Storm of Sinners

Game Master BayouSnowman

I will add this to the F.A.Qs, but I have decided that how I will handle new players is that they will get full exp and renown of the kill-team after they complete at least one mission with the kill team. This should allow people to catch up quick, but also dissuade people from making new characters just for the heck of it.

Brother Arkhos you can join them for this mission. My understanding is Brother Thedius is bowing out of the mission. Everyone will be there for the Ceremony portion to receive a Purity Seal though.

If so when will Thedius be coming down? He wishes to speak with Sister Vesta as capturing the astropath was his doing, he feels it should be his task to heal whatever wounds that caused.

I won't be following the Gameplay thread unless told to as Thedius will not be there for most of it and I'd rather not know what Thedius doesn't know. Please let me know if/when you want me to join it and I'll do what I can.

Ok, basicly when you were speaking with the Watch Captain, the Inquisitor Came in. Please read that and you can continue the discussion with the Inquisitor here. I will go copy and paste it her efor your ease.

After your meals and a bit of rest. Inquisitor Van Vuygens requests an audience with the Kill-team. He meets you all in the Watch Captain' office.

Inquisitor Van Vuygens is an elderly man, older than most Inquisitors on the Pious Immolation. Known for being more of a scholar than a warrior, Inquisitor Van Vuygens remains a respected member of the Ordo Xenos in the Calixis sector.

"So good to finally meet you all. Apologies for not introducing myself earlier. I have a lot of research and data slates to go over. That last one you recovered is an amazing piece of information, a laughing god who knew...where was I? Oh, yes as I was saying I have been wanting to meet you for some time. I am Inquisitor Van Vuygens, humble student of Inquisitor Kryptmann, maybe you heard of him?"

Sister Vesta seems to be avoiding the kill-team and you are unable to locate her on the Ship. Perhaps after the ceremony will be a good time.

Yea I'm sorry about that I wasn't quick enough on the gameplay thread and missed the chat.

In that case, after this Thedius will put some research into why there was a Sons of Medusa weapons cache under in a shrine with the relic afterwards. Was there some history there etc.

Forbidden Lore: Xenos Int 45 very easy +35=80: 1d100 ⇒ 42 I looked under the spoiler in the IC thread. I also read the rest of the conversation

"Yes the work of Kryptmann are well known. We all studied his work as part of our deathwatch training. Explain to me this Inquisitor Vuygens, the last mission was taken as part of your orders, correct? What have the deamon infested astropaths got that relates to the tyranids? Where they communicating via this synapse?"

"All of your missions are a combined effort. I had my theories. I knew the Astropaths were communicating with others, but Lord Inquisitor Gathrix seems to have been right about who they were. The data slate proves as much. There was no evidence of a synaptic communiqué, but I am confident there will be at the next mission I am working on. they are technically psychic too though ..." The Inquisitor's mind starts to wander.

"Excuse me if I'm overstepping myself Lord, but would you mind explaining to us the connections? Perhaps we can aid you in your work." Thedius hoped he could convince the Inquisitor Vuygens that Spacemarines were more than brutes and weapons, but intelligent defenders of the Imperium.

" I could that I knew more myself. As of now they are but an educated guess. As Brother Lutha speculated it could be that the Tyranids themselves are being drawn here by something greater. That is in essence why the cabal was formed, to track down what ever this could be and stop it. I understand the potential threat that the warp could present, but I do wish the rest of my colleges gave as much care about the threat of Tyranids in the sector. They all seem to think this is a problem for the Jericho Reach. but if they could close the well maybe...

"Perhaps then you can indulge us in expanding on some of the theories?"
Thedius patently listens to the response before asking another question
"What brought you, and the greater inquisition, to this line of investigation?"

"Well I can only tell you my theory, which I have already to some extent which was started by Inquisitor Kryptman, my mentor. My theory is that the Tyranids will be coming through the Well of Night in the Jericho reach into the Calixis sector, and that the raise in odd behavior in humans is due to the massive amount of Synapse being emitted to direct their hive fleets. Most scoff at this idea or at the very least suggest that if the Tyranids do come, it is due to the Tyrant Star and that the Tyranids themselves are not part of it. If you want to know some of the other theories you will have to talk to the other Inquisitors. " Inquisitor Van Vuygens sounds defensive when he talks about his theory, and it is clear that it is not popular.

What would I know of this well of night?

"Is there no way of monitoring traffic through this well of night? If the tyranids are entering the sector there, surly that is where they should be stopped. What steps have you taken to prove your theory?"

Also you didn't answer my second question

Did you edit your post? I do not remember seeing that second question. In a way he did answer it though, he is the student of Kryptman, and this was his theory he is continuing. If you edit make a note so I will know to look at it again. You can roll some lores to see what you know about the Well of Night. Jericho reach would be the most appropriate.

"Are you asking what brought the cabal to investigate the Tyrant Star? The current state of the Calixis sector. Mass hysteria, riots increasing 1000% Piracy on the rise, and all manner of heresy. There is a prophecy that suggests this is the work of the Tyrant Star. Inquisitor Kryptman believed this was a hive fleet that had a migratory pattern, much like insects on other planets. I am pursuing that theory. Others are pursuing other theories. "

I don't think so, I fired that post out pretty quick this morning.

"Are you monitoring traffic through the well of night?"

"Currently the Well of Night is being fortified by The Iron Collar, a series of Fortress Worlds that form a front against the Tyranid attack. There is a series of ships on either side of the Well of Night that monitor what comes in and out. Recently Hethgard, one of the fortress worlds of the Iron Collar, has been under attack by a Tyranid advance force and it is possible something small has come through undetected. That is from the last report given to use by Lord Inquisitor Gathrix, his last posting was on Erioch in the Jericho reach. "

"Interesting Lord Vuygens. Tell me do you sit on this Cabal? Might it be a good idea if one of our team was to join you during such meetings to bring reports directly from the field and to ensure correct focus ensues during our missions?"

I have no such lore... Do we want to open that test to the rest of the team?

They had a chance for that before.

"Am I not of the Ordo Xenos Astartes? The Watch Captain is to ensure your focus. Perhaps you chose the wrong path in life if you prefer sitting at council meetings, most of which occur when you are either training or executing missions. I can appreciate your thirst for knowledge, but everyone has their place and specialty. Speaking of council meetings I have one to attend. You will be briefed on what you need when to know when we all get back from Orendel's Tomb." The Inquistor takes his leave with some haste having let time slip by him.

No worries

"As the codex says, 'knowledge is victory'. I simply suggest that having someone on the ground who has first hand knowledge of the will of the cabal would be advantageous. I don't even claim that it would necessarily be myself. However, I respect your judgement in this Lord."

I'm out of questions, if we want to move to the meeting with the captain and the team to discuss matters of team unity

Everyone is still in the room if there is something you wanted to say. Only the Inquisitor leaves.

I'll invite the others in the discussion thread

Thedius watches the inquisitor leave and bows his head to the old man respectfully. However, as soon as he has left Thedius turns back to his captain
"Captain Enoch, now that you have the team alone, do you have any words of advice on our unity as a team? I have already described to you the problems we are facing"

"To be part of the Deathwatch is an honor to some, a burden to others, and to some it is tradition. What ever it means to you, understand that you are here now and you will continue to be here until the task is completed. The more efficient you are, the faster the task will be complete. Then you can go back to your chapters, and no matter what the Deathwatch means in your chapter, one thing you will have when you return is respect." He looks at Brother Tellemachus

"For those of you like myself, the Deathwatch is something much more. A chance at redemption. There is no third chance, this is the end of the line. You will succeed or fall into darkness."

"So contemplate what the Deathwatch means to you. I shall recite the Oath of Loyalty when we embark tomorrow. Be ready."

"Wise words indeed captain. Can you suggest any exercises that may bring the team together before the mission tomorrow?"

Thedius doesn't literally mean exercise, but any group task.

"I will leave that to the individual. When you are not on mission, your time is yours. You are all disciplined warriors that know what is required of you. Should I suspect otherwise this might change in the future. How ever your chapter meditates or contemplates such things I suggest spending some time addressing that to steel your mind for what is to come. " He takes a sip of some Fenrisian Ale, and looks at Brother Thedius.

"I must now attend to some things for Inquisitor Vuygens and thank him for addressing you all so casually. We are blessed to have some even tempered Inquisitors with us, but be warned not all of them are so. Had you addressed Anton Zerbe or Daemon Hunter Ahmazi as you did Van Vuygens you might have found yourself undergoing another hypno-indoctrination treatment. Save your wrath for the enemy."

Curious, I did not act wrathful towards Van Vuygen, I don't think. Are your referring to my reaction to Gathrix before the last mission?

"I have attempted to bring this team together to the point of frustration. Admittedly fellowship is not my strong point. I am open to all other suggestions, but all I can think to do is bring the issue to a figure of authority before it becomes a true issue"

You caught yourself with 'excuse me if I am overstepping' but your line of questioning at first did seem like you were grilling him with the whole
Explain to me this Inquisitor Vuygens, the last mission was taken as part of your orders, correct? What have the deamon infested astropaths got that relates to the tyranids? Where they communicating via this synapse?" Part of it is your picture and your previous outburst with the other Inquisitor, I imagine your character lacks patience in his tone.

I believe Thedius has a patient tone but does look very aggressive, all the time. It's just his natural look. I meant everything I said to Vuygens to be respectful, but if the Captain took it otherwise, that's cool. I would say Thedius is almost used to that. He's not a dumb brute, but he does look like one!
Thedius is a strategist and he believes the more information the team has the better it can perform, that is his internal reasoning.

"Please excuse anything I did to offend Captain. I meant everything I said in respect. I will take time after the next mission to apologise to the Inquisitor. It seems he will be busy before" the assault marine bowed his head in sincerity.

" Inquisitor Vuygens' has his head in the books too much to take offense, just a word of caution when dealing with some of our more...sensitive members. Some are used to working with Astartes enough to understand our boldness, others are not. If you will excuse me I need to leave now. You will be ok Brother Thedius, and so will the kill team."

You mentioned wanting to investigate further about the Sons of Medusa. That is a good line of thinking, the Dreadnoughts would be a good place to start, though the Sisters are very knowledgeable about the Angevin Crusade and St Drusus.

Yes indeed. I'm going to give the others a chance to speak up on what to do about the togetherness of the team, then I'll move onto that

Thedius salutes the Captain as he leaves, before turning to the rest of the team.
"It seams we must look to our own discipline brothers" he says, clearly avoiding the Ultramarines gaze when he say the word 'brothers'
"Do any of you have suggestions?"

Can you explain at what point I separate from the team on the ground? How much do I know about what is happening to those on the ground?

"As I said earlier we could spend some time in the training cages. Or, if you feel up to it, we can put ourselves up against some of the other teams on the ship down in the sim-decks"

GM, I had an idea for an obstacle course type training course simulator on the ship that we can use to practice and compare completion times. Can I go ahead with that and keep track of it?

@ Thedius All of this happens within a 24 hour period. If you want to wait until the team is on the ground you can just say that.@ Brother Lutha PM me what you are talking about so I have a clearer picture please.

"Both of those options appeal to me, if they are acceptable to everyone else. I would rather see us train together before we take on another kill-team, but I will do what the majority says." the Hammer of Dorn is clearly pleased to hear another voice an option. It proved that he was not the only one who saw the issues with the team's unity as a real threat.

@GM - You said I would be on the ground with them when everyone was receiving the purity seals. If we fill the time before the mission with group training, then I'll have to wait until I come back before I can do my research. Will I be back before the rest of the team? At what stage will I be back (where in the gameplay thread)?

For a convenient excuse we can say I was ordered to accompany someone important back on board the pious immolation. Or as you wish...

I was thinking you would fly back with the Dreadnoughts, which was right after the Ceremony

OK lets just say we did finished out this conversation, did some group training and went to the mission. Perhaps the GM can set up a training session scenario after the current scenario. However, I see that the gameplay thread has gone to action, and therefore is distracting everyone from this thread. You know coz my stuff is clearly more important... Right?

I'll just skip to returning from the planet with the dreadnaughts

Returning to the Pious Immolation with the dreadnoughts of the Iron Hands, curiosity overcame Thedius and he approached them with a tone of respect and reflection
"Sacred Ancients, I would be honoured to call you brothers in the Deathwatch. Would you permit me a few questions on your now completed vigil?"

Assuming they say yes, because otherwise this will be a very short scene

"What did you know of the unknown hero?"

"Were you aware that the unknown hero's shrine is also a bunker and a weapons cache for the Sons of Medusa? Do you know of any connection between the hero and that Chapter?"

Could Thedius tell from the size of the casket, its markings, or anything else, if the hero was a space marine?

The hero's casket was very large, it could hold an Astartes. It housed an internal stasis chamber that preserved the body.

" Little is known of the Hero. Some believed he was of one of the Iron Hand clans. This was during a time of much infighting within the Iron Hands, which lead to the creation of the Sons of Medusa sub-chapter. We opted to not find out, and let him be honored by everyone. Other chapters were not so in favor of this, but it was decreed by the war council of Grangold, so they complied." Servitors work tirelessly to service the Dreadnought as you question the behemoth.

"Brother Leon the honored tech-marine told us of the bunker. The Sons of Medusa had tried to set-up a fortress on Grangold shortly after they became an official chapter, the Bale-Chider assault prevented this from ever coming to fruition. I suspect the bunker was part of that failed attempt. The Unknown hero had not always been kept at that shrine, it was later moved there in the last 200 years when we were given the responsibility to watch over it. The Sons of Medusa helped to fortify the location, before they moved on. It is not uncommon for the Iron Hands to have such caches, it is possible the chapter intended to return one day to claim it, or to keep it there incase the Bale-Chider or some other threat became eminent."

What does Thedius know of the Bale-Chider? If the answer is nothing he will ask about it.

"Where then was the first recorded shrine of the unknown hero?"

"The Original Shrine was held on Grangold in a war-camp that housed several different chapters, the Tigers Argent, The Charnel Guard, the Sons of Medusa/Iron Hands, and The Black Templars. This was only temporary and once the fighting on Grangold stopped it was no longer safe." The other Dreadnought Elder Brother Claus, whom rarely speaks, interrupts

There was another meeting at that time as to what should be done with the hero. The Tigers Argent were very much opposed to leaving it on Grangold. The Black Templars were the largest of the chapters present though, and they believed he should be preserved here. The Sons of Medusa and the Charnel Guard agreed as well. The Tigers Argent left for the Jericho reach after that."
When asked about the Bale-Chider
"The Bale-Chider and Yu'vath were the main Xenos threat in this region a long time ago, but their home worlds were destroyed and have not been seen in the sector for over a thousand years. I have only seen pict-recordings of them.

It is possible there are some recordings on the ship. Inquisitor Van Vuygens asked me about them, thinking I am much older than I am I guess, I am only 800 years of age by my count. I suggested the same to him.

”But I would be right in saying that the Unknown hero did not fall on Grangold. Correct?” Theduis asks for clarity's sake

”I thank you revered one” Thedius bows his head to the warrior ”I will take your advice. The Tigers Argent, The Charnel Guard, the Sons of Medusa/Iron Hands, and The Black Templars, were they the only chapters there? Were there any other groups there, perhaps non-space marine organisations?”

”Has any other group pay particular attention to the shrine during your watch ancient one?

Thedius will look for these recordings and look for any information on the Xenos races. He will also study each of the mentioned chapters and any other groups mentioned. Then he will find as much information as he can on the conflict on Grangold. Finally he will go and discuss his findings with Inquisitor Van Vuygens, taking the opportunity to apologise for any interpreted offence from their earlier meeting

What do you want me to roll for all of that? Can I assume that Thedius can just find everything on the 40K wiki in the ships librarian?

When you ask about recordings, you are met with most people not allowing you access without authorization from a higher official. I would not say you had access to the 40k wiki no. If only it were that easy! You can roll some social skills to attempt to be granted access to something specific. Your new purity seal grants you some help in that regard. Once you have access, you can do a logic test to gleen something useful, or an appropriate lore test depending on what you are looking for.
"The hero is supposed to have single handedly destroyed a biological factory of some sort on the planet of Grangold, in addition to many other feats. It was a major turning point. How he finally died is not known to me, but the sisters would likely know."

"The Angevin Crusade had many warriors. The Imperial Guard and the Sisterhood as well as many Rogue Traders and Noble Houses. It is by these that this sector remains. The Storm Warden Chapter has always made its home on Sacris here in the Calixis sector, though I know little of that chapter, but they would pay respects to the shrine on occasion. The Sisters and their pilgrims were the most frequent visitors. The Black Templars visited the last time they were in the sector, but my memory is not what it once was. That is all I can recall.

I'll just start with Common Lore (Adeptus Astartes) for each of the chapters and Forbidden Lore(Xenos) for the xenos if that's OK

Common Lore (Adeptus Astartes) The Tigers Argent (int 45): 1d100 ⇒ 88
Common Lore (Adeptus Astartes) The Charnel Guard (int 45): 1d100 ⇒ 58
Common Lore (Adeptus Astartes) Sons of Medusa (int 45): 1d100 ⇒ 89
Common Lore (Adeptus Astartes) Iron Hands (int 45): 1d100 ⇒ 84
Common Lore (Adeptus Astartes) The Black Templars (int 45): 1d100 ⇒ 12

Forbiden Lore (Xenos) Bale-Chider (int 45): 1d100 ⇒ 7
Forbiden Lore (Xenos) Yu'vath (int 45): 1d100 ⇒ 48

Althout I know from the gameplay thread that The Tigers Argent are important, Thedius wouldn't know that. However I will FP re-roll the Sons of Medusa
FP Common Lore (Adeptus Astartes) Sons of Medusa (int 45): 1d100 ⇒ 20

Once back on board Thedius will change back into his power armour and transfer the purity seal to his chest armour. After having a hard time accessing any information he will go to the Inquisitor, tell him of how much he has learned and ask the man's aid in learning more. Thedius will of course start with the apology.

And for my FP re-roll on the Sons of Medusa?

Is there a librarium?

There is not Librarium on the Pious Immolation There is one on Scintilla at the Watch Fortress. The closest thing to a Deathwatch Librarium is a collection of recent data slates which is held in the Cabal's vault. It is watched over by a Deathwatch Keeper. You know that in order to gain access you will need the Watch Captain. There are other sources of information on the ship though. Sisters of Battle, Imperial Guard Storm Troopers, Ecclesiarch, Inquisition, and Officio Assassinorum to name a few. You have met members of each one who might help you.

***********************If you edit your posts, I might miss the Edit. It does not show up on the campaign tab as a new post. *************

Sorry, you're catching my posts faster that I'm expecting. I generally edit less than 5 min after the fact. Do I get any info on the Sons of Medusa?

Also I WOULD know that The Tigers Argent are important too So I'm going to try to re-roll that too

FP Common Lore (Adeptus Astartes) The Tigers Argent (int 45): 1d100 ⇒ 89 Never mind

I will probibly talk with the Sisters, but I'm going to take some time to think about it.

I did edit that post with an *Edit* I will PM you as well. It is fine to edit, just letting you know that I might miss things because of that.

And don't feel like any information is not important. There is a lot more of this campaign to go and what seems to be unhelpful at the moment might prove otherwise later.

I'm trying to spend FPs in a fluffy way... I'll come back to this tonight when it doesn't have to share my brain with work

Does Thedius know who the Calixian Conclave are? Is there anyone who can tell him about them on board?

Yes, the Calixian Conclave is the overall ruling body of the Inquisiton in the Calixis Sector. The Tyrantine Cabal is only a small portion of it.