Clearly out of his element, Lucius sits quietly in the car, just listening and absorbing all of the information that he can.
"Have you meet any of these people in person? Anything you can tell us that might proffer insight into their characters might be invaluable in helping to establish some form of coherency in the command structure."
Iacton begins to look around in the transport, hoping there might be some refreshments available, his throat is already getting parched from speaking.
"I have not been honoured with the oppertunity to speak with any of them face to face, but I know a fair bit of them. Lady Orleans visits Damaris regularly and has a number of agreements with the Governor. She has some kind of vendetta against the eclissiarcy but other than that is the model of the merchantial, shrewd rogue trader. Blitz, on the other hand, is long on rogue and short on trader. He somehow owns a cruiser, however, so his support is invaluble. Other than that ship, his one claim to fame is his unmatched skill with a bolt pistol."
He offers the refreshments scattered in chiller-cabinates around the groundcar cabin, in case any explorers have not yet helped themselves
"As for captain Locke, she has run anti-piracy operations in this region for some time and has all but sworn to hold Damaris come what may. Her skills at the helm of a void ship are legendary. Our own two commanding officers are equally skilled - you won't find any social generals in the Levy - but Dante at least has little respect for any of the offworld assistance that has arrived. Perhaps you can be the ones to break that pattern"
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"It is the hope of both the governor and myself that you will somehow serve to smooth relations between Damaris' defenders rather than add to the problem. Simply doing that will help us as much as any military forces you can bring to bear"
I understand Jorun. We suspected tensions from the abysmal communication network that has been set up in the planet's defence. For the sake of this glorious, Emperor-blessed planet myself and my colleagues shall bring this Defence Council under my supreme command; I swear to do all I can to protect this world and its people. I swear it by Saint Drusus himself.
For what it's worth, Jorun seems almost overcome by the bold words of the captain
"Thankyou, sir. It seems our world has attracted every variety of Rogue Trader - a merchant, a scoundral and now a hero of the imperium. I humbly warn you, however, that every member of the Defence Council is currently vying to be it's supreme commander"
Eli sits stiffly within the shuttle. His only motion is to smile ever so slightly when the Captain says he'll claim command.
Having nothing to say and feeling Ill at ease among the dirt dwellers he helps himself to a glass of wine.
The groundcar finally rolls to a halt in front of the spectacular Governor's Palace, resplendant in marble and silver. Disembarking, you are lead through it's vaulted interior. Murals of the world's founding and victories decorate the walls and plinths holding busts of previous governors line the alcoves, hololithic displays listing thier achievements. You can't help but see the evolution of a colony reflected in their bronze features. Strength and honesty slowly blends into pride and dignity.
You reach an ornate pair of wooden doors flanked by soldiers wearing immaculate dress uniform. Their bionically repaired war wounds and loaded boltguns, however, make it clear the room is properly protected. You see them glance at each other as you appraoch. It's clear why - you can hear the sound of an argument reverberating through the doors
Jorun is visibly embaressed
"I was told the Defence Council was in recess until your arrival. I must apologise for this insult, but it seems that the Council has
decided to convene without your presence. Please excuse me; this is a terrible breach of protocol."
Iacton clears his throat and nods somewhat reassuringly to Jorun.
"That some people have no patience nor appreciation for protocol does not reflect badly on you master Jorun, be at ease, soon your problems will be solved by lord captain Casmirre."
Iacton says this in a very factual way, like there can be no doubt at all, despite some concerns he himself feels.
The captain is powerful, but will they listen? If not, it will be up to us to carry this alone. We are up to it I am sure.
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It's clear why - you can hear the sound of an argument reverberating through the doors
Jorun is visibly embaressed
"I was told the Defence Council was in recess until your arrival. I must apologise for this insult, but it seems that the Council has
decided to convene without your presence. Please excuse me; this is a terrible breach of protocol."
Tristan says nothing, but he is clearly seething inwardly at the lack of respect shown by this blatant disregard for himself, his ship and his crew.
You... are excused. He manages.
Jorun is hovering by the door. Normal procedure would be for him to enter first and announce you, but in this case normal procedure isn't being followed anyway and he has apparently dealt with enough Rogue Traders to know that they sometimes wish to make their own enterace.
Does the command crew burst impressively through the doors unannounced? Or do you let Jorun get the Council's attention for you and show that whilst they may have forgotten how to conduct themselves you haven't?
The insolence and Gall of starting without the lord-Captain Jarrion fumes. That is an insult and he awaits to see how Lord-Captain Casmirre Handles it. Shooting the Lot of them as soon as he can would be except able to Jarrion.
Sarvus awaits the will of the Lord-Captain, oblivious to the protocols and subtle power plays that are occurring around him but aware of the tension laced pheromones in the air.
Jorun turns to the doors and opens them, revealing the sounds of heated arguments in process. He beckons for you to follow him in. As you enter, you see a large, ornate room with massive stone walls covered in gargoyles and banners depicting the glory of Damaris’s achievements - the consecration of the Shrine of Damaris, the construction of the Bulwark, the damming of the Cloven River, the signing of the Highland Pact and the destruction of the Wrath of Eternity to name but a few.
Armed guards stand in each corner of the room. In the centre of the room is an iron table with a hololithic projector. Around the table are several individuals, some in various military uniforms, others in flamboyant clothing with an almost piratical fl air — likely other Rogue Traders. Two, a woman in the uniform of the Imperial Navy and a bald man in a uniform reminiscent of the Imperial Guard, are leaning over the table pointing and shouting at each other.
As all eyes fall upon you, the room goes completely silent (though the pair at the table take a few moments to do so). Several of the most respected and renowned men and women of this region are seated in this room, along with the rulers of the world you stand upon. As they take stock of you, Jorun announces you to the assembly and the Imperial Governor:
"Honored members of the Defence Council, I present to you Lord-Captain Tristan Casmirre and his staff: First Officer Eli Kage, Enginseer Prime Macharius Sarvus, High Factotum Havelock Iacton, Master-At-Arms Lucius Azrael, Navigator Primaris Jarrion Nostravi and Choir-Master Jarvis Atercarina"
Once he is finished, Jorun moves to stand near an older man wearing the official robes of office of an Imperial Governor. He states in an imperious manner:
“Honoured Nobles of the Imperium, I present to you our planetary ruler, Lord–Governor Belkan Kapak.”
As Governor Kapak stands to greet you fully, a pair of cherubs caper about, flittering above his head chasing one another. He greets you in High Gothic at first—making the sign of the Imperial Aquila—and then changes to the less formal Low Gothic
“I am honoured to meet such worthies from our beloved Imperium. It is my hope that your aid and experience will keep my people from harm.”
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Walking forward imperiously into the centre of the room, Tristan responds in High Gothic-
You request aid and hope for our assistance, but despite our arrival you have convened without waiting for us, Lord-Governor. One might almost be offended by such disregard. Do please carry on your council- my crew and I will try and keep up.
Let me know if you need a roll with that.
Following behind his Lord-Captain, Eli stands with his arms crossed. He bears a scowl on his face, and doesn't appear to be interested in diplomacy in the least. Each person in the room comes under his measured gaze, and he gives the impression that they have all been found wanting.
The governor then gestures and seats are pulled up for you all at the iron table that holds the hololith projector. It seems you are now members of the Damaris defence council - such as it is.
It's the woman in the navy captain's uniform who speak first, still addressing the man in the guard-influenced uniform. You assume these two are Captain Locke and General Dante.
"Lord Captain Casimir's arrival only serves to underline my point. His Steadfast is utterly worthless for the ameturish hit and run tactics you propose, but in a properly orchestrated set-piece engagement she will act as an admirable anchor to our formation"
Dante bristles at being called ameturish
"So the moment honoured Lord-Captain arrives you propose his vessel be used as bait. You wear your true motives on your sleeve captain. I will not sacrific my homeworld so that you can use it's fleet to show off to your textbook formations to your superiors! Place your light cruiser under my command and we will bleeds the Orks dry as they approach with hit and run attacks. Their brutish ships will have no chance of chasing us down, not with commander Reynolds' knowledge of local space!"
Captain Locke laughs scornfully
"You know nothing of battling an Ork invasion. Hit and run? With what - defence monitors? Your half-baked scheme to avoid losing vessels will leave Damaris wide open as it's fleet pecks ineffectually at the greenskins' flanks in deep space! You are facing an invasion, and you clearly don't have the stomach to make the sacrifices to stop it! We do not face pirate raiders now, General. You are out of your league!"
"If I may Interject.' Jarrion says "We do not know of which plans you speak, However as my holy duty to guide the Steadfast Though the immatrum ' Leaning forward with his closed third eye pulsing ever so slowly "I can tell you she is not a vessel built for speed"
As could anyone not an ignorant dirt hugger He thinks to himself "If I may ask, just what plans have you been discussing?
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2 successes assuming +0 check
While Jarrion speaks, Tristan takes the opportunity to quietly consult with his other command crew.
What do you think, hmm? Eli, Lucius- i'm inclined to believe hit and run attacks on Ork's would be somewhat futile but you both have keen tactical minds.
After his quick consultation with the pair, Tristan moves over to the Choir-Master, whispering to him-
Jarvis- my father used to tell me you were able to... see into the minds of men. I don't know if you can do this with any degree of subtlety but I wish you to find out what you can from Locke's mind, if you can do so without alerting her.
Tristan, you have heard tales of Ork armadas being torn apart by daring raiding and being ground to nothing by disciplined fleets. Either would-be fleet commander could be right in this case. You do not know enough to estimate the defence fleet's strengths and weaknesses, nor do you have much grounding in large scale fleet combat. You are a captain, not an Admiral.
Captain Locke looks to Jarrion
"So, Navigator Primaris, you agree that the wisest move is to meet the Orks in battle and attempt to blunt their attack?"
Dante's Scrutiny at -30 (39+10):
As his rival briefly speaks to Jarion, Dante happens to glance Tristan's way and catches him whispering to Jarvis.
"What's that, lord-captain? Alerting who to what? Surely you didn't voyage all the way to Damaris just mutter amongst yourselves?"
It's not clear how much he heard
Keeping his voice low, Lucius quietly apologizes to the Captain, "I am sorry Lord-Captain, but I am afraid I know little of naval tactics; my speciality is in planet-side combat, such as infantry. If the Orks happen to make landfall, then I might be of some assistance, but until then, I am sorry."
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"What's that, lord-captain? Alerting who to what? Surely you didn't voyage all the way to Damaris just mutter amongst yourselves?"It's not clear how much he heard
Orks very recently destroyed my father's own holdings in the Koronus Expanse. I was speculating whether it could be the same band and whether it was worth bringing to the attention of Lord-Captain Locke.
Deceive, one success
Stepping forward to speak once more, Tristan brought up the main issue he and Eli had seen on their way in- his voice slowly rising in righteousness as he spoke.
Your discussions towards strategy, while well-meant, are of little use to such a divided defence council. Your mess of a communication network will be more of a hindrance than a help with no centralised command and on seperate communication channels. Your bickering and hostility to one another is palpable even from the void- and the arrogance and rudeness you showed in beginning the council session before we arrived speaks poorly of your characters, I must be frank with you all. How you expect Damaris to hold with conflicting orders and a tangled chain of command, Saint Drusus himself only knows.
I propose that we choose a single person to be in command of the defence of Damaris, although all will play their part and follow their orders. Before we begin to establish which of us this should be, however, I would hear from my fellow Rogue Traders who have been silent so far in our presence- what do you have to add to this discussion?
Lord–Governor Belkan Kapak 1d100 ⇒ 15 (previous roll)
Imperial Captain Locke
General Dante
Commander Reynolds
Lady Orleans
Jeramiah Blitz
Very confusing. Many emotions.
Hnnnh, two wolves fight over a prize, but as they are both ignoring the cubs they should be protecting, perhaps it is jackals instead? Or better yet, two strutting peacocks, both comparing their feathers as the enemy batters the gate down.
Blitz and Orleans (the two rogue traders) seem to be on good terms with each other. Likewise, Commander Reynolds and General Dante act as comrades rather than rivals.
Dante and Locke are obviously at odds with one another. Dante also doesn't seem to have much time for Orleans - he seemingly resents all the offworld help that has presented itself. You can't get a fix on what Reynolds feels in that regard - he's keeping himself to himself and letting Dante take the lead.
Finally, the governor himself seems ill at ease with Orleans. You get the impression he is relieved that a further rogue trader has arrived to dillute her influence.
You think that in general hit and run attacks on an incoming Ork armada are wise if the planet they're heading for is heavily fortified, in particular if it has strong air cover. The main target of a hit and run strategy isn't the Ork ships themselves but the fighter craft they won't be able to resist launching. Successful raids sap Ork air power and make their landing when it does come vulnerable to interceptors.
Head on battle is the better bet most of the time though it always, always results in heavy losses. General Dante may rightly fear the pirates that will come out of the woodwork if the Orks are repelled at the expense of the defence fleet being torn to tatters.
Havelock, I'm afraid there's little that can be learned from the application of logic at this time. This is only to be expected, since nobody in the room seems to be bothering to apply it. Perhaps when you have gathered more information you will be able to draw useful conclusions.
Dante seems to accept Tristan's explanation. He and the rest of the room are impressed by Tristan's words. Lady Orleans is the first to speak:
"And I presume you would nominate yourself as such a leader? That merely adds to the problem, Lord-Captain. And before you point to your undoutably learned entourage, I can amass an equal team of experts if I so choose."
Her tone doesn't sound as confrontational as her words may suggest. It sounds like she is genuinely frustrated at the over-abundance of qualified supreme commanders. She does not continue, however. Instead, Captain Blaze speaks:
"I for one am willing to do as another suggests. If we're going to resort to votes and nominations I'd be looking to vote rather than stand. Jeramiah Blitz, by the way. You may have heard of me"
As the conversation is taking place Sarvus moves closer to the hololithic projector. None of the low-ranking tech adepts tending to it's support systems in the corners of the room object, since he clearly outranks them. He manipulates the image of the system and appears to pan across it simply to familiarize himself with the local celestial phenomena. What he's in fact do is studying the steam of data on the control pannel for signs of hidden information
Jarvis moves up with the tech adept and appears to study the hololith display closely over his sholder. What he is in fact studying is Captain Locke's mind:
;
Unfortunately, the veteran captain's iron will shields her from the intrusion. What's more, Jarvis's mind is so focused on the task that he doesn't notice his heart racing and lungs gasping for air until finally he blacks out, collapsing onto the table.
Everyone in the room turns to looks at the collapsed psyker. The governor beckons guards forward to assist him, but both Reynolds and Locke - being wise in the ways of the warp from years of starfaring - draw their sidearms.
Distress:: Tampering::
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"And I presume you would nominate yourself as such a leader? That merely adds to the problem, Lord-Captain. And before you point to your undoutably learned entourage, I can amass an equal team of experts if I so choose.
Of this I have little doubt my lady. I do put myself forward for the leadership of the defence of Damaris- it is true. But this is not something to be decided merely upon first impressions and the sizes of our ships. We must establish friendly communication, command and stop this bickering; and I would request that the Governor approves my proposal before it goes any further- this planet is his stewardship after all. We would need some time and perhaps a gathering in a more hospitable situation to truly get to know each other; this is not a decision any of us should make lightly.
"I for one am willing to do as another suggests. If we're going to resort to votes and nominations I'd be looking to vote rather than stand. Jeramiah Blitz, by the way. You may have heard of me"
It is a pleasure, Jeramiah.
Tristan spares a glance for his choir-master but hopes his crew will intervene- it would not sit well to show too much concern for the psyker, and he hoped his casual demeanour would disarm other's concerns.
Commander Kage wears a small frown upon his face as he looks at the hololith display from a distance. Though when he catches Tristan's eye he gives a slight nod then steps back behind the Lord-Captain.
When the psyker collapses, Eli swiftly moves forward to check him, heedless of the guards. After checking for a pulse, he looks up and realizes he's unaware if any of the crew planetside have any medical training. Master-at-Arms, a hand please. He'll attempt to carry Jarvis out of the room with help, if possible.
Leave the explanations to those better at talking.
Iacton looks around, trying to see if anyone reacts strangely or let something slip in the confusion.
Seeing nothing out of the ordinary Iacton takes a step forward and clears his throat.
"Tis unfortunate, it would seem that the honourable psycher has once more forgotten to take care of the most basic needs. When one’s mind is constantly focused on the warp, one sometimes forgets the most simple of things. I would wager that he has once more forgotten to eat or drink."
Iacton kneels before his captain.
"Forgive me lord captain, if I had paid more attention I would have spotted his distress as we travelled here."
"Captain Locke, I did not say it was the wisest move. What I said was the steadfast can not be used to hit and run with any real thought of success. I will deffer to My Lord-Captain in such manners of tactics as they are not my area of training."
He moves his head as Jarvis goes down, but seems to pay little head to the Astropaths plight "Now if I can be of assistance I shall, however'
Standing at parade rest during the negotiations, and slowly filling with a combination of boredom and frustration, Lucuis practically leaps forward when the Choir-Master collapses. Taking up half of the weight, Lucius helps Eli lift Jarvis up and carry him out of the room.
Eli and Lucius carry Jarvis out of the room. The assembled dignitaries seem to relax at Havelock's talk of malnouristment - they know psykers can make such mistakes. Sidearms are reholstered and guards return to their posts. Tristan does sense a tiny amount of scorn in the gazes of his peers, though - what manner of rogue trader uses such a feeble individual as his choir master?
As the doors close behind the three command crew Governor Kapak addresses the rest of the chamber
"The Casimir Dynasty is the last organization we can expect to arrive in time to defend Damaris. We have now amassed all the forces the emporer has seen fit to bless us with. The council will reconvence tomorrow once all parties have had time to assess the now-complete defence force."
Some seem irritated, some relieved by this anouncement. Regardless, the council members file out one by one. As the guards also file out Kapak makes his way over to Tristan.
"Lord-Captain, I deeply appologize that we first met with a meeting already in progess. If you and your staff would like to accompany me to my office perhaps we can make more civilized introductions? I will wait for your choir-master to recover if you would like"
Access Biological Diplomacy Protocols::
"Captain: a moment:: Access to the Palace Data Vault may advance your goals:: A vessel has been deleted from the System Log::"
Iacton continues to follow behind the lord captain, waiting and watching.
This is complicated, but to earn you must work.
You accompany Kapak to one of his private chambers that adjoins the Council Room. This room, like the rest of the Hall, is richly decorated and appointed. One of Governor Kapak’s servants moves in to offer refreshments. Kapak seems quite edgy and nervous, until another manservant brings a pipe out on a small silver tray. He inhales a breath of cloying smoke — you easily recognise the scent of Obscura, a potent and addictive narcotic — and visibly relaxes. He offers them some, then once you are all settled begins to speak.
“The blessings of the God–Emperor must truly be upon us — I can’t begin to tell you how grateful we are for any assistance.”
He smiles a bit wryly.
"I can, however, show you our gratitude.”
He beckons and Jorun steps forward, a sheet of parchment in hand. It contains a lengthy contract that Havelock reads through and summarizes for the rest of the group. It specifies that the Casmir dynasty will recieve favourable trade agreements with Damaris and a sizable lump sum of raw materials if the planet is successfully defended. The returns you can expect to see are proportional to the effort and resources you commit. In out-of-game terms:
1850 acheivement points required
+1 profit factor per 100 acheivement points over the required total
You can permenently reduce your profit factor to strengthen the planet's defences (the mechanics of this will be revealed later in the campaign). Should you do so, you will be reimbursed fully in the event of victory and gain +1 profit factor for every three points you 'spend' on defences.
Meanwhile, out in the corridor, Jarvis is still unconsious
Mark I sensors indicate the biological is distracted::
While out in the hall, Eli looks for a place to lay the psycher down. He doesn't seem terribly worried about missing the negotiations. Once they do find a place to let Jarvis rest he addresses the Master-at-Arms.
Azrael, you can report to the Captain now. I think Jarvis and I will be fine here. If he gets worse, I'll bring him back to the ship.
Jarvis grones and stirs as Eli prepares to leave, finally recovering from his over-exertion
There are some room for negotiations here, but I would advice my captain against it if asked. We need to build now, safe, slow and strong. We risk more than we can afford to lose.
Iacton nods as he reads the document, pausing at several intervals to make notes on his data slate as well as do some basic calculations.
He then leans over to the captain and gives him a rundown of what it all means.
"These are the terms we are offered lord captain..."
Now the captain will decide. Is he a cautious man or a risk taker?