Storm of Sinners

Game Master BayouSnowman

it should have been done years ago... Sister whispers under her breath

Enough of this talk of missions, surely you must tire of it at some point. Tell me Lutha Hallan, what of your homeworld. Do you miss it? The Lord Inquisitor takes Brother Hallan's suggestion to be informal.

"Well...that's a bit difficult of a question to answer."

Lutha scratches his chin in contemplation for a moment before continuing:

"Like any true Astartes will attest, I was made in the image of the heroes before me by the hand of the chapter. However, I assume that wasn't really the spirit of your inquiry. Now, you see, the Lamenters are a fleet-based chapter. We draw our initiates from wherever we can, sometimes even settling on a planet for long-term recruiting before continuing on. In particular my family was taken in during the 9th Black Crusade in the defense of a planet called Corillia. I suppose if you wish you could call that my homeworld, but it has been near three millenia since any of mine have seen its surface."

"I was raised in the bowels of our mighty fleet, and my blood was such that I had the fortune of joining the ranks of the Space Marines. Truly, the chapter is my home and often do I think of it. Especially considering some of the trials my brothers have undergone in recent times. Still, I know the Emperor wants me to be here, serving the Imperium as best I can. One day it will come that I am rejoined with the rest of the Lamenters, but until then I will continue with my duties to the Deathwatch."

Thedius continues to sit in polite silence, seeing little that he can add to the conversation, he speaks to the psyker.
"Zelra, will you be joining us on the mission?"

Common Lore(War) 45+30=75: 1d100 ⇒ 92
I'm not going to FP that, as I'm not sure how I'd comunicate it if I found out

Tellemachus sits still, his luminous eyes breaking the darkness of his hood back and forth. The rapid motion stops at Lucian, almost as if he heard the comment in his mind.

These new comrades I have not decided what to think yet. However, it seems they question my quiet disposition

After a long pause, Tellemachus speaks to the Inquisitior. His voice emotionless however purposeful.

"Inquistor, when do we depart to the surface? Please forgive me, but I am eager to serve"

CL War: Int 40+30+4=74: 1d100 ⇒ 46

Praise be Master Astartes. I have worked as an exorcist in his holy crusade since I can remember. Once I had proven myself capable enough, the Inquisition sought me out.

The Lord Inquisitor adds Father Zyas is very modest. It was hard to pry him from his congregation, but his ability as an exorcist is truly the gift of the God Emperor himself. Ordo Malleus has tried to steel him from me on more than one occasion. In fact I sometimes wonder if having him here was motivation for Ol'Ahmazzi to join us.

Valerio chuckles at the sentiment, "I would wonder what Ahmazzi would have to say about that,Lord Gathrix." He gives a short laugh before continuing to Father Zyas, "Even then, I am sure that your skills far exceed being deemed 'capable enough' Holy Father, it is truly an honor."

Valerio politely sets his ale aside, now that his sense of courtesy has been passified

Common Lore(War): 50+30=80: 1d100 ⇒ 71
Valerio glances towards Manarc and his eyes catch a patch he had seen before. The name was on the tip of his tongue, but wouldn't come to mind. He was about to turn his attention elsewhere when it sprang forth suddenly; "Jericho" Valerio muttered.

He returns to Father Zyas; "Father, I must know, is your companion always so silent even in a meal among friends?" he asks in a hushed tone, so as not to offend Manarc.

I will Sir Thedius. Zelra answers politely, but seems to struggle to think of anything else to say.

She may be a mutant, but she at least has the good decency to hide it at the dinner table. Sister Vesta adds bitterly, and Zelra hides behind her food. Lord Inquisitor Gathrix gives her a look of an Inquisitor.
We will leave soon Tellemachus. Do not fret over Zelra, she knows her place. He answers Brother Tellemachus still looking at Sister Vesta.

Oh, me and Daemon Hunter Ahmazi go way back, I even had considered joining the Ordo Malleus for a time myself. He answers turning away from Sister Vesta an with a slightly kinder tone in an attempt to move the conversation back to something more pleasant.

Aye, Manarc's temple is very strict about making excess noise. He made the mistake only once. Manarc sticks his tongue out and the Inquisitional I is deeply burned into it.

I think everyone has had a chance to speak at the table so I will move this forward to the day of the mission. You can post something else you want to do prior to the mission. I think you still have a leader/oath and requisition to do things with

The evening ends well enough. Sister Vesta remained silent after her remark about the mutant unless spoken to, as did Zelra and Manarc. Father Zyas gave an ending sermon for the evening, and it seemed to work you feel fulfilled spiritually even though you would have preferred a Chaplin.

Once again you find yourself in the command deck. This time it is filled with a representative from every aspect of logistics. Even adepts from the Administratum are present. A large amount of psykers are present and the member of the Navis Nobilite that looks like Zelra.

The Lord Inquisitor speaks once all the kill-team has arrived. The rest of the command deck quiets to hear. We are about to arrive at Hredrin. We took our time getting here, sub-warp, but our Navis advised against it and we listened. Anyways, we are now about to embark on our mission. Once my team and I have secured the Astropathica Transmitorium I will give the signal. You need to be ready to make this a clean transition. Any questions?

The first question/comment comes from a member of the Departmento Administratum asking the Lord Inquisitor to try and limit the use of fire-based weaponry if he could so as to save as much of the paperwork as possible. The Lord Inquisitor rolls his eyes and simply says I will see what I can do.

"You make it sound like we won't be accompanying you Lord Inquisitor, I thought you sought bodyguards?"

Appologies, I am addressing the others Brother Lutha, you are part of my team of course. The Lord Inquisitor waves his hands over the room filled with bureaucrats and other logistic personnel.

What do you mean by 'transition' my lord?

Well, as I mentioned, the Astropaths have an outdated system. So we are going to improve it, but don't worry there isn't anymore you need to do. Once you help me get to the Astropathical Transmitorium we will have everything we need on that end handled. The room is suddenly very quiet.

Finally irritated to the point of snapping Thedius speaks out.
"These awkward silences that re-occur connote a weakness that I can stand no longer. There are secrets you are keeping from this kill team that threaten the mission you have requisitioned us for, and there is a tension between yourself and Sister Vesta that threatens to spill over into full conflict. Who amongst you is willing to shed light on these flaws, so we may eliminate them?”

Hopefully this does not derail things too much, but I was picking up on heavy GM implying that we should deal with this issue. If I'm wrong let me know and I'll gladly retract

That's enough Marine! You know enough to do your job, that is all you need to know! Watch Captain Enoch's voice carries so heavy in the silent room that many of the adepts cringe in fright.

Lord Inquisitor Gathrix adds I apologize Brother Thedius, there are some aspects to this mission that are...political, but rest assured I would not put your lives in undue danger. As far as the Sister and me, well as we mentioned before there is a history between the Sisters and the Gaolist Astropaths, and we do not want to bring anymore tension to an already tense situation. This of course does not sit well with Sister Vesta, as she is one of my most trusted agents, and she feels she should be going down there with me. Know that there are aspects to this that I do not even know. I am not an Astropath, their ways are secret to even me, so we have representatives from the Aleene family to assist us in that matter. I am not an adept, and the official forms of the administratum that are required for such a transition are unknown to me, so we will be bringing adepts from the administratum to assist us. Everyone does their part, please save your anger Master Astartes for the heretics on the planet below, there is no shortage of them I assure you.

Lucian regards the confrontation with a mixture of admiration and displeasure. He would never have spoken out against his superiors the way Thedius has done, but he is glad that Thedius has managed to get some answers out of the Inquisitor.

Nice play Thedius, seems like the sort of thing a true son of Dorn might say!

Lord Inquisitor, I feel that we have taken up enough of your time at this crucial planning stage. Perhaps, brothers, we should begin to prepare ourselves for our mission?

Yes it's the Son of Dorn that I was playing off, not the assault marine. Thedius is not that fly-into-a-rage type, but he is always trying to remove weakness from himself and his party.

"I apologise Captain, I am used to working in a team with no secrets."

"Inquisitor, Sister, please be aware that I will not fail in my duty. I only wish such secrets and in-fighting would not be allowed to threaten our mission"

"And I apologise to you Zelra, I only wished to inquire as to how you might tempt to purge your own weaknesses before a mission. Perhaps if you have time before we leave, you could show me. I hope it would help me in my own training."

Thedius was about to agree with the Vartas, but was unwilling to give Ultramarine the satisfaction. Instead he waited to see how the others reacted.

I'm not sure if I get my +10 for heightened senses. I'm going to guess not. I doubt I'd have my helmet on so I wouldn't get autosenses.
I will use my Son of Dorn demeanour with permission
Scrutiny 55/2 -20 +10 Son of Dorn=17: 1d100 ⇒ 90 FAIL

Lutha winced upon reminder that the Astartes were not the only ones on the mission. He resolved to withhold himself from further outbursts until deployment.

By your leave Lord, we should get our Vendettas and Valkyries ready to deploy.The Col. says as he starts to leave.
Yes of course , Col. Well if there is no other questions I guess we all have preparations. The Lord Inquisitor waits for majority of the people to leave the command deck and he begins to speak with Zelra, and other members of the Navis Nobilite.

Right, get your gear and get to the Aquilla transport and wait for the Lord Inquisitor. All you need to worry about is that he is alive when this is over, got it? The Watch Captain orders with an edge of anger.

Nodding in agreement Lutha exits with the sign of the Aquila. Collecting his wargear, he then heads to the transport and awaits the rest of the team.

Tellemachus gives a slow nod, and makes the sign of the Aquila with practiced ease. Leaving his drink still untouched, he prepares his wargear and prays to Emperor.

"May He who illuminated Man, illuminate me"

Tellemachus meets Lutha, while awaiting the rest of the kill-team

"Greetings, Brother. Are you well?"

"Unsettled, but well enough to serve at least. And what of you Brother Librarian? How does this day find you?"

Elyas had watched the entire episode in silence and continued to remain so as the Watch Captain stressed the primary object of their mission. I am a Dark Angel and will act accordingly, Elyas reminded himself as he walked to his cell.

Having secured his armaments and jump pack, he made his way to the transport. Finding two of his team members already to deploy, he greeted them: "Brothers."

Tellemachus leans into a whisper to Brother Hallen

"Brother, as much as it pains me to say this. It feels as though we are charging into glorious blinded. This unnerves me.."

Tellemachus gives a greeting to Elyas as he approaches

"Brother, It fills me with joy to fight alongside you. Are you prepared?"

Even though Tellemachus's face is hidden, you sense a welcoming smile

Tellemachus leans into a whisper to Brother Hallen

"Brother, as much as it pains me to say this. It feels as though we are charging into glorious battle blinded. This unnerves me.."

Tellemachus gives a greeting to Elyas as he approaches

"Brother, It fills me with joy to fight alongside you. Are you prepared?"

Even though Tellemachus's face is hidden, you sense a welcoming smile

"Best curb your words for now Brother, our Watch Captain has deemed us worthy of this mission and we shall not be found wanting. As unpleasant as the situation may be we are still the Emperors Angels of Death and we will not fail in our charge."

Whilst clad in the robes of the Dark Angels over his armour, the hood is turned down and Elyas thin smile is clearly visible when he answers: "Always Brother. Though I am not sure, who our enemy might be."

At Lutha's words Elyas face darkens "The Inquisitor will live," he states.

Ignoring the captain's displeasure Thedius responds to his order with respect
"It will be as you command Captain"

We can brush over it OOC but if Thedius has time he would wish to challenge the Techmarine León to a bout in the training cages to help cleanse his body of the Ale

Once prepared and armed, Thedius joins his brothers in time to take their oath. He responds to the black shield's words with brutish honesty.
"The Hammers of Dorn are never sent to battle with half the available information. A perfect strategy requires perfect information. However, I am not currently serving the Hammers of Dorn. We must do our duty as best we can."

Maybe you can pick it up in the recruitment thread as a simultaneous sidespot to this mission? Couldn't hurt to get a few more bumps to get us up to the top of the page.

Still speaking to Brother Hallen

"Do not mistake my remark as uncertainty in purpose, rather inquiring upon your perspective without the Inquisitior's ears. We must learn to trust one another, especially in the fires of battle."

Turning to Thedius

"Of course, brother. The Emperor I trust would expect no less"

Tellemachus listens intently on any approaching thudding footsteps of his comrades

What was the Oath you chose? I think I read that you had decided on Brother Lucian Vartas for this mission to lead, if I am wrong please correct it. I saw some lists in Discussion for requisition, is that complete?

Once you are all loaded. The Lord Inquisitor and his retinue board with you. Once you break atmosphere the Lord Inquisitor speaks through a combead to the pilot Tell me when we are over the Transmitorium.

A few moments later he points at Manarc. Manarc undoes his straps and collects his Exitus rifle. The hatch opens and he jumps out. Acrobatics 120-60: 1d100 ⇒ 6 With amazing agility he fires a cable on top of the Transmitorium and uses the momentum of his fall to swing to a higher adjacent building. He rolls on the roof and comes out of it in a perfect position with exitus rifle in hand.

Manarc is in position. When we land lets keep it tight. The Lord Inquisitor says calmly as he adjusts his gear. You can see crowds of hive gangers fighting Arbites and Guardsmen below. The local PDF has a small force around the Transmitorium, and so far the Arbites and Guard have kept them from being over-run.

Tried to make some kind of picture, but this isn't really set up for it. You land 200meters from the Transmitorium in a cleared road. To your right is the Arbites, to your Left and behind you is the Guard. Col. Folken is behind you as well. Manarc is just north of the Arbites next to the Transmitorium.

Tellemachus exits the landing craft in a well practiced motion, he draws his shotgun in one hand and the force sword in the other. He scans the Guardsman's line holding back the Hive Scum and looks for any breaks

Perception:40+20+4=64: 1d100 ⇒ 88

Tellemachus voices through the squad-wide vox

"Orders Kill-team leader?"

Tellemachus' words echoed through the Lamenters head as the Aquilla transport touched down.

Soon Black Shield, soon we may call each other 'Battle-Brother'. For now we must ride to glory, and soon shall trust follow.

Having taken the seat second closest to the exit he was quick to move out of the ship once its doors had settled onto the dusty street. Brother Lucian had not yet given roles, so Lutha merely took a few steps before falling heavily to one knee and scanning the area for immediate threats, making sure to give special attention to the surrounding buildings. The high windows would make ideal positions were this to be an ambush.

Perception (70): 1d100 ⇒ 5

Suddenly the din of the rioting hive worlders was silenced by the Librarians voice crackling through the vox. Lutha remained silent as he waited for his orders.

I believe the majority decided on Oath of the Weapon. Also the req list is pretty much complete, we only had 8 left over after everything and no real concession on what to use it on. Now that we've equipped ourselves it looks like that problem was solved.

Apologies for the slowness, I was real-life roleplaying last night.

Lucian remains silent as they embark the waiting transport, wary of the Inquisitor's retinue. As the ship enters the atmosphere, Lucian opens a vox-channel to his brothers.

Brothers, we ready ourselves once more to take on our sacred duty. We, the Emperor's chosen, stand as a bastion against the enemy within, the enemy without and the enemy beyond. We will not fail in our duty, lest the Imperium be beset and overrun by the evils of the galaxy.

Courage and honour brothers.

Once Lucian has finished administering the ritual oath to the squad, he silently offers a prayer to the Emperor and his Primarch, checks his gear one last time, and makes ready to deploy.

As the transport lands, Lucian begins to issue orders.

Thedius, on point. Keep a watchful eye out ahead of us.
Hallan and Tellemachus will lead the main group, I will remain at the Inquisitor's side in the centre, and Elyas and Leon will take rearguard.

Everyone should be aware that there may be a number of rogue psykers within this area, and prompt warnings are essential if we are to destroy them before they can unleash their warp-damned powers against us. Tellemachus, that is your prime responsibility.

Lucian adds the Lord Inquisitor to the squad-wide vox-channel.

We are ready to move on Inquisitor.

Did you purposly forget about me Vartas?

@GM - I can confirm Vartas as Team Leader and the Oath to be Oath of the weapon.

Tempted though he is to jump with the assasin, Thedius remains in the lander, aware the Inquisitor as his main mission. He rushes from the vehicle eager to put himself between any threats and the rest of the squad. Using his chapter training he choose a good position of cover to use as a look-out and scanned the area before him.
Perception 75: 1d100 ⇒ 25

"In position Brother Vartas"

Once he determines the direction that the Inquisitor wishes to go he looks to a good plan for himself to scout ahead
Tactics(Stealth and Recon) 45: 1d100 ⇒ 86
If the GM says I can get any advantage out of this roll, I'll use a FP on it

In what way? Your placement is listed at the top of the plan - on point being out in front as lead scout.

I would give you a bonus to detecting enemy scouts Thedius, but your perception of 5 degrees of success should cover that.
GM Dice: 1d100 ⇒ 40 Yep it covers it.

@Vartas - I'm going blind! Sorry! Uber failed a per test to read this thread

"Brothers there is a periscope style obvervation device breaching the manhole cover ahead"

Assuming I can charge the manhole from where I am:
Thedius Guns his jump pack, landing just beside the manhole, he rips it open and points his bolt-pistol at the hiver within.
"Drop your weapons exit towards me or I will end you"
Intimidate 50: 1d100 ⇒ 21

If I cannot, I will inform the others of my atempt to make a capture and try to sneak up on him

Opposed WP: 1d100 ⇒ 1 I guess the scum have a deathwish that is about the only roll that could make 'em stay and fight.

Everyone gets one action since Brother Thedius found the scum in the sewer as a surprise action. Go ahead and roll Initiatives for the next rounds of combat.

Initiative for next rounds: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

In case some of you are not sure, you can preview your message before you submit it, and it will show you dice results so you can post about them without having to edit.

*Edit to answer Brother Thedius' questions*

How far down is he? How is he armed? What does he look like?

Iniative: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

I re-edited my spoiler since I guess there was something that wasn't clear

"Correction, not gangers. None of them seem to be armed. Orders?"

Initiative: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Capture for interrogation Thedius instructs Lucian, as he interposes himself between the recognised threat and the Inquisitor.

Eyes open brothers, it seems there are heretics below us in the sewers.

Tellemachus scans the Guardsman posts,as Brother Varta's voice crackles over the vox.

"Understood, Brother"

Tellemachus enters a brief state of concentration as he try's to locate any source of warp energy in the general area of the LZ

Psyscience:WP 50+5=55: 1d100 ⇒ 70

The background noise from civilians seems to have such intensity to break a Librarian's concentration.

Tellemachus hears Thedius's report of Heretics below, the Librarien's lip curls in disgust and his attention snaps to the indicated location

Initiative: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Keeping close to the inquisitor and Borther Lucian, Elyas prepares for an ambush in response to Brother Thedius' discovery. Interrogation, the word resonates within, his training pushing it forward.

I have the interrogation skill if needed.

Initiative: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Perhaps you can join me up front. I hate to think what would happen to a human if I dragged him back at my speed

Tactics: Defensive Doctrine (40): 1d100 ⇒ 79

Lutha took his position along side Brother Tellemachus, trying his best to provide optimal protection to the group behind him, but the wide streets and clear sight-lines meant there was little that could be done. Their walk to the Transmitorium had barely begun when it was halted by Thedius' report of rioters in the sewers.

Initiative: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Somewhat disgruntled that such a minuscule threat is delaying the mission before the very eyes of the Lord Inquisitor Lutha takes a moment to scan the rest of the roadway around them to check for any additional manholes. Hopefully there were no other hivers and this whole thing could be dealt with swiftly.

Awareness (70): 1d100 ⇒ 60

Brother Thedius is able to pull up the man with the make-shift periscope.

No! I won't be sacrificed. Please let me go! He bangs on Thedius with the jury-rigged device and it breaks in his hands. The other humans below run away in fright.

Initiatives and Actions so far

Brother Thedius-11-Grabed a human out of the sewer
Brother Vartas-11(tied) Orders given
GM
Brother Lutha Attempted to recall some Defensive Doctrine and scanning area
Brother Tellemachus Attempted to sense psyker activity
Brother Elyas Keeps close to the Lord Inquisitor

Lord Inquisitor Gathrix points at Jyson Rixx. Jyson nods and pulls his psycocullum visor down. He looks the human over that Brother Thedius is holding and shakes his head. He is not a witch lord.
++++++++++++++++++++++++Surprise Round Over++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Suddenly aprox 120meters to your right an explosion goes off. A contingent of Arbites are on flames. In the center of the Chaos is a human figure wearing the flames like a cloak.