"Well met, Brother Lucian. You are correct in your identification of the arms of my chapter. And yes, I do permit a discussion of the Codex Astartes. My Chapter is rather strict in its adherence."
Although I value the interpretations of the Codex by our brothers, it gladdens my heart to fight alongside a member of a Chapter which follows the guidance laid down by my lord Guilliman. Tell me, brother, how have you found your experience with the Deathwatch thus far?
"At the present I have found nothing disagreeable. Though I welcome any opportunity to put the enemies of the Emperor to the sword."
This is a persistent recruiting, correct? I will put together a submission soon.
You are correct and welcome to the team.
Yes, recruitment will remain open and continuous. Do note MisterLurch that this game has several house-rules for character creation in effect. That information as well as a bit of information on the game are available in the campaign info tab.
Are grey knights allowed?
The structural damage to the ship has forced the Sisters and the Guard to share the same command center temporarily, so finding them both proves easy enough. There is a sense of urgency in the air and you are constantly being passed by at least a half a dozen runners going every which way.
You find the Colonel as well as Sister Vesta in a shared office towards the back of the command area. They appear to be occupied with stacks of paperwork piled on their respective desks, likely troop requisition forms and battlefield reports given the sheer volume of Imperial forms. You notice that the Colonel is filling out most of his forms with his left hand, likely due to a large network of scar tissue crossing over his right.
When you enter the room Folken rises quickly to his feet and offers the sign of the Aquilla:
"Good day My Lord, to what do I owe this visit?"
Sister Vesta acknowledges you with a nod, but continuous with her work.
Are grey knights allowed?
No. The only books allowed are the Deathwatch Core Book and Rites of Battle. However, exceptions are made in the case of playable space marine chapters that are presented in other books. Unfortunately Grey Knights do not benefit from that exception and thus remain unavailable to players.
Lucian notes the frosty look from Sister Vesta, but makes no mention of it. He nods politely back at her, and approaches Colonel Folken.
Colonel, I wish to formally thank you and your men on behalf of myself and my Deathwatch brothers. Time and again you are called upon to battle forces which test even the Astartes, and yet you perform your duty with the utmost skill and dedication. Although not all of my Battle-Brothers are used to serving with non-Astartes so closely, we of Ultramar are well-versed in a combined arms approach, and your unit is one of the finest I have ever had the privilege to serve with.
While we are in transit, I hope you would allow your men to train with some of us in the simulation deck, so that we can better understand how to fight efficiently together.
"T-thank you My Lord. I will pass your praises on to the rest of the men."
"To be frank your offer comes as a great relief to me. We have suffered rather heavy losses as of late, especially amongst our Non-Comms, and I have been having some difficulties maintaining the troops focus while we reorganize, and that's a serious danger if we really are to be pacifying Scintilla. The Sister and I were looking into arranging some joint training efforts and the involvement of the kill-team would be much appreciated."
Using techniques taught to him by his mentor, Master Apothecary Kregorr Thann, Del sifts through substance at the microscopic and subatomic levels.
"Intriguing."
Unfortunately it seems the time has taken a serious toll on the substance as it appears to have undergone severe degradation in a matter of only a few days, whether or not that was an intended feature remains to be seen. Regardless, your Master trained you well and you are able to recover a great many interesting details on the substance.
It appears to be a careful mixture of both naturally occurring and synthetic compounds. Oddly enough most of the ingredients you can identify could be easily acquired through perfectly legitimate means. However, it would take a deft hand to be able to actually create something like this out of normally innocuous chemicals.
Beyond that your results are inconclusive. Although, if you had to hazard a guess, this compound seems to have been intended to cause a non-lethal reaction within the victim, likely paralysis or some sort of neurological malady.
Brother Castil finds a lab where he can begin to analyze the pic recording. Having never seen it and only hearing small accounts of what actually happened, he is intrigued and pays close attention to the moments where his brothers reported seeing something.
vs Tech-Use (Int 55) +10 Bionic hand: 5 DOS
Brother Xavier doesn't even need to grab a combi-tool, he easily accesses the information and begins to manipulate it to isolate all images and clues.
vs Forb. Lore Psyker or Warp (Int 55) 3 DOS
You play through the entirety of the pict-recording once just to get a feel for its contents. Nothing strikes you as particularly unusual (well, more unusual than you had expected). You are able to quickly identify and classify most of what the kill-team encountered as standard Warp Entities in line with what you had read in their reports. You set the pict-recorder for a second viewing, skipping straight to the section of interest: a three minute span of video taken by Brother Lutha when they encountered the unknown Obelisk. With little concern you begin to isolate and enhance images from the pict-recorder, compiling an entire still-shot of the blood-soaked surface to save yourself the headache of constantly rewinding the video for review. Unfortunately, it seems that the Tactical Marine was not born to operate a camera as much of the Obelisks surface went unrecorded. Despite this you manage to piece together a rather promising portion of text.
The writing on the Obelisk is reminiscent of an outdated form of Space Marine runes mixed with heretic symbology. It is difficult, but you do manage to translate the Obelisks text into comprehensible form:
"...I followed my companion as he disappeared into the deserts shifting sands. For how long we walked I do not know as Komus saw fit to deny me the natural cycle of night and day. Soon I began to fall prey to the overbearing heat, or perhaps something else. Visions of unspeakable horror would flash before my eyes and I could hear the whispers of unreal creatures following my every step. My companion did not seem to share my affliction nor did he ever stop to rest, not even for a moment. He merely continued upon a path only he knew, one that had us piercing the very heart of the Ki'dobe. My companion said to me:
Flesh is but transience, its burden is not absolute. Those who bare my mark will be my harbingers. They will herald my truth."
Although this "prophecy" seems to have been transcribed by the heretics, you hesitate to actually credit them with its creation. There seems to be a certain sense of ambiguity not common amongst the worshipers of Slaneesh.
You recognize the word "Komus" in the text as the same one used to identify a notorious astral phenomenon in the Calixis Sector, also known as the Tyrant Star.
Brother Castil goes through the recording taking note of what he finds . One word of interest comes up, "Komus." It's used to identify an astral phenomenon in the Calixis sector, also known as the Tyrant Star.
He recognizes some Chapter runes but is unable to decipher their contents or meaning. Perhaps they are from a traiterous legion that he has less knowledge of than his brothers.
Chapter Runes -20 vs Int 55....Failure
Perhaps brother Tellemachus can make sense of these other ciphers, if not, then he'll find another brother who might be more knowledgable in these areas.
He sends a data transmission of the images in question to his kill team and request that any brother with knowledge of these Ciphers please assist him.
** spoiler omitted **
Del seeks the rest of the team to ask the circumstances surrounding the recovery of "the substance."
Perhaps it would be a prudent time to question the prisoners, Elyas wonders as the ship once again braves the void in order to reach their goal. It takes a few days for the Dark Angel to find the motivation to assign time in his schedule to the task.
He seeks out the Watch Captain. After being allowed to speak he asks: "My lord, I would request time with our prisoners from Phyrr."
Valerio heads to the Armory in order to look over some of the tech and weaponry that had been recovered from the Beasthouse Members on Phyrr. He brings along his Servo-Skull assistant to help him wherever it can.
Once Valerio has had his chance to look over the various implements recovered from Beasthouse he gets a comm relay to Brother Elyas to inform him of some questions he would like asked of the prisoners.
As he is finishing up his conversation with Elyas, he receives the data transmission from Brother Castil.
He gets a comms relay to Brother Castil.
"Brother Librarian Castil, this is Brother Techmarine Valerio León. I have not had the pleasure to formally meet your acquaintance yet, however I am certain it will be a great honor to work and serve with you; but I digress, I recognize these Chiphers. It seems to be part of a story or prophecy of sorts. I'm going to send you the translation now."
Valerio sends back a data transmission containing both the original text as well as the translated version.
Arkhos finds himself with not much to do but training, but eventually decides to visit the prisoners of phyrr to find an all to familiar face in the form of Brother Elyas heading on the same direction, but chooses to mutter no words as he silently continues on his way as to maintain some focus on the task on hand.
Del seeks the rest of the team to ask the circumstances surrounding the recovery of "the substance."
After asking around you learn that Brother Lucian was the one who brought the substance in.
"My lord, I would request time with our prisoners from Phyrr."
"Granted. See to them however you wish."
You and Brother Arkhos are allowed an interrogation room as well as unrestricted access to the two remaining prisoners. One of them has already been prepared for you when you arrive. The ID he had on him when he was captured lists him as a middle hiver from a world called Baraspine.
This ID is clearly forged.
The prisoner watches you two with a steely gaze, his jaw clenched closed. He puts on a brave front but you can see the sweat starting to bead on his forehead.
Valerio heads to the Armory in order to look over some of the tech and weaponry that had been recovered from the Beasthouse Members on Phyrr. He brings along his Servo-Skull assistant to help him wherever it can.
You find no other pieces of Archeotech other than the Atomizer Cannon you had already identified earlier.
You notice that the marks of heraldry on the weapon are different than those you found in the Adeptus Biologicus facility. You are not familiar with the heraldry however.
Beyond that you find a bolter that bears the markings of a Noise Marine amongst the xeno tech and other illegal weapons. That is the only thing that catches your eye as everything else could have been acquired easily through normal black market channels.
Where is the appropriate thread to discuss character creation/development?
Where is the appropriate thread to discuss character creation/development?
PM or discussion thread are ideal.
Hmm... Valerio looks around to see if he can find a Keeper or a Master of The Forge who might have a bit more information on the Heraldry than himself. As he looks he sends a message to Brothers Elyas and Arkhos
+++Brothers Elyas and Arkhos. There was an Atomizer Cannon among the assorted weaponry of the Beasthouse members. The Heraldry does not match that of the Adeptus Biologicus. Try to see if they have any knowledge of where these weapons came from; maybe at least who supplied it to them, although I fear that they may not know much.+++
Between the Unknown Heraldry and the Prophetic Tale Valerio's mind was swirling with thoughts. He focuses on one item at a time, as he continues his search for a more knowledgeable ally he mulls over the Prophetic Verse.
Then, suddenly, it doesn't fit. The Obelisk and it's Verse feel out of place on a ship filled with the Children of Torment. He sends a quick missive, not having the time to discuss this as he would like, to Brother Castil, before hurrying on to the task of discovering the Mysterious Heraldry.
+++Brother Castil, The Verse on the Obelisk feels out of place. I doubt it could be attributed to the Children of Torment, much less any of the Traitors aboard that ship. I am not sure who could have inscribed it.+++
Valerio stops before the Keeper as he makes the sign of Aquila, careful not to overstep his bounds and staying behind the restricted line.
The Keeper returns your greeting, his force halberd held firmly in one hand.
"Hail tech-marine, how does this day find you?"
The Keeper motions for the dataslate.
He takes what seems to be an uncomfortably long time to examine the image, his armor betraying no thoughts of the marine inside. Finally he speaks though his eyes do not waiver from the screen:
"Where did you say you found this?"
"...Interesting" he hands you back the dataslate "It is the marking of Umbra Malygris, a tech-heretic that plagued the Calixis sector some time ago, though he and his ilk have since been purged. Brother Leon, you will relinquish the weapon along with any other items you find similarly marked to my care. I hope you understand."
Del then looks for Brother Lucian.
Valerio nods quickly, "Of course Brother-Keeper, I understand. Would it possible that we may be able to purge the device, and other such devices, and see them put into the service of the Emperor? Furthermore is there any data on Umbra Malygris and other similar tech heretics that have plagued the Calixis sector, such as the Forge Worlds they might have had control of and the various devices that they could have controlled, along with what has been found and accounted for? It could be of use to tracking down how such criminals as that of the Beasthouse came by such rare Archeotech."
"Umbra Malygris led a minor schism from the Lathe worlds in 742.M41. He and his followers were quickly found and put to death. Since then there has been no more threat of Tech-Heresy in this sector. Once we reach Scintilla control of the situation will be turned over to the Master of the Forge. Until then I cannot speak anymore of it, I'm sorry."
"Brother Lucian, I will hear your tale on how you acquired this substance. It will aid me in my search for an answer."
Brother Castil recieves the comms relay from Brother Valerio.
Thank you brother. I look forward to meeting you as well, I believe we have much in common. I will speak with you in person about my Chapter's librarian abilities, they will be of great aid to those who rid themselves of their weak flesh as most techmarines surely do.
For now I shall report these findings and provide the translations to the Watch Captain. If I may be of any assisstance to you, please do not hesitate to call on me.
Brother Catil spends some time making his report and filling in the details of the object, ciphers, and warp anomoly found on the pic recorder. He adds his brothers thoughts and gives credit to them for aiding him in his report to the captain. Afterwards, he hand delivers the report to the Watch Captain and inquiries if there may be something else or someone else he could assist.
The Watch Captain receives the report calmly and takes a quick glance at its contents before sighing deeply and placing it in a drawer in his desk.
"You have done well Brother Castil, I mean it. I know that performing these constant errands must seem like a waste of your abilities but rest assured that your time is not forfeit. Once we reach Scintilla you will see combat, I promise. I ask only that you remain vigilant in your training until then."
It's hard to see any gratitude for the Watch Captain's words on Castil's face, but he does take pride in knowing that he is able to focus his energy and hatred into something productive. While the tasks might seem simple, they are a good test to keep the Librarian's mind sharp.
I will strive to remain vigilant and prepare us for Scintilla. I should get to know the team better so that we may support each other more effectively in the battles you promise. Until then I will continue to train and assist in the preparations of the ship and crew.
Castil leaves the Watch Captain and informs his team of his completion in analyzing the pict-recording. He offer's his assistance should anyone require it in completing their task or others.
Feeling famished, he heads to the mess hall to grab some dinner.
Arkhos glances over the prisoner's ID
"I regret to inform you that you are here for a most unpleasant time should you not cooperate" as Arkhos feels he has given the filth more than a fair warning instead of outright thrusting a dagger over his palm leaving it stuck on the table.
Valerio bows deeply and makes the sign of Aquila, "Of course, I shall have the device to you momentarily."
He retrieves the Atomizer Cannon and brings it to the Keeper. As he is en-route to deleiver the weapon he sends another message to Brothers Elyas and Arkhos,
+++Findings inconclusive. Please ask for information regarding their procurement of such interesting technology. I have no information beyond that they did not find the weaponry in the Adeptus Bilogicus facility.+++
While not opposed to Brother Arkhos joining him, he is puzzled. This takes some of his focus away and his opening is less than graceful. "Speak now," he demands.
Hours past and the interrogation grinds to a stalemate. He has given you answers, but only ones of no real consequence. The prisoner seems to be quite skilled at evading your questions and leading you on.
Following his discussion with Colonel Folken, Lucian is approached by Brother-Apothecary Del.
Brother, although I wish I could give you details about how I came by this substance, I was instructed to retrieve it by the Watch Captain, and I am unsure that he would want me to be discussing the events surrounding my obtaining the sample. I will confer with the Watch Captain as to how much he wishes me to share with you, and I will assist you to the best of my ability.
Lucian then voxes Watch Captain Enoch, to ask what details of his investigation can be shared with Brother Del to aid his analysis.
Del stifles his tongue before he uttered an insolent word. His Red Scorpion sense of propriety rails against all these secrecy but his devotion to the Codex demands obedience to the chain of command.
Del nods at Lucian. "I await the watch captain's favorable response."
The Watch-Captain gives you his blessing Brother Lucian.