Storm of Sinners

Game Master BayouSnowman

Having been granted permission to discuss his investigation, Lucian contacts Del.

The Captain has granted me permission to discuss my actions. While the Kill-Team were aboard the traitor vessel, the Watch Captain expressed some concerns about the integrity of members of the Tyrantine Cabal. I followed my orders, as any good Astartes does, but the subterfuge involve made me somewhat uncomfortable.
I was tasked with investigating Lady Rathbone, and ordered to search her quarters. The sample you are currently analysing was retrieved from the bathroom in her private quarters. I have no idea what it represents, nor do I know how it came to be in her quarters. I hope your expertise can shed some light upon it.

"Your information makes me uncomfortable with the implications my research is suggesting. Come let us go to the laboratory."

I do not know how much assistance I can be to you, Del, but I will help however I can.

Interrogation, 45+10+10: 1d100 ⇒ 100 Wonderful.
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Preventing Interrogation, days: 1d5 ⇒ 5
If 4 or more DoS, +30 to resist

Infuriated by the evading answers, Elyas forgets who his opponent is a treats him as he would one with space marine physiology, alas the man is not a marine and soon he glides into a blissful coma. Enough, Elyas says clearly annoyed.

1d100 ⇒ 45

Your lack of restraint has cost you this prisoner, at least for now. As servitors take away the unconscious man they ask if you would like the second captive brought in.

Interrogation, 45+10: 1d100 ⇒ 34 2DoS

"Yes," he answers grimly. When the servitors bring in the next subject, he smiles grimly. "I will harm you, you will not die, only in absolution will you find peace," he states as though it were the very facts of life. "Tell me first, your armaments where did acquire them?

The second prisoner is brought in, a young woman. You barely have time to begin your questioning when she breaks down, tears stream down her face and her voice comes out broken:

"P-please my lord, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't...they made me do it. THEY MADE ME! Pl-e-e-easeeeee..."

It takes a while to get her to calm down enough, but once you do she seems incredibly cooperative. You gather that she had been some kind of slave brought to the Planet and forced to labor there. She says she doesn't know where they got the weapons, only that every three months or so a ship would come bringing weapons, supplies, and extra bodies.

Surprised at Elyas reaction and the way he lost his temper in righteous fury Arkhos nods and grins in approval as his brother is finally talking more with actions than words and he is getting to know him.

Arkhos asks one of the servitors to cut a piece of flesh from the unconscious prisoner so he can analyze it as he will consume it to see what he can gather from it.

As the transport's ramp clangs to the deck, Ulrich steps into the recycled air of his new home for the foreseeable future. Tall and powerfully built even for a Space Marine, Ulrich pauses with one hand resting lightly on the hilt of his power sword. Unable to contemplate the weapon without a pang of loss, he recites a quiet prayer to the Allfather under his breath. He surveys the hangar for a moment, looking to see if the Master of the Ship or the Watch Captain had sent anyone to meet his transport.

Other Astartes exit the transport alongside you Brother Hammern. You count at least a dozen other Deathwatch marines at a quick glance. A few of the more famous chapters badges catch your eye: Blood Angels, Storm Wardens, Salamanders, and even a marine of the White Scars. They are mixed with the heraldry of their various successors, like fathers standing at the side of their sons. The Mentors, Black Dragons, Genesis Chapter, Angels of Absolution, and Guardians of the Covenant among others. Something strikes you as odd with all of these Space Marines assembling in the transport bay: if the briefing you received before you came to the Calixis sector were true, then you and these additional Astartes would push the number of active Deathwatch marines in this sector to nearly fifty. That would be enough for there to be at least half a dozen kill-teams operating at any given time. You wonder: what could possibly be happening in this region of space to necessitate such a show of force?

But you have little time to further explore your thoughts before you are interrupted. Another Astartes approaches the transport. His armor bares no chapter markings, the left pauldron blackened completely where one would normally expect to see a badge. Because the marine wears no helmet you can see three studs of service in his forehead. "Attention!" he calls, his voice thick with the airs of command. The marines around you fall into line at his word. "I am Watch Captain Enoch of the Deathwatch, and I would like to welcome you to my Watch Fortress here on Scintilla. The Imperium has called you here, away from chapters, for one reason. You are the best at what you do. Whether you have made a name for yourself fighting Eldar, or Orks, or any other of the myriad of Xenos breeds that plague our existence, or if you have instead proven yourself battling the enemy within. It matters not, because now you are here and I expect to see that service from each and every one of you. Look around you, we are your chapter now, these Astartes will be your brothers for as long as you serve the Deathwatch. Questions? No? Good."

"You should have already been given your bunk assignments, report to the armory and check your weapons and gear there. Afterwards familiarize yourself with the Fortress and its facilities, some of you may be here a while. Orders and kill-team assignments will be given to you within the day. Dismissed."

Ulrich straightens and pays close attention to the Watch Captain as he speaks. Despite the white hair and beard he wears, he has no studs of service in evidence. His posture is not really what one could call a position of attention, but it is respectful and attentive. When Enoch stops speaking, Ulrich salutes respectfully with right fist pressed over his hearts, though his face is set in a disapproving scowl. Following the map of the Watch Fortress that had been implanted in his mind during his hypno-training, he heads off toward the armory.

Arkhos watches the Captain speech and somehow finds himself remembering something similar when he first came here "This is almost a company of seasoned warriors, but such are our needs" as Arkhos tries to find other of his Chapter or it's successors with a quick glance, just to see if there were other brave warriors from his Chapter or that seems worthy and above the rest of them that he might take under his wing and mentor them.

Yup I'm trying to find something like a Follower or at least help with their training, like the one we had for Phyrr

Brother Hammern
A servitor questions you when you arrive, determining which gear you wish to take personal care of and which you would like added to the armory. It also notes your weapons and ammunition types for the purpose of determining necessary supplies. It is tedious but necessary should you wish to keep bolts in your gun. You also make arrangements for your personal serfs who have followed you from your home chapter.

Once you have completed all of the necessary bureaucratic work (or rather, overseen your serfs as they sorted out the forms) you have the freedom to do what you wish. All of the normal faculties of a Watch Fortress are present here. Along with the armory you have already been to there is also a Chaplain and Master of the Forge as well as opportunities to interact with some of the other branches of military that have been working alongside the Deathwatch.

Brother Arkhos
As you eyeball the assembled marines you see that there was truth to the Captains words, these men handle themselves as if they really were the best that the Imperium has to offer. Despite being new to the Deathwatch you spy none that you would call a "recruit". Somewhat disappointed you notice a few figures that catch your interest: A Space Wolf that wears an obvious scowl on his face as he listens to the Watch Captains speech, a Mentor who stood at stark attention but took a look of obvious disinterest once Enoch had left, a Black Dragon with massive bone-like protrusions coming from his arms and forehead that draw your interest though he has done nothing out of the ordinary otherwise.

They certainly seem like a rather crass menagerie.

Most Space Marines are gung-ho enough that they aren't going to immediately take to having a mentor unless they were either ordered to or had a great deal of respect for that person. Also "followers" and "trusted allies" are a little different and Space Marines don't typically fall into the "followers" category.

"Nice, I thought you could, they would just be "recruit" type arines not veterans like any Deathwatch would be, but I guess I will try to get a Serf for those purposes.

The Black Dragon and the Space Wolf spark his interest more than the Mentor, as they are more warrior like himself, chooses to approach them both if they are still among the crowd

"Well met brothers, it's always good to meet someone as interesting looking, do not doubt to ask if you have questions of concerns, any one for a sparring match to exercise and get accustomed to this place?"

Ulrich seems a little more dour than the Space Wolf reputation would suggest, but he nods in greeting to Brother Arkhos and extends a hand to him, "Well met. I am Brother Ulrich Hammern, of 3rd Company of the Sons of Morkai. I would be glad to take you up on your offer of a match, I have heard great things of the valor and ferocity of the Executioners."

Arkhos smile widens "How about you brother, care to dust off a bit after such long travel?"

As you get closer to the Black Dragon you can see the protrusions from his arms and head are actually coated in what looks to be adamantine. His skin also appears to be far darker than that of your average Astartes. The Black Dragon beams widely at your offer. "Yes! Yes, of course Brother Executioner! Long have I waited to test myself against the many mighty legacies of the Deathwatch. Oh, and I am Brother Fe'jan Magath of the Black Dragons."

"The let us make our way then, as you might also enjoy the view of the other humble facilities we have around here" Arkhos shows the pair any area he is allowed to take them that they wish to see before going to the gymnasium to exercise a bit.

Brother Fe'jan seems quite eager to see the facilities of the Watch Fortress, however he is careful not to let his eagerness have him come off as impolite.

Ulrich falls in beside the other two Marines, content to walk in silence. After the brief stop at the armory, Ulrich turns to Arkhos, "Brother ..., my apologies, I do not believe I caught your name, Brother."

Namicon enters the ship with a resounding cling as his leg hits the grownd. Aftor listing the the Watch Capitan he gets done with his responsibilities and begins the explore mighty Fortress.

Seeing Brother Namicon pass him in the hallway, Ulrich nods to the Marine that arrived at the Watch Fortress with him.

"I am Brother Arkhos of the Executioners"as Arkhos continues to guide them and answer any questions they might have before they blow some steam with some melee combat.

"I am Brother Arkhos of the Executioners"as Arkhos continues to guide them and answer any questions they might have before they blow some steam with some melee combat.

"Brother Arkhos, why are there so many Deathwatch here? This is far more than is usual for a Watch Fortress."

Would you guys like an actual mock combat or just a fade-to-black scenario?

I don't mind either or, it's just to keep something going on and the best way to bond is by some good sport ;)

Once you reach the training cages Brother Fe'jan quickly sets about preparing himself for a fight. You see that he grabs no weapon, armed only with his armour and the strange protrusions emerging from his forearms.

"So Brothers, how should we judge this contest? First to land a blow, firs to draw blood? or..." he smiles openly "last to yield perhaps?"

Arkhos smiles dearly "Well, I believe none of us are going to settle for softly matters so let's see who yields first or when someone has take considerable enough damage someone has to intervene."

Ulrich looks at Brother Magath, "Is this to be an unarmed contest, Magath?"

"Nay Brother Hammern, it is just that I prefer to fight with my chapters boon above all." he indicates the blades extending from his arms "I assure you they are as potent as any chainsword, though I can use a more traditional armament if you wish."

"I will fight you in unarmed combat" he points at Ulrich and turns to Brother Fe'jan "I will test my axe against your claws" as Arkhos finds it a suitable compromise, by allowing both warriors to fight him in their areas of expertise and perhaps learn a bit more of his own weaknesses or strengths.

Ulrich grunts noncomitally in response to Arkhos' comment. He moves out of the way to allow Arkhos and Magath room for their contest.

"At your leisure then Brother Arkhos."

Initiative: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Initiative 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Arkhos smiles and without hesitation commences the fight

Weapon Skill 1d100 ⇒ 31

"Don't mind if I do'

I will assume that you intended an attack Brother Arkhos

1d100 ⇒ 29

With reflexes worthy of an Astartes the Assault Marine catches your weapon on one of his arm blades. Still holding your weapon he presses onto you, attempting to force your movements backwards.

1d100 ⇒ 38

Make a WS test. You need at least one DoS or you will be forced back 1 meter.

Despite having plenty of opportunity to attack you with his other blade he refrains.

"You should have used your other blade, it is your birthright" as Arkhos stops and takes the hit "Next we fight I want your all Brother, don't hold back, unleash your gifts"

Without hesitation Brother Fe'jan returns your quip. While he speaks he falls back into a ready stance, hands held in a loose guard and all his weight balanced carefully on the balls of his feet as he bobs softly around.

"I should say the same of you Brother Arkhos. Are you so presumptuous that you yield before we have seen this to its end?"

"No, I'm just warning you to not let your guard down and put up a fight worth remembering for me"

as Arkhos takes a combat posture again and smiles "So we were about to get this over with weren't we" as Arkhos taunts the Black Dragon to attack him again.

So you want to delay your action? Or are you forgoing one entirely? You do have Initiative after all.

"We were." he says confidently as he steps inside your guard and attacks, this time with both blades.

2d100 ⇒ (72, 18) = 90 The first attacks sails wide past your left arm but the second, a brutal hammer blow, connects solidly to your right leg. The honed adamantine of the arm blade cuts effortlessly through metal and flesh. You suffer1d10 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26 damage.

Delay, forgot to mention it

Arkhos is caught by surprise by the second strike "Excellent" as Arkhos swings his axe recklessly, making a small twist of his hand that allowed to connect in an awkward move.

Dodge1d100 ⇒ 85

Attack WS1d100 ⇒ 54
re-Roll WS 1d100 ⇒ 30

1d100 ⇒ 81

Brother Fe'jan grunts and attempts to parry your attack but fails, taking the brunt of the blow.

I'll need some damage for your attack

2d100 ⇒ (74, 18) = 92
He unleashes a retaliation of his own and again the first attack fails to connect while the second puts further punishment on your right leg. You suffer 1d10 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21 damage.

Stygian Axe damage 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 Pen 2

Arkhos begins to understand his opponent's moves and is able to dodge

Dodge 1d100 ⇒ 24

Do I have to beat his roll of just my Dodge 50, always wondered that.

Arkhos attempts to lure Fe'jan to catch him off guard and then strike at him

Feint 1d100 ⇒ 41
Standard Attack 1d100 ⇒ 40
Damage 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 Pen 2

Dodge is not an opposed test. It is resolved as a standard test (i.e. you must roll on under your associated skill/characteristic.)

Also you may not perform two actions with the same subtype in a round. Thus, you may feint OR attack, but not both.

Remember that you also add your Strength Bonus to your damage rolls with melee weapons.

Your blow bounces harmlessly off of the Black Dragons hardened body. He hesitates for a moment:

"Brother Arkhos; with all due respect your current armament appears to be ill-suited to penetrating powered armor. If you wish I could forgo the use of my own in the interest of fairness."

"Yes, this may not be the best weapon for doing damage against power armor, but I wanted to see what your blades could do and test your skill with them not to harm you by any chance, since I have never seen one like you, and they are every bit as deadly as they seem brother. Humor me, brother all you probably need is to land a solid hit on me. That is if you can"

Damn it, I knew i was forgetting something and I was wondering why my damage was so low hahahaha

Brother Fe'jan does not seem to have taken kindly to your dismissive mannerisms.

1d100 ⇒ 53

The Astartes drives home a solid hay-maker straight into your breastplate piercing straight through ceramite and into your flesh. You suffer 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21 damage.

"Perhaps you should give greater consideration to your situation and better apply yourself, you could stand to learn something if you did."

By my count you have now suffered 8 total wounds after AP and TB. I assume you have something planned if you are still going to try and win this combat.

I have only 1 chance and that is to stun

Dodge 1d100 ⇒ 37

"There is always a way"

As Arkhos strikes with deadly precision towards his brother's head
Stun Attack WS 30 1d100 ⇒ 8
Strength 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

If this fails Arkhos will just give up the fight, as it is his last choice and by my roll which is fairly low, it's not surprising if I do lose

Brother Fe'jan makes absolutely no attempt to avoid your blow whatsoever. Your chapter heirloom strikes him square on the bridge of his nose.

1d10 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

There is not even a hint of concern on his face as your blow lands harmlessly. He goes to continue his assault but stops immediately once you surrender. With a sigh he says "...Thank you for the match Brother Arkhos. Unfortunately I must be on my way." Saying nothing further he leaves the training area, nodding to Brother Hammern as he goes.

Arkhos looks at the Black Dragon "I learned something new, he is as tough as a dragon too" as Arkhos smiles to himself and let's a small laugh out "Thank you for the match indeed"

I don't know if Hammern wants to goat it or just do this into a background kind of match as to allow the story to continue and a chance to assist the players in the mission or on board the ship?

I am fine with background.

Brother Hammern sets his weaponry in a rack his hand lingering on his bolter and his blade. The weapon is unusual for one of Brother Hammern's rank, but stranger things have happened. He squares off against Brother Arkhos and though he gives a fair accounting of himself, it is clear that unarmed melee is not Brother Hammern's preferred way of fighting.

Shortly after you complete your training one of your personal serfs enters the training area: "Pardon the intrusion my Lords, but the Watch-Captain has sent summons for you."

---

You meet Captain Enoch in a small office that he is using during his stay in the fortress. The space is not well utilized and you get the sense that he does not wish to be here long.

"Colonel Folken has sent word that the assault on the crossroads is preceding well and should be complete within the hour. This means we must now look forward to our next step: liberating the Manufactorum itself. Unfortunately, with the bulk of the work being handled by the guard as well as the brothers that have already deployed, you will not be participating directly. Rather, I need your expertise for more...clandestine matters."

"The Cabal has expressed a certain interest in these rebels, specifically their leadership, due in part to their surprising ability to organize themselves into a capable fighting force in such a short span of time. They fly their flag under the name of 'Olid's Enlightened', though why they chose it or who this Olid is supposed to be is unknown. In fact, we know surprisingly little about their command structure if they even have one. What we do know, or rather what we can assume, is that they are using the Manufactorum as their staging area as well as a means to fuel their war machine. As such the Cabal has requested that a joint strike-team of Sororitas and Astartes be sent to infiltrate the facility and capture as many of the rebel leaders as possible before they are able to escape in the confusion of the main assault."

"However, there is something of far greater importance in the depths of Beo than masters of some mob: an ancient Contemptor Dreadnought of the Iron Hands chapter. I have contacted the sons of Manus and offered our services in retrieving the relic and they have accepted. Unfortunately certain political consequences force us to undergo the recovery in relative secret. This means that at some point in the mission you will need to separate yourselves from the sisters to carry out your objective." He pauses for several minutes as he pulls out a series of documents and photographs and lays them out on the table before you.

"Now" he continues "as I said earlier many of the routes into the Manufactorum have been scuttled by the rebels. We believe we have found an alternative however. There is a small tram system that passes through the outer crusts of Mount Thollos and runs to one of the Manufactorums substations. Intelligence says it is still intact, likely the rebels have overlooked it because the facility it runs to wasn't used to fabricate weapons or armor. You along with the sisters will be using the tram to enter the substation and then the main Manufactorum from there. After that you will have to locate and capture the rebel commanders, we believe they may be using the main control room as their HQ here:" he shows you what looks to be a schematic of the Manufactorum and points to a room on one of the upper floors. "The Dreadnought, however, is likely stored here; in one of the lower vaults." he says as he points to one of the facilities sub-floors. "We aren't sure what to expect in the way of resistance once you arrive at Beo, though I'm sure you will have plenty of opportunity to separate yourself from the Sororitas without much suspicion."

He leans back in his chair and rubs subconsciously at his bionic leg. "Oh, and one last thing. Colonel Folken has requested that we try and take back control of Beos defense systems to enable air support for the main assault."

"Any questions?"

Kill-Team: Three Marines
Primary Objective: Secure the Contemptor Dreadnought
Secondary Objective: Capture the leaders of Olid's Enlightened
Secondary Objective: Disable the Manufactorums defense systems
Requisition: 195

You will have 48 hours to report in, spend requisition, and choose a commander/oath. Once 48 hours have passed any unspent requisition will be forfeited. If you have not come to a consensus on a leader or oath within the time limit one will be chosen for you, first among volunteers and then by dice roll if none volunteer (oath will also be determined via dice roll). If less than three marines have reported in within 48 hours than the mission will begin with only those who have reported in. If you come to a consensus on all of the above before 48 hours have elapsed then the mission will begin immediately thereafter.