House of Dust and Ash - The House
Timestamp: 5.043.998.M41
Location: Solomon system, Markayn Marches, Calixis Sector, House of Dust and Ash
Situation: Currently disembarked from the Martyr and in place on/in the House
Body: A little over one Terran day later you have reached the House of Dust and Ash. The House is synonymous with a small volcanic island (a handful of miles in either direction) that juts out of the southern ocean, far away from any other land. Buildings, most of them mausoleums of some kind, cover the island (some are said to burrow quite deep into the rock). These structures belong to the rich and powerful of the region - not just on Solomon, but further out, to the sub-sector level at least.
This is where they bury their dead - and conduct their most secret affairs, well away from the prying eyes of the Imperium. As the personal fief of a Rogue Trader family (namely the Haarlock one) the House is exempt from all but the highest levels of Imperial authority. Even the Inquisition is (relatively speaking) cautious when it comes to exerting its power in places like this one. Note that once upon a time the entire planet was Haarlock property, but nowadays it belongs to the Departmento Munitorum.
Actually the place has seen better days. Since the end of the Haarlock line things have gone downhill. Or maybe the decline started before that. Whatever. The glorious years of Solomon and its Rogue Traders and nobles are long gone. Now only hidebound traditionalists bury their dead here, and very few conduct any business on the island. So this auction is an exception.
The biggest structure on the island is the actual House of Dust and Ash. Haarlock owned and operated it serves as family mausoleum on a very grand scale, a place for doing business - and now as an auction house. It's a sprawling collection of buildings old and new, centered around the great domed hall. The entire affair is well guarded - by Imperial Guardsmen (given the status of the island it's off-limits to PDF forces) brought in by the Adeptus Administratum bureaucrats that are running the show.
You have been assigned quarters befitting your station within. The auction is already underway - but currently only minor items are being sold away. You still have time to freshen up, get your bearings and have a look around before the main catalog is put on sale.
Categories: Adventures, Adventure 2.1 - House of Dust and Ash, Chapter 2 - The Legacy
03/07/11 03:36:37 pm,
03/07/11 03:36:37 pm, 106 comments
Comment from: kuhnrat
If no one signal otherwise.
Maxi take the lead toward their quarter and make a initial inspection / search of given quarter. If it checks ok, he gives clear signal. (I guess the Venus and Azhmut (and others) makes their own survey checks.)
Briefings and instructions are better given in a private location. he thinks.
03/07/11 @ 19:42
Comment from: tancred
Maxi and the guards check (with some auspex assistance from Azhmut) out the rooms - its one main apartment for the Rogue Trader, with adjoining accommodations for his staff. A little cramped - and old, seeing as it is located on a lower floor of an ancient-'looking structure - but sufficient for your needs.
03/07/11 @ 21:29
Comment from: Haxtes
Haxtes puts on fresh clothing, checks weapons and shield and takes 4 of the guards and finds hes place at the auction, if a minor item tikels hes fancy he will bid but thats for show only, Haxtes will wait until the real items are for sale before making hes move.
03/07/11 @ 22:30
Comment from: agent jebediah
Jebediah says nothing as he does his job as the Rogue Trader's bodyguard, trying to remain in his shadow all the time.
03/07/11 @ 23:23
Comment from: tancred
DM note: This is the main thread for the action at the House; but I'm also adding in some secondary threads to avoid cluttering this one up. You are free to respond to all of them as appropriate.
03/10/11 @ 09:26
Comment from: tancred
After settling in Haxtes goes to have a look at the auction and the people attending it. He bids on a couple of minor items, ending up with a small statue made of greenish stone - it's some kind of xeno fertility symbol. How strange to see such an item - which would be illegal to own under most circumstance - being freely sold by the Imperium of Man. You even get a small certificate with it, proving you're its legal owner.
Meanwhile Maxi and Jeb check out Vymer and Quill - and deem them not to be a danger to your mission.
03/13/11 @ 13:01
For the action tomorrow, Haxtes will bring hes 4 guards and Venus.
Azmuth will be primary guard in our rooms (means he cant leave them come warp or high water) He will protect the astropath and Pars. Jeb OR Maxi (one of them WILL remain with Azmuth all the time as muscle, The OTHER has time off and can do as they wish.
03/13/11 @ 13:10
Comment from: tancred
After doing his round Haxtes returns with his xenos statue AND a chess sett depicting black as xenos figures and white as Imperial saints. It will be nice to have on the table while sipping amasec and listening to the orchestra.
Right before the night cycle beings two Inquisition guards approach the apartment, escorting a chrome-plated servo-skull. You are required to give up gene-samples and answer some questions.
03/13/11 @ 14:28
Guess poor Haxtes will have to make due with saint instead of nude orks a well its a cruel world :).
To Inq guards\ skull:
"We are at the inquisitions beck and call, gene samples and answers will be made available, where and when the Inquisition requires."
03/13/11 @ 14:33
Comment from: tancred
Some heretics like nube orks - others prefer busty saints. Oh well, to each his own :)
It is just a formality. Each of you give up a gene-sample, then state your names etc. Once that' done the Inq leaves you alone.
03/13/11 @ 14:35
Some say that saints split easy- you need several. Orks last :) That's what some say.
We speak our names and give blood, even our lot may manage that with out making a scene :) Jax the RT gives blood and speaks: Jax Guilliman
03/13/11 @ 14:39
Comment from: tancred
Sevro-skull: "Thank you for your cooperation Rogue Trader Jax Guilliman. May He on Terra watch over your blessed endeavors."
Even if they actually check your sample against an existing record (should they have one) they are unlikely to be able to differentiate between you and your brother. Not unless they suspect something and look real careful like.
03/13/11 @ 15:03
Comment from: tancred
You need to decide if you will make contact with Inq. Marr's man in the House.
He probably has info that you'd not get otherwise, but contacting him might be dangerous too.
03/13/11 @ 15:04
Ah yes the contact...guess a word with him willbe in order.
(OOC: But you see nothing is dangerous if one has a plan, and I'm happy too inform you that Haxtes has a plan)
"Maximilian Dante, a word if you please, I have a job for you, as you are a big brutal Bastard and full of shit."
Haxtes smiles and sips his amacec.
"The Big Brutal bastard part: I want you too go too our robed Administratum contact and pick him up by the neck and carry him here to clean up the horrid mess in my rooms. You will make it look like you picked him at random amongst the admin staff.(someone has to pay for ruining the RT`s day, that sort of thing )
"The full of shit part: I know this is confusing Mr. Dante, but I need your talents to set the stage for the first part of this plan, you may wonder what horrid mess? I'll tell you: You are to plug up the lavatory something awful, I want brown water and warp like fumes all over this fine rooms.
Think you can handle the job Dante?"
03/13/11 @ 16:00
Comment from: kuhnrat
"I'll try and perform my best sir, but to be honest I'm not sure if I have it in me just now. So if you allow me to use some extra manpower on the plugging it I'll have it running in no time."
"And if you can send someone to spot/paint the target for me I'll have a quicker run at grabbing him. Azhmut could do a wandering perhaps."
Maxi moves towards the bathroom pointing at two of the guards. "You two move in." Maxi follows them into the loo.
(I 'won't try to give a dialogue of what's happening behind closed doors. But in essence a valve is sabotaged so that the water runs continuous into the bowl and onto the floor. The bowl is plugged by papers and shit. If the latter can't be brought out, then vomit and perfume will be used instead.)
After a few minutes Maxi and the guards appears from the bathroom.
"R-T Sir, It seems we have an unbearable situation at hand. Somehow the toilet have clogged itself.
If you allow me I'll seek out the proper authority from the staff. Needless to say you have paid a good amount of throne for this accommodation and I'm appalled that this could happen."
Maxi moves out seeking the contact.
(When he sees the contact Maxi moves in grabbing him with his left arm while regaining his right to threat down any other opposition. "What kind of filth are you running here?!! My R-T's quarters are reaking in stench and sewage.")
03/13/11 @ 19:19
Haxtes stands up and holds out hes glass for Venus to refill. Looking at the brown water flowing down the tiles.
" Now that's a professional at work"
Sits back down and waits for our contact.
03/13/11 @ 19:28
Comment from: tancred
You are all Very Evil People :)
Locutor Mayweather is taken by surprise and dragged protesting back to the R-T's accommodations. There he is presented with a most unpleasant task - cleaning up Maxi's mess.
(Locutor is a bland middle-aged adept of no special rank and importance - his sole important skill set being that he's a spy for Inquisitor Marr)
I guess you'll be using the opportunity to have a chat with the man as well?
03/13/11 @ 19:32
Seeing as we have another professional at work her Haxtes lets him clean for a few minutes, letting him have a feel for dirty wet work :) .
" Good job, by the trade lanes, Inq. Marr sends hes best wishes.
Do you have something for me, other that a fine display of your skills in manual labor that is. On a serius note the ruse was needed too keep our covers intact."
"Bring the adept a drink, he looks like he needs fortifying"
03/13/11 @ 19:40
OCC: We are not all Very Evil People, we are Hes Divine Imperial Majesty( known too plebs as him on earth or boss) most holy orders of the inquisition; whom in there right(or innocent ) minds will question that ?
03/13/11 @ 19:50
OCC: yes now just mop up the last of the liquid shit and get back too posting ...........Please :)
03/13/11 @ 19:55
Comment from: kuhnrat
OCC: Dark deeds are sometimes done for a greater good. Maxi sees his salvation in that.
03/13/11 @ 19:56
Comment from: tancred
After downing a stiff drink Locutor (you've provided him with some secret password or some such to get him to talk).
"Thanks you Mr. Guilliman. I was certain that the Master would send someone - I just did not know who or in what guise.
I have been here for nearly two months now, and have been able to gather a certain amount of intelligence. For one I can provide one of your adepts with a fairly comprehensive layout of the House and the surrounding island.
I also have some information about the adepts, the Guards and the the Mourners of the Sorrowful Guild.
Finally I have marked a few of the attendees as requiring attention from the Ordos. In particular there is one individual that needs checking up on - a Guild Envoy going by the name of Xavier Tremayne. I do not thin that is his real identity - I think it is Tobias Belasco in disguise!
That name you do recognize - for Tobias Belasco is one of the most wanted arch-heretics in the Calixis Sector. It doesn't sound very plausible that he's here - and been IDed by this minor spy.
03/13/11 @ 20:16
"Thank you, have another drink. you can give all info too Venus here apart from Tobias Belasco that I want too hear from your own lips all you know"
03/13/11 @ 20:26
Comment from: tancred
"Well, I overheard a servant mentioning the name 'Belasco'. I didn't think very much of it - its not a popular name in these parts, but not an automatic heresy - but shortly thereafter the servant was found dead, dead from a fall. It seemed wrong somehow - and I had a further look around. Seems the servants of this Xavier Tremayne dread their obese master. Look, I even managed to get this pict-shot of him, and it sure looks like Belasco, doesn't it!? He's here for some artifact of Haarlock's!
Had not Marr expressly forbidden me to speak to anyone by you, I would have gone directly to Herrod with my findings!"
You don't really know much about Tobias Belasco. Except that he's associated with the Cold Trade (i.e. trafficking with illegal xenos goods). The pict is of good quality - but the images you've seen of Belasco were both old and poor of quality.
03/13/11 @ 21:10
Comment from: tancred
Venus, quietly to Haxtes: "Mr. Mayeather is perhaps correct. Depending on the recognition algorithms used there is a 57%-83% probability of a match. Sufficient to warrant another look."
03/13/11 @ 21:21
Comment from: tancred
Note: Remember that your surveillance capacity is rather limited. You have only the people you've brought with you + Mr Mayweather. That's it - so you won't be able to keep track of loads of enemies/interesting characters.
On the following day:
'Tobias Belasco' (if it is indeed him) is a tall and corpulent character clad in the finest Imperial fashion. He has a very large retinue of adepts and guards. His attention seems focused on the books of lore section. You get some nice picts of him for Venus to process.
You also see Octavia Nile - she bids only occasionally and never heavily, except for one item; an ancient prayer book bound in grey skin. It seems to contain humorous versions of popular hymns and prayers. Heretical in the eyes of some perhaps, but not a whole lot. She is outdone by Mr. Marshrek (mentioned elsewhere). Octavia seems most distraught.
03/14/11 @ 18:06
Comment from: tancred
While the action proceeds Venus processes the images.
Her finds are disappointing; the man in question certainly has some common features with Belasco, but she has to rule out that he is him.
03/14/11 @ 21:31
Oh well, cant get them all.......on the other hand if spotting a know heretic was this easy....there would be a lot less heretics in the world... he remains on the list if he proves too be not guilty and we may have too kill him too find out too bad... I`m sure the Emperor will forgive hes humble servants.
And lets not forget the old maxim: better 100 innocent die than one guilty go free.
03/14/11 @ 21:36
Comment from: tancred
A bunch of loose pages and what appears to be fragments of various scrolls, many of them written in forgotten (or xenos?) languages are sold to a nobleman from Scarus Sector. No sooner as he made the purchase before undercover Inquisition agents move in to seize the new owner. Hidden weapons are drawn and suddenly blood is flowing!
03/14/11 @ 21:51
Comment from: tancred
The struggle ends as quickly as it started. The surviving heretics are dragged out screaming. Then the Mourner staff move in to clean things up. The Provost declares a break for refreshments. Many of the attendees head back to their quarters while a few others linger in the main Auditorium Hall (the big open space at the heart of the House, where the main auction is held).
03/14/11 @ 22:23
Comment from: kuhnrat
"Guilt protects none. Not even the innocent." Maxi agrees.
Maxi observes the turmoil, actively trying to spot other potential disturbances. He tries to find out passively the whereabout of Lady Nile and Mr. Marshrek as their bidding (or more precisely the object of their bidding) could become a cause of rivalry. (Woman scorn and all that.)
(Passively means see if he can spot them, not moving about seeking them.)
03/15/11 @ 09:16
Comment from: tancred
During the break, while the rest of you take a light meal back at the apartment, Venus goes over the picts again. She comes up with something that may be of interest.
But let us first recap:
The man you saw in the Auditorium Hall, the one that looked a bit like what Tobias Belasco might look like right now (the Inquisition doesn't have any current images) most likely isn't him after all. Image processing reveals that.
The new piece:
The man in the Auditorium Hall is also NOT the same person as the one in Mr. Mayweather's picture. That pict is STILL quite likely to be of Tobias Belasco.
The conclusion:
Tobias Belasco might still be around - or Mr. Mayweather is up to no good.
03/15/11 @ 09:17
Comment from: tancred
Both Lady Nile and Mr. Marshrek leaves the Auditorium. You do not think they will return any time soon. Mr. Marshrek has just spent a small fortune on this book and seemed quite plased. Lady Nile quite the opposite - you think she really really wants that book for her own heretek reasons.
03/15/11 @ 09:19
Comment from: kuhnrat
How has Mr. Xavier Tremayne's (aka Tobias Belasco) biddings gone? Has there been any significant opposing bidder against him?
It could be interesting to oppose him on some items and then maybe invite for a friendly drink under the guise to talk about the items in bid.
03/15/11 @ 10:57
"Yes a grand idea, Heretics are in no way suspicious to Friendly strangers who show a interest in them, and then talking about items he knows all about and we know nothing about, he will never suspect that we have nasty motives with our talk with him. IF we move on him we will let him come to us and IF that's needed we will burn that bridge if and when we get to it."
"We are here to observe and according too the most honored Inquisitor Marr to die, not hard jobs really. Please don't make them harder than they have to be Maximilian Dante."
When the action resumes Haxtes bids on:
1) trade rights in our sector if that's possible ( RT`s are into trade and profit is there god)
2) minor noble tittles(never know when a noble tittle is needed)
3) old bottles of amasec( for its nice)
4) Antiques that will look good on the Maiden ( Place needs redecorating)
Note on the other points of interest: No need to make a move before we have all possible information...or our hand is forced :)
03/15/11 @ 13:19
Comment from: tancred
Since he's spent his time in much the same area as Mr. Jax Guilliman you've a fair idea what he's been up to:
Mr. Xavier Tremayne's bidding has been fairly sporadic and erratic.
Like he's just passing the time or pulling someones leg perhaps.
If you want to try your ploy after the break you'll need Haxtes' help - since he's the R-T with all the money.
03/15/11 @ 13:19
Comment from: tancred
You purchase some old trade rights to the Mervo-Bront-Solomon run. Its been years and years since they were actually in use, so there's no real trade associated with them, but at least they give you the right to call on those ports.
Merov: Fairly prosperous hive world, home to the Merovech Combine (important commercial actor in Calixis)
Bront: Located between Merov and Solomon. Populou but poor hive. Prime source of IG units for the Margin Worlds Crusade (the Brontian Longknives).
Solomon: Where you are now. Run by the Departmento Munitorum. Once the fief of the Haarlocks.
03/15/11 @ 13:43
Comment from: tancred
You are also the happy owner of a township (you're guessing its rather more along the lines of a small hive spire or some such) on the Imperial world of Baraspine. It's a distant hive world deep in the Adrantis Sub they you know almost nothing about. Except it has a stable warp route that leads to Scintilla, which is fairly rare in that region of space.
If the deed is genuine you need to make yourself known to the Governor there before you take your place as a peer of that world - as the Baron of Illeville.
03/15/11 @ 13:54
Comment from: tancred
The amasec has all been stolen, no doubt by the Administratum, but you're able to procure quite a bit of decoration for the Maiden. Furniture, xenos rug, portraits and other paintings, works of art and decorations from many worlds and times.
Oh, and your funds are starting to run out.
03/15/11 @ 13:56
A hive spire? oh my I will need more rugs then :)
Baron of Illeville - Haxtes will think up a good persona for the new noble of the Empire of Man.( know he likes a good rug under his feet)
Goes easy on the biding, if needed Haxtes will withdraw the last 20 mill, but only if its needed to stay in the "game".
03/15/11 @ 14:01
Comment from: tancred
The day draws to a close and you retreat to your quarters.
The Administratum is notified of your extended credit - you are now able to spend the extra 20 mill if needed.
There is a social event this evening, to be held in the Garden of Lost Souls. That being the name of the greater area surrounding the actual auditorium. It sits beneath the same great dome, and is made up of walkways and colonnades and halls and whatnot, all ornamented by fine statures of Imperial heroes and saints. And overhead can always be seen the great painting of the Calixis Sector.
03/15/11 @ 14:34
Haxtes will attend too observe the other bidders, the 4 guards, Venus and her floating "sound" system will attend the RT. Jeb or Maxi can come too, whomever of them is not on astropath's room guard duty with Azmut.
03/15/11 @ 14:40
Comment from: kuhnrat
Maxi goes with Haxtes first.
It seems that Mr. Xavier Tremayne's bidding has been fairly sporadic and erratic. Maybe his decoy, if it is a decoy has not much knowledge of the items he biding at either. But I agree on your points of a non-direct approach.
OOC: I'll be out of reach the next few days so Maxi could be sat at a more passive duty for that time.
03/15/11 @ 14:57
Comment from: tancred
There are several hundred people at the gathering - most of the attendees and some of their staff, Administratum adepts, IG guards, even some ranking Mourners skulking around, including the head one - Greel. At the center of it all is Provot Bland, clearly enjoying the opportunity to socialize with these people. No doubt he's trying to further his own career and fortunes.
(there was another reception prior to your arrival btw, but you missed it because you were busy with other things ;)
Maxi, who is unusually good at both moving through crowds and picking out a face even in among a mass of people, is certain that Octavia is not here. Marshrek is, however, and seems to be enjoying himself. He's had a bit to drink and it is fairly obvious that he feels he has made a very good deal indeed.
Mr. Xavier Tremayne and his entourage is also in attendance, spending much time around the Provost.
The Inquisition is also present, with the Inquisitor and several of his lackeys walking around.
03/15/11 @ 19:45
Looks like the looting of the dead RT`s estate has drawn the finest crowd.
Haxtes mingles, and make polite conversation congratulating happy buyers.
03/15/11 @ 19:49
Comment from: tancred
One more thing happens during the gathering. Haxtes/Jax mingles with his peers, chatting a little about this and that, when he passes a veiled woman in the company of a man in an Admiral's uniform.
As they pass they both recognize one another, but neither make any outwards sign of this, save perhaps a slight narrowing of the eyes.
It is the dead woman from the Maiden of Golgenna. The one they took to the medicae-bay for safe keeping - only she somehow came to life and escaped with the eldar woman (during the ork attack over Corax Secundus, remember?)
03/15/11 @ 19:52
Yes Haxtes remembers her but she knows Haxtes as a xeno speaking cultist and that means the cover is still good.
But if the opportunity arise Haxtes will trade a few words with her.
03/15/11 @ 20:13
Comment from: kuhnrat
Maxi makes a mental note that Provost Bland has been approached by a possible associate of the heretic Tobias Belasco.
(Maxi knows that it's a vague accusation but it could become useful in a latter interrogation.)
03/15/11 @ 21:35
Comment from: tancred
Haxtes manages a brief introduction to her guardian:
He is Rear Admiral Malokov of the Solomon Defense Echelon (making him the ranking naval office in charge of Solomon defenses). His name marks him as non-native to the planet, but that's hardly a surprise for a career officer.
She is Elizaveta - she serves much the same function as Venus does for you. Valet, escort, whatever. You have to admit: She looks a whole lot better now than she did before - being all dressed up, painted and so and so...he would make any man proud.
So how did a dead girl (who woke to life again) you found in a stasis coffin in the private playroom of a very corrupt Rogue Trader end up here?
03/16/11 @ 08:41
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Not hard if you have a pet Eldar with contacts in the Serrated Querry :)
Haxtes is more worried what they want with Solomon Defense Echelon - man in charge of planetary defense. ( I'm sure he looks good in hes naval blues all painted and so and so)
03/16/11 @ 09:17
Comment from: tancred
Haxtes gets this warm tingly feeling inside when looking at the flag officer in all his finery. He suddenly realizes that he should have been in the Navy - life as a midshipman is said to be very fulfilling :-P
---
Malokov: "Jax Guilliman of the Maiden of Golgenna. Yes, that actually checks out. Pleased to make the acquaintance - I am always looking for good people like yourself."
Elizaveta leans in and whispers something to him; something along the lines of you having purchased trade rights and a noble title.
"And I hear you have had the good fortune to have come into possession of a deed that has the capacity to make you a peer. Most interesting indeed. I do hold some title of my own, of course, the most pompous of which is 'the Duke of Nouveau Dimira'."
He leans forward a bit and speaks in a low tone:
"Also known as Phagir Quintus B - a large rocky moon orbiting a gas giant in the Phagir system."
He seems to think that was an overly funny remark and laughs a little at his own 'joke'.
"But I digress. My point was that not all here are who they claim to be. Take that Marshrek fellow - he's a genuine Rogue Trader. I think he's here looking primarily for old carts and such. And Captain Rubio is indeed a wealthy captain - but not a Rogue Trader. though I'm sure he'd very much like to be one. And that fat fuck over there...well, I'm not saying anything more."
03/16/11 @ 11:03
Comment from: agenthaxtes
(He has become a she, hope the operation was painless)
In the navy - just one more faded dream in a long line of hopelessness - ah well - on to businesses.
Haxtes laughs heartily at the joke- hes a noble of a rock and I a noble off a broom closet in a distant spire :)
"Yes these events draw out the strangest characters. Indeed one can say that some of thees creatures seem to live for nothing more than this."
03/16/11 @ 12:08
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes attempts to get Rear Admiral Malokov busy with Venus for a few minutes, she can converse him or he can fondle her tits as long as Haxtes get some time alone with Elizaveta too sound her out about how she got here and if she has motives with the admiral beyond pay- her connection to xenos and interest in planetary defense are key points.
03/16/11 @ 16:14
Comment from: tancred
Elizaveta: "I must say I am somewhat surprised to see you again - it was a very...confusing time for me, but I had believed the Maiden of Hell gone forever, blow to burning cinders by ork guns.
As you must have gathered I've no good memories of that ship - but you are, perhaps, different from its previous master?
Or is it your intention to seek to take advantage of me. To try to use your knowledge of me to your gain. To try to dissuade the good admiral from marrying his dear Elizaveta Krin?
(if she's a Krin - one of the larges scion families - she's the second one you've come across - you killed one during the Choir affair, in a duel)
03/16/11 @ 21:19
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes looks in her eyes and smiles sweetly.
"No no, nothing as crude as that, I`m nothing like the former captain. You may think of us a complete opposites, rest assured. I merely want to hear your tale and that of your companion...how you got her and how you are doing. You left the ship before we had opportunity to talk and with the orks and all...must be a tale there, no?"
Offering a glass of amasec, taking one for himself Haxtes continues.
"I have done business with your family in the past...profitable business I don't mind to tell you. So If we can meet up after the party, dinner in my rooms you can tell me tale and I'll wish you a merry weeding and a long life."
03/16/11 @ 23:03
Comment from: agent jebediah
Something about Mr. Mayweather had been bothering the ex-mercenary for a while, though he hadn't been able to put a finger on it. Haxtes had so far omitted that the team was with the inquisition when speaking to potential allies, which was as Marr had requested, but still - Locutor Mayweather knew they worked for the Inquisitor, and it didn't take much brains and effort to link them to the inquisition in a more permanent sense if you knew that.
Left somewhat to his own devices, Jeb gave the rest of the team a small heads up when they are alone and away from prying eyes and ears: "I'll be doing a mild check up of this Locutor-fellow - he's more or less our only source on the inside, and he knows of our connection to Marr, so I believe it could be worth our time to find out just how legit he is, and possibly avoid any unpleasant surprises."
Even if he checked out alright, keeping an eye on the only person who knew who the team worked for, and possibly why, seemed a prudent thing to do. Jebediah knew that most of his teammates would be able to fend for themselves - but what if Mayweather was... questioned? Would he give them up to save his own hide? Jebediah snorted at the thought.
Mayweather was a liability, one way or another.
"If I have some time left, I'll have a look at the surroundings outside too - I'll try to keep you abreast of anything I find, and report back here rather than charge headlong in..." he grinned at Haxtes "And who says you can't learn an old dog new tricks, eh?"
03/17/11 @ 10:55
Comment from: tancred
The problem with Mr. Mayweather is that he knows he working (he's just a spy, not a real agent/acolyte) for an Inquisitor (many Inquisitors prefer for their spies and informants NOT to know the true nature of their employer, others want them to know whom they serve - pros and cons and all that).
So although he has no reason to suspect you are anything but a Rogue Trader retinue, he does know that you are associated with Marr. Which might certainly be a liability if the wrong people were in the know.
---
Haxtes/Venus is busy with the reception, Maxi is busy babysitting Azhmut/Parsifal/Messinus, Jeb is the roaming agent.
---
You've not seen Mr. Mayweather since your initial meeting...so Jeb heads out to look for him. Now, if only the Administratum didn't all wear those gray one-size-fits-none robes...
03/17/11 @ 12:36
Comment from: agenthaxtes
"If you deem him a liability against our operation, silence him in a manner not traced back to us."
03/17/11 @ 12:36
Comment from: tancred
Elizaveta: "I am sure something could be arranged. Shall we make an appointment at 20:00 local time? And if you could send someone to escort me? There have been quite a few murders and disappearances already."
(the local day has 26 hours, now is around 18:00)
03/17/11 @ 12:52
Comment from: tancred
After much searching Jeb finally locates Locutor Mayweather - more by chance than skill. The adept is speaking to the Head Mourner, Greel, who with his height (a good 2,5 meters), tattered black robes, great iron sigil around his neck and that big staff he waving around...he sort of stands out.
After they are done talking Locutor hurries away, looking a bit distraught.
03/17/11 @ 12:55
Comment from: tancred
DM note: We now have several separate activities running parallel, so pay attention.
03/17/11 @ 12:57
Comment from: agenthaxtes
"I'll look forward too meeting you then, and I will send my arms master Mr. Dante to escort you. He is a most capable bodyguard."
With that Haxtes escorts the lady back to her fiance and orders a round of drinks for the happy couple.
03/17/11 @ 13:12
Comment from: tancred
With Haxtes back at the accommodations Maxi is free to act as an escort.
Jeb is still out roaming.
Parsifal is up and about, weak but clearly healing.
Haxtes' wounds (those caused by that thing that shall not be mentioned) are still leaking a little and there is quite a bit of pain. Fortunately Haxtes is used to a bit of pain. Actually it only serves to heighten his awareness.
03/17/11 @ 13:31
Comment from: tancred
To Parsifal's credit he never speaks a word about what happened. He just takes a look at Haxtes, nods one time while making the warding sign of the Aquila, and that's it. Bust to let the mind dwell on the God-Emperor, rather than dark things of the past.
03/17/11 @ 13:33
Comment from: tancred
Locutor moves hurriedly, towards the Administratum cells adjacent to the great entrance hallway, always looking over his shoulder. He is worried about something. About some literal physical danger.
03/17/11 @ 13:40
Comment from: tancred
Elizaveta arrives under escort. She is otherwise quite alone.
What she decides to say or not say depends a little on the setting.
03/17/11 @ 18:19
Comment from: agent jebediah
For some reason, Jebediah suspected that he wasn't the threat Mayweather kept looking nervously towards - which meant that he would have to pay more attention to the people around him as well, and see if any others where following the spy as well. Suppressing a need to rest a hand on the hilt of his pistol, the ex-mercenary frowned once and threw a casual glance around him, before letting his face fall back into its usual folds and keeping up the pace in his pursuit of Locutor Mayweather and his - to all appearances rather dodgy - destination.
03/18/11 @ 09:18
Comment from: agenthaxtes
The setting is made to make her feel comfortable, soft music from Venus' entertainment system, wine, and a light meal.
Some hints in food and/or music of xeno influence but so subtle that only a true know-er would notice.
03/18/11 @ 09:46
Comment from: tancred
As Jebediah passes one particular archway - one leading into a poorly lit and little-used corridor - he feels something. Like something is watching him from within the darkness, waiting for the opportune moment to pounce. This is how prey feel like when they sense the eyes of the predator on them.
Mayweather is hurrying along the main hall towards his office.
03/18/11 @ 09:58
Comment from: tancred
Give the limited time and resources available to your servants they have done a good job preparing for the meal.
You chat amicably for a while. Elizaveta seems pleasant enough, well mannered and fairly learned in things a good noblewoman should known. So her claim to nobility could well be true - or she might still be just a very well-trained courtesan.
The initial exchanges leave you with the impression that she's willing to share with you some of the things you are looking for, but that she in return would like to know more about events (regarding the Maiden and such) as seen from your point of view.
---
Elizaveta: "May I presume that Captain Corben died aboard the Maiden? Obviously he's no longer captain, but if he isn't dead, if he wormed his way out, then I'd dearly like to know."
I'm presuming that Haxtes will confirm that he no longer walks the galaxy. Perhaps you can even throw in that his soul is sure never to bask in the light of the God-Emperor?
Moving on she'd also like to know a little more about the fate of the Maiden. How the ship got away. How you ended up as the owner of the Charter - if indeed you did? Maybe you're just pretending to be a Rogue Trader?
You're free to answer in as much detail as you'd like - but the rogue Trader part is why her husband-to-be eagerly sent her here. He IS seeking to expand his contacts, and a genuine Rogue Trader would be a good addition.
Once you've covered that she'll discuss other matters.
03/18/11 @ 10:48
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes smiles leans back and sips his wine.
"I'll answer your questions and address your concerns in the order they are asked Elizaveta. To start with the late captain he no longer walks or sails among the stars. Drawn and quartered by my younger brother. As good and loyal a brother as a man may ask for, but not a gentleman. He gave the old captain payment in full for all his horrid deeds.
(Haxtes shudders as remembering a bad dream)
It happened before you woke up. After the deed I made it first priority as RT to clean out the old captains Horror rooms."
"As for the Maiden she is a fast ship, heavy with shields and good long range ordnance, but we were boarded non the less. But the Throne's light was on our lite endeavor. You see the old captains had named me as the new RT if he died, and I was sick of his wicked ways and had picked that journey to make my move.
My brother, and good Maximilian who escorted you, and a few - well a lot of actually - my own men where aboard on this journey posing as mercs en route to a new job. So when the Greenskins boarded we were quite ready for them, it was a short brutal affair, and we sped away.
On a side note I'm very interested in working with you and your husband to be. I too want to expand my contacts here :)"
03/18/11 @ 11:10
Comment from: tancred
Elizaveta: "So you were already in Corben's employ? Had been for some time no doubt...your rise to rank and into his confidence must have come after my time, for I cannot say that I remember your face.
You see - once upon a time I was married to the bastard. Back before he took over the ship and the charter. He did it for the money, of course, as expected.
What I didn't expect was his increasing perversity. I am not an overly sensitive woman, nor particularly dull or unadventurous - but his excesses grew increasingly wearisome. Especially after he became Rogue Trader. Fortunately that meant that he was rarely back at Quaddis anymore (backwater planet not far from Scintilla, renowned as the playground of the idle rich).
I should have known something was very wrong when he insisted I'd come with him to Scintilla. He took me to his little room...suffice to say I never got to Scintilla. Actually I never got out of the room - he murdered me there, then stuck me in that stasis coffin you no doubt found me in.
Not just once, but several times. There is no point denying it - because you know I was dead, don't you. Dead as can be, yet here I am again, living and breathing. Now how is that possible? That I do not quite know...
I think Corben did something to me, so that he could have me declared dead and thus retain my money - which he badly needed, idiot that he was - without having to let his darling wife go.
So, that is one of the reasons I am about. I want to find out what it is that makes me return from the dead. My continued existence is, you see, a heresy. Maybe one that you would find amusing, but I do not. I want to find out what it is so that I can save whatever remains of my soul."
She seems a bit take aback by her frankness.
"That was more than I intended to say...but there is something about you Jax that makes it easy for me to confide in you."
03/18/11 @ 12:00
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes looks at her like as she is a kindred spirit.
"Just two people who have experienced some of the same horrors, its a beautiful thing really...and good for our souls...I pray do continue."
03/18/11 @ 12:06
Comment from: tancred
Elizaveta: "As you may understand if find myself somewhat reluctant to enter into another marriage...
...but never mind silly me. To business: Rest assured that I will make no claims on my late husband's estate. Enjoy the Maiden and Quaddis and all the rest. Elizaveta Krin is dead - and so she will remain.
My dear admiral knows nothing of these things of course. He thinks me a lesser cousin of the house. A useful woman to be married to...in more ways than one...
After I woke up I made my way to the cell-block to see who might be there. Maybe someone I knew. The situation was chaotic. I found the eldar witch locked up and imagined she would come in handy somehow. Then we found us a way off the accursed ship - launched several pods to improve out chances of slipping through.
Not a lot of places to go so we wound up on Corax Secundus. We hid out there, avoiding the fighting, waiting for her kin to come for her. And as I had suspected they did - one moment were were alone in the wild, the next there were eldar all over the place.
It was something of a gamble of course, but it paid of - as thanks the eldar helped me get away from Corax."
03/18/11 @ 12:29
Comment from: agenthaxtes
" A grand tale of heroic adventure, my own part in this pales in comparison, your knowledge of xeno family ties are most impressive for a dead woman :) "
" I think that your dear Admiral is a different sort of chap than your dearly departed ex-husband, but I have just meet the man - I cant be sure."
So what impression does Haxtes get from her tale ?
03/18/11 @ 12:51
Comment from: tancred
Haxtes gets all sorts of impressions. First of all she's a very nice lady, proper, charming and with a dash of whore. Very alluring and all that. And quite exotic, being dead and resurrected - you can perhaps see the attraction of having such a one to play with?
She also a slippery one. Woman. Noble. Heretic. Of course she's slippery. Quite the little monster in fact :)
On a more serious note; you actually find yourself believing the first part of the tale, with her husband and all. Not that you trust her, but it seems to fit. And there are details you can check.
The last part with the flight from the Maiden, the eldar and how she ended up here - a bit less substantial. Not necessarily untrue, but clearly she doesn't want to reveal too many details.
03/18/11 @ 14:02
Comment from: agenthaxtes
" Please tell me more about the last part of your adventures, I`m fascinated by the Xenos inn the tale, they have this strange allure almost alien :) "
03/18/11 @ 14:13
Comment from: tancred
"I'm sure you are, I'm sure you are. You are a Rogue Trader after all, what is forbidden to others is your prerogative.
But we have spent too much time talking about me. Now we should spend a little time discussing you.
Why have you come to the auction? To purchase, settle an old score - or are you one of those that believe that Haarlock's secret will is to be revealed?"
03/18/11 @ 14:31
Comment from: agenthaxtes
"I'm sure that Haarlock had a lot of secrets. Some may be reveled others lost for all time. His secrets are buried in time.
I'm far more interested in current secrets, but before we get to that a little about why I'm here. I'm here too purchase the old captain let his businesses slide towards the end and he left me with a bit of rebuilding to do. And make contacts for future dealings, getting in on some good routes for a fast and armored ship, that sort of thing.
As for old scores I have none. Lucky that way. I`m blessed with a lack of enemies, but I can not but wonder if and when that changes."
03/18/11 @ 14:39
Comment from: tancred
Elizaveta: "You have your work cut out for you then. As far as I have been able to learn the good Captain Colbert left little but a skeleton-crewed and ill-maintained vessel, and the Quaddis estate. Though I'm sure that too suffered from poor management. But armed with your charm, wit - and a Warrant of Trade - well, there is no stopping you, is there?
For myself I am here mostly to humor the Admiral. Or maybe him me. He seeks to find for me something suitably precious and unique, a gift to set me apart from other trophy wives."
03/18/11 @ 15:09
Comment from: agenthaxtes
"You hardly need baubles too set you apart from the others. Your radiance light up the room and makes the stars brighter...but I'll not tell the Admiral must not keep a girl from her diamonds - I have learned that."
03/18/11 @ 15:14
Comment from: tancred
Meanhwhile jeb has followed Mr. Mayweather back to his modest quarters - just a living cell with a few utilitarian pieces of furniture.
He adamantly denies having told Greel anything that has to do with Jax, the Inquisition or anything at all in that direction.
Their conversation had to do with an assignment Mr. Mayweather has been given by Provost Bland - a number of scribes, as well as guardsmen who was said to be very trustworthy, have disappeared. Thus far it has been called desertion - but after the servant of one of the Rogue Traders present couldn't be found Bland was forced to acknowledge that there is something stalking these halls. And being too busy with the auction put Mr. Mayweather on it.
That was what he was talking to Greel about - requesting aid in searching the lower levels and the catacombs for the killer. He has been promised a guide. Now he has to assemble a team to go down and look.
That's about the extent of what Mr. Mayweather has to say.
Jeg can decide whether or not he wants to ice him.
03/20/11 @ 18:07
Comment from: agenthaxtes
unless she tells the whole story of her and her eldar friends, then we are done for now....but too be continued soon
03/20/11 @ 18:30
Comment from: tancred
Nice girls don't go all the way on the first date. They save the sweetest peaches for later. Makes you want to come back for more :)
03/20/11 @ 19:58
Comment from: agent jebediah
Jebediah thought a bit about what Locutor Mayweather had told him. Though he did not believe everything the man said, he could not prove anything - there was still the chance that this man was a genuine article.
Pursing his lips for a second, he reached a conclusion: Even if Mayweather was not what he claimed to be, or even if he was more, he was still a known variable and killing him would grant them little to nothing. At least until more was known about the man and his loyalties.
"Besides... better the enemy you know and all that crap" Jeb mumbled to himself, before addressing the spy again. The ex-merc still wasn't sure about Mayweather, and something nagged at the back of his mind. Thinking about the odd feeling of being hunted he had experienced while shadowing the spy, he rested his hand on his belt within reach of his sidearm.
"Someone or something was watching me on my way to you, Locutor. I didn't get a good look at the figure, but my gut told me that whatever it was, it was up to no good..." He pauses. "And I trust my gut."
Giving a casual shrug, Jebediah took a few steps away from the spy, turning his left side to the man to look at some odd curiosity in the spy's room. The movement allowed him to keep his other side out of sight, and hid the fact that his right hand was now on the grip of the pistol. He focused years of mercenary instinct towards the man, and felt his entire body tense. If the man was not who he said he was, Jeb was now knowingly presenting a seemingly distracted target. He considered his next question.
"I'm curious, Locutor... When did you plan to inform Mr. Guilliman that people have gone missing during this auction? You'd think that something like that would be of enough importance to take precedence in any and all reports made..."
03/21/11 @ 10:17
Comment from: delvy
On his bed Parsifal twists as he rolls over, trying to find a comfortable spot and rewarding himself with a shift from the dull throbing pain of healing guts to the sharp intense stabbing of a shift of the repairing dermal weave holding it all together. His left hand snaps down to his stomach resting over the warming material under which he knows the unslighty scars are forming, patting it and stroking his belly wall in some basic sense of reassuring his own body that it will heal, that it will return to its funciton again.
As he settles again and the pain ebbs away through his tired limbs he returns to his book, a series of verse and teachings from the now long dead Order of the Eagle. As he reads his lips move, reciting the litanies to himself, a mantra steeling mind and body to the trials of his more active service .
03/21/11 @ 11:27
Comment from: tancred
Mayweather: "Look, I didn't even know it was a problem until the Provost told me. I had heard, sure, but it would not be the first time a guardsman deserted or an adept got press-ganged. Maybe they went down to the docks and booked passage or tied their luck as stowaways or disappeared into Deadtown - its a small town down by the cliffs - or found employ with a Rogue Trader or got lost or a million other things!"
After a brief pause:
"But you're right. There is something here. I can feel it when I'm alone. It's watching us, waiting."
03/21/11 @ 11:51
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes walks over too Parsifal bed looks down and waits for him too finish hes prayers
03/21/11 @ 15:55
Comment from: agent jebediah
Jebediah snorts.
"Well it can bloody well drop dead for all I care. As long as it leaves Mr. Guilleman alone, I have no reason to deal with whatever crawled in to snack on the local populace. Luck to you and whatever poor sods you hustle up to hunt it down, Locutor."
The ex-merc seems about to say more, but then shrugs and turns to face the spy again, hand still resting near the sidearm. "Why don't you tell me a bit about this 'Deadtown'. Fairly odd name for a place people might go to disappear, no?"
03/21/11 @ 17:21
Comment from: delvy
Parsifal tries not to be rushed through his prayers, knowing Haxtes is awaiting completion, but runs through them in a timely, well-paced, fashion. Once he has finished his chants, he sits up and swings his legs over the side of the bed looking up at the Explicator expectantly, his fierce blue eyes fixing Haxtes.
"Explicator. How may I serve?"
03/21/11 @ 18:18
Comment from: agenthaxtes
" I see that the wounds on your flesh trouble you Parsifal, I know that the first time you face the spawns of the warp is...unsettling. But you will not dwell on your broken body or you risk breaking your spirit and if that happens then you are lost to the Throne and the world forever.
You need to get up and feel life once more, take the experience with the spawn and make it a part of your Armour...fortifying your soul making you stronger the next time you face them. I do not mind to preach - you shod know this already.
On to other matters. The others do not now of the warp spawn and I will have it that way upon pain of death, you can talk to me about it if you must but before others you will say nothing.
Try to get up and move about if you can, the Inquisitor promised danger, when it comes I'll need every sword Parsifal"
03/21/11 @ 19:24
Comment from: tancred
Locutor: "It's not so odd a name if you think about it. This island is dedicated to death - so why not Deadtown. And its a place you can go to disappear - I've heard storied of abused adepts who have gone there to escape the clutches of the Administratum. This place is beyond the reach of most of the Imperium...so you'll be dead to the world. So no, not a bad name at all."
He hastens to add:
"Not that any sane person would not want to serve of course..."
"You can find it by going to the docks, then heading along the cliffs. There are walkways there."
03/21/11 @ 19:53
Comment from: tancred
He adds: "I bet most of the sky-ships that call here do some black-market or otherwise under-hand trade and deals with the people of Deadtown.
If you intend to go there you should know that the master of the place is one Mr. Chenshan. Don't know much about him except that he's said to be a fugitive of the law."
03/21/11 @ 20:09
Comment from: kuhnrat
After escorting Elizaveta to her place Maxi returns back at their quarters.
OCC: I'm pledge guilty of this spam. But I thought I should activate Maxi after my leave of absent. (Again I'm sorry)
03/21/11 @ 20:24
Comment from: delvy
"I understand Explicator. As you wish." His stare is long and hard, focused.
"I shall also take care to begin my physical regime as well as my meditations. Perhaps they shall help my restorative process to quicken. If you will allow me..."
And he stands, a little shakily and then sits on the floor cross legged and begins a series of arm, neck, back and shoulder stretches as a warm up to the exercises that will come with time.
03/21/11 @ 20:32
Comment from: agenthaxtes
Haxtes smiles but his eyes are dark and cold.
"Good man Parsifal...Your boy Jeb thinks that I'm hard on you all...well you have seen hard now, it had you strapped to a table flaying you alive. That's what we face. That's our enemy in the dark pits of the galaxy, you have faced them and you live. Find strength in that. You are now a member of a very small club indeed."
Haxtes turns and walks away back to his rooms to get ready for the next round of auctions.
03/21/11 @ 20:47
Comment from: agent jebediah
Jebediah arches an eyebrow, but otherwise keeps silent at Mayweather's words. There was nothing wrong with entertaining oneself with the illusion of a choice in an otherwise bleak life - Throne knew Jeb had thought about abandoning his old outfit more than once himself, especially under the bastard Mackelroy - but one thing was daydreaming, another thing was actually breaking ones oath and running off.
That way lay treason, and he loathed traitors.
Jebediah rubbed his nose. "Chensan you say?" He paused and glanced around the spies room. "Thank you for the added information. I will report all of this to Mr. Guilleman and leave it to him to decide how to proceed from here. Good luck with your hunt, Locutor. Try to stay in one piece, eh?"
Having said his mind, the ex-merc turns to leave, heading back towards their chambers, one hand going to his earpiece the moment he exits the door.
03/21/11 @ 23:32
Comment from: tancred
Jeb returns to the R-T's apartments, finding everything calm and quiet. Haxtes' guest has already left, Maxi has returned and Parsifal is up and about.
Jeb relates his findings to Haxtes.
03/22/11 @ 09:30
Comment from: agenthaxtes
"Good job Jeb, we will make a few changes, no more wandering alone. We don't want to be dragged into whatever problems they may have here. One of you (indicating Max and Jeb) wil remain here at all times with Azmuth and Parsifal guarding the astropath, and one of you will come with Venus and me as added protection. We will have a security sweep of our rooms and a weapon check. Questions or other input?"
03/22/11 @ 15:07
Comment from: tancred
Your rooms prove to be clean of any outside influence. There are a few minor injuries among you, but none severely injured now that Parsifal is up and about. You have little in the way of heavy armor and assault weapons, but you've got an ample supply of small arms, blades, etc. And you've got skilled and fearless people to operate them.
Time for some sleep before the big day, eh?
03/22/11 @ 17:53