Is Gathrix on board? Perhaps I can speak with him.
Otherwise are there members of any of the aforementioned space marine chapters on board (preferably ones of rank)
Thedius finds the Deathwatch Keeper keeping his vigil and approaches with the utmost respect in his voice and movement
"Brother Keeper, I am Thedius Aculus of the Hammers of Dorn I am searching for information that may help me with the missions my kill-team is being sent on as by Inquisitor Van Vuygens and the Tyrantine Cabal. I have come across conflicts between space marine chapters in this sector that may relate to the Unknown Hero who we have recently delivered to a shrine world. Perhaps you can speak with me on such events."
|
The Keeper stands as an immobile statue as he speaks. "I can speak with you Brother, but I must ask you to back up." He points to a red line on the ground. "This area is off-limits to all but the highest ranking officials. I will have to use force if you do not comply Brother." He holds his Force Halberd in a manner that suggests he is proficient with the lethal weapon.
"Appologies, protocol is strict, even for a fellow Astartes, even one of a chapter I admire. I am only permitted to speak so much about certain things, not only bound by my Deathwatch vows as a Keeper, but as a champion of my chapter. I will try to help you if I can though. The Unknown Hero is an important symbol in the Calixis sector, and I have seen the shrine once when I was still a neophyte. Elder Brother Gazerich does not recall me though, and I can not blame him it was long ago. What do you wish to know?
Thedius swiftly steps back over the line
"Had I noticed the line in my haste to continue my investigations, I would never have stepped over it. It will not happen again without permission" the assault marine allows the Watcher to return to a relaxed posture before continuing his questions
"I wish no information that would cause you trouble noble Storm Warden. I will take no offense in you refusing to answer any or indeed all of my questions. I seek only to have the knowledge to better complete the missions set out before me."
"What do you know of the Tigers Argent chapter and the events that lead to their departure from the Jericho Reach?"
"I believe the Black Templars acted with authority during the conflict with the Bale-Chider. Was there a reason for this beyond numerical advantage?"
"The Sons of Medusa wished to perform some medical procedures on the Unknown Hero that were refused by the Callixian Conclave. What do you know of this incident and how it was taken by the chapter? What reasons were given? Space marine chapters are not used to being refused!"
"Are there any other organisations that expressed authority over where the Unknown Hero should be kept and how he should be treated?"
"What do you know of the deeds of the Unknown Hero in life? Are there any rumors as to what chapter he once belonged to?"
"The Yu'vath are capable of controlling the Bale-Chider as a sub-servant race. Are they capable of controlling others? Worry not brother, this is just a wild theory that I wish to follow"
"Do the Yu'vath or Bale-Chider have any unusual abilities? I'm curious to find tactical knowledge on how to deal with these species and must admit to being somewhat lost without a Librarium or a brother with first hand experience"
|
|
The Keeper answers your questions to the best of his ability
"The Tigers Argent were a noble chapter. They assisted us in the after math of the Angevin Crusade, which many remember, but no so many remember the Scintillian revolt of M40 or the Lathe wars. It was the Tigers Argent that came when the Storm Wardens could not."
" The Storm Wardens have fought many battles with a Xenos known as the Slaugth. In many ways this Xenos race bares similarities to the stories of the Bale-Chider and Yu'Vath. I think The Black Templars victories against them must have been hard won and a proud achievement. "
"The Sons of Medusa are barley recognized as an official chapter. Many in the Imperium, and the Iron Council itself, believe the Sons of Medusa to be nothing more than a collection of outcast Astartes. I am not aware of this medical testing you are asking about, but it is possible it had something to do with preventing the identity becoming known. Many believe that revelation would incite more inner clan wars within the Iron Hands and the Sons of Medusa."
"The only recognized authority over the Unknown Hero's sarcophagus is the Adeptus Ministorum. This authority is exercised by the Sisterhood."
"The Hero is mostly known for destroying a key facility of the enemy if I recall, that is all I know about that Brother."
"The yu'Vath and Bale-Chider have not been seen in the sector since M39 once General Angevin ordered Exterminatus on their home-worlds. I know not of their capacity to control others, or other abilities. There maybe data-slates within this vault that might contain historical records, you will need the Watch Captain's permission to be granted access. "
"I thank you brother. This has been enlightening. Perhaps we can share some time in the training cages and we can pit our strengths against each-other. I will seek the Captain's permission when he returns from the mission. I hope we will speak again after"
After the formal debriefing Elyas had withdrawn to his cell going over what the inquisitor had taught him, he recalled the interrogation, examining where his own training and the advice had come short. Identifying these points he found a data slate giving to him as part of the original training by the interrogator-chaplain of the Dark Angels. With his new practical application of the theory the text spoke to him in different ways educating him even further.
While the mission had been successful and he had ended the xenos' life he was dissatisfied, he felt lacking when he compared himself to Brother Thedius and the experienced assault marines of his chapter. Knowing only one way to improve, he spent much of the time in transit perfecting the unison of bolt pistol and chain sword. Finally he envied the strength of the other marines who had effortlessly pulled themselves from the frozen sewer water and thus began on a strengthening regime.
During these trainings he had suppressed his thirst for knowledge and longed for the data slates housing new knowledge.
Following the Watch Captain's debrief, Lucian returned to his quarters. Reflecting on the ceremony, and his part in the discovery of the Tiger Argent, he was satisfied with his part in the events, and felt that the Kill-Team was coming together well.
For Lucian, the most significant portion of the mission was the opportunity to see outstanding leadership in action - the Watch Captain showed a formidable ability to guide his team in the variety of situations that they encountered on the mission. Lucian followed his every move with an appraising eye, and took onboard a number of ways to improve his leadership and communication.
Deep in reflection in his quarters Thedius studied the few texts he had brought with him from his chapter. Mostly they covered such topics a defensive doctrine and countering the workings of the traitor legions, namely the Word Bearers. So he was when the servitor entered, bearing a sealed container
”Excuse the interruption Lord Thedius of the Hammers of Dorn, a package has arrived from your Chapter”
The assault marine knew what it was from the shape of it's container. With reverence he activated the rune to open the package and retrieved his power axe. He handled it like a sacred artefact, where in fact it was a power axe like any other. It was not customised, but marked from use. This markings Thedius checked to ensure it was truly his own axe. He tested the power field, listening to the familiar him as it burst to life and crackled with energy. Without removing his eyes from the weapon, he dismissed the servitor.
He would service and clean the blade straight away, lest it's stagnancy had lessened it's potency. Then he would practice with it, lest stagnancy had lessened his own potency with the blade.
After his dismal display on the obsitcal course Valerio looked for ways to improve himself. He studied tactics in the library almost obsessively, and turned to the Omnissiah himself for further guidance.
I'm sorry guys but I'm going to have to let this game go (along with all my PBP fun) being a daddy is taking up a lot of time and something else has to give.
I wish you the best in your gaming lives!
Thedius out!
I'm sorry to see Thedius go, I was looking forward to more inter-Chapter conflict, but I totally understand.
Best of luck with the family.
His battles on Phyrr would forever shape the young assault marine. Having faced some of the foulest entities of the great corrupter and witnessed the death of one of the mighty warriors of Titan, Elyas felt inadequate. Reviewing the recordings of the storm troopers he realised, how fortunately he had been. Even though he had only seen the lightest of combats with the deamons, he had been out classed. The thought was heavy to bear.
Secluding himself with dataslates in his cell, his understanding of the Deathwatch grew but provided him with no answer to his quest.
Additional hypnoconditioning and simulations raised his perception but he still remembered and feared the strangling hold of the daemonic presence.
Harsh physical conditioning gave him increased stamina and fortitude but to little still to stand against an adversary of their power.
He ran and almost endless series of strikes and counters. Every little mistake was vigorously pursued and corrected. Alas when he compared his skill at arms with the pict recordings he was fare from close.
The only thing that pleased him was new-found skill of flight which his battle with the helldrake had revealed to him.
When Valerio gets back aboard the Pious Immolation he throws himself into studies of the traitor Legions, hoping to find some answers as to what was happening, why they would suddenly appear, and how to better prevent them from accomplishing their goals.
He then sets his mind to fortifing his tacticle prowess, hoping to provide his kill-team with a better ecompassed knowledge in case they are under similar circumstances in the future.
After assuring himself that he would be better prepared for such occurances again, Valerio focus on the Data Slate, he doesn't know of such Ciphers as seen in the slate, and studies many in his search for answers before finally accepting that he must use other means.
Valerio dedicated days to his studies, and not only learned much, but reinforced knowledge that he had known for a long while.
After leaving his studies, his mind feeling overworked, Valerio turned to his Combat training. He recalled the fearsome screech that the Noise Marines had used to confuse and debilitate his team. Valerio felt that he could find a way to use the tactic for the glory of the Imperium.
Valerio's mind still felt overwhelmed by his studies. He was having a hard time quiteting his mind and narrowing his focus, in search for help he turned to the Omnissiah and found the peace he was looking for.
With his newfound ability to keep his mind working in peak conditions Valerio turned once more to his studies, knowing that there was always more for him to learn.
Having returned to the Pious Immolation and take part in the official debrief, Lucian returned to his quarters for his ritual post-mission cleansing, wiping away the grime and corruption from his wargear, body and soul.
Reviewing the mission in his mind, Lucian noted the lessons he had learned from his brothers. The assault on the compound gave him a chance to learn from the tactics of other, Elyas and Hallan in particular.
The use of the plasma cannon also taught Lucian about new ways of using his weapons, with the different targeting systems enhancing his aim and allowing him to target critical points.
Following his cleansing, Lucian took the time to review the official after-action reports from Captain Enoch, Colonel Folken and Inquisitor Ahmazzi. The Inquisitor's communications used a different protocol to those of the Watch Captain, but Lucian was granted access to the encoding to enable him to review the reports.
The reports of the preliminary interrogations taught Lucian about the art of questioning, and how to read people to determine the veracity of their statements. He was also able to watch the pict-recordings of the questioning, and found himself able to uncover more details about the heretics' bearing and appearance.
Concluding his studies, Lucian sets about making contact with the agents of the Inquisition to discuss the mission and the value to the intel obtained. He requests audiences with Inquisitors Van Vuygens, Gathrix and Ahmazzi. He also meets with Colonel Folken, to personally thank him for the service of him and his men on the mission. Fostering good relationships between the Kill-Team and the Inquisition is vital to the work of both parties, and Lucian makes all the effort he can to build up trust with the Inquisition.
Arkhos vents his rage training with his stygian axe and his bolter to improve his deficiencies in combat.
Once Arkhos is satisfied with his training he will study to gather more information of his foes and their ways.
Arkhos learned the importance of having two men in he squad that can perform similar specialized jobs or at least assist the expert to improve the odds, so Arkhos will find Brother Valerio to teach him the basics of operating technology.
The chaos on the ship is coming under control, but there are still servitors rushing to fix things and the Watch Captain looks anxious when he enters your chambers.
"Brother Lucian, I need your assistance. Our Weapon batteries were damaged in the fight. Report to Magos Samson and assist him in recalibrating them."
"Brother Castil, can you make any sense of this?" He hands the Librarian a data slate with some odd writing on it.
Yes sir, Lucian replies. He then opens a vox channel to the Magos, and starts to make his way through the chaos of a ship undertaking emergency repairs.
Magos Samson, I have been tasked with assisting you in your recalibration of the weapon batteries. Where would you have me report?
|
|
Ah, yes an Astartes very good. Please fire the weaponry from this station. There is plenty of debris outside that you can use as targets. When you are sufficiently satisfied with the calibrations report back to me please. The ancient magos says as he continues to work on other aspects of the machine spirit with his multiple servo arms.
This is not really my area of expertise Magos, but I have been given orders by the Watch Captain, so I will do my best.
Lucian takes up position at the firing station, briefly familiarises himself with the controls, and opens fire on a spinning chunk of hull plating.
The lance beam rips through the centre of the target, vapourising the metal. Satisfied that the targetting matrix is properly aligned, Lucian reports to the Magos.
I feel that this weapon system is fully functional Magos, although I suspect you have rites to perform in order to fully certify it and to appease it's machine spirit. Are there further weapons you wish me to test? If not, I will follow up my inquiries with the Inquisitors.
"Of course captain. Is there any information you have regarding these dataslates that might be helpful? Perhaps an origin or previous owner."
Brother Castil takes the dataslate and begins to see if he can understand the writing. With the captains permission, ff it is unfamiliar, he will attempt to locate any necessary equipment needed to decipher it's contents.
Brother Castil heads to the librarium to find some peace and quiet in order to examines the dataslate more closely, trying to make any logical connections in the odd writings.
Int: 40
Things are beginning to make sense, but it will take some time and closer examination.
Brother Castil makes progress on the dataslate. A set of coordinates stand out and he tries to uncover more information regarding the planet Sacris.
While in the librarium, Castil tries to recall any lore he may know about it, but as he's not a scholar of the Adeptus Astartes, he tries to recall scholarly knowledge of the Codex Astrates that might help shed light and give direction for further research. However unlikely, brother Castil refuses to return to the Captain empty handed. If he wanted his place on the next mission, he would need to begin showing his usefulness. He searches within his mind, recalling what little scholarly knowledge he has of Astartes history and brainstorms about what texts could be used to draw information from.
Scholastic Lore Int 40 (Codex Astrates)
Logic Int 40
He recalls somethings and begins to record what little he can, perhaps they will prove useful. Only time and further study will tell.
|
|
Brother Castil returns to the captain and tells of his discovery.
I have uncovered some coordinates of interest on the dataslate. They point to Sacris, the homeworlf of the Storm Wardens. It's possible they are after some of the beasts that are native to that world. If you have any other dataslates or documents I'd be willing to cross reference them and figure out their plans or objectives.
"Thank you Brother Castil, that confirmed some suspicions we had. Return the data slate to the Keeper. He might have something for you."
You walk down the hall to the Vault where the Keeper stands as sentry. Guarding the collection of relics and secrets the Deathwatch have brought with them from the Watch-Fortress on Scintilla. "Thank you Brother-Librarian. I have a task that is rather mundane, but it does need a discerning eye. Inquisitor Van Vuygens has requested aid in re-categorizing his private library. It was thrown into disarray during the battle. I sent a servitor to assist him, but I am sure he would welcome a Librarian of the Astartes."
Brother Castil was pleased he was able to assist the Captain and took great interest in the task from the Keeper.
I shall report at once to his library and oversee the servitor.
The Inquisitor looks up from his floor where books and items are strewn about Ah, good of you to come Brother Castil. Begin sorting alphabetically I will get these back on the shelf.
Following his brief interaction with the Magos, Lucian returns to the command deck, searching for the Watch Captain.
My lord, I have assisted the Magos as ordered. Do you know if the sensorium is back on line? I had hoped to be able to monitor the Kill-Team's progress, and provide them with advance warning of anything they might encounter onboard the traitor vessel.
"It is not Brother Lucian. Most of the systems are not online. We have prioritized weaponry and that which we need to sustain life on the ship. Do now worry your Brothers are capable I am sure they will succeed.} The Watch-Captain whispers to Brother Lucian Maybe you can do something for me. This chaos has given us a chance to look into some of the other members of the Cabal. If Lady Rathbone was involved, it is possible she had others helping her within the cabal. Quietly slip into her old chambers and see if you can't find any evidence of the sort. Something the others might have missed. The Watch-Captain gives Brother Lucian a key.
Brother Castil enters the quarters to find a mess of books and items on the floor. He greets the inquisitor and begins doing as asked.
Leave this to me my lord, I and the servitor will arrange your library, I'm sure you have more important tasks to handle.
As brothe Castil begins to collect books and organize them into alphabetical piles he takes a mental note of any books that might be of interest to a Librarian, particularly texts regarding the Warp.
|
|
The idea of sneaking around in the quarters of other members of the cabal makes Lucian uneasy, but the Captain has issued his orders, and Lucian intends to carry them out.
Understood, sir. I will report to you in person as soon as I have finished my assessment.
With that, Lucian salutes and walks away. He makes his way through the ship's corridors which are still bustling with activity as the repairs take place. He navigates his way to Lady Rathbone's quarters, having committed the deck plan to memory, and, checking that he is unobserved, uses the key to enter, and locks the door behind him.
The quarters are in disarray, a direct result of the bombardment suffered by the Pious Immolation during the recent void battle. Engaging his helmet's autosenses, Lucian begins to search the area for any evidence of subterfuge or misdeeds.
|
|