Storm of Sinners

Game Master BayouSnowman

I understand, but I am going to expedite this due to some recent circumstances and that I do not want to wait until sunday. Brother Elyas can join in for the next mission.

+ Understood. Due to some recent Intel and imagery from Col. Folken I am aborting your mission. Make your way to Team one at the shrine for extraction.+

+++Aye sir, moving to extract now. Elyas, tactical retreat to the extract point, you move first.+++

Hopefully we can make an uneventful return to our transport out of here.

Hopefully? Uneventful? Hrrmph! Clearly you know little of Warhammer 40k! :D

Elyas is planning his assault when the counter order comes from brother Lucian. "Retreat?" he asks his displeasure clear over the short ranged vox.

Not retreat brother, a change of orders. We will move back to the shrine for extraction.

Somethings in discussion if have not seen. I know it does not apply to Elyas, Lucian and Zacirus as much, but you still get the XP from the missions and can see how I will break down future missions.

So do those of us on the secondary mission gain the same 600xp and 5 Renown as the primary mission team, and the bonus FP/honourable mention?

So do those of us on the secondary mission gain the same 600xp and 5 Renown as the primary mission team, and the bonus FP/honourable mention?

Yes In the discussion tab I mentioned that team 2 will just get fate points/honorable mentions this time instead of going through the other criteria's.

Lutha played close witness to the potential harm of the mutant psykers on the planet below. Once onboard the pious immolation, he took some time to steel his mind and spirit against future harm:

+WP Advancement Simple [200xp]

Lucian has now had his first significant experience interesting with non-Astartes, and Astartes from outside the Ultramarines. He has learned to modulate his expectations and his approach to questioning, negotiating with and leading those who are different from him.

Train Charm (400xp)

Shamed by the pitiful descent he performed at the very start of his first mission, Elyas withdraws to the chapel, once he returns to the Pious Immolation. Here he recites rite of weakness and failure before he seeking out the training facilities and beginning basic conditioning preparing for more jump training in the future. His harsh workout hardens him for the times to come.

Simple advancement Agility (200xp), Sound Constitution (500xp)

I will have another Mission up soon. I appreciate the updates you gave on exp spent. To a great degree you have to rely on people's integrity in that, though I have been known to audit sheets when I felt it warranted.

Returning to the Pious Immolation, Lucian reflects on the psychic assaults he endured. Although there was no significant damage to his psyche, the mental barriers he used to guard his mind had taken a battering. Resolving to strengthen them even further, Lucian takes up a program of meditation and introspection, and requests advice from Brother Tellemachus on shielding his mind from intrusion.

Simple WP advancement (500xp)

I'm off into deepest darkest Cornwall tomorrow, where my internet access may be a bit spotty, so my posting may drop off a little as I'll probably be limited to 3G via my phone. Normal service should resume Sunday evening.

Much had happened on this mission. Most of Elyas thoughts circled around his new brothers and their behaviour, much different from what he was used to. He would have to wait and see how they continued. Letting these thought lie for a moment he contemplated the inquisitor and his work, he recalled the many warning he had heard during his training in the chapter, nothing had disproved them yet.

Banking the xp for later use.

After nearly two centuries of avoiding the curse of his brothers Lutha was finally forced to take the first step down that black road. For now it was still manageable, albeit worrisome, and could even be called beneficial in the right circumstances. He would have to be careful to avoid any further outbursts in the future though.

+Frenzy [400xp]

After he returns aboard the Pious Immolation Valerio meditates on the mission. He feels at least partially responsible for the multitude of dead. If he had been stronger, or quicker, or any number of things maybe events would have transpired differently. Valerio takes to keeping his hands constantly busy, trying to stave off thoughts of failure by focusing on the difficult task of carving. He finds that it allows him to refocus himself and shut out unwanted thoughts in order to move forward rather than dwell on the failures of the past.

+Trade(Remembrancer)[600xp]

Considering I won't be on the next mission, I'm not in a rush to spend XP. Saying that, I will prob be banking most of it anyway. Most of my level 1 advances cost 500xp!

Once safely on board the lander Thedius takes a position beside Hallan, removing his helm as he sits and the craft lifts from the ground. Gone is the calm impassive exterior of the ceramite, replaced instead by the Stern gaze of the Hammer of Dorn, prepared to investigate what had happened to the Lamenter and how best to aid his fellow marine rid himself of the weakness that overtook him.
"I must confess to not knowing much of your chapter brother Hallan. Are such rages common for you and brothers of your chapter, or was it the work of some foul warp intelligence?"

PS Hallan I think your post for recovery after your rage was fantastic characterization

Lutha takes a while to consider his words carefully before replying:

"Thedius, you must understand that those of my chapter care very deeply for the souls of this Empire. Many times we have fought against impossible odds for the sake of a mere handful of citizenry. Now here, on Hredrin, we have servants of the Emperor not only abusing their station but subjecting innocent bystanders to the damned creatures of the Warp. It is sickening, and enough to stoke a blaze in any of my brothers spirits..."

"However, the Lamenters are still honorable warriors and capable fighters. What happened back there was a result of my own shortcomings and a disservice to my chapter, nothing more. It will not occur again."

Says the man who's just after buying frenzy! lol

"Trust me brother, my purpose here is not to admonish you, but to help you cleanse yourself of whatever caused this. Direct adversity is best faced directly" the assault marine drew a deep calming breath
"The sins committed here on Hredrin before our arrival are unforgivable and I, like you, have seen many such heresies in my centuries of service, but we cannot allow our minds be weakened by the tests of our duties.
"I trust you will spend time with both the Chaplin and the Chief librarian on board the Pious Immolation to cleanses any weakness from your mind and spirit? For your body I can open to you access to the pain glove, usually only available to the Imperial Fist chapter and their successors. I myself will be using it to cleanse myself of my own failings in this mission."

Hey now, I'm not saying I planned this.

I'm just saying it all worked out conveniently in my favor from an RP standpoint.

Common Lore: Adeptus Astartes (40): 1d100 ⇒ 8

"I will see to my penance myself, but I will admit to some trepidation over use of your pain glove. Many teachings of repentance from my chapter concern fasting and prayer, not outright self-harm."

"I do not insult your chapter's teachings, do me the same favor" Thedius felt his calm flow away from him as yet another of his teammates rejected an offer of comradeship.
"I would have this team act more as a group of brothers than a pack of beasts. How many times must I extend the kinship of battle brothers for you all to ignore?"
Looking over the other marines
"Will one of you join me in training in the cages, or discuss tactics with me in the librarium, or indeed perform any action as the brothers we are supposed to be?"

"Watch your tongue Thedius, lest I need remind you of your accusations of warp-taint against my chapter back on the surface. I did not mean to question the sanctity of your glove, I misspoke."

"But perhaps you have a point Son of Dorn, where our chapters teachings may not meet on penance they may in combat. If you would have me perhaps we may better speak through the sound of clashing steel."

Valerio raises an eyebrow as he turns to Thedius' and Lutha's conversation.

Common Lore: Adeptus Astartes (50): 1d100 ⇒ 9
"Calm yourself my Brother Thedius, as what he speaks is true, and our Pain Glove is quite a different form of penance that not many would partake in should they not be of the same mind as you and I. I do not believe he meant his remarks to scorn us, but merely to inform us." Valerio gives a soft laugh, "Even I of the Crimson Fists am not so quick to partake in such a penance; although should I feel the need to cleanse my soul so intense then please rest assured that I would certainly seek it's use most hurriedly."

He turns to Lutha

"And Brother Hallan, please note that we Sons of Dorn are not known for our forgiveness nor for our impartial attitude." He laughs again, "So please, be tempered in your fury, for although it is righteous, it is not what was meant."

"Perhaps we could all benefit from a little brotherly bonding as it were. We have had a rough time of it, and it seems to me that tensions are high as of late."

Once back aboard the Pious Immolation Lucian returns to his quarters, and begins the long ritual of removing his armour, cleansing and reconsecrating his wargear. Donning his robes, he sits alone with his copy of the Codex Astartes. He opens the book to its passages on leadership, and reflects upon his performance on Hredrin.

Although the mission was a success, with the Warp-taint removed from the Transmitorium and the Inquisitor uninjured, Lucian found himself struggling to reconcile the issues within the Kill-Team. His previous leadership experience as a Sergeant in the Ultramarines had not fully prepared him for the task of leading a group of Astartes from many chapters, with many different views, beliefs and strategies.

Many hours of silent study passed, and Lucian resolved that it was he who was at fault. He could not order the Kill-Team around like he would his Devastator squad back in 5th Company - he needed to account for this differences within the squad and adapt himself to his new brothers.

Rising from his studies, Lucian resolved to find the rest of his team, and invite them to train together in the cages, in an attempt to build bridges and promote efficiency within the Kill-Team.

It takes a few moments of heavy breathing before Thedius can reign in his emotions
"You misunderstood my words on the surface. I meant that many of the actions of our team of late could only be equated to warp driven madness. I will not give examples, lest it enrage more of my brothers, but I have made several attempts to forge a bond within this team with no success"
Thedius reflected that his strength never lay in tending to the spiritual health of his brothers, that he left to the chaplains. The assault marines words went quiet and as close to apologetic as any could expect from such a proud warrior
"It seams after this most recient outburst I must spend an extra twenty minutes in the pain glove. After that I will join you in meeting with the Chaplin, if you'll allow it. Any who care for this team as a whole might join us so we may have guidance on how to go on together"

Thedius, I will join you with the chaplain, do you have a plan to RP with it or should we just fast-forward through it?

I have questions for the chaplin myself. I was going to give the others 24hrs to chime in before we move on.

In another note is the gameplay thread hung up due to lack of players? I might have a friend who's interested

well we have the minimum six for missions, but that doesn't give us any fallback if people can't play due to IRL issues. Right now the GM is giving us time to RP and just kind of hang out and interact.

I'd be happy to join in a group conversation with the Chaplain to enhance Kill-Team harmony. I don't think there is specifically a Deathwatch Chaplain aboard, but I think we could find a civilian confessor or preacher to talk to.

Cool, we are on the lander ATM in our improve RP. If you want to talk as part of that.

If there's a Chaplin is a question for the GM. I'm not sure how a happy a normal space marine would be with taking advice from a confessor. Most marine chapters do not follow the imperial creed and see those who do as being a bit insane. That includes the sisters of battle. I would suggest getting advice from the captain before going to a member of the ministration

I'll PM the GM about the chaplain

Over an hour in the pain glove is enough to relieve Thedius of any tension. It was his first priority after returning to the Pious Immolation. Donning his armour once more the Thedius couldn't help but wonder why Hallan would refuse the honour of being offered to join him in one of his chapter's rituals. However, all frustration about it had been purged and all that was left in Thedius's mind where his goals.
Immediately the Hammer of Dorn sought out Captain Enoch, in order to ask his guidance.
I'll leave it up to the GM where the scene takes place

"Captain!" Thedius bowed his head touching his fist to his breastplate "There are some issues I wish to speak to you on."
The assault marine gave a full report of the mission, drawing particular attention to the use of deamonhosts as astropaths and Thedius's belief that the inquisitor had known all along.
"How much of this you already know, and what you wish to do with the information is your alone. I believe the Captain should know what inquisitors they work with are capable of, lest working with said inquisitor give a bad name to the Deathwatch as a whole"

Upon listening to the Watch Captain's response Thedius goes on to describe the infighting within the team. He lays just as much of the blame at his own feet as he does at that of the Ultramarine Vartas. Thedius also details his attempts to engage his fellow marines in camaraderie.
"Fail though I might I have been trying.
"In the absence of a space marine chaplin, I and some of the others thought that you could give us an audience and advise us. Perhaps you know of some exercise that would bring the team together."

Watch Captain Enoch gives the symbol of the aquilla and listens to Brother Thedius. "I do not understand what you mean as far as what Inquisitors are capable of. It sounds like he did a fine job. If you are asking about the heresy of the Gaolists Astropaths, that is history now, but it was something tolerated for too long I agree. As far as how much I knew, well we all have our secrets don't we. I have worked with many chapters in my time with the Deathwatch, which is longer than most being a black shield. I have worked with chapters that willingly invite possession for belief it makes them stronger, and some that eat the flesh of every living thing they kill for hope of strength. There was a time when I would have thought them heretics, but now, now I am not so sure. He takes a moment to let his words be heard then continues...

"The warp is not as easily defined as we would like it to be. Sure to be tainted by it is heresy, but do we not rely on it for travel? For communication? Do we not create mutants to better adapt themselves to its use in our navigators and astropaths? Perhaps you should talk to Inquisitor Van Vuygens. He has opened my eyes to the Greater Evils we must face. You should focus on those."

"It was it's tolerance that I was referring to Captain. I do not ask you what you knew, I wish only to keep you informed, as the codex dictates. I have no secrets from by brothers, nor do I from you Captain."
Thedius listens to the words of the watch captain on the warp and responds
"My actions as a member of the Deathweatch when it comes to the lesser evils of the warp will be coloured mostly by the opinions of the senior members of the Deathwatch. Yours foremost amongst them. I am your humble servant lord."

Allowing the captain to respond Thedius interjected once more
"If we are to speak on working with other chapters will you allow be to call upon my brothers to join us, so we all may learn"

I would like to see if you are still open for a player, after my long absence from the paizo community.

I would like to see if you are still open for a player, after my long absence from the paizo community.

Enrollment is constant friend, character creation guidelines are on the first page of the recruitment thread. Though that begs the question: will new characters receive portions of the groups total experience or renown?

I have been thinking on that. Originally I was hoping people would show up make a character and do stuff on the ship to earn exp and that would keep us at operational numbers. That hasn't been the case since the first mission so I will think on this more. For now Deiros you can make a character as normal.

Deiros is there anything we can help you with in regards to character creation? What are your thoughts on your character?

I might create a chapter, I normally play the table top version and use the Executioners and the Carcharodons.

I will build an Executioners Chapter which i already have, I just needed aproved since I worked on it.

My character should be a Tactical Marine for a thirst of close fire fights and close combat, unless we are lacking an Apothecary, than I shall go that route and be a pretty bloodthirsty one at that.

We are missing an Apothecary, but play whatever it is you want to play.

Sure post what ever chapter you have created. As long as you used Rites of Battle to create it it should be ok.

We're still waiting on the Captain's response

This is Brother Arkhos of the Executioners. I have added his Chapter along with his Statistics.

I added 1,500XP because I thought that was the total to add in the end, if I have read wrong, then i shall correct it with no problems.

Background is there just need to add a bit more probably.

Good to see another surviving loyalist-rebel chapter from the Badab war, welcome aboard.

Yes indeed ;) and we fought on the same side brother.

We're still waiting on the Captain's response

Response to what?

This is Brother Arkhos of the Executioners. I have added his Chapter along with his Statistics.

I added 1,500XP because I thought that was the total to add in the end, if I have read wrong, then i shall correct it with no problems.

Background is there just need to add a bit more probably.

Just go with the standard 1000 exp for now. I might be giving you an increase soon. At first glance your chapter looks good, but it will take some time to go through it all.

If you mean speaking with the other brothers, you can all do that when you are all together with the Inquisitor in the Gameplay thread.

"It was it's tolerance that I was referring to Captain. I do not ask you what you knew, I wish only to keep you informed, as the codex dictates. I have no secrets from by brothers, nor do I from you Captain."

Thedius listens to the words of the watch captain on the warp and responds
"My actions as a member of the Deathweatch when it comes to the lesser evils of the warp will be coloured mostly by the opinions of the senior members of the Deathwatch. Yours foremost amongst them. I am your humble servant lord."

Allowing the captain to respond Thedius interjected once more
"If we are to speak on working with other chapters will you allow be to call upon my brothers to join us, so we all may learn"

I'm waiting on a response for this so I can get the others in on the conversation

Brother Thedius wrote:

"It was it's tolerance that I was referring to Captain. I do not ask you what you knew, I wish only to keep you informed, as the codex dictates. I have no secrets from by brothers, nor do I from you Captain."

Thedius listens to the words of the watch captain on the warp and responds
"My actions as a member of the Deathweatch when it comes to the lesser evils of the warp will be coloured mostly by the opinions of the senior members of the Deathwatch. Yours foremost amongst them. I am your humble servant lord."

Allowing the captain to respond Thedius interjected once more
"If we are to speak on working with other chapters will you allow be to call upon my brothers to join us, so we all may learn"

I'm waiting on a response for this so I can get the others in on the conversation

Ya there is a conversation with the inquisitor in the Watch Captain's office. Before you wrote that he instructed you to speak with the Inquisitor. And now hes in the office with everyone. That is in the game play tab.

Yes indeed ;) and we fought on the same side brother.

The weird "hey I'm still loyalist but also kind of oath-bound to the rebels" side. It was a strange war, but at the benefit of now we have a bunch of info on the lesser-known chapters.