Dark Heresy: Heresies of the Karridean Verge (IC)

[Erulasto]

PROLOGUE

Fidelis. A Hive World near the center of Sub-Sector Volanti, and ostensibly the most prosperous World in the entire Korolan Sector. With a population of nineteen trillion souls spread across four great hives, and containing the Void-Station residence of Governor-Subsector Lucian van Graff, it is considered to be the capitol of the entire Sub-sector. It exists solely built upon the backbone of a strong economic focus in trade and commerce, and the night sky is filled with the plasma wakes of dozens of massive Chartist void-ships coming and going from the Fidelis Void Station.

Home to the Third Fleet of Battlefleet Korolan, the perpetual presence of several cruisers and a flotilla of Naval escorts provides ample security in space, just as the full thirteen regiments of the Fidelian Foxes Imperial Guard that call the planet home provide an added measure of security to the millions of Adeptus Arbites and Planetary Defense Force personnel.

The four hives: Grestian, Isitor, Haller and Sefora are far from one another – linked by massive highways and transport roads lifted above the toxic mire that has spread across the surface from overpopulation and abuse of the ecosystem. The Guard routinely sweep these roadways to ensure they are not hindered by the occasional feral mutants that call the wastes home.

High in Hive Grestian exists the manor of Inquisitor Felix Bannon. Half-fortress, half-residential barracks, the manor functions as the primary base of operations for many of his Inquisitorial Acolytes and contains both a private landing platform for shuttles and other vessels, and a fully-stocked armoury to equip the full platoon of Inquisitorial Storm Troopers who protect the premises and the secrets stored within.

You have been called from a short period of leave; three blissful weeks of living your own lives and doing your own thing. The missive came from Interrogator Sonya Astrazan – your primary handler, when Bannon is too busy to give his attention to his Acolytes. She bade you come with haste to the Manor to be briefed on your next assignment – and to set your personal affairs in order….

The Inquisition has need of you, once again.

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FIDELIS – HIVE GRESTIAN – INQUISITORIAL MANOR OF FELIX BANNON
3.250.982.M41

You have been here before, and every time you set foot in this chamber you are both awed and terrified by what it represents: the might and power of the Holy Inquisition.

A heavy silence fills the chamber once you had passed the large double doors and black-armoured Inquisitorial Storm Troopers that flanked it. The doors had been rather plain – plasteel and richly lacquered wooden paneling – with no extra heraldry or indication of what lay beyond.

The room itself was a vast circular chamber, easily fifteen or twenty yards across, though it did seem less so, as the exterior edges of the room were hidden from view by a row of thick pillars and emblazoned curtains. It created a sort of outer ring to the room, where you knew that more Storm Troopers would likely be lying in wait for fool-hardy attempts at disturbing the peace.

The pillars were ferrocrete, though entirely plated in gold and festooned with black iron braziers hanging at various intervals up the pillars to the high, vaulted roof. The curtains were heavy cloth – cut from the same material many war banners were crafted from – and each a brilliant crimson, embroidered with gold, black and white threads to depict various honorifics and iconography to both the Holy Ordos and the Holy Throne itself.

The center of the room, was one massive slab of highly polished black volcanic glass. It was warm to the touch as if the heat that had formed it was still held within, and in the very center of the slab was a gold Aquila and a larger representation of the Inquisitorial Rosette.

A singular table sat at the far end of the chamber and it was thick and crafted of ancient Sequoia wood. A master craftsman had meticulously carved devotional icons and pictographs across all the surfaces save the very top, which was entirely smooth save for the indentation in the center of the oval table in which a holo-display was embedded. Currently, a blue and green holo-pict was flickering softly above the table.

The most telling and grand feature of the room, however was the massive statue of gold that dominated the center of the far wall. It was a representation of the founder of the Inquisition, Malcador the Sigilite. Flanking the statue were massive arched windows that allowed a panoptic view of the Hive that sprawled out beneath Bannon’s Offices on Fidelis. The blue star of the system was dipping low on the horizon, partially obscured by the spires and towers of the upper reaches of Hive Grestian, shadowed by the slow decline of the sun.

Bannon himself did not seem to be present. You had heard a whispering amongst the staff of Bannon’s manor here on Fidelis that he was off-planet dealing with issues close to the borders of Sub-sector Adamus – the Dark Zone.

Instead, you were presented with a singular figure standing near the table and alternating her attention between the glowing holo-display and a data-slate in hand.

Interrogator Sonya Astrazan was scowling at whatever she was looking at, pretty features bunched into an expression of disgust and frustration. Her shapely physique was clad in a matte forest green suit of carapace armour, over which were voluminous robes of fine black silks and leathers. At home here in Bannon’s manor, she wore her wavy red hair long and loose and it spilled across her shoulders as she glanced about – muttering curses under her breath.

When the thunderous crash of the door closing behind you echoed through the otherwise silent room, Sonya glanced up at you – the scowl softening just a bit.

”Thank you for coming.” She says, setting the data-slate down on the tabletop and turning her full attention to them.

”Bannon has requested you undertake an assignment for him on the agri-world of Aporia. There are concerns from the Planetary-Governor that a mutant cult may have been growing uncontrolled on the planet for some time.” Astrazan looks at the holo-display, and clicks a small switch on the side of the table to bring up the image of a beautiful blue water planet. Upon close inspection, there appears to be only one major city on the only real land mass in the southern hemisphere. Large polar ice caps rest on both the top and the bottom of the world, but otherwise it’s entirely covered in dark blue seas.

”The economy is based on farming some type of protein-rich creature from the sea. Most of the native inhabitants of Aporia live on floating city-ships. Ancient things. Next to impossible to recreate as I understand it. One of these ships….Velar’s Hope vanished a few months ago. Another ship picked up some castaways from the missing ship and they were all raving mad-men. Lost as sea for weeks apparently. The Governor sent an Arbitrator squad to go and interview them. I can provide copies of the interviews if you want. It’s pretty graphic. The men were screaming about mutants from the Deep.”

Sonya runs her fingers through her mane of hair with a sigh. ”Go to Aporia. Find out what’s going on and put a stop to it. If you can find Velar’s Hope, try to do so to try and salvage some of the damage done to the economy, but your primary concern is to permanently end whatever is causing these mutations – if there are any – and halt any cult activity.”

”Questions?”

Spoiler: OOC

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Feel free to begin with a brief description of your character, if you are so inclined.
Things of note:
- You have assigned rooms in the Inquisitorial Manor. They're not much more than a cot, closet and desk, but it's yours. You don't have to stay there if you don't want, but other than manor security, and likely Bannon, you're the only one who has the key for it.
- Give yourself one more full months pay minus 1d10 thrones, as you've had a few weeks off.
- Feel free to make any rolls for for anything you'd like to do going forward in a Spoiler. Want to know more about Aporia, for example. Go ahead and roll. Count these rolls as base difficulty, and I'll let you know if there's difficulty modifiers or penalties after the fact (or feel free to reference the example difficulties in any skill section and add or subtract as needed).

[Erulasto]

DARK HERESY: Heresies of the Karridean Verge
OOC THREAD

Spoiler: The Cast

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User	Character	Concept
Sarak	Brother Nuric	Untouchable Cleric
Bennosuke	Alaric Varn	Biker Punk Scum
CrimsonKnight	Lena	Feral Assassin
Lycan 01	Ralix Zamir	Noble-born Adept
ArendK	Jericus Kessler	Former Imperial Guard Corporal
Qechua	Qualia Mithras	Imperial Psyker

Spoiler: Setting

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The KOROLAN SECTOR

The Korolan Sector, like all sectors recognized by the Administratum of Terra, is a region of space roughly the shape of a cube spanning two hundred light years. It sits near the Calixis Sector, the Orioz Sector and the Cygni Septum Sector. The Korolan sector has been a stable region throughout Imperial History, though also one not fully explored or developed. In the waning years of the 39th Millennium, an Imperial Explorator Fleet under the command of Commodore Adolf Korolanus first entered the region in force, and carved a trail through the region – purging unclean Xenos from several systems – and settling those planets that proved valuable to the Imperium of Man.
Ultimately, Korolanus did not fully explore the sector that was named for him. His fleet was broken in a battle that ravaged the Bharati System. What few records survived the engagement implied that they had stumbled into a system with a vast Xenos structure locked in a tidal orbit of the systems blue giant star and were immediately set upon by sleek, maneuverable Xenos vessels. The only ship to make it out of the system was a Mechanicus vessel, who managed to drop Quarantine Beacons before transitioning into the Warp.
Now, many years later, the Sector has been further settled and grown into a prosperous region for the Imperium. Despite the growth that continues to spread, one region still remains unexplored. The subsector to the Galactic South of an expanse known as the Karridean Verge – Sub-sector Adamus – still remains undisturbed by Imperial Forces. The Bharati System – still quarantined – rests on the border of this Sub-sector, and is used as a warning marker for Imperial fleets that they are approaching the Dark Zone.

Spoiler: The Sub-sectors

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Spoiler: Subsector Adamus aka The Dark Zone

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The Dark Zone is a completely unexplored region of the Korolan Sector. While there are many intrepid Chartist Captains or Rogue Traders who would brave this region, it has a reputation for ill fortune to those who take such a chance. Warp storms and other turbulence during Warp Travel often impedes long-term transit, and rumours of Xenos and other unclean things dwelling within have, so far, steered a great many away. The only system that is classified by the Administratum is the Bharati System – a quarantined Maiden world with a known Xenos presence. To breach the Quarantine Zone and survive is to receive a visit from the Inquisition.

Spoiler: Sub-sector Volanti

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Sub-sector Volanti is the most populated region in the Sector, with multiple Hive Worlds and even more Proto-Hives existing across the sub-sector. It is nominally controlled by Governor-Subsector Lucian van Graff, who enjoys popular support from the High Lords of Terra due to his unflinching precision in ensuring Imperial Tithes are met. Van Graff dwells in a massive void-station in orbit of the Hive World Fidelis.

Spoiler: Sub-sector Osse

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Next to Sub-sector Volanti, Osse is the second region that Commodore Korolanus discovered. It contains an inordinate amount of mineral wealth, and hundreds – if not thousands – of deep-void mining operations exist. While it does not have the population density that Volanti does due to the reduced number of Hive Worlds, it’s high population is spread much farther. Chartist Captains often say that they could close their eyes and travel in any direction and they would find a mining colony within a day or two. Osse is controlled by Governor-Subsector Hansel Aggrapa. Aggrapa has close ties with the Adeptus Mechanicus, and has been accused of allowing them special privileges.

Spoiler: Sub-sector Bananth

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The Heart of the Sectors survival, Sub-sector Banath contains dozens of highly productive Agri-Worlds. Many of these worlds provide food in quantities so vast that there is often a surplus that is traded at a very notable fee to other Sectors. As such, the Imperial Guard regimental levies that are raised from the Sector do not want for nutritious food and rations. Presently, Sub-sector Banath is without a Governor. The last one – Mira Provolio – died when her personal transport crashed during a tour of the Agri-World called Devonshire. Presently, a small petty-council runs the operations of the Sub-sector until the High Lords of Terra can appoint a replacement.

Spoiler: Worlds of Note in Sector Korolan

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Spoiler: Sub-sector Osse

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Luxzemburg (Type-K Orange Dwarf): Luxzemburg is a major Forge World that is well-renowned for producing large ground-based transport vehicles, ranging from freight trucks to troop transports for the Imperial Guard. Several smaller manufactorum’s specialize in more luxury vehicles such as motorcycles, racing vehicles and high-end luxury transports for the wealthy. It is the third planet of four, and it orbits a bright orange star. The other three worlds are now honey-combed with labyrinthine tunnels from the ongoing mining operations upon them. The planet closest to the star is mined for the deep-dwelling pockets of unrefined Prometheum contained within.

Ubalto (Type-M Red Dwarf): The twisting, narrow streets of the Hive World Ubalto are home to some of the nastiest gangs and urban predators in the Sub-sector. This world has all but been forgotten by the Imperium for only the upper reaches of the Hives are safe from wandering gangs and tribes that have overrun the lower reaches. They have a society built on inter-tribal and inter-gang warfare and much of the toxic wilderness has spilled into the poorly maintained Hives. The nobility of Ubalto live like kings and Queens, their power based entirely on the distribution of meager resources to buy the loyalty of the tribes below. Occasionally, when the Imperial Guard has need of extra manpower, they will send massive recruitment drives down to round up the people of Ubalto as if it were a feral world.

Shivan (Type-M Red Supergiant): This system contains only one intact planetary body, a vicious Death World in close proximity to the star. It’s surface is bathed in solar radiation, and the surface of the once sandy planet has been melted to sheer plains of slippery black glass. A Mechanicus research facility exists tucked into a narrow, craggy cleft between glassy mountains.

Coram (Type-F Yellow Dwarf): Coram is an industrial world. It doesn’t have the sort of infrastructure, or Mechanicus presence to ascend to a true Forge World. Instead, it’s countless small cities compete with each other to produce quality lasguns and las-pistols. They are best known for the Coram XXIV-pattern Lasgun, and the Coram IX-pattern Las-Pistol.

Caszic (Type-G Yellow Giant): The massive world that is Caszic is the only planet in the system, and is a gas giant almost as large as the giant star at the systems center. The gas giant has an upper atmosphere rich with oxygen, while the significantly denser atmosphere below a seven kilometer safe zone is heavy gasses constantly churning in intense ion storms. Several large floating cities drift through the safe zone, gathering energy from the random ion strikes that streak through the area in vast collection-arrays.

Oberstyre (Type-A White Supergiant): Oberstyre is an up and coming Forge World. It’s primary industry on the surface consist of crafting components for the void-ships that are assembled in the immense shipyards that orbit the planet. The entire planet is focused upon the production of void-faring vessels, and the shipyards can host an impressive twenty-seven hulls.

Hraline (Type-F Yellow Subdwarf): Hraline is an Agri-World with two moons that have a rather inconsistent orbit. This odd orbital pattern makes for a fluctuating water table that allows for a few bountiful harvest seasons, followed by a long drought. The planet is a lush paradise for a third of its long year, followed by a long recovery period. It is a hard life the citizens live, but the inevitably bountiful harvest at the end of the dry spell brings considerable wealth to those who make it home. It produces a number of small luxuries in other areas of the world, but primarily produces Gannic, a plant with nutrient-rich bulbs that serve as solid nutrient base and stalks that are useful in a variety of textiles as well. Lately, the dry season has been growing longer and the Imperial citizens are beginning to realize the planet may not sustain them forever at this cycle of use. Lately, more and more preachers have been assigned there to bolster the flagging Faith.

Durrax (Type-M Red Supergiant): The Penal World of Durrax may as well be a death world for all intents and purposes, though it houses no native life save for fat, wriggly slug-like creatures. The planet's outer crust is a thick, dense layer of razor-sharp, craggy rock that is next to impossible to break. The surface is criss-crossed by an overly complicated network of deep gorges and chasms. The floor of these chasms is soft-packed dirt, and it is here that the Durraxian Burrowers dwell. It is also into these chasms that the penal colony is housed, built into the walls of a particularly wide and deep gorge.

Spoiler: Sub-sector Adamus

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Bharati (Type-O Blue Giant): A heavily proscribed system, there appeared to be several verdant maiden worlds present around a massive, bright blue giant star. In orbit around the star was a Xenos structure that was never identified by the Explorator Fleets before it was destroyed. Quarantine beacons warn ships away for dozens of light years around.

Spoiler: Sub-sector Volanti

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Fidelis (Type-B Blue Dwarf): For all intents and purposes, Fidelis is the capital of the sub-sector. It is a center of trade and commerce, and the entire economy of this truly massive Hive World is devoted entirely to tourism, trade and entertainment. It is incredibly cosmopolitan in its views, compared to the rest of the region; a fact that often has representatives of the Holy Ordos maneuvering throughout the world to ferret out heresies and other proscribed evils.
Main Hives: Grestian, Sefora, Haller and Isiter.

Cozmera Wyrd (Type-B Blue Giant): A paradise world of unprecedented beauty. The smaller world has a lower gravity than most planets its size due to a unique mineral make-up in the core, and the cities are build upon tall pillars that reach up into the sky alongside floating islands and mountains that seem to be buoyed by the strange gravitational effects. It is a pleasure world, well known for it's highly acrobatic dancers, and cruising through the sky on light-weight aerial pleasure yachts.

Logofer VI (Type-A White Dwarf): The Fortress World of Logofer VI is a heavily populated world on the edge of the Sub-sector that generates many regiments for the Imperial Guard. The Planetary-Governor Malkon Madrass recently declared his intent to secede from the Imperium, and with him a full thirty-six regiments of Guard, the sixth fleet of Battlefleet Korolan and several mercenary companies joined his uprising. Currently, there is a crusade that - as of 124.982.41M - made planetfall and have become embroiled in a massive campaign to purge the Recidivists from the planet.

Sacristan (Type-A White Giant): A Cardinal and Shrine world, and the head of the Ecclesiarchy in the entire Korolan Sector. Three massive temple-cities dot the rolling fields and valleys of the planet, while the space between the have been turned into vast graveyards and cemetaries thousands of kilometers in size. A convent of the Adeptus Sororitas is garrisoned here, to act as the Sword of the Ministorum.

Ezrant (Type-G Yellow Subdwarf): Ezrant is an aspiring Hive World, properly classified as a Proto-Hive. Presently, there are six minor hives that are gradually growing together as the years pass and progress takes its toll. The landscape is not toxic yet, though it is becoming inhospitable. Strife occurs as the people of the Hives conflict with the remnants of the agricultural and farming communities slowly being strangled by the encroachment of the massive cities.

Haitros (Type-M Red Hypergiant): A large, rocky world with four small moons and a surface pock-marked with deep craters and the wrecks of old voidships. This was once an Imperial world that was subjected to an Exterminatus shortly after it was colonized when it fell to a cult of the Ruinous Powers. The ruling family of Haitros was highly skilled in genetic manipulation, and bred strange mutations into much of the noble born residents of the world. Most information about Haitrossian culture, languages, and other information have been declared Heretical by the Ordo Hereticus. Of the suspected thousand survivors of Haitros, the Inquisition has active warrants out for the capture or death of over half.

Indri (Type-M Red Giant):: A large gas giant with distinctive white striations through the rust-hued clouds. The only reason this system is of note to the Imperium is due to the derelict carcass of an ancient Space Hulk caught in a slowly declining orbit of the planet.

Yalpene (Type-M Red Dwarf): An uninhabited system with no planetary bodies. Only a system-wide asteroid field exists here, though an automated Augur Array exists on one of the larger asteroids. The Array was set up by the Adeptus Mechanicus over two centuries ago to measure strange gravimetric disturbances in the corona of the Yalpene Star.

Spoiler: Sub-sector Bananth

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Aporia (Type-F Yellow Dwarf): An Agri-World of sorts, Aporia is a world covered almost entirely by unfathomably deep oceans. A singular landmass contains the only stationary city – Aporro City – that houses the Imperial administration and planetary defense forces for the world. It maintains a space elevator that ascends to a small void-station used exclusively to transport the thousands of tons of protein-rich plankton-like lifeforms that are harvested by floating city-ships.

Devonshire (Type-G Yellow Giant): Devonshire is the quintessential Agri-World, with thousands of kilometers of verdant fields, plantations and raw material storage. Three small spaceports work day and night to ship goods to and from the planet. Recently, the Governor-Subsector died in a fiery crash in the southern hemisphere when her shuttle went down during a tour of the agricultural facilities.

Faradikan (Type-G Yellow Dwarf): A feral world on the borders between Subsectors Bananth and Adama. The wild men there coinstantly feud with the feral Orks that dwell in the Southern wastelands. The planet is known for a potent brandy with grapes grown in the corpses of the Greenskins.

Cobb’s Landing (Type-K Orange Dwarf): Is flat savannah and rolling plains, where massive Grox herds make slow migrations across the land following the seasonal cycles. These herds are culled routinely, and the meat and skins fetch a decent price in bulk across the Sector.

Kesh-Suras (Black Hole and Type-B Blue Dwarf): A heavily forested world, with tall mountain ranges at the polar regions that feed glacial runoff into frothing rapids and quick-moving rivers. An abundance of natural wildlife makes trapping for exotic skins and strange delicacies makes this world a prime place for visitors. Several small trader enclaves exist throughout, with a single major city sitting near the warmer Southern polar region. This planet sits at the outer reaches of the system, which was once the home of binary stars. Ages ago, a Dark Mechanicus Traitor detonated a highly-experimental Exterminatus-level weapon in the yellow giant that the blue dwarf orbited. This weapon caused the yellow giant to implode, and form into a black hole. The blue dwarf is locked in a stationary orbit above the black hole, it’s gravity enough that it hasn’t been pulled in immediately. Instead, the black hole leeches energy from the blue dwarf, condemning it to a slow death.

Pascallion (Type-G Yellow Subdwarf): A feudal world of various warlords, all of which compete in yearly tournaments to have the honour of being the kingdom that provides a warrior-tithe the the Armies of the Imperium of Man.

Garoun (Type-M Red Dwarf): A Death World populated by titanic beasts that dwell in dry, dusty forests and sandy dunes. It has been officially quarantined by the Imperial Authorities due to its danger.

Viccarus III (Type-G Yellow Dwarf): An agri-world composed of a vast network of interconnecting peninsula and atoll's where the primary growth are rich fruits used to distill into alcohol, ranging from cheap ales and wines to more exotic amasec's and brandies. Even their cheapest drink is well-regarded throughout the Sector.

Spoiler: Character Index

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Spoiler: Inquisition Characters

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Inquisitor Felix Bannon: An Inquisitor of the Ordo Hereticus, Felix Bannon has a distinguished career, his skills at organizing assets and utilizing them to the best of their abilities bringing him a great deal of prestige. Bannon cultivates multiple groups of Acolytes, and directs them against threats to the Imperium with great skill, and care. He has personally been responsible for the elevation of no less than three other Inquisitors – all of which served as his Interrogator’s prior to rising to eminence themselves.
Bannon is a tall man, with dark hair and dark eyes that hold an intense, piercing intellect. He has a well-groomed mustache and beard, trimmed down to barely more than stubble. His nose is hooked, and his face has an overall hawkish look. He generally wears well-tailored clothes in various dark hues, but has been known to don a suit of ornate carapace armor when the situation calls for it.

Interrogator Sonya Astrazan: Bannon has, on occasion, taken students under his wing and taught them the ways of the Inquisition. Few of them, unfortunately, have excelled in this dangerous line of study like Sonya Astrazan. Originally a trained companion-courtesan being groomed to service the increasingly corrupt noble houses that ruled the Hive World of Tashimo, she was freed and taken under the wing of Inquisitor Bannon when he led a purge against the Noble houses and the seditious cult that had been festering within.
Sonya is an attractive woman who knows how to use her looks to her advantage. She has wavy red hair and inquisitive green eyes that are far more perceptive than most give her credit for. While her original skill-set was devoted more to conversation, and titillation, Bannon recognized her sharp mind and her love of learning and has ensured her education has continued. She is now well read on many subjects, and aside from her people skills, Sonya’s greatest strength is her mind.

Solstice: The silent protector of Inquisitor Bannon is known to be an assassin-adept from one of the numerous Imperial Death Cults, though little is known of her beyond that. She has bright, glacial blue eyes, pale skin and long white-blonde hair but the rest of her is routinely covered by black synth-skin and an unusual skull-shaped death mask. She never speaks – it is unclear if she even can, but Inquisitor Bannon is never encountered without her.

Gregor Ettinbrand: Gregor is a skilled pilot, and often the one brought on to transport various teams of Acolytes on behalf of Inquisitor Bannon. The story goes that Gregor earned his place as a Throne Agent when he was drafted to ferry Bannon and a kill-team of Adeptus Sororitas into the thick of a Heretical Uprising on Akkemar IV. Anti-air fire was intense as they made their approach, far past the allied offensive, and into the heart of the Rogue Governor’s palace district. In a pared down Aquila Lander, Gregor managed to not only out-maneuver three Avenger Strike Fighters, but land in a shallow courtyard far closer to the Governor than originally expected: all the while flying with heavy damage from the constant barrage of AA guns.
He is a handsome man with cropped blonde hair and bright blue eyes, though the left side of his face is scarred from a wound taken during that initial foray with Bannon. He usually wears a flak vest over his flight suit, reasoning that you never know when something may explode in the heat of the moment and he’d rather not have a shard of metal in his gut while trying to fly.

Spoiler: Imperial Citizens

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Spoiler: The Wayfarer

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Captain Jonah Hathaway: When Jonah Hathaway was a young man, he wished for nothing more than an adventurous career in the Imperial Navy, or maybe to found a new Rogue Trader dynasty. While he was well at home on a voidship, his tactical acumen left much to be desired. Now, the slightly rotund but jovial man consoles himself that at least he still gets to captain his own ship. Jonah is a Chartist Captain of a freight transport called the Wayfarer. He has sandy blonde hair usually worn in a short ponytail, warm brown eyes and a well-groomed handlebar mustache and beard. He usually favours expensive clothes in various blues and blacks.
After Jonah inadvertently came to the rescue of Inquisitor Bannon during an operation several years ago, his honesty and pious nature endeared him to Bannon and now, when Bannon needs some assistance with one of his teams of Acolytes, sometimes Captain Hathaway is hired to transport them – for a modest fee, of course.

Commander Ascobel Roth: Adjutant and Second-in-Command of the Wayfarer, Ascobel is a striking woman with sharp features and white-blonde hair. She carries herself with the poise and mannerisms of a Naval officer, better suited to life on a warship than on a merchant trader vessel. Rumours among the deck-hands and ratings would claim she is a disgraced officer, and that Hathaway had picked her up a few years ago. Regardless of her true origins, Ascobel is a skilled and efficient officer.

Chief Astropath Quayle Drummond: A stooped, prematurely aged man with a bald head and several sanctioning scars across his cranium. Bright, friendly smile that appear much younger than his appearance would otherwise indicate. He leans heavily on a gnarled wooden staff, and is adorned in rich robes of office and several gold religious icons and wards upon a chain around his neck. His eyes are opaque and milky white, though he seems to get around well enough for a man who cannot see.

Sergeant Sanje Gorram: Commanding Officer of the Wayfarer's Security Forces. A tall, broad shouldered man with a well-maintained suit of Enforcer Light Carapace Armour who usually is found with a curved mono-sword and a las-pistol. His left eye has been replaced by cybernetic augmentation, and his face shows several battle scars hidden beneath a shaggy mop of brown hair.

Confessor Ferdinand Ulhando: A remarkable Cleric on the Wayfarer and the vessels primary Confessor. Blonde, shaggy hair with bright eyes and burn scars on the left side of his face. He has an old hand-flamer and chainsword that he inherited from his own father - a Commissar turned Confessor in the latter years of his life.

Ensign Leah Cooper: A youthful bridge officer candidate on the Wayfarer. Usually works Navigation and very adept at plotting courses for the void ship at sub-light speeds. Seems to have become enamoured with Alaric.

Spoiler: Sector Command

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Lord-Marshal Alexei Yagi: Appointed by the High Lords of Terra to lead the crusade to bring the rogue Fortress World of Logofer VI to heel.

Governor Lucius van Graff: Governor-Subsector of the Volanti Sub-Sector. Strictly enforces the tithe grades set by the Administratum, and as such enjoys a lot of popular support from various factions including the High Lords of Terra themselves.

Governor Hansel Aggrapa: Governor-Subsector of the Osse Sub-Sector. Known to have very close ties with the Adeptus Mechanicus.

Spoiler: Aporia

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Planetary-Governor Vernon Klass: The Planetary-Governor of Aporia, Vernon Klass is a rotund, heavy man with a somewhat sycophantic streak when it comes to those of higher station than himself. He appears a bit sniveling, and comes across as somewhat effete. In truth, his demeanor belies a true loyalty to the Imperium of Man, and he is a staunch supporter of the Offices of the God-Emperor’s Agents. Governor Klass is bald, with wide, round blue eyes and rather rosy-tinted skin. He perpetually sweats, and is always dabbing at his fleshy head with silken kerchiefs. Despite all the supposed flaws, Klass has a logical mind and is a very adept administrator.

Augusta: Tertiary-Aide to Planetary-Governor Vernon Klass. Assigned as the liason for the Acolytes with the Governor's staff.

Chief-Medicae Aretha Fraun: The chief-medicae of Aporro City, under orders from Governor Klass to perform a medical examination upon the three surviving crew members of the Velar's Hope that were picked up as cast-aways at sea.

Chief-Judge Helena Logan: A tall, Amazonian woman with a bald head and augmetic eye in the black carapace armour of an Imperial Abites Judge. Grim personality.

General Adelward Gorbech: A heavyset man with a thick neck and a rotund nose. Commander-in-Chief of the Aporrian PDF.

Magos-Xenobiologis Yvette Carracin: Leader of the Adeptus Mechanicus force that settled on Aporia six years ago to study deep-sea organisms. Currently not cooperating with local Administratum personnel.

Cavan, Roen and Nathan: Three security guards upon the Aporian Trade Depot void-station that spoke with Jericus and Nuric after discovering the mutated Aporian Lash-Fin in one of the shipping crates.

Pol: A young depot worker who was mauled by the Aporian Lash-Fin, but saved from death by the timely - if gruesome - intervention of Lena.

AX-11034: A Skitarii soldier in service to the Machine Cult on Aporia.

AX-10081: A Skitarii in service to Engineseer Amiros on Aporia. Was compromised by the warp-entity on the Aporia Trade Depot void-station and possessed by some insidious tech-heresy. The Skitarii was wrestled to the ground by Jericus and Qualia, before Alaric executed him by shooting him in the head. DECEASED

Enginseer Amiros: A Tech-Priest upon the Aporian Trade Depot void-station seeking to solve the stations failures.

Officer Krut: A bully in the service of the Planetary-Governor, defending the Governor's Palace.

Spoiler: Rogue Elements

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Captain Kasran Dire: A Rogue Trader from the Dire Dynasty and Captain of the Direwolf. Kasran is presently suspected of being involved in heretical dealings by the Inquisitorial Acolytes. Owns the Black Charter to a personal army of former penal legionnaires.

Lady Kaetlyn Balto: An attractive young woman in her mid-twenties with wavy red hair and keen eyes. Seen wearing a grey dress like that of a cloistered sister or student of the Schola Progenium. Companion to Captain Kasran Dire. It was revealled that Lady Kaetlyn was a surviving member of the noble lines of Haitros before its Exterminatus. Kaetlyn was shot by Alaric after 'birthing' some sort of mutant abomination in the bathroom of the Aporian Trade Depot's void-station. DECEASED.

Inquisitor Luther Hemlock: Supposedly an Inquisitor who claims to be the Bearer of the Spear of Arcand, the Scion of Daxos and the Hunter of Oah.

Spoiler: Excommunicate Traitoris

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Malkon Madrass: The Planetary-Governor of Logofer VI that orchestrated the succession of the Fortress-World from Imperial Rule. While his motivations and reasons are still as of yet unknown, he was able to corrupt many others to his way of thinking in a short period of time. Despite the Crusade sent to pacify the world, the Ordo Hereticus has a great deal of interest in determining the root cause of this heresy.

Magos-Biologis Gaulyk: A Heretek specializing in genetic manipulation and reputed to be the creation of a eugenic mutant breeding program on Haitros before the planet was burned by Exterminatus. Still at large. Suspected to be progenitor of whatever strange mutation affected Lady Kaetlyn Balto.

Oah: A warp-entity rumoured to be a Daemon from before the rise of the Imperium.

Spoiler: Other Things of Note

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Spoiler: Void Ships and Vehicles

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The Wayfarer: A well-maintained Vagabond-class Merchant Trader. Pride and Joy of Captain Jonah Hathaway. It is a small, multi-purpose vessel with many extra holds having been built for larger capacity of hauling. It’s only real weapon systems is a single macro battery mounted on the dorsal spine and a lance battery mounted on the prow. It’s nothing exceptionally fancy, but it does the trick. One of the cargo holds has been converted into a large hangar. It usually contains a pair of modified Eagle-class Shuttles, and a single Aquila Lander.

Aporia’s Blessing: An Aporian City-Ship under the command of Dynastic-Captain Adolf Carruthers. Two kilometers long, with a width of 0.79 kilometers. Population 64,533.

Velar’s Hope: An Aporian City-Ship under the command of Dynastic-Captain Santiago Hertz. Presently missing. Three kilometers long, with a width of 1.02 kilometers. Population 81,218.

Pride of Sacristan: A Pilgrim-Ship originating from the Shrine World of Sacristan. It began it's latest pilgrimage many years ago, but was reported lost to the Warp a decade ago. It has since reappeared in the Yalpene System. The Acolytes opted to ignore its distress signal and continue on to Aporia. Current status is unknown.

The Direwolf: The personal void-ship of the Rogue Trader, Kasran Dire. A heavily modified Dauntless-class Light Cruiser. The decorative Eagle upon the forward prow armour has been replaced with the snarling visage of a Fenrisian Dire Wolf.

Spoiler: Food and Drink and other Miscellany

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'84 Viccarian Amasec: A finely aged, vintage amasec brewed on the agri-world of Viccarus III. Considered a very strong drink, but a sublime experience. Usually goes for about 300-500 thrones a bottle depending on scarcity.
Guverrian Scallops: Thick and sponge-like balls of meat at the center of a large hard shell. Named after Alman Guverro, the chef who first tried cooking the scallops harvested from the shoals of Aporia's only landmass.
Gannic: The primary export of the Agri-World of Hraline.
Surrasian Honey-Nuts: Native only to Kesh-Suras, these small almond-sized nuts are found primarily in large clusters near the riverbeds.

[qechua]

Imperial Psyker Qualia Mithras

It had been several weeks since her return to the manor, and many weeks before that since she had first arrived on Fidelis. The sight had unnerved her then, and it still twisted her mind. She looked out the window of her room, apparently reinforced but still fragile by warship standards. Below, the hive disappeared into the distance, akin to a cruiser upended and dug into the surface. She had requested a room with a view of the stars to ease her increasingly restless nights, but this was not quite what she had had in mind.

All a sudden found herself grasping onto a nearby pillar for support, her mind boggling itself as she saw three figures floating through the air below, the tall one and two of their associates. She caught a view of herself in the mirror to the side of the window as she averted her gaze from the outside. The blue light of the star mixed with the aquamarine of her skin and made her appear even more alien, while the light glinted off of her insignia, sat proudly amongst the utilitarian exercise gear. Her sanctioning brand itched, as it did often, but she resisted the urge to rub it, that only ever made it worse.

She retreated to her ironically named bathing chambers, washing herself of the sweat acculmulated from Jericus' evening calisthenics routines. They had maybe not as thorough as she had wanted, but given his propensity for more two dimensional combat, it was hardly surprising, and thus she had taken to supplementing the regime with additional climbing and dropping exercises. Her cleansing finished, Qualia changed into her deep purple robes, yet more precautions to mark her as a witch. She sat on her bed, and tried to set her mind more at ease by thinking of the warship in the skies above, imagining herself still cruising in His Light

A small chirp took her attention, a summons to the meeting halls, and not even a Captain could keep the Inquisition waiting. She tied her white hair into a crude pony-tail, donned her heavy duty boots and headed down to the hall. The belt holding her las-pistol and sword remained hung on the walls, while her psykana remained on her right hip, exactly where she had told the rest of the team it would remain. Naval life had taught her to trust strangers with her life, and she had made a point of impressing to the rest of the team that it was a weapon not meant for her to draw. Instead, it was positioned perfectly so that someone behind her could draw and use it in one movement, to save everyone around from whatever dark force attempted to break into her mind.

She proceeded to the meeting halls, arriving first and quickly taking a seat, the high ceilings once more reinforcing how alien this life was to her old one. While waiting for the others, she attempted to estimate how many enlisted would be billeted in a hall like this, with the space correctly apportioned. No doubt the navy would find a way of putting hundreds in here, and potentially three distinct decks. It was one of many mental exercises she used to settle herself in such situations.

She listened to the briefing, a spark of imagination appearing and then extinguishing itself at the talk of ships. There was no question to Qualia of taking on the task, an order didn't need to include the word order to make it an order. Once Interrogator Astrazan was finished, Qualia hazarded a couple of questions

"Ma'am, do we have the previous tracks of the Velar's Hope? It may give us some clues as to where she proceeded. Secondly, is there any previous activity upon Aporia we should be aware of, other concerns the governor has noted. Finally, given the amount of food Aporia provides to the sector, how far should we go to minimise any additional damage to the planet and it's economy? "

[Bennosuke]

Alaric Varn stands at the back of the group, trying his best to remain in the background. He is dressed in a dark red leather jacket, with a half aquila matching his facial tattoo printed in black on the back. He stands with his hands held behind his back trying his best to look like he is showing deference, something he never really learned to do. For once, Alaric was going to speak before he thinks.

Spoiler: OOC: Roll

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Will roll for CL Imperium (int) at Alaric's Int of 43 (1d100)[1]
EDIT: Well that's a darn good start.

[ArendK]

Jericus had just finished getting showered after the calisthenics exercises with Qualia and the others. Dressing lightly for another evening lower in the hive enjoying drinks with the local PDF regulars, his las-pistol tucked inside of his jacket and his knife at his hip. He'd never needed either since his outings began with the local units, but better to have it and not need it. No one usually paid too much attention at least; who was ever expecting a Guardsmen to go anywhere unarmed?

He was just walking out the main estates door when the missive came in. Well, there went that plan for the evening.

Jericus leaned against the wall while Interrogator Sonya gave them the briefing. He found himself bemused that here he was, conscripted to one of the most terrifying organizations in the Imperium of Man. His job was to protect the people whose job it was to find and eliminate the terrors that threaten trillions upon trillions of lives. Yet amidst this, his original plans for the night involved enough rot-gut to sedate several dozen groxes amongst a group of people whom he understood their trials, tribulations, and humor. And here he was now being briefed by a woman who most men would happily give their trigger finger for a night with AND who happened to be likely the 2nd most terrifying person in his de facto chain of command. And the Guardsmen of the group is the one leaning against a wall while the authority figure addressed them and Alaric, the thug kid from the hive was standing in a half-way decent attempt at parade rest. He did his best to hide his smirk as Sonya laid out the details and asked for questions.

"Does the Planetary-Governor KNOW we're coming? What operational support will we have available to us from either the Inquisition or Aporia itself? Equipment, guides, manpower, vehicles, etc. "

[Sarak]

Brother Nuric sighed gently, allowing himself a small smile at his own expense. He'd just walked into his modest room in the Inquisitor's Grestian manor, having just rinsed off, sweat still beading on his forehead; Jericus' calisthenics routine didn't flatten him like it had that first night, but it was still far from a stroll through the fields. Ironically, it would seem as though his life since joining the Inquisition under Felix Bannon had left him a bit 'soft'. He'd spent his life on Hraline doing heavy labour, working the land and eschewing the aid of many more modern conveniences in favour of simple tools and his own two hands; it had left him with a solidly muscled frame, intimidating if not for the friendly face accompanying it. This past year had seen a drastic cut in the amount of honest labour he'd managed - rarely able to step in for some heavy lifting before a servitor assumed a task - and he had to admit that he was not in quite the same shape as he had once been. That wasn't the only issue, however; the routine Jericus had devised was well beyond anything he'd ever experienced before, and even had he been at his peak outright muscle wouldn't cut it. Still, he was determined to persevere, and even had some small success in convincing himself he was progressing.

He knelt briefly by the bed, offering a short prayer, then rose to shut the door and retrieve a change of clothes, donning his robes overtop them. He paused a moment, then strapped his belt and gun on underneath the robe; the habit was slow to build, but most days he remembered before he left the room now. He thought on that a moment; if his change in lifestyle with the Inquisition had atrophied his frame at all, it had only strengthened his resolve. Where only months before he'd begun to question his place in the Inquisition, now he felt more determined than ever to serve Him-Upon-The-Throne through the shadowy organization.

Nuric stepped out into the hall once more, leaving the door open; he only ever shut it when changing or when asleep (he did so to protect the others from his snoring; to this day he wasn't sure if the other monks had been truthful about his raucous chainsword racket at night, or if they'd just used it as a reason for none to share a room with him). Whatever his condition, he was of the clergy first and foremost, and he wanted to be available at any time should his fellow Acolytes wish to speak (whether on matters of faith, or anything else). He checked his chrono, pleased to note that if he headed into the upper hive now he'd still likely arrive on-time for nightsong at Grestian's beautiful grand templum. He had spoken with the temple elders on a few occasions now, but was simply content to join the mass with the rest of the congregation. He began to stroll towards the landing platforms, then slowed, and stopped. He felt the increasingly familiar bulk of the .40 Talic autopistol strapped underneath his robes; Jericus's instruction had proved invaluable, and was starting to pay off; the former Guardsman had assured him however that the most impact he'd see on his ability now would come from practice. Even with the extra time he'd been spending at the range, he was far from a sharpshooter, and the time may come when there would be more resting on that autopistol's results than just Brother Nuric's satisfaction. He turned, instead heading in the direction of the range. Nightsong would have been both calming and uplifting, but Nuric served Him in another way now, through the Inquisition and not just the Adeptus Ministorum. He could spend an hour or two in practice, then take devotion in the manor's small private chapel. He'd be sure to offer to lead a service for any of the others who wished to join him; perhaps he'd seek out Alaric, and today he'd convince-

His comm signaled. He'd missed it the first time it went off. There was a summons from the Inquisitor's Interrogator, Sonya Astrazan. A pleasure to speak with, on those occasions when it wasn't business. A lovely woman who could give Ralix a run for his thrones on any number of subjects, she was quite intelligent and charming. What she was not, however, was forgiving of a tardy Acolyte. He walked through the halls towards the meeting chamber in question. Unconcerned by the presence of the Storm Troopers, he moved past the double doors, immediately making the sign of the Aquila as his eyes settled on the statue in front of him. Glancing around, he noted the absence of Lena, then as always did a quick scan of the room again; it would not be the first time that he'd missed her standing amongst the shadows.

Nuric listened attentively while the Interrogator ran through their objectives and what they knew, and listened just as patiently to his fellow Acolytes in discussion. He was growing more comfortable with this sort of procedure, but still felt a bit out of his depth, and resolved to learn as much as he could here to aid in their investigation on Aporia.

[Erulasto]

FIDELIS - HIVE GRESTIAN - INQUISITORIAL MANOR OF FELIX BANNON

Interrogator Astrazan allowed her keen gaze to sweep across the assembled Acolytes as they voiced their inquiries, and offered them a small smile.
She addressed Quilia first, with a nod. "Indeed we do. They were trawling the sub-arctic regions in the North-Eastern Hemisphere when they were last contacted. Captain Hertz advised the Administratum controllers in Aporro City that they were going to spend another couple days there before heading back to the city to unload their holds for a delivery to Captain Reynolds, a Sector-local Chartist Captain. Obviously, they never arrived. Most of the City-Ships don't venture too far North - the ice flows from the polar regions offer some unpleasant obstacles from what we are told."

The Interrogator summoned up a new holo-pict on the display; it was a timeline of tithes and assessments of significant events across the last decade or so. It seemed that Aporia was quite prosperous, and remarkably stable. Except for one small blot of proverbial red ink.

"Six years ago a Magos-Xenobiologist by the name of Yvette Carrocin arrived with a small cabal of Mechanicus personnel, and with an authoritative writ from Mars itself began construction of a deep-sea research facility. There is a plethora of creatures that ply the depths of Aporia's seas, and they came to study and catalogue them. While this itself is not concerning, Governor Klass has filed several complaints with Mechanicus oversight into Magos Carrocin's unwillingness to cooperate with annual audits. On more than one occasion in the last year she has denied entry to all outside Administratum and Astra Militarium personnel. While we are not sure if there is any corralation, this does stand out as the only true activity of note outside the usual planetary parameters."

She offers Qualia a faintly amused quirk of her brow. "We would like to minimize our impact on the local economy as much as possible. But your mandate allows the use of esoteric measures if you feel the situation warrants....and yes, Mister Kessler, Governor Klass knows you are coming. It was he who sent the request for our intervention in the first place." Her bright green eyes turn to the ex-Guardsman.

"As far as operational support goes, you will be transported to Aporia by Captain Hathaway of the Wayfarer. He claims, as always, that it was on his way and he is happy to offer whatever support he can. That being said, Inquisitor Bannon does not feel that this warrants more attention than you can provide yourselves. You are under no obligation to hide your purpose, or your loyalties and if you are in need, the Governor has agreed that he can spare a squad or two of Guardsmen from the Aporian 3rd Regiment currently stationed on Aporro City, or the services of the Adeptus Arbites on-world. Governor Klass will provide you with whatever transportation you need once you are planetside."

Interrogator Sonya dispels the holo-picts displayed. "Aporia is a three month transit, so I have already arranged for the Wayfarer's to have any additional information we have on Aporia transmitted. It will give you some light reading before you arrive."

"Anything else?" She asks.

Spoiler: Alaric

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Aporia (Agri-World)
Total Population: 3,000,000 Approximately (Aporro City: 250,000)
Tithe Grade: Exactis Prima

Aporia was settled so long ago that most records do not show a set date. Mechanicus Adepts have dated the vast city-ships of Aporia to be thousands of years old, and the STC for their construction was lost from Imperial Records. The planet functions as a quasi-feudal society, where the governing leaders are referred to as Dynastic Captains, and each one comes from an incredibly long lineage. These are the masters of the city-ships, and when one dies the oldest son or daughter ascends to take the helm - Absolute Cognatic Primogeniture Succession. A special charter exists between these Dynastic Captains and the Imperial Governor, setting down a codified legal system that allows the Dynastic Captains autonomy so long as the Governor and the Imperium as a whole get their tithes. It is up to each Dynastic Captain to orchestrate and secure trade agreements with the Chartist Merchants that travel to Aporia.

While there has occasionally been conflict between two city-ships, these are heavily penalized by their system of laws, and so much of the planet is relatively peaceful. The Imperial Guard of the Aporian Regiments (only 7 ever levied), along with the PDF spend much of their time hunting the few predatory species that inhabit the planet (such as the Ice Reavers, the Aporian Lash-Fins and the Kaolakas (both Deep, and Shallow variants). Arbitrator presence is confined to Aporro City, as each City-Ship handles discipline for crew members in-house.

[Bennosuke]

Sheepishly, Alaric Varn speaks up, stepping forward so that he can be seen by the Interrogator, "Would it be possible to gain any files or information that may be held by the Inquisition, or by the Aporian govornment, or by the Chartis Merchant regarding the Dynastic Captain, and possibly any important Mechanicus figures of the Velar's Hope? Also, would it be possible to secure some form of arrangement to meet with the local Tech Priests upon our arrival? If one of our few leads is the possible illicit behavior of one Magos Carrocin, this would likely be useful."

Alaric's face quickly turns crimson, and he makes a hasty retreat to the back of the group after his request.

Spoiler: OOC

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Also, either given the degree of success on my last roll, and/or Alaric's background coming from a forge world, would it be possible to gain any further information regarding the Adeptus Mechanicus activity or function amongst the fleets of Aporia? Happy to make a second roll if you want

[qechua]

Imperial Psyker Qualia Mithras

Continuing to listen to the answer, as well as the answers of her comrades, the thought of reems of Inquisitorial briefing material somewhat ruined the idea of a three month stint to Qualia. Still, it would be good to get the void about her again, Fidelis' gravity was far too constant to be comfortable. A sly grin appeared at her face as she opened her mouth once more.

"Just one more question from me, ma'am, when do we depart?"

[Sarak]

Brother Nuric frowned at the mention of the Xenobiologist, nearing a scowl by the end of her description; the Ministorum and Mechanicus had a history of not seeing eye to eye, and the blatant disregard for checks and balances raised his suspicions even further. He mentally reigned himself in before he reached a premature verdict. This was an important investigation, as all were with the Inquisition, and Carrocin's actions did not condemn her outright; they merely put her on trial.

He looked across the table at Qualia as she spoke - he tried to skirt the room and sit opposite her whenever possible, giving her space - and nodded at her question regarding the impact that events could have on Aporia's agricultural status. It was a thought he'd shared as well, as it had been a subject for concern and debate on his own homeworld in recent years. Instability in the ecosystem on any agriworld in the Imperium was a danger not just to the world itself, but the sub-sector it provided for.

Nuric gave a slight smile as Alaric spoke up; well thought out and well articulated. It would seem as though the monk wasn't the only one maturing of late. The smile shrank as Qualia questioned their departure; the woman had spent most of her life in the void, and was clearly eager to return to it. Brother Nuric had spent the majority of his life in contact with Hraline's soil, and tended to spend more time than usual cloistered in prayer when shipborne, especially when traversing the Warp.

"Surely the writ from Mars cannot leave room for the Magos to avoid monitoring. When was the last contact and envoy to the Mechanicus station?"

[CrimsonKnight]

Though she had not shifted so much as an inch since taking her seat, Lena had a small grin of satisfaction behind the scarf she habitually wrapped over her face. A mission at last, and to somewhere that wasn't a wretched hive like Grestian. Not that she hadn't taken advantage of the few weeks of leave to wander unnoticed amongst the teeming masses, observing everything from highborn nobs trampling their lessers underfoot to Arbite block raids to shady criminal deals in disreputable warehouses and even mutant filth hiding in the shadows of the underhive. But it chafed her so like a raw boil that she was under firm instructions not to kill anyone at all without a direct order. Such was the price of her service, but it still rubbed her wrong to just ignore such acts of crime and heresy (however minor it might be). And on top of that, a blade kept in its sheath was only good for drawing rust, and her particular set of skills were no different. So yes, she was willing to admit to herself, she was more than eager to be tasked with this mission.

She listened attentively to the briefing even if a few of the names and concepts being discussed flew over her head. How could a city float on the ocean, for example? Was it a giant boat? It was something she'd had to get used to since first leaving her home, and, at least, she could understand far, far more now than on her first warp voyage. Her eyes narrowed slightly at the unsubstantiated claim of mutants from the deep seas somehow being responsible for the missing city. She considered this for a moment, then raised a gloved hand once the conversation had died down and spoke up in not-quite-perfect Gothic.

"A question. These deep mutants, has there been any previous sightings of them before in the records? Or if not that, any local stories or legends on Aporia as such that is similar?"

[Lycan 01]

Ralix Zamir's plans for the afternoon had been relatively straightforward. He'd been meaning to ask Alaric or Nuric if either of them knew how to play Regicide, and if not, somehow convince them to learn so he'd have someone to play with. So he'd been out in the city searching for both a new board of suitably fine craftsmanship, as well as keeping an eye out for a nice bottle of amesac to entice his newfound friends with. When his comm-link had alerted him to the meeting, he'd actually been looking at an anthology of Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium holo-vids to perhaps purchase as a gift for Jericus. With a sigh, he'd hastily left to find quick transportation back to the manor, making a mental footnote to return for the pict-collection later.

Arriving at the meeting, the scrawny scholar slinks in and takes a seat at the table, nodding in quiet respect to the Interrogator. He knows she's not one to trifle with, and he maintains proper decorum and etiquette around her. And humility, since he knows that she's one of the individuals who probably had a say in whether or not he was Excommunicated like the rest of his academic peers had been just a few short months ago. And all it would likely take is one misunderstood or arrogant comment, and she could just gesture at a stormtrooper and...

Ralix suppresses a shudder, casting his gaze downward. He's wearing his Administratum robes, clad in the guise of a lowly scribe - he left his fur-lined greatcoat back in his quarters, not wanting to attract too much attention to himself by wearing the garb of either military or aristocratic rank. His stub revolver, a Viperbite HK-47 with real wood grips, is tucked in his robes in comfortable holster. Another pocket holds his great uncle's copy of the Imperial Infantryman's Uplifting Primer, always kept on hand as both a small good luck charm and for use as handy reference material. His backpack rests on the floor next to his chair, holding his data-slate, a pouch of thrones, his auto-quill, and a few other odds and ends. And a small brass Aquila hangs from his neck, tucked into his robes and out of view from all but the most perceptive or nosy of observers.

After listening to the information provided and his comrade's inquiries, Ralix eventually steeples his fingers and leans forward a bit, frowning in thought. He finally unfolds his hands, and leans back in his chair, raising a hand to non-verbally ask for a turn in speaking.

"If I may?" he interjects as there's a lull in the conversation. "I have a few questions..."

He changes his posture to lean forward again, holding aloft a hand for gesticulation as he begins to essentially think out loud. "First of all, how often does the Imperial Guard gather its tithe, or the PDF hold recruitment? During the last mustering or the last few recruitment drives, was there a noticeable uptick in mutations among potential recruits, or other increases in reports of corruption among the populace?""

He frowns. "My second question... When did the Black Ships last visit the world? Do their records show any increases in Psyker numbers among the populace in the last generation or two?"

"And of course, have there been any other other Inquisitorial investigations on the planet in the last few years... that we're allowed to know about, of course?" he asks, cracking a sheepish smile as he endeavors not to step beyond his bounds.

The sophisticated scholar then leans back in his chair again, looking thoughtful. "Sailors, be they of the stars or the terrestrial seas, are oft a superstitious sort. Often its relatively minor quirks or beliefs, such as viewing a certain species of bird or fish as good or bad luck, or new allowing women aboard their modest little fishing boat lest it bring misfortune or certain doom. But... on some worlds, those who spend much of their time at sea can sometimes pick up more troublesome habits or beliefs. Scrimshaw amulets, engraved bone charms to ward off misfortune while at sea... or to obtain the favor of the seas themselves, perhaps. The longer a crew is away from port and civilization, the more likely they are to fall deeper into superstition... and stray from the solid foundation of Imperial faith and creed." He scowls. "A ship the size of a city... lost at sea, without contact with the rest of civilization to keep the population anchored? Yes, nautical superstition and ritualism could potential run rampant. And lead to all manner of madness and corruption..."

He looks down, idly tilting his head from side to side. "Though I must wonder if the castaways that were found are survivors who fled the ship, lest they fall into corruption as well, or perhaps exiles who began to drift into madness while the rest of the populace tried to hold firm..."

Spoiler

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Scholastic Lore (Legend) to know of any legends in the sector regarding sea monsters or "Deep Ones": (1d100)[23] vs 46
Scholastic Lore (Occult) to know more about nautical occultism, and whether scrimshaw charms or seafaring ritualism might be used to ward off sea monsters or mutation or other strange things... or invoke it: (1d100)[30] vs 46
Forbidden Lore (Heresy) to perhaps know where nautical superstition begins to stray from folk belief into outright heresy, such as inviting mutation or invoking Chaos for protection or fortune at sea: (1d100)[32] vs 46

[Erulasto]

FIDELIS - HIVE GRESTIAN - INQUISITORIAL MANOR OF FELIX BANNON

Astrazan fixes her keen gaze on Alaric for several long heartbeats, seeming to be appraising the young man with an unreadable expression on her face. After a moment, she allows herself a small smirk.

"We will make a proper Throne Agent of you yet, Mister Varn. All Inquisitorial files within your clearance level will be made available to you. Most of the Tech Adepts who dwell on Aporia - and are not part of Magos Carracin's entourage, mind you - dwell in Aporro City and serve at the whim of the Governor. If you wish the make inroads with the Adeptus Mechanicus, then that would be a good place to start. I will send a message to Governor Klass indicating your desire to set up a meeting, but ultimately it will be up to you to press the matter." The Interrogator chuckles; after all, she's not going to do their job for them.

"And no, Brother Nuric. The writ from Mars does not give them leave to avoid monitoring. However, the consensus of late has been of the mind that there are more important matters at hand than tracking down a belligerent Magos-Xenobiologist. Mind you, if during your visit you can make the time for a visit it would not hurt to remind the good Magos of their obligations. They send a vessel to Aporro City bi-annually for supplies, but beyond that, their last communication was just over a year ago."

Interrogator Astrazan nods to Ralix, a flicker of respect in her eye as she presents a hand in an idle gesture to continue. "By all means, Master Zamir. Ask away...."

"Aporia - in the entirety of it's history within the Imperium - has only ever raised seven full regiments of Imperial Guardsmen. Of these, all but one are off-world. I believe most of them have been commandeered by Lord-Marshal Yagi to put down the Recidivists on Logofer VI. The primary tithe was long ago established by the Administratum to be wholly food-stuff. The economy and lack of habitable land has always hindered the population growth required to field significant military forces. Among them, there was next to no mutation discovered. The planets purity has always been sufficiently beyond reproach."

Astrazan draws a different dataslate from a small pile on the table, and glances at it for a half-breath. "The last Black Ship was there, it seems, just over two hundred years ago. Records indicate that Aporia is typically very...blunt...when it comes to Psychic manifestations among the population. The ships only took three on their last visit, and all three were consigned to the Astropathic Choir. Consider yourselves blessed by the Throne...." Sonya smirks. "This is the first Inquisitorial visit the planet has had in over eight centuries. You are making history!"

Sonya nods knowingly at Ralix. "You are correct, Master Zamir. The Ecclesiarchy maintains a temple on each of the city-ships, though the local incarnation of the God-Emperor was originally painted under the guise of a Sea God....and according to the interview with the castaways? It was implied heavily that they were securing a remote augur buoy when they claim the mutants took over. When they returned, they barely fled with their lives."
"And no, Lena." The red-haired woman shakes her head. "This is an entirely new phenomenon. No local legends about mutants, though there are plenty of cautionary tales about the sea-predators that call the deep waters of Aporia home."

Spoiler: RALIX ZAMIR

Show

Scholastic Lore (Legend): Aside from part-reptile, part-insect beasts that hunt the ice flows to the polar regions called Ice Reavers, and the man-eating cephalopod's called Aporian Lash-Fins there are no real creatures that consistently show up in legends. Though there is a legend about a black star that fell from the sky millennia ago and splashed into the sea. It was apparently a bad omen, as two city-ships were lost to warfare shortly after. The legend claims both ships fought over possession of the star.
Scholastic Lore (Occult): The Emperor is viewed on Aporia as a Sea God. He's the Calmer of Waters and they believe their faith is strong, as there is so rarely storms or inclement weather. Each native of Aporia carries a small token of devotion - a small fish carved from the occasional floating coral network, and it's considered good luck to wear the teeth of the Aporian Lash-Fin on a necklace. It wards off ill-omens.
Forbidden Lore (Heresy): The faith is relatively pure, though there was a sect that existed about eight hundred years ago (around the time of the last Inquisitorial visit) that believed that there was a sunked city deep below the sea where the Emperor actually lived and that if they found his deep-sea palace they would be granted immortality in his realm.

Finally, Sonya scratched her chin with a chuckle. "Qualia, you all may leave as soon as you are prepared. The shuttle should be ready for you now, and I know Captain Hathaway finished loading his last shipment of amasec on-board not too long ago. He even gave me a spare bottle."

[qechua]

Imperial Psyker Qualia Mithras

The excitement of departure began to take Qualia's attention, although she tried her best to stay on target with the briefing. She appreciated the questions her compatriates asked, covering angles she wouldn't have thought of. That was, until Ralix starting implying that a warship, a vessel of the Emperor's judgement and retribution, was but a 12 month tour away from falling. He had no understanding of the intricate operations involved, the scales of people and work going on, that even a small frigate was closer to a city than whatever land-spire he called home. She'd seen ships that had fallen from the Emperor's guidance, and it wasn't rampant superstition, it was the ruinous powers infiltrating through whatever cracks might appear in a vessels Gellar field.

Still, this was not the time to rebuke him, and she left her disapproval at a slight narrowing of her eyes, before turning her attention back to the Interrogator. Maybe three months aboard the Wayfarer would enlighten him.

Understood, ma'am. I can't speak for the others, but I can be aboard shuttle before the hour is out.

[Bennosuke]

"Thank you Interrogator", Alaric practically squeaks from the back, after his questions are answered. He keeps his eyes to the floor, his face still glowing red.

[Sarak]

Listening to his fellow Acolytes in conference around him, Brother Nuric offered up a silent prayer to the God-Emperor. He had yet to truly suss out the depth of faith in each of them, but at the very least they seemed committed to doing His work in the Inquisition. The depth of detail and planning was reassuring, each Acolyte contributing and seeming to see the issue from a different angle and bringing their own expertise to bear on the matter. While he himself was still getting his bearings in his new unsheltered life, he drew comfort from the capable comrades he'd found.

Nuric nodded in agreement with Qualia's comment on departure, thinking of his own meager belongings; nearly everything he owned was either on his person, or in a bag under his bed, ready to go. The benefits of an ascetic lifestyle, he supposed. While he had no love of void- or Warp-travel, he would do as he must to reach their destination; there might be souls in need of saving, or barring that, cleansing.

[Lycan 01]

Ralix's eyes flicker a bit, glancing back and forth at nothing as he makes mental notes and cross-references. "Frozen North... Ad-Mech research... Emperor viewed as a sea-god... yes..." he murmurs mostly to himself, before snapping back to reality.

Cracking a wry little smile at the Interrogator. "Yes, Alaric is quite astute. He learns fast, though I'm still struggling to teach him proper table manners and dinner etiquette," he muses with an idle wave of his hand, casting a playful look towards the young Hive thug.

He then leans back in his seat, folding his hands together and once more looking serious and astute. "But back to the matters at hand. You mentioned a few things of interest there. Where is this Adeptus Mechanicus research facility? Besides the bottom of the ocean, I mean. Have they made its location known, or is it considered need-to-know among more esteemed servants of the Omnissiah?" he idly inquires. "I'm curious to know the proximity between the research base and our missing ship's last location. Unconnected, more than likely, but mayhaps the Mechanicus researchers may have picked up some clues or leads on their sensors..."

He then raises an eyebrow. "You mentioned the ship being last seen in the Northern regions, below the arctic circle? Curious. I've stumbled across Aporia before in some of my studies, and I recall it have a few species of hostile wildlife. I know one species of creatures... insectoid in nature, as I recall... tends to inhabit the frozen northern regions. Ice Reavers, I believe they're called. I'll see if I can learn more about them before we make landfall or upon arrival, in case there's any connection..."

Ralix pauses a moment, before glancing around at his comrades. "By the way, do yourselves a favor and find some sort of fish necklace or bracelet or other charm as soon as we arrive on the planet. Preferably one made of coral. It's a show of devotion on Aporia, since the Emperor is viewed as a sea god. If we try to emulate some of their customs as a show of respect, it may make our dealings with the natives somewhat more fluid and fruitful..." he thinks aloud.

He then looks back at the Interrogator, and tilts his head thoughtfully. "Two more questions, ma'am. First, what is the current political climate on Aporia? According to some old legends on the planet, city-ships have been lost before, though they supposedly destroyed each other in pursuit of something rather than mysteriously disappearing. Have their been any known conflicts or rivalries that may have led to foul play between vessels? And my second question... well...."

"I'm sure it's far beyond anything we're authorized to know, but..." he says cautiously, tilting his head to the other side. "May we inquire as to why the Inquisition visited Aporia some eight centuries ago? Or which Ordo oversaw the operation?" he asks meekly, trying not to push too hard for information, yet not wanting to miss potential leads.

[Erulasto]

FIDELIS – HIVE GRESTIAN – INQUISITORIAL MANOR OF FELIX BANNON

The Interrogator simply smirks at Ralix’s assessment of the youthful scum, and leans her hip against the heavy table, arms crossing lazily across her chest.

”The Deep Sea facility, which records name AP-006A…” She scoffs at the unimaginative name; leave it to the Machine-God’s servants to give it a name as dull as that. ”…its location is near the planetary equator. It rests on the cusp of an undersea crevasse called Schaffer’s Rift, and while Velar’s Hope does usually fish in and around the area, there isn’t any known correlation between their assumed trajectory and the facility in the last year. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to inquire.” She shrugs noncommittally.

Interrogator Astrazan listened to Ralix’ rambling ideas and thought process with a small – if slightly curt – smile.

”To answer your first question, Master Zamir, the political climate has been remarkably stable. Governor Klass is well-liked among the Dynastic-Captains. Aside from tensions with the Mechanicus enclave, there has been no instability in a long, long time.”

The final question garners a narrowing of her eyes and a close, intense scrutiny of Ralix, lips pursing. ”Master Zamir. That knowledge is even above my clearance. It may be in your best interest to forget that line of questioning entirely.”

Astrazan turned her gaze back to the assembled Acolytes.

”You’d best gather your gear and head to the landing pad. Any further information you required can be gathered while you’re en route to Aporia.”

The Interrogator waved her hand dismissively before turning back to the table and the teeming pile of dataslates scattered across its surface.

_______xXx_______

FIDELIS – HIVE GRESTIAN – PRIVATE LANDING PLATFORM

Having gathered what gear you sought to bring on your voyage, the stepped through the pressurized doors that led out onto the private landing platform for Inquisitor Bannon’s manor.

It was several kilometers high, and the air was thin enough that it felt somewhat like the breath was being sucked from your lungs, and sitting upon the wide, circular pad – suspended high over the neighboring spires – was a sleek-looking Aquila Lander.

Engines idling, the roar was still quite loud.

Stepping down the gangplank was a paunchy man with a handsome face and sandy blond hair pulled back into a loose ponytail. His warm brown eyes twinkled as he watched you approach, and his grin split the well-groomed handlebar mustache and neatly trimmed beard. He wore high-quality clothes: a bright cerulean blue shirt with ruffled lace at the collar and a fashionable black leather overcoat with blue velvet lining.

Captain Jonah Hathaway had come to greet you personally.

”Welcome, my friends! We’re all ready for you. Please, stow your gear and we can be off! I’ll have you join me in the stateroom for some amasec once you’re settled, yes?” The Captain shouted over the idling engines of the Lander, gesturing up to the sky that faded from the light of the fading sun, to the star-speckled ink of the void beyond.

”We’re fueled, stocked and ready to depart!”

[Sarak]

The cold air swept into the chamber as the pressurized doors opened, paining him less than they had just a few short months ago. Nuric had taken to spending more time in the hive and on the outer decks of the manor, and the physical effect of it was less shocking. The mental acclimatization was a bit slower in coming. He'd spent nearly his entire life before the Inquisition in contact with Hraline's soil, and now here he was on a hive several kilometers up from it, and about to put even more distance between them. The thought did not yet sit well with him.

Still, at least their guide seemed reliable. Captain Hathaway seemed to him a good, honest citizen of solid faith, exactly the sort of man he'd expect to serve His Inquisition. Of course, that was not always the case, as his own cell of Acolytes was a prime example of. An eclectic mix of individuals picked up from a variety of situations, many of whom at first glance he himself would have been less inclined to recruit and more likely to condemn; at least, the Brother Nuric of a year ago would have, unaware of the Inquisition's modus operandi. The Holy Ordos of the Emperor's Inquisition, Nuric thought wryly, the Imperium's most opportunistic recruitment program. Enigmatic and unyielding, safeguarding Mankind from threats it couldn't and shouldn't know about. His mind flashed back at that thought to the ire the Interrogator had displayed when rebuking Ralix. He liked the man, and he seemed able to carry on an intelligent discussion about any subject that Nuric could conjure and a hundred others to boot; it was easy to forget that that same intellect had led him astray, and nearly to ruin.

He shook the dark thoughts away - it was merely his anxiety at their impending flight - and strode quickly for the Lander, greeting the Captain briefly as he passed. He reached up and patted the familiar outline of his carved Aquila resting on his chest, near his heart. The sooner they reached orbit, the sooner he could settle into his room and devotion.

[Bennosuke]

Alaric made his way up the steep climb to the landing platform, trundling two large and obviously heavy cases with him. One was clearly a weapon locker, the other a fine plasteel suitcase that was painted in lilac and aqua and was clearly stolen from some noble.

When Alaric made it up the platform, he paused to marvel at the Lander, grinning foolishly at the beautiful sight. Alaric would make is his way to Captain Hathaway and offer him a hearty handshake. “Thank you Captain!” Alaric calls over the whine of the ship’s engine, “Are we taking this up to the Wayfarer?” The question was colored by an almost childish excitement from the ex-gangster, and it was clear Alaric looked to Captain Hathaway with more than a little respect.

[Lycan 01]

Ralix nods along thoughtfully as the Interrogator answers his inquiries. However, as her demeanor turns more icy towards the end, he straightens his posture a bit. And when she gives him the stern warning, he replies with a meek little smile. "Consider it forgotten," he replies humbly, knowing full well when certain topics need to best be left buried. Hopefully the others take notice that he's not arguing or trying to push the subject, but he's already resigned himself to the fact that most of the team probably thinks him to be dangerously curious...

--------

A short while later, Ralix strides towards the landing pad with a full backpack slung over his shoulder. He's now clad in his black greatcoat, buckled securely and concealing his Administratum robes, while the sable fur lining of the collar frames his face and giving him a much more regal appearance befitting his noble origins. As he walks towards the the Aquila lander, he glances around at his team. A gallery of individuals from all walks of life, some more devout and brave, others more cunning and resourceful. Yes, an interesting team they make... assuming they don't all eventually end up killing each other for one reason or another.

As they walk together, he glances down at Alaric's uncharacteristic luggage. He raises an eyebrow. "You know, that looks like a suitcase I once had, before it mysteriously disappeared..." he muses offhandedly, before giving the young scoundrel a knowing smirk. He then returns his attention to the matter at hand...

Ralix unslings his suitcase as they approach the Rogue Trader, smiling warmly. He gives a nod of respect, and extends a hand for a firm shake. "It's good to see you in such fine health and spirits, Captain," the nobleman says with refined etiquette and social poise learned since birth. "Always a pleasure. The offer of amesac is hard to turn down, doubly so when it's with such fine company. Perhaps a round or two of Regicide to go with it?" he asks with a wry smirk.

[qechua]

Imperial Psyker Qualia Mithras

Qualia stood at the end of the briefing, a gentle nod in the direction of the Interrogator, before heading back to her quarters. Grabbing her bag and donning her weapon belt, she quickly left again, her entire life packed into a single carry-all. Heading back out, she arrived at the landing pad, the proud Aquila lander sat pride of place amongst the flat surface. It took her a few steps to even realise the lower pressure and the heat of the engines, although it did little to slow her down. Qualia couldn't resist running the back of her hand across the exterior plates, a small litany of safe transit whispered under her breath, before climbing the onboarding ramp.

"My Captain, thank you for taking us. Safe travels to us all."

She spoke without stopping, understanding the lander burned precious fuel the whole while they dawdled, and found a suitable seat inside the harsh metal lander. Sliding her bag under the seat, she engaged the safety harnesses and readied herself for the ride.

[Bennosuke]

As they walk together, he glances down at Alaric's uncharacteristic luggage. He raises an eyebrow. "You know, that looks like a suitcase I once had, before it mysteriously disappeared..." he muses offhandedly, before giving the young scoundrel a knowing smirk. He then returns his attention to the matter at hand...

Alaric looks down at the lilac suitcase and grins, thinking back on the older woman it was stolen from. “Figures these would be your colors,” he says the grin spreading from ear to ear. Then with mock concern, “But just to be clear my good friend, that’s not how I feel about you.”

[Erulasto]

FIDELIS – HIVE GRESTIAN – PRIVATE LANDING PLATFORM

Captain Hathaway’s handshake was…robust…with strength enough in his paunchy frame to give Alaric a good wobble from its forcefulness.

”Aye, my lad! That we are!” He grinned a bit and leaned in conspiratorially and winked. ”If you want, you can sit in the cockpit with the pilot.” The Captain bellowed a laugh, and gave Alaric a solid clap on the back. He paused when Nuric approached the gangplank, and gave him a respectful bow before making the sign of the Aquila.

”Brother Nuric. Welcome aboard. It’s my honour to carry a member of His Temple.” When the Cleric had passed and Hathaway saw Qualia approach, he smiled. ”Good day to you, lady Mithras. It is ever my pleasure to serve His Inquisition.”

The Assassin and the Guardsman – Lena and Jericus – boarded without much fanfare. A nod and a word of greeting passed from Captain Hathaway to both. Once they were safely aboard and secured, Hathaway turned his gaze to Alaric and Ralix, the last two stragglers to board.

”Master Zamir, a pleasure as always. I have a vintage bottle: an ’84 Viccarian that I’m sure you’d appreciate while I summarily lose both of those games.” Captain Hathaway waggles his bushy eyebrows with a grin, and gesture towards the waiting Lander.

”Please gentlemen. We’re burning promethium.” Ever the gentile Captain, Jonah Hathaway waited for the rest of the Acolytes to get strapped in before boarding himself and sealing the Lander. With a great hiss of pneumatic arms, the gangplank withdrew and the hatch sealed.

He strapped himself in, and slapped the vox alarm to let the pilot know it was time to depart.

The engines roared to life, deafening the landing pad as the Lander began its ascent. Through the small viewing ports the Acolytes could see the dark metal spires of Hive Grestian getting smaller as the craft took them up towards the atmosphere. In the far distance, like mountains hovering on the horizon, the Acolytes could see the silhouettes of the other great Hives reaching up like monolithic monuments to the Glory of the Imperium.

The turbulence started when they hit the sparse cloud cover, rocking the craft violently as it tore itself free of Fidelis’ gravity well.

Then, just as suddenly as it began, it stopped and there was a tranquil stillness that settled upon the cabin of the Lander as they maneuvered through the void towards the great bulk of the Wayfarer.

The Wayfarer is a Vagabond-class Merchant Trader. With a crew of around eighteen thousand it reaches around two kilometers long, and almost half a kilometer abeam. The hull was a matte gunmetal grey, and bore very little in the way of ornamentation. The prow was modeled after the great vessels of the Imperial Navy, and was coloured a bright blue and edged with gold – it was the only real decoration on the ship’s exterior. A pair of macro batteries were the ships primary armament though the hull was festooned with small point-defense turrets.

Once inside the vessels hangar – a converted cargo hold – the void shields that kept the atmosphere contained shimmered back into effect with a flowing gradient of purples and blacks. Through the bulkheads, you could feel the thrum of the engines as they began spooling up to maneuver the Wayfarer out of Fidelis’ orbit and to a safe distance to begin the transit into the empyrean.

Once you were all disembarked from the Aquila Lander, Captain Hathaway offered a proud grin. ”Please, excuse me. I must attend to the bridge to ensure all is underway. Allow me to introduce you to Commander Ascobel Roth, second in command of the Wayfarer and my Adjutant.”

A slim woman with sharp features framed by bright white-blonde wave hair. The bangs hung loose, framing her features while the rest was gathered back into a tight high-ponytail. Above sharp cheekbones, flinty blue eyes positively raked across the assembled Acolytes. Commander Roth was in a pressed uniform, seemingly more at home on the regimented hierarchy of a Naval vessel than on that of a Chartist Merchant vessel.

”Ascobel here will show you all to your quarters. Oh, and don’t worry about your luggage. I’ll have some deck hands bring them up.” Hathaway shouted, even as he strode purposefully across the hangar and into a lift to make his way to the bridge.

Once he was gone, Commander Roth stood before the Acolytes.

”Welcome aboard. Please, if you will, follow me?”

You are each granted a stateroom on the command deck, alongside many of the other officers of the vessel – though a respectable distance away, in a hall that is usually assigned to visiting dignitaries or other guests. Each stateroom is a reasonable size, with enough space for a comfortable bed, desk and computer access terminal. A small refresher is available to each room, though it was tight. There would be space enough for most of your belongings.

[qechua]

Imperial Psyker Qualia Mithras

The journey to orbit wasn't the smoothest Qualia had ever experienced, although ascents from asteroids were hard to beat, but simultaneously it wasn't the roughest. Looking about, Qualia searched for the telltale signs of void sickness, although if anyone had succumed, they did a fine job of hiding it. The craft broke atmosphere, Qualia watching the blues and greens of the planet fade to the relaxing black of the void, and the short shuttle to the waiting transport finished near soon as it started.

The vessel hove into view. During her time, she'd heard of the Vagabond class several times, chartist captains or Rogue Traders who had overstepped their luck and needed help. Still, she'd never actually seen one, and was impressed with the size and scale, even if the colour scheme was lacking somewhat.

As the Aquila set down, Qualia unbuckled and grabbed her gear, running her free hand along the inner hull while whispering a litany of thanks. She didn't know if or when she'd be using that particular lander again, and it was always worth keeping them onside.

With the introduction of Commander Roth, Qualia felt herself instinctively straightening up, bringing herself to a parade position. She followed the Commander as she led the group to their rooms, making brief conversation as they went. Her bag was still in her hand, presenting as ready for assignment, not the only habit to die hard

"Of course, ma'am, err, Commander, apologies. If you don't mind my asking, how did you end up on this vessel?"

-----

Arriving at her temporary quarters, Qualia was somewhat boggled at the luxury afforded. On a planet, it almost made sense, but aboard a starship, this waste of space seemed almost beyond reason. However, this was someone elses vessel, and if he chose to use the space for impressing people rather than armouring the command staff, that was his call. Placing her bag at the foot of the bed, she checked the computer terminal to see if the additional information from her employers had been forwarded over.

[ArendK]

Jericus sat back as the brains of the operation tossed their questions towards the Interrogator. He listened, but added nothing more than a slight smirk of amusement of understanding when Ralix hit upon a sensitive topic. As expected, something was amiss, but Jericus wasn't going to push the matter.

It took Jericus less than 2 minutes to return to his quarters, grab his rucksack, put in the few items he'd pulled out over the course of his stay, and be ready to gather with the others; the boarding process was (to Jericus' relief) without incident for himself and Lena, though several of the others didn't receive the same luck. It was an impressive ship. Alaric's rather unique pairing of baggage looked strangely out of place as it was loaded, and Jericus made a mental note to himself to ask the young man if the weapons locker was just re-purposed or actually held what it should. Additional firepower was always handy, and if the kid was at least halfway as decent at "tactical acquisition" as he appeared to be, that can be an invaluable asset on the battlefield.

Passing Commander Roth on the landing deck was interesting as Jericus actually looked her over. Likely a former Imperial Navy officer, she was either going to be over the edge hard-nosed or very easy going in spite of her demeanor. A Rogue Traders ship was very different in culture from a Navy officers fleet (unless her and the Captain took pains to make that culture more Navy-like, which wasn't a happy thought). Her bangs struck Jericus as odd; maybe it was a Navy thing, but hair anywhere it could even remotely get in the way of eyesight was against most regulations he was familiar with.

Jericus tossed his ruck onto his bed in his room and took a quick survey. Nothing elaborate, but private enough. He smiled at the irony of the evenings turn of events. His plan had been to go to the Hive and drink with his fellow Guardsmen and PDF members, then the Interrogator sent them the missive.

Now? He was preparing to do the same thing, only drinking amasec that cost more Thrones than most of the soldiers earned in a standard year combined with people generally considered the most frightening in the sector. The Emperor works in mysterious ways...

[Lycan 01]

Ralix - Transit to Wayfarer

Ralix returns the Rogue Trader's offer with an eager grin, before stepping aboard.

The scholar buckles himself into his seat on the Lander without much effort or delay. He'd traveled the void several times, seeking new worlds and academic offers across the sector. It wasn't a pleasant experience, but he certainly wasn't prone to void sickness. Not anymore, at least. Qualia may notice Ralix grimace a bit as his small frame is rattled around in his seat as they head skyward, but at least he doesn't turn green and get violently ill like she is probably expecting. (Or hoping for.)

Once they reach the Wayfarer, Ralix is quick to step out into the hangar, tightening the buckles of his jacket and suppressing a shiver. Space was always cold for him. He'd grown up in relative luxury and controlled environments, where the temperatures were always controlled. On voidships, the warmth was always fleeting, subtly sucked away by the cold stellar emptiness. Unless one was near the engine sectors of course, but why would one wish to deal with all those grumpy Techpriests?

When they're introduced to Commander Roth, Ralix straightens his posture a bit and keeps his mouth shut. As much as he'd like to make a flattering remark, he's well aware that any attempt at charm or wit will probably result in him having a very bad time. So instead he keeps it limited to a pleasant little smile, a small nod, and a courteous, "Yes Commander."

Arriving at his room, the scholar quickly settles in, unpacking his spare clothes and auto-quill and various other knick-knacks. He takes a moment to unpack his Regicide board - a nice wood-and-marble set - before checking to make sure his Uplifting Primer is safely in his jacket, and his revolver is locked away in his desk. He's well aware that carrying a firearm on a voidship is strictly prohibited, and once again, he'd rather not have a very bad time with the Commander.

Once he's settled in, Ralix takes a seat at his desk and begins to set up the Regicide board. He leaves his door open, as an invitation to any Acolytes who wish to drop in and say hello...

[Bennosuke]

Similar to Ralix, Alaric lets his interest in the drink, the games, and the invitation to the cockpit.

In fact, after stowing his belongings on the Lander, Alaric makes his way to the cockpit, and during the ride up to the Wayfarer, begins to ask a series of surprisingly astute questions; perhaps with too much pointing and near button pressing.

Once on the Wayfarer, Alaric makes sure to introduce himself to Commander Roth, though her formal attire and presentation cause a bit of reservation.

After setting up his personal quarters, Alaric makes his way to Ralix’ room. Letting himself lazily into the chair across from the Adept, Alaric offers a big grin and says, “I guess I’ll let you kick my butt once or twice before we go find Captain Hathaway again.” He then points at one of the larger pieces on the board and says, “Remind me what that one does again.”

[CrimsonKnight]

Despite their abrupt departure, it had taken Lena only a few minutes to pack the handful of possessions in her room into a single battered bag. Spare clothing (not that she personally cared if she wore the same outfit until it was falling off, but she recognized the need for the ability to change her appearance when required or something clean and presentable if she was forced to attend some tedious social function even if only as a silent bodyguard), some extra blades beyond the half-dozen she normally kept strapped to her body or hidden up her sleeves and boots, an audio slate of Moritat catechisms to aid her training, and a handful of mementos from her home world. The latter included the carved stones from the small personal shrine to the Blazing Lord that she kept in her quarters. While she knew that it was considered a mild (but permitted) deviance to worship that variation of the God-Emperor and not the actual blessed figure himself (even if she did genuinely believe in the Clerics that they were one and the same), it was the one comfort of her home she kept.

Lena was quiet on the shuttle ride up. She had not expected the ship's captain himself to come down for him, and as was usually the case with high-ranking Imperium officials when she could get away with it, she clammed up lest she say something embarrassing and bring unwanted attention on herself. Fortunately, the man barely gave her a nod which she respectfully returned before returning to conversing with the other acolytes. Ironically, the actual shuttle ride itself was much easier for her to deal with. Despite the small primitive part of her mind that still screamed at such impossibilities, she'd long since gotten used to just treating the "technology" that made it possible as magic and moved on with her routine without dwelling on the subject.

The ship, of course, was another such technological marvel, yet Lena was too busy scanning the hanger bay and eyeballing the personnel moving about to really notice or care about it. It wasn't until they'd been taken to their quarters that she began to relax. The room she had been provided was oddly annoying for her. For someone used to cramming into a tiny cell that was barely large enough to spread her arms in without hitting one or more walls, it was almost decadent to have a room this large. Even after she'd unpacked her few belongings, most of the space was still bare. Yet, it was still just small enough that she couldn't use it for her normal training routine. Practicing a kata in here would just end with her either bouncing off the ceiling or breaking the desk, refresher, or terminal. She exited her room to see if the Commander was still around, and spotted her conversing with Qualia.

"Excuse me, ma'am? Is there a storage room or bay nearby that I can train in? Preferably one that is not of being using normally?"

That last part was important to her, she did not want a lecture for unintentionally terrifying some poor deckhand just trying to check a panel while she was in the middle of practicing a killing strike into thinking she was trying to brutally murder him. Or rather, she did not want another such lecture, the Interrogator could be quite intimidating when she put her mind to it.

[Sarak]

The conversation faded to a background hum as Nuric focused more and more on the roar of the engines; at the Captain's mention of the fuel, he began reciting verse in his head. He preferred the familiar litanies, learned by rote throughout his life, over dwelling on thoughts of their small craft. He'd come a long way from the weathered but naive monk he'd been, but had yet to reach a level of comfort on flying craft. He'd not been sick since that first day, but he'd come close. It wasn't a problem of the motion or the pilot, but the craft themselves; devices maintained by Tech-Priests who often barely skirted blasphemy in their reverence of their charges. As the turbulence calmed, he felt no better, knowing that they had reached the void beyond the atmosphere. A quick glance out a viewport offered little solace; the Wayfarer seemed a solid enough vessel, though lacking in iconography and symbols of worship. Perhaps he'd offer a few suggestions to the Captain, should the topic come up.

The lander settled onto the deck, settling Nuric's mild discomfort with it. He remained in his seat, eyes closed, until he'd finished his litanies; it simply wouldn't do to break off mid-verse. He rose, taking his bag with him, and disembarked in time to hear Captain Hathaway hand them off to his Adjutant. Roth seemed every inch the military woman, but of a totally different breed than Jericus. There was rigid discipline there, and unlike the former Guardsman she didn't give the impression that that would change on her off-hours. He followed her with the rest of his comrades, reaching a respectable stateroom of his own. He unpacked his few changes of clothing and stowed his pistol. Stepping out again, he looked to Ralix's door only to see young Alaric stroll in and sit opposite the scholar, cocky grin on his face. He smiled himself, and retreated a few paces. He'd played a hooded match against Ralix only a few days prior, and been trounced. He'd be curious to see a match between the academic and the biker, once the youth had a bit of practice; the young man was quite sharp himself, though was still mastering the process of thought-before-action. Perhaps the game would help teach him patience.

Overhearing Lena's question to Commander Roth, he considered retrieving his pistol and following through on his original plans; his groupings were decent with the autopistol, but he was no sharpshooter yet. He didn't want to intrude on his fellow Acolyte's own regimen, however, and he'd noticed that the young woman was very respectful of him yet uncomfortable; it was an attitude he was all too familiar with, but even more understanding of since discovering his odd nature. In other circumstances he'd offer to share the space and bridge that gap; for now, remembering the all-too-near void beyond the ship's hull, he'd remain in his stateroom. He walked back into his room, leaving the door open, and began setting up his small shrine at the back wall for supplication. He'd join Captain Hathaway with the others for a drink afterwards, perhaps.