I'm going to have to step down from this one too.
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"I am glad that trusting the Tiger Argent was the correct decision. I'm not one prone to sympathy and would have been harsher to the Astartes, for I would not allow anyone an easy pass to the path of the traitor!" Thedius interjects, his congradulations sounding almost grumpy.
"What of the Lady Olianthe Rathbone? She is surly aware of suspicion being cast her way. Wouldn't it be prudent to ensure she can make no move to protect her-self?"
Watch Captain Enoch: "As you command Captain"
Watch Captain Enoch: "He claimed the unknown hero to be one of his chapter. Though I have no solid proof, my research suggest the unknown hero was a member of the Iron Hands that would become a member of the Sons of Medusa.
“I urge you to keep this information, as speculative as it is, secret as it may cause infighting amongst the Iron Hands and their successors to re-ignite.” Thedius explains before coming back to the topic of the Lady ”If the assault on the shrine of the of the unknown hero was blamed on the beast-masters in her care, she must surely know that it is a falsehood. Speed is of the essence lest she remove all evidence of her taint, escape, or worse. We alone are capable of that speed.” ”I wonder, if I could receive all the correct permissions, would you allow me to accompany an apothecary to do some tests on the unknown hero to ensure he is free of the taint of the Yu'vath ”
Watch Captain Enoch:
”I thank you captain. I must admit to enjoying this investigation more than I expected, though I fear weakness in avoiding battle experience and teamwork.” Thedius could only think of one of the people he contacted who would have spoken freely on his investigations, and was curious on why the Inqusitor would have let the word out
“I agree with your analysis on decision making, but still distrust the leadership ability of the Ultramarine. I would hope that his time spent under your direct command will have changed him, but I have seen no proof. I would not have been so quick to let the Tiger Argent go without confirming his story and analysing the nature of the retrieved geenseed. Specially considering his story does not match with my findings. I would have liked to speak with this marine. However, I understand that my brothers could not have know what I know.” “Furthermore, my investigation has left a lot of unanswered questions, which I would would be foolish to ignore. “Overall I wish for you to take my opinion in the deployment of the team with less weight than that of my brothers, considering, with your permission, I will not be joining them” Thedius took a few moments to allow his words to sink in ”As much as I long to have access to the librarium on Scintilla. I would choose to address the immediate issue. We cannot allow such corruption of a figure in power to fester and idleness breeds heresy. It is a happy coincidence that I can better continue my investigation in proximity to the unknown hero, assuming I get the permissions and information I seek.” When the captain acknowledges Thedius's choice, the assault marine speaks up once more
If he says no:
”I will not say a word Lord Captain. It is not my place”
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
I concur with Elyas, but only count my vote in the case of a draw. As I mightn't be in the next mission
Experience spend:
Spent 1600/1650 (I didn't spend mine last time)
Follows is Thedius's report on what he has learned to the Team and his Captain. It condenses everything I've found so far into 1 post, it includes stuff from spoilers. My notes are in italics. Hopefully if someone else needs to take up the mantle of investigation this is all they'll need The Tyrant Star:
Mass hysteria, riots increasing 1000% Piracy on the rise, and all manner of heresy in the Calixis Sector has lead to the investigation of the Tyrant Star. 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, similar to that of insects, that may be related.
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 . The Unknown Hero:
Some believe the unknown hero to be one of the one of the Iron Hand clans before the creation of the Sons of Medusa chapter. Potentially the Sons of Medusa could claim him to be one of their own. This would make sense considering the location of a Sons of Medusa weapons cache under his shrine. However, the Iron hands never pressed the point of which side of the hero took in the dispute that caused the split, so the hero may be revered by all. Other chapters were not so in favour of this, but it was decreed by the war council of Grangold, so they complied.
The Hero was known for destroying some sort of bio-factory. His body was found by an Imperial Guard patrol after the incident, without power armour and very badly wounded. This may be related to medical tests that the Sons of Medusa wished to carry out on his body. Said request was refused by the Calixian Conclave. It also may be related to Yu'vath behaviour (see Bale-Chider and Yu'vath) The Unknown hero had not always been kept at the shrine in Grangold, he was moved there in the last 200 years. The Original Shrine was held in a war-camp on Grangold that housed several different chapters, the Tigers Argent, The Charnel Guard, the Sons of Medusa/Iron Hands, and The Black Templars. Before he was moved the Tigers Argent were very much opposed to leaving him on Grangold, but the Black Templars, having the largest chapter presence believe he should have been preserved there. The Sons of Medusa and the Charnel Guard agreed as well. The Tigers Argent left for the Jericho reach after that. Information on the deeds of the Unknown hero seem to be kept by the Adeptus Ministorum and the Sisters of Battle.
Sons of Medusa:
A time of much infighting within the Iron Hands, lead to the creation of the Sons of Medusa sub-chapter. The incident is known as the Moirae Schism and it divided the Iron Hands chapter based on different views on the Omnissiah. Reports of infighting in the Iron Hands continue today and the Sons of Medusa seems to be a home for those that feel outcast by their clan, Iron Hands or other successors chapters of the Iron Hands. They 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.
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. The Sons of Medusa successfully founded a Fortress world in the Taelus System after their failure on Grangold. The Sons of Medusa requested biological test to be done on the Unknown Hero that was sent through official channels. It was denied by the Calixian Conclave. The nature of the tests and the reasoning for it's refusal is an area of investigation still open The Tigers Argent:
The Storm Wardens Keeper said the The Tigers Argent “were” a noble chapter. Thedius didn't notice this at the time and it could do with being followed up on. He also failed to comment, possibly on purpose, on the incident that lead to them leaving the Jericho reach. The Black Templars:
The Black Templars showed a lot of authority over what was done with the Unknown hero. Perhaps this is due to the fact that they were the most numerous chapter present, or perhaps there is another reason. Both themselves and the Storm Wardens have a lot of experience battling the Slaught, who are said to have a lot of similarities with the Bale-Chider and Yu'Vath Bale-Chider and Yu'vath: 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. The Bale-Chider seemed to be subservient to the Yu'vath, even though considered a separate race. They were used as shock troops being sent in by the dozens. They appear like lithe bi-pedal humanoids covered in tentacles like that of an octopus and three eyes, two regular size, a third that is larger in the middle of the odd head that becomes a mess of tentacles. They fire energy weapons that seem to have a biological power source.
The Yu'vath's ability to control the Bale-Chider as a sub-servant race is interesting and might be related to a lot of the controversy over the unknown hero, specially considering that he was exposed to the aliens bio-energy while in a weakened state without power armour on. The Slaught are similar in behaviour to the Bale-Chider and Yu'vath according to the Storm Wardens Keeper on the Pious Immolation
I'll post what I learned here for the others in a bit.
"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"
Thedius swiftly steps back over the line
"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"
Thedius finds the Deathwatch Keeper keeping his vigil and approaches with the utmost respect in his voice and movement
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)
Does Thedius know who the Calixian Conclave are? Is there anyone who can tell him about them on board?
No worries. I'm not done yet! Thanks GM. Nice to feel I'm actually doing some good.
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.
”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?
"Where then was the first recorded shrine of the unknown hero?"
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
"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?"
"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.
Thedius salutes the Captain as he leaves, before turning to the rest of the team.
"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.
"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"
"Wise words indeed captain. Can you suggest any exercises that may bring the team together before the mission tomorrow?"
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
Their tasty jucy memories. I'm about to start that discussion with the Captain about how to bring the squad closer together in the discussion thread. This is set prior to the mission and the entire team is there. Does anyone want to join me?
I'll invite the others in the discussion thread
"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."
"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?"
"Are you monitoring traffic through the 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?"
"Perhaps then you can indulge us in expanding on some of the theories?"
"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.
"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?"
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.
Even though I'm not going on the mission can I be part of the meeting with Inquisitor Van Vuygens 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."
Allowing the captain to respond Thedius interjected once more
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.
"Captain!" Thedius bowed his head touching his fist to his breastplate "There are some issues I wish to speak to you on."
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.
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