Okay hiring a common quality personal bodyguard (rare, common quality, negligible) +0 ; using Ran's commerce skill at 55. failed
Profit factor is 40+30(negligible)-10(rare)=60 success I just like kicking myself, that auto fails.
Okay getting myself some man-stopper bullets (scarce,common,negligible(enough for one person)) +10 ; using Ran's commerce skill, so 65 success
Profit factor is 40+30(negligible)+0 so test against 70 just barely succeeded!
I have high enough BS to man the guns if someone else with high BS wants to man those on another ship. I might need to stay on the The St. Drusus' Fire to use the choir correctly.
Gregory uses some of Rannel's connections to enter an exclusive club frequented by noble visitors on the station, but is unable to track down any leads on privately operating bodyguard mercenaries.
Deciding that he needs to fend for himself, he returns to his favorite weapons supplier and loads up on dangerous and often illegal depleted uranium rounds modified for his 9mm pistol. Though rare they are often not used for this caliber and he manages to negotiate a fair price by dropping the Redbrook name.
He returns to 'The St. Drusus' Fire' to prepare for the voyage.
Void Slayer on
He's a shy overambitious dog-catcher on the wrong side of the law. She's an orphaned psychic mercenary with the power to bend men's minds. They fight crime!
Before we leave I really would like to meet with a representative of the Adeptus Mechanicus if that's possible to maybe lobby for additional help on the return trip to Bretalia. I really feel the more factors we bring into this thing the less likely we'll be screwed in the end by the =I=.
Witch_Hunter_84 on
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
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Fondor_YardsElite Four Member: HydraRegistered Userregular
edited November 2010
You don't need to roll Commerce to find it Void unless it's Extremely Rare or up. So you should have gotten the guard then. Jaakko will go with/support Gant on his AdMech support side quest. Lets just hope they happen to have an Explorator ship or two nearby.
Fondor_Yards on
Secrets, lies, and tragedy. The trifecta.
3DS Code: 5043-2172-1361
Xbone Tag: Salal al Din
^^It's true; you got the Bodyguard guy. Anyone else going to the Adeptus Mechanicus offices?
Kerrigan, hard to say which ship is more likely to board; both the Fire and the Retribution are gonna be in the thick of things out there. I'm not sure if both ships have an official gunner yet, though.
Jaako and Gant are escorted from the waiting room into a ministorium office to speak with a low-level Administrator of the Adeptus Mechanicus. Even as a lower level Mechanicus official, the thing before you is more metal than man, and a pair of manipulator limbs adeptly pour you a pair of steaming cups of tea complete with protein creamer and just a hint of sweetener. In a sing-song voice, the official says, "So! You are crew of the Saint Drusus' Fire. Well met, then, you have created quite the stir among the officials of this station, and apparently doing the good work of the Emperor while doing so. Very impressive. How may the agents of the Adeptus Mechanicus serve you today?"
susan on
2010 PAX DM Challenge Grand Champion 2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
Gant sipped his tea politely and spoke respectfully, men made of so much machinery were venerated on the Death World which he was born. They administered to the tribes of techno-savages that roamed the wastes of the former Forge World turned Death World. It had been quite the culture shock learning about such things as the Adeptus Mechanicus and the Ecclesiarchy, but Gant never got over the veneration and holy respect he seemed to hold anyone made out of metal with. To be part machine was to become closer to the dead gods of Gants home, Gant secretly hoped to ascend in such a way one day.
"Honored brother of the Mechanicus, as you may know our ship has contacted a lost Imperial Forge World named Bretalia. For centuries this world has existed out of the Emperor's light, yet its propensity for the creation of plasma weapons has not diminished. In fact, some of these weapons might be considered superior to most of the tech floating around the Calixis sector right now. Indeed no better example of such fine technology formerly of the property of the Machine Cult can be found this side of Port Wander."
Gant makes a few notes on his holo-pad sending an order back to the ship.
"I'm sending an order to have a few of the plasma weapons we've come into ownership of brought to you, these are a few of the examples of the technology we have to barter with and we would like to strike up a rapport with the Mechanicus in concern with their trade and distribution back into Imperial Space. Now it is unclear how long this world has been without the guidance of the Mechanicus within its forgeries, but we feel that the Adeptus need representation in regards to formal reestablishment of Imperial authority once we eliminate the pirate threat in the region."
"We would like the Mechanicus to send along a ship with our strike force as a showing of good faith on the Mechanicus' part in this venture. Any help and cooperation will be rewarded by priority on any trade contracts and accords we strike up with the local government, as well as a percentage of profit once trade routes are established. We would also be open to the negotiation of certain fees, or royalties, that would be payed to the Machine Cult for the trade of holy plasma weaponry accross the sub-sector. I must stress that time is a factor though in this decision and it may be more difficult to re-establish the forges on Bretalia under Mechanicus authority if we have no adepts on hand once the planet is brought back formally into the Imperium."
Witch_Hunter_84 on
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
The administrator sips at his tea for a moment, mulling his words carefully. After a long moment, he says, "I thank you for the Plasma Weaponry, and promise that I will show it around to merchants, traders, and other interested parties. Many Bretalian weapons are actually still in service within the local fleet, and as you say they are remarkable works that set the standard for Imperial craftsmanship. I have no doubt I shall be able to assist you in procuring buyers for your products once they are again within the Emperor's realm."
The Administrator squirms somewhat in his seat now, again looking as though he is trying to think of the right words. Then, he simply exhales, looks deflated and resigned, and speaks plain truth. "As for your other matter, sending a vessel with you towards Bretalia and helping to secure the world, I wish I could tell you something else. I wish I could tell you that I would pass word to my superiors, that we would make every effort to ready a vessel to help you. I wish I could give you hope, that the chances were low but that they were still possible. But that would simply be a lie." He exhales again, and continues, "In preparation for our meeting, I pulled the files on Bretalia and your mission there. The mission and all its data has been locked, Clearance Level Magenta, with interference from outside parties and agents strictly prohibited upon pain of Excommunication from the worlds of man. Only those persons and ships directly ordered by the mission commander are to be allowed to accompany the strikeforce, and those selections are only upon invitation and not request. While the Adeptus Mechanicus can certainly appeal this ruling, or simply have one of our Lords overturn it, that process would take long weeks that you simply do not have." The administrator arches an eyebrow, "Do tell me, exactly what have you done that would make the Inquisition wrest control of this mission away from both the Imperial Navy and an ordained Rogue Trader?"
susan on
2010 PAX DM Challenge Grand Champion 2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
"Do tell me, exactly what have you done that would make the Inquisition wrest control of this mission away from both the Imperial Navy and an ordained Rogue Trader?"
"From what I understand the Inquisition was here at the station, waiting for us to arrive and summarily take over our venture. There seems to be a legitimate xenos threat in Bretalia, but mostly in regard to an unholy alien influence rather than an overt tactical threat. Normally I would think the situation merits the . . . observation of a representative from the Holy Ordos, but the total usurpation of this task force smacks of the feeling that something else is most likely afoot. I feel that it could be in the best interests of the Mechanicus to take whatever measures they deem appropriate to make sure that the forges of Bretalia are used for the good of the Imperium rather than just one of its agencies. It would not be proper for this world to be reclaimed for the Imperium of Man, only for it to be plundered by the conquerors before any administrative oversight is established, do you not agree?"
Gant finishes the last sip of his tea before continuing. "If you cannot offer us any ships to aid in the retaking and securing of the world, at the very least could a representative of the Machine Cult be sent along with us? A person of some esteem and authority to make sure the interests of the Mechanicus are being preserved, and the will to step in if they are not? I assure you good sir that the Redbrook family are Imperial servants first and wish nothing more than to strengthen the Imperium of Man with the addition of this world, and its trade, back into the fold. Naturally we would vouch for the safety of this official as if they were a member of our own command crew."
Witch_Hunter_84 on
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
I posited a Turbocharger for the "St Druses' Fire" Dorsal Weapon, which would give us greater range and flexibility.
Since this is a longer shot, I would like to get a little more group agreement before I start burning rolls. I would recommend that we also bring back some additional trade materials and, perhaps, look to see what we can do to tilt the odds in our favor. Just tell me what rolls I you want / need me to make.
While we're rolling dice, I would like to perform an Inquiry roll as to the Inquisition's sudden interest in this mission. Can I get a difficulty on this test?
<><><><><>
Rannal makes sure, with some reluctance, that the best example of each variety of Xeno weapon (Drones, Pulse Rifle, Pulse Pistol and Mono-Knife), along with the best Tau corpse, are delivered as per the Iquisitor's request. On the way back, he makes discrete inquiries of his criminal contacts regarding any more information on the pirates / Bretalian good (esp. now that he has an example to show). The sample in question is the plasma pistol he removed from the crate, lest the ships get separated and, yes, it is charged (it is Best quality, yes?)
The Plasma Pistol is actually an example of the Kronos-Style Plasma Pistol (Kronos Plasma Pistol, Low Setting: 30m, S/–/–, 1d10+6E, 6Pen, 10Clip, 4FullReload, Recharge; Maximal Setting: 40m, S/–/–, 1d10+10E, 6Pen, 10Clip, 4FullReload, Recharge & Overheat), and Good Quality. You'll need to make some Inquiry rolls for the Pirates and the Inquisitor, both at -20 difficulty. Also, for you ship purchase, just a reminder that you still should probably restock your crew...
The Mechanicus Administrator smiles as his fingers and manipulator arms fly across several keyboards at once, listening to Gant's words, "On that subject we can agree completely dear colleague. I will write up a report of your assessment that will go to my immediate superiors within the hour, and we should have no trouble finding a representative or two to accompany you on your ship. Your Captain shall officially need to hire them on as an Engineering Consultant just to ensure that the paperwork is in order, but otherwise they should be free to act as safeguard for the mission..."
After 40 minutes of phonecalls and administrative magic, the Saint Drusus' Fire officially 'Hires' Mechanicus Maester Clawrence D'Evanport and several of his acolytes to act as 'Observers' and 'Consultants' for the ship's systems. Maester D'Evanport is a widely respected leader of the Adeptus Mechanicus, and it speaks very highly of your mission for one of his caliber to throw in with you. Of course, Inquisitor Servais will be under absolutely no illusions as to the reasoning behind the Maester's selection both on you part and that of the Mechanicus.
Y'all ready to get this show on the road?
susan on
2010 PAX DM Challenge Grand Champion 2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
So besides the restock I think using our group acquisitions to get trade compacts with medical and food and protective equipment suppliers to send trade to Bretalia once the inquisition allows trade to be reopened. Nothing wrong with preparing a serious trade mission for when everything goes right (wrong). I don't mean like get some people interested but like pay some people to prepare a convoy and bring it here. As soon as we get the green light from everyone involved I can send a message back and the convoy can head out right away.
I don't know how that would work really though, 1 acquisition for the trade goods contracts, 1 for the transports,1 for escorts to protect the transports?
Void Slayer on
He's a shy overambitious dog-catcher on the wrong side of the law. She's an orphaned psychic mercenary with the power to bend men's minds. They fight crime!
So besides the restock I think using our group acquisitions to get trade compacts with medical and food and protective equipment suppliers to send trade to Bretalia once the inquisition allows trade to be reopened. Nothing wrong with preparing a serious trade mission for when everything goes right (wrong). I don't mean like get some people interested but like pay some people to prepare a convoy and bring it here. As soon as we get the green light from everyone involved I can send a message back and the convoy can head out right away.
I don't know how that would work really though, 1 acquisition for the trade goods contracts, 1 for the transports,1 for escorts to protect the transports?
Hmm... From Port Wander, I would say hiring a couple Cargo Haulers to make a single run would take a +10 Acquisition roll, where afterward your trade compacts and contracts would then kick in and take over in an automated fashion-like.
susan on
2010 PAX DM Challenge Grand Champion 2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
So besides the restock I think using our group acquisitions to get trade compacts with medical and food and protective equipment suppliers to send trade to Bretalia once the inquisition allows trade to be reopened. Nothing wrong with preparing a serious trade mission for when everything goes right (wrong). I don't mean like get some people interested but like pay some people to prepare a convoy and bring it here. As soon as we get the green light from everyone involved I can send a message back and the convoy can head out right away.
I don't know how that would work really though, 1 acquisition for the trade goods contracts, 1 for the transports,1 for escorts to protect the transports?
Hmm... From Port Wander, I would say hiring a couple Cargo Haulers to make a single run would take a +10 Acquisition roll, where afterward your trade compacts and contracts would then kick in and take over in an automated fashion-like.
OOC:
So we wouldbe looking at the following rolls
Crew: acquisition at +20
Transports: Acquisition at +10
Repairs: Acquisition (or Tech-use) at +?
Turbocharger modification to SDF at +? (TBD)
Repairs: Acquisition -10, or Tech-use+0. A single test would repair both ships, and you can try your hand at the TechUse test for free before you roll for the Acquisition.
Turbocharger modification to SDF at +10
Am I the only one who doesn't think Saint Drusus' Fire when they see SDF ?
susan on
2010 PAX DM Challenge Grand Champion 2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
+++ THOUGHT OF THE DAY: An open mind is like a fortress with its gates unlocked and unbarred +++
+++
Lord Captain,
I have come across a man amongst the denizens of Port Wanderer’s many dives that may be of some use to us. He tells me that he was once the helmsman of the divine Emperor’s ship Imperator Maximus. The Imperator was the lead cruiser of a recon picket patrolling the Koronus expanse that disappeared over 5 cycles ago. Over many bottles of amsec he told me of the fate of his ship and her fleet.
If his tale is to be believed then the picket came across a massive tyranid hive ship in the system surrounding Higgen’s moon. This alien abomination was the size of an emperor class battleship and as white as the surface of holy Luna. The living vessel was however unaccompanied by its normal fleet of escorts and the recon picket moved into investigate. Upon igniting their plasma drives the great leviathan shuddered to life and moved to engage the small fleet. The escort frigates we’re soon beset by boiling bio-plasma and all manner of living projectiles. The helmsman knowing that his time was short, positioned his frigate to ram what was assumed to be the great beast’s eye and overload the ships holy warp drive when they impacted. As the ship hurled towards the hive-vessel, the monster began to fold into the warp, they impacted her just as she blinked out of the matterium. The plasma in the Imperator’s warp drive boiled over and the ship was wrench apart by the unearthly energies released.
The helmsman somehow survived the ordeal, though he would not say how. A search party picked him up 3 cycles after the recon picket was reported overdue and he was returned to Port Wanderer. Driven mad by the ordeal our holy Emperor’s navy had no more use for him. However his skill as a helmsman comes highly recommended by the vice-commodore and both rogue traders Galant and Ross have attempted to hire him on as chief helmsman to no avail. He is apparently driven with a zealous desire for vengeance against the white hive ship. His time in the underworld of Port Wanderer both before and after his encounter with the leviathan has also gained him many skills in close combat that may prove useful in our endeavors.
As always I await your judgment on this matter.
Your faithful servant,
Seneschal Marcus Tybern, House Tybern
+++
Hi everyone, glad to be aboard. hopefully, I'll be taking over as voidmaster on the bloody martyr.
rolls
base stats
WS 2d10+25 → [5,8,25] = (38)
BS 2d10+25 → [6,2,25] = (33)
S 2d10+25 → [8,1,25] = (34)
S 2d10+25 → [3,1,25] = (29)
Ag 2d10+25 → [3,7,25] = (35)
Int 2d10+25 → [9,3,25] = (37)
Per 2d10+25 → [1,1,25] = (27)
WP 2d10+25 → [2,9,25] = (36)
Fel 2d10+25 → [1,7,25] = (33)
Homeworld:
Voidborn - -5 strength, +5 will, speak language(ship dialect), Charmed (if spending a fate point on a d10 roll of a 9 the point isn't lost), ill omen -5 to fel, shipwise (nav(stellar) and pilot(spacecraft) are untrained basic skills), void accustomed( low grav no grav is not difficult terrain)
Welcome to the crew jimbo, we've introduced the former pirate crew of the Bloody Martyr to the void of space, so you'll fit right in as the new helmsman. Susan, I've already made my two aquisition rolls, is it all right to make any further rolls as far as the whole ship repair/restocking or am I tapped out?
Witch_Hunter_84 on
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
Welcome to the crew jimbo, we've introduced the former pirate crew of the Bloody Martyr to the void of space, so you'll fit right in as the new helmsman. Susan, I've already made my two aquisition rolls, is it all right to make any further rolls as far as the whole ship repair/restocking or am I tapped out?
Hey, someone's gotta make 'em, might as well be you .
susan on
2010 PAX DM Challenge Grand Champion 2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
Well, I got the transports and replenished the crew, but I think someone else is gonna have to help out with repairs and the new SDF battery. Have Jimbo and Kerrigan rolled yet?
Witch_Hunter_84 on
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
Yeah, Group Acquisitions are only rolled for once for the whole party, and I think most everyone has made their Personal Acquisitions by this point.
Both the Fire and the Retribution are at full crews now. I'm gonna assume that you hired full new crews for both ships, and the Bretalian forces that come back with you are going to be treated as passengers until they can hop off back on their homeworld, correct?
The Transport Ships will be loaded up with supplies and will jump towards Bretalia as soon as they receive word that the system has been pacified.
Now we just need a couple TechUse rolls to try and repair the Hull, and I can throw you back into the Lion's den...
susan on
2010 PAX DM Challenge Grand Champion 2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
After being warmly welcomed by the command crew of the St. Drusus's Fire and overseeing the spacing of the last remaining heretical crew aboard the Bloody martyr, Stern sees to acquiring the turbo charger that St. drusus's fire had been lusting over these past few weeks. He aquires transportation from the vehicle bay of the Bloody martyr and makes his way to the haunt of a Departmento Munitorum Quarter master that he knew from his navy days. After a short brawl and car chase Stern manages to convince the Munitorum official to part with one and stern calls in heavy transport to carry it back to the SDF. Stern makes his way home completely forgetting about repair teams he was supposed to hire.
So, ship still not repaired, but it can shoot nice and long now . Honestly the SDF only has 3 Hull damage, and the Retribution just has 1. That's not really that big of a deal, or rather, if it turns out that is a big deal, you were probably in trouble anyway. I'll still let you make the rolls of course, but shall I move forward now ?
susan on
2010 PAX DM Challenge Grand Champion 2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
Alright, here's another long one incoming. You can still make your rolls if you haven't already, and we can certainly backtrack if it is requested. Now forward!
At the end of a long week of plans and preparation, finally the Saint Drusus' Fire, the Bloody Retribution, and its Imperial Patrol are all primed and ready to launch back towards Bretalian space. In the hours before your ships leave port, Mechanicus Maester Clawrence D'Evanport and a pair of lower-level officials boards the Fire and makes his way pleasantly enough to his quarters nestled amongst the rest of the Senior staff. He is a melancholy individual in general, though his sense of humor is quite sharp in an incredibly dry fashion. You are also quite certain that he will make absolutely every effort to ensure the Adeptus Mechanicus has their fair share of the Bretalian trade, whether the Inquisition wants it or not.
Speaking of the Inquisition, Inquisitor Servais arrives with his retinue fifteen minutes prior to your scheduled departure, carrying several large pieces of luggage in sealed and covered containers that they all seem to take great care in protecting. The Inquisitor has a retinue of 7 individuals; three thin figures cloaked in dark blue and gold robes that you can't see the features of, one hulking brute so scarred and tattooed that you wish he would cover himself up with a cloak, one ancient Adept busily punching figures and data into a slate and hardly paying attention to the world around him, one pale and eyeless bald woman with the markings and branding of a Sanctioned Psyker, and one drooling and bandaged individual being pushed along in a wheelchair by the brute as he stares blankly ahead of him. With a shock, you realize that you know this man in the chair: It is the Heretic Captain of the Pirate Half Pint ship, Captain Preston. Preston had spent the last week in the custody of Inquisitor Servias, and it is immediately clear that the man has been absolutely broken. Physically, mentally, spiritually, quite probably psychically. This shell of a human being doesn't make a move or a noise as his chair squeaks along down the long corridors to the Psyker's chamber.
Without being invited, the Inquisitor and one of the cloaked figures arrives on the Fire's bridge as it and the rest of the fleet are pulling away fro Port Wander to safe Warp distance. With a cool smile and a quick nod, Servias pronounces, "Ah, good Captain and staff. My thanks in so quickly and competently sending to me your files, the Xenos Artifacts, the Xenos Corpses, and the good Captain Preston. My time at Port Wander has been quite fruitful in dissecting these things to determine the hidden truths of our situation, and granting me information that will better enable me to aid this charge into Heretic territory. You should also know that, upon thorough review of your records up to this point, I have discovered no evidence of you or your crew taking any action that would be deemed Heretical." He smiles with no emotion. "Yet." And with that, he returns to his chamber and his people to continue his work and studies during your voyage.
At close to a million kilometers, your Light Cruiser group reaches safe Warp distance. Every ship powers their Gellar fields, and with 200,000 voices locked in prayer to the Emperor, the transition is made and your real journey begins. Your helms are all linked together and slaved to the main navigational helm of the Light Cruiser Agamemnon, who takes control of charting a course and directing your ships through the immaterium. Your journey is blessedly brief, and rather uneventful. Your ships manage to avoid the time pockets that have plagued you on both trips through the Warp in this region, and almost two weeks pass by with absolutely nothing bad happening. You do occasionally and sporadically pick up distress signals or ghostly apparitions on your long and short range scanners; the Captain of the Agamemnon orders these signals ignored and is backed up by the Inquisitor. If there really are ships out there needing help, it would seem they are on their own. As you make final approach to Bretalia, once again your vessels are visited upon with whispering voices that again speak of death and doom for your crew and your ships. Absolutely nonsensical rambling is interspersed with dark heretical words, as again and again and again the warning is screamed about the dangers of the one-armed man. Suicides spike below deck as your fresh crewmen are exposed to this plague for the first time, though there are not nearly enough affect crew performance in the slightest.
After your quickest journey yet, the Agamemnon and escorts all exit the Warp in the outer rim of the Bretalian Star System. The Light Cruiser's Captain, emboldened by your reports, doesn't bother with caution and jumps within the border of the Star's outer rim itself to directly face the enemies ahead of you. It is therefore somewhat alarming when your sensors immediately pick up your first system vessels, a pair of frigates, roughly 750,000 kilometers directly behind you. Your vessels immediately begin to come about and spread out to an attack formation when you receive a high-power Vox hail from the ships:
"By the Emperor, I hope that one of you is the Saint Drusus' Fire. This is Captain Helms of the Emperor's Fury, Cap-.... Former Captain of the Royal Bretalian Defense Force, and I am formally requesting Aid and Sanction for my crew and that of the Benedict. Please respond."
susan on
2010 PAX DM Challenge Grand Champion 2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
Alright, here's another long one incoming. You can still make your rolls if you haven't already, and we can certainly backtrack if it is requested. Now forward!
At the end of a long week of plans and preparation, finally the Saint Drusus' Fire, the Bloody Retribution, and its Imperial Patrol are all primed and ready to launch back towards Bretalian space. In the hours before your ships leave port, Mechanicus Maester Clawrence D'Evanport and a pair of lower-level officials boards the Fire and makes his way pleasantly enough to his quarters nestled amongst the rest of the Senior staff. He is a melancholy individual in general, though his sense of humor is quite sharp in an incredibly dry fashion. You are also quite certain that he will make absolutely every effort to ensure the Adeptus Mechanicus has their fair share of the Bretalian trade, whether the Inquisition wants it or not.
Speaking of the Inquisition, Inquisitor Servais arrives with his retinue fifteen minutes prior to your scheduled departure, carrying several large pieces of luggage in sealed and covered containers that they all seem to take great care in protecting. The Inquisitor has a retinue of 7 individuals; three thin figures cloaked in dark blue and gold robes that you can't see the features of, one hulking brute so scarred and tattooed that you wish he would cover himself up with a cloak, one ancient Adept busily punching figures and data into a slate and hardly paying attention to the world around him, one pale and eyeless bald woman with the markings and branding of a Sanctioned Psyker, and one drooling and bandaged individual being pushed along in a wheelchair by the brute as he stares blankly ahead of him. With a shock, you realize that you know this man in the chair: It is the Heretic Captain of the Pirate Half Pint ship, Captain Preston. Preston had spent the last week in the custody of Inquisitor Servias, and it is immediately clear that the man has been absolutely broken. Physically, mentally, spiritually, quite probably psychically. This shell of a human being doesn't make a move or a noise as his chair squeaks along down the long corridors to the Psyker's chamber.
Without being invited, the Inquisitor and one of the cloaked figures arrives on the Fire's bridge as it and the rest of the fleet are pulling away fro Port Wander to safe Warp distance. With a cool smile and a quick nod, Servias pronounces, "Ah, good Captain and staff. My thanks in so quickly and competently sending to me your files, the Xenos Artifacts, the Xenos Corpses, and the good Captain Preston. My time at Port Wander has been quite fruitful in dissecting these things to determine the hidden truths of our situation, and granting me information that will better enable me to aid this charge into Heretic territory. You should also know that, upon thorough review of your records up to this point, I have discovered no evidence of you or your crew taking any action that would be deemed Heretical." He smiles with no emotion. "Yet." And with that, he returns to his chamber and his people to continue his work and studies during your voyage.
Rannal tunelessly whistles to himself, trying not to think about the balance of the Xenos goods secured aboard the St. Druses Fire. Whilst technically legal, given the Warrant of Trade, there was no sense antagonizing the Inquistor over details.
At close to a million kilometers, your Light Cruiser group reaches safe Warp distance. Every ship powers their Gellar fields, and with 200,000 voices locked in prayer to the Emperor, the transition is made and your real journey begins. Your helms are all linked together and slaved to the main navigational helm of the Light Cruiser Agamemnon, who takes control of charting a course and directing your ships through the immaterium. Your journey is blessedly brief, and rather uneventful. Your ships manage to avoid the time pockets that have plagued you on both trips through the Warp in this region, and almost two weeks pass by with absolutely nothing bad happening. You do occasionally and sporadically pick up distress signals or ghostly apparitions on your long and short range scanners; the Captain of the Agamemnon orders these signals ignored and is backed up by the Inquisitor. If there really are ships out there needing help, it would seem they are on their own. As you make final approach to Bretalia, once again your vessels are visited upon with whispering voices that again speak of death and doom for your crew and your ships. Absolutely nonsensical rambling is interspersed with dark heretical words, as again and again and again the warning is screamed about the dangers of the one-armed man. Suicides spike below deck as your fresh crewmen are exposed to this plague for the first time, though there are not nearly enough affect crew performance in the slightest.
While accepting the Inquisitor's orders to not respond to the vox and scanner returns in the Warp, Rannal slaves a log of the returns to his data slate, for future reference. He also attempts to organize activities below-decks, an effort to keep the suicides to an absolute minimum.
After your quickest journey yet, the Agamemnon and escorts all exit the Warp in the outer rim of the Bretalian Star System. The Light Cruiser's Captain, emboldened by your reports, doesn't bother with caution and jumps within the border of the Star's outer rim itself to directly face the enemies ahead of you. It is therefore somewhat alarming when your sensors immediately pick up your first system vessels, a pair of frigates, roughly 750,000 kilometers directly behind you. Your vessels immediately begin to come about and spread out to an attack formation when you receive a high-power Vox hail from the ships:
"By the Emperor, I hope that one of you is the Saint Drusus' Fire. This is Captain Helms of the Emperor's Fury, Cap-.... Former Captain of the Royal Bretalian Defense Force, and I am formally requesting Aid and Sanction for my crew and that of the Benedict. Please respond."
Rannal looks to the control throne and the Inquisitor (or his designated representative) for an indication regarding Captain Helms vox call. "Captain, we have auspex returns off of a pair of frigates, three quarters of a million k-meters out." He pauses to check the returns again, to see if the frigates are returning an IFF data-stream to our auspex console.
The Plasma Pistol is actually an example of the Kronos-Style Plasma Pistol (Kronos Plasma Pistol, Low Setting: 30m, S/–/–, 1d10+6E, 6Pen, 10Clip, 4FullReload, Recharge; Maximal Setting: 40m, S/–/–, 1d10+10E, 6Pen, 10Clip, 4FullReload, Recharge & Overheat), and Good Quality. You'll need to make some Inquiry rolls for the Pirates and the Inquisitor, both at -20 difficulty. Also, for you ship purchase, just a reminder that you still should probably restock your crew...
I will rely on my Underworld contacts for this information
Fel = 55
Peer (Underworld) =+10
Difficulty = -20
1d100 → [72] = (72)
1d100 → [74] = (74)
Sadly, everyone would seem to be ignorant and/or scared.
Dread__Cthulhu on
0
Options
Fondor_YardsElite Four Member: HydraRegistered Userregular
edited November 2010
I suppose now would be a good time to ask if the Inquisitor has a bionic arm. Or simply only has 1.
Jaakko brought the Fire around, being careful to keep position with the rest of their small fleet and thoroughly enjoying the feel of the roaring plasma engines. All that time in the warp, it was good to stretch his legs again.
Fondor_Yards on
Secrets, lies, and tragedy. The trifecta.
3DS Code: 5043-2172-1361
Xbone Tag: Salal al Din
The Inquisitor is indeed on the Bridge, and you have never seen him not wearing his jacket and therefore cannot verify how many biological arms he has.
Inquisitor Servais dashes over to the Vox console with Rannal and they both watch as the IFF frequencies are logged and matched against the files. They do appear to match the frequencies from your last encounter with Captain Helms and his ship, though of course none of these ships have been logged by the Imperial database and they use their own nonstandard verification codes.
The Inquisitor gives Rannal a quick nod, then to anyone on the bridge he commands, "Get them talking, see what they have to say." Then, clicking the Vox over to the Fleet channel, he quickly sends an encoded message to all ships in the flight, "Come about and move to intercept the two unknown vessels. Assume likely hostile until ordered otherwise. Prepare guns for full effect, and get me a full scan once we're in range."
susan on
2010 PAX DM Challenge Grand Champion 2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
As Captain Helms' message is being played Gant is standing on the bridge in full armor. The last two weeks during the journey, when not drilling the crew, he had been at work painting the armour and adorning it with the tribal markings of his people. Standing at almost 2 1/2 meters (mostly because of the heavy power armor) and painted a mixture of red an gold, Gant is an imposing sight with tribal markings and script written all along his armor. A painted skull on the face of his helm, securely mag-locked to the side of his hip, Gant had made every use of his spare time making sure that his acquisition was used for the full effect of its intimidation value. Gant patiently waits for the Inquisitor to finish speaking before giving his own orders.
"Comms, get on the vox to Captain Helms. Confirm that this is indeed the Fire and that we've brought the assistance of the Imperium with us. Inform him that once he powers down his weapons we shall do the same and would be more than happy to recieve him once he's ready."
Witch_Hunter_84 on
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
After some tense but respectful Vox-chatter and arrangements, the two Frigates have agreed to power down their systems and to send over a delegation including Captain Helms to parlay directly with your crew. It takes a few hours to get everyone in range, during which time the Captains of all the vessels in your little fleet (and all of the PCs) have transferred to the Fire and moved into the long meeting room to await this most important meeting. The Captain of the Agamemnon in particular, a stodgy coffee-skinned man with long thick hair and a pair of mechanical eyes, seems rather put out that you would be meeting on the Saint Drusus' Fire rather than his vessel, but the Inquisitor was quite specific about his decision.
All the senior crew of the Fire and the Retribution wait patiently within for your armed escort to bring in your guest. Apart from the other three Captains who are with you, there is Inquisitor Servias, two of his robed servants and his Psyker, and Mechanicus Maester Clawrence D'Evanport. D'Evanport and Servias are careful not to look in eachother's directions as they loudly sip at their glasses filled with tea. You think you can almost see the air growing hotter between the two of them even in the silence.
Not a moment too soon, Captain Helms is brought into the room and snaps off a weary salute. You are shocked; far from the regal professional you left here not six months before, the man in front of you is a tarnished wreck. His uniform is a torn mess, there are bandages about his face and one arm in a sling, and he seems to have lost close to thirty pounds. Nevertheless, the intelligence and intensity in his eyes are still there, and he barely suppresses a grin as he looks upon your faces, "In the name of the Emperor it feels good to see you again! Gods, I wish you could have gotten here sooner, but you are here now and you brought a fleet! Well done!" He shakes his head, letting some of the tension out of his stiff form, and scans the room for the new faces. His eyes fall to the Inquisitor's Rosette and linger there for close to a minute of silence. Then he shakes his head once more, sighs, and near collapses into a proffered chair. "Well, where do you want me to begin? Regent Gillen's betrayal of our ships? Our flight and forced exile? Our escape from the Pirate vessels?" Suddenly and sharply, he looks up to you with fire in his eyes, "My Crew; are they safe?"
susan on
2010 PAX DM Challenge Grand Champion 2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
Not a moment too soon, Captain Helms is brought into the room and snaps off a weary salute. You are shocked; far from the regal professional you left here not six months before, the man in front of you is a tarnished wreck. His uniform is a torn mess, there are bandages about his face and one arm in a sling, and he seems to have lost close to thirty pounds. Nevertheless, the intelligence and intensity in his eyes are still there, and he barely suppresses a grin as he looks upon your faces, "In the name of the Emperor it feels good to see you again! Gods, I wish you could have gotten here sooner, but you are here now and you brought a fleet! Well done!" He shakes his head, letting some of the tension out of his stiff form, and scans the room for the new faces. His eyes fall to the Inquisitor's Rosette and linger there for close to a minute of silence. Then he shakes his head once more, sighs, and near collapses into a proffered chair. "Well, where do you want me to begin? Regent Gillen's betrayal of our ships? Our flight and forced exile? Our escape from the Pirate vessels?" Suddenly and sharply, he looks up to you with fire in his eyes, "My Crew; are they safe?"
Rannal moves over to ease Captain Helms into his chair and pours him a generous tumbler of Amsec.
"Your crew are safe, Captain. We have indeed returned with a fleet and please, by all means, begin at the beginning. Rannal glances over at the Inquisitor and the other luminaries in the room.
"Begin at the beginning and leave nothing out. What happened after we parted ways? Anything you know that could help us understand what has happened here is important."
. . . waitaminute, were the people we voided into space back at Port Wander the pirate AND Bretalian crews? If so I am going to be doing a lot of fingerpointing at the Inquisitor in a minute or so.
Witch_Hunter_84 on
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
No, you didn't space the Bretalians, they're actually on board waiting to return to their homeworld. It's a little cramped, but people are being polite enough.
With a deep breath, the Captain begins, "Well, right after you lot left to go back to the Imperium, my patrol turned around to head to Bretalia Prime to spread the word that we had made contact and that we should expect rescue sometime in the next year. Took us a little over a week to get there, and all our crew was ecstatic the whole time; we were finally going to have salvation, they had every right to be happy. So we arrived in orbit, sent a coded message to Regent Gillen and a second to Fleet Command, and awaited their reply and orders." His jaw tightens, and for a second you fear he may shatter his teeth out of anger, "What we received was a full broadside from Planetary Defenses and a handful of system ships. Point blank. No warning at all. Gillen's office was broadcasting a general message by that point to the rest of the picket fleet; 'The Emperor's Fury and escorts have been corrupted by Xenos! They are preparing to attack the planet! Defend Bretalia with your lives!' By the Emperor I don't know how we survived it." His eyes grow much wearier at this point. "Well, the Fury and the Benedict survived. The Wrath of Koronos took extremely damage in the first salvo, and sacrificed itself to buy us some time. Plasma drive overload in the middle of the defensive line, took out three platforms and scrambled everyone's targeting sensors enough to let us disengage and sneak away."
Helms shakes his head in disgust and shame. "It was bad. Lost a third of our crews, serious hull damage, fires gutting multiple systems. We're barely fit for flight anymore, much less real combat. We didn't dare power up until we were well clear of the system, and with our trajectories and speed that in and of itself took nearly three months. And oh yes, they were looking for us. Close calls. Too many. By some twist of fate, we wound up floating near the site of the Asteroid Belt Supply Drop site." Memories of shock and fury come back to him now. "And the Pirates were there! And the Xenos, with their filthy cargo haulers! They were behind it the whole time, no sympathetic Terran world, no secret arrangement for food and medicine, we've been trading with the enemy for over a century and didn't even know it!" His fury fades a bit, and he turns back to you. "We didn't know it, but Gillen certainly did. Holy fire, he's turned Heretic! Or maybe he was in on it all along, Gods know that would explain why he never let us send ships for help, and why he personally managed the long-range communication attempts. If our Ecclesiarchy and Admiralty weren't so damned hard nosed and stubborn, he'd probably have turned them by now and controlled every facet of our world!"
A slight smile crosses his lips now as he looks to you. "On that, though, at least is a slight silver lining. For when Gillen's order to attack was given, the ships of the Bretalian Royal Navy held back. Likely on orders from Admiral von Unretin himself, the old sly bastard. When you turn to take back Bretalia, he will stand with you and by your side you will purge our world of the evil Regent Gillen and his ilk." Plaintively, he glances between you and the Inquisitor. "That is what you intend to do? Free us?"
susan on
2010 PAX DM Challenge Grand Champion 2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
"Well, it seems we may have a potential ally in the good Admiral, but nothing is certain at this point. We have yet to determine how much of the local government is under the sway of the xenos influence but it seems that the local governor is restricting the knowledge to the highest levels of government, keeping everyone else in the dark, so the planet can most likely be saved. What we need to do is make a list of assets within the system that are unquestionably loyal to Terra and begin organizing a takeover of the Bretalian government."
Gant looks around the room to make sure he is being heard. "We don't want to go in ther guns blazing and fight over the world tooth-and-nail. If we do that there will most likely be horrendous collateral damage, and I'm not in the business of needless fighting turning a prospect into a wasteland. I believe the good Captain would agree that we should do our best to gain control over Bretalia with the minimum ammount of damage possible to the local population and infrastructure."
Gant lets an evil smile crease his face. "The pirates and their bases on the other hand, those we can have as much with as we want."
Witch_Hunter_84 on
If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
No, you didn't space the Bretalians, they're actually on board waiting to return to their homeworld. It's a little cramped, but people are being polite enough.
A slight smile crosses his lips now as he looks to you. "On that, though, at least is a slight silver lining. For when Gillen's order to attack was given, the ships of the Bretalian Royal Navy held back. Likely on orders from Admiral von Unretin himself, the old sly bastard. When you turn to take back Bretalia, he will stand with you and by your side you will purge our world of the evil Regent Gillen and his ilk." Plaintively, he glances between you and the Inquisitor. "That is what you intend to do? Free us?"
Rannal look pensively and troubled at Captain Helm's tale. "That is the intent, although it would seem that the scenario is evolving, even as we speak. As a minimum, it would seem that the Regent has suffered from greed and hubris, not to mention his dealings with xenos and his assault on loyal citizens of the Imperium."
Rannal swirls his own tumbler of Amsec and ponders.
"First things first. I would... recommend that we bring Captain Helm's two vessels in convoy and see what we can do to make them battle-ready. If that cannot be done immediately, I would then suggest we do what we can and then target the pirate base, which *should* give us access to better facilities to get the good Captain's vessels ready for what is to come. Once that is accomplished, I would recommend we move on the planet, if we can bring Admiral von Unretin into the fold and, thence onto the xenos base with the maximum resources we can muster... Tell, me, Captain Helms, is there a secure way to contact him? What can you tell us of him?"
Rannal pauses, to listen to the Captain's response.
Posts
1d100 = 22
Passed. Now for a stormtrooper carapace armor (-20 very rare, +30 one, tartget 50)
1d100 = 51
Didn't pass it...
I will be travelling on whatever ship will most likely engage in a boarding action...
failed
Profit factor is 40+30(negligible)-10(rare)=60
success I just like kicking myself, that auto fails.
Okay getting myself some man-stopper bullets (scarce,common,negligible(enough for one person)) +10 ; using Ran's commerce skill, so 65
success
Profit factor is 40+30(negligible)+0 so test against 70
just barely succeeded!
I have high enough BS to man the guns if someone else with high BS wants to man those on another ship. I might need to stay on the The St. Drusus' Fire to use the choir correctly.
Gregory uses some of Rannel's connections to enter an exclusive club frequented by noble visitors on the station, but is unable to track down any leads on privately operating bodyguard mercenaries.
Deciding that he needs to fend for himself, he returns to his favorite weapons supplier and loads up on dangerous and often illegal depleted uranium rounds modified for his 9mm pistol. Though rare they are often not used for this caliber and he manages to negotiate a fair price by dropping the Redbrook name.
He returns to 'The St. Drusus' Fire' to prepare for the voyage.
3DS Code: 5043-2172-1361
Xbone Tag: Salal al Din
Kerrigan, hard to say which ship is more likely to board; both the Fire and the Retribution are gonna be in the thick of things out there. I'm not sure if both ships have an official gunner yet, though.
Jaako and Gant are escorted from the waiting room into a ministorium office to speak with a low-level Administrator of the Adeptus Mechanicus. Even as a lower level Mechanicus official, the thing before you is more metal than man, and a pair of manipulator limbs adeptly pour you a pair of steaming cups of tea complete with protein creamer and just a hint of sweetener. In a sing-song voice, the official says, "So! You are crew of the Saint Drusus' Fire. Well met, then, you have created quite the stir among the officials of this station, and apparently doing the good work of the Emperor while doing so. Very impressive. How may the agents of the Adeptus Mechanicus serve you today?"
2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
"Honored brother of the Mechanicus, as you may know our ship has contacted a lost Imperial Forge World named Bretalia. For centuries this world has existed out of the Emperor's light, yet its propensity for the creation of plasma weapons has not diminished. In fact, some of these weapons might be considered superior to most of the tech floating around the Calixis sector right now. Indeed no better example of such fine technology formerly of the property of the Machine Cult can be found this side of Port Wander."
Gant makes a few notes on his holo-pad sending an order back to the ship.
"I'm sending an order to have a few of the plasma weapons we've come into ownership of brought to you, these are a few of the examples of the technology we have to barter with and we would like to strike up a rapport with the Mechanicus in concern with their trade and distribution back into Imperial Space. Now it is unclear how long this world has been without the guidance of the Mechanicus within its forgeries, but we feel that the Adeptus need representation in regards to formal reestablishment of Imperial authority once we eliminate the pirate threat in the region."
"We would like the Mechanicus to send along a ship with our strike force as a showing of good faith on the Mechanicus' part in this venture. Any help and cooperation will be rewarded by priority on any trade contracts and accords we strike up with the local government, as well as a percentage of profit once trade routes are established. We would also be open to the negotiation of certain fees, or royalties, that would be payed to the Machine Cult for the trade of holy plasma weaponry accross the sub-sector. I must stress that time is a factor though in this decision and it may be more difficult to re-establish the forges on Bretalia under Mechanicus authority if we have no adepts on hand once the planet is brought back formally into the Imperium."
The Administrator squirms somewhat in his seat now, again looking as though he is trying to think of the right words. Then, he simply exhales, looks deflated and resigned, and speaks plain truth. "As for your other matter, sending a vessel with you towards Bretalia and helping to secure the world, I wish I could tell you something else. I wish I could tell you that I would pass word to my superiors, that we would make every effort to ready a vessel to help you. I wish I could give you hope, that the chances were low but that they were still possible. But that would simply be a lie." He exhales again, and continues, "In preparation for our meeting, I pulled the files on Bretalia and your mission there. The mission and all its data has been locked, Clearance Level Magenta, with interference from outside parties and agents strictly prohibited upon pain of Excommunication from the worlds of man. Only those persons and ships directly ordered by the mission commander are to be allowed to accompany the strikeforce, and those selections are only upon invitation and not request. While the Adeptus Mechanicus can certainly appeal this ruling, or simply have one of our Lords overturn it, that process would take long weeks that you simply do not have." The administrator arches an eyebrow, "Do tell me, exactly what have you done that would make the Inquisition wrest control of this mission away from both the Imperial Navy and an ordained Rogue Trader?"
2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
"From what I understand the Inquisition was here at the station, waiting for us to arrive and summarily take over our venture. There seems to be a legitimate xenos threat in Bretalia, but mostly in regard to an unholy alien influence rather than an overt tactical threat. Normally I would think the situation merits the . . . observation of a representative from the Holy Ordos, but the total usurpation of this task force smacks of the feeling that something else is most likely afoot. I feel that it could be in the best interests of the Mechanicus to take whatever measures they deem appropriate to make sure that the forges of Bretalia are used for the good of the Imperium rather than just one of its agencies. It would not be proper for this world to be reclaimed for the Imperium of Man, only for it to be plundered by the conquerors before any administrative oversight is established, do you not agree?"
Gant finishes the last sip of his tea before continuing. "If you cannot offer us any ships to aid in the retaking and securing of the world, at the very least could a representative of the Machine Cult be sent along with us? A person of some esteem and authority to make sure the interests of the Mechanicus are being preserved, and the will to step in if they are not? I assure you good sir that the Redbrook family are Imperial servants first and wish nothing more than to strengthen the Imperium of Man with the addition of this world, and its trade, back into the fold. Naturally we would vouch for the safety of this official as if they were a member of our own command crew."
1 Common Quality Long Las (PF = +40, Avail = Scarce = 0, Scale = Neg = +30 Qlty = Common 0 Total = 70
1d100 → [69] = (69)
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2781106/
One red dot laser sight (PF = 40, Avail = scarce = 0, Scale = Trivial = +20, Qlty = common = 0, Total = 70
1d100 → [65] = (65)
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2781114/
This will be applied to the Long Las.
Now...
What ship acquisition do we want?
I posited a Turbocharger for the "St Druses' Fire" Dorsal Weapon, which would give us greater range and flexibility.
Since this is a longer shot, I would like to get a little more group agreement before I start burning rolls. I would recommend that we also bring back some additional trade materials and, perhaps, look to see what we can do to tilt the odds in our favor. Just tell me what rolls I you want / need me to make.
While we're rolling dice, I would like to perform an Inquiry roll as to the Inquisition's sudden interest in this mission. Can I get a difficulty on this test?
<><><><><>
Rannal makes sure, with some reluctance, that the best example of each variety of Xeno weapon (Drones, Pulse Rifle, Pulse Pistol and Mono-Knife), along with the best Tau corpse, are delivered as per the Iquisitor's request. On the way back, he makes discrete inquiries of his criminal contacts regarding any more information on the pirates / Bretalian good (esp. now that he has an example to show). The sample in question is the plasma pistol he removed from the crate, lest the ships get separated and, yes, it is charged (it is Best quality, yes?)
The Mechanicus Administrator smiles as his fingers and manipulator arms fly across several keyboards at once, listening to Gant's words, "On that subject we can agree completely dear colleague. I will write up a report of your assessment that will go to my immediate superiors within the hour, and we should have no trouble finding a representative or two to accompany you on your ship. Your Captain shall officially need to hire them on as an Engineering Consultant just to ensure that the paperwork is in order, but otherwise they should be free to act as safeguard for the mission..."
After 40 minutes of phonecalls and administrative magic, the Saint Drusus' Fire officially 'Hires' Mechanicus Maester Clawrence D'Evanport and several of his acolytes to act as 'Observers' and 'Consultants' for the ship's systems. Maester D'Evanport is a widely respected leader of the Adeptus Mechanicus, and it speaks very highly of your mission for one of his caliber to throw in with you. Of course, Inquisitor Servais will be under absolutely no illusions as to the reasoning behind the Maester's selection both on you part and that of the Mechanicus.
Y'all ready to get this show on the road?
2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
I don't know how that would work really though, 1 acquisition for the trade goods contracts, 1 for the transports,1 for escorts to protect the transports?
Hmm... From Port Wander, I would say hiring a couple Cargo Haulers to make a single run would take a +10 Acquisition roll, where afterward your trade compacts and contracts would then kick in and take over in an automated fashion-like.
2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
OOC:
So we wouldbe looking at the following rolls
Crew: acquisition at +20
Transports: Acquisition at +10
Repairs: Acquisition (or Tech-use) at +?
Turbocharger modification to SDF at +? (TBD)
Am I on target here?
Am I the only one who doesn't think Saint Drusus' Fire when they see SDF
2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
+++ENCRYPTION KEY: 9EC4C12949A4F31474F299058CE2B22A+++
+++DECRYPTING… +++
+++ THOUGHT OF THE DAY: An open mind is like a fortress with its gates unlocked and unbarred +++
+++
Lord Captain,
I have come across a man amongst the denizens of Port Wanderer’s many dives that may be of some use to us. He tells me that he was once the helmsman of the divine Emperor’s ship Imperator Maximus. The Imperator was the lead cruiser of a recon picket patrolling the Koronus expanse that disappeared over 5 cycles ago. Over many bottles of amsec he told me of the fate of his ship and her fleet.
If his tale is to be believed then the picket came across a massive tyranid hive ship in the system surrounding Higgen’s moon. This alien abomination was the size of an emperor class battleship and as white as the surface of holy Luna. The living vessel was however unaccompanied by its normal fleet of escorts and the recon picket moved into investigate. Upon igniting their plasma drives the great leviathan shuddered to life and moved to engage the small fleet. The escort frigates we’re soon beset by boiling bio-plasma and all manner of living projectiles. The helmsman knowing that his time was short, positioned his frigate to ram what was assumed to be the great beast’s eye and overload the ships holy warp drive when they impacted. As the ship hurled towards the hive-vessel, the monster began to fold into the warp, they impacted her just as she blinked out of the matterium. The plasma in the Imperator’s warp drive boiled over and the ship was wrench apart by the unearthly energies released.
The helmsman somehow survived the ordeal, though he would not say how. A search party picked him up 3 cycles after the recon picket was reported overdue and he was returned to Port Wanderer. Driven mad by the ordeal our holy Emperor’s navy had no more use for him. However his skill as a helmsman comes highly recommended by the vice-commodore and both rogue traders Galant and Ross have attempted to hire him on as chief helmsman to no avail. He is apparently driven with a zealous desire for vengeance against the white hive ship. His time in the underworld of Port Wanderer both before and after his encounter with the leviathan has also gained him many skills in close combat that may prove useful in our endeavors.
As always I await your judgment on this matter.
Your faithful servant,
Seneschal Marcus Tybern, House Tybern
+++
Hi everyone, glad to be aboard. hopefully, I'll be taking over as voidmaster on the bloody martyr.
WS 2d10+25 → [5,8,25] = (38)
BS 2d10+25 → [6,2,25] = (33)
S 2d10+25 → [8,1,25] = (34)
S 2d10+25 → [3,1,25] = (29)
Ag 2d10+25 → [3,7,25] = (35)
Int 2d10+25 → [9,3,25] = (37)
Per 2d10+25 → [1,1,25] = (27)
WP 2d10+25 → [2,9,25] = (36)
Fel 2d10+25 → [1,7,25] = (33)
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2596292/
Wounds
1d5+4 → [3,4] = (7)
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2596334/
Fate points
1d10 → [7] = (7)
so 4 fate points(void-born)
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2596552/
Agility reroll
2d10+25 → [8,6,25] = (39)
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2596551/
Name: Wilhelm Stern
Homeworld:
Voidborn - -5 strength, +5 will, speak language(ship dialect), Charmed (if spending a fate point on a d10 roll of a 9 the point isn't lost), ill omen -5 to fel, shipwise (nav(stellar) and pilot(spacecraft) are untrained basic skills), void accustomed( low grav no grav is not difficult terrain)
Birthright:
Stubjack - Quickdraw, +5 BS, 5 insanity points
Trials and travails:
Ship-lorn - Survival skill, re-roll fate point dice spent on recovering wounds
Motivation:
Vengeance- (Hatred Tyranids)
lure of the void:
Zealot - Unnerving clarity (+5will, +10 insanity[http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2596477/])
WS 38
BS 42
S 29
T 29
Ag 44
Int 37
Per 27
WP 41
Fel 28
Skills:
Common lore
-Imperial Navy
-War
Forbidden lore
-Xenos
Navigation
-Stellar
Pilot
-Spacecraft
-flyers
scholastic lore
-astromancy
Speak language
-Ship Dialect
-low gothic
Survival
literacy
awareness
Talents:
Quick Draw
Nerves of Steel
Pistol(universal)
Melee(universal)
Hatred(Tyranids)
Career path:
Master of Space
level up:
+bs -100xp
+agility -100xp
+literacy -100xp
+awareness -100xp
+scrutiny -100xp
gear:
best mono-edge sword, bolt pistol, guard flak armor, micro-bead, void-suit, blessed ship token, re-breather, Imperial navy uniform, 2 bottles of amsec, pict-recorder, vox-caster,
acquisition:
good storm trooper carapace
Hey, someone's gotta make 'em, might as well be you
2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
Replenishing crew: +20, target < 60: 16
Acquiring transports: +10, target < 50: 35
Repairs: -10, target < 30: 40
Turbocharger modification to SDF: +10, target < 50: 54
Well, I got the transports and replenished the crew, but I think someone else is gonna have to help out with repairs and the new SDF battery. Have Jimbo and Kerrigan rolled yet?
Both the Fire and the Retribution are at full crews now. I'm gonna assume that you hired full new crews for both ships, and the Bretalian forces that come back with you are going to be treated as passengers until they can hop off back on their homeworld, correct?
The Transport Ships will be loaded up with supplies and will jump towards Bretalia as soon as they receive word that the system has been pacified.
Now we just need a couple TechUse rolls to try and repair the Hull, and I can throw you back into the Lion's den...
2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
1d100 → [95] = (95)
1d100 → [3] = (3)
After being warmly welcomed by the command crew of the St. Drusus's Fire and overseeing the spacing of the last remaining heretical crew aboard the Bloody martyr, Stern sees to acquiring the turbo charger that St. drusus's fire had been lusting over these past few weeks. He aquires transportation from the vehicle bay of the Bloody martyr and makes his way to the haunt of a Departmento Munitorum Quarter master that he knew from his navy days. After a short brawl and car chase Stern manages to convince the Munitorum official to part with one and stern calls in heavy transport to carry it back to the SDF. Stern makes his way home completely forgetting about repair teams he was supposed to hire.
2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
"plasma drives operational"
"docking arms retracted"
"void shields online"
"Auto-prayer system reciting at 400 kilo-nuns"
"incense furnaces burning at 100 tons per minute"
"Ready to cast off."
"Lets do this!"
3DS Code: 5043-2172-1361
Xbone Tag: Salal al Din
At the end of a long week of plans and preparation, finally the Saint Drusus' Fire, the Bloody Retribution, and its Imperial Patrol are all primed and ready to launch back towards Bretalian space. In the hours before your ships leave port, Mechanicus Maester Clawrence D'Evanport and a pair of lower-level officials boards the Fire and makes his way pleasantly enough to his quarters nestled amongst the rest of the Senior staff. He is a melancholy individual in general, though his sense of humor is quite sharp in an incredibly dry fashion. You are also quite certain that he will make absolutely every effort to ensure the Adeptus Mechanicus has their fair share of the Bretalian trade, whether the Inquisition wants it or not.
Speaking of the Inquisition, Inquisitor Servais arrives with his retinue fifteen minutes prior to your scheduled departure, carrying several large pieces of luggage in sealed and covered containers that they all seem to take great care in protecting. The Inquisitor has a retinue of 7 individuals; three thin figures cloaked in dark blue and gold robes that you can't see the features of, one hulking brute so scarred and tattooed that you wish he would cover himself up with a cloak, one ancient Adept busily punching figures and data into a slate and hardly paying attention to the world around him, one pale and eyeless bald woman with the markings and branding of a Sanctioned Psyker, and one drooling and bandaged individual being pushed along in a wheelchair by the brute as he stares blankly ahead of him. With a shock, you realize that you know this man in the chair: It is the Heretic Captain of the Pirate Half Pint ship, Captain Preston. Preston had spent the last week in the custody of Inquisitor Servias, and it is immediately clear that the man has been absolutely broken. Physically, mentally, spiritually, quite probably psychically. This shell of a human being doesn't make a move or a noise as his chair squeaks along down the long corridors to the Psyker's chamber.
Without being invited, the Inquisitor and one of the cloaked figures arrives on the Fire's bridge as it and the rest of the fleet are pulling away fro Port Wander to safe Warp distance. With a cool smile and a quick nod, Servias pronounces, "Ah, good Captain and staff. My thanks in so quickly and competently sending to me your files, the Xenos Artifacts, the Xenos Corpses, and the good Captain Preston. My time at Port Wander has been quite fruitful in dissecting these things to determine the hidden truths of our situation, and granting me information that will better enable me to aid this charge into Heretic territory. You should also know that, upon thorough review of your records up to this point, I have discovered no evidence of you or your crew taking any action that would be deemed Heretical." He smiles with no emotion. "Yet." And with that, he returns to his chamber and his people to continue his work and studies during your voyage.
At close to a million kilometers, your Light Cruiser group reaches safe Warp distance. Every ship powers their Gellar fields, and with 200,000 voices locked in prayer to the Emperor, the transition is made and your real journey begins. Your helms are all linked together and slaved to the main navigational helm of the Light Cruiser Agamemnon, who takes control of charting a course and directing your ships through the immaterium. Your journey is blessedly brief, and rather uneventful. Your ships manage to avoid the time pockets that have plagued you on both trips through the Warp in this region, and almost two weeks pass by with absolutely nothing bad happening. You do occasionally and sporadically pick up distress signals or ghostly apparitions on your long and short range scanners; the Captain of the Agamemnon orders these signals ignored and is backed up by the Inquisitor. If there really are ships out there needing help, it would seem they are on their own. As you make final approach to Bretalia, once again your vessels are visited upon with whispering voices that again speak of death and doom for your crew and your ships. Absolutely nonsensical rambling is interspersed with dark heretical words, as again and again and again the warning is screamed about the dangers of the one-armed man. Suicides spike below deck as your fresh crewmen are exposed to this plague for the first time, though there are not nearly enough affect crew performance in the slightest.
After your quickest journey yet, the Agamemnon and escorts all exit the Warp in the outer rim of the Bretalian Star System. The Light Cruiser's Captain, emboldened by your reports, doesn't bother with caution and jumps within the border of the Star's outer rim itself to directly face the enemies ahead of you. It is therefore somewhat alarming when your sensors immediately pick up your first system vessels, a pair of frigates, roughly 750,000 kilometers directly behind you. Your vessels immediately begin to come about and spread out to an attack formation when you receive a high-power Vox hail from the ships:
"By the Emperor, I hope that one of you is the Saint Drusus' Fire. This is Captain Helms of the Emperor's Fury, Cap-.... Former Captain of the Royal Bretalian Defense Force, and I am formally requesting Aid and Sanction for my crew and that of the Benedict. Please respond."
2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
Rannal tunelessly whistles to himself, trying not to think about the balance of the Xenos goods secured aboard the St. Druses Fire. Whilst technically legal, given the Warrant of Trade, there was no sense antagonizing the Inquistor over details.
While accepting the Inquisitor's orders to not respond to the vox and scanner returns in the Warp, Rannal slaves a log of the returns to his data slate, for future reference. He also attempts to organize activities below-decks, an effort to keep the suicides to an absolute minimum.
Rannal looks to the control throne and the Inquisitor (or his designated representative) for an indication regarding Captain Helms vox call. "Captain, we have auspex returns off of a pair of frigates, three quarters of a million k-meters out." He pauses to check the returns again, to see if the frigates are returning an IFF data-stream to our auspex console.
I will rely on my Underworld contacts for this information
Fel = 55
Peer (Underworld) =+10
Difficulty = -20
1d100 → [72] = (72)
1d100 → [74] = (74)
Sadly, everyone would seem to be ignorant and/or scared.
Jaakko brought the Fire around, being careful to keep position with the rest of their small fleet and thoroughly enjoying the feel of the roaring plasma engines. All that time in the warp, it was good to stretch his legs again.
3DS Code: 5043-2172-1361
Xbone Tag: Salal al Din
Inquisitor Servais dashes over to the Vox console with Rannal and they both watch as the IFF frequencies are logged and matched against the files. They do appear to match the frequencies from your last encounter with Captain Helms and his ship, though of course none of these ships have been logged by the Imperial database and they use their own nonstandard verification codes.
The Inquisitor gives Rannal a quick nod, then to anyone on the bridge he commands, "Get them talking, see what they have to say." Then, clicking the Vox over to the Fleet channel, he quickly sends an encoded message to all ships in the flight, "Come about and move to intercept the two unknown vessels. Assume likely hostile until ordered otherwise. Prepare guns for full effect, and get me a full scan once we're in range."
2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
"Comms, get on the vox to Captain Helms. Confirm that this is indeed the Fire and that we've brought the assistance of the Imperium with us. Inform him that once he powers down his weapons we shall do the same and would be more than happy to recieve him once he's ready."
All the senior crew of the Fire and the Retribution wait patiently within for your armed escort to bring in your guest. Apart from the other three Captains who are with you, there is Inquisitor Servias, two of his robed servants and his Psyker, and Mechanicus Maester Clawrence D'Evanport. D'Evanport and Servias are careful not to look in eachother's directions as they loudly sip at their glasses filled with tea. You think you can almost see the air growing hotter between the two of them even in the silence.
Not a moment too soon, Captain Helms is brought into the room and snaps off a weary salute. You are shocked; far from the regal professional you left here not six months before, the man in front of you is a tarnished wreck. His uniform is a torn mess, there are bandages about his face and one arm in a sling, and he seems to have lost close to thirty pounds. Nevertheless, the intelligence and intensity in his eyes are still there, and he barely suppresses a grin as he looks upon your faces, "In the name of the Emperor it feels good to see you again! Gods, I wish you could have gotten here sooner, but you are here now and you brought a fleet! Well done!" He shakes his head, letting some of the tension out of his stiff form, and scans the room for the new faces. His eyes fall to the Inquisitor's Rosette and linger there for close to a minute of silence. Then he shakes his head once more, sighs, and near collapses into a proffered chair. "Well, where do you want me to begin? Regent Gillen's betrayal of our ships? Our flight and forced exile? Our escape from the Pirate vessels?" Suddenly and sharply, he looks up to you with fire in his eyes, "My Crew; are they safe?"
2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
Rannal moves over to ease Captain Helms into his chair and pours him a generous tumbler of Amsec.
"Your crew are safe, Captain. We have indeed returned with a fleet and please, by all means, begin at the beginning. Rannal glances over at the Inquisitor and the other luminaries in the room.
"Begin at the beginning and leave nothing out. What happened after we parted ways? Anything you know that could help us understand what has happened here is important."
With a deep breath, the Captain begins, "Well, right after you lot left to go back to the Imperium, my patrol turned around to head to Bretalia Prime to spread the word that we had made contact and that we should expect rescue sometime in the next year. Took us a little over a week to get there, and all our crew was ecstatic the whole time; we were finally going to have salvation, they had every right to be happy. So we arrived in orbit, sent a coded message to Regent Gillen and a second to Fleet Command, and awaited their reply and orders." His jaw tightens, and for a second you fear he may shatter his teeth out of anger, "What we received was a full broadside from Planetary Defenses and a handful of system ships. Point blank. No warning at all. Gillen's office was broadcasting a general message by that point to the rest of the picket fleet; 'The Emperor's Fury and escorts have been corrupted by Xenos! They are preparing to attack the planet! Defend Bretalia with your lives!' By the Emperor I don't know how we survived it." His eyes grow much wearier at this point. "Well, the Fury and the Benedict survived. The Wrath of Koronos took extremely damage in the first salvo, and sacrificed itself to buy us some time. Plasma drive overload in the middle of the defensive line, took out three platforms and scrambled everyone's targeting sensors enough to let us disengage and sneak away."
Helms shakes his head in disgust and shame. "It was bad. Lost a third of our crews, serious hull damage, fires gutting multiple systems. We're barely fit for flight anymore, much less real combat. We didn't dare power up until we were well clear of the system, and with our trajectories and speed that in and of itself took nearly three months. And oh yes, they were looking for us. Close calls. Too many. By some twist of fate, we wound up floating near the site of the Asteroid Belt Supply Drop site." Memories of shock and fury come back to him now. "And the Pirates were there! And the Xenos, with their filthy cargo haulers! They were behind it the whole time, no sympathetic Terran world, no secret arrangement for food and medicine, we've been trading with the enemy for over a century and didn't even know it!" His fury fades a bit, and he turns back to you. "We didn't know it, but Gillen certainly did. Holy fire, he's turned Heretic! Or maybe he was in on it all along, Gods know that would explain why he never let us send ships for help, and why he personally managed the long-range communication attempts. If our Ecclesiarchy and Admiralty weren't so damned hard nosed and stubborn, he'd probably have turned them by now and controlled every facet of our world!"
A slight smile crosses his lips now as he looks to you. "On that, though, at least is a slight silver lining. For when Gillen's order to attack was given, the ships of the Bretalian Royal Navy held back. Likely on orders from Admiral von Unretin himself, the old sly bastard. When you turn to take back Bretalia, he will stand with you and by your side you will purge our world of the evil Regent Gillen and his ilk." Plaintively, he glances between you and the Inquisitor. "That is what you intend to do? Free us?"
2011 PAX Warmachine/Hordes Champion
Gant looks around the room to make sure he is being heard. "We don't want to go in ther guns blazing and fight over the world tooth-and-nail. If we do that there will most likely be horrendous collateral damage, and I'm not in the business of needless fighting turning a prospect into a wasteland. I believe the good Captain would agree that we should do our best to gain control over Bretalia with the minimum ammount of damage possible to the local population and infrastructure."
Gant lets an evil smile crease his face. "The pirates and their bases on the other hand, those we can have as much with as we want."
Rannal look pensively and troubled at Captain Helm's tale. "That is the intent, although it would seem that the scenario is evolving, even as we speak. As a minimum, it would seem that the Regent has suffered from greed and hubris, not to mention his dealings with xenos and his assault on loyal citizens of the Imperium."
Rannal swirls his own tumbler of Amsec and ponders.
"First things first. I would... recommend that we bring Captain Helm's two vessels in convoy and see what we can do to make them battle-ready. If that cannot be done immediately, I would then suggest we do what we can and then target the pirate base, which *should* give us access to better facilities to get the good Captain's vessels ready for what is to come. Once that is accomplished, I would recommend we move on the planet, if we can bring Admiral von Unretin into the fold and, thence onto the xenos base with the maximum resources we can muster... Tell, me, Captain Helms, is there a secure way to contact him? What can you tell us of him?"
Rannal pauses, to listen to the Captain's response.