Storm of Sinners

Game Master BayouSnowman

Having gathered what information he could from the Inquisitor Brother Lutha offers the sign of Aquilla once more. "Thank you for indulging me Lord Zerbe, your intelligence will be of great use. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to begin preparing for the journey." and, with permission, he exits the command center.

The meeting concludes after the brother's have asked their questions. Your transport to the system should arrive within the day. From then it will take several hours for crews and equipment to be loaded. During this time the marines may prepare and board the Strike Cruiser to arrange their temporary quarters aboard the ship.

If anyone would like to ask anything else, nows the time. I'll answer it as though you asked during the meeting..but shouldn't be, everyone had enough time.

The ship arrives without complication and the transfer of crew and equipment begin. There are a number of Tech-priests and scientist moving aboard, special augers are being equipped and attached to record more information on this anomaly. But to the average eye, it appears to be nothing out of the ordinary, the inquisitor obviously not wanting to draw attention to this mission or the extent of the cooperation among so many offices of the Imperium, that he did well to hide it all in plain sight.

The flight manifest includes the Deathwatch marines and the crew that are being assigned by the Mechanicus to gather scientific information. No names jump out, but you do notice a familiar name, Father Zyas.

Had a family thing, sorry things have been slow. We could leave now, I'm ready, but I want to give everyone a chance to post before we do. In the middle of writing this, noticed Sumantra's post, so glad he's aboard and updated. If there's nothing left for anyone to do, my next post will be us departing.

Posting here to add to campaign tab

Ulrich reports to the loading bay bringing only his gear and the serfs necessary for assisting him with arming and the rituals to care for the tools of his trade. He directs the loading of his equipment and sets about settling his temporary quarters, going over each piece of his equipment and preparing it for battle. He pays special attention to the new storm bolter and plasma cannon, as they are new to him and their machine spirits will be unused to his touch.

Who is Father Zyas?

Father Zyas

Father Zyas accompanied the kill-team on their mission to Hredrin as part of the Inquisitor's retinue. His expertise as an exorcist came as a great boon when they came face to face with a group of daemonic entities. During the ensuing battle he was assailed by the warp creatures but managed to survive the experience. We have not seen nor heard of him since if I recall.

As the Kill-Team begins orchestrating the movement of their equipment, Lucian takes care to introduce himself to the members of the team that he knows less well.

Walking up to the Space Wolf further along the embarkation deck, he holds out a hand in greeting.

You must be Hammern. I read favourable reports of your actions during the recent mission. I am Lucian Vartas, and it is nice to be able to meet you in person.

Brother Xing's quarters are minimal and dark, with not much to remind him of memories past. Used to much smaller quarters and confines, Xing often felt lost in the grasp of gravity while planetside or aboard a large station such as a Fortress.

Every morning his ritual is the same, embracing the privacy of a station and looking forward to returning to a mission and punishing the damned, he takes his time in prayer, then carefully takes his sword and cuts himself deeply. Enough to feel the pain and cause bleeding, the marine rejoices in his humanity and offers himself fully in service to the God-Emperor.

While he had no notable command or heroic feats that bestowed great honor on his Chapter, he did have success in purging the darkness from the light, little by little. His goals are not glory and fame, but cleansing and ritual, followed by execution. Execution of orders, of heretics, Daemons, and anyone else unfaithful and pure in his eyes. He doesn't take well to other Psykers nor trust easily, but he respects the chain of command without question.

Brother Xing enters the holding are and sees a few members of his new team. He had been assigned only recently and was still unsure of his place on the mission. He pondered briefly why he had been assigned to this mission, having missed the brief, he was told to wait until the ship departed before being brought up to date. It mattered little, for what he seeks is to be found anywhere and within anyone.

While he considered playing nice with the other marines, he wasn't used to mixing with other companies and making small talk. He spent more time with Tech-priest and books than he did people. He wouldn't know where to begin small talk, as his human interaction skills are far from practiced. A chapter that travels and lives among the stars in the Void, traveling and collecting the worst and best of worlds they visited. Even after the transformation into a Space Marine, their disposition towards others rarely improves. More logical and less emotional, they still cling to traditions preserving what little humanity they have. For the way of the Tech-priest, for whom many brothers work closely with,is steered towards the Ommnissiah, while brothers of the Warp Walkers remain closer to their father through strict devotion and prayer.

Robed in long black and crimson cloth, much simpler than the nobility of his marine gene-seed, he calmly walks over to the most recent commander of the Squad while he is meeting a Space Wolf.

He moves curiously close and observes and listens. Not interrupting and perhaps being a bit rude, though not intentionally. Being in the dark about the mission and having nothing more than a flight manifest, he waits for Father Zyas, eager to once again greet such a Holy man.

I pray he is still of pure mind and spirit

Ulrich turns from the crate he was checking, one with the distinctive markings and warnings pertaining to plasma. He bears a Power Sword with the distinctive markings of the Space Wolves, obviously something he brought with him to the Deathwatch, and his left forearm has a storm bolter mounted into the vambrace. Ulrich grips Vartas' offered forearm, "Brother Vartas. The rumor is that you comported yourself very well out on the front line. Courage and Honour, indeed! Will you be leading us again in this action?"

Seeing Brother Xing approach, Ulrich turns slightly so that the Librarian is not excluded from the conversation, and nods to him respectfully.

Thank you for your kind words Brother. I do not know who will be commanding the Kill-Team at this time, but if I am called to lead by our Brothers then I will do so. I look forward to serving with you, and seeing a Wolf of Fenris fight I'm sure will be an enlightening experience.

Lucian turns to the newcomer, and extends his hand in greeting.

Good day Brother. I am Lucian Vartas of the Ultramarines, and this, Lucian gestures towards Hammern, is Brother Hammern of the Space Wolves. I am glad to see our ranks being swelled even further but I must admit that I do not recognise your Chapter heraldry, Brother...?

Nearby Brother Lutha sees to his own meager belongings. His number of attendees are limited when compared to the other marines, the Lamenters being a chapter of limited means after all. Regardless, his gear is all organized and well maintained. Most is being sent off to the ship in preparation for the journey ahead. Beyond his normal arms and armor he also bares an ancient ceramite shield and an exquisite chainsword drawn from the local forgeworld.

He takes his chance to introduce himself along with the others. "I am Brother Lutha Hallan of the Lamenters. It is always good to make the acquaintance of a fellow warrior."

After preparing his gear and completing his prayers, Brother Zedkiel has the serfs load the equipment he does not personally carry while he completes final prayers and studies the vitals of the warriors in his charge before he heads over. When Brother Ikwa arrives, Zedkiel approaches him, shakes his hand, and says, "We will bring them all back, or at least their chapters' due."

After seeing to his bolters and his trusty blade, Sumantra took hold of a cloak he'd not seen since his days as a whelpling... a cameleoline cloak. This one had been refashioned so that it appeared more as a robe, its beetle-blue coloring almost black, but the function of it was still sound. With it thrown over the bulk of his armor, the apothecary took a moment to make sure that all the vials of various chymicals he carried were safely stowed, while at the same time breathed prayers to the Emperor in a hissing, syllabillic tongue. Once that was completed, he returned to the rest of the kill-team just as another Battle Brother joined them. Brother Zedkiel was the first to approach, and Ikwa returned the second Apothecary's handshake with a firm grip. "Leave not one in the depths, without at least the light of salvation within them. We'll bring them back indeed."

...Brother Xing, of the Warp Walkers. Your ignorance does not offend nor surprise me he says in a neutral tone. Rarely have I met another marine who has knowledge of my Chapter's heraldry. he says then pauses, quickly realizing more needed to be said...I am just as ignorant of our mission, I hope to be brought up to speed once aboard.

We do not hold to such strict traditions as closely as some brothers, for our bond is sanctioned by the our Emperor and stronger than any fellowship our flesh and emotions may desire. We overcome and adapt by any means possible. Our Chapter travels among the stars, our homeworld destroyed. We have a close relationship with the Mechanicus and often venture with Explorator fleets into the fringes of known space. Knowledge is power and some knowledge is dangerous. Stay vigilant and remain in the God's light, for to turn away or stray from the path, even for a moment, is a death sentence.

I was looking forward to meeting your Tech-marine, but I did not see any on the flight manifest.

As the marines speak, one of the 2 tech-priest attending to Brother Xing's belongings speaks and Brother Xing replies to their concerns in Gothic, despite their questioning in Techna-Lingua. Excuse me, but I must see my things aboard the ship personally, it seems they are afraid to handle some of my items. Good day brothers as he bows his head slightly and turns to assist the tech-priests.

I know that there may be some non-native speakers here, so just want to make sure you know ignorance isn't insulting or the same as stupid, just means lack of knowledge, not trying to make my PC seem rude, just blunt and short, with a splash of religious zeal.

As the men gather and the final things are being prepared, loaded, and installed, the squad gets a vox message from the ship's frequency:

Please report to the ship's medical bay before departure

Upon arrival, you are briefly familiarized with the facilities and then one of the tech-priests, a rather odd looking one considering he has considerably less implants and has a "healthy" human like appearance. Obviously a doctor of man and science, its clear this Tech-priests devotions are not limited to the machine spirits. He approaches and greets the men rather humanly, offering the marines a choice:

We are unsure of the potential radiation risks of the anomaly and its effects on your bodies. Even with your Astartes resistances, we have a few precautions we would like to make available to you. They are voluntary and we have more intrusive and less intrusive options, depending on how dearly you adore your flesh. He then turns and brings up a display with detailed resolution of a "void skin" implant. We will be able to apply a thin skin graph to your entire body that can help shield you from the potential radiation, as well as strengthen your body against accidental void exposure. He then turns and retrieves some injector vials and hands a few to the marines present. This is a special Luma-crete injection, it has similar effects, but also temporarily interacts with your physiology to increase toughness and stamina. While this process is usually fatiguing for a normal man, your bodies should not feel any side effects once the doses have worn off. I can arrange to have these injections installed into your armor. He then pauses for a few moments, giving the marines a choice of one or both. Should you require the skin-graph, know that the application isn't permanent, its less evasive, and should provide protection for at least 1 month, after which the effectiveness begins to decay.

Choose which one you want, or both. Injections will be a supply of your choosing, remember you only have 6 injections, so choose carefully. The void-skin implant takes some hours, but aferwards you're free to go and suffer no ill effects.

This will happen in whatever order it happens. If you're together you can go and get it together, if you're late, you can go alone, however it happens, you are all presented with the same choices and information, regardless of when you go or who you go with. Once people post they are gathered and atleast head to the medical bay, then we'll be departing.

I plan to break up the segments of the travel into sections. You can tell me what you'd like to do during that time, etc. Then we'll post another week. Sometimes it might be more or less, but this'll be how I deal with all travel in the future. If you ever need to slow it down, or have an endeavor you want to spend more time on discussing, then just let me know, even if I post ahead, we'll try to get your actions resolved in the timeline.

Medicae: 1d100 ⇒ 60 TN 70, so 1 DoS
Brother Zedkiel asks detailed, technical questions on what the options are exactly and how they work. Satisfied, he says, "Both options seem best. Defense in depth is a sound strategy."

Brother Hallan puts far more stock in the counsel of his fellow Astartes than of some tech-priest. He awaits the judgement of the two apothecaries before deciding on either procedure.

I look forward to working with you Brother Xing, says Lucian, reflecting on the Warp Walker's strange affect as he walks off to attend his gear.

Hearing the message over the vox, and seeing that his serfs have the loading of his equipment under control, Lucian makes his way to the apothecarion. Listening intently to the Magos Biologis' diatribe, Lucian weighs his options carefully.

Feeling that an Astartes should equip himself with everything possible to allow successful completion of the mission, he elects for both the graft and the injections. Hearing Zedkiel agree vilifies his decision.

I am ready for the procedure Magos, and please arrange for the Luma-Crete to be installed into my armour's auto-injector.

Somewhat surprised by the Void Walkers abrupt manner, Ulrich shrugs as he turns back to his gear. Sending the serfs off with the rest of it, he reports to the apothecarion with the rest.

After hearing the tech-priest's words, and those of Zedkiel, he nods in agreement, "You have the right of it, Brother Zedkiel. I too will take what protection you can arrange for us, Magos."

Arkhos reports to the apothecarion as he walks in the conversation

"Just take what it is offered if it will help see this mission through. I believe an attack is stronger then a good defense brother, not that hiding behind cover doesn't have it's uses..." as he inspects his men and knowing all to well they are more than fit to do battle in glorious ways.

Zedkiel's questioning and examination reveal the following:

The luma-crete injections chemically bolster skin and muscle to make it as hard and resilient as a cybernetic implant. The substance is injected, and for a short time, it bolsters exposed flesh, turning it a glowing dullish grey that resists the extremes of temperature and even hard vacuum.

Once injected with Luma-Crete, a character gains The Flesh is Weak Trait equal to half of his Toughness Bonus (rounding up). He also gains the Resistance (Heat) Trait, and a +10 bonus to any Tests made to resist the effects of radiation. This effects last for 5 hours, and once it wears off marines must pass and (+0) toughness test or gain level of fatigue.

The void skin graph is simply cloned tissue that is graphed with a thin layer of flak eave and chemical toughening agents, such that the wearer can tolerate a longer term of void exposure before ill effects occur. Temporary chemplant agents also minimize the damage suffered due to the raw energies of the void. Voidskin allows the user to resist damage due to void exposure for longer.

Add an additional d10+3 rounds past the normal duration for exposure before taking damage as normal.

Xing reports to the medical facilities as ordered and meets some of the other marines there. Used to living and traveling the void for extended periods his armor has preventions built in to prevent exposure and repair breaches, but the injections sounded helpful. The skin graph though seems unnecessary and he does not want to cover over his flesh, for it protects him from greater threats than the void.

I will take the injections, please see that half my injections are installed in my armor. I will carry some additional dosages if allowed.

He remains in the medical facilities as long as necessary, but still wonders what the mission is exactly. Why did I have to miss the briefing, I hate being in the dark.

Brother Hallan is loath to even consider the possibility of the void-skin. It went against both his own warrior pride as well as his chapters strict practice of avoiding surgery accept at the hands of other sons of Sanguinius. The Luma-crete were also unappealing, but was that worth the risk? He resolved to accept them regardless, a necessary precaution given their situation.

"I'd also have my own Luma-crete dosage in a manual injector if possible Tech-Priest." he finally says.

Once down in the apothecarion, Sumantra listens to the options and to the questions that Zedkiel asks before deciding. "I will take the graft myself, but I will also carry some of the injections just in case, if they can be spared."

The Genator performs the skin graphs and assures the marines that adequate supplies of Lumacrete will be made available, but may only be dispensed by the their power suits armor, otherwise the difficulties in applying it evenly to your body would require multiple injections and precise medical knowledge. The Apothecarians will be entrusted with additional doses which they may apply or use to refill internal amour injectors.

The cruiser lacks any human crew that you can notice. You have only seen servitors and some tech-priests. For the longest time you are left to your own device, until eventually the captain requests your presence on the bridge.

Welcome Astartes, I am Magos Xavier. My mission is to bring you to a set of coordinates to observe a stellar anomaly. I was told we lost contact with the initial ship that made observations of the anomaly. Once in the system I am to support your mission, whatever that may be, while allowing my crew to observe and record whatever possible of the anomaly.

As the Magos addresses the men, its apparent he is excited by the anomaly, his body moving with an enthusiasm nearly unnoticeable under the robes and covered in mechanical flesh. The vessel is clearly a science vessel, though heavily modified for speed and durability, not confrontation. The captains personality reflected his ship’s, curious and quick to act, but not the most formidable looking Magos you've encountered. There is little small talk and its clear he knows nothing of the Daemon-hunter or the true significance of this event and your mission. As he converses with the officers on his bridge its clear he believe it to be of the utmost importance and he takes his responsibility seriously. Seeming almost to understand what you may be thinking he stands to leave before long, not giving any opportunity for questioning.

You men may have use of my ship and its resources, I’m afraid there is not much else I can offer or assist you with currently. I will speak with the navigator and when we are closer we will emerge from the warp outside the system as a precaution and to take preliminary scans. I trust by then we will be able to formulate a plan of action for once we arrive. I look forward to your strategic assessment and options once arriving.

As quickly as he entered, he leaves you to your own accord, perhaps with even more questions than before.

The makeshift quarters you've been given weren't designed for an Astartes, but you make do. There is the a planning room, though its currently occupied. You search for a place that you can all speak in private and finally come to an empty cargo hold thats large enough for you all to take a knee comfortably and discuss your thoughts and misgivings freely. Perhaps some of you know more than you think and only need conversation to recall seemingly irrelevant information, perhaps piecing together some clue of what you will encounter.

Take this time, if you like, fill in brother Xing, if he asks, and decide what you might do. If there’s nothing, then I’ll post the next part.

Brother Lutha hastens to don his arms and armor in response to the alarm. After a short delay he reports to the bridge of the vessel in search of a cause for the panic.

Before everyone gets a chance to even settle you hear footsteps, human footsteps coming towards you. As they grow louder you hear a man in prayer who haults as he comes into your view.

Excuse me brothers, may I have a word with you?Moving closer without waiting for reply he seems to do something beneath his robes, immediately filling you comm channels nearby with white noise, essentially jamming any and all local transmissions. As your normal channels go haywire and are filled with noise, you silence them to hear the priest speak:

Now we may speak with some privacy, a smile conveying he's the once responsible for your sudden static filled comms, The darkness holds more than you have witnessed. I fear the taint of the Daemon is responsible for this "black sun" we are chasing. Before Ahmazzi set forth with his prediction, he had consulted me. he pauses, looking for a seat to rest. An older man, who's fragility is questionable, but his devotion pure. He doesn't really enjoy the ship he is on This ship wasn't built for men with souls. Not even a place of prayer to be found as he coughs lightly, age and warp travel haven taken its toll, he pushes on. For centuries we have gathered all we can of phenomena and there is no discernible pattern. How Ahmazzi bested centuries of research is beyond me, I fear for his soul as much as the truth behind these strange anomaly....Of course few believe me, even after the disappearance of Ahmazzi, which wouldn't normally warrant a squad of Deathwatch marines, but somehow has motivated some very powerful players who are only now beginning to take this seriously. Most believe it a waste of time for it should surely be gone by our arrival, but I was able to broker some alliance and help. I apologize for not being at the meeting, but I knew my presence would only fuel the flames. Zerbe is upset I have brought this amount of attention to our task. I am sure he would've preferred to handle it internally, but I took away that option. While not my original intention, it is none the less the circumstances in which we find ourselves. I apologize for putting you all in this position, and please forgive my weakening state, I am not taking well to the inoculations the Genator provided me. as he rests his head by leaning fully against some container as he slides to take a seat, giving the marines time to absorb what he has said and provide their own thoughts or comments on the situation.

Do I recognise this man? Is it Father Zyas?

Do I recognise this man? Is it Father Zyas?

yes, sorry I forgot to make that clear in game thread.

A soft growl issued from Ulrich as the denizens of the immaterium are mentioned, and when he speaks his voice is a little rougher than normal, "Father Zyas, do you suspect the involvement of the traitors?"

Lucian sits with the ecclesiarch, conversing with him as best he can in the father's weakened state.

It is good to see you again Father, but I wish it were in better circumstances. What can you tell us of these powerful players? It sounds like some manner of dark conspiracy among various members of the Tyrantine Cabal, a conspiracy within a conspiracy which makes me very uncomfortable.

I'm away this weekend, so my posting may be spotty at best.

"I do not care much for Inquisitorial power plays and politic games they play, as long as my men are left out, or there will be a price to pay." he stares at the priest "We need names and more information to unravel or at least be able yo know how are we dealing with and what to expect."

"I recall vaguely the same thing being said of our mission to Hredrin." cautions Brother Hallan. However, in his own mind he is already turning over the vast multitude of dark secrets that had already been uncovered in their time: Lady Rathbone, the information they had already gleaned of the Tyrant Star, the Tomb of the Unknown Hero...the idea that even more truths lay buried in this sectors politics was not an implausible one.

"The inquisitor told us little. Knowledge is a double edged sword, and there may be safety in ignorance, but perhaps it would be best for us to know more. What do you know of this stellar phenomenon, and why do you suspect it bears the mark of the daemonic?"

"I believe I heard something like 'Innocence proves nothing' coming from an Inquisitor when butchering innocents and ignorant for whatever cause." continuing to look at Zedkiel "Under that knowledge of our beloved friends" vile and poison touching ever word he he said "I rather know more, than be a pawn and discarded being ignorant of the game we are playing"

Brother Xing is pleased to see the Priest arrive, while not close friends, they had crossed paths and respected each other's devotion. Still, Brother Xing kept a close eye on all those that walked through the darkness, for only the strongest can resist corruption, and men with that amount of pure will, experience, and knowledge are few.

Greetings Father, rest yourself, I am sure the effects will only be temporary. Forgive my ignorance, but I too was not present at the meeting, so I am only able to piece together what our mission is from your warnings and questions. he says as he looks to his brothers hoping they could fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle they were discussing.

Please continue, I am merely thinking of what I could know of such matters, but please do include any important details you have that may assist my memory.

Forbid Lore (Daemon) +20, Int. 50, +10 Unnat Int, vs 1d100 ⇒ 9

7 DOS

Forbid Lore (Warp) +20, Int. 50, +10 Unnat Int, vs 1d100 ⇒ 83
Straight failure, talent re-roll

1d100 ⇒ 681 DOS

My intention after hearing what people say and their thoughts, trying to recall some lore once I'm sure I know the mission details.

"We are trying to find where a Daemonhunter has gone missing along with his ship while investigating a stellar phenomena. Other than that, details have been somewhat scarce," the apothecary said to Xing.

"I am given to understand that Inquisitors do not often speak of their secrets regardless... Less so those with the witch's taint," Sumantra said. "My seed was restless in his presence, and that only happens when in the presence of an active psychic phenomena, and I saw no reason why it should have been triggered unless something or someone were trying something at the time. Our Librarian brother here was not present at that point, so I doubt it was his powers that were detected. It was especially active when I asked Zerbe of the Xenos in the area. Did anyone else feel or sense anything amiss at that point?"

The threats to humanity are greater than any of us could ever imagine. For what we have seen and know of is what has been selectively passed down and interpreted throughout the ages. In the rare instances where threats can be confirmed, sometimes factions attempt to assign blame and hide their mistakes instead of confronting them. Still others bury their heads in the sand and refuse to believe such possibilities and evil exist, instead focusing on the threats they know and understand.

The resources of our the Imperium are being stretched against the known horrors of the galaxy, from Xenos to Daemons. What else is out there remain a mystery to some and a secret for others. It is a delicate game that I do not wish upon any Astartes....I sometimes relish my younger days when things were much simpler pausing a moment to cough and catch his breath...

After a few moments, his breath and stamina return, mmhm...As I was saying, this "Black Sun" has rumored origins and no one is willing to openly share what they know it seems. Whatever it is, there are factions, unknown to me, that are constantly trying to bury and hide its existence and significance.

He then pulls forth a book from beneath his robes, old and tattered, it looks more like an ancient journal than common diary. As he grasps the book to his chest, anguish washes over his face. I do not wish the same knowledge to drive you to foolishness as it may have Ahmazzi. There are only a few passages that pertain to our discussion, as for how it assisted in predicting the next appearance, I was not privy. I am only sure that after meeting with me, Ahmazzi left and hasn't returned or been heard of since.

As for a larger conspiracy, that has yet to be revealed to me. For knowledge is power and some men wield it for the benefit of themselves, while others guard and keep it secret for the benefit of others. I do not believe that traitors have infiltrated our highest ranks, but I do not trust the word of most men, for their faith is misplaced, and that often leads to damnation.

Zerbe is a powerful psyker, but he saves his strength and power for when its needed most, for centuries his powers and reserves have surely grown, looking at Sumantra, I do not believe he used his powers to decieve you, rather it was his emotional state that betrayed his greater power. You would be wise to keep such observations to yourself, Inquisitors can be quite nasty when they feel their power is threatened. Remember, knowledge can save and condemn, sometimes both at the same time, eying Brother Xing as he finishes.

I will share what I know, but I have nothing to substantiate the rumors and pieces of lore I've gathered...no, I'm afraid whatever is at work here has infinite amounts of patience and is willing to remain in the dark...Until now. What ever causes the phenomena has had effects on populations. Passed down stories of madness and whole planets consumed in bloody genocide. Others tell of Chaos suddenly appearing and gaining strenght where these "black suns" have appeared, most likely a Charismatic few who know nothing, but interpret it to be an apocalypse, only later to be denied their catastrophe. While typically these occurances and stories happen in lesser known systems with little or no population, the Inquistion has been effective in suppressing information, either by force or less lethal indirect methods.

By putting this to the attention of some allies, we were able to pull together an investigation. Depending on what we find, some could be exposed or embarrassed, so we must be delicate and vigilant. We mustn't succumb to temptation that threatens us all, we must be delicate and just as patient, if we wish to unravel this mystery.

Before he can say more, he begins to cough heavily, until he can barely breath, suddenly loosing consciousness and passing out, the book he had been clutching falling to his side. Suddenly, just as quickly as he loses consciousness, alarms begin to sound throughout the ship.

Could this be coincidence or related? The alarms are in Techna-Lingua. What could be happening while you are still at warp?

Brother Xing, I didn't get to your rolls, I've got some notes at home I need to choose how much to give you, you had a lot of DOS. I'll give those to you later, they might be conveyed here before he passes out, or they might be conveyed later when you have more time, either way, I'll post an update with some info for you later. Anyone else has any rolls, you can do them, otherwise, you can respond to the Alarm.

"Rumours and superstitions, little solid information. Come what may, we will do what we were made for."

Brother Zedkiel springs to the father as he falls, and tries to ascertain the cause of his collapse and perform basic stabilization if possible.

Medicae TN 80: 1d100 ⇒ 62

As the alarms ring aloud Zedkiel does what he can to diagnose the Father. It seems he is breathing and has a weak pulse, probably fatigued from the surgery is all you can tell. You don't have anything you could use to revive or awaken him. He is stable, just unconscious and recovering, he shouldn't have been walking around.

I will see he is attended to by the Master Chirugeon. I suggest the rest of you see to the alarm. Without waiting for response, Brother Xing lifts the father up into his arms easily, careful not to drop the book or any of his other belongings. Before he leaves he turns to his brothers I shall safeguard this book until we have oppurtunity to examine its contents. Hopefully when the father regains his strength he can recall the exact passages that we need to unravel this web of intrigue. He then turns and sees that the father is laid to rest and attended to by the most experienced Chirugeon. Brother Xing could feel that Father Zyes would be important to this mission, Why else would he be here with our first glimpse of truth.

Afterwards, Brother Xing, having gathered his own equipment will join his squad, unless other orders are given.

The father's words are disturbing, especially as he describes the effects this phenomenon has had on the Emperor's loyal subjects during it's previous appearances.

Lucian's thoughts are disturbed by the sudden noise, and although the content is indistinguishable to him, the tone is clearly one of urgency and alarm.

Activating the nearest vox-panel, Lucian calls to the bridge for information, as he watches Xing leave with Zyas.

Magos Xavier, this is Brother Vartas of the Deathwatch. What is happening? My Brothers and I stand ready to assist.

The discussion of intrigue and possible conspiracy do not surprise Ulrich; the Space Wolves have little love lost for the Inquisition.

When the alarm sounds, though he cannot understand the words, Ulrich recognizes the sound of an alarm. Moving swiftly to the entrance to the cargo area they were using, Ulrich guards that approach.

Vartas' Vox message takes a moment to get through. When a reply finally arrives, you hear a very upset and angry Magos, which is difficult considering his origins and traits. He opens comms with all the marines now, except for Xing, Father Zyas' jamming equipment finally moved out of range of all the Astartes but one.

Magos Xavier:

I have attempted contact multiple times with no reply, why were youunreachable. That lack of discipline is unbecoming your station and status as members of the Deathwatch. We've been detecting strange readings that are alternating frequencies, we can not keep up. Are you responsible for these fluctuations? If not, we must locate the source quickly to determine the risks. If you had anything to do with this Astartes...I shall make you permanent members of my crew, but you'll be but shells of your former selves...Find the signals origin, the Mechanicus will not be denied this opportunity!

Anyone with an Auspex may make a -30 tech use test to detect and locate the signal. Need 3 tests all together, depending on DOS total or DOF total, then I'll give you more information.

Soon after the transmission ends some servo skulls come in range of the men in the cargo hold and begin scanning.

+0 Awareness test

Brother Xing:

Check your PM about the Lore tests. Also, if you plan to do something with book let me know.

For now, you aren't reachable, you hear the alarms but quickly understand your own comms are jammed, with your Cortical Stack and intelligence you realize the Father's equipment must be jamming your own personal vox and temporarily the portable voxes near you as you return to the medical facilities.

Upon entering you find only medical servitors present. They come to life and begin to scan the Father, you put him comfortable down and secure him tightly, with the alarms raised, no telling what could happen if you aren't there to watch after him. The machines seem to be havin difficultly recording the measurements and transfering information to external cogitators, seems the signals are jammed and command functions aren't being recieved.

Give me a search or tech use test to locate and deactivate the jammer.

Lucian's anger rises at the Magos' words, and he replies thorugh clenched teeth.

We were in a secure conference protected by equipment to prevent vox-thieves from overhearing our words. We are not responsible for your anomalous readings, and you insult our honour to suggest that we would do anything to endanger this mission! Can you narrow down the origin of these readings, so that we can hunt for their source?

A small flock of servo-skulls enters the area, and Lucian sees the red beams of their laser scanners start to search the area.

Awareness 75 (helmet off at present): 1d100 ⇒ 30

If the Magos thinks he will get away with sending his machines to spy on us, he is sorely mistaken thinks Lucian through his barely controlled anger. Is it not enough that he questions our honour, now he sends watchers to check up on us!

Ulrich's eyes narrow as the Magos threatens the members of the kill team. When Brother Vartas finishes speaking, to the Magos, he speaks loudly enough for his fellow marines to hear him, "He threatens us! He threatens the Emperor's chosen! There will be a reckoning for this."

Awareness (Wolf Senses) 45+20+10=75: 1d100 ⇒ 73.

A soft growl issues from him as he realizes that the servo skulls are tracking them.

"The enginseer must learn his place, before he is taught it." Brother Zedkiel starts scanning for the jammer.

Tech-Use TN 40: 1d100 ⇒ 96
Tech-Use TN 40: 1d100 ⇒ 54
Tech-Use TN 40: 1d100 ⇒ 9

Awareness TN 70: 1d100 ⇒ 95

Zedkiel is completely distracted operating the newly installed equipment, and ignores the buzzing servoskulls.

My auger array gives me rerolls on perception based tests using it, can I reroll the 96 and 54?

Ulrich snarls at a servo skull at it passes close to him, observing him , "Magos, do you think we are fools?! Spying on the Astartes when such is unwanted is unseemly. Recall your tools or they may end up broken."

Ulrich seems to be very angered by the insults the Magos has leveled at them.

Brother Hallan was part way through donning his helmet when Brother Hammern had his second outburst, drawing his attention to the skulls. Already the Magos seemed to have forgotten his place - this further indignation was unacceptable.

His hand flies to the holstered pistol at his waist and he draws and fires in one swift motion, sending a round through one of the hovering skulls.

BS 80: 1d100 ⇒ 33
Damage: 2d10 + 7 ⇒ (4, 3) + 7 = 14

Pistol raised he speaks in a cool, commanding tone to one of the other skulls: "By authority of the Adeptus Astrates and Ordo Xenos this area is now to be considered an active combat zone. You are hereby ordered to cease all processes and vacate immediately."

"Brothers, please note that my weapon was mistakenly discharged once during the course of operations. Upon conclusion of our mission I will return it to the armory for calibration and seek atonement for my failings."