That you did! Please don't hesitate to point out my oversights, ever. I often don't sleep much and caffeine is always in short supply
Marcus recalls a distant event when he was younger in acolyte years. The mention of another acolyte, long since retired at the time you heard this tidbit. He was a devout follower of the Emperor. So devout that he feared for his eternal soul should his service continue to the Inquisition. It was less for his own well-being and more for his ability to spread the faith that pushed him to step down from active duty. His name did indeed start with an H, if memory serves.
Could it be that this ex-acolyte was Father Herstromm? That was so long ago when he served the Inquisition, old enough to mark him as a former comrade of the Inquisitor Wroth before he held the rosette. That would explain his uncharacteristic show of emotion during the briefing...
And that was a most interesting piece of information. The sort of thing that really breathes life into NPCs and makes them much more in the eyes of participating players, enhancing the whole experience.
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Warden of Divisio Immoralis, courtesy of The_Architect.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daisuke1133
Calimos, I wish I had even half your talent for verbosity.
Anyone else notice the irony of playing a Puritan group investigating the murders of priests with no cleric in our group?
Pity you couldnt reveal the secret before riddick, i have a whole folder full of zealous puritan firebrands who might have been more in-theme... but this will be interesting. Aria skirts very close to radicalism with her desire to know everything, the saving grace being that shes unwilling to use that knowledge directly, so shes a good parallel to puritan malleus types, who need to know profane things to operate.
I've been trying to pin down where Gideon stands on the puritan-radical scale so far, and eventually come up with "Professionalism" and also small-c "conservativeism". So he'd much prefer to stick with tools he's already used and ideas he's tried before, and radicalism would simply be a big step away from that.
Bought myself a Carnodon and 18 man-stopper rounds with 215 of my money. I presume that rounds from the rifle and carnodon would not fit each other?
With self-sufficiency in mind, I think we ought to try and secure a couple of things some time after we've made our visit to the cathedral: wheels, and a roof. We don't want to be stuck walking across the whole hive sector if we hear there's something kicking off that isn't on our doorstep, and we don't want to be staying anywhere too public either - too many chances for people to eavesdrop, unintentionally or otherwise.
Shryke has little in the way of pocket change (barring his credit with the Tricorn - I assume that can't be converted into actual Thrones), but would be happy to lend his skills to the cause of getting us transport - either repairing some rust-bucket we can pick up cheap, or upgrading said rust-bucket to be a little bit more worthy of the Inquisition. Riddick explicitly OK'd crafting, after all
Spoiler
aww yiss
EDIT: On similar lines, we're going to be trying to catch this killer over a large urban area. If anyone has the skills/time, I think it would be worth our while to A) foster some contacts - if there are any street children malingering around the sector, they will probably be persuadable to become our eyes and ears on the streets for the price of a few chocolate rations or similar. I'm thinking of the Baker Street Irregulars. B) see what kind of surveillance/CCTV setup the sector has, and if possible, find a way to patch ourselves in. Shryke's got good Tech-Use and Security, if any opportunity presents itself for some covert wire-tapping he'll be up for it.
Indeed. Very well said LCP.
We'll need a suitable base of operations and a means of transportation for starters. Then we could start creating our network of contacts and proceed accordingly.
So in order of priority should we proceed, more or less, like this ? :
1. Investigate crime scene at Cathedral.
2. Follow up on any urgent/solid leads that are critical to pursue quickly.
3. Locate an appropriate place to function as our base of operations for this investigation. [Perhaps some of us (like my character who served in Divisio Immoralis in Scintilla) that have previously operated in Scintilla could remember such a suitable place, like an old safehouse they used in past investigations].
4. Make sure to equip that place with all that is necessary and see to it that it is defensible in case things go bad. (for example, I have a set of screamers which can be used to establish a warning system against potential tresspassing/eavesdropping etc, We could also make or acquire a large map with all those nice waypoint tracing red threads, to connect victims, pictures, locations, suspects etc.).
5. Procure a means of transportation to ensure our timely arrival to any of the previous crime scenes and also to any potential place of interest later on, as well as to our flight pad, in case urgent extraction is required.
6. Investigate the other crime scenes, acquire any relevant witness lists, forensic reports, talk to whoever was assigned to those cases from the local Arbites, Enforcers etc.
7. Begin the establishment of a network of contacts that will allow us to gather information at a faster rate. [To begin with, I could for example go ask an old colleague or two in the Arbites or the D.I., or maybe some old acquaintances from the local Underworld (if any could be found that high up the hive, which seems unlikely), Fenria could possibly talk to a couple of people she might have known from her years in the Imperial Guard, and so on.]
Apologies if I forget anything crucial. I'm having a cold for almost a week and its taking its toll on my clarity of thought at times.
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My other avatars.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daisuke1133
Calimos, I wish I had even half your talent for verbosity.
All seems legit. And a place to stay in a low-key manner might prove critical. Unfortunately, Fenria isn't from Scintilla, so the chances that she'll know anyone around here are slim at best.
That said, if there are soldiers or guards or general mercenaries about, she can talk to them easily enough. Likewise, she can work out how she would escape from a crime scene like this.
So, to the cathedral!
__________________
"Not trusting me might be the smartest decision you made since getting off of your horse."
I've been trying to pin down where Gideon stands on the puritan-radical scale so far, and eventually come up with "Professionalism" and also small-c "conservativeism". So he'd much prefer to stick with tools he's already used and ideas he's tried before, and radicalism would simply be a big step away from that.
Bought myself a Carnodon and 18 man-stopper rounds with 215 of my money. I presume that rounds from the rifle and carnodon would not fit each other?
Correct. The Carnadon rounds are likely .45-.52 caliber with shorter casings - pistol. The rifle is likelier a smaller caliber but has a much longer casing enabling it with the range and punching power needed.
*Note: I've added a rail system (tram-like) to the list of transportation options. This is largely used to cross regions. I overlooked this last night. My apologies, some days it feels like there isn't enough caffeine in the world xD
@ LCP = All completely plausible ideas and thank you for playing off my 'self-sufficient' theme.
A vehicle could be purchased/secured and subsequently improved upon and modified.
A base of operations could range from a rented hab that's upgraded with security or perhaps moving into and renovating an abandoned industrial structure. Your guy's call. Rent will equal moneys of course. Completely doable, but to get a more secluded locale for additional privacy will cost extra.
Let me know the consensus on a location or give me relevant Inquiry, Search (widespread), and any Haggling related skills (if a rental) if trying to barter the price down via charming manners, intimidation, or skills in commerce. Up-hive vs down-hive will effect the price of course.
Lastly, by all means try to foster any contact(s) you like. I applaud all of you for the initiative you're taking.
...huh. So the murders have occurred on numerous different worlds, and in numerous different locations, but they've all been within an area of the Hive identified as the Southlows? Interesting.
__________________
"Not trusting me might be the smartest decision you made since getting off of your horse."
Thanks for the updated details, Riddick. I suggested the cab, so I'll take the cost off Shryke's sheet.
Regarding the ward accessors: I reckon Fenria should definitely carry one (since she's the only one that can actually fly the Valkyrie). The other, I don't know.
EDIT: On the long-term planning front,
Quote:
moving into and renovating an abandoned industrial structure.
That sounds fun.
In general, regarding the hunt for a home and transport, it might be profitable to split the group in order to get things done faster. When investigating, we've all got contributions to make; hunting out assets is maybe an easier task and we each have skills that might lend themselves particularly well to one thing or the other.
Right. Using the Auspex bonus on the Awareness test, and since I don't have search, rolling against half the skill (though a long search might also be applicable).
(1d100)[48] Awareness against 55 (1d100)[99] Search against 13.
__________________
"Not trusting me might be the smartest decision you made since getting off of your horse."
Please make any of the tests from the two sections that you can. They're separated by related answer.
Related to St. Valimor:
+10 Common Lore (Ecclesiarchy) test
-10 Common Lore (Imperium) test
+20 Scholastic Lore (Legend) test
***
Related to discoveries in the Cathedral
-20 Forbidden Lore (Cults) test
+0 Forbidden Lore (Heresy) test
LCP:
Spoiler
Any telling forensic details around the bloodstain (damage to the stonework/furnishings*, stray hairs, scraps of flesh or clothing, etc.)
The spatter of the bloodstain indicates a high level of force applied to the body. Less than a firearm, but something savage. There is a single strand of thick, coarse hair caught in the first pew closest to the door. Upon closer inspection with the mechadendrite, the hair is intact - root and all. It's possible to try to match it to it's species given proper knowledge or facilities.
Any indication of which direction the killer approached from, and which direction the killer fled (is there any evidence of bloody tracks?).
The first pew is knocked over, towards the door a goodly distance. Considering this, and the hair lodged in it, it's likely that the Father threw an attacker into the pew after being rushed in the aisle. This also indicates the attacker went entered through the front door.
Any consistent interpretation of the disorganisation of the pews (were they thrown over by someone charging the altar? Running away from the altar? A vigorous fight?), looking at their orientation and any marks left on them.
The pews looked overturned in places, either forwards or backward. This combined with the claw prints indicates that creature(s) lept onto or off of the pews to at a high speed. The motion of which caused the pews to spill over. There are a few examples of claw marks tearing into the wooden pews for purchase.
Any evidence that Herstromm put up a fight.
It looks like at first, see above. The kill was made deeper into the Cathedral indicating flight or the Father being moved from the entryway.
All possible entrances to the cathedral (are there any side doors that open to the outside?).
There is a smaller side door to the rear alley. It has an old lock on it. The dust upon it is not disturbed according to close analysis through your mechadendrite.
Any and all nooks, crannies and side rooms where bloody clothes and/or murder weapons could have been stashed (particularly the vestry!).
There are plenty and all seem to be in order concerning their contents, if any.
Any surveillance equipment that exists inside the cathedral.
There are none found inside the Cathedral, and you're confident in your search's accuracy.
Any locations (possibly on the upper levels) where someone might have been able to observe the killing without being seen.
There is an upper level with additional seating. A blank piece of parchment was found up by Marcus as you two searched the building. The parchment was wrapped around an unlit candle stand. The draft had blown it to the upper level it seemed and pinned it against the metal rod.
This is the only parchment of it's kind found in the Cathedral accordign to your very thorough search.
Any objects with some particular personal connection to the dead man (again, most likely in side rooms).
The Father lived a spartan life it seemed - sparse belongings of good enough quality to be taken seriously in his post but little else.
*Note obtained from Armourer skill and close inspection afforded by optical mechadendrite: The finely crafted pews and hard granite tile should not be so easily damaged by most animals claws. Fewer, if any, claw marks should have been left behind based on the standard scale of hardness.
Maugan Ra:
Spoiler
The pews seemed mostly scattered and knocked over in place as if something had landed on or jumped from it. The pew closest to the door was too far from the others - something had to have been thrown into it. It looked like the Father threw back one attacker before being overwhelmed.
Searching the Cathedral turned up little aside from the expected wares and pieces common to temples.
The Storm Troopers outside approach you as you exit to help as they can. They state that the attack came in the night and that no other clergy were present at this site.
They inquire that if you mean to talk to the remaining Ecclesiarchy members in the area, they'd be happy to give you a list of the active Temples in the Southlows.
As you had stepped outside, however, Fenria noticed a security-picter suspended over an arteria route across the street. Its posted far from the Cathedral but it may have seen something if still operational. The picter's purpose it to monitor traffic levels and the like, not watch the Cathedral.
(I took your post to mean she would like to look into addressing the security of the others to make sure they're safe. That right?)
LeSwordfish:
Spoiler
You do find some dregs living near a waste disposal unit across the street. They don't take to kindly to being disturbed apparently but some are pretty spooked by the killing. It's obvious the murder is the case since two of them are rocking in a fetal position murmuring about the devils below being real and not just rumors from the fuggin underhive.
Depending on your Awareness test, I may have more for you
Calimos:
Spoiler
The tracking test yielded results, albeit vague. The blood stained paw prints were clearly visible around the murder site. Some on fours and others in sixes. The beasts looked to be large enough to be dangerous and certainly were not from Scintilla. The dragged prints indicate that one animal was being pulled while tracks opposite indicate jerking motions - they were fighting over their meal.
The stained glass: the oddity noticed my Marcus turned out to be a missing piece of the glass, the eye of the winged figure. Through the clean hole, the storm outside gusted into the building causing the draft. Marcus notes a dried substance along the bottom edge of the vacant slot. Where the winged figure was being portrayed as weeping, the substance almost looked like a real tear built up along and running down the inside of the stained glass. Outside the hole, the short sprawl of the hive up to the nearby sea could be made out through the churning skies. Waves crashed out of sight and polluted surface blasted into the air from the storm driven waves. Some even as high as the rocky formations jutting from the sea beyond the cliff edge.
There is an upper level with additional seating. Marcus heard the fluttering of paper from up there and found a blank piece of parchment wrapped around an unlit candle stand. The draft from the missing stained glass had likely blown the sheet around the interior of the Cathedral. It was pinned against the metal rod of the candle stand by the continuous stormy wind outside.
Please make any of the tests from the two sections that you can. They're separated by related answer.
Related to St. Valimor:
+10 Common Lore (Ecclesiarchy) test
-10 Common Lore (Imperium) test
+20 Scholastic Lore (Legend) test
***
Related to discoveries in the Cathedral
-20 Forbidden Lore (Cults) test
+0 Forbidden Lore (Heresy) test
Spoiler
Heres hoping.
Int 53
+10 Common Lore (Ecclesiarchy) test (1d100)[18](18) vs 63
-10 Common Lore (Imperium+10) test (1d100)[27](27) vs 53
+20 Scholastic Lore (Legend) test (1d100)[31](31) vs 73
***
-20 Forbidden Lore (Cults+10) test (1d100)[25](25) vs 43
+0 Forbidden Lore (Heresy+10) test (1d100)[75](75) vs 63
Finally! Thats better 4/5 is very nice. would have liked to nail both the forb lore tests, but beggers cant be choosers XD
Last edited by ChaoticSky : 10-11-2012 at 08:10 PM.
Int 53
+10 Common Lore (Ecclesiarchy) test
[roll0] vs 63
-10 Common Lore (Imperium+10) test
[roll1] vs 53
+20 Scholastic Lore (Legend) test
[roll2] vs 73
***
-20 Forbidden Lore (Cults+10) test
[roll3] vs 43
+0 Forbidden Lore (Heresy+10) test
[roll4] vs 63
Finally! Thats better 4/5 is very nice. would have liked to nail both the forb lore tests, but beggers cant be choosers XD
ChaoticSky:
Spoiler
The first three were all nailed! Good work! Babble knows everything there is no know about Saint Valimor - the statue that Marshal's corpse was found at.
Centuries ago, this region of hive Sibellus was plagued with seasonal hurricane force winds that flooded the manufactorums killing thousands, and worse damaged the Lucid Palace - the home of the Sector Governor.
Onis Valimor, as he was known then, was an underhive preacher. An unknown.
Valimor took it upon himself to banish the seasonal destructive forces of nature through the only means open to him: the human will. He took a mere raft and rowed out into the sea to the jagged rocks that vaulted from the waters off the shore.
There, he climbed to the top and prayed to the lord of man with ragged hands for an end to the hurricanes. With only a canister of water and no food, he did this for days under the hammering force of the storms. The days became weeks and on the 21st day, the hurricanes dissipated never to return. Onis, however, succumbed on the final day to exposure and starvation.
Naysayers claimed a global change in the jet streams while the Ecclesiarchy recognized him for what he was: a divine example of the Emperor's power channeled through a true believer.
The rock that Valimor carried out this feat became know as Onis Rock.
************
The other bit will be expanded on sharpish
FYI, the answer to "Can we reach the picter?" is "Climb vs 52 +10 training."
It is up there and for the sake of ease, the picter retains a data-core of the events it has viewed in addition to what it sends along to central. Ie you can pull the feed from it if you can reach it.
Climb ahoy! The pole is slick with rain, -10. Add in gear or other ideas/items to help and go from there! The picter is 4m up at the top.
Examining the scratch-marks at maximum magnification, are there any traces of material left in them? Bone, keratin, chitin, metal? Without the relevant Scholastic Lore, Shryke may not be able to distinguish between different organic substrates, but I think he could tell the difference between them and metals. Shryke sees dogs or similar leaving deep scratch-marks in granite, his first thought is that they've been augmetically enhanced.
Oddly, the marks leave imperfections in the stone and wood at the microscopic level as if made from unaugmented claws. No traces were left behind, and their should be with the absence of augmetics.
Quote:
The Father lived a spartan life it seemed - sparse belongings of good enough quality to be taken seriously in his post but little else.
I take it that means there's no journal or letters or such. Did he have a personal prayerbook or similar? If so, Shryke will flick through it to look for significant annotations.
His prayerbook is full of handwritten entries. As it is, nothing appears to be significant - many of the side columns have tales and anecdotes that relate to the prayer in question.
ChaoticSky:
Spoiler
I admit I was hoping for more IC mention of the tracks to help with facilitate this deduction but oh well ;)
Babbles can't help but note the presence of unidentified creatures and wonder on the involvement of importing parties. How did these 'beasts' get to Scintilla?
The Beast House was a promising start.
LeSwordfish, the awareness test yields nothing. Please go ahead with the climbing when ready
Awareness is untrained, so I test against (33/2) = 17. Can't pass, unless this is sight-based, in which case the mechadendrite gives me a +10; in which case, needing a 7 or under.
Calimos & LCP, please give me a -20 Awareness test when able.
Awareness -20: (1d100)[25] vs 50 (Per 40 + Skill at [+10] + 20 from Auspex - 20)
Fate point re-roll (in case my first roll fails) : (1d100)[43] vs 50
Tech-Use (to attempt to notice, as before, anything not normally detectable by human senses alone) : (1d100)[19] vs 60 (Int 40 + Foresight bonus + Combi-tool bonus)
__________________
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My other avatars.
Spoiler
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Warden of Divisio Immoralis, courtesy of The_Architect.
WotS group by LCP
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daisuke1133
Calimos, I wish I had even half your talent for verbosity.
Marcus can feel areas of the parchment when he takes it that are raised and roll along like tiny hills. It's an easy sign of paper that had been wet in areas at one time and now had dried, unable to remain flat in the areas once wet.
While the missing stained glass eye let in a good deal of gusting wind, very little if any water made it to the interior side of the glass, let alone into the interior of the Cathedral.
Hmm...
Unfortunately, the auspex scan yielded nothing additional I'm sorry to say.
LeSwordfish:
Spoiler
I'm afraid that Gideon needs another go at shimmying up that pole. He only needs a success to reach the picter and can work from there. Feel free to toss out a few rolls if for no other reason than to see how long it took him to get up ther since you're not under duress. You got this!
I've given several pieces to put together to various characters and a few more to be looked at/retrieved.
The cell can make Logic tests to figure some of it out following some IC posts sharing the information gathered, OR the players can try to figure it out themselves. I reward player deductions with additional xp over roll-deductions.
A Chem-Use test with the proper gear could analyze the substance from the stained glass if possessed by anyone. A backup plan would be to utilize 'Credit' with the Tricorn to have it analyzed there - cost 100. The same can be done for the stray hair found by Shryke - Cost 100.
A last option would be to seek out professionals/resources outside the Tricorn to do the same test in exchange for thrones or a favor.
Well, if nobody on the cell can do it (especially considering that it requires specialized equipment as you said), I'll utilize my Tricorn currency to analyze that.
__________________
Arbitrator Reinhart avatar, courtesy of LCP.
My other avatars.
Spoiler
Ordo Xenos Inquisitor, courtesy of Araveugnitsuga.
Warden of Divisio Immoralis, courtesy of The_Architect.
WotS group by LCP
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daisuke1133
Calimos, I wish I had even half your talent for verbosity.
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Re: The War of the Shadow OOC
