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Chapter 1: A City of Lies Two warp weeks later - Aboard the Big Heart The travel was mercifully short, as you learned from some random ratings on the corridors near your guest room, because as the Acolytes swiftly learned, life in a plain Transport voidship like the Big Heart was extremely boring. The permanent subtle hum of the warp engine wasn't that loud, although Bones sometimes woke up in the middle of the night after hearing incomprehensible whispers from the permanent warp storm Pandaemonium that surrounds the Askellon Sector. You all were restricted from wandering around the ship besides a few corridors and an eating room that served passable grub. The crew itself didn't help a lot, being grim-looking and unpleasant people, that liked to talk about promethium a lot, like smelling the leaking that invaded the surroundings and trying to guess which planet the cargo came from. After two weeks you feel the sudden lurch in you stomach, signalling that the ship exited the Warp back into real space. It still takes five hours for anything interesting to happen as you six sit around the guest room waiting for any sign from your "employer". Finally the door of your room, which was completely restricted to however had one of the black token from the dead drop, opens and in walks a tall looking fellow dressed in a rough dark mesh of armors, carrying a small pile of black uniforms and a fancy data-slate in his hand.  He walks to a position in the room with good view to all six cell members, drops the packed uniforms on the ground and spends a few minutes glancing from acolyte to acolyte, looking at the data-slate from time to time in utter silence. Finally a young sarcastic voice comes out as he stands to look at everyone at once. "Alright, I guess you guys can pull this off. Welcome, Acolytes to another exciting assignment in the name of the Holy Ordos, I hope you enjoyed the travel in this smelly ugly ship. I'm Interrogator Iory and I'll be your middle-man to our Inquisitor Coltrane. And before you ask, no, I never met the guy in the flesh either, people always ask that drat question. And without further ado, here's your lovely location that you'll spend a good time." He presses a button on his data-slate and from the metal ceiling a gigantic pic-screen is lowered from a hidden location, showing the picture of a gigantic hive city.  "We're currently in the orbital docks of the planet Desoleum, near the very clever named Hive Desoleum Prime where you'll be assigned. This is a particularly depressing world in this Emperor-forsaken Sector and I do not envy that you got dumped with this task at all." He glances at Agatha Cortess. "I understand that this is your home-world. That will already help your cell a lot." He looks at everyone else again. "The structure of the society of this place is based on a system of oaths, where most of the law-abiding citizens will carry an oath-cog signifying who their oath belongs, where they work and how their work. At the top of this are the big mercantile noble houses that all represent a diverse plethora of interests and businesses. At the bottom of this are the many gangs of this city. Surprisingly, the two managed to do an oath-like system where they can co-exist with each other, the gangs seeking patronage with Houses so they can become more official and protected, in return, these gangs fight the proxy wars between the Noble Houses that seek control and power over each other. It's all very dirty and unpleasant, but it works." "Recently though, something is upsetting this balance. Gangs are being wiped overnight with no clear explanation to who did it and how, the bodies of these gangers simply disappear, as do any witnesses that have been nearby. No one is investigating this due to fear and because this always happens outside the boundaries of the local police. But people are talking... and there's a good chance that in these past weeks you all have been in the Warp, maybe another gang got wiped and the businesses of some minor House ruined forever." He pauses as he glances a little at his data-slate. "Your initial assignment here will be heavily a reconnaissance one. I want to know which gangs are being wiped out, I want to know *WHERE* are they being wiped out, which Noble Houses are being affected and why. Don't think talking only in fancy bars and clubs will be enough, you'll probably need to get down and dirty in the Underhive, and that means dealing with the vicious gangs of this city and other unsavory elements. It WILL be dangerous but I guess that's why Coltrane picked you guys." "Just by not having oath-cogs you'll all be marked as outsiders, but outsiders are relatively common around here. You'll get down at Port Gyre and then catch a transport in a vaccum-tube to the main hive itself, where I already provided you with a few very discrete habs in one of the "stranger quarter's in a sector of the Main Hive, with relatively easy access to the Upper Hive and Underhive." He picks one of the dark combat uniforms he brought with him. "An option of cover would be posing as mercenaries from the Blackfist Security company that came seeking contracts. Or go with the official authority of the Inquisition behind you. Or perhaps something else?" "I'm sure you all have lots of questions, so let me at them!" Welcome to my game! First post with character sheet like the usual please. I'm sure I missed something in this briefing so I'm serious about asking anything, Hive Desoleum is a pretty complicated place! And also this being my first DH game frajaq fucked around with this message at 06:17 on Sep 23, 2014 |
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Sep 23, 2014 06:13
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Stubber "Well I figure most of us are used to being undercover in some way. I don't think the gangs are going to take nice to authority knocking on their door. Lets go with the mercenary guise. It would be easier to gain favors from the populace this way, though it would probably mean pretending to take a side for the time being. It would also mean at least meeting a member of a House right away." Stubber stops for a second and looks at the Blackfist Security outfits. "Interrogator, how are these mercenaries known for their service? What kind of reputation do they have? Do they have any standards of gear? Also, most importantly, do they already have connections with some of the houses and gangs; such as gangs they like to recruit from and favored owed by Houses for prior service?" "Finally, will there be chance to get some extra outfitting before we head out, or are we going in with what we have?" pre:Stubber Ragaa, Junior Inspector from Agave IV Male Feral World Adeptus Arbites Warrior Stats: Weapon Skill- 50 40+5+5 Ballistic Skill- 29 Strength- 41 36+5 Toughness- 41 36+5 Agility- 38 Intelligence- 26 Perception- 24 Willpower- 34 Fellowship- 34 Influence- 33 Wounds 12/12 Fate points 3/3 7 base stats http://orokos.com/roll/219552 +str/tough http://orokos.com/roll/219557 -int http://orokos.com/roll/219558 Emperor's Blessing http://orokos.com/roll/220733 Divination:Innocence is an illusion (Gain Keen Intuition) http://orokos.com/roll/219571 Aptitudes: Toughness, Offense, Strength, Defense, Weapon Skill, General, Ballistic Skill, Agility (from duplicate Offense in Arbites) Skills: Awareness Common Lore (Adeptus Arbites, Underworld) Interrogation Intimidate Scrutiny Athletics Parry Talents: Weapon Training (Shock) Iron Jaw Ambidextrous Unarmed Specialist Simple Strength Simple Toughness Simple Weapon Skill Intermediate Weapon Skill Keen Intuition Equipment: Shock Maul 1d10+3 I Pen 0 Shocking Reinforced Enforcer Light Carapace 5 All 3 doses of stimm 12 lho sticks Manacles Combat Vest Carry 15kg of things, draw from Vest as a free action during turn Implants: Cranial Armor +1 AP Head Bonus: Homeworld: The Old Ways (Low tech weapons lose primitive and gain Proven (3) Adeptus Arbites: The Face of the Law (Reroll intimidation/interrogation, sub WP bonus for DoS) Warrior: Expert at Violence(can use fate point to sub WS/BS bonus for DoS on # of hits) XP: 1250/1250 Advances Athletics Known -100 Ambidextrous -200 Unarmed Specialist -300 Simple Strength -100 Simple Toughness -100 Simple Weapon Skill -100 Intermediate Weapon Skill -250 Parry Known -100 Acquisitions: Combat Vest Cranial Armor Reinforced Upgrade (Shock Maul) HukHukHuk fucked around with this message at 06:32 on Sep 23, 2014 |
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Sep 23, 2014 06:20
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Todd "Boomer" Bostick As probably the only one with a background and inclination on the topic, Boomer attempted conversation early on but a debate over theorized sulpher content in the fuel almost turned violent and he decided to avoid dealing with the crew if at all possible. Finally, it ends. He stretches, checks the uniforms, and picks out the one closest to his size. "Yeah, lets go merc first, and bust out the official stuff when the grox output hits the turbine. Interrogator, as per what Stubber said, is there a place or contact we can trade goods out at? I know once an investigation starts moving one tends to accumulate a lot of gear that one used to need and possibly not enough of what one currently needs. Would the cops or someone else have a list of the gangs as they existed prior to this big disappearing act beginning, or are we going in totally blind and drawing the map ourselves as we figure it out?" pre:Homeworld: Forgeworld Background: Imperial Guard Role: Sage WS: 31 BS: 34 STR: 30 TOU: 25 AGI: 35 INT: 40=30+10 PER: 35 WIL: 40=37+3(divination) FEL: 26 INF: 31 Base 7 stats +Int and +toughness -Fel Fate: 3 Wounds: 11 Aptitudes: Agility, Fieldcraft, Intelligence, Knowledge, Perception, Tech, Willpower Skills: Athletics Awareness Command Common Lore (Imperial Guard) Dodge Forbidden Lore: Archeotech Operate (Surface) Navigate (Surface) Techuse Trade: Chymist Talents: Clues from the Crowds Technical Knock Weapon Training (Flamer, Las, Lowtech) Traits & Bonuses: Hammer of the Emperor: When attacking a target that an ally attacked since the end of the Guardsman’s last turn, the Guardsman can re-roll any results of 1 or 2 on damage rolls. Quest for Knowledge: a Sage character may spend a Fate point to automatically succeed at a Logic/Lore skill test with a number of degrees of success equal to his Intelligence bonus Only the Insane...: the first time you gain an insanity point in a session, you gain an additional one Gear: Lasgun, combat vest, Imperial Guard flak armour, grapnel and line, 12 lho sticks, magnoculars Lascutter*, Flamer*, Rebreather* *Influence Acquisition Exp: 1250/1250 dodge 200 int+10 250 techuse 100 awareness 100 int+5 100 wt flamer 300 trade chymist 100 FL Archeotech 100 Ronwayne fucked around with this message at 06:47 on Sep 23, 2014 |
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Sep 23, 2014 06:42
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Computatrix 1st Class Agatha Cortess frajaq posted:"We're currently in the orbital docks of the planet Desoleum, near the very clever named Hive Desoleum Prime where you'll be assigned. This is a particularly depressing world in this Emperor-forsaken Sector and I do not envy that you got dumped with this task at all." He glances at Agatha Cortess. "I understand that this is your home-world. "Unfortunately," Agatha replied wryly, the look on her face somewhere between resignation and annoyance. Six months and two weeks later (give or take accounting for chronological distortions accrued during Warp transit) she was finally returning home. To Desoleum. The last two weeks had given her ample time to get to know the other members of her newly formed Inquisitorial cell in detail, given the abundant lack of any other pastimes aboard the promethium hauler that Inquisitor Coltrane (the ever paranoid) had pressed into service. She multitasked, half listening to Interrogator Iory's briefing while at the same time reviewing her notes on the others. quote:...possesses latent technological aptitude as well as knowledge of hazardous chymicals and their handling (cf 818th Aramexan Promethium Workers United regimental training doctrine). Skilled combatant, rated with standard Imperial Guard las weaponry and cross-trained on flamer operation. Possible latent sociopathy/psychopathy (within standard parameters, cf Imperial Guard psychological aberration screening)... quote:...highly proficient in hand-to-hand/close-quarters combat. Belief structure typical of designate "Feral World" inhabitants, viewing the Omnissiah's God-Emperor facet as a sky deity (cf "Commonly Encountered Heterodoxies in Unenlightened Civilizations and the Conversions Thereof" by Missionary-General Marcelinius Vontar). Highly unusual Adeptus Arbites scholastic examination results indicative of... quote:...impressment into the Inquisition following the purgation of most of his vessel's crew on charges of xenos-tech smuggling, consorting with xenos, and other assorted heresies (cf Operation File DAUNTLESS STIGMATA). Intimately familiar with Adeptus Administratum rites and protocols. Pessimistic/paranoiac mindset combined with fatalistic outlook has resulted in... quote:...unorthodox belief structure (cf Imperial Cultural Survey, Sector A-313/theta), viewing the Omnissiah's God-Emperor facet as a disembodied spirit, designate "Damballah." Proficient in common Imperial medicae procedures as well as primitive herbological counterparts. Open and unguarded personality suggests social clan-structure as well as cultural naivete. WARNING: Psyker (Sanctioned), exercise extreme caution... quote:...self-sufficiency, having been orphaned at age 8. Highly focused and methodical, brusque mannerisms and disdain for others consistent with underhive upbringing. Confirmed kill-count 32, assumed more unconfirmed (cf Inquisitorial candidate assessment, Interrogator Herod). Highly proficient in both close-quarters-combat and stealth/urban infiltration... *** frajaq posted:"I'm sure you all have lots of questions, so let me at them!" "Yes, I have several," Agatha said smoothly, not missing a beat as she dismissed her noosphere, turning her full attention towards the Interrogator. "For starters, what information do you have concerning the gangs who've most recently disappeared beyond 'they've disappeared'? Names, trades, areas of influence, territory held...I assume that someone's already begun trying to establish some sort of pattern or connection among them. I'd like to see their work if you happen to have it handy." She turned and nodded at both Boomer and Stubber (now there was a pair of nicknames) in turn. "I agree that we should at least start things off undercover, and these particular cover identities will give us an excuse to go about armed. Trust me, you'll want to. Everyone should be aware though that the average citizen of Desoleum takes a dim view of outsiders regardless of what their business on-world is. I can try and coach you through some of the basic etiquette but the further uphive we travel the more strictly social protocols are going to be observed, which could make things...tricky." pre:Homeworld: Hive World Background: Adeptus Mechanicus Role: Seeker WS: 28 BS: 37 STR: 28 TOU: 34 AGI: 33 INT: 50 PER: 35 WIL: 38 FEL: 39 INF: 31 Base 7 stats +Agility, +Perception -Willpower Fate: 2/3 Wounds: 11 Aptitudes: Perception, Knowledge, Fellowship, Intelligence, Agility, Social, Tech Divination 09: Humans must die so that humanity can endure. Gain the Jaded talent. Skills: Awareness Charm Common Lore (Adeptus Mechanicus) Deceive Dodge Inquiry Linguistics (Low Gothic, Techna-Lingua) Logic Scholastic Lore (Cryptology) Security Tech Use Talents: Jaded Keen Intuition Mechadendrite Use (Utility) Weapon Training (SP) Traits: Mechanicus Implants Traits & Bonuses: Teeming Masses in Metal Mountains: Ignore crowds for purposes of movement, +20 to Navigate (Surface) tests. Replace the Weak Flesh: Count cybernetics/bionics as two levels more available. Nothing Escapes My Sight: Spend a Fate point to automatically succeed at an Awareness or Inquiry test with DoS equal to your Perception bonus. Gear: Autogun w/2 clips, Monotask Servitor Skull (utility), Imperial Robes, 2 Vials of Sacred Unguents, Stub Revolver w/6 clips Requisitions: Augur Array, Interface Port, Flak Cloak Exp: 1250/1250 Dodge 200xp Inquiry 100xp Fellowship +5 100xp Intelligence +10 350xp Deceive 100xp Linguistics (Low Gothic, Techna-Lingua) 100xp Charm 100xp Scholastic Lore (Cryptology) 100xp Kai Tave fucked around with this message at 18:08 on Oct 1, 2014 |
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Sep 23, 2014 07:25
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Stubber "Well, at least for Boomer and myself, we're used to shutting up and taking orders while someone else does the talking. Bones, the Witch and Marius all seem like quiet individuals anyway. A group of quietly competent mercs with a combat capable and socially knowledgable spokesperson would be the ideal setup for the group for right now." Stubber grabs the uniform,preferably a long overcoat with the Blackfist Security emblem on it, trying his best able to cover up his light enforcer carapace and combat vest. "If it comes to it, we can always head to the Arbites Precinct Courthouse and let them know we're here on the authority of an Inquisitor and going undercover. The added support may be helpful in the long run if we can keep them posted. We should try and stay away from the local planetary authorities, they are likely to have a stake in these noble houses fighting." "That comes to mind, where is the nearest Arbites Courthouse anyway?"
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Sep 23, 2014 07:59
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Computatrix 1st Class Agatha Cortess "Of course, that assumes that the local Arbites are above suspicion themselves," Agatha said teasingly. "Just remember what Inquisitor Coltrane would doubtlessly say if they were here in person, or actually existed for that matter...'trust no one.'"
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Sep 23, 2014 08:23
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Stubber "Well," Stubber began optimistically, "we could always grab some gear from their armory, if we pretend I'm leading an investigation of some minor cult or something. There might even be some suspicions among the local boys about which Houses are up to no good. Who knows, its a backup plan at the least." Knowing that it might take awhile to get our questions answered, Stubber takes a seat and tries to be as comfortable as possible. Once situated, he begins to perform the rites of maintenance on his gear.
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Sep 23, 2014 11:11
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Bones "If the gangs fight for the Houses," Bones says, "who do the mercenaries fight for? And can we get oath-cogs of our own?" pre:Name: Bones Home World: Feral World Background: Adeptus Astra Telepathica Role: Chirurgeon Divination: If a job is worth doing, it is worth dying for. Increase this character's Toughness or Willpower characteristic by 3. Reduce his Fellowship or Strength characteristic by 3. Aptitudes: Toughness, Defence, Fieldcraft, Intelligence, Knowledge, Strength, Willpower, Psyker Experience: 50/1200 Advances: Toughness +5 100 Intelligence +5 100 Willpower +5 100 Psyker Elite Advance 300 Invigourate 100 Smite 200 Medicae 100 Medicae +10 200 Characteristics: Weapon Skill 31 Ballistic Skill 25 Strength 30 Toughness 44 Agility 28 Intelligence 31 Perception 31 Willpower 44 Fellowship 25 Influence 27 Wounds: 12 Fate: 3 Insanity: 0 Corruption: 0 Skills: Awareness Common Lore (Adeptus Astra Telepathica) Interrogation Forbidden Lore (the Warp) Medicae +10 Psyniscience Resistance (Psychic Powers) Talents: Psy Rating 1 Weapon Training (Las, Low-Tech) Traits: Psyker Sanctioned Bonuses: The Old Ways: In the hands of a feral world character, any Low-Tech weapon loses the Primitive quality (if it had it) and gains the Proven (3) quality. The Constant Threat: When the character or an ally within 10 metres triggers a Psychic Phenomenon, may increase or decrease the result by amount equal to his Willpower bonus. Tested on Terra: If the character takes the Psyker elite advance during character creation, he also gains the Sanctioned trait. Dedicated Healer: When a Chirurgeon character fails a test to provide First Aid, he can spend a Fate point to automatically succeed instead with the degrees of success equal to his Intelligence bonus. Psychic Powers: Invigourate Smite Gear: Laspistol Whip Light flak cloak Psy focus Great weapon Medi-kit MaliciousOnion fucked around with this message at 00:47 on Sep 26, 2014 |
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Sep 23, 2014 15:08
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The Interrogator pulls out a flask and drinks it a bit while listening to the acolytes. "The Blackfist Company doesn't actually exist, although Inquisitor Coltrane and his many agents besides me make sure that rumors and a bit of fame are spread around about it. They are not known for any special qualities besides the usual 'ruthless' mercenaries, and use a variety of gear, so don't worry about that. Mercenaries in Hive Desoleum Prime are not common, but they do exist, usually protecting outworlders that have interests here, specially when they need to go in the Underhive." he glances at Bones. "Getting oath-cogs as an outsider is impossible, they're given at a very young age to the hive-dwellers, and there's lots of small rituals, special hand-shakes and oath-words in strict bonds of obedience. And whoever is that you're oath-bound will check constantly to see if you're fulfilling your obligations." "There is an Arbites Precint near a 'stranger's quarters' that houses Adeptus Terra scribes and underlings in the Main Hive, they don't meddle in the affairs of the hive unless something big is happening, and considering this business of ours is gang-related and relatively small, you would need to be really convincing to them to get any kind of help, even if you reveal your Inquisitorial background to them. If you bullshit them about investigating minor cults they might be more helpful, but you can be drat sure they'll want constant reports, and if they discover that you lied, well... the consequences may be severe." He looks at the data-slate for a few seconds. "Regarding if ANYONE is officially investigating these wiped-out gangs, I'm afraid the answer is no. You'll have to do all the legwork yourselves. The Inquisition itself doesn't have a lot of history in the Askellon Sector, being that the happenings in the nearby Calixis Sector are, frankly, much more important. Inquisitor Coltrane and a few others of his peers only recently started paying attention to the worlds of this sector." "I have left a decent amount of throne gelts in your little hideout, which you may use to get additional gear or use as bribes. Hive Desoleum is a big center of commerce, and there are endless bazaars, markets and shops spread around all levels of the Hive. Although gossip and rumors spread really fast, so people will notice if you manage to get your hands on a plasma gun or autocannon, so pay attention to what you're getting. I also left a few notes with possible leads in there... OH! Before I forget." He pulls out something from his left pocket, a small silver/dark green Inquisitorial rosetta covered in detailed birds. "Here's something for one of you to hold, in case of a desperate situation. Know that when you pull this little bling-bling out, news will spread real fast about your business around here, since this represents the supreme authority of Inquisitor Coltrane, use it very very wisely. But let me tell you it is very satisfying to pull this out on a cocky noble and watch him poo poo himself scared in front of you." he gives a small grin as he holds it in his hands. "Anymore questions?"
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Sep 23, 2014 16:23
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 Jini "The Witch" Tallhorn Jini spent most of her time on-board the big heart relaxing in her relatively comfortable cabin. Some of the other acolytes had complained about the accommodation but Jini figured actually having a real bed and not having to wake up with someone having stuck a shank in you was a small price to pay for the ever-present smell of promethium. Jini was secretly delighted back in the day before her life had dropped in the crapper she'd dreamed of travelling the stars and seeing the sights of the galaxy. Admittedly Desolum hadn't been high on her list of places to see but still it was off-world and she would be lying if she didn't feel some of that childhood excitement. --- When the interrogator asked if anyone had any more questions Jini butts in with a question "Do we know anythin about the big men around the sump? the gang leaders the fixers the dealers that sorta guy or gal, would be nice to know something about the terrain afore we wander in like a blinder. and as well you mentioned the cloudies* like to muck in with the groundies** what guys handle that? cause yer average cloudie doesn't like to get their hands dirty but the go-between guys likely have a better idea of what's going on up top as down below." An idea comes to her "how about we're working fer smugglers looking for a new sucker and would give us an excuse to go prying inta everyones business gotta check yer partner is "legit" after all, no idea what it is we're smuggling but i'm sure we could come up with something." *nobles **underhive scum pre:Homeworld: Hive World Background: Outcast Role: Assassin Divination: "If a job is worth doing, it is worth dying for." (+3 WIL -3STR)Divination Roll: 1d100 49 WS: 43 BS: 33 STR: 31 TOU: 34 AGI: 40 INT: 30 PER: 40 WIL: 34 FEL: 30 INF: 26 Standard Rolls: Characteristic Rolls: 7#2d10+20 33 30 34 38 34 26 30 + Rolls: + Characteristic Rolls: 2#3d10+20 40 35 -Roll: - Characteristic Roll: 3d10+20 31 +AGI +Per -WIL Fate: 3 emperors fate roll: 1d10 10 Wounds: 11 Aptitudes: Perception, Social, Agility, Weapon Skill, Field-craft, Finesse, Intelligence** **Originally duplicate perception. Skills: Acrobatics Common Lore(Underworld) Deceive Dodge Stealth Parry Security Charm Talents: Weapon Training (Chain) Weapon Training (Solid Projectile) Jaded Ambidextrous Traits & Bonuses: Teeming Masses in Metal Mountains: A hive world character ignores crowds for purposes of movement, treating them as open terrain. When in enclosed spaces, he also gains a +20 bonus to Navigate (Surface) tests Never Quit: An Outcast character counts his Toughness bonus as two higher for purposes of determining Fatigue. Sure Kill: In addition to the normal uses of Fate points, when an Assassin successfully hits with an attack, he may spend a Fate point to inflict additional damage equal to his degrees of success on the attack roll on the first hit the attack inflicts. Gear: Compact*Autopistol Concealed Holster* chainsword armoured bodyglove injector 2 doses of slaught *Influence Acquisition Exp: 1250/1250 Advances: Known Parry (200) Known Security (200) Known Charm (200) Ambidextrous (300) Simple Perception (100) Simple Weapon Skill (250)
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Sep 23, 2014 17:36
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 Marius Aside from catching the strange tech-priest watching him sleeping, and sharing a room full of competent kills and a psyker, the trip was somewhat relaxing. It was nice to hear the hum of a warp engine again. And then the Interrogator arrived, and a flurry of discussion whirled about the room before Marius could parse what was happening. He did pick up that they were going to disguise themselves as mercenaries, and a few people were trying to figure out how to secure some more gear, which was where Marius could be helpful. "In terms of supply, I would not count on being able to raid this ship's armory. It is a promethium hauler, most weapons would be too dangerous to hand out to whatever security guards it has. Maybe you could find a shotgun if they were paranoid, but mostly you would find shock batons and the like. From the sound of Desoleum and its somewhat sanctioned gang warfare, there is likely to be a thriving black market. But unless the Interrogator or Agatha already has a contact in said black market, it is unlikely for us to meet them right after we land. So, expect to use what you have for a while, before the black market seeks us out. After all, we're 'mercenaries', aren't we? Mercenaries tend to be great customers among black markets." At the mention of possibly working with the Arbites, Marius gets visibly nervous. "I would rather not immediately calling on the Arbites' aid. After all, we have no information about the local offices. What if one of Desoleum's nobles have a man on the inside or an agreement with one or more members of the Arbites? Then news about Inquisitor agents disguised as mercenaries would spread among the nobles and to the gangs they employ, making our job much harder." There's also the fact that Marius has no idea how much an Acolyte of the Inquisition is capable of getting away with in the eyes of the Arbites, and it was looking very likely that he was going to break some laws during his stay on this miserably complicated planet. But no need to mention that out loud. pre:Name: Marius Homeworld: Voidborn (+Int & WP, -S) Background: Adeptus Administratum Role: Desperado Divination: Humans must die so that Humanity can endure. (Gain Jaded) Aptitudes: Intelligence, Knowledge, Agility, Ballistic Skill, Defence. Fellowship, Finesse Characteristics: WS: 23 (20+3) BS: 42 (20+17)+5[Simple] S: 34 (20+14) T: 31 (20+11) Ag: 41 (20+16)+5[Simple] Int: 36 (20+11)+5[Simple] Per: 27 (20+7) WP: 34 (20+14) Fel: 28 (20+8) Inf: 32 (20+12) Fate: 3/3 Insanity: 0 Corruption: 0 Wounds: 10/10 Skills: Commerce Common Lore (Adeptus Administratum) Dodge Forbidden Lore (Criminal Cartels and Smugglers, Underworld) Linguistics (High Gothic) Logic Scholastic Lore (Bureaucracy) Security Sleight of Hand Talents: Jaded Quick Draw Precision Killer Strong Minded Weapon Training (SP) Traits/Abilities: Child of the Dark: Gain Strong Minded, +30 to tests to move in zero gravity. Master of Paperwork: All items one level more available. Move & Shoot: Once every other round, may make a Standard Attack with a pistol as a free action after a movement action. Gear: Stub Automatic -w/ 2x clips of Man Stopper rounds* -w/ Silencer Mesh Vest* Imperial Robes Autoquill Chrono Dataslate Medi-Kit Multikey* Advances: 1,200/1,250 Dodge [100] Simple Ag [100] Simple BS [100] Precision Killer [300] Security [200] Simple Int [100] Forbidden Lore (Criminal Cartels and Smugglers) [100] Forbidden Lore (Underworld) [100] Sleight of Hand [100] Astus fucked around with this message at 20:52 on Sep 27, 2014 |
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Sep 23, 2014 20:02
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Computatrix 1st Class Agatha Cortess "Me? Have a contact in the black market?," Agatha said, holding a hand to her chest with theatrical indignation. "Honestly Marius, what sort of person do you take me for?" Her serious expression quickly gave way to laughter before Marius could attempt to answer the question. "No, I'm afraid I don't have any contacts like that. The Mechanicus doesn't generally deal with black marketeers. If we need something we make it. If we can't make it, well, then it's probably heretekal to begin with. And before anyone asks, I'm in no hurry to ingratiate myself with the Mechanicus on Desoleum seeing as the last time I did I wound up being stalked by murder-servitors for my troubles."
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Sep 23, 2014 20:25
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The Interrogator looks at Juni and nods while looking at the data-slate, the way he understands her way of speaking perfectly betrays his own origin at a hive world somewhere. "Undoubtedly the Noble Houses of Desoleum Prime have specific agents for task such as these. As far as I know it's always the Noble house first that offers the patronage, and they send these fixers to the Underhive to negotiate the details with these gangs. I do not have detailed information on these people, but with the current delicate situation with these disappearances I expect they'll be easier to spot, since some Houses need replacement gangs for protection. I'm sure if you guys manage to get your hands on one of these fixers, he'll have a lot of interesting information after some application of tough love." "Seeing as there's so many of these scumbags around the hive, I might as well give the rundown about their details. Their names are endless but they can be grouped around five types of hive gangs." He fiddles with the controls a little, cursing now and then as images appear on the pict-screen.  "Cloudboys. Cruel and depraved. Bored young nobles from the Upper Hive, some banished due to embarrassment from their families or self-exiled. Like to look down on the other gangs due to being highborn. Most of them uses ornate masks and clothes of the finest quality, some of them can carry scary toys bought with their daddies money."  "Tech-Gangs. Worship machines in their own way, a few have links to certain agencies in the Desoleum's Cult Mechanicus. They use poorly installed bionics and cybernetics, they can be crude but very powerful. It's not common for hereteks or exiled tech-priests to be the bosses or achieve higher ranks in the hierarchies. Absolutely love guns of all types, specially energy weapons, rivals have gone to war just to capture a single plasma pistol. Extensive connections with tech-prospectors."  "Death Masks. Necro-cultists who worship death in all forms. They wear the skin of the face of the first person they ever killed, and carry extra gruesome trophies. They're always heavily muscled and like to use big hammers to crush enemies to death, where they'll watch the victim agonizing to death with almost religious reverence and respect. Very creepy."  "Fleshcutters. Only fight with blade melee weapons, knives, scythes, swords, chains. If it will spill a lot of blood, these guys use it. Many Fleshcutters indulge in ritual scarring to mark initiations, memorable fights, significant events, and the like. Some like to go loud and screaming towards their foes, but a few are more sneaky-like with deadly blades. Very vicious and dangerous."  "Painted Throngs. They all have intricate tattoos covering their entire bodies. View themselves as the true artists of the hive, and are extremely proud of the quality of their ink. Deadly gang wars between themselves have started over slight insults about the quality of their rivals's tattoos. Don't wear a lot of armor to show their bodies more. They like to use explosives, like frag and acid grenades and boom-rounds, as mangled flesh is the worst possible insult to them." "Anything else?"
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Sep 24, 2014 04:18
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Boomer "Tertiary objectives or personal preferences on your part? Anything we can do to lay the groundwork for further Inquisitorial ops here in the future while we're down there?" He stratches some scar tissue on the back of his hand.
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Sep 24, 2014 04:42
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"Initially no, let's focus on information gathering and reconnaissance of the situation first. Although it's very probable that building a web of contacts will happen 'naturally' while you're investigating this business. If this cell perchance could get some favors from a Noble House it would be great, but it shouldn't be your focus goal at all."
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Sep 24, 2014 05:03
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Boomer "So noted. Well, I think that's it for me. Anyone else have anything?"
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Sep 24, 2014 05:07
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Computatrix 1st Class Agatha Cortess Agatha listened carefully to the Interrogator's breakdown of common hive-gang classifications and traits thereof (silently arching an eyebrow at the mention of tech-gangs...she'd heard of them, of course, but never interacted with any of them in any capacity before), taking notes as she did. Once the Interrogator had finished she blew out a breath, studying the images on the pict-screen. "So the fixers report to the Noble Houses, and the Noble Houses offer the patronage...which means that in order to make contact with one of these fixers we're going to have to get a Noble House's attention first. I hate to say it but we may need to pick a fight with someone. And win. With a power vacuum suddenly opened up we won't be the only ones ostensibly trying to fill it, and the Houses are going to be looking for a standout demonstration of strength first and foremost." She shrugged. "Not that I'm eager to put myself in the sights of a group of armed psychopaths, but it would be a fairly straightforward way to make a name for ourselves. It could also get us killed, of course," she added.
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Sep 24, 2014 06:16
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Boomer "Hive world. Airlock doors and air tight chambers everywhere. Find some, trap targets inside, set fire near ventilation system, sucks out air. Wait 4 minutes, dead gangers, intact gear. Put their heads on sticks or something if you wanna be creative or show off or whatever."
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Sep 24, 2014 06:44
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Stubber "Strength. If we're looking to get the attention of the Tech-Gangs, we may choose to pick a fight with the Cloudboys, they have the toys, and the tech-gangs want them. The nobles wouldn't mind someone dealing with their miscreant children either. Although I would expect to end up fighting people with power weapons and plasma guns if we chose this route." Stubber ponders the meaning of strength for a moment. He thinks back to his selection to be taken away from his homeworld. "We could choose to duel with the Death Masks or Fleshcutters the sanctity of death and the memories of fights would bring us allies. A collection of fearsome trophies or the reputation of being able to tear a man in half. It would bring attention and possibly allies to our cause!" Before he gets carried away, Stubber calms himself and tries to think of the situation as if were an undercover sting. "However, we may not immediately have to throw ourselves into combat. As Agatha said, the tech-gangs worship technology too. We may be able to negotiate with them to help with acquiring new technology and probably prove ourselves through raids." "The Painted Throngs may prove useful too, having extra stocks of explosives would certainly even the odds in any fight. We could keep an eye out for supplies of exotic and high quality inks while we gather information. Bones' warpaint and skills may help immensely in gaining their respect." "As for the Cloudboys, I'm not so sure we can impress people who can buy favors so easily, at least not without angering the Houses that we are aiding their misbegotten children. I believe we will end up clashing with them any way we choose to go about this mission."
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Sep 24, 2014 07:07
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Computatrix 1st Class Agatha Cortess "Hmm," Agatha said consideringly, seemingly unperturbed at the prospect of asphyxiating a roomful of people to death. "That could work. You'd need to be able to access the bulkhead seals and climate control systems, of course...but that's what you have me for," she said with a grin. "Well however we go about it, I'd say our first move is getting the lay of the foundry floor, so to speak. Talk to some people, put on the 'dumb, Throne-chasing offworlder' act, scout the local territory...I mean that literally," she said, turning to those in the room who hadn't grown up in a hive. "You may not be prepared for just how sprawling the underhive can be. No one should go exploring by themselves if you can at all avoid it. There are touts and guides but they'll gouge you for every Throne they can and some of them will be just as happy to lead you into a back alley to be mugged, murdered, or both."
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Sep 24, 2014 07:17
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Jiri "Don't get yer shirt in a wad. I kmow me way around ground-side and seen me share of sumpers. One hive is pretty much the same as any right?" Jiri continues "we can pull together a dust-up later iffen we haveta" she goes on I see yer point about knowing the big faces on the ground though, the way I figure we beat some locals to get a rep, then get in good with one of the gangs that gives us a place and contacts. Then we find out what the big boys are inta drugs, dead girls, live boys big honking guns whageva vice yer big ganger has. And we give it to them build favours and we get a net no other outsider could match that'll lead us straight ta whichever band of freaks is behind this murder spree.
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Sep 24, 2014 23:00
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Bones "The Cloudboys offer the greatest opportunity," Bones says, "and even the greatest of men have dirty work to do."
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Sep 25, 2014 01:54
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The Interrogator takes a few more gulps from his flask as he watches the Acolytes discuss between themselves. "Well I can see you guys have a lot to handle, so I'll leave you to it, if I have to keep smelling this promethium I'm gonna puke. May the God-Emperor be with you all and poo poo. Here's a note with how to locate your little hideout, do me a favor and wait ten minutes here when I leave the room." He raises the big pict-screen back at the hiding location, puts his fancy data-slate in one of his many pockets and leaves the guestroom. Port Gyre The trip down the orbital elevator was long if uneventful, conveniently it seems the Interrogator had taken care of the custom officers you encountered earlier, as they didn't even bat a eye at you, while rigorously checking passengers from other ships, much to their befuddlement. When the elevator reaches bottom, you find your way towards the vacuum transit-tubes that leads to Hive Desoleum Prime, a massive and ugly shape on the horizon, grim wastelands around it. It doesn't take long before you find a transit-tube for outsiders like you. Passengers of all type surround you, merchants, bodyguards, pilgrims, lowly scribes, ship ratings. When the vacuum mechanisms start and the transit-tube starts moving, you notice how huge Port Gyre is through its windows, endless warehouses for all types of shipments, worker habitats and landing bays can be seen in a chaotic mess of metal. As you get near one of the hive's accesses, the tubes start slowly going up until it reaches Main Hive medium level, and after a few minutes of turbo-speed, the Acolytes reach one of the city's transport control station. Hive Desoleum Prime Marius's heart skips a beat when the first thing the group sees as they exit the transit-tube are a pack of the Enforcers of Desoleum City, the Bondsman.  Fortunately they're just there for appearances or to make sure no one messes with the new arrivals. They don't even bother stopping any of the new arrivals, although the Acolytes see a few glances come at their direction, due to the Blackfist uniforms, but nothing comes from it. The full stink of a hive city hits you like a brick as you walk to one of the mag-rails stations that provide public transport to the hive dwellers. The extensive train lines spread around all directions, some going above hab blocks, offices and shops, and others hiding in tunnels. The group and a few other outsiders enter a line headed to Hab-Block 7156D, one of the "stranger's quarters" of the city. After the train turns around many times you notice the natural daylight from outside give way to artificial ones, and the quality of the air getting considerably worse. As you walk towards your "hideout", the apartment 38, 5th floor of the hab-block, you all take notice of the hab-dwellers around you. True to what the Interrogator and Agatha said, diverse types of workers can be seen walking around, from janitors to mag-line drivers all carrying small oath-cogs in their chests signifying their task and work location. As you are walking the stairs up you notice that your Hab-Block doesn't have a lot of movement, the only other type of outsiders being ratings and a few scribes that you spot in the hallways of the block. You use the key given to you by Iory and open the door to your humble residence for the remainder of the current assignment. It looks complete enough, but completely plain and industrial, very much like the "guestroom" back in Big Heart. The only thing out of ordinary in your apartment is a black case with a generous amount of Throne Gelts in it, just like the Interrogator promised. Also in a nearby table, a big organized pile of empty data-slates ready to use. One of them looks different only by being tilted to the left side. Inside are a few notes left by Inquisitor Iory. pre:First things first, every week you Acolytes are gonna write a report of the investigations so far in one of these empty data-slates. Put it inside the crack in the wall near the door to apartment 67 in the 3rd floor of this Hab-Block. When you go in blind in a city like this, a smart and clean way of findings thing is listen to gossip and make small-talk with all kinds of people. Places to Check: Schizo's Bazaar - Main Hive - Take Mag-Rail 678 from your location. -A good place to grab some extra gear, a very visible and open bazaar. Merchants of all kind come here, they like to keep information on who's buying what private though. Lots of movement. The Worker's House - Main Hive - Take Mag-Rail 442 from your location and ask around. -The Worker’s House is one of the few respectable places of leisure in the Main Hive. Countless hive workers come here to spend all their hard-earned money. Stargazer Club - Upper Hive - Take Mag-Rail 678 and then Lift-Plat 56 all the way up. -Place with perhaps the stiffest drinks in this goddamn world, and some drugs too probably. Nobles down on their luck like to drown their sorrows here. You may have trouble with security allowing you guys inside. Paulio's Bar - Underhive - Take Lift-Plat 25 and exit at the third stop, past the Bondsman blockade. -This place is only a little bit under the Main-Hive but that means already gangs could be spotted around here. This is already a lawless zone so go packing heat. I saw some fleshcutters and tech-gangers here once, where a fight between them soon broke out leaving a lot of injured and dead bodies.
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Sep 25, 2014 06:03
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Boomer Boomer looks at the options. "Since I think I'm the one with the background closest to a tradesman, I can hit the Worker's House and try to shoot the poo poo, but to be quite frank I ain't exactly a people person, so if you want to drag me around to watch your back in some shithole, I'm game. If stubber or Jini want to visit the hellhole bar, we can do that."
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Sep 25, 2014 06:26
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Computatrix 1st Class Agatha Cortess Agatha sighed as the transit-tube whisked her and her fellow "mercenaries" towards the rising hive in the distance, the massive bulk of Desoleum Primaris looming ahead like an ungainly, dilapidated anthill. Apparently the saying was wrong...you could go home again, even if you didn't particularly want to. The smell as they disembarked and made their way towards one of the interhive magrails wasn't, if she were honest, much of an improvement over two straight weeks of promethium fumes but it was infuriatingly comforting, like a pair of ugly, worn-out shoes she supposed. Fortunately the ever-absent Inquisitor was as good as his relayed word, and the uniforms (along with several bribes and threats, no doubt) had gotten them through customs without anyone batting an eye. That was the first difficulty surmounted...now for all the others. She couldn't help but feel a little conspicuous, though. Even though this was, until very recently, her home, she wasn't used to walking its thoroughfares with an autogun slung over one shoulder and an armored cloak draped around her shoulders, not to mention in the company of similarly armed compatriots. The other citizens, she noted wryly, were giving them a very wide berth when possible. *** Once they'd arrived at the lodgings the Inquisitor had arranged for them she wasted no time, locking the door and shuttering the blinds over the single window looking out before checking the contents of the case (money, always useful to have) and grabbing one of the dataslates off the stack. Reaching up behind her head she produced a long, thin data-cable, one end terminating in an interface port embedded in the back of her head, plugging the other end into the slate's own port before setting to work formatting it to her own specifications. Standard hardware was always so dreadfully unoptimized. "Everyone be careful not to flash too much money around. Present hiveborn company excepted," she said, turning and giving Jini a conciliatory gesture. "Not just because you'll attract muggers but because we're supposed to be an aspiring mercenary company hungry for work. Still, splashing some Thrones about is probably keeping in-character and a good way to attract some attention." She pored over the Interrogator's notes as she reformatted data-processes and optimized the slate's machine spirit, not deigning to actually use the viewscreen, instead reading them off of her noosphere's display. "Speaking of spending, I wouldn't mind making a visit to the Bazaar before I do anything else. As much as I'm enjoying the upgraded personal space it provides, I'd like something a little less conspicuous than an autogun on hand." Kai Tave fucked around with this message at 08:35 on Sep 25, 2014 |
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Sep 25, 2014 06:38
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Stubber Stubber notices the people getting out of the groups way and honestly, it felt like any day on the beat. Good times. As soon as they reach the hideout, Stubber takes a seat and takes off his coat. "By the Throne that gear can get hot." Stubber grabs a drink, sits down and begins to think about what to do. "Posing as mercenaries, we should probably be somewhat conspicuous in the gear we carry. I'm pretty much set gearwise, although if there's a source of implants somewhere, I wouldn't mind installing something like extra muscles or if we're real lucky some subskin armor to match my headplates. I think, let's go shopping, we might be able to run into gang affiliated merchants. I'd say avoid going below until we at least feel confident in getting past that blockade, it might take all 6 of us to do so and that would probably mean bad news until we got into favor with a House to get us back above."
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Sep 25, 2014 09:51
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Boomer "Sounds like a plan. I need to find some insulation stuff to help remake my bunker suit in case things get a little hot. I recommend one to you too, it helps a LOT in dealing with carrying all this stuff." He pauses at the mechan's words. "I guess an oh poo poo! gun couldn't hurt either. In addition if I can get some glassware and raw materials I can handle quite a number of chem manufacturing. Lets go to the baazar first and figure out where to go from there. If we're going shopping, eventually, looking for: -CommonQ. Survival Suit Average (+0) Influence is 31 Ronwayne fucked around with this message at 03:18 on Sep 26, 2014 |
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Sep 25, 2014 09:57
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Bones "If the traders keep knowledge of us, they will keep knowledge of others," Bones says. "Bones is too honest to deceive a deceiver, but knowing how to heal also means knowing how to hurt."
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Sep 26, 2014 01:09
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Marius "The bazaar is a fine place to start, and we do have an excuse to ask around about weapons, which will draw hopefully favorable attention toward us." Plus, there's always something unguarded at a busy market. "What's the plan if we find a merchant who may have heard something, but won't open up? I'm assuming dragging him into an alley and putting the pressure on is out of the question, but I've never been one to confront someone directly myself."
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Sep 26, 2014 02:06
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Computatrix 1st Class Agatha Cortess "Well we could still try that I suppose," Agatha said, thoughtfully weighing their options, "but you're right, it's not very subtle. If we find someone who seems like they know something important and isn't willing to part with it under less coercive circumstances, what we could always do is wait until the end of the daycycle, follow them discreetly back to their residence or somewhere else suitably private, and then ask them more pointedly once they're all alone. I gather that's not too far outside your area of expertise," she said to Jini, giving the other woman a meaningful glance.
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Sep 26, 2014 05:50
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Jini Jini grins at the cogboy? coggirl? "iffen I havta I can get some fence tellin me things he wouldn't tell his own brotha." She goes on. "I wanna see the bar get ta know the terrain an all but as an outhiver I would kinda stick out like a sore thumb, so iffen you guys don't mind can we wait till you can come as backup."
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Sep 26, 2014 08:32
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With a destination decided, the Acolytes grab their mercenary uniforms again and stagger out slowly out of the apartment and into the narrow habways, as to avoid suspicion. Fortunately you don't encounter anyone until you hit a main habway going towards Mag-Rail 678, wide enough to allow passage with the first type of personal vehicle you see yet, shoddy Veloxic bikes being used by the hive-dwellers with enough resources to acquire one. After you reach the station, you all notice that this line has considerable more movement in it, with even a few brawls happening to see who gets a last space here and there in the mag-train. You being strangers without oath-cogs and armored have no problem getting in, though the trip is tight, uncomfortable and takes around thirty minutes until you reach the bazaar.  The place is a huge chaotic and possibly hazardous mess, a mixture of official shops inside buildings and falling-apart tents standing side by side. A multitude of people are present, some grabbing a disgusting grub in food tents, others shopping around, another running around with papers in his hand in a hurry. The noise is almost unbearable as people shout and bargain at each other, cursing sometimes. You see the Bondsman patrolling around in groups of six, all armed with their oath-cogs that can be conveniently be turned into a truncheon to beat unruly hab-dwellers and stun grenades. As the Acolytes walk around, they notice that a few people still cast odd glances at you, although not many, since you can spot a lot of out-worlders like you minding their own business in the bazaar. Merchants yell at you to take a look at their wares, and by the looks of it, there's a good chance you can find anything around here. Boomer finds a store that sells gear and tools to hive workers, but finds that the specific protection suit he wants is completely out of stock. (Rolled a 38) Well here you are at a big bazaar/marketplace, lots of movement of workers, shoppers and merchants. Everyone can try 1 Acquisition, like Boomer did, I'll roll these myself. PLEASE PUT THE AVAILABILITY ON YOUR POST SINCE THIS CHANGES SUBTLETY. Any other skill roll you might wanna do here you can roll either on Orokos with campaign name Frajaq DH 2, like this test roll, or in #acolytedice if i'm present at the moment and Hashutbot isn't dead.
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Sep 27, 2014 04:11
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Stubber "Back home, there was one guy who always wore these cool shades, never needed to bring a light with him, and I think his were real nice and he'd often just set off flashbangs in his hand to show off! But, ill be fine with a regular set of shades like that." Stubber attempts to acquire Photo-Visors, they are scarce (-10) vs his influence of 33. Rolled a 30 for it vs a 23 so close. HukHukHuk fucked around with this message at 06:29 on Sep 27, 2014 |
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Sep 27, 2014 05:09
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Marius The former scribe takes a quick look around the market, and tries to purchase something inconspicuous. A simple silencer should be easy enough to find, and it was cheap enough that he didn't have to waste time haggling. Of course, with such a large market, there's a reasonable chance there might be a front for a less-than-legal establishment. If so, then whoever owns that place might be better informed about the killings than the average merchant, and maybe they aren't as reluctant about some gossip, for the right price of course. Probably would be easier if he hadn't literally only been on the planet for less than a day, though. Hopefully someone else had an idea. Buying a silencer, normally at Plentiful but Adeptus Administratum ability knocks that down to Abundant (+30). Going to roll Forbidden Lore (Underworld) to see if I can think of a good place to look for a criminal front around the bazaar. Int is 36, don't think I have any bonuses unless the test is easy or something. Rolled an 80, so going to guess that failed horribly. Bit too early to spend a fate point on a test that only has a 36% chance of success, so not going to do that.
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Sep 27, 2014 06:00
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Computatrix 1st Class Agatha Cortess Agatha debated the merits of continuing to carry the rather conspicuous autogun with her, but it was a brief debate...actual mercenaries wouldn't go anywhere, even the safer parts of the hive, unarmed, and until she could find something a bit more compact it was the only weapon she had. Given the choice she'd rather deal with a few stares than be caught unarmed if something were to happen between the strangers' quarters and the bazaar. Fortunately the trip was uneventful, and before long she was mingling with the crowd while merchants shouted and music played over battered vox-speakers. She was all too aware that the Bondsmen patrolling the area were paying her and her fellow "mercenaries" more attention than they were anyone else, but that was to be expected and she paid them no heed (though she made sure to keep track of where they were as she went). After making a show of wandering from stall to stall, inspecting the wares on display and making some suitably offworlderish small talk for appearance's sake, she made her way over to one of the more reputable-looking shops lining the marketplace, the sign above the door engraved with the bullet-mould and cog of an official House-bonded gunsmith. She stepped inside with a cocky swagger, shooting the merchant attending the counter a grin. "I'm lookin' for a solid side-iron," she said, her accent and speech-patterns suddenly those of someone else (an amalgam of Boomer's and Jini's primarily, with a few modifications of her own). "Lost my last one in a little dustup down in the Ajaxa colonies that needed a little 'outside mediation.' Shame really, had that gun since I set out on my first job...but you shoulda seen the bloody mess it made when I tossed it into that gunship's turbine," she said with an unpleasant laugh, slapping her hand down on the countertop. "Speakin' of, that's why me an' my associates are here in fact. Rumor has it that Desoleum's suddenly gone a bit light on trigger-pullers, an' with Ajaxa all dried up it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get a bit of hive-work in, 'specially if some rich guild's bankrolling it. You don't happen to know anything about why all the local shooters've been dropping off the auspex, do ya'?," she asked, leaning in a little closer. "A leg up's a leg up, and the more money I can make the more money I've got to spend...been thinkin' about picking up a couple a' other things when I have the Thrones to spare, might remember a gun-seller who did me a solid once, eh?" For my acquisition I'd like a Stub Revolver (Plentiful, +20), base Influence 31. Also making an Inquiry test to see if I can glean any information, gossip, or rumors of interest concerning the gang disappearances. TN 39 = 58, 2 DoF. Mm. I think that I'm going to go ahead and spend a Fate Point on that (I know, so reckless) to use my role ability Nothing Escapes My Sight, which lets me spend an FP to automatically succeed at an Awareness or Inquiry test with DoS equal to my Perception bonus, so that becomes 3 DoS instead. Kai Tave fucked around with this message at 08:07 on Sep 27, 2014 |
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Sep 27, 2014 08:04
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Unfortunately for Stubber his search for the photo-visor ends in disappointment, as he searches around an Imperial Guard surplus shop that looks fairly empty. His two companions have more luck however, Marius finding a technomat in one of the shoddy tent shops outside buildings, he doesn't ask any questions as the throne gelt is exchanged for the silence, but he doesn't look like he's gonna talk about anything when the business is concluded. (Rolls 13 and gets the silencer) Inside the official gunsmith, a merchant with both cybernetic eyes smiles as he sells the revolver to Agatha, and listens attentively to what she has to say. "Ha! Who doesn't need a lil' protection these days? If I knew who's wipin' out them gangs I wouldn't do anything about it, cuz business never been better, with so many scared people runnin' around! Har har har!" he pauses when he finishes laughing. "But seriously now, these disappearances are getting downright freaky. No one paid much attention at the start, you know? Some scumbags in the lower habs get wiped out, who gives a gently caress? But now... take a look at that." He points towards a closed shop nearby, with a turned-off neon sign saying MED, it looks like it was closed very recently. "Guy named Mellows owns the place, sold med-kits and other medical supplies, but more importantly, approved combat drugs. Stuff like Frenzon, Slaught and Stimm, you know? Things the Guard uses. Dunno which House he was affiliated but he had protection from some Fleshcutter boys, dunno their gang name exactly. Mellows gave them some of the drugs from time to time as appreciation so the boys took really good care of him, his shop and his shipments. All ended three days ago, when the boys disappeared like it has been happening, and ol' Mellows closed the place out of fear. Them troublesome times alright." (Rolls 07 and gets the Stub Revolver.)
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Sep 27, 2014 09:02
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Computatrix 1st Class Agatha Cortess Agatha quickly and efficiently inspected the revolver as money changed hands, examining the cylinder, the cocking hammer, and the pull of the trigger with the practiced hands of someone used to working with technology. Satisfied she swung the cylinder shut and holstered her new sidearm, turning her attention towards the shopkeeper's story. "Hmm...izzat so?," she said, rubbing her chin thoughtfully as she glanced at the nearby chymist's shop. A gang disappearance only three days old...now there was a stroke of good fortune. If they worked quickly enough they might have a chance to pick up the trail before it went completely cold. "Could do with a couple a' pick-me-ups, an' if this Mellows' business is hurtin' like it looks I don't imagine he'd be too particular about who's buying, now would he? Don't suppose y'know where I could find him?" According to the book, "Acquired weapons come with two standard ammunition clips, plus one extra clip for every degree of success on the test beyond the first." So since frajaq rolled 07 on the acquisition test my stub revolver comes with 6 cylinders worth of bullets.
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Sep 27, 2014 09:28
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All the smiles and initial warmth of the merchant dies right there. "Now now, that wouldn't be very appropriate, miss. Poor guy is scared and down on his luck, and Emperor knows that I have been in that hard spot once. So out of respect for a fellow merchant I'm not gonna tell you that. Are we done here?"
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Sep 27, 2014 15:50
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Bones "Fear always has a root," Bones says. "A man cannot fear nothing. What does Mellows fear? Do you fear it?" He steps up to the counter and places his hands on it, leaning forward.
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Sep 27, 2014 16:18
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| # ? Apr 19, 2024 11:18 |
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The merchant gives a curious look at Bones and then glances at Agatha. "Is your friend here a dense little Death Mask or somethin'?" he looks back at the psyker. "Fear for his own life, Emperor's sake. All his armed help wiped out of the hab-map in a single night cycle? Who knows if he's going to be next? Or whoever is killing all them gangs has a thing against his affiliated House? Who WOULDN'T be afraid of somethin' like that?"
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Sep 27, 2014 16:31
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