Vector had little to look at and less to say in the trip to the building and Silas Marr. Another decaying hive. The citizens do not seem to understand that their suffering is secondary to the empires success. They have grown spoiled on freedoms others have bleed for. disgusting. The psyker had kept an open eye out during the trip but nothing had seemed out of the ordinary.
The psyker keeps a step behind the others as they move, both to indicate his subservience and be slightly more difficult to strike with an errant blow. The warp affected one nodding to the fellow psyker in a quiet way, as he turns his attentions to the man who addressed them. Blood in the lungs is not a good sign. He is apparently well connected if my master trusts him to give us information. If he is reaching the end of life even the blessings of the machine cult could grant this one is dangerous indeed. I pray he is on our side.
Sister Yolandi stares at the strange symbol trying to remember if she has seen it before.
Surprised at the abruptness of the door opening Sister Yolandi draws her flail preparing for melee combat. She is relieved to see Silas Marr. "I am Sister Yolandi my Lord Inquisitor. A righteous flaming hand of justice seeking to purge your enemies. Point me to where I may bring light to the darkness and it shall be done. " Sister Yolandi's high gothic is impeccable.
I hope Silas does not suffer from an illness. Having a witch care for you can not be much comfort. She thinks to herself, but her expression remains stoic.
Scotus gives the woman in the car a casual wave, "Cya later, Lori."
He looks up at the mass of Chancellry out of the corner of his eye, such huge edifices of the Empire always gave him the willies.
Striding after the servitor with a studied nonchalance as the weight of the buidling above and around them pressed in on him, as if squeezed by the Emperor's half-dead fist.
The act of accepting the envelope proved such a mundane act, that it for the time being removed Scotus' apprehension.
Afte Yolandi's earnest introduction, Scotus merely raises a hand in greeting, "I'm Scotus" he states simply, "....you really should do something about that cough..." he says , smiling.
I'm hastening on to my eternal reward, with all those who served the Emperor faithfully; but before that happy hour arrives, there is still work to be done. Work which you will assist me in, as my own cadre is currently indisposed. Some 900 km. from here, across the caustic Balemire Sea is the House of Dust and Ashes , an ancient crematoria and necropolis, a state in its own right, ruled by laws that were first set down when the air and water on this world were still pure and clean.
Treasures belonging to the infamous and thrice-accurst Eramus Haarlock are to be auctioned there; and I am sure some of the sector's foulest heretics and renegades will be in attendance.
You will attend this auction, representing yourself as agents of a notorious dealer in the Cold Trade, Ezekial Sunder. Your mission is to see what fiends in human guise are drawn to this carrion feast.
If you can make through the auction without drawing bolter or chain-sword, excellent; but you will be among ravening beasts, and must act as you see fit.
"If that is your will my lord. Is there anyone specific you expect to be present? I shall do my best not to draw my weapon, but it has become a reaction as of late " She puts her flail back on her belt.
On his way to Marr, Binerith simply looks straight ahead. As he see's Marr, he speaks Inquisitor. We are at your service
During the trip to Silas Marr Baron Oberstein staid vigilant and noted his surroundings. Spotting entrances and exit routes, as well as ambush places was second nature to him. The trip through service elevators and back streets felt just like an assassination mission.
If the only way to you is through service ways an assassin will find it hard to surprise you
"We are yours to command Inquisitor. You only require surveillance from us? Are there any contingencies where you would like us to act? Or is secrecy paramount?"
Obviously any immediate threats to the security of the Imperium must be dealt with without delay. While I'm interested in all who will come to this iniquitous gathering; I'm particularly interested in any Rogue Traders or Xenos who might attend. Mark such visitors from the limitless depths well.
"Understood sir, is there anything we need to know about this auction? Do we have an invitation or need one? Is it enough to simply state who we are to gain entrance? Do we know its location?"
The invitations are in the envelopes you were given, please, do not loose them. The auction is to be held within the halls of the House of Dust and Ashes. Passage there will be provided by Skyship.
One of the servitors steps forward, busies itself within a compartment of the chair.
It would be suspicious if you were to attend an auction without bidding. Here are some 20,000 thrones with which you can play with. Of course, anything that you buy with this money, is mine to study upon your return; before it is consigned to the flame of course.
"You can rest assured we have no interest in keeping anything heretical, we will aim to purchase something we believe will be of you use to you Inquisitor. When is the auction?"
"Very well, we shall make way to the Skyship and begin our duty then. By your leave lord." Sister Yolandi bows and readies herself to leave. She does a quick check of herself making sure she does not have anything overtly inquisitorial showing on her person at this time. She does her best to hide any purity seals, fleurs de lys, inquisition icons, and Aquila.
Binerith gazes at the money That's enough to but a utility mechahandrei!
Your journey to the 'House of Dust and Ashes' is only briefly interrupted when 'Redemption' pirates try to to board your craft, but are repelled.
You, and fellow passengers, arrive at a bleak island, surrounded by oily seas.
The others who disembark there with you are:
Vymer and Quill : A pair of tough, middle-aged men who describe themselves as 'bonded agents representing a party who wants to remain anonymous.' They never appear on deck without their hand-cannons holstered, or shot-guns slung.
Lanus Cisten: A nervous and retiring type; an apparent scholar who appears to be out of his depth. He is attended by a junior scribe, Whent.
Octavia Nile: She has explained that she is a guild cartel representative. She's been discreetly trying to learn what items the others aboard might be hoping to purchase. She has three quiet servants with her.
Abbot Tamas of Shale : A loud, high-strung missionary, who makes a point of repeatedly speaking of a holy relic he hopes to purchase to purchase at the auction. Sister Yolandi has taken an immediate dislike to this man; and only the need to maintain her cover has kept her from rebuking him for the many glaring liturgical errors he has had made in his braying orations. He is attended by some five followers, whom he calls 'pilgrims'. One of this is 'pilgrims' is a fellow named Arko, who seemed to take tremendous delight in gutting the pirates who tried to seize your vessel with a mono-filament blade.
If there are lines of inquiry, conversations, or other, that you would have liked to pursue with your fellow passengers, go ahead; otherwise, you are all disembarking together at the island necropolis; what you know of your fellow travelers are then just the briefly sketched facts above.
Scotus watches the gun-nun divest herself of her many imperial trappings, then looks down at himself....nothing. With a shrug, he takes the thrones from the old man, giving the Inquisitor a knowing smile as he does so.
Into the fire....right. he thinks to himself.
On the skyship, Scotus makes small talk with all of the other passengers at sometime or another during the trip , even the blow-hard Abbot.
If there are lines of inquiry, conversations, or other, that you would have liked to pursue with your fellow passengers, go ahead; otherwise, you are all disembarking together at the island necropolis; what you know of your fellow travelers are then just the briefly sketched facts above.
I assume we're all sticking with our previously discussed aliases, so Baron Oberstein spends some time chit-chatting with Yolandi on his arm (I assume she changed to clothes befitting her alias). Mostly he joins Scouts in his rounds.
Binerith walks around and inspects the machines that run the ship. When no one is looking, he whispers litanies to appease the spirit
We will carry word of Sister's Yolandi's bravery against the pirates back to her chapterhouse; so that her sacrifice is remembered.
Scotus : Vymer and Quill are a of type you know very well; focused professionals with no use for small talk. Somebody is not going to be happy to see them. Cisten is a scholar of Eramus Haarlock, who has come here to grab some piece of the Haarlock legacy. Nile is assured and confident. The Abbott is thoroughly disagreeable, and a very bad actor.
Binerith : The technology of the sky-ship is old, but serviceable; its machine-spirits dull and placid.
The House of Dust and Ashes is a huge domed structure, at the center of three soaring obelisks. Choking clouds of ash, from volcanic fumaroles hidden in the island's interior lay like a thick pall over the island.
Two other skyships are already at berth, near a cluster of dingy, pre-fab buildings.
You descend the gangway, and stand idly among the cinder-strewn ground while a ground crew goes to work unloading the cargo.
Finally, tired of waiting, you begin marching towards the central structure. Halfway there you're met by a harried looking middle-aged man accompanied by PDF trooper.
I'm the Senior Provost here, Hirm Bland. My I see your credentials?
You pass him the envelopes you were given by Silas Marr.
Yes. Very good. He hands over a data-cube. This contains a map of the Crematoria. Regrettably it is old and out-dated, I would advised against straying too far from the main rooms and halls; the place is a veritable labyrinth.
"When and where will the auction take place? and will we be able to examine the pieces up for auction before the auction itself?
Yes. Since, as part of my disguise, I help inspect...well, anything that needs inspecting I suppose. It would be a great boon to out play If I could inspect the pieces
At hearing the description of the Crematoria, Scotus quips "Just like home."
He takes the data cube and tosses it to Binerith, "We'll want to know how to get out of here fast, Bin." he says, eyes squinted against the ash laden air, watching the other 'contestants' emerge from the other skyships.
Bland: There will be a formal reception tonight. Tomorrow there will be a viewing of the items to be auctioned. The auction follows the next day.
You pass through the great doors into the cathedral like space of the entrance hall. Two gun servitors, of an archaic and ancient design, that Binerith guesses are at lest centuries hold, flank the entry-way.
Scotus, from the lack of activity among the ground crews for the other vessels, you suspect that they've been here for at least a day.
Linear, you feel a faint pulse of psychic power: you sense that this is a place of latent, and potentially violent, etheric potential.
Abbot Tamas (loudly, and with extravagant gesture): Thanks to the Emperor of all Humanity for delivering us safely!
A few of his followers, shuffling behind him, echo his words, with no enthusiasm.
Cisten is gaping at the architectural details.
The rest of the party seems to be unimpressed.
Binerith continues walking, and you can hear the whir-ing sound of the machines that he so admires and keep him alive
If my party is fine with it I would like to walk a bit around the main rooms and halls and get a look of this place. We could scope out some escape routes, the general vibe and see who else is here.
Raising his arm for Yolandi to take "My dear, let us see what this place has to offer.Turning to the rest of the party"With me"
Three figures, in trailing black shrouds, are marching across the great expanse of the tiled floor; grim and solemn figures.
Bland: Ahh. Our hosts, the Sorrowful Guild.
The figure in the middle: We welcome you to the House of Dust and Ashes. If you would follow us, we will show you to your private chambers.
Looking past the black-garbed trio, across the vast hall (easily nearly a hectare of space) you see what looks like a vast, black mausoleum, at the far end.
The private chambers are arranged around a series of spiral staircases accessed to the right of the entrance hall.
Accessing the data-cube Binerith determines that there are some 50 rooms, arranged in concentric circles, around each stair-case. You seem to have been assigned two adjacent rooms on the nearest stair-case, on the second level.
The novitiates of the Sorrowful Guild begin passing out antique, iron keys.
Scotus notes that Vymer and Quill carefully inspect the key they are given, before Vymer pockets it.
Octavia Nile (to Binerith): May I download a copy of those maps to my data-slate?
"Later my dear, my servants have work to do. Come all, I require your services, you are not being paid to fraternize."
Baron Oberstein nods curtly to Filip to open the door and gestures to his team to follow him inside.
Once inside, he makes a signal to the others to check for listening equipment.
I....I'm sorry Binerith follows Baron and the rest of the party through the open door
Nile turns to the Guild novitiates.
Nile: Would it be too much a bother to have maps printed for the rest of us?
Novitiate: There are maps available through the data desks in the chambers.
Cisten lingers indecisively, while the rest of the group march down the stairs to their assigned rooms.
Entering the room you find a spacious, though austere, windowless room. A fine dust covers everything; it seems that the House of Ash and Dust is aptly named.
There is an ancient data-desk, of a pattern that is at least 50 years old against one wall.
Scotus takes the key, noting Vymer and Quill's interest...makes a note to check his own out when he has a chance.
Standing diffidently, waiting for his 'Master' to order or command, he nods to Octavia before following the Baron to the group's chambers.
Looking around the old room, he checks all of the nooks and crannies for listening devices...
As he does so , he ruminates on their hosts , the Sorrowful Guild, trying to remember any stories or rumors about them.
Scotus: The room appears to be clean, of listening devices at least. Many of the worlds you have visited have sects dedicated to mortuary practices and the maintenance of funerary shrines; the 'Sorrowful Guild' appears to be one such group; though they seem to have a prestige and power on Solomon that you haven't encountered elsewhere.
Once Scotus gives the all-clear sign Baron Oberstein nods
"That Nile was a bit too interested in using our data cube, I wasn't very excited about sharing anything with the likes of the people that attend this sort of gatherings. She could have planted a listening device or corrupted our data."
"Binerith, shall we take a closer look at the map, and maybe after go for a bit of a stroll?"
Sure Binerith glances at the data-cube again, and ushers everyone toward him
So in general shape the 'House' is roughly circular, covering an area of approximately 30 sq. km. The largest open area within the complex is the vast Entrance Hall you have just entered through.
The rest of the complex is a bewildering maze of vaults, sepulchres, chapels, meditation rooms, and the like, which seem to radiate from the central point like cancerous cells.
Binerith finds the fecund, organic confusion of the place distasteful.
The central hub, if there is one, seems to be a huge mausoleum, simply identified with 'Haarlock'.
"Shall we begin the tour at the place marked Haarlock?!
Oh, Scotus did find a small wall-safe in the room, with an electronic lock. A placard states that you set a lock code, good for 26 hours (the Solomon day), through an application installed on the room's data desk. There's the matter of Marr's money...
That looks like the best space to begin.
We stash the money in the wall-safe and ask Binerith to choose a code for it, we then head for the place marked Haarlock on the map
Binerith enters the code, then commits it to memory. He follows the rest of the party.
You begin marching across the cavernous space of the great Entrance Halls. Novitiates of the Sorrowful Guild are crossing the vast space, like comets of shadow arcing through a dingy void.
Servitors are making slow orbits around the place, pushing sweeper-carts, as part of their never-ending war against the ubiquitous dust and ash.
Linear senses the slightest psychic touch: attempt a psynscience test (Challenging | 0).
Even as Linear pauses, brow furrowed in concentration, the lum-globes flicker, plunging the place into blackness for a heart-beat. One of the sweeping-carts near you grinds to an abrupt halt, and then coughs up a black cloud of dust and grit.
Scotus watches with trepidation as Binerith takes entirely too long with the safe.
As they leave, he mutters to the mechanicus, "You'll be able to open that thing when we need to , right?"
-------
As they walk he comments to the Baron, "We'll have to watch our step around these Guilders, they have a lot of influence around here...for a bunch of grave sweepers, that is."
When the lights flicker and go out, Scotus automatically drops into a crouch, hand instinctively inside his jacket on the hilt of his hand cannon...
Blinking, he says calmly but quietly, "What was that?"
The dust from the sweeper cart drifts ahead of you.
Baron Oberstein hears a noise that catches his attention, it was his own footsteps