captain. It is my pleasure to meet you all. How lovely you all look in your ceremonial robes."
To Watch Captain
"I apologize, Captain. I was merely trying to incite more faith in the commonplace citizenry"
To Lady Rathbone
"Well, met. I am Brother-Librarian Tellemachus. Your efforts supporting His Will in the Deathwatch is greatly appreciated."
Brandishing his seal and Aquilia token proudly, he steers clear of the Canoness and sits down. Afterward, he begins to enjoy some refreshments. Quietly observing the room.
Valerio flashes a wide smile as he bows before the noble lady. "It is an honor kind Lady. I am Brother-Techmarine Valerio León of the Deathwatch and your generosity is much appreciated."
Greetings my lady, says Lucian, inclining his head politely towards her. I am Brother Lucian Vartas of the Deathwatch, and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Your support of our operations is greatly appreciated, and I hope that we will continue to do the Emperor's bidding together for some time to come yet.
Faulty discipline, Elyas examines Brother Arkhos' words. They are strong and harsh, especially from an unknown marine. By what right does he speak so? Elyas wonders.
Once benched in the dining hall Elyas samples the food, less suspicious than at the inquisitor's table but still evaluateing the food before him, his enhanced physiologi screening for toxins. At a point he looks to Brother Arkhos and asks: "Who are you Brother?"
Once lady Rathbone is introduced Elyas looks to her and the watch captain trying to guess the laters expectations. He is happy when his fellow marines initiate conversation allowing him to remain quiet for now.
"Thank you Brother Leon, Lucian Vartas, pleasure to meet you. I hope to see more of you soon. " She smiles and leaves.
Moments later Sister Vesta comes up and whispers in the Watch Captain's ear. A flash of anger comes over his face. "We are finished. Come with me now." He says to the kill-team and then turns to Sister Vesta "Lead the way and debrief us"
Sister Vesta clears her throat and waits until everyone is out of earshot of anyone else while she leads the Kill-Team through the streets of Orendel's Tomb. The Holy buildings of this shrine world shine just as bright in the night as they do in the day."Someone has broken into the tomb, and it was mutilated. Our medicus has examined the body and has a theory, but I need an Astartes to confirm it."
When you get to the Tomb there are Sisters and Storm-troopers keeping the area secure. A medicus is looking over the sarcophagus. He looks up and says " Ah, Astartes. Good my theories can now be proven. Tell me is there an apothecary among you?"
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An inner rage comes over Lucian, as he surveys the devastation wrought within the tomb. Seeing these loyal servants of the Emperor cut down, and the tomb defiled, is abhorrent to Lucian's sensibilities.
How can we be of service my lord?
"Well I normally treat only humans, but I have done some work with Astartes in the past. I have seen Apothecaries commit wounds in attempt to harvest what is called progenoid glands." The Medicus pulls back a cloth sheet and reveals the body of the Unknown Hero. There is a wound in his neck and chest.
"Where are the pict recordings of the incident?" Sister Vesta asks without masking any ounce of anger. "Would an Astartes do such a thing?" She looks at the Watch Captain who seems to be considering all the facts "It is possible, chapters have different practices, but most would not be so profane." The Watch Captain answers calmly.
"I have already requested the Pict Recordings honored sister, but they are telling me the power was cut to this building before the incident." The medicus answers as he continues to examine the corpses.
The pict recordings would provide answers, but if they are missing, we will have to look elsewhere. Captain, I will start combing the area for unusual tracks. If this is a rogue Astartes, he should not be too challenging for us to find.
Lucian's primary search proves fruitless, but his disgust at what has occurred here spur him on to greater efforts. He looks harder around the floor and doorway, and sniffs the air.
Captain, the desecration in here is too severe, I cannot make out any tracks. Medicus, where is the power supply for the tomb routed from? There may be information there if the power was cut.
"The Storm Warden chapter makes their home in the Calixis Sector, Black Templars, Tigers Argent, Charnel Guard and The Iron Hands/Sons of Medusa all have history in the sector. " The Watch Captain says as he looks around the room.
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The Tomb itself and the sarcophagus look untouched. No defacement or unnecessary abuse was done to the area.
Valerio surveys the scene in stunned silence for a minute, taking in his surroundings and looking for signs of something amiss beyond the bodies of the fallen.
Hearing Brother Hallan's suggestion Valerio nods. "Thank you Brother, I was caught off-guard by" he pauses for a moment, "this." He finishes weakly.
The first thing Valerio does is focus on his Auger Array, trying to see if there is anything that they would not be normally able to see.
He nods thoughtfully, he didn't suspect there would be any unseen forces at work here. He turns to the doors of the tomb and connects himself to them. He starts to inquire as to who was the last person or persons to enter into the tomb.
Moving carefully amongst the corpses of the human tomb guards Elyas watches the wounds and how the bodies fell, a few times he kneels to assess a weapon. Slowly but surely a scenarios unfolds for his minds eye. Like a dream sequence he moves from one opponent to the next slashing, thrusting, stabbing with his chainsword. "Perhaps obvious, but these wounds are from chainweapons. An experinced wielder, attacked like I or Brother Thedius would."
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" I do not think pict recordings from other buildings will be helpful. That is not how he accessed the tomb." The Watch Captain says as he hits a hidden switch behind a sconce holding an unlit torch. A secret door revels itself leading down into the sewers.
"We go in by twos. I want 3 meter spacing. Brothers Elyas and Arkhos take lead, followed by Myself and Brother Tellemachus, Then Brothers Leon and Hallan. Brother Lucian you have rearguard."