As time approaches and the brothers see to their gear, Vartas takes considerable more time being fitted into his new armor. An ancient relic of the past, it is hard to tell its history because of its pristine condition. Additionally, this particular armor has a history of survival, often being the last to surive. The Machine Spirits resilience graces the wearer with untold fortune. The Tech-Priests take meticulous care in performing the rituals necessary for a new bearer, burning incense and fitting the large Melta-Weapon to the armors couplings.
As you gather with your equipment and enter the chamber where you first entered this facility, you encounter a number of personnel and servitors awaiting you. In addition, you find two rather large Tech-Priest robed in dark red and wearing Dragon Armor, custom suits of armor, usually only given to the Crimson Guard. Both have an array of implants and what looks to be integrated weaponry. One has what looks to be wings, an almost mechanical angelic look to him, while the other has a large servo harness fitted with array of tools and weapons. How you did not encounter them before is a mystery. Additionally, you see a squad of 10 battle servitors, heavily armored with weapons varying from bolter to plasma. A dozen Servo Skulls hover around the area, followed by 2 bulk servitors for carrying supplies and equipment that you might need.
Once the marines are settled and satisfied with the equipment and support, Magos Klute and Xhenek stand ready to address you before your departure.
Lucian allows himself to be led away by the Magos' acolytes into a vast chamber filled with burning braziers and servitors chanting in some kind of binaric code that he does not recognise. There Lucian undergoes a ritual cleansing while the suit of ancient Terminator Armour is prepared. The rites of binding and sealing are lengthy and complex, but eventually Lucian is clothed in the relic of his Chapter. He tests the synaptic links to his weapons, feeling the heat of the multi-melta in one hand and the rattle of the heavy bolter's autoloader along the other.
Leaving behind his Mark VII armour and all his other equipment bar his vox-caster, which the tech-priests integrate into his new armour's systems, Lucian rejoins his Brothers as they prepare to delve deeper into the mysteries of the planet. The heavily armed and armoured Tech-Priests that greet him are something of a surprise, and he looks over their forms with an appraising eye.
As his Brothers starts their preparations, the Blood Angels takes seat in a quiet corner, feverishly praying to the Emperor. After some time - with all his thoughts on his Fathers Father and his unending quest - Deleos rises again and pulls a bundle of plain prayer seals and a long, blood red feather of some animal together with a wax maker and an inkpot.
With the tools of his second profession in his hands, he turns to his Battlebrothers.
"Brothers. Sons of Guilliman, Vulkan, Russ, Dorn ... Grandsons of the Emperor. I am a new member of this kill-team, but I am already proud to serve alongside you all. Now, part of my duties as your Chaplain is to take and note down your oaths, thus you are reminded of them in the darkest hours and will fulfill them despite overwhelming odds. Make up your minds, I am ready to note them in the face of the Emperor. And then, let us swear an oath together ... as Brothers ... as members of the same killteam."
If the Magos is skilled at reading the expressions of a Space Marine, he might recognize chagrin as Ulrich reveals his Chapter, having forgotten the Black Shield ruse in the heat of the moment. Recovering from yet another mistake as well as he can, and seeing no purpose in attempting to backpedal, Ulrich give the Magos a short bow, "I would very much appreciate the opportunity to befriend her. I was once honored to call one of the Wolves friend, I would relish the chance to do so again. Do you know if she has a name?"
Ulrich asks Brother Varryl to help him prepare for his encounter with the Wolf, "Brother Varryl, Will you assist me in disarming and re-arming afterwards? It is meet that our first encounter should be made without armor or weapons other than those granted us by the Emperor. I believe that with Brother Vartas' arming requirements, we should have plenty of time."
As the Wolf is moved to a safe location, Ulrich removes his battle plate and his weapons with all necessary rites. Once he has divested himself of all weapons and armor save his combat knife and a loincloth, prepared to meet the wolf as he had met Kushagra all those years ago, he picks up the meat he had requested from one of the acolytes and steps into the chamber with the Wolf.
Ulrich indicates that the stasis field should be deactivated, and crouches on the deck, tearing a mouthful of the meat off and chewing, waiting for the Wolf's reaction.
Once the Magos has left them, Pyros opens a squad communication channel.
"Brothers, I know I have not served with you long, but it seems I am going to have to ask you a great boon. Something from my past and possibly the dangerous future of the Imperium awaits us in that other facility. I have sworn oaths of secrecy over what I know and so I must now ask you to follow me in there almost blindly, for I may not break these hallowed bonds. I will not leave you entirely blind for we are brothers, but all I can do is say that we potentially face a dire threat to the Imperium ahead, they fear nothing and will not stop coming. Those spiders that caused so much damage are their weakest servants. Allow me to show you some tactics that I have been taught to fight these things and we will then destroy them together, the Emperor has seen fit to gift us with these gifts at this time of need and with him on our shoulders we will prevail. Though this goes against what you may think, I ask that you swear an Oath of Ignorance with me." with that Pyros draws his hammer and placing it's head on the floor, kneels and swears.
"I swear to complete this mission with little or no knowledge of the foes we face, Emperor guide my hammer and the weapons of my brothers. Let our minds be like steel against our foes and our bodies be your iron fist. I swear to let no knowledge of this place and threat pass out into the world except to those who are already aware of this threat. Follow me brothers, Into the fires of battle and unto the anvil of war!"
As Pyros stands again, you can see the red eyes, his genetic inheritance glow brighter, like red coals under the force of a forge's bellows.
As the squad finishes their oaths and moves away to finish their preparations, Pyros moves amongst them.
"Brother Ulrich, I am sure Brother Varryl will need time to help Brother Vartas with his armour, will you accept my help instead. After all my chapter are not without our knowledge of the forge. I know you will need to focus your mind to befriend this wolf, but I would say one thing first. You are a true warrior of Fenris, I believe in your canny instincts and incredible senses, but I also trust in your tactical knowledge and will need your help in the facility."
"Brother Varryl, much of what we face in their will be highly technological, of a foul xenos type. We must not be tempted by it, but we must gather samples for the organisation I have worked for. In all things technical I will need your advice and I would have you gather some data too."
"Brother Vartas, that armour fits you like it was made for you, you are clearly a hero of your chapter's present and future. We will need your steady aim and devastating fire in there, but as I fight hammer in hand, up close, I will need your advice on the bigger picture, what goes on behind me. "
"Brother Deleos, we will need your fire and zeal. In their we face an enemy who induces fear and doubt in the weak, our lack of knowledge will give us strength, but I am relying on you to keep us strong and those arms of yours to crush any foes."
"Brother Xing, we will need your knowledge of the Immaterial to protect us in there. But we will need your strength of will and your sword arm, just as much. Together your blade and my hammer will smite any foe"
2dof
"I will take the combi-melta to boost my ranged armour penetration, if that is acceptable. Brother Deleos as our most agile member, would you consider taking the auspex? We may need you to act as a scout at first, for we should not wake anything we do not need to. Everyone except Vartas take an EMP grenade and Brother Deleos take the rest. The melta bombs and demolition charges spread between us, but leave half with the tech priest group.We should go in ready, but too much explosive could be foolish."
Varryl briefly searches the armory for any weapons comparable to techxorcism gun entrusted to him by the veteran Forgemaster of the Watch Station. Finding nothing of interest to his sensibilities, Varryl leaves the Arming Chamber to the probes of his killteam.
Disappointed by the proffered fair, he allows his feet to carry him as he reflects on a strategy for the coming operation. With so many unknowns regarding the adjoining facility any attempt at planning the offensive measures would prove redundant. Instead he focuses on his Chapter's greatest strength, the placement and reinforcement of their RZ.
v 90
A vision of the stronghold necessary to repel what will likely be technologically superior opponents, Varryl directs himself to what preparations can be made prior to deployment, namely the modification of servoskulls and the manufacture of munitions.
---
"Know this Brother Salamander, I take no joy in the examination of xenos machinations. They are abominations, yet to properly dispose of their threat we must understand them. Such is one of many duties tasked to a Forgemaster and I shall do as I have always done. "
Lucian stands solemnly while Pyros addresses the kill-team and, unable to kneel in Terminator armour, bows his head while the Oaths are delivered. He nods at Pyros as he comes over. "I am always at your back Brother. I will defend and guide you, all of us, until my dying breath."
Brother Xing kneels with brother Pyros and swears the oath alongside him, bearing in mind his own Oaths from his past that others are unaware of. No stranger to secrets and hoarding knowledge that few others should possess, he swears himself to secrecy. Some things are best left unknown to the masses, but few things are kept from the Deathwatch. Though his knowledge of the Daemonic was unrivaled, he knew little of what xenos they would be facing. What connection is there that I am not seeing? Traitor Marines and Daemon often come together, but what role does this unknown xenos and this squad have? the Daemons words still echoing in his mind.
Noting the oaths taken by each member, and those of the team on the parchments with the traditional feather and the pitch-black ink in incredible small and artistically letters. After all oaths are taken and noted, the chaplain fixes them with red wax on the armors of his Battle-Brothers.
"We are the shield and sword of the Emperor. Lead us well, Son of Vulkan. We will shed blood and bones together, be the spear tip of his will together. My times in the scouts is long since over, but I remember it well. I will be your eyes and ears if you want. I am used to the normal use of the auspex, but the hidden secrets of the machine spirits are beyound me. Wouldn't Varryl be the more obvious choice for such a device? But if you wish, I will of course take it. Now, lets go and do our duty."
***Please copy to your profile for your future reference and mine. Thanks!!!!
WS 50
BS --
S 50 (10)
T 50 (10)
Ag 50
Int 20
Per 50
WP 30
Fel --
Movement 10/20/30/60
Wounds 20
Skills: Awareness +10, Concealment +10, Dodge +20, Silent Move +10, Tracking
Talents: Berserk Charge, Combat Master, Frenzy, Heightened Senses (Sight, Sounds, Smell), Lightning Attack, Step Aside, Swift Attack, Autosanguine
Traits: Natural Armor (4), Improved Natural Weapons, Quadruped, Size (Hulking), Sturdy, Unnatural Strength (x2), Unnatural Toughness (x2), Machine (3)
Attacks:
Claws: 1d10+SB, Pen 0
Bite: 1d10+SB, Pen 5,*** CAN only be used once per attack. (Swift or Lightning attack may only bite once.)
Ulrich requests the assistance of brother Varryl, but he is occupied with Vartas and his own work forging special ammunition for the kill team. Pyros, eager for an oppurtunity to extend his fellowship among his new squad, offers his services, being familiar enough with technology as every Salamander Marine should be.
Once they enter the chamber and Ulrich readies himself and the meat, Pyros deactivates the stasis field. For a moment nothing really happens, and then the hulking wolf stirs to life silently. Instantly a fierce growl and large canines are revealed, it sniffs the air, looking first at Pyros and then to Ulrich.
Perception (Smell)
After a few moments the beast charges towards Ulrich, ignoring the meat, its mechanical flesh no longer requiring the sustenance it once did. It leaps to pounce on Ulrich but misses slightly, giving Ulrich a chance to wrangle the beast.
Lori Attacks:
Ulrich Wrangles:
Lori resists:
Ulrich wrangles the beast to the ground, the wolf still slightly clumsy from the stasis. It nearly enters a frenzy and snaps at Ulrich before finally submitting and succumbing to the familiar smell of his home world and former master. Its behavior changes as nearly as quickly as its charge and she licks Ulrich's face, content to be awake and able to move freely once again.
As Ulrich plays and wrestles to prove he is the Alpha, the wolf finally submits, but not before scratching and wounding Ulrich slightly. Her own strength and improved natural weapons still slightly unfamiliar. After finally rising she sniffs the meat with great curiosity, but for some reason doesn't eat it, having no desire to eat as she once did. Confused, she returns to Ulrichs side, rubbing up against him, wanting nothing more than to play. Ulrich is able to silence her and direct her as the Wolf Tamers on his homeworld did so often. He recalls the commands and does his best to familiarize himself with her, practicing a bit before they leave the chamber, confident he can command her and she will listen.
Vartas sees:
These are no ordinary tech priest. Crimson Guard are the greatest warriors Mars has to offer, their combat ability and technical knowledge an asset and deterent. They are heavily armored and their weapons appear to be integrated into their potentia coils, you can notice no ammunition clips or weapons that aren't attached in some way. One has a jump pack with large wings, the pattern probably unseen by you. Another carries a rod that barely looks solid, yet stands right, it seems flexible. His servo harness rivals that of Varryls in size and complexity, a number of tools that will surely prove useful in the coming mission. Overall, they are much more machine than flesh, fully armored and look to be combat ready. Their robes hiding a size and strenght that could possibly rival a marine. Additionally, you notice they have the same markings on their hands and body that some of the Priests had when you fought the Magos on your voyage here, surely they have similiar capabilites to protect themselves and more.
** spoiler omitted **
Ulrich requests the assistance of brother Varryl, but he is occupied with Vartas and his own work forging special ammunition for the kill team. Pyros, eager for an oppurtunity to extend his fellowship among his new squad, offers his services, being familiar enough with technology as every Salamander Marine should be.
Once they enter the chamber and Ulrich readies himself and the meat, Pyros deactivates the stasis field. For a moment nothing really happens, and then the hulking wolf stirs to life silently. Instantly a fierce growl and large canines are revealed, it sniffs the air, looking first at Pyros and then to Ulrich.
Perception (Smell) 1d100
After a few moments the beast charges towards Ulrich, ignoring the meat, its mechanical flesh no longer requiring the sustenance it once did. It leaps to pounce on Ulrich but misses slightly, giving Ulrich a chance to wrangle the beast.
Lori Attacks: 1d100
Ulrich Wrangles:1d100
Lori resists: 1d100Ulrich wrangles the beast to the ground, the wolf still slightly clumsy from the stasis. It...
After proving himself Alpha of their small pack, Ulrich spends some time with the wolf, ensuring that the bond is in place. Once he is sure of her, he will rise and re-arm with Pyros' help. Though he was hesitant to accept help from a non-Mechanicus person, he finds himself impressed with the Salamander's training.
Once he is armored and armed appropriately, he smiles down at the wolf beside him, resting a hand in the ruff of fur at her neck. Looking up at Pyros, he nods once, "Thank you for your assistance, Brother Pyros. Shall we return to our brothers and bring the Emperor's light to these abominations?"
When Ulrich and Pyros return to the others, the massive form of the Fenrisian Wolf paces along beside them.
"Thank you Brother Varryl, I would expect nothing less than such wfficiency from you."
Pyros acknowledges Brother Vartas' comment with a nod " Thank you brother"
"Brother-Chaplain, I believe I am correct in thinking that Brother Varryl already has a device that will accomplish much the same, built in to his systems. I am not terribly familiar with that kind of model, but that antennae, can be little else I think. As you and I will probably take point, I believe the codex would suggest we put our eyes and ears to the fore. For those other uses, Brother Varryl will manage, or I can assist you."
"Brother Ulrich, I count myself truly honoured to have witnessed that. Let us indeed join our brothers and start this mission."
Once the squad are assembled and ready, Pyros will approach the Magos.
"Magos Klute, Xhenek. You have been generous with your armoury and I see your personnel stand ready for that I thank you. We are now ready, please introduce me to the leaders of your party, I would know who I fight alongside."
"Brother Pyros. My internal auspex suffered damage during the battle with the traitors. I possess neither the time not nor the intent to initiate such repairs at this facility. While I myself could operate the Magos' auspex, the greatest benefit come from the vanguard both for guidance and forwarning of hidden threats."
"Ok Brother, a stupid error on my part, I should have checked. I will endeavour to make it my last. Nevertheless as you say, it will still be best used at the front I feel. We can always pass it over if further scans are needed."
Varryls' Tactics Roll:
The difficulty in entering an unknown facility and facing unknown enemies is by no means unique, however the circumstances surrounding this mission and your current location are far from normal. The current plan of keeping the Melee focsused soldiers up front, followed by the the more powerful ranged Marines seems sound. However, you know that your tactics will need to remain fluid and open to change once you have more intel and a better understanding of the situation. Able to view the Mechanicus forces that will support you, its easy to keep supporting personel behind you and protected, possible leaving them in a staging are while you investigate multiple routes. Splitting forces is possible, but may be unwise without maps of the facility and the limited window in which you have to infil and exfil. Until you know more, caution and defense is the best option. Trusting brother Pyros is a wise choice, he may have more knowledge on the matter that he is unable to share, but hopefully he will reveal enough to make a more calculated analysis of the tactics once the mission is underway.
Before Magos Klute has a chance to respond to Pyros' question, the larger of the Crimson Guard with a servo harness steps forward, his own mechandrites whirling and snaking around him. He responds:
I am Elijah. This is my brother Dante. We have been assigned to this facility by the mandate of Mars. It is an honor to serve alongside Astartes. he says with a slight bow from him and the other. Then immediately his gaze turns to Brother Xing, It is rare to see a Warp Walker, I did not believe I would ever personally encounter another this far from the fringes of known space. he says with a cold and emotionless tone, the Kill team unsure if he is relieved or troubled by this. Then pointing towards Xing's Eldar flip belt with a bladed mechandrite, he says: Your kind is too fond of Xenos tools, I hope it serves you better than the countless Eldar I have cut down wearing similar affronts to the one true Machine God.
Returning his gaze to the entirety of the kill team he steps back, allowing the Magos to speak:
We have gathered what combat Servitors we can spare and enough servo skulls to scout and map the facilities. It is your duty to see that all is returned and the knowledge gained extracted for analysis by the Priests of Mars and myself. These Crimson guard shall accompany you and aid in anything that may be required of them. While not under your direct command, they have my orders to assist and support you with any and all of their skills. They will also command the support personnel you see gathered here. I trust warriors such as yourself will work out the finer details amongst yourselves, for I have no authroity over you and you none over us. I wish you well. Now please excuse me, I must attend to our docking at the core facility, which should be in less than one hour. With that, he pauses with a simple bow, and Xhenek follows alongside him. As they pass you though, each member of the kill team feels a mental presence, a message being projected, bypassing any mental defense you thought you might of had. Each of you hears it as Magos Klute and Xhenek pass you.
As I guided you to the Pearl, so shall I guide you now. "These" Men of Mars are not traitors.
Brother Pyros' mental message is a bit more though:
Your Oath is a wise one, remember what you learned on the Dead Stations. The voice in your head seems familiar, but you do not recognize Xhenek, though the mental presence seems oddly familiar, as though you've heard that voice before.
The sound of familiar voice in his head, causes Pyros to nod his head involuntarily, before pondering on where he has heard the voice before.
"I am sure we will reach an agreement Magos, thank you for your help"
Returning his attention to the Crimson Guard, Pyros addresses them.
"Elijah, Dante. I am Pyros of the Salamanders. It will be an honour to work together. Our plan was to establish a forward base within the structure, perhaps overseen by one of you? And then to push further in. As I am sure you understand, it is vital that the information we gather is heavily restricted and kept to a minimal number of people. As we are working together, it would be an idea to know a little of each others combat tactics, so that we can fight more effectively together when the need arises. I tend to steadily advance behind my shield firing bolter or grenades as I go, and then close to use my own masterpiece, my hammer. How about yourselves?"
We are not without our own forcefields, however we must be more strategic in their usage. My brother does not speak Gothic, only binary. He is swift and often my eyes as well as my spear. We have no need of ammunition or reloading our weapons, we can advance with patience, as we do not suffer the weakness of flesh and fatigue. When we arrive to a suitable forward base, we can analyze the situation an decide the best course of action then. says Elijah. Until then he turns his attention to the Dreadnaught armor and whispers in binary to soothe and motivate its machine spirit.
Time passes quickly, the Crimson guard gesture of the men and servitors to move into the chamber that would drop them down to the facility in a manner much the same way they entered the current facilitiy from the surface. The chamber sealed, the lights glow beneath you and there isn't a drop but a shot upwards, though a more managable pace that the first descent in this pod. A tight fit, the servo skulls whirling overhead.
Eventually your ascent slowed and you finally came into dock. Once the seal was confirmed, the doors opened and everything looked significantly different than the middle facility. The walls were a deep black, naturally smooth, with only a faint green emerald light peeking from some of the edges. It continues forward for as long as you can see.
The docking bay and its attachment to this facility is makeshift. Its easy to notice where the two different technologies meet, though its unknown how they were able to integrate and combing both with stability. Who ever built it was advanced, perhaps more so than the empty bare halls that stand before you.
Elijah speaks to Pyros:
We await your command he says over his internal vox.
Xhenek's message shakes Xing to his core, How could she have guided us to the Black Pearl from here? How could she have known the ship we were aboard was captained by a a traitor? With no sure understanding, he holds his tongue until a more appropriate time.
FB Lore Psykers 50 vs
Reroll-
While he attempts to recall any individuals of significance, he fails, the weight of the mission and recent oath weighing heavily on his mind.
2 dos
"I see some advanced technology here in that coupling that does not match these empty corridors, beware what may be hidden. Elijah, please have your servitors establish a beachhead here. There is no cover, but the corridor should provide an easy kill zone. I suggest that brothers we advance and secure the next junction before calling our machine priest allies forward. Unless anyone has other suggestions. "
"Is the insertion point to serve as our point of extraction? Do you know the last coordinates of the previous expedition? Their Coils may yet remain intact."
"Brother Pyros, allow me to transfer your fire selector. I would be remiss as a Forgemaster if I allowed such an oversight."
v 100
---
v 54
Varryl searches the dock for anything he can convert into cover for the defenders. His search diverts as the hybridization of the technology surrounding them begins to weigh credence to his lingering concerns.
v 7(+10 if Binary Chatter applies, +5 if they are not offset by my techliness)
The Crimson Guard are alien and inscrutable to Lucian, but it is clear to him that their advanced systems and high quality wargear would make them an asset in combat, or a liability should their loyalties not mesh with those of the Kill-Team.
The journey in the ascent chamber was no more disturbing than any of the combat drops Lucian had previously experienced, and the assembled forces prepare to move out. He listens to Pyros' plan. "Agreed commander. Shall I lead us down the passageway?"
"Ah thank you brother Varryl, that will be useful soon I am sure. That is a good question, I understood that we are effectively waiting for another cycle to pass, with them moving through the magma of this world, before they can return here. Is that your understanding Elijah?"
The passage is 10 meters wide. There are no remains here, the floors are clean. Varryl orders some servo skulls forward and tends to a weapon successfully. This is also the extraction point, as confirmed by Elijah.
Focus test Unfettered WP 100+ vs
As Xing notices the servo skulls depart, he comments :
If the servo skulls are detected, they will destroy any chance of surprise. Then stepping to the middle he draws lightly from the warp to enshroud the team in a void fog. This will help conceal our approach and make us harder to target. mostly speaking to inform their new friends.
The fully armored Chaplain stands beside their Salamander leader - auspex in one and the crackling Crozius in the other hand.
"Ready to go. Auspex is working, seems like ..." Then he reports the readings.
On a secure link to the Librarian of the team:
"Brother Librarian, did you too received a mental message? What do you make of it, who sent it? And what is it's meaning? I am not fond of this sort of ... communication. It has to much in common with the warpcraft of the demon."
Xing replies over the secure link to everyone.
I believe we all received the same telepathic message. I am certain it was Xhenek, but how could that girl have guided us to the Black Pearl? She knew of the traitor Magos, but how could she have Orchestrated the ciphers or that device? Someone is pulling strings and I am ready to severe them.
With those words he carries himself forward, careful to keep pace with everyone and envelop them in the fog as best he could.
Ulrich is once again grinning, about to head into battle with his brothers once more. He performs the checks on his equipment and weapons with methodical thoroughness, letting the familiar rituals prepare his mind for the upcoming ordeal.
In the lift, Ulrich is silent, and is among the first to disembark. His helmet still at his belt, Ulrich sniffs the air and studies the corridor closely, consulting the handheld Auspex unit he carries.
Ulrich gestures to the place where the two technology styles merge, "How was this done, Forgemaster? This is unnatural."
His Storm Bolter and Plasma Gun at the ready, Ulrich takes position at the vanguard, the huge wolf pacing at his side, "Brother Pyros, my senses are very keen, with your leave I will assume a scout position."
"Well it would seem we have a marching order coming together. Ulrich you take the left front, try to keep the right clear to give Vartas a straight line of fire, melee combatants stack up behind Ulrich ready to close the gap quickly if needed. Onwards brothers"
5dos
Brother Varryl orders Servo skulls forward, usually, since he lacks an MIU, the reports will not be directly to him, rather indirectly from the Tech-Priests. However, because of his command and use of binary in directing them, they are re-purposed and "gifted" to him directly by the adepts directing them at the party.
Unable to find suitable make-shif cover, the team leaves the Priests and Crimson guard at the extraction point, but not before Dante follows, silent and on guard, taking up a position in the rear.
Deleos Auspex reading can find nothing organic or familiar, the walls seem very solid and the hallway clear.
Xing summons void fog to cover the team and their approach. While the Tech-priest initially do not understand or notice, they do take notice when the party leaves range of them and become nearly invisible and silent as they are not outside the cloud of fog.
Ulrich's auspex is clear and shows nothing unusual like brother Deleos'.
Pyros considers the tactical options in their assault, and he knows keeping the firepower towards the rear, while the tip of the spear should be the sharpest swords. Leapfrog tactics work well here, moving a few men up while the rest cover and leap frog past each other. With no cover, men will need to concentrate their sight more further ahead than usual, any enemy ambush or suprise attack could be devestating with no cover or route of escape. Keeping the storm shields and forcefielded men in the front will be crucial in guaranteeing everyones survival.
The kill team travels for another 300m until they reach a "T" intersection. Left or right are the only ways forward. Thanks to the servo skulls being slightly ahead and still transmitting a vox signal back to Varryl, he's able make a very rudimentary map of their path, but nothing much else with an MIU. When they return, then he will be able to access more sensory data that they collecte and view pict recordings for anything peculiar.
The two servo skulls are transmitting, on has stopped, unable to continue forward, about 100m to the right. to the left, the servo skull is continuing forward, but the signal is weakening and full of static.
Further exploration of the right side reveals a dead end. But its peculiar to say the least. The end does not look like the rest of the ebony walls, instead, it looks like a door, a smooth metallic door that seems to meet in the middle in for ways. In the middle is an emerald diamond that emmits a soft glow. Does it open to the top or side to side or some combination of both? There are no visible marking or control panels to try and access or hack.
The walkway continues forward with no other exits yet discovered. Making your way down further, keeping up with the servo skull will help build your map of this area further.
Ulrichs keen senses give him one small insight that the others haven't noticed. The soft emeral light in the hallways seems to brighten and move with the team, dimming and becoming insignifanct after the team passes, never moving further ahead than the forward most member. Additionally, the lights are unaffected by the servo skulls moving through the corridor. The priest in an effort to stay in touch move a relay of servo skulls ahead to maintain their own connections and inform the team of anything that develops. Thus far they've remained in touch, but unable to help.
"Something is not right about that dead end, but we can do little about it for now. Brother Varryl could you detail the servo skull to keep watch on it and Brother Vartas could you cover our rear. My shield can give us cover at the front which may prove useful. Shall we head onwards on the route available?"
Varryl confirms the position of the servoskulls and their reports with the Tech priests.
"The barrier is not far from this divide and the most promising lead we have found as of yet. Our current line of communication will exceed itself if we do not advance our auxiliary force. A chamber near this junction would prove valuable from a tactical aspect as well."
Ulrich crouches by the T intersection, guarding the left hand path as the others inspect the right, "Brother V'estian, the light in here is behaving oddly. It reacts slightly to our presence, brightening a tiny amount near us and dimming again once we pass. But it is not reacting to the presence of the servo skulls."
He scans the left hand path, moving forward at Pyros' command.
"But if we advance deeper, leaving an unopened path behind us - maybe with the camp near it - the enemies might ambush our allies from that path. If you want to move them forward, I think it would be best to let them set up a defensive parameter at this junction, with some heavy weapons and good cover to the right. Or we could try force to break through that door and check it first. I do not like the perspective of an unchecked route in our back - between us and the mechanicum forces."
"Understood commander," Lucian replies as he manoeuvres back towards the rear of the formation, keeping his keen senses watching their backs.
"I agree with Deleos and Varryl. We should move our staging post forwards to the junction. That barrier could prove a threat and an enemy assault from there would leave us cut off without warning."
Xing listens to his brother's trying to decide what the best course of action is, not knowing much of what they are facing, Xing is fearless and takes a risk, summoning more energy from the warp.
That barrier appears to be a door and leaving our flank and Mechanicus allies vulnerable is too great a risk. We must know for sure. If I do not return or am unreachable over vox, then depart without me.
Focus Test Unfettered WP 100+
As Xing draws more energy from the warp, the void fog stays present, but Xing begins to shift in and out, much like his brothers have seen before when he's attacked a powerful foe. Only now, he phases in and out as he walks towards the barrier, passing through it and out of sight. .
While the rest of the team debates what to do, Xing leaves towards the "door" and the fog follows him, after leaving the squad behind. Once outside, they find it harder to hear and see Xing as he fades from sight down the dark corridor.
When Xing gets closer, and readies himself to Warp Walk through the barrier, he is perhaps astonished when it opens. Inside you see what appears to be an empty forge, though nothing that is similiar to the Imperiums forges.
Give me an awareness and archeotech roll if you have it, should you decide to enter.
Assuming Varryl is keeping tabs with his Servo skull near the door, he sees the door open when Xing gets closer.
Unsure of what to expect, Xing was glad the door opened without having passed through into the uknown. Immediately private vox channel, he updates his team: The door opened on its own, I suggest we investigate. he says while moving slowly forward, trying to check for threats and make sense of what he was seeing.
Awareness 75 vs 1 DOF
FB Lore Archeotech -10 (40)vs 3 DOF
Talent re-roll: 4 DOF
FL Lore Xenos -10 (40) vs 3 DOS
Too in awe of what hes seeing, he nearly loses himself in thought and wonder at what lay before them. He doesn't get far in before pausing and slowly realizing he was sustaining two psy powers at full strength for the first time, a sign that his abilities are growing. Reflecting inward his check for signs of movement or life were too short and he likely overlooked much, potentially to his detriment.
Ulrich remains where he is, his senses alert, "Brother-Leader, I will remain here and guard this approach if you wish to investigate Brother Xing's discovery."
Ulrich, perception smell test @+10 for you and Lori.
The stench of flesh in the air after the doors open hits your senses hard. Old and barely noticeable, but your sense of smell is greater. Still, it remains strangely unfamiliar, unsure if its human or xenos.
Anyone else with heightened senses smell could attempt.
Auspex doesn't apply, you succeed, see spoiler in original post.
Lori perks up and points towards the direction of Xing like a bird pointing dog, she smells something strange and let's Ulrich know.
Realizing the Librarian's intent Varryl breaks formation and follows.
For aLores
Lori sniffs the air as the door opens, a nearly inaudible growl sounding in her throat as she turns in Brother Xing's direction. Ulrich sniffs that way and catches the scent a few seconds later, "'Ware, Brothers! That chamber smells of old flesh. I cannot tell if it is Human or something else."
Lucian turns back towards the door, his bolter feed cycling in preparation for an attack following Hammern's warning, all the while watching their environs for any sign of treachery or ambush.
"Well found Brother Xing. I was rather fixed on my plan, it would seem from this and Brother Ulrich's identification that these systems don't respond to servo skulls. I think we will need all our skills inside, Brother Ulrich as your keen nose has already identified. Brother Vartas would you stand in the doorway? That way it cannot close quickly on us and we still have your weapons to offer support. Simple breach Xing in and left, Varryl in and right, Deleos, straight ahead. Ulrich and I ranged weapons up and follow."
2dof
1dof
With a slight irritated motion, Ulrich leaves his position guarding the left hand path, and falls back towards the now-open door, ready to take his place in the assault.