Round 2:
Brother Xing can't believe his eyes and knows that the Daemons of Tzeentch are known for trickery and illusions, but this one seems to real to be an illusion.
Awareness: 40, +25 armor, -45 penalty (20)Failure
He follows his "brother's" lead and charges the Daemon again in the opposite direction, his hatred of Daemons blinding him to the true possibilities of the warp.
Full Action: charge
WS 63, +10 MC weapon, +10 charge, Success
Great Force Sword: Melee 1d10+2 R 2 Balanced**2 handed=+1d10 dmg
8 dmg+(SB)12+2(Armor)+5dmg/pen(PR-5)=27R Pen 7
Brother Xing's confusion is momentary as he lunges forward towards what he believes to be the Daemon, moving through the warp at incredible speed to strike at the head of the "Daemon" once again.
Brother Hallen watches horrified as his brother moves to attack him with his great sword after the Daemon crushed his only line of defense. As he watches unable to move will he take the blow or call upon his Father's grace to allow him to act?
As Lucian runs from the cargo hold, the voice of the Daemon diminishes, until it is little more than a whisper. His mental defenses begin to rebuild themselves, the foundation of his honour proving sturdier than in the presence of the abomination.
The teachings of the Codex come flooding back. Lucian slams to a halt in the companionway, turns back towards the cargo hold and runs back towards his Brothers, drawing his bolt pistol and combat blade as he does. The shame of his flight is pushed to the back of his mind, to be addressed once the warpspawned thing is defeated.
Brother Hallen takes the incoming hit and is severly wounded by his own brother. (8 wounds remaining)
Brother Vartas enters the cargo hold just in time to see "Brother Hallen" strike the Daemon, followed by Brother Xing, who seemed to have more luck and nearly decapitated him.
Every marine gets a signal from their bio-monitors relaying Brother Hallens critical condition, Brother's Xing and and Vartas are surely confused and question the reliability of the machine spirits.
+20 Scrutiny to verify its authenticity as a half action, OR as free action -45 awareness test to see through the "veil of illusion" OR -10 Psyn. test to see the Daemon's warp signature and distinguish it from Brother Hallens (Your Psyn. test could be half action/full action/free action depending on your talents)
Summary:
Zedkiel is catatonic (Initiative 15)After round 3 I'll let you spend a FP to snap out of it and awaken.
Vartas has half action for Round 2 if he wishes.(Initiative: Couldn't find yours, please roll or post if you already did.)
Hammern is attempting to snap out still, failed to do so in R1 or R2. Will attempt again in round 3, I'll let you spend a FP to auto snapout if you happen to fail again.(Initiative: Couldn't find yours, please roll or post if you already did.)
I think its justified a bit as you are marine and affected by fear less than others, I think with Unnatural Stats, which by the way make Tough/Strength test 1 degree easier or adds 2DOS on opposed test means you are superhuman and the table is for normal humans. So i think a FP is justified after 3 rounds, which will be a future rule we can abide by should this occur again (But not for a while hopefully)
Hallan is wounded and has actions to resolve in Round 3 that he's already posted. (Initiative 11)
Xing is ready for Round 3 to begin. (Initiative 7)
Daemon is ready for Round 3 to begin.
Initiative: 8
At this point we are waiting on Vartas, but if he doesn't update today (My time, GMT +8, its nearly 4pm on Saturday), then I'll move it forward into round 3 and try to include his R2 half action if its fits. You might for example aim or do something that wouldn't change the narrative, if you want to attack, then I'll try to see if it fits, just see whats been posted and try to fit in the best you can, and I'll most likely trust your decision.
Round 3 begins, you may post.
Psy test 60 vs failure, solo mode allows reroll
failure
Lost in the confusion and conflicting information from his senses and the machine spirits Brother Xing is unable to distinguish the Daemon from Brother Hallan. He is unable to act and is torn in choosing what and who to believe.
As Lucian returns to the cargo hold, he draws his bolt pistol and surveys the area. Zedkiel lies on the floor, Hammern stands immobile and the daemon appears to be overwhelming Hallan. The signals from his squad linked bio-monitors are a confusing mess of data, which Lucian tries to wrest some truth from.
The readings finally clear, and they evidenlty do not correspond to the situation. The realisation hits Lucian like a Rhino, and he opens the squad vox channel.
Brothers, it is an illusion! The daemon has disguised it's true form, it appears as Hallan. Target Hallan, not the daemon!
Sighting at the form of Brother Hallan, despite decades of training screaming at him not to, Lucian begins reciting the Litany of St.Drusus across the squad channel. With the prayer on his lips, he fires at the illusory form.
Lucian's shot goes wide in the confusing swirl of illusions.
As he fires on what appears to be a fellow Astartes, Lucian calls out across the squad vox.
Do not trust your senses Brothers! This warp filth tries to trick us, but we are the swords of our Primarchs, we are the Hammer of the Emperor - we shall not be taken in by this trickery! Clear your minds, find the truth!
His faith in the Allfather and his own mental strength finally overcoming the fear-induced paralysis, Ulrich gathers the strands of his Wyrd and sheds the fear with a shake like a swimmer coming back to the surface. Turning back to the cargo bay, he charges back into the room just in time to hear the command and utter certainty in Brother Vartas' voice.
Looking closely at the Daemon and at Brother Hallan, Ulrich sees the truth of Vartas' words. Extending his arm at the true Daemon, the storm bolter in Ulrich's left vambrace roars to life.
FP: 4/5
Vartas returns and helps to snap his brothers out of it. Upon fully and truly understanding it is an illusion, you see the Daemon's true form and brother Hallan as he should be. He finally collapses from the physical and mental strain. The Daemon seemingly knowing his powers are no longer useful he waits to see what happens next.
Vartas fires a single shot at the creature in melee striking what would have been his leg, but instead it is absorbed by his shimmering globes, seemingly undamaged as they continue to shift an beautifully ripple from the effect. It is hard to look away and not admire the beauty or deny the desire to wear such a fine cloak.
Shimmering Robes Forcefield: Protection rating 81 (PR9x9) Overload 1-9.
Brother Xing spends the round trying read their warp signatures but is unable and loses himself in the search. Only the words of his squad commander brings him back and opens eyes to the illusion. By then all he can do is watch as Brother Hammern miraculously appears moving in firing his storm bolter with precision aim, landing a hail of bolters over the Daemon.
Shimmering Robes Forcefield: Protection rating 81 (PR9x9) Overload 1-9.
hit
hit
hit
Each hit bypasses it's Daemonic unnatural defenses, but the creature is still a massively framed solid mass under the robes.
The shots go through the defense of his robes and the Daemon roars as his ability to manipulate the warp is momentarily weakened and severed.
Foolish humans, how dare you reject what my master offers you. You are not worthy to bear this task, your minds crumble at my mere presence. I do not need the warp to aid me in claiming your souls.But just as he's about to unleash an untold fury he momentarily resist, as if a glaze covers his eyes and a truth is revealed. As quick as his fury ignited,now does his patience and determination return, guiding his action and swiftly attacking brother Hammern in a controlled vengeance, swinging for his body with his staff.
Half action move, half action attack
WS 54 vs
Staff of Tzeentch (2d10+14 I; Tearing, Warp Weapon**Bypass Armor.
Total 33 I damage to body, armor doesn't protect. You may dodge or parry.
Round 4 Begins:
Zedkiel is slowly regaining consciousness, but will it be enough to rise?
As Brother Xing realizes his mistake in attacking Hallen he nearly explodes in rage at the Daemons deception. How could I have not seen through that sorcery? Fueled by a rage that could only be tempered with destruction he lashes out again at the Daemon, charging through the Warp wielding his great force sword in two hands, swinging at the creatures left arm, trying to cripple it. As he moves he calls to his father for the Strength to slay this Daemon and send it back where it belongs. No other shall fall except you
WS 63, +10 MC weapon, +20 Size bonus (93)vs
Great Force Sword: Melee 1d10+2 R 2 Balanced**2 handed=+1d10 dmg
14dmg+(SB)18+2(Armor)+5dmg/pen(PR-5)=39R Pen 7
Such is the skill and swiftness of the attack that it bypasses the Daemons armor and defenses completely, slicing through it's daemonic presence and protections.
Ulrich rolls under the monster's swing and lashes out at the Daemon with his power sword, a snarl on his lips exposing his long canines.
Zedkiel stood in a fractured landscape, among the twisting tunnels and vaulted spaces of his home hive juxtaposed with the religious murals and art of a Terra he had never seen. Behind him, a golden ziggaraut shone with light and hope. Before him, an endless seething tide of horror. Mutants, xenos, daemons, and traitors. The future of the galaxy bore down on him, an eternity of despair and wickedness, unless he stood firm. He charged forth, his great black sword reaping through the hordes, but the tide was too great. He was thrown down, and the hordes crushed over him, slithering and stomping him into the ground. Would this be humanity's fate? No!
Zedkiel pulls himself up, and rushes in, screaming, "To battle, for the Emperor! The palace shall not fall!"
The daemon drops its sorcerous veil, and again it's horrific visage is clear for all to see. Standing his ground, Lucian continues to chant the Litany of St Drusus, trying to place well aimed bolt rounds into the daemon as it engages Hammern.
The daemon is weak, it cannot stand in this realm for long. Cast it back to the warp Brothers, destroy it!
Brother Hammern dodges the strike from the Warp staff and comes out of his roll with a counter attack that bypasses the Lord of Changes defenses and strikes to his core dealing further damage to the Daemon. Unable to parry he roars again as he is quickly being overwhelmed by the brothers working together.
Parry: WS 53 vs
Vartas prayer helps guide his shot true but it is absorbed by the shimmering robes diminshed forcefield, nearly overloading at the strain but retaining its full power and beauty a while longer.
Forcefield PR6x9 (45) Overload 1-6 (PR)
Brother Xing comes in last to the melee battle and immediately strikes at the Daemon who has no chance of dodging or defending himself. The attack passes through his armor's force field as it slides through real space and the warp, the Daemon watching it helplessly.
39-6 TB= 33 Wounds to Daemon
No longer amused by the Warpwalkers powerful attacks against his brothers and himself he targets him with his warp staff and swings for Brother Xing with all his might, speed, and focus.
Full action Swift Attack
WS vs 53:
Failure
Success
Staff of Tzeentch (2d10+14 I; Tearing, Warp Weapon**Bypass Armor.
23I dmg
With his brothers there to press the Daemon in melee, Ulrich falls back knowing that his skill with bolter is greater than it is with blade. As he moves back out of range of the Daemon's vicious staff, he brings his storm bolter to bear once again, reveling in its voice as it speaks the Daemon's doom.
Parry: WS 63, +10 Balanced, +10 MC (83)
3 DOS
The flurry of attacks come as a bit of a suprise for Xing, luckily the first attack went wide and the second attack more predictable as he easily parries it and attempts to counter-attack.
WS 63, +10 MC, -20 Counter Attack (53)
1 DOS
Great Force Sword: Melee 1d10+2 R 2 Balanced**2 handed=+1d10 dmg
+(SB)18+2(Armor)+5dmg/pen(PR-5)=32R Pen 7
Not waiting to see if his counter attack connects, he continues the fight with another powerful thrust towards the Daemons chest while maintaining his Warpwalk, bypassing the Daemons defenses once again.
WS 63, +10 MC, +20 Size (93)
3 DOS
Great Force Sword: Melee 1d10+2 R 2 Balanced**2 handed=+1d10 dmg
+(SB)18+2(Armor)+5dmg/pen(PR-5)=38R Pen 7
With Zedkiel and Xing engaging the daemon in a furious series of attacks and parries, Lucian times his shots carefully between the whirling combatants.
The Litany of St.Drusus strengthens him, forging his will into a weapon as potent as his bolt pistol. Activating his helmet speakers, Lucian's patrician voice calls out the Litany to bolster his Brothers.
We beseech thee, Saint Drusus the Reborn. We call upon your strength to bring us through this time of hardship. We call upon your might to cast down the foes of the Emperor. We call upon your purity to shield our souls against corruption. Saint Drusus, be reborn in us!
Last Round:
Brother Xing's counter attack glides through the Daemon's defenses once again tearing at the Daemons core and wounding him severely. This distraction prove to be costly as his brothers flurry of assaults prove to be too much and overwhelm the Lord of Change.
Forcefield PR6x9 (45) Overload 1-6 (PR)
hit
New Round:
Hammern's concentrated fire of witch bolts seem to be absorbed easily as the Daemon returns his focus to the Marines firing, but its too late and the last shots from the Storm Bolter pass through and diminish the creatures powers and mass to little more than a shifting and deformed mass that screams in anguish.
Vs Hammern
Forcefield PR6x9 (45) Overload 1-6 (PR)
hit
hit
hit
hit
Vartas Single Shot:
Forcefield PR2x9 (18) Overload 1-2 (PR)
As reality starts to shift back into focus as the creatures presence and power nearly vanquished the marines' view of reality returns and the Cargo hold seems as it was before Vartas fires a single shot that is somehow absorbed by the Shimmering globes, much to the Daemons dismay, he stares at Vartas, ready to act.
It is as I have foreseen, you will be useful to my master... is all that is heard before Brother Xing's thrust pierces what is left of the creature banishing it in a violent flash or warp energy and light. The marines visors darken and and only the heightened eyesight of the marines genetic manufacturing protect them from permanent blindness. Additionally as the energy disapates and surges through the area each marine is blasted with raw warp energy that bypasses their armor and bodies physical toughness.
Each marine in the battle and cargo hold takes 2d10 Energy damage, damage bypasses armor and toughness, and is instead reduced by your Willpower bonus.
As the marines visors lighten and the area becomes visible again all that can be found are the shimmering robes on the floor, their beauty beyond comparison. Perhaps too large, even for an Astartes, the cloak lays crumpled in a pile with nothing else remaining of the banished Daemon. They do not appear to be Daemonic in nature and their beauty is undeniable and would be irresistible to most men.
Awareness Test -10, Daemonology -10, or Trade Armorer -10 for anyone interested in knowing more and taking the time to personally inspect it.
After the marines gather their themselves and begin to recover from the encounter they see that Brother Hallen is still on the ground unconscious, but his bio-monitors show him to be in stable condition.
Soon after they hear the vox messages over the ship calling for the Astartes to report to the bridge. Their internal voxes indicating multiple attempts of contact from the Magos, but none seem to indicate any knowledge of the Daemon.
A few minutes after the explosion however the sounds of incoming servitors and servo skulls can be heard coming to investigate the explosion and make necessary repairs. The cargo hold looks to have sustained a small battle and the machine spirits in agony. Structurally there is little damage and nothing more than a few bolter rounds that missed the Daemon, with nothing but the robes to indicate any encounter or proof of boarding.
Vox message from Magos:
Astartes report. What is happening in my cargo holds, why are electronics in the vicinity disabled? Have you located the devices disrupting our Gellar field?
Lucian sees his and Hammern's bolt rounds slam into the daemon's form, some of the mass reactive shells exploding within the creature's warpflesh. As the creature turns is malevolent gaze upon Lucian, Xing's blade falls, and the daemon seems to disappear with a blaze of energy, intense enough to almost overload Lucian's armour's autosenses.
The sudden return of vox traffic and the sounds of approaching servitors prompt Lucian into action, and he begins issuing orders via the squad vox.
Zedkiel, see to Hallan. Xing, check that creature's robes. Hammern, secure the cargo hold, I don't want any non-Astartes in here until we know what is happening.
He then swtiches to the bridge channel, replying to the Magos.
Magos, we have just fought off a major daemonic incursion into the cargo hold. Recommend we leave the Empyrean before any further assaults can be made while the Gellar Field is under threat.
Ulrich staggers as the warp energy washes over him, grunting in pain. He surveys the area, inhaling deeply and searching for any other targets. After a moment, when he is sure there are no enemies nearby, he heads for the entrance to the cargo hold. He speaks over the squad channel as he does, "If you do not want the Magos to claim the robes, and do not want to destroy them, I suggest not leaving them on the floor." A pause, then he continues, "I would suggest destroying them. Anything used by the Ruinous Powers cannot be trusted."
Once he gets to the entrance of the cargo hold, he looks for a control console to try and seal the hold.
As the Daemon vanishes Brother Xing brings himself to a calm and moves as ordered by Vartas, his mind still racing trying to understand the Daemons words and intentions. As he picks up and observes the robes he attempts to recall what he can of it.
Int 50, Daemonology +20, Unnat Int = +0 test (70) vs
5 DOS
Familiar enough with the robes he can't help but admire seeing one first hand. He had only ever encountered a few and none were of as much beauty as this one. Having come from a Lord Of Change, it should be no less than the finest.
In response to his brother's suggestions he picks it up and and folds it inside out to hide the beauty of the outer layer. He then replies Not any mortal is fit to wear such things, the Magos' faith is impure and his path unsure. He could not begin to understand such things and his ignorance could be disaterous. I shall hold onto this until I can learn more about it.He then tucks it away and replies by Vox regarding their status.
We have not located the Devices, they seem to no longer be active. Have your tech-priest and internal augers revealed more? We are only a handful of marines, we are not versed in the machine spirits and understanding technology. We shall secure this area and I will cleanse it through ritual, please do not have your servitors or crew attempt to enter this are until I am certain the the residual warp energy and Daemonic presence are gone. Possession of one of your crew or machines could destroy this ship.
Per 40, Psyniscience +20,
Reroll failed in Solo mode
Brother Xing attempts to open himself up and try to locate any traces of abnormal warp traits around him and throughout the ship, as far as his senses could extend. Unfortunately it was to great a task and his recent exposure clouded his mind and dulled his senses.
I can not tell brothers, there is too much recent exposure to the warp here for me to detect other traces, my senses have been flooded.
Xing, guard those robes until they can be destroyed. The tools of the warp are not for mortal use.
With the rest of the team in place, Lucian moves deeper into the hold, searching for any evidence of further daemonic presences or the still unknown devices. He keeps his bolt pistol and combat blade in hand as he moves away from the other Astartes.
Brother Hammern swiftly seals the cargo doors shut and you do not hear the sounds of any crew attempting to get in. The magos replies to the kil team:
See to it quickly, we have an unidentified ship that just appeared on the outer edges of this system, our navigators are still working out our exact location. Once the presence has been eradicated report to the Bridge.
As Brother Xing conceals and stows the robes Vartas searches but finds nothing of significance. Everything that was there before is present and looks like the incursion is gone. While Brother Xing's senses are overwhelmed at the moment, the residual energy quickly dissipates and no more danger appears to be present on the ship.
As soon as the Magos message is finished, the Brothers begins to recieve a telepathic message. The images are of an Inquisitorial Rosette and its obvious a psyker is trying to send you thoughts.
Will you open your mind to the message?
Additionally your team recieves a heavily encrypted coded messages by Vox as the above telepathic message is repeated.
Secure the packages and prepare for transfer, do not alert the Magos. The message is signed by the Captain of the "Black Pearl."
Your armors machine spirits verify the codes as authentic and the message could of only come from someone in a positoin of authority.
Int +30 for anyone who read and discussed the Chapter Trappings
Understood Magos, we will present ourselves as soon as possible.
An edge of frustration tinges Lucian's words, becoming rapidly displeased with the Magos' attitude and constant orders.
Lucian's thoughts are interrupted by a mental incursion, with images of an Inquisitorial Rosette flashing into his mind. With the recent daemonic influence still haunting him, Lucian immediately strengthens his psychic defences.
The psychic message fades into nothingness, and is replaced by the scratchy, squawking tones of a heavily encrypted vox transmission. The content of the message has a ring of familiarity to it.
The covert nature of the communication, which clearly relates to the mysterious Deathwatch markings found elsewhere on the ship, is disconcerting. The suggestion that they leave the ship and transfer to another, unknown, vessel is an uncomfortable proposition.
Xing, did you glean anything useful from that psychic phenomenon? Was it an attack, or a message?
INT +20, (70) vs 5 DOS
INT +30, (80) Straight succ
Luthar feels the touch the the distant psykers message and chooses to recieve it without question. Afterwards he waits for the vox message to finish before replying to his brothers.
I know where the devices are that need to be recovered from the ship. There are two we must recover without alerting the Magos.
He then recalls what he knows of the markings and offers his opinion.
I do not know how it is possible but the markings we found earlier seem to indicate we should trust and follow this ship. I believe we should transfer and bring the devices along, but we must remain aware and prepare for the possibility of betrayel...Who will help me to recover the devices and ensure they are unseen by the Magos...How are we to transfer ship without that inviting scrutiny? Whoever this ally or for may be they certainly have my attention and respect for their abilties and reach within the Inquisition and Deathwatch...we should tread carefully brothers, the politics of man can be dangerous waters for Astartes.
And by Dangerous I mean we are sharks and simple human notions of politics and economy are beyond our station and concern.
Zedkiel stands for a while, mumbling to himself. Anyone who can hear can tell he is listing symptoms of shock. At Vartas's command, he nods quietly and sees to the injured.
Xing's words ring true to Lucian, despite his reluctance to engage in any sort of duplicitous activity.
Xing, lead us to these devices. Once they are under our control, we will recover our equipment and make our way to the embarkation deck. From there, we will use a shuttle or lander to transfer across to the waiting vessel. We must act quickly, and with discretion. The Magos must not be alerted. I am beginning to doubt his loyalties and abilities.
Secured in the cargo hold the squad decides what should be done as Zedkiel regains his composure and attempts to attend to his brother's wounds.
Brother Xing can easily lead everyone to the devices but recovering them without the notice of servo skulls and other tech-priests may prove to be a difficult task. The devices are not large, deactivated, and won't be a burden to carry for marines in power armor.
The Magos is awaiting the team on the bridge, will everyone be agreeing to the plan laid out by Vartas? Will the team have time to locate the devices before their abscense draws attention?
Attempting to leave the ship without the Magos knowing or reacting in a hostile manner may prove risky and if fired upon may require a pilot of skill. There is the encrypted frequency you recieved a message on, it is possible to reply, but not without a small risk of being detected. An open vox channel would be even more risky and if the Magos isn't loyal, then things could turn bad quickly. The marines need to choose carefully how and when they act. There can be no doubt and mistakes in the teams actions and decisions. Brother's Vartas and Xing seem to be on the same page, atleast when it comes to recovering the devices and transferring, but the means are still up to debate and discussion. There isn't much time, the longer they wait, the shorter the window gets. The request to cleanse the area has bought the team time. Also the device from Father Zyas could be of some use. They could split up or stick together. Whatever they choose, time is running out and their choices may become limited.
Ulrich senses the incoming mental communication, and his chapter-born distrust of the Inquisition combined with the recent Daemon assault and the knowledge that an Inqisitor has been lost in this region all add up to make him extremely distrustful of any Inquisition Psyker. He hardens his will and closes his mind to the contact.
Ulrich speaks across the squad vox channel, "Brother Vartas, how, in the name of the Allfather, will we leave this ship without alerting the Magos?"
First things first brothers, we must gather those devices, I will retrieve them using the electronic scrambler from Father Zyas, it should disrupt any electronic survellience in the areas. From the images I recieved, they are well hidden and not in crowded areas, I do not recall seeing many people nearby, but the images could be of any time. I think we can split up, we need to know more about this approaching ship and its intentions before we agree to transfer. It is possible that we may not need to sneak off the ship as their authority could easily facilitiate a transfer, especially considering this ship will not be warp capable as long as the Magos believes there is a threat.
Xing awaits to see who will go where and then leaves the cargo bay to retrieve the devices.
I do not yet know Hammern, replies Lucian, afraid to face up to his uncertainty. We may not be able to leave without alerting him, but we may be able to escape at speed before he can react.
Turning to Xing, Lucian agrees to his plan. Our first duty is to recover these devices. Xing, you and Zedkiel will begin retrieving them. Hammern and I will begin exploring ways off this vessel. Remain in vox contact at all times, we cannot afford anything going wrong at this stage. If the Magos tries to make contact, I will deal with him.
Ulrich, turns his attention back to the main cargo bay entrance, "As you say, Brother Vartas."
As the team decides to split their forces they make their way out of the cargo hold to search for the devices and find a way off the ship.
You find the first device and they are deactivated and not attached. The devices are easily stowable in a bag. They are unremarkable in every way and seem simiple while unpowered. There are no cameras and no one is around to see you recover the device.
The second device is in a slightly crowded deck with 2 servo skulls that are buzzing around you, after a few moments they return to their scans and move away. However, one tech-priest remains nearby, but he is so busy and focused on his task, halfway inside an access tube and unaware of his surroundings.
You recover the device without alarming anyone or raising suspicion. The sounds of the ship and work taking place throughout drowns out your movements and you move unheard towards the device and recover it. Failure means you make some nose and possible alert someone. +3 DOF means yo4 trip on the legs of the tech-priest and fall.
The skin-graft took longer than Elyas expected and being out of his armour around non-chapter serfs did not please the Dark Angel. Once then grafts were complete he began the long process of donning his beloved power armour. Having barely fixed the helmet he saw the multiple combat logs of his squad mates. Alarmed by this and what current state they were in his thoughts were interrupted by image of the Inquisitorial Rosette doing his best to close his thoughts from this unwanted presence. He opened a scrambled channel to his squad: +++"Brothers, Where might I find you?"+++
Elyas, rendezvous with myself and Hammern outside the embarkation deck. We will review the craft available and the security procedures we will need toe overcome in order to get off this ship. If anyone questions you, we are looking for these mysterious devices the Magos is so concerned about.
Lucian signals to Hammern, and exits the cargo spaces, heading towards the ship's embarkation deck.
Xing, we're heading out. Keep me up to date.
As the team splits up and Brothers Xing and Zedkiel search for the devices the other marines hear from Elyas and set a rendezvous for the embarkation deck. Before they reach it however, they get a message from the Magos.
Have you finished in the cargo holds? It could have been much worse if our fields failed completely, I am glad you men were here to deal with it. I expect a full debrief once we are back in the warp. In the meantime, whatever has crippled our gellar fields has stranded us and we cannot risk warp travel until we have isolated the cause. We have exchanged communications with the "Black Pearl" and have confirmed it is an Inquisition vessel. They claim to be en-route to our current destination and are offering assistance...I do not like the idea of seeking outside help, but since no one on my ship seems capable of finding it, I am left with little choice. We must be on our way as soon as possible if we have any chance of observing the anomaly. It's captain has requested a meeting with your team. Their ship will be within shuttle range within 6 hours. They are sending a shuttle that will be bringing aboard equipment and personnel to assist in our search and will return with your team aboard. Currently all our shuttles are dispatched to inspect and scan the entire hull, perhaps the disturbance is coming from something attached to the ship's exterior, but it will be half a day before thorough scans are complete and I cannot spare a ship for you. Continue your search until the shuttle arrives, at which time I will inform you of where to board.
Ulrich glances at Brother Vartas, "Well, I guess that answers that."
Per 65 +20 vs
Per 65 +20 vs
Conceal 60 -20 armor penalty, +20 bonus from GM
Xing moves through the corridors looking for something familiar. He knows the sections but this is a new ship and a bit unfamiliar. Eventually he comes to the first place where the device should be located and searches successfully to find it. Astonished at the size and effects it has on the ship, he can do little more than imagine its origins or functions. He quickly stows it inside the cloak and wraps it up.
The second device was far away and in a crowded place. After some time traveling there and waiting for a moment where he would be unseen, he decides he can't wait any longer. He carefully sneaks past the tech-priest and removes the device from inside an exposed panel. It was hidden in plain sight nearly, whoever set these was either in a hurry or a master or deception and misdirection.
After he retrieves the devices he gets a comm from the Magos and understands why there are fewer tech-priests and servo skulls within the ship. After wrapping the next device beside the other in his cloak, he returns to his team and comms them while on the way:
I am finished, where should we meet while we await transport?
We are nearly done, Magos. We are retrieving the last of the devices as we speak. We will meet with you once the devices are secured.
The Magos' sudden willingness to cooperate with the Inquistiion vessel is surprising to Lucian, but it makes things much easier. Switching to the squad channel, Lucian addresses his Brothers.
It does, Hammern, it does. Nonetheless, I still do not trust the Magos. Be wary. Everyone, we will meet in the cargo area the Magos set aside for our use. We must inspect these devices before they are handed over, and we must be prepared for any further acts of sabotage that may befall this vessel. We have 6 hours before the Inquisitorial delegation arrives. We should use that time to learn what we can about the devices, and the Black Pearl.
Speaks to Vartas quietly over their secure vox link, not trusting the privacy available on the ship of a Mechanicus Adept, "Brother Vartas, I have a few things I need to retrieve from my quarters, and I would prefer not to leave my bondsmen in the hands of the Magos. By your leave I will bring them to the cargo area."
Signalling his acknowledgement of the order by two short clicks over the radio Elyas makes his way to the two fellow marines. As the contra order makes its way over the squad channel Elyas corrects his course and heads for the cargo area. The Dark Angel enters the cargo area with an unnatural calm his hand casually resting on the pommel of his sword.
The magos gets the report that some devices have been retrieved and he replies to the marines eagerly:
You have found one? By the Ommnissiah's grace, bring them to me for further inspection in the main labs at once. I am on my way there now. Make haste marines, time is of the essence. If we no longer require the Inquisition's help then we can avoid further unnecessary contact and exchange.
Understood Hammern, we all feel the same way. Please co-ordinate the movement of all our equipment, have your bondsmen take charge if you feel them capable.
Switching channels, Lucian responds to the Magos, aiming to buy himself and his Brothers more time. With no intention of handing the devices over, Lucian attempts to stall the Magos.
The devices are not yet extracted. We will meet you in the laboratories as soon as we can.
The magos immediately replies to Lucian and the others :
I am sending some tech priests to your location now, extraction and analysis of such heretical devices must be handled by the proper rites. The sooner I can identify the devices the sooner we can narrow our scans and resume warp flight towards the anomaly. Upon extracting one, then you are to report to the labs.
Ulrich glances over at Vartas, a tone of uncertainty creeping into his voice, "Brother Vartas, didn't the communication from the Black Pearl say not to alert the Magos to the devices' existence?"
A short, highly coded transmission sets the Space Wolf bondsmen to preparing Ulrich's quarters for departure. A second transmission, coded over the squad channel, "Brothers, have you any assistants with you? I am directing my bondsmen to bring my personal equipment to the cargo bay we are supposed to be using. I can send them to bring what gear you do not have with you if you will give the access codes to your quarters."
We should not of mentioned the devices, now we must deny the magos and risk confrontation... The Inquisition shall not be pleased if the devices are found and examined by the mechanicus, we are between two Ordos that may over estimate their authority over us Astartes... I am with my brothers, what are my orders Vartas?
Xing continues his return to his squad, mindful of any followers or tech priest looking to shadow him.
The Magos knew of the devices already, and knew that we were searching for them. I will attempt to stall him. If he will not be put off, then perhaps the power of the Inquisition will be enough to protect the devices.
Switching back to the Magos' channel, Lucian tries to buy more time. He brings the full force of his Ultramarian heritage to bear, his tone leaving no doubt as to who he considers to be in charge at this time.
Magos, it is not safe for your tech-adepts as yet. We have not been able to confirm the absence of any further warp-borne intruders. Hold your servants back, we will alert you when the area is safe.
Retuning back to the squad channel without waiting for a reply, Lucian addresses his Brothers.
The previous plan stands. Assemble in the cargo bay with the devices, which we will inspect. If needed, we can secure the cargo bay against the magos until the Inquisition arrives. Hammern, I do not have any serfs with me, but I am in the habit of leaving my equipment as ready for a rapid evacuation when in an unfamiliar location. Only my heavy bolter will need stowing before transport.
