Storm of Sinners

Game Master BayouSnowman

Seeing the Apothecaries heraldry, gears start turning inside Luthas head.

Forbidden Lore: Xenos (20): 1d100 ⇒ 49
Language: Low Gothic (30): 1d100 ⇒ 84
Language: Low Gothic (30): 1d100 ⇒ 95

The approaching voices signify to Lutha that there is little time to dance around pleasant conversation. The situation needed to be resolved now, one way or another. He steps forward and makes himself known:

"Brother Johann Ulthbert of the Tigers Argent, on the authority of the Deathwatch and the Imperium of Man you are hereby apprehended for defiling the Sarcophagus of the Unknown Hero. Fall in with our team and explain yourself as we go. Resist now and you will be labeled as a renegade and treated as such. If your mission proves truly righteous I give you my word that everything in our power to see it done."

Forbidden Lore: Xenos(30): 1d100 ⇒ 11
Language: Low Gothic(40): 1d100 ⇒ 90
Language: Low Gothic(40): 1d100 ⇒ 24

Valerio trusts in his brothers to handle the Apothecary, he is much more concerned with the shapes starting to move on his Auspex. He moves to one side of the tunnel his eyes locked past the Apothecary. He falls to a knee and raises his Bolter, keeping half a mind on his Auspex.

Setting up Overwatch down the tunnel for either the 2 Human figures or the Feline figure.

Tellemachus turns, his senses picking something. He then hears Brother Hallen's demand of the Astartes. Turning away again, he feels as though he is being observed and tries to close off any ties to his mind from outside sources. Swiveling his bolter in another direction. He sets up a kill zone in the area he heard the voices, however they trail off..

Willpower: 50: 1d100 ⇒ 69
Speak Language: Gothic: Int 40-10=30: 1d100 ⇒ 62

"It seems we might have additional guests to detain.."

Tellemachus tries to locate any more of these psychically resonating beasts

Psyscience:WP 50: 1d100 ⇒ 4

Overwatch on the last position he heard the voices from

The Feline figure is speeding towards the group on the auspex.
The cat senses you, and you are aware of it so no surprise round.

Brother Johann looks at Brother Lutha with disdain, " I did not defile the sarcophagus, you all defiled my Brother by bringing him here!"
Roll Initiatives
The Watch Captain says Weapons free on the Xenos, subdue Brother Johann if you must. Solo Modes Advised
Cat: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Brother Johann: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

"Focus on the tasks on hands" as Arkhos continues to aim for the feline creature and shot it in the head for a quick dispatch if at all possible.

Initiative1d10 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Arkhos will try a Called Shot to the head, hopefully do enough damage. Then go into solo made and engage with his axe to buy time so that Brother Johann can be subdued

Lutha starts to back up slowly into firing position against the approaching enemies.

Forbidden Lore: Xenos (40): 1d100 ⇒ 50

"Last chance Apothecary, consider your options. I'm offering you the assistance of the Deathwatch, I highly recommend you take it. We can sort out the semantics later."

I'm spending a Fate Point so that Brother Johann will perhaps look past his pride and consider the options on the table here. We do have him outnumbered six-to-one after all.

Overwatch suppressing fire specifically if our human assailants attempt to attack

Fellowship (67): 1d100 ⇒ 47
Spending another fate point for +10, +5 again from not wearing a helmet.

Lutha is trying his best to be sincere. Below his cold words and demeanor a hint of true sympathy for the dying chapter bleeds through.

Initiative: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Forbidden Lore: Xenos(50): 1d100 ⇒ 40
Valerio had heard tales of such a creature since first coming to the Calixis sector. He had yet to ever see one, however a number of the guards on the Pious Immolation would often talk of their own bravery against the beasts, which was mostly met with laughs of disbelief.

He continues watching the other end of the tunnel waiting for the appearance of the feline that was charging their position.
Maintaining Overwatch Full-Auto on the end of the tunnel.

Initiative: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Speak Language: Gothic: Int 40-10=30: 1d100 ⇒ 68
Forbidden Lore:Xeno:Int 40: 1d100 ⇒ 55
Tellemachus turns his eyes narrowed, his prey pinpointed. He grips his bolter, his sights zeroed in on the target unseen but apparently heard by the rest of his kill-team. His eyes track it, carefully.

Overwatch on Feline, when it closes within sight

Round 1
"Cat" 15 The Cat comes into view and those of you with overwatch fire. You all miss as the Cat Blinks out of existence for a moment, then is in front of Brother Tellemachus clawing at him 1d100 ⇒ 77 But catches only robes
Brother Arkhos 14+ Roll your called shot
Brother Tellemachus 14
Brother Johann 14- I am putting my trust in you. The last time I put my trust in another chapter, the Tigers Argent suffered greatly. Fail me now and we will be but a memory. He Sees the Phyrr Cat, Watch out Brother! He says as it blinks almost right into Brother Tellemachus. Brother Johann charges the beast 1d100 ⇒ 96
and swings wide.
Brother Leon 5 Fired overwatch-Missed.
Brother Lutha Delayed, Skill use to persuade Brother Johann.

Initiative: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Checking that the Tiger Argent is not causing any trouble for the Kill-Team, Lucian returns to his assigned sector, watching the rear to ensure that this is not an ambush.

Full Action to enter Overwatch, covering the sewer passage to the rear, planning to Suppressive Fire if any foes appear.

For Glory! as Arkhos pulls the trigger.

Ballistic 65 1d100 ⇒ 59
Ballistic 45. +20 Squad Mode, +20 Aim, -20 Called Shot.

Damage 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (10, 10) + 7 = 27

Bringing his force sword to bear on the creature, his slashes become blurs of speed and death.
Since the beast is now in front of him, he is going to make 2 standard melee strikes
WS 55+10=65: 1d100 ⇒ 67
WS 55+10=65: 1d100 ⇒ 11

DMG: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21
Pen 5

Round 1
"Cat" 15 The Cat comes into view and those of you with overwatch fire. You all miss as the Cat Blinks out of existence for a moment, then is in front of Brother Tellemachus clawing at him 1d100 ⇒ 77 But catches only robes
Brother Arkhos 14+ Technically you should roll cohesion to remain/ maintain squad mode, but I was not clear so I will give it to you The Cat 1d100 ⇒ 24 Dodges the round with unnatural agility and speed.
Brother Tellemachus 14 The Cat 1d100 ⇒ 68 Fails to dodge Tellemachus' Solid hit and seems very wounded. 1d100 ⇒ 95 OH FUN! 1d100 ⇒ 32 Tellemachus blinks out of existence.

In case you are wondering why this creature gets so many reactions, it gets reactions equal to its agility bonus, which is unnatural so it gets 8 reactions and can dodge things typically unable to be dodged as it blinks in and out of the warp. Your characters would notice that by the end of this round

Elyas still has actions for round 1, but moving to round 2 for everyone else

Round 2
Cat 15 Pounces on Brother Johann 1d100 ⇒ 49 2d10 + 10 ⇒ (8, 2) + 10 = 20 2d10 + 10 ⇒ (4, 1) + 10 = 15 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 And lands some vicious blows, some of which penetrate his Mark IV power armor.
Brother Arkhos14+
Brother Tellemachus 14- Seems to be missing in the warp
Brother Johann 14 Goes for an all out attack 1d100 ⇒ 82 the Cat 1d100 ⇒ 34 Dodges this attack and gives a counter attack 1d100 ⇒ 91 which fails
Brother Lucian 7
Brother Leon 5
Brother Lutha
The Watch Captain is giving orders and is confused by the sudden disappearance of Brother Tellemachus.
At the end of round 2, The Beastmasters arrive.

Using a fate point for the black shield's ability Strength in Ignorance I automatically pass the test

When the apothecary begins to speak of his mission, Elyas listens watching for signs of betrayal. He is displeased when Brother Lutha interrupts as he feels the two had the situation under control. True to his orders Elyas keeps a watchful eye on the marine when combat erupts. Seeing the other charge into combat, he draws his combat knife and follows.

Initiative: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Round 1 draw combat knife and move into cc, Round 2 Swift attack.

Swift Attack 1, 55: 1d100 ⇒ 5 5 DoS
Damage: 1d10 + 2 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 8 = 15 15 damage, pen 2, location 50

Swift Attack 2, 55: 1d100 ⇒ 57

Lucian hears the sounds of combat behind him, but he has his orders, and surely his Brothers can handle one cat-like creature. He briefly turns to check on what Brother Ulthbert is doing, then returns to covering the rear of the squad.

Continue Overwatch

1d100 ⇒ 34 The Feline fails to dodge Brother Elyas precise attack 1d100 ⇒ 14 hmm this can be bad considering the situation. The Sewers freeze over. You are all stuck in place unless you make a difficult -10 Str test to free yourself.

The Vicious Feline falls to Brother Elyas' blade.

This changes the outcome of my previous post, upon the death of the Cat, the Beastmasters retreat. They can be tracked on the Auspex retreating.

Strength Test to free self
Strength 45-10=35
1d100 ⇒ 30

"Captain, do you wish for us to give chase?" as Arkhos turns and readies to take another shot at one the beastmasters.

Sorry Lucian, Elyas. I was just rereading some of the old posts and I hadn't realized that the watch captain had asked you two specifically to handle the apothecary. I apologize, I didn't mean to swoop in like that. I'll read more carefully in the future.

Initiative: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Lutha falls back to his position alongside Brother Leon and prepares himself for the coming enemies, content to let his brothers deal with the cat-xeno.

And they do just that, swiftly dealing with the creature despite its cursed powers.

Strength (30): 1d100 ⇒ 41

Having been kneeling when the beast finally met its demise, Lutha was know frozen to the ground nearly up to the waist. He attempted to free himself but the awkward position he was trapped in made it difficult to move at all. Grunting with frustration he says "Brother Tellemachus can you help me...? Wait a moment, what happened to Brother Tellemachus?"

Yes! Stop those Heretics!

Arkhos will begin to give chase, shooting their legs to injure them and stop them or slow them down.

Arkhos is now on Solo Mode: Strength of Arms.

Can I activate my own Squad Mode to benefit those joining for melee combat as a Tactical Marine?

The howl of the dying cat-beast is music to Lucian's ears, but he suddenly finds himself stuck knee-deep in the frozen effluent. He shifts, and tries to pull himself out of the ice.

Strength 45-10: 1d100 ⇒ 9

Heaving himself free on the ice, Lucian moves toward Hallan's sounds of frustration, keeping his eyes on the sewer as before.

Some assistance, brother? Lucian asks jovially, offering an arm to Hallan to help pull him from the icy grip of the sewer water.

Give Assistance to Hallan on his Strength check, reducing difficulty of next attempt by one step.

"Thank you brother." says Lutha, his pride somewhat wounded by the vulnerable position he is currently trapped in.

Strength (40): 1d100 ⇒ 56

Trying to squirm free proves futile once again, even with the devestators help. "Infernal witchcraft!" shouts the tactical marine as he starts to smash the ice with the butt of his bolter in attempt to loosen his prison.

Brother Arkhos is able to shoot out the legs(I do not really think we need to go into a third separate combat round for 2 lacky humans) They are bleeding heavily from the holes that used to be their knee-caps.

Once you all get unstuck, and done slipping on bloody sewer icesounds like a drink Brother Johann asks. "So what now? I need to go back to my ship and my comrades."

Brother Tellemachus returns from the warp.
"Brother Tellemachus, are you injured. What happened to you? The Watch Captain asks concerned.

He looks at Brother Johann
"Brother Lutha gave you his word, and I will ensure we honor it. First, tend to those heretics wounds. Brother Elyas, after Brother Johann stops the bleeding, ask them the usual questions. I will report back to Sister Vesta and the Pious Immolation. Brother Tellemachus come with me. The rest of you return once Brother Elyas is done with the heretics, the sewer is a good place to leave filth so at least it is a convenient location to do what needs to be done with them once they are no longer of use. "

Finally pulling himself free of the ice and brushing his robes off as best as possible, Lutha responds:

"You'd be wise to explain your presence here and why you chose to so flagrantly assail a shrine under the protection of the Deathwatch. If your words satisfy the Watch Captain" he motions towards Watch Captain Enoch "then we will offer what assistance we can, or at the very least let you continue on your way."

Lutha had begun to piece some of the information together in his mind, and at this point he had become fairly confident that the Apothecary had good reason for his actions. Still, the Apothecaries fate ultimately lay in the hands of the Black Shield Captain.

No problem Lutha, though it doesn't mean I like it IC.

Using the pommel of the combat knife Elyas crushes the ice binding him to the sewer. "Warp cursed witchcraft," he mumbles under his breath. Finally freed he glares at Brother Lutha when he continues his questioning of the apothecary. Looking to the apothecary he says: "Follow me," and walkes in the direction Brother Arkhos went after nodding to the captain.

Once they catch up with Brother Arkhos, he patiently waits for the apothecary to staunch the bleedings while he weighs the combat knife in his hand contemplating how to use the blade best. When Brother Johann is done he merely says: "Thank you Brother," indicating that he may now leave. Turning to the prisoners he states: "I will have my answers, it is only a question of time and pain."

Using Master Questioner

No worries Hallan, we all miss stuff from time to time. As Elyas said, it's not well received IC though.

Lucian remains at his post, watching the sewers for any further threats. He hears Elyas begin his questioning of the hive scum.

They will not take long to reveal everything they know, especially with Elyas asking the questions, he thinks. The questions that we will ask the Apothecary are likely to yield more interesting information though.

Of more concern is Brother Tellemachus' disappearance. It has the stink of the Warp about it. He will have to be watched carefully for a while.

Tellemachus lands sprawled in the floor, since then flying through the warp. He shakes his head, and stands up. His robes are tattered and torn, his force sword still clutched in his hand. Strange fluids drip from the blade. He meets the eyes of his shocked comrades

"I was flying through the the warp, I was force to lock down my body and mind. However, I did have to combat the creatures that lurk there...He motions to the unclean blade
"I have returned sane, above all odds. I will submit to any testing to confirm this..I understand many of you are unnerved by me more than before"

The beastmasters look up at Elyas with incredible fear. " Look man, we just take care of the beasts, don't kill us please. I'll tell you everything!"
Ask any questions you have for them. If they know they will tell you.

" The sarcophagus held one of my brothers. An ancient hero of my chapter. I was sent to collect his gene-seed, something that should have been done a long time ago had it not been for extreme oversight of the Adeptus Ministorium and the Adepta Sororitas. I did not enjoy killing those men, but I can not fail in my mission, or my chapter, and the fate of the Jericho reach, would be in jeopardy. If you do not allow me to complete my mission, than I might as well die here today."

Scrutiny (50): 1d100 ⇒ 49

The positions of the kill-team have changed slightly and now Lutha takes the role of rearguard as Elyas and Lucian take control of the Apothecary along with the other prisoners. Though he hears the Apothecaries words from his position he remains quiet, still embarrassed about his outburst earlier. Apparently his outburst on Hredrin still lingered in the back of his mind.

"No worthy opponent so far" as he looks at the beastmasters succumb to fear of Elyas without even trying to hard to intimidate them either.

"Who is your master and what are you doing here?" as Arkhos is filled with contempt for this retched heretics.

Tellemachus still slightly off from his contact with the Immaterium. Listens intently for the beastmaster's answer under interrogation from Brother Arkhos

@Nimon: Can I try to read their mind? As in by force of willpower delve within their mind?

If you have that power you can try Tellemachus, remember though that you are walking away with the Watch Captain. Just so you know Brother Elyas inacted an elite advance that allows him to pass an interrogation test once a mission, similar to the interrogator ability from Ascension. So its not that these humans are just weaklings

I am going to assume Elyas tells them to answer Brother Arkhos
"I don't know her full name. She goes by the Lady Wrath. We are conducting an illegial Xenos arena. "

Lucian takes up position near Apothecary Ulthbert, and listens intently to the explanation he offers for his actions in the tomb above.

Scrutiny 25: 1d100 ⇒ 88

FP to re-roll

Scrutiny 25: 1d100 ⇒ 63

The words of the Tiger Argent are clear. He seems regretful about his actions, but completing the mission is the first duty of all Astartes, and many of us would have done the same to carry out our orders.

Honoured Brother, I am somewhat aware of the honoured history of your Chapter, and I recall with sadness that you are now very few in number. If this is the case, who's orders do you follow? Is there some hierarchy remaining within your Chapter?

Brother Johann bows his head in sorrow in response to Brother Lucian's words. "We are...very few in number, yes. That is why this gene seed is so important. We have long known the identity of this hero. He was one of our best. We hope to generate a new chapter master with this seed. It is our last hope."

Brother Elyas you can post more questions you want answered, but there is a time limit. I would say you get to ask 5 more questions before the sewers are swarming with Inquisitional Stormtroopers from Orendel's Tomb. So if you want to ask things that do not want to have others overhearing, make them count. Once the Storm-troopers come the mission is basically over, and the next mission will be decided.

*edit* Choose Brother Johann's Fate before the Storm-troopers arrive as well.

Then why did you have to resort to such subterfuge to acquire this geneseed? Did you not petition the Adeptus Ministorum for access?

My vote is to return Brother Johann to the Pious Immolation for further questioning by Captain Enoch, and for examination of the geneseed by an Astartes Apothecary and the ranking Magos Biologis on the ship, to assess it's purity before he can be allowed to use it to create more Tigers Argent.

"Yes, not only my chapter, but all of the Chapters of the Angevin Crusade with the exception of the Black Templars appealed to the Adeptus Ministorum. This almost incited a civil war between the Astartes and the Ministorum in M39 during the Angevin Crusade. In the end it was the Black Templars that appealed for a compromise, but this ended with the Tigers Argent leaving the Crusade and aiding the Storm Wardens in other areas in the Sector.

Our Chaplin again appealed to High Lady Sarah when we learned the sarcophagus was being brought here, after arriving at Grangold only a day after the Pious Immolation. Again we were denied. The Ministorum should not have the right to keep us from recovering our gene-seed. I was selected for my specialty to sneak into the tomb. I did not know they had posted guards and needed to act quickly. I had heard others in the Sewer, I thought maybe I was being tailed, but now I know it was these strange heretics.

Lucian struggles to comprehend how difficult it must have been for the remaining Tigers Argent to be denied their genetic legacy for so long, and internally seethes at the presumption of the Ministorum in withholding it from them.

I sympathise with you Brother. I cannot entirely condone your actions, especially the killing of those guards who were performing their Emperor-given duties, but I understand the lengths you had to go to in order to assist the survival of your Chapter. I cannot guarantee that the Watch Captain will feel the same though.

If it is up for vote, obviously mine is to assist Brother Johann as well. A chapters worth of marines is a powerful asset and destroying them for a mere political faux pas would be foolish.

Tellemachus sympathizes with the marine. His face turns soft and words like gentle hand on the shoulder

"I understand your quest,Brother. I do not enjoy the killing of His servants, but it seemed it was necessary in order to assure the survival of your chapter"

My vote is to assist Brother Johann

Elyas nods indicating to the prisoners that he wants them to answer Brother Arkhos' question. His brows furrows at their answers. "Lady Wrath, elaborate," he demands, adding: "Height, build, position," gesticulating with his hand to urge them on. Once they are done explaining he returns to the other information they gave up, "Xenos arena," he says tasting the word, then spitting out: "Where, when, what foul xenos?" Having stammered out the requested information he hammers on: "Who supplies you?" Looking to the remaining marines he asks: "Brothers have you any questions?"

Once the short interrogation is completed Elyas unceremoniously cuts the throats of both men just as the stormtroopers can be heard approaching. "It is time to leave Brothers," he simply states before walking away from the corpses.

That is about it in regards to questions, let me know if it's to much and I'll cut some.

Also in support of Brother Johann

The heretics give a description of Lady Wrath that fits Lady Olianthe Rathbone. She supplies them, but the organization sounds vast. The arena takes place in this sewer. This time they brought bio-enhanced Phyrr-Cats to fight Crotalids that had their warp-travel capabilities removed.

The Planet Phyrr is mentioned.

Inquisitional Stormtroopers of Orendel's Tomb guard come in from all sides of the sewer. You hear some combat in the distance, probably more Xenos being put down. When they get to the kill-team they find the heretics dead and many Xenos.

"Well done Master Astartes. Did you find the ones that desecrated the tomb?" The Commander asks addressing the kill-team as a whole.
The Watch Captain seems to be leaving Brother Johann's fate in your hands. You can turn him in now, or lie and blame it on the Beasthouse heretics, or something else

Blame it on the heretics!

Well my chapter demeanor is not very caring but I am also scornful so I will vote against, or probably just remain quiet about it at best.

Arkhos is about to decapitate the heretic filth just for the disgust they bring him.

Brother Arkhos looks at Elyas "Brother Elyas, I think all the questions we could have and we could need have been answered, as any evidence they bring is going to need more than just the words of a couple of heretics to bring down the culprits behind this"

++++++++++++++++++++++++Back on the Pious Immolation++++++++++++++++

"Deathwatch, follow me. Brother Johann report to Inquisitor Van Vuygens. I have explained the situation to him, and after he evaluates you, and has those gene-seeds analyzed, you will be granted the help we spoke about. " He leads the Kill-Team to his office and sends his serfs to get refreshments.

"Congratulations team on a job well done. I saw esprit de corps in our mission and none contradicting orders. There was a warrior of Ancient Terra who once said 'In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.' When you question orders you are doing nothing. If you follow orders, they might not be correct, but at least you are doing something." The serfs return with drinks and the Watch Captain holds up his glass "I believe we made the right decision in regards to Brother Johann. We choose loyalty to a Brother over the Ministorum, but there is never an easy answer. To loyalty!" He toasts, and drinks the strong drink.

"Now to business." The Watch Captain opens up his drawer and reveals a black box with a Marksman's Honor. "Brother Lutha Hallan step forward. For your accuracy in combat and dedication to the ideals of the Adeptus Astartes, by the Authority granted to me by High Lord Anton Zerbe of the Calixian Conclave, Overseer of the Tyrantine Cabal, I award you with this honour." He hands it to Brother Lutha.
The benefits listed in Rites of Battle are a bit ambiguous, so I will make it specific. When requisitioning any ranged weapon, even those of relic status or archeotech, you count as having an additional 20 requisition and one higher renown status.

If someone else is due an Honour I will address it here also

"Now, I need to speak to all of you individually."
He calls each of you in one at a time.