Storm of Sinners

Game Master BayouSnowman

Lucian listens to Xing's considered words, nodding in agreement.

I concur Brother, though reluctantly. He turns to the Inquisitor.

Disguising my Chapter identity is the most insulting order I have ever been given. Were I still a serving Sergeant of the Ultramarines, I would refuse the order and accept my mark of censure with pride.

Will that be a problem, Inquisitor?

You are free to make whatever report you like. I would not ask this if there were not another way and the decision to put you in this position was not mine alone. After we have concluded and you men agree to what must be done, I will allow one of you to return to the ship and inform your brother(s) of their choices and what you have learned. The rest of you, I suggest you waste no time in preparation. The route back isn't going to be clear for much longer, should we delay, it will be hours before I can extract him unseen. I urge you to decide quickly and aid the Emperor in this endeavor. Whatever you decide I shall respect your wishes and I assure you will be provided for if you choose censure and isolation.

Looking to Luthar he replies:
I will introduce you to the Forgemaster, he is also Deathwatch and served alongside me for sometime. He can be trusted with some of the details, but not everything. He has been informed of the operation to extract you, but he knows enough not to inquire further. I am confident he will be able to see to your needs.

After finishing and answering any last questions Leaving you guys a place to have said/asked before we move onSamnsun moves towards the door and the guards on the outside enter. One is the soldier who escorted you, another is a similarly dressed soldier of less rank, but larger and more muscular.

I will escort those of you wishing to aid in this mission, the Sergent will escort one of you back to speak with Elyas and ensure his cooperation or escort him to solitary confinement. It may seem harsh, but those are my orders for the time being. As soon as I am cleared and we gather what intel we can of the network, you shall be free to resume your previous titles and names. Now, if there is nothing further in this matter, I need to free up sections of the ship before we draw too much attention. I trust you men will make the right decision. Afterwards he remains silent, waiting for the others to decide and choose their path.

As the wheel of time slowly grinds Elyas remains watchful. Every seconds that passes reassures the Dark Angel that the inquisition is not to be trusted as his chapter repeatedly have drilled into his very core. Keeping his calm demeanour only his hand resting on the plasma pistol betrays his thoughts.

Lucian remains silent as the Inquisitor finishes his explanations, and turns to his Brothers.

I will return to Elyas. He may not agree to your terms, but I sense that he will not allow his misgivings to compromise the mission. The rest of you should begin the process of obtaining new equipment from the Forgemaster.

Standing Brother Xing chooses to accept the terms of the mission and urges his brothers to agree and comply.

We should look at this as undercover work. No one is asking us to change who we are, merely be someone else for a short while. Among ourselves we shall be the same, but for others, we shall with hold certain details. To become a Black Shield is merely a vow of silence...The true dishonor lies in cowardice and stubbornness. Our actions will bring nothing more or less to the Deathwatch under the circumstances. Our Allegiance is to the Deathwatch first and foremost, such is the Oath of the Long Watch. Whatever your reason for taking it, do not let this keep you from upholding it and bringing honor to yourself. We know the truth and our bond as a squad is greater than any aboard this ship. Changing my name or armor will not change that.

Perhaps as a newer member of the squad he and his opinions aren't as well known, nor his personality fully understood by the others. Used to walking among men who have no idea of who he is or his Chapter's origin was normal. Reserved and observant, Xing makes it a point to watch how his brothers react and justify their decisions, eager to understand and know them better. Knowing their motivations and desires could mean the difference between life and death. Darkness rarely comes at once, its a shadow that slowly swallows the weak, and Xing stood ready to keep the light burning bright wherever he stepped.

Ulrich has stood quietly, listening to his brother's comments and those of the Inquisitor. Initially, his inner turmoil seemed to be great, but he has calmed as the moments have dragged on, and when he finally speaks his voice is calm, "I will comply, Inquisitor. This is simply a different kind of stealth that that to which I am accustomed. I would request that I be allowed to continue to bear my own sword if that would not betray our cover. I gave an oath to do so, and while I can set the blade aside if the secrecy of our mission dictates, I would prefer to be forsworn for as little time as possible."

That shall be acceptable marine. Others may feel free to use their signature weapons as well if your confident it shall not reveal your origins or identify you in any way.

The set of Ulrich's shoulders relaxes slightly, and he salutes with his fist pressed to his chest.

Lucian's heart is lifted by his Brothers' words, but his satisfaction is short-lived. Following the Inquisitor's guide back to the shuttle bay in silence, his thoughts darken as he considers the situation that Elyas has created. The short walk affords Lucian time to calm himself.

The shuttle bay is silent as the Sergeant opens the airlock, and he stands aside as Lucian strides towards the shuttlecraft, which stands cold, dark and alone. The loading ramp is open, and his augmented sight can clearly see the still and imposing form of Elyas standing in the darkness of the cargo bay.

Keeping his voice level, Lucian addresses Elyas.

I would talk with you Brother. The Inquisitor has explained our mission, and what is required of us to complete it.

Lucian explains the Inquisitor's plans, and his requirements for the Astartes, recalling the information from his eidetic memory.

In essence, you must choose. Join the rest of us and continue the mission, albeit in the regalia of a Black Shield for a short period of time, or remain clad in your armour and heraldry while you spend the rest of the mission in confinement. I do not wish for any Astartes to suffer the shame of incarceration by the Inquisition, but the secrecy of the mission must be preserved.

As the brothers split up, Lucian returning to the speak with Elyas, the rest are escorted to the armory and given a basic tour of the command center they're in.

Your equipment has already been moved and the Forgemaster assures me he will make sure everything is safeguarded and hidden from any suspecting eyes. I suggest you all get fitted into your new armors and select some equipment. I must say I pride myself on the collection I have accumulated and I assure you I have most anything you could need for our mission. The Sergent will show you the way, once out the doors, you will be among the crew. While they may have never seen you, pay them little attention and act as though you have always been here. Remember your new identities. I must return to the bridge, but once we have entered the warp and are well on our way, I shall return to update you on anything I have learned. Until then, feel free to make use of our ship and whatever facilities we have. You are a member of our crew after all and you should not confine yourselves to your quarters. With those final words, the Inquisitor salutes you and bows his head slightly. Then departs for the bridge.

Lucian finds his way to the airlocks and enters to find Elyas and the remaining crew on the ship. Once the pilot sees Lucian enter he smiles and hopes that his own confinement will end. While he remain silent, not wanting to be in the discussion, he does stand within earshot of the marines, hoping for good news.

Armoury:

Forgemaster Cyberius is busy at work and doesn't look pleased. While he knew the armor was kept here for some reason he didn't know he'd be exptected to have so many sets fitted and combat ready with so little time. He works with an efficiency that is nearly robotic and just as precise, if not more. Upon seeing a marine enter he seems relieved and immediately comes to greet you.

Ahhhh, Brothers, welcome. I am Forgemaster Cyberius, welcome. he says, stopping what he's doing and coming to greet each of you. His skin albino and hair white, his fiery red eyes looks over you, up and down, as though he's making instant calculations. A servo skull and Mechandrite join in and the Forgemaster is already at work. He too clad in Black Armor, with no Chapter trappings, he doesn't offer much more information, but is there to assist and prepare you for the mission ahead.

Hmmm, that should suffice, I have been readying the finest pieces I have, no Brother of the Deathwatch will venture forth under my watch with nothing but the finest...Feel free to take a look in our armory and decide what you would like to take on the next mission. If you have any questions I will be happy to address them, but you must be patient and forgive me if I work while we talk. Now, who will be first to be fitted?

At first the sight of Lucian lessens the serious look on Elyas' face, the first words moves nothing within or without. Gazing around the craft he spots the pilot and rumbles: "Be gone!" Once satisfied he listens to the rest of his brother's words. Word by word Elyas' changes from less stern to wrathful. "He dares threaten me, a son of the Lion!" Elyas thunders in a lowered voice no less angry. "My chapter has served the Emperor unquestioningly, and he venture forth with incarceration." he continues fuming. Once the worst is over he looks to Lucian: "Brother, I can not abide by this, what is your suggestion?"

Xing steps forward first, knowing his requirements might be the most demanding on the Forgemaster.

My Armor is quite unique and the wards special and masterfully crafted I suggest you use what parts of my original armor you can to ease the workload. I do not know our timeframe, but I shall assist you in any way possible. The hexagramatic wards must be carefully placed and done to ensure they facilitate my powers and protect me from the Warp.

While Xing speaks with the Forgemaster about the specific requirements of his armor, Ulrich surveys the available Astartes weapon patterns the ship carries so that he will be ready when the Forgemaster is done with Xing.

Elyas' outrage comes as no surprise to Lucian, but the emotion in his voice does.

I understand your anger Brother. The rest of us are no less displeased at this course of action. We are all proud servants of the Emperor. Hammern and I share your pedigree as sons of Chapters of the First Founding. Zedkiel's heritage is only marginally less illustrious, and Xing has proven himself despite his Chapter's more recent origins.

I value you enormously Elyas. We have fought side by side for some time, and I know that you are reliable with blade, deed and word. I would rather not go into battle without you by my side. By all means, protest the Inquisitor's requirements with the Watch Captain on our return, but please, Brother, stand alongside me.

Lucian hopes his appeal to Elyas' sense of duty and brotherhood will bring him on board, and waits quietly and patiently for his response.

Ship Bay:

Vartas continues to convince Elyas of the right decision to make as the pilot and crew give them the privacy they deserve. They are eventually voxed and allowed to leave, but before doing so announce to the two marines:

The corridor exit is only secure for another 10 minutes, the Inquisitor kindly asks you to have a decision before then, your brother's are in the Armory with the Forgemaster. his voice trailing as he exits, leaving only Vartas' escort outside the door.

Forgery:

Cyberius takes the suggestion from Xing and considers it. Hmm...I see that your armor has some history and unique additions, I will try to incorporate those into a similar armor for you. As he sees Brother Ulrich begin browsing the armory, he motions to him. Please feel free to look around and inspect the weapons and gear we have available. I have more that isn't here that I keep for special occasions, if you have any request please feel free to share and I will try to accommodate you. Also the Inquisitor has a personal armory that he has granted us access too, there is a data slate on my workbench over there that you may browse if you are unable to find what you desire here.

The Forgemaster then goes back to work, a number of black armors on display with servitors working tirelessly to match them to the Astartes specifications, size, and history. Nearby you can see where there are large containers similar to the ones that your gear was stowed in before leaving the shuttle. It has all the things you put away, personal gear, items, and signature wargear. While currently sealed, it would be easy enough to go through them and it looks as though that isn't prohibited. You all are alone in this section for the time and need not fear being discovered, so you may continue to act and speak freely.

Lastly, there is a general vox comm ship wide:

Preparing to enter the warp in one hour, all personal please report to your stations and ready the ship for warp travel.

The words of brother Lucian does not calm the white hot anger burning inside Elyas, but they path a way through the internal storm of flames. "Very well brother, mine and the oaths to the Deathwatch and the Emperor still stands." Still displeased to say the least Elays follows the direction of his brother marine as they head towards the rest of the squad.

Lucian does his best to hide his relief at Elyas' words, and remains silent as he gestures to the Storm Trooper waiting by the blast door.

Take us to the Inquisitor. Ensure this area is appropriately sanitised of all traces of our presence.

The guard replies and tosses a large cloak to Elyas. Not enough time to remove your gear now, we make for the Armory and hope no one sees us.

[b]Here you are...sirthe marine slightly hesitating as he mentally must process the recent changes in command.

Armory:
Cyberius continues working and before long you are joined by Elyas and Vartas. Immediately work begins removing Elyas' armor, the Forgemaster himself even taking time to honor the marine and his armor.

It is not easy to depart with Angel, but trust it will be held and restored to its full potential.

After an hour or so you hear some approaching steps in the armory. Not expecting anyone else you wonder who might be joining you.

Here's a good place for anyone to drop in if their new PC is ready. Others should feel free to RP anything in between the time, expand the conversation or say/do something else. Just moving things along so we can get on to our mission with everyone aboard and prepared.

The companionways of the ship are mercifully empty as the Stormtrooper escorts Lucian and Elyas to the armoury. Lucian remains silent, allowing Elyas time to process the magnitude of his decision.

Arriving at the armoury, Lucian greets the Forgemaster with a polite nod of the head, having to hold back from saluting him with a fist to the chest in the manner of the Ultramarines. Hiding our identities will be no simple matter, Lucian thinks, when even something so simple as a salute may give us away.

Lucian stands aside as his Brothers are seen to by the Forgemaster, his requirements having already been communicated to the Forgemaster and his tech-adepts.

He hails Hammern from across the room. Does everything meet with your requirements Brother?

After some time Xing is finally pleased with the forgmaster's work and allows his focus to switch to his brothers. He takes a look at what equipment is available and makes selections in his mind. The mission would be different than originally planned, but little changed for Xing, his tools of choice able to serve him in a number of ways.

Without drawing too much attention to himself he does recover some personal artifacts from his belongings, including the book. That would need closer and further analysis. He takes a moment to remember Father Zylas and then closes the containers and finds a quiet place to begin reading and searching for more clues.

Any test I need for reading the text or gathering more clues?

Ulrich takes a moment to secure his power sword from the storage container. Inspecting the weapon, his shoulders slump for a moment. Though he desires deeply to carry the weapon and to not be parted from it, like so many of the weapons of the Space Wolves, its ornamentation and craftsmanship are rather distinctive. His voice is quiet, but audible to the enhanced senses of his fellow Marines, "Old friend, a demand for secrecy is put upon me. I am compelled to anonymity, and you would identify me beyond a doubt. Rest well. We will be rejoined as soon as can be."

He then rests one huge hand on the breastplate of the armor that has served him so well for so long, and his lips move silently.

When Elyas and Vartas enter the room, Ulrich nods to them both grimly. The Space Wolf is clearly not pleased, and is just as clearly following orders he finds distasteful. His voice is level, but his tone is sincere, "Brother Elyas, it is good to have you here. Brother Vartas, welcome back."

Ulrich turns back to Vartas as the Ultramarine addresses him, "Yes, Vartas. Though I am distinctly unhappy about the requirements of our current situation, the Forgemaster's resources are deep indeed. There are some interesting weapon patterns here that I have never before seen."

Ulrich returns to the data slate, indicating the items he feels would be useful for the coming mission.

Elyas glares at the disdain showed by the guard. Unaccustomed to the secrecy of their new masters he dones the cloak and sliently follows Brother Vartas and their guide to the armoury. Not dignifying the human with a response Elyas steps past him.

The courtesy showed him and his armour by the black-shielded forge master eases the burden just a little. With a respectful nods Elyas concurs with his statement. Once removed Elyas shutters, he feels cold and vulnerable, not because of the missing armour but the thought of leaving it chills him to his very core. "Requirements, Brother?" he addresses Brother Lucian.

The greeting of the space wolf puzzles Elyas, while he has served some time with Brother Ulrich, he is first and formost a wolf and wolves and angels do not mix well. In the end he raises his hand recognising and returning the greeting.

Ensure that all you have all the wargear you require, and that it is to your satisfaction. Once equipped, I suggest we inspect our quarters. As per the Inquisitor's orders we are free to utilise the ship's facilities so long as we keep to his requirements.

Lucian takes care to avoid mentioning their orders to maintain a cover, in case the Forgemaster or his entourage are not privy to the full details of their mission.

Finally the footsteps reach the door and as the door opens, a figure steps through in armour so old (Mark 2 crusade armour), it is mostly only seen on statues, in lore books and in the implanted memories of the brothers present. Before the Salamander insignia can be registered as such, the marine is easily identified by his coal black skin and red eyes. In his hand is an elaborately engraved Thunder Hammer of an interesting pneumatic design and you also notice the crux terminatus on his knee.
"Greetings brothers, I am Pyros V'estian, pleade allow me to join you in cleansing this filth from the universe in the fires of war. I know of your mission and the related uh 'details' and eagerly await the chance to test myself beside you."

The arrival of the solid looking Nocturnean is a welcome addition, though it is unclear at this point whether he introduces himself with his true identity. Holding out his hand, Lucian returns the greeting.

I am Lucian Vartas. Welcome to our endeavour.

Heavy footfalls cavort through the chamber as a Techmarine enters. Encased in elaborately adorned armor and surrounded by half a dozen mechadendrites he blurts a string of binary at the Forgemaster. The exchange between the two ends briefly as the newcomer turns and addresses the gathered.

"Greetings brothers. I am Brother Varryl. I am tasked to aid you in the coming venture."

"My own would have sufficed," Elyas thinks but merely nods to indicate he understood. While it is a hard blow to store his armour it feels like a great loos to store the more recent acquired blade, it is an even stronger connection to his chapter and Elyas is reluctant to place it in the trust of others. He inquires with the Forge master: "Is it possible to disguise this venerable blade without dishonouring it?"

More interested in this answer and the consequences Elyas notes the arrival of the two additional marines. He glances coldly over them assessing the newest arrivals but greets them not in word nor gesture.

Unlike his brothers Elyas walks among the contents of the armoury looking for armour, weapons and equipment that might aid him in this dark hour.

Astartes are arriving thick and fast in the armoury, as Lucian turns from the Salamander to the second new arrival.

Welcome Brother Varryl. I am Lucian Vartas. Your aid is most welcome.

He turns to both of his new Oath-Brothers.

Has the Inquisitor briefed you on the mission? Is your wargear prepared?

Forgemaster Cyberius replies to the Dark Angel without stopping what he is doing.

My apologies, but I still need to finish the armor for your team, perhaps Brother Varryl can assist you. If not, then I will try to attend to it before we arrive.

Varryl, you may attempt to do what Elyas is asking for, no dice, just some roleplay.

"We have been briefed and in fact it is for wargear that I am here. Much though I take pride in my, and my chapter's knowledge of the making and fixing of weapons and armour, I would not test myself on a relic when a Forgemaster is available." Turning his head "Brother Cyberius did you manage to fix the fluctuation in the fuel delivery system?"
As he says this Pyros walks over to a bulky item covered in a cloth marked with the sign of the Omnissiah and the sacred oils. Lifting his hammer over his head he maglocks it to his back and lifts the cloth to reveal a heavy flamer modified and engraved, meanwhile his lips move in a quiet prayer. With his weapon inspected Pyros turns. "Brothers my armour has been fitted with a signum, as the Forgemaster's are otherwise engaged perhaps I could assist anyone to fit a signum link if they wish it, otherwise Forgemaster's allow me to assist where I can."

Varryl lifts the powersword with one of his servoarms, turning the weapon over and over before him. With the weapon clamped before him he traces the inlays with a mechadendrite abruptly he disconnects the field generator from the blade and begins chanting in binary. His third servoarm reaches into a bin and produces a thin sheet of alloy which he delicately wraps around the blade of the weapon. His fyceline torch draws forward and begins to melt the alloy around the blade. His plasma cutter follows the torch, cutting away excess material and restoring the blade's balance and edge. Forcing an opening within the alloy, he reattaches the field generator to the inlays concealed beneath.
His chant ends shortly after the alloy cools and he offers the weapon to Elyas.

"The shell will wear away given enough time and use but the blade beneath remains unmolested."

As everyone gets their armor fitted and repaired, the marines view the armory and weapons available to them for this next mission. Unsure what they would encounter and where they plan for a variety of situations. Now that the squad has a few new members to make up for the skills they lacked, spirits and moral are stronger.

While the squad may be clad in Black armor without obvious chapter trappings, the new marines have been briefed on the situation and do not treat you differently, understanding the circumstances and believing its only temporary and for the good of the mission. To the crew of the ship, you go as unnoticed as a Marine would, but no one pays special attention. The crew seems well disciplined and focused on the task at hand and the hour of approach is nearing.

Soon after the squad gets a vox from the Inquisitor, requesting their presence in the command room you passed by earlier. The message is addressed to your new identities and you're reminded you will be encountering soldiers not privy to your origins. Regardless you have all the rank and authority a Marine would have and a reputation that precedes you. What that reputation is however, you're unsure of, as you get mixed signals from those who pass by you in the ship. Sometimes it is with wonderment and intrigue, sometimes its fear and whispers behind your back that only your enhanced hearing and auto-senses can detect.

The inquisitor also asks that you come prepared to discuss tactics and that your Oaths and Leadership be decided immediately. He warns that the hour of arrival is approaching and could be sooner or later than anticipated. Having already lost contact with two ships, the marines are warned to be ready for anything as they edge closer to the systems' outer edges.

Having searched through the records of the available armors, Ulrich is one of the last to be fitted and equipped. Taking up a chainsword and a strangely designed plasma gun, Ulrich looks up as the squad is suddenly called to the command room. With a shrug, Ulrich stows the weapons and leads the way out of the Armory.

As brother Xing reads the book and searches for details on what they may encounter he discovers a great number of things, including a few things that no others should know. The names of these Daemons seemed familiar, but he would need to consider their significance and the notes concerning them. Unfortunately some of these things didn't make sense and it wasn't until he'd nearly given up that he noticed a pattern. Cyphers...Of course... Xing thinks to himself, the pause in concentration the distraction his attention needed to hear the cry for help blasting through the warp like a loud echo.

Psyniscience (Per) +20 Per (5) 1d100 ⇒ 2 6 DOS

As his mind hones in on the echo he sees glimpses that he's never seen, a black burning sun, chaos among men, wounded and dying, the pain and horror so real it was nearly tangible. Then the wave passed and the link was lost, as if it had never been there. Immediately Xing rises and rejoins his brothers being fitted with the intention to share what he had seen. However, before he could speak the team is called to the command deck for briefing.

Having missed most of the discussion over oath and leadership, Xing tries to listen and catch up on what had been decided. Hammern would make a fine choice and he trusted him to decide their Oath, he would follow and support, keeping a close eye on everyone involved.

Might of wanted to do more on Daemonology, maybe a roll, but figured it would take some time and we can just move things along, I'll try to get more when I can.

In the armoury Pyros assists the Kill-team where he can, attaching armour plates, loading magazines and making weapon or equipment choice suggestions to his brothers. Then as the Kill-team leave, Pyros hands a bolter clip to Hammern. "Brother I was able to requisition these, I have no use for them, but something tells me that we may need them. Use them wisely though for they are few in number."
With that and a hand raised in salute to Forgemaster Cyberius, he falls in behind Brother Hammern.

Ulrich glances at the weapons Pyros carries and accepts the clip, "I will spend them well, Brother V'estian. It will be an honor to serve with you." Ulrich looks more closely at the rounds loaded in the magazine, and with a savage smile he loads the magazine into the storm bolter housed in his right vambrace, replacing one of its three magazines, "These are an excellent choice, Brother, an old favorite of mine."

Lucian completes the preparation of his wargear by checking his newly issued Stalker-pattern boltgun, reviewing the sound baffles and ensuring that the mechanism is properly lubricated to minimise the noise of the action.

Are we ready Brothers? Lead on Hammern, we follow you this day.

A bit doubtful of the fine craftsmanship of this new techmarine Elyas accepts the blade and inspects it thoroughly. Still unsure he nods to Brother Varryl affirming the words said.

With his blade now disguised as an ordinary sword Elays begins the daunting task of searching for arms and armour. Reminiscing of the armour lost Elyas soon finds himself amongst those resembling it. Finally settling on one, he soon experiences the almost fluid motions of the new machine spirit.

Under the command of a Wolf, I never thought this day would come." The thought plays around in his head as he follows the rest of the squad. The flexibility and subtlety continues to amaze him yet he still yearns for his old comerade in arms. Now totally clad in black save for the trappings of the Deathwatch another thought springs to mind, Now all tangible connections to my chapter have been severed, clinching the unusual fist of his lightning claw he pushed that thouhgt away. I am and always will be a Dark Angel first and foremost."

The marines prepare their final equipment choices and decide upon leadership, all that remains is the Oath they will take for this mission.

The Inquisitor's request is a meeting in the command room you initially viewed while being escorted to your first meeting. Upon arriving you find the Inquisitor and the Stormtroopers you met earlier. They are busy chatting and mostly taking orders. The Inquisitor seems well versed in military strategy and no stranger to the pressures of entering unknown situations. As you arrive closer he finishes with the men and asks them to wait outside. After the room is sealed and you are alone, the Inquisitor finally addresses you all:

I will be on the bridge and while you are welcome to be there, I suggest you remain here. Here you are linked to the main bridge vox and will be able to hear my orders and get real time updates as they come through. Here you are positioned to move or defend us more quickly...To be honest I do not know what we are going to face, but should we fail, know there is no rescue to be had. Our ship either makes contact or reinforcements are under order to blockade the system til sufficient time has passed that the Dark Star will no longer be considered a threat. Pausing momentarily to input data and call up the most recent data available.

I hope to find our ships and their crew alive, but our primary mission is to investigate the anomaly should it still be present...I was hoping to find Ahzammi alive, but I fear the worst for him. I recieved a telepathic distress call from him recently and while many things were not clear, the fear and pain in his mind was overwhelming. I wish I had some clue about the origins of this all, but I fear I have little first hand evidence. In systems with habitated worlds the Dark Star would appear and drive populations mad over short periods of time and leaving violence in its wake for weeks. Those planets do not exist any longer and no evidence of them exist in Imperial records. We do not know if they are ever able to return to normal. What makes it even more confusing is sometimes the appearance of the anamoly has no measurable effect on the population within a system. Or sometimes different worlds will be effected in a system while others aren't. It is truly one of the greatest mysteries of man and few have had the oppurtunity we have.he finally says with a hunger and determination suprising for a man of his age.

Even if the anomaly is no longer present, we have reason to believe that a planet within the system has some sort of connection. he says pointing to the planet described in the first meeting. Seeming to review some key information now that everyone is together. No matter what we find there, you men will have operational authority once within the system. This ship has a large contingent of soldiers and ships on standby awaiting your orders. My men are well disciplined and they will follow orders well. I would like to hear your mens thoughts on how we should approach. Target priorities and secondary objectives will be up to you. Your expertise and knowledge is wide and deep. You make the decisions and my crew will see to getting it done. Of course you are free to participate as you see fit, ordering from here or leading the way. Split or together, it makes little difference to me, I'm just relieved to share the burden of decision making for a short while he says, rubbing his eyes and finally looking exhausted. He takes a sip from a cup and looks back at the marines, eager to hear their ideas.

What you know: Possible anomaly present, 2 ships have lost contact, one reported planet with energy signatures. Nothing else of significance in the system, but information isn't that current...Rumors of Eldar. You guys can suggest which things should be a priority and how/who will go where. You have troops and resources you're able to direct, lets say you are in a Cruiser that's well equipped. If/when more details about the ship become important then I'll post them for you all to consider when making decisions, but for now, lets just skip over it and feel confident you can defend yourselves and conduct search and rescue efficiently. Lots of troops and tech-priests, equipment, etc, so don't need to ask if we got something specific, if its general and not unique, chances are you've got it aboard. Lastly, its just hours now until you arrive, so gonna leave a few days for your Oath and mission before I enter you into the system.

You arrive at the edge of the system without incident. As you leave the warp and enter the edge of the system you hear the astonishment on the bridge. From gasps and claims of disbelief, its clear that many on the bridge were not ready for what they saw. The inquisition holding back everything until the absolute last moment.

Steady men, I know of this anomaly, do not fear.you hear the Inquisitor say, trying to reassure his men and keep them from breaking down in shock.

After a few minutes some initial reports roll in with more detailed auger scans. No reports yet of any ships, nor any communications with them. Based on your current location you could arrive at the planet in question within 3 days. It would take 5 to reach the inner core of the system where a gigantic black sun appears to be burning, a black sea of flame moving violently in chaotic swirls.

Initial reports that the inquisitor asked to be made were reports on the men an crew of the ship. So far they seem to be unaffected and behaving normally.

Just to give you some heads up and get the ball rolling in discussion. We can still role play discussion before you enter the system if you like, or just move on and do it now that you have some more information. Oath and requisition should be final by the end of the weekend.

Before arrival:

When the Inquisitor finishes speaking, Brother Hammern turns first to his Battle Brothers, "My Brothers, we face again the enemies of the Allfather. What form they will take remains unclear, yet it seems that madness and Chaos are at the heart of it. Let us harden our resolve and armor our will against tests that stand before us. We shall dedicate our Oath of Moment to the Allfather, and keep His will close to our thoughts as we overcome this trial."

He pauses, gathering his thoughts, and when he speaks again there is a raw edge of pride in his voice, "There is no Watch Captain here, nor any of our Captains of old. We have no Marine to act as Witness to our Oath. We shall serve as witness each for the other, and our Oath shall bind us to our purpose with strength equaled only be the that which I see in the faces of my Brothers around me. Come Brothers, join me and let us give our Oath to the Allfather, that his strength be ours."

When he sees the others are ready, he leads the team in the Oath of the Emperor.

After Oath, before arrival:

Ulrich looks over the limited data available to the Marines with his fellows for a few moments before speaking, "We do not know what we will find when we arrive. We know only of the planet with any certainty, so we must assume that investigating its strange energy source and ascertaining any connection between it and the anomaly is the primary objective. If the anomaly is still present, gathering data upon it is the highest priority, unless I misunderstand, Inquisitor." Ulrich pauses to allow the Inquisitor a chance to respond before continuing, "But I do not at this point see how we," he gestures to include all the space marines, "can directly assist in that data gathering. Also, if the other ships are present, investigating them may become important, as well as rescuing or neutralizing Inquisitor Ahzammi; the enemies of Man should not have access to the knowledge of an Inquisitor."

Sorry, been a busy weekend with my little boy's first birthday party. Heavy editing as Hammern's post came in and I hadn't seen it!

Immediately after the Oath.
In his ancient armour, Pyros lowers a knee to the ground planting his hammer against the ground.
" Brothers bear witness upon me. In the early days of my chapter, the Emperor of Mankind came to Nocturne and he competed in many trials with my father Vulkan, at the end my Father bent his knee before the Emperor and swore eternal loyalty and obedience. I do this now as my father did those many years ago and as I have done many times before, in the hope that his light will guide us and give us the strengths to do his will."

After Oath, before arrival.
In the command room, Pyros replies to the Inquisitor and Hammern. "I think my Brother is right in the most part. But I would advise caution until we arrive in the system, for more information may inform our choices."

As they arrive in the system, Pyros turns to the others. "We have many objectives here, I am concerned that the other ships are no longer here. I feel that it may become important to the safety of this mission to understand why. However my suggestions would be that we establish a safe 'dropzone' area and proceed from there. I would suggest we then move forward to the planet and drop in whilst possibly committing a scout ship close to the anomaly itself, perhaps with one of us in command to strengthen the crew."

Not sure these are really relevant, but just trying to get a tactics feel for the situation and any knowledge that Pyros may have for the anomaly, what may have caused/make use of it and the system.

F Lore Xenos 70+20: 1d100 ⇒ 61 2dos
F Lore Archeotech 70+20: 1d100 ⇒ 67 2dos
Tactics Assault 60: 1d100 ⇒ 50 1dos
S Lore Astromancy 30+20: 1d100 ⇒ 9 4dos
S Lore Legend 30+20: 1d100 ⇒ 62 2dof
S Lore Tactica Imperialis 30+20: 1d100 ⇒ 9 4dos

Lucian stands solemnly as Hammern leads the squad in making their Oath of Moment. He offers his hand to each of his brothers in turn, an old gesture of comradeship and brotherhood among the Ultramarines.

Nodding in agreement with Hammern's plans, Lucian weighs in. I feel that our best source of information in the current occurrences in this system is likely to be Inquisitor Ahmazzi's vessel. In the event that he is still alive, he will prove a powerful ally. If not, we should try to recover whatever data he has already collected to assist us in making further inroads into this mystery.

Brother Varryl busies himself downloading any information on the missing ships' layouts and any topographical data on the system to the cartograph.
"Brother Vartas is correct, the logs taken by the machine spirits would prove invaluable in cataloging and containing this phenomena."
Breaking his silence for the first time since the oath taking.
"Until we find evidence of the missing vessels we should establish a beachhead on the planet's surface and begin a survey."

Just ended one job and started on a new one to day, so should be back now.

For the oath taking Elyas remains quite, while he follows the lead of his squad leader the words he voices to himself is the ancient prayers of the Dark Angels. He pauses when offered the hand by brother Lucian, but accepts it. A strange custom, he wonders. Letting the others speak Elyas looks the available data over. There is wisdom to the suggestions of his battle brothers, so he lets their words remain unchallenged, merely nodding his acceptance.