[RP] Verus Imperator Adventum

[Shunch]

Many salutations!

If you are reading this, that means you have made the choice to take part in the Verus Imperator Adventum Role Play. This role play is based on the adventures and exploits of many inquisitors following different philosophies and beliefs, beliefs that have grown so great over the years that the holy order has devolved into starkly divided factionalism. This is the apex of a secret war within the Inquisition itself. The inspiration for this story is based off of a separate thread, located here. Reading the thread will provide basic background information for the setting our story begins in – however, don't feel obligated to read the whole discussion. You will quickly grasp the situation and understand what is happening if you pay attention to the story as it progresses here.

 

Remember, this is a Role Playing thread, so preface anything you say with *IC* (in-character) or *OOC* (out of character). This is done so the thread won't be shut down when you are just trying to be dramatic and screaming “Heretic” or considerably more colorful phrases at one another. In addition to that, remember that we are trying to craft a story here that will be enjoyable for everyone.

 

This thread is open to anyone willing to participate – this is an Imperial affair, so Inquisitors, members of the Chambers Militant, and even renowned Space Marines are allowed to take place in the cast. Anyone wishing to take part in the story should send me a private message. In the message, simply express a desire to participate, and provide the name of the main character(s) you will be representing. The only reason I ask this is so I will be able to quickly and efficiently assess who is participating and what their character's name is – it is no way an admission or request to get in. People wishing to simply comment out of character can feel free to do so as normal. Make your first post, and jump into the epic tale of the greatest witch hunt the Inquisition has ever sanctioned!

 

NEW TERMS:

These are important terms you will encounter across the story that are not integrated into official fluff. They are key to the story, so they have been outlined here for your convenience. To fully understand the origins of these terms, visit the original thread here.

 

The Conclave

The Conclave is the name given to the collection of Inquisitors who have given chase to the heretic Basavriuk. They originate from a gathering to discuss factional beliefs, which fell apart with the entrance of the Morianans. Following Basavriuk's trial, and the daemonic massacre he unleashed upon those present, the conclave was formed to hunt down the radical. Though the majority of the Conclave are staunch Puritans, many of them are also Radicals wishing to maintain a good name for themselves amongst the Inquisition. There are also many True Horusians amongst the Conclave, wishing to cleanse themselves of their former brother Basavriuk's taint . The Conclave is considered the protagonists of the story. Their ultimate goal is to locate Nikolai Basavriuk, recently pronounced Extremis Diabolus and found guilty of warpcraft, and deliver the Emperor's Justice upon him. The Conclave is currently lead by Lord Tyrak.

 

The Ultra-Radicals

The Ultra-Radicals are a conglomerate of some of the most extreme members of the Inquisition, founded in the wake of the Courtroom Massacre. They are composed of Xanthites who believe their practices have been put on trial when Basavriuk was declared Extremis Diabolus, Morianans coming to defense of their creed and master, and other radical elements amongst the Inquisition who are flocking to Basavriuk's counter-revolution amongst Inquisitorial politics. Though they are relatively few in number, they are in command of some of the most supremely powerful psykers and combatants amongst the Inquisition, not to mention all manner of warp spawn; even more powerful, many ultra-radicals remain undeclared, giving them the element of surprise. Their goal is to crush the Puritan ideals, and turn the tide of philosophy amongst the Inquisition. The ultimate goal of the Ultra-Radicals is to gain enough leverage to enforce the grand design of the Morianans. The Ultra-Radicals are currently lead by Nikolai Basavriuk.

 

Moriananism, or New Thorianism

This is the philosophy adopted by Basavriuk following his excommunication. It was formed in direct retaliation to the Horusians who did not come to his defense based on an internal difference of beliefs.

Moriananism, named in honor of the probable first Horusian, Moriana, is a minor philosophy of the Inquisition that is quickly gaining reputation and followers in response to recent events. The followers of Moriananism are largely either Thorians who have drawn their belief system to a exceedingly radical level, or free-thinking Horusians who have come to a conclusion similar to their Thorian rivals. Their beliefs have evolved and mutated over time, and now bear little semblance to their philosophies of origin. The Morianans believe one simple fact – the being that is kept alive by the Golden Throne on Terra is not the True Emperor at all.

The followers of Moriananism have concluded that the carcass atop the Golden Throne, much like Sebastien Thor, was in fact an Avatar, a mortal infused with a shred of the God-Emperor's power. They believe that the 'Emperor' (which they refer to as the Avatar-Emperor, or in more disturbing cases, the False Emperor) was created by the True God-Emperor to serve as a guardian angel for mankind in its darkest time. As the natural cycle progressed, the Avatar-Emperor died defending humanity – or he was supposed to. In what the Morianans see as a heresy against the True God-Emperor, the Avatar-Emperor was encased within the Golden Throne, to slowly rot over ten millenia. By not allowing the Avatar-Emperor to die, Morianans believe humanity is restricting the True God-Emperor from sending forth another incarnation, or even the full manifestation of the True God-Emperor himself. They back up their claims with insistences that a true God would never fall to Horus, and that the current state of the Imperium would not have been so if the Emperor was really leading them. It is the ultimate goal of the Morianans to end the unnatural life of the 'Emperor' atop the throne on Terra, and bring an end to the ten thousand year stagnation the Imperium has suffered.

Morianans view the whole of the Imperial Creed, and the Ecclesiarchy in particular, as heretical. They see the worship of the Avatar-Emperor as a direct affront to their God, and they have concluded that the High Lords are keeping the Avatar-Emperor alive to prevent the True Coming, an event that would see them lose power and a destabilization of the Imperium as it is now. Along with this outlook, they have also concluded that the powers of the warp have been falsely demonized – the role of the Ruinous Powers in the Horus Heresy and the death of the Avatar-Emperor were all part of the True God-Emperor's grand design, and because of this, the warp is not inherently evil. Many Morianans even believe that Chaos is the instrument necessary to bring about the True Coming of the God-Emperor. Because of this, they hold practices very similar to Xanthites, including the use of daemonhosts and the employment of other tools of the Enemy.

In a way, the Morianans are a combination of every major radical philosophy within the inquisition – they held creeds and practices similar to Horusians, Istvaanians, Recongregators, and Xanthites. The combination of these extreme beliefs have created a faction set to rock the very foundation of the Imperium itself.

 

Dramatis Personnae

Shunch

-Former Inquisitor Lord Nikolai Basavriuk

-Interrogator Lotys Rin

-Francois Dioq

-Daemon identified as Iiyanaxphant

Grand Master Tyrak

-Inquisitor Lord Tyrak

-Interrogator Hayes

-Interrogator Jan Serk

-Interrogator Kretschmann

Captain Malachi

-Inquisitor Gordo Levinski

Chengar Qordath

-Inquisitor Lady Rhiannon Kolbe

-Sister Gaelle

-Sister Melaina

-Retainer Tamaya

Captain Hajime

-Inquisitor Donald Mallard

Skytear

-Inqusitor Gabriel Crown

The Emperor's Chosen

-Inquisitor Lord James

Inquisitor NicolePyykkonen

-Inquisitor Lady Nicole Pyykönen

evilsponge

-Inquisitor Carrack Tourmund

-Crusader Zon

ripath

-Inquisitor Stanislaus

Eddie Orlock

-Tech-Magos Medronicus

Kadaeux

-Inquisitor Ryas Colax

Eisenwolf

-Brother-Captain Tarn Corvinus

Chaplain Erasmus

-Inquisitor Bernadette Caledon

-Niklas Kave

-Rakis Marko

[Shunch]

=][=

 

The rain fell hard Maeroc IV.

 

Not that this was anything new – a combination of abundant cold fronts and the planet's proximity to its immense star meant that few on Maeroc could remember a time when it wasn't raining. This was irrelevant however, as the fact did not even remotely occur to the solitary figure as he trudged slowly up the stone causeway. As far as he was concerned, rain was rain, and this rain was weighing particularly heavily on his already over-taxed mind. The bleak, depressive nature of the storm did little to help his mood.

 

Much of Maeroc's continents were covered by expansive equatorial jungles. Nurtured by the moist atmosphere, and without having to fear the destructive nature of sentient races for many thousands of years, these jungles were so great much of them had not even been charted by the scant Imperial colonists settling there. As far as they were concerned, beating back the jungle was all that was required, not understanding it.

 

That was a mistake.

 

Millennia ago, the planet had been briefly inhabited by a space-faring race, any description of whom being completely lost to the annals of history. But these people had left one testament to their existence that could still be seen all these ages later, provided you knew where to look. Spotted throughout the vast jungles of Maeroc, there were massive stone monoliths and temples erected in honor of mighty gods. It was here that the long-forgotten Maerocans would gather to engage in their religious rites and practices. Before they left, they deposited many of their secrets and texts in the great stone vaults.

 

It was the promise of these secrets that had originally led the solitary figure to this remote fortress. He had learned much from what had been plundered from the vestiges left here. So much of it was still left untouched that he had returned, over the years, dozens of times to learn even more arcane secrets of the long dead. It was from here that his true power lay, and it was from here that it would begin.

 

As he made his way up the great causeway, the figure quickened his pace to get to the overhang shielding the gates from the never-ceasing rainfall. As he placed the flat of his palm against the eight-sided star in the center of the gate, a coursing purple light traced its way through the lines and lattices of the stone, slowly illuminating the massive doorway into a complex matrix of pulsating constellations. As the gate slowly began to open, the figure savored the wail of air escaping the tomb as it was opened for the first time in many years. It had been far too long.

 

Absent-mindedly fingering the stump just above where his elbow would have been had it not been for an over-zealous fool, the figure turned to look into the stormy sky just before stepping inside. To his trained eyes, he could see the violet flash of a warp-jump translation in the space above the planet. A ship, no doubt a large one of Imperial make, had just arrived in the heavens above Maeroc IV to visit ruin upon the misbegotten world.

 

The lap-dogs of the Avatar-Emperor, for all their delusions, lacked no small amount of skill in tracking, it seemed. He had tried as hard as he could to mask his path and throw the zealots off course, but what the Puritans lacked in quality they made up for with quantity. One of their ships had finally followed the right trail.

 

They were coming to get him.

 

When they found him, they would kill him.

 

The disgraced, thrice-damned Inquisitor Lord Nikolai Basavriuk would not have had it any other way.

 

=][=

[Grand Master Tyrak]

*Out of character*

 

Hello all, I'm representing Inquisitor Tyrak and his band, and have ended up in charge of this hunt by being in charge of Basavriuk's prosecution. A quick note for those of you who wish to participate in this roleplay but your characters have no method of space travel - Inquisitor Tyrak has his own ship (the benefits of being ex-Navy) and if you PM me I will write you in as one of the Inquisitors I am giving a lift to for the duration of this hunt.

 

A good deal of thanks must go to Shunch for setting this up. :P

 

Ok, here goes.

 

*In character*

 

The Firebird Rising exited the warp slowly, its Geller Field shimmering and then fading away, not needed now that the ship had translated back into realspace. An ex-Navy Q-ship, she had been 'salvaged' much earlier in Tyrak's career, and remained one of his longest-serving allies. Naval salvage rights combined with Inquisitorial authority can go a long way.

 

In the large training hall, a solitary figure knelt, as if in prayer, eyes closed. The only evidence of psychic power was the frost on the deck radiating outwards from the kneeling figure. The figure was swathed in a long black greatcoat, and a black Naval officers cap rested on his mop of darkening gingery hair.

 

Footfalls crossed the deck from the hatchway to stop behind the Inquisitor.

 

"Sir, we have exited the warp on schedule. Are you sure this is the place we seek?"

"Yes, Mr Hayes. The scent of daemons lingers around this planet. This is our where our quarry hides."

Tyrak rose, turning to face Hayes, ice-blue eyes the only hint of anger in his stance.

"And if it isn't, it's where someone else's is."

[Captain Malachi]

*OOC*

I'll be playing the part of Gordo Levinski, and I'm not quite as accomplished of a writer as those two above me, so bear with me.

 

*IC*

In his guests quarters aboard the Firebird Rising, Inquisitor Levinski sat poring over the atmospheric readouts his sage had brought him.

"Rain and jungles hmm? Sounds like home...." He said, smiling slightly, and eliciting a fearful nod from his servant. Levinski knew his men were scared of him, and he knew they were right to be, he had condemned whole worlds to painful deaths at the merest hint of daemonic infestation. He'd pleaded with Lord Tyrak to merely virus bomb this world, but the foolish man had refused, typical of those of the amalathian philosophy, still, it was his ship and there was nothing Levinski could do about it.

"Get the men ready, and prep the Valkyrie." He called to his men. Running off to the launchbay, all he could think about was what he'd do to that filthy traitor when he got his hands on him........

[Grand Master Tyrak]

*Out of character*

 

I'll give it a little more time for people to introduce themselves before letting you into my landing bay. ;)

[Inquisitor Fox]

(IC)

 

Lady Nicole Pyykkönen, member of the Holy Orders of the Emperor's Inquisition, Thorian Inquisitor of the Ordo Hereticus, stood on an observation deck of the Mars class Battle Cruiser Cavalier. The Conclave had indeed been interesting as she had thought, however the outcome did not entirely end up as planned. Near her stood the three minds she had wished to speak to, as well as her servo-skull note taker and her cyber-mastiff, whom she affectionately had dubbed Bosco.

 

"I thought you had decided not to worry about the heretic, my lady," stated Explicator William Thatcher. He had been sent to report back to her after her telepathic communication with Interrogator Kenneth McCormick from the Conclave.

 

"That is what I publically stated planetside, yes William. However there are many more aspects of this decision to consider. A great number of Inquisitors decided to pursue the heretic Basavriuk directly, but I have reasons to doubt the sincerity of all involved." Nicole did not look at her Explicator as she spoke. William was younger and more recently into her service than her Interrogator, Kenneth.

 

"You believe some of them may be joining the pursuit simply to make themselves look more innocent than their chosen scapegoat?" Kenneth postulated, eyebrows raising as he considered the notion. "The thought definately bears merit, my lady. This is another one of those instances along the lines of 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer' I should think."

 

"Precisely. How many joining the pursuit are simply doing so to be unexpected allies to Basavriuk when the final battles arise? I always intend to hunt down heretics against our most holy Emperor, William, however I do not always publically announce my intentions. I prefer to be an unexpected player in such games, that way the enemy cannot plan for my arrival."

 

"I am pleased to hear so, Lady Inquisitor," spoke the deeper voice of Brother-Captain Kyris, of the Grey Knights chapter of Space Marines. "I recall the reports stating that an entity believed to be a daemonhost was seen rescuing this heretic Basavriuk."

 

"That is correct, Captain. It is for this reason I wished to inform you of my intentions. I will ask Admiral Drayson to follow the pursuing Inquisitors discreetly. If he happens to be in a nearby system on a routine naval patrol his assistance and that of the forces aboard the Cavalier will be available should matters escalate." Nicole turned and looked at the Brother-Captain. His terminator armor easily dwarfed the Cadian woman, and the thunder hammer and psycannon he wielded were comporable to her size without her own smaller power armor, yet he was still respectful of the unseen power she wielded at her command. Nicole was a powerful psyker among an order of witch hunters, well versed in combat against witches and sorcerors both. Her experience with minor forces of the Warp was insignificant next to the knowledge of this dedicated servant of the Ordo Malleus. She was ever grateful for his presence among the forces she could regularly count on. "I did not wish to pursue a foe with such obvious knowledge of the Warp without your advise and expertise. It is true that I have a great deal of knowledge upon possession and battling psykers, however you have a great deal more.. first hand experience than I do."

 

The Captain nodded, returning to silence and contemplation of the situation. "I assume, of course, the forces of the Cadian 84th and the Blood Ravens will not be informed of the expected nature of any opposition?" inquired Kenneth.

 

"Correct. I prefer to keep this operation within the scope of my own forces, and possibly a few of the Sisters of the Sacred Rose. There is no reason to risk possible taint and exposure at this time. Lets keep this small and easily contained as long as possible. Kenneth, arrange for an appointment with the Admiral for me where I'll phrase my... request... as delicately as possible. William, inform Sergeant Figaro of our tenative plans, ask him to prepare a platoon of stormtroopers to be on call, as well as several assassins. After that the two of you inform the rest of the retinue what is going on."

 

"With your permission, Lady Inquisitor, I'll return to my quarters and reflect upon what I know of daemonhosts." Captain Kyris bowed slightly as Nicole nodded, then turned and left the observation deck.

 

"Something else for you two, and you two alone to consider," Nicole spoke for the benefit of William and Kenneth. "Basavriuk is a self admitted Horusian. There is a good chance that he has delved into other research besides the cosntruction of at least one daemonhost. While their ideas of using the forces of the Warp and Chaos itself are damning and obviously heretical, the do delve into similar areas of the interaction of the Warp and humanity. It's a rare opportunity to get to see such knowledge firsthand and observe it's effects. Keep your eyes open and alert me to anything you may come across in our pursuit. You each know of course, that this was another thing I could not speak of at the Conclave."

 

They each nodded before leaving to attend to their orders. Nicole looked out at the stars as the secret plots of the Inquisition unfolded yet again, somehow fitting to the dark silence of space.

[Shunch]

**IC**

 

The flame was green.

 

This in of itself was not overly disconcerting - Basavriuk had faced far worse than strangely colored fire in his twelve wasted decades to the Avatar-Emperor - but it was the whispers that made him uncomfortable. There was no one else in the room. Dioq had insisted that no one else be present during the ceremony. He needed to do it alone, to show that he was resolute. And that was why the whispers were so innately terrifying.

 

Basavriuk had long since become accustomed to terror. It was a strange thing: many Inquisitors would go through their whole career without ever understanding the grip of true fear, but Basavriuk was of a wholly different breed. It was not his blind acceptance of false reassurances that made him immune to horror - it was simply that he was utterly inured to it. From the first moment he had adopted Moriananism, every day brought new terror, and it now elicited something entirely different from him: curiosity.

 

++You need to approach the basin very slowly. Stay on the pathway, and for the love of the Emperor, don't say a word++

 

That was Dioq. Basavriuk had put a lot of trust in Dioq, and he sometimes questioned it. Dioq was an immensely powerful psyker - he had sent that message telepathically - but he seemed to lack any formal training that would suggest he was sanctioned in any way. That was worrisome. Basavriuk had made it his life's work to eradicate the daemonic, and he knew as well as even the most blinkered Puritan that an uncontrolled psyker was an open door, waiting to be opened by something foul. That was half the reason Basavriuk kept Dioq around - eventually, something from the warp was going to exploit him, and Basavriuk needed hosts, badly. He had already lost one host after he left it behind on Cortozi for Inquisitors tracking him to find. It had put up a good fight, but the Ordos were prepared that time. That, more than respect for his talents, was why Dioq had not found himself purged yet.

 

++Okay, Nikolai, you see the basin with the flames in it?++

 

Nikolai. It was the psyker's informality that irritated Basavriuk the most. He was the only one of the retinue who never showed any damned respect. Basavriuk fought his rage down. This was a petty, small thought. He need his mind clear for what he was about to do.

 

++Yes, Dioq, I see it. Just tell me what to do. I don't need you guiding me through every step like a child at the scholam++

 

Basavriuk could distinctly detect a chuckle through the warp.

 

++Of course master. Is your hand still bleeding?++

 

Basavriuk glanced down at his left palm. Blood still flowed freely from the deep gash. His acolytes had cut it for him right before he stepped inside the chamber.

 

++Yes, it still bleeds. I imagine the blood must go into the flame?++

 

++Right. Don't drip blood anywhere else in the room. Let's not tempt the Warp more than we have to++

 

Basavriuk held his open palm above the dancing, sickly flames. Several droplets fell into the fire, their sizzling hisses adding to the incessant whispering.

 

++Eight drops, Dioq. Is it time?++

 

++It is, master. Just like I told you. Think pure thoughts. Think about the Emperor++

 

As if you would know, witch. Basavriuk closed his eyes and imagined. Imagined the Emperor. The True Emperor, resplendent in his glory as he finally descended upon the plane of Man, to lead the Imperium into its new Golden Age.

 

He thrust his stump into the hissing green flames.

 

And blacked out.

[Captain Hajime]

At a small observation win in the Mid hull of the Firebird Rising Stood three figures Int the Middle stood and older and with a distinguished look. He wore a set of Black Power armor beneath a tan trench coat. At his left stood a Young Beautiful woman clad in a Black Trench Coat and a variation of Sororita style Power armour that had been rather modified to hint a little more at her outstanding figure. Several chains seem to connect her Coat to her armour. Slight glimpses of her neck showed a spider web design Tattoo and her hair in pig tails is jet black. At his right Stood a mankind of lanky even in his power armour, his Grey trench coat hung on his armour. In his hand was something like a coiled spring that he was moving with his hand creating a rhythmic chiming.

 

“Are you quite done playing Mister Palmer?” asks a rather peeved Donald Mallard

 

“Sorry Donald.” James puts away his toy ina pocke inside his trench coat. “Is he here?”

 

“If you are refering to the man that quite distirmed our conclave and made fools out of many of us. Then yes, Mr. Palmer can you not feel him? After all you are Psychic otherwise you not been my student.”

 

“Uh Yes of course, however I not quite as experanced as you at picking out auras.” Says James

 

“Oh he is here alright I bet a dozen Fuji system Mochi he here, and he knows we are here as well. This won’t be easy.” responds Abigail.

 

“If it was Easy there wouldn’t be so many here, and I am sure that there are some Inquisitors who said they weren’t interested in coming that are here as well.” replies Donald.

 

“Wow can you tell that?” asks James.

 

“No, Mister Palmer, it is common sense, We may have elements in our group that may try and help our prey, some of the Inquistors with us are radicals, and many will not trust them. I worked with very few of those present. Only know Inquisitor Tyrak very well and that more by Reputation than anything. Currently he about the only one I would be willing to trust. Too many others are unknowns to me.” Snaps Donald.

 

“I shall be an adventure then.” Proclaims Abigail.

 

“Well that you can be certain of, Abigail.” replies Donald

[Chengar Qordath]

*IC*

 

Inquisitor Lady Rhiannon Kolbe sank into her chair with a tired groan, brushing a few stray strands of blond hair out of her face and rubbing her forehead in an effort to dispel her growing headache. As the first Horusian to take up arms Basavriuk she had found herself turned into the counter-example held up by the Horusian movment whenever Basavruik's Horusian roots were mentioned; while her role had played an important part in mitigating the political fallout from Basavruik's defection it added even more stress to her already too stressful life. "By the Emperor," the exhausted Inquisitor groaned, "Facing Daemons and traitors is starting to look like a nice vacation compared to Inquisitorial politics."

 

"Rough day Rhi?" Her retainer Gaelle asked, shooting her employer a sympathetic smile; most Inquisitors would have chastised a servant who spoke to them so casually, but Rhiannon Kolbe had never contented herself with doing things the way an ordinary Inquisitor did them. How Gaelle managed to have an upbeat personality, friendly personality after being raised by the Adepta Sororitas and trained as a Sister of Battle had always mystified the Inquisitor, but over the course of many years serving the Imperium together the two women had become, if not friends, then the closest thing that their differing ranks would allow.

 

"Politics." The Inquisitor answered simply, taking a few moments to relax and collect herself before resuming her more usual state of decor. "Where are the others?"

 

"Tamaya's catching up on lost sleep, and ... well you know how Melaina gets when she thinks we've got a big fight coming up. We're all ready to go as soon as you need us; Tam's always been a light sleeper, probably because she's a feral worlder, and Mel's been double checking her gear and taking her hellpistols apart and putting them back together ever since we got a solid lead on where Basabruik was heading."

 

"And you?"

 

Gaelle gave a nonchalant shrug. "Equipment's in good condition, and you know I'll do whatever it takes to help you finish your job; plasgun's good and armor's good, I even got the Chimera prepped in case we're not riding in a Land Raider or something instead. Don't worry Rhi, when we catch up with Basavruik we'll be able to handle him and any friends he's brought along without even breaking a sweat."

[evilsponge]

**Out of Character*

 

I'll go ahead and throw my cap into the ring ;)

 

*IC*

 

Carrack wasn't sure he was truely awake until the pain washed over him. Real pain. A million knives poked and prodded into his mind, caving and slicing their way into him, out of him. All wanting to be free. Wakey wakey false knight! They want to use me again....

 

"Varimon! The hood! Emperor save me...."

 

The medical officers hands were deft as he placed the psychic hood over Carrack's withered brow. "My apologies Brother-Captain, I needed to unhook the serum supply cord first before-"

 

"Its. Fine. Varimon." Carrack wheezed as he felt the knives in his skull melt away. He was gone, pushed deep back into the depths of his mind, for now.

 

Brother-Captain Carrack, Nine Hundredth and Fifty First Captain of the Xeros system Grey Knights. In truth he was only Brother-Captain in name. His body had long rotted away, and leading the finest daemon hunters in the galaxy was the work of young men. Something Carrack most certainly was not. He had lost count of his age by now, and spent most his days in drug induced sleep. In truth there was only one reason he had not killed himself years ago, but he would not go there. Not now, with so much to be done in so little time.

 

"Varimon. Please. Help. Me. Into. My. Device." Talking was harder than he remembered.

 

The young officer was quick though, and Carrack was in his chair quickly. There had been improvement done upon it by the tech-priests, Carrack could tell. The wheels had been replaced with eight mechanical spider legs, and a servo skull monitored all his vital signs and psychic output. He was grateful for the work, he would not need to focus so much on containing his power as much as he used too.

 

I'm getting weaker in the mind as well. By the Emperor's grace I hope the hood will be enough to keep others from detecting what's inside me.

 

He spotted his mute gaurd, Crusader Zon. He was already in full Crusader regalla for Carrack's awakening. He was the one man Carrack could truly trust.

 

"Zon. Take. Me. To. Inquistor. James. I. Can. Feel. Him. Here." Carrack commanded.......

[Wulfen Lord Leo]

*OOC* Some of Inquisitor Lord William's retinue will be included, as will Cannoness Katherine (Cannoness of my SoB order).

 

*IC* As the ship Skid, a pearl white Mars class ship, entered real space behind the Firebird Rising and Cavilier, Inquisitor Lord William was deep in prayer at the onbord altar. This situation troubled him so, that someone whose ideals were so close to Thorianism itself could be a traitor of such a great magnitude. As he prayed he was kneeling, sword layed out upon the floor. Soon he heard the door open and a distinctive *clink* of powered armour boots was heard "Cannoness, I was not expecting your company" he said, turning around. Indeed William had been right, standing before him was Cannoness Katherine, an ebony skinned sister with hair as white as the ship itself. She was equipped in a metallic blue suit of powered armour, typical of the Order of the Saphire flame, jet pack visible at the back.

 

"Nor was I expecting you here Inquisitor" Katherine said "my guess is that situation is disturbing to your ideals?"

 

William maneged a small smile, Katherine could always see what was wrong with a single guess, at least when it came to him "you guess correctly, as always" he said, sighing "but I shall not let it prevent my hunt for this traitor".

 

The Cannoness smiled "I can see that your faith remains ever strong" she said "That faith will guide you"

 

William smiled in return "If you will excuse me Cannoness, I must assemble my retinue. I assume you will be accompanying me?" he asked

 

"Not just I, but a Dominion squad will as well" Katherine explained.

 

William nodded "I will leave you to you're prayers then" he said, walking out of the altar. As he made his way to the assembley room, known as such as it was where the retinue would be assembled, so that William could choose who to accompany him, his thoughts drifted into prayer. As he made his way into the room, he saw that the whole of his retinue had gathered. Fine people all, but very rarely fielded at full capacity. As he walked throught the crowd, he made a few whispers to ten of them. As he stood at the front he said "those who I have selected, fall in line. The rest of you, dismissed" he said, the ten figures assembling as the others left. He looked at each in turn. Crusaders Trevor, James and John, Sisters Gabriela and Grace, both of the Hosptialliter Order of the Ruby Tear, Sister Ange of the Dialougious Order of the Hidden Word, Acolytes Joshua, Leo and Ulrich, each armed with a mancatcher and white powered armour and finally a Preist by the name of Sanju.

 

William faced the ten "you each know the mission we are taking here" he said, as his Servo Skull flew over to him "we are to hunt down a heretic most vile, one who was within the ranks of the Inquisiton itself. We will destroy him, and his wayward beliefs, Ave Imperator"

 

The rest of the retinue repeated back "Ave Imperiator"

[Grand Master Tyrak]

*In character*

 

"Officer on Deck!"

"Thank you, Mr Hayes."

Inquisitor Tyrak strode onto the bridge, his Cyber-mastiff Familiar Rex trotting in his wake.

"Mr Hayes, I am taking a team of six down to the planet immediately. You will remain in charge of the ship in my absence. Keep the copy-rosette on you at all times."

"Aye sir."

The dark-skinned Hayes touched his greatcoat pocket wherein resided his copy of Tyrak's rosette, a privilege that no-one else on board the ship held.

"We will use the Aquila for now, but I want you to be ready to respond to any situation as it arises. Unmask the lance batteries just in case. Mr Serk, you will lead a second team of ten in the Thunderhawk for extraction if necessary. Be ready to launch at any time."

"Aye sir."

"Pick your team from whoever is left. My team will be: Thaddeus (Pilot); 'Huge'; Khalar; Chiiss, Dorak and Shadow. This is jungle terrain, but we'll be using the Hellguns. Full kit, as we could be down there for a number of days, and double rations. Take your Hostile Weather Gear too, and plenty of extra ammunition."

Tyrak glanced over at Thaddeus, who was sitting at the navigation table, black greatcoat left open to reveal the dark Arbites carapace armour underneath. He looked up:

"Sorry chief. I'm on it."

"Get going, but pack your gear too, in case the shuttle gets attacked."

"Sounds like fun."

"Well, I'm sure you'll see it as . . a challenge."

 

Back in his quarters, Tyrak took a black field backpack down from its hook and began to pack, muttering to himself.

"Right, coat I'm wearing, armour . . ."

He touched the intricate silver power armour he wore under his coat.

"Check; Bolter, check; Sword, check; Chronometer, check; lascutter, check, multi-key, check; medikit, check; Long Duration Field Ration Packs, check; bedroll, check; compass, check; hostile weather gear, check; Infantry Lamp Pack, check; mess kit, check, field tent poles and inner compartment, check - that means Shadow gets the outer layer; Tool kit, check; demolition charges, check; . . . . . . "

 

Wherever Basavriuk was, he would not find Tyrak unprepared.

 

*Out of character*

Captain Hajime Posted Today, 02:43 AM

Only know Inquisitor Tyrak very well and that more by Reputation than anything. Currently he about the only one I would be willing to trust.

 

Wow, the trust of another Inquisitor - I'm flattered.

[Captain Malachi]

*IC*

After waiting outside the launchbay for almost an hour, Levinski was starting to get restless. "Tyrak! Open this damn door already! My valkyrie's in there!" He eventually snapped over the on board vox.

[Eddie Orlock]

Well then, if no one objects, how about what might appear to be a slightly off-spec character to populate the cast of this scene?

 

*IC*

 

Some distance away from the temple complex in the jungle a small party had paused in their task. At the behest of their leader they'd been circumnavigating the compound, a small cloud of servo-skulls chittering away as they recorded a myriad of data for later analysis aboard the Omnimessiahs Messenger. While the escorts sensors had detected the energy emanations from the facility, Medronicus had desired greater resolution before deciding on his next significant course of action.

 

Ordinarily, if he'd been planning an extended stay on a world during his quest he'd have landed the vessel in some suitable clearing near to intended work site and mobilized the recovery teams on force. Normally these investigations were fairly routine and often somewhat fruitless and it paid off to complete them in as timely and expedient manner possible before any Omnimessiah blighted Inquisitors showed up to corrupt the integrity of the site and potentially make off with and misuse alien artifacts.

 

Medronicus made a note in his auto-log to discuss the meteorological conditions of this world with his erstwhile associate, von Orlock, and remind him just how imperative he found it that the Ordo Xenos agent should include notes to this effect when he issued his reports. This Omnimessiah damned precipitation was playing havoc with the augmentations of his servitor, he'd already paused his surveys thrice to conduct the rites of remedial lubrication on the affected joints, and here he was doing so again.

 

Not that it would matter, the Inquisitor had already left the system a week ago in the company of a Rogue Trader to, as he put it: Seek out new life, new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before, and ... catalogue them for eventual subjugation and extermination. Still, following in his wake had its merits, for the most part, the worlds were pre-pacified, and on their mutual understanding, the research sites as undisturbed as could be expected.

 

The hulking brute knelt as the tech-adept reached up to the shoulder joints with his mechanidrites, holy unguents of lubrication at the ready to once more combat the squeak that was the tell tale sign of joint wear in his favoured servitor, XM 3.14. 'Xem-Pie' as he was referred to by his menials was a little special, and Medronicus kept him close for good reason. At one time it'd been loaned out to Edward and the Inquisitor had seen fit to have him inscribed with all manner of hexagrammic wards, and as such he was more resistant to the predations of any fool witches who might seek to interrupt his important works.

 

Speaking of the menials, Rodatius and Todderick, the pair The Adept had brought with him as part of the landing party were visibly nervous and huddled close to the comforting bulk of Xem during the pause, scanning what they cold see for movement with their lasscopes. Jungle worlds never sat well with the ships crew, rumours of nasty, hidden, deaths that lurked on them were rife on the lower decks and Medronicus had long since abandoned trying to control them. At the outset of this excursion he'd attempted to reassure them that the veritable of array of auspexes, sensors, surveyors, and scanners borne by the party would give them ample warning of any significant hazards they might encounter, but this had done little to allay their fears.

 

Recently, the chittering of the skulls had indicated there had been some spikes in the etheric field readings, an indication of likely warpcraft nearby, that would require investigation and potential subduing. Medronicus made more notes to this effect in his autolog, he was mostly done his detailed surveys and was getting ready to call back his Arvus. When he returned with the contact party he’d be sure to include the ‘Psy-Team’ as a core element.

 

*OOC*

 

Just stay out of his investigation and you’ll get along just fine :lol:

[Grand Master Tyrak]

Captain Malachi Posted Today, 04:26 PM

*IC*

After waiting outside the launchbay for almost an hour, Levinski was starting to get restless. "Tyrak! Open this damn door already! My valkyrie's in there!" He eventually snapped over the on board vox.

 

*Out of character*

Shut up! I'm still packing. :P

 

Small point - Valkyries can't fly in space.

 

Ok, ok, I'll let you in. Borrow an Arvus Lighter or something.

 

*In character*

 

Tyrak paused in his briefing.

"Fellow Inquisitors, I and my team will make for the small settlements and attmept to establish contact with the local authorities. There should at least be a member of the Missionarius here. It is possible that they may have seen - to them - unexplained events, lights, or noises that may provide clues for us. It is also possible that they have some scant records about what would make Basavriuk seek out this world."

He paused.

"You and your teams are free to do as you wish. If you require orbital fire from the Firebird, Interrogator Hayes is authorised to act in my stead. I will leave you to whatever course you wish to pursue. Thank you for your time, brothers and sisters. Ave Imperator."

[Captain Malachi]

*OOC*

It's a custom job (in other words I didn't know that, but it's a bit late now). Right, I've decided I'm going to do the rest in first person, since it just seems more natural.

 

*IC*

At last, I thought, as the launchbay door finally opened. There she was in all her glory, my own personal valkyrie, the Valorous Heart. I looked at my retinue, taking the time to make sure each and everyone of them was ready and able for the mission ahead. First up was my savant, Darren, an old man, easily over 100 years, he had refused any form of rejuvinate treatments, but for all his physical frailties, I knew I could rely on his mind, if not his body. Next was my two body guards, Liam and Andrew, both veterans of the Cadian 56th, Liam was armed with his trusty hellgun, while Andrew preffered the riskier, but far more deadly plasmagun, I knew I could trust both these men with my life. Finally I turned to see my protege, Jachai, my interrogator, he had been my apprentice for barely six months, and he was far more accomplished than I was at his stage in training, I have high hopes for this one.

I entered the Valorous Heart, my entourage following closely behind, and set off for the planet below. All I needed now was to find Basavriuk, and eliminate the traitor.

[Eddie Orlock]

Small point - Valkyries can't fly in space.

Counter-point of order. Per BFG, Imperial escorts, Transports especially, of which the Q-Ship is a varient, are noted as being fully capable of atmosphereic entry, and indeed, even landing on suitable planets. It would be entierly possible to arrange a 'low pass' through the upper reaches to do a launch run of standard Valkaries. This does bring us to a secondary point that The only known BFG escort to support attack-craft wings are the notedly cramped 'escort carriers', though one or two lighters and Aquilia Landers (This would be proper style for an Inquisitor) per brig shouldn't be out of the question, I'd be suprised if people started calling in carpet bombing from marauders

 

Trust the tech-priest on this one. :D

 

*IC*

 

Xem's servos whined as he stomped his way into the clearing, his currently fitted buzz-saw prothesis having made short work of the intervening vegetation. Medronicus was pleased to note that the landing beacon he'd set in place upon arrival was still there, and that some backward tribe hadn't made off with it as had happend last time he'd set foot on a jungle world. Xem's duties fulfilled, he slumped into a dormant state on the edge of the clearing.

 

Keen to return to their familiar quarters, away from the perilous uncertainty of the undergrowth, Rod and Todd swiftly activated the beacon and signaled the Messenger to dispatch a lighter for retrieval. Over the Vox came the familiar voice of the ships comms officer.

 

"... Away teams signal awknoledged, retrieval boat dispatched to pre-arranged co-ordinates. Please advise the Chief Adept that other craft have entered the system in his absence, we're standing by for further instructions..."

 

With This Todderick turned to face the Adept, only to be waved away by a greasy mechandrite

 

"I heard Todderick, the Omnimessiah has provided me with superior hearing. For the moment this changes little aside from the fact that I'm going to require you and Rodatius to stay behind and keep watch over this beacon to prevent unauthorised use"

 

Rodatius slumped, this was something he'd been dreading ever since he'd stepped foot on this miserable swamp. Guard duty. It was miserable, thankless, and carried a good chance of being killed by whatever you were gaurding against.

 

Undeterred by the rain, Medronicus set to reviewing his notes and planning his contact party while he waited for his lift. Rod and Todd took stock of their supplies and set to work pitching a makeshift tent to give themselves a fighting chance of not becoming hypothermic overnight.

[Shunch]

**IC**

 

He looked like he was dead. Lotys knew her master wasn't, but that didn't change the fact that he looked like he was. She knew that there were different kinds of 'dead' as well - it's easy enough just to say someone is no longer alive, but once you started talking about dead, things get particular. There was mundane kinds of dead - an old man's heart giving out, a woman being shot by a desperate criminal during a mugging - but in her line of work, Lotys knew there were kinds of dead that it was best not to spend too long thinking about. Torn to shreds by bolter fire, disemboweled alive, having your soul eaten out by daemons. The last one seemed to fit Lord Nikoali particularly well at the moment.

 

He had completely lost consciousness the second he put his mangled arm into the fire. Dioq told her that the response was completely expected, but even he looked worried. Basavriuk had undergone some form of physical transformation when he put his hand in the flame. There was the obvious change, of course. His arm. Like a reptilian's tail, the arm was slowly growing back, inch by inch. Dioq said Basavriuk was unconscious because of system shock - having one's bones grow back was apparently an extremely painful process, and if Basavriuk was kept out of his lull, it would probably kill him.

 

But there other changes about the arm. Every bit of Nikolai's arm that grew back, terminating right at the stump where it had been severed, was covered in a strange, outlandish rune. It twisted together and entwined itself like a snake, curling around his arm in a design not totally unlike the one on every locked door in the sanctuary. When Basavriuk moaned or shuddered, the lines pulsated slightly. Thinking about it raised a lot of questions so - as Dioq had suggested - Lotys didn't. Her master was alive, and if Dioq had even half the knowledge he boasted he did, Basavriuk would be healed completely within a few days.

 

But it was also Lotys' job not to trust anyone, ever. She was Basavriuk's personal protector, which mean that in a vulnerable state such as this, she would have to spend every minute by his bedside. Basavriuk had no doubt surrounded himself with capable men and women, but Lotys found it hard to believe any of them were even half as loyal as she. Of course, she understood that was on purpose. Loyalty was a two way street, and if Basavriuk's associates were tools first and allies second, it opened up a whole host of new possibilities.

 

Chief among those was expendability. Dioq said the first thing they needed to do was test the strength of the interlopers, and the best way to do that was send in a team of specialists. Four APCs packed with ground troops were on standby to set a little surprise at the drop site.

 

Dioq had touched Basavriuk's embattled mind within the Empyrean and asked for permission to act in his stead until he awoke. Basavriuk had sanctioned the attack immediately.

 

**OOC**

"Right, coat I'm wearing, armour . . ."

Sure you wanna bring that coat? We both know the trouble it cost you the first time around :P...

[Captain Hajime]

After Inquistor Tyrak annoncement, James and Abby could hear some odd sounds a something like a metal spider crossing a ship floor. Donald shivered slightly in responce reminidng him of a very unpleasent night. 50 years ago.

 

OC

 

No Problem Tyrak

 

Evil Sponge Stage left!

[Chengar Qordath]

*IC*

 

One Inquisitor Tyrak's announcement had finished Inquisitor Kolbe rose from her seat and turned to Gaelle. "Get the others; we'll be going down with Tyrak's group initially since he's starting from the same place I'd intended to, though I expect we'll end up following different leads."

 

"Sure thing Rhi." Gaelle chirped.

 

"Millions of Adepta Sororitas throughout the Imperium and I'm stuck with the perky, impudent one." The Inquisitor grumbled to herself. "Why do I put up with your attitude Gaelle?"

 

"You like my attitude, and you know it Rhi." Gaelle answered with a smirk. "Well, that and the fact that I can vaporize a Chaos Marine's head at ninety meters with my plasgun."

 

"I knew there had to be some reason." Rhiannon countered dryly. "Now get the others, we've got work to do."

 

Gaelle made her exit and came back a minute later with Melania, who stood a full six inches over the shorter Gaelle and whose long brown hair stood in marked contrast to Gaelle's bob of red hair. Melania's pair of hellpistols looked to have been freshly cleaned and she had her usual healthy supply of grenades. "Tamaya should be right behind us Inquisitor." Gaelle reported, abandoning her informal manners now that the two were no longer alone.

 

"Very well." The Inquisitor responded. Less than a minute later Tamaya entered, giving an annoyed grunt as the hilt of the large power sword strapped to her back briefly caught on the doorjamb when she entered the room.

 

"So, now that everyone is here," Inquisitor Kolbe began. "When we arrive on planet we'll be working with Inquisitor Tyrak's forces, but I expect that we'll split from his group to pursue a separate angle of investigation unless Basavruik's activities are obvious. The locals should be friendly and co-operative, so don't cause any trouble and follow the standard rules of engagement. Gaelle, we don't know how long we'll be on-planet so try to save your plasma shots for high-value targets; same goes for your grenades Melania, and we'll be relying on your hellpistols for most of our ranged fire. Tamaya, only use your sword's power field if the target has enough armor to actually merit it; I'll be doing the same with my mace. I assume you've all checked your packs and made certain that all your gear and supplies are in working order, if you haven't do so before we leave. Any questions?"

 

Tamaya simply shook her head, while the other two women responded "No Inquisitor."

 

"Right, let's make our way down to the docking bay and wait for Inquisitor Tyrak then; I expect he'll need to coddle his men and prep them a bit longer." The Inquisitor shared a smile with her troops, "Sadly, unlike me he doesn't have the three best soldiers in the Imperium under his command."

 

*OOC*

Hope you don't mind the company GMT; talking to the locals and seeing what's going on is the logical place to start an investigation though. Don't mind Rhiannon's dig at your troops, she's just doing a bit of morale and espirit-de-corps building for her own little trio.

[Inquisitor Fox]

*IC* As the ship Skid, a pearl white Mars class ship, entered real space behind the Firebird Rising and Cavilier

(OOC)

 

One fine point... the Cavalier is not actually in the same system. It is going to be patrolling a nearby system along with its entire escort of multiple cruisers and escort ships. It will not enter the system until called in by Inquisitor Pyykkönen. She will be arriving after the main group by a much smaller shuttle, avoiding detection as much as possible. She's also going to be trailling the main group as opposed to working with them directly for the forseeable future.

 

(IC)

 

"And you are sure that Maeroc IV is where they're headed?" Nicole looked down at the projected course heading handed her by a Lieutenant. There were far too many for her to bother to learn their names, especially in a ship of the size of the Cavalier.

 

"Yes, Lady Inquisitor. We've done numerous projections of likely courses based upon their last heading and Maeroc IV has the highest probability of a match. It was ahead of the nearest competitor by multiple standard deviations."

 

"Thank you, please pass along a request to the Admiral that a suitable vessal for an insertion be prepared for me. I will require transport to Maeroc IV for myself and three Valkyries worth of troops and supplies." Nicole had considered the number of men to bring with her for some time, and she worried about bringing too little troops for what they may face. Reasoning that the first wave of Inquisitors would take the brunt of the attack, she decided that a smaller force would be better suited than a larger one.

 

"Right away, Lady Inquisitor." The Lieutenant saluted her, then turned and walked down the corridor, presumably to pass along her request. She could demand, of course, but in her experience it was better to allow the Admiral to maintain authority in his environment. She was hardly a fitting commander for enough ships that qualified as a battlegroup, at least, not yet. Perhaps with enough time she could acquire enough experience, but only by watching suitable commanders at work, such as Admiral Drayson.

 

She thought briefly about the ad hoc collection of Inquisitors that would be on the planet and shook her head. "Too many cooks..."

 

EDIT:

 

(OOC)

 

Yes, it is ironic that an inquisitor should consider roughly 30 to 35 individuals a small force, but remember her brother is an Imperial Guard Colonel.. a platoon is a small force.. she doesn't believe in overkill :P

[The emperors chosen]

oc

seeing as how im the only one not in this, here goes..

 

 

in character

Inquisitor James was pasing back and forth on the Firebird Rising when he saw a mechanical spider walking towards him

"ah yes, Inquisitor Carrack, i was just about to see you, i hope you are feeling better, my retinue an I were just about to move down to the planet now, i hope you will join us, ah ,there is one of my retinue now" A space marine, at least 8f eet tall walked up "captain lysander of the storm falcons, reporting in sir"

"at ease captain"

"Inquisitor, word has come in from your ship, the Ranger, it has been caught in a minor warp storm, and will be in system in a matter of days.

thanks you captain, now come, we must plan the drop to the planet, prepare your squad,and meet me in 1 hour, and Inquisitor Carrack, come , i would love to hear about your...modifactations"

[evilsponge]

"Ah, Lord James. I was. Hoping. To see. You here." Carrack weezed from his mechanical breather when he spied the Inquistor's entourage.

 

The man was much younger then Carrack, but all men were younger then Carrack. Still, the sight of the younger Inquistor was a stark reminder of his own lost youth. Papery thin skin were bronzed flesh once was. His arms and legs, once taunt with mucsle, now thin and emaciated from dis-use. Carrack must've looked like animated corpse before them.

 

"Inquistor. Might I. Have a word. With you? It is about. This man. Basavriuk, I think."

[The emperors chosen]

IC

"yes?" responded James,looking over Carrack, he was astounded byt he amount of machinery on him, he thought it looked like some sort of technospider."what had happened to make him look like this " James wondered.

[evilsponge]

"I. Have always. Admired. Your methods, Inquisitor....." Carrack reached out with his mind to gauge his emotional reaction.

 

"...I wonder. What will. You do. With this man. Were you to. Capture him?"

 

And now we see his true intentions. Carrack meused to himself