To Plunder The Stars Themselves, Episode III

[Necronaut]

[deleted] Edited July 13, 2021 by Necronaut

[Lysimachus]

Round 1 Summary Cont:

[x] Decimus: FAB at Von Caeryd

Hit 1: Right Leg. Field Save: Pass!

Hit 2: Right Leg. Field Save: Fail!

Dam 16 - Av0 - TB4 = 12 Wounds suffered.

Hit 3: Body. Field Save: Pass!

Hit 4: Head. Field Save: Pass!

Hit 5: Body. Field Save: Pass!

Hit 6: Arm. Field Save: Pass!

Von Caeryd suffers 12 Wounds.

[x] Pirate Officer A: Faint Round 1+2

[x] Abhuman Horde:

Full Action: Charge at Vesalius

WS38 +10(Charge) +10(Higher Ground) =58, roll: 56, Hit on Body!

Dam 1d10 +3 + 2d10 (Mag 24) +1d10 (Overwhelming) = 7+3+3+5+4 = 22

Minus Av8 (Av10 - Pen2) - TB 8 = 6 Wounds. (Hordes cannot be Dodged)

EDIT: Sorry, forgot about Overwhelming, now added!

[x] Ogryn Fighter E:

Runs 24m towards the Traveller and Auxiliaries.

[x] Pirate Officer B:

Half Action: Aim

Half Action: Standard Shot at Svelk

BS35 +10(Aim) +10(Short Range) = 55, roll: 49, Hit on Left leg!

Dam 1d10+3 = 12

Minus Av3 (Av9 - Pen6) - TB8 = 1 Wound

[x] Elysium Crewmen:

Full Action: SAB at Svelk

BS35 +10(SAB) +10(Short Range) = 55, roll: 54, Hit on Body!

Dam 1d10+3 +2d10(Mag20) = 5+3+4+9 = 21

Minus Av11 (Pen0) - TB8 = 2 Wounds (Hordes cannot be Dodged)

[x] Ogryn Fighter C: Standard Attack at Vesalius, but I won't bother rolling as he has already dodged it!

End of Round 1

Decimus lets out a punishing burst from his heavy weapon, enough that Von Caeryd is thrown backwards by the impacts against his invisible shield. He is smashed against the portal behind him, driving the breath from his body and injuring his leg.

After an instant of absolute surprise at Svelk suddenly appearing before him on the highest platform the Officer, braver than his fallen fellow, yells to the unit to his left. Both open fire on the Assault Marine, catching him in a wicked crossfire that cannot help but hit home.

At the same moment, the horde of abhumans, gibbering and drooling, perhaps not even understanding where the explosions in their ranks have come from, catch sight of Vesalius attacking the Ogryn before them and with shrieks of rage hurl themselves at him. Although they are feeble in themselves, their sheer numbers stagger the Apothecary for a moment as claws and blades seek the soft joints in his armour. But perhaps Vesalius has been fortunate to stumble? With a furious roar of pain from the bloody gash torn in its thigh, the monstrous Ogryn brute turns and swings his hammer in a wild arc. If such a blow connected it might pulverise even a power armoured foe, but luckily it passes inches above the Apothecary's head.

***

Round 2:

Kill-Team Cohesion: 3

Initiative Order:

*Von Caeryd spends a Fate Point to count his Initiative as 10.*

[ ] Von Caeryd | AG4 + 10 +2 (Paranoia) = 16 | WOUNDS TAKEN:13

[ ] Traveller | (SQUAD) | AG5 +10 = 15 | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 2/3+1

[ ] Brynjarr | (SQUAD) | AG4 +10 = 14 | WOUNDS 23/23 | FATE 4/4

[ ] Aeldari Ranger G | AG8 + 5 = 13 | WOUNDS 12/12 | -10 on all Tests

[ ] Vesalius | (SQUAD) | AG6 +7 = 13 | WOUNDS 14/20 | FATE 2/4

[ ] Odysseus | (SQUAD) | AG5 +7 = 12 | WOUNDS 19/22 | FATE 3/ 4

[ ] Svelk | (SOLO) | AG4 +7 = 11 | WOUNDS 20/23 | FATE 2/3

[ ] Dagger Auxiliaries | AG3 +8 = 11 | MAG 20/20

[ ] Kroot Mercenaries | AG4 + 2 +4 (Lightning Reflexes) = 10 | MAG 12/20 | -10 on all Tests

[ ] Aeldari Ranger F | AG8 + 1 = 9 | WOUNDS 12/12

[ ] Decimus | (SQUAD) | AG3 +6 = 9 | WOUNDS 22/22 | FATE 3/3

[ ] Pirate Officer A | AG3 + 5 = 8 | WOUNDS 15/15 Faint Round 1+2

[ ] Abhuman Horde | AG3 + 4 = 7 | MAG24/40

[ ] Ogryn Fighter E | AG2 + 4 = 6 | WOUNDS 30/30

[ ] Pirate Officer B | AG3 + 1 = 4 | WOUNDS 15/15

[ ] Elysium Crewmen | AG3 + 1 = 4 | MAG 20/20

[ ] Ogryn Fighter C | AG2 + 2 = 4 | WOUNDS 9/30

[x] Von Caeryd

Full Action: Run, LEAVES BATTLEFIELD

Still limping from his injuries, Von Caeryd knows when it is time to flee. With a grimace at the destruction you are reaping among his less than fully prepared forces, he turns and slips through the portal, seeking sanctuary elsewhere.

[Commissar Molotov]

In the distance, the Traveller can see the armoured portal opening and the Princeling fleeing for his life. Aside from a snarl of frustration, there is little he can do, when there are more pressing threats. As the massive form of an Ogryn lumbers towards them, he brings his bolter up, not even bothering to aim, sending a burst of mass-reactive fire toward the abhuman.

 

The Traveller's Actions, Round 2:

Full Action: Semi-Auto Burst against Ogryn Fighter E

BS55(+10 SAB)(+10 Range)(+5 Lead by Example)=BS80: 25 (5DoS) - 1 Hit +2 Additional

Hits resolve at 1D10+9, Pen 4 against TB10 and Armour 4(0)

Hit 1: 7: 16 Damage (reduced to 6)

Hit 2: 7: 16 Damage (reduced to 6)

Hit 3: 10 (RF roll:41, Confirmed) RF:10 (Not sure if I need to confirm again? Rolled a 29, so confirmed) RF:1: 30 Damage, reduced to 20

Assuming a failed dodge, 32 Damage

 

Free Action: Quick Draw Power Sword.

 

Free Action?

Command Test(+20)(+10 Talented) for the Dagger Auxiliaries

Fellowship 50(+30)=80: 38 (4DoS)

I'll leave that up to you to determine whether it has any impact!

 

"Fight! For this day, and the next!"

Edited July 13, 2021 by Commissar Molotov

[Trokair]

As the horde surged forward, as if to cover their masters cowardice, Brynjarr sent another grenade their way while assessing the terrain. The immediate area was essentially theirs, and the room at large would soon follow.

 

 

Half Action, throw Frag Grenade at Horde 1

BS48 +5 (Follow the Leader) = 53
D100: 21, Hit 3 DoS - 4 Hits as Blast (4)
Damage 2D10+2 At Pen 0
Hit1: 2+3 +2=7
Hit2: 7+3 + 2=12
Hit3: 7+4 + 2=13
Hit4: 8+5 + 2=15
Explosion: 9+3 +2=14
Total Magnitude damage: 5

Half action move 5m north 

Edited July 13, 2021 by Trokair

[Lysimachus]

Round 2 Partial Summary:

[x] Traveller:
Full Action: SAB at Ogryn E
Ogryn Dodge roll: 21, Pass with 0DoS!
First Hit Dodged, 26 Wounds suffered.
Command Test: the Dagger Auxiliaries gain +1 shot from Volley Fire this Turn for a total of 4 ranged attacks (2 for Mag20 +2 Volley Fire) and the Traveller can select Actions for them in this Turn.

[x] Brynjarr:

Half Action: Frag G at Abhuman Horde, does 5 Mag Dam (19 remaining)

Half Action: Move 5m. 

[x] Aeldari Ranger G:
Silent Move and Conceal. Flee Battlefield.

Fire from the snipers concealed on the higher levels suddenly stops. An ethereal voice rings out, speaking in Gothic so precise and flawlessly unaccented that it sounds somehow wrong.

"If the worm Von Caeryd will not stay to protect what is his, why would we? We leave you to your pathetic squabbles, mon-keigh."

There is no sign of the Eldar leaving... but other than a shallow wound along Odysseus' forearm, nor are there any signs to say that they were ever here.

***

[Commissar Molotov]

Dagger Auxiliaries, Round Two:

Volley Fire enables four shooting attacks:

 

Attack 1: Semi-Auto Burst against Ogryn E

BS35(+10 SAB)(+10 Range)=BS55: 30 (Hit, 2DoS) - 1 Hit +1 Additional

Hits resolve at 1D10+2D10+3, Pen 0 against Ogryn TB10 and Armour 4

Hit 1: 3+11 (17) - Reduced to 3 Damage

Hit 2: 1+12 (16) - Reduced to 2 Damage

5 Damage Sustained (now at -1)

 

Attack 2: Semi-Auto Burst against Ogryn E

BS35(+10 SAB)(+10 Range)=BS55: 52 (Hit, 0DoS) - 1 Hit

Hits resolve at 1D10+2D10+3, Pen 0 against Ogryn TB10 and Armour 4

Hit 1: 6+4 (13) - Reduced to 0 Damage

 

Attack 3: Semi-Auto Burst against Ogryn E

BS35(+10 SAB)(+10 Range)=BS55: 48 (Hit, 0DOS) - 1 Hit

Hits resolve at 1D10+2D10+3, Pen 0 against Ogryn TB10 and Armour 4

Hit 1: 9+18 (30) - Reduced to 16 Damage

16 Damage Sustained (Ogryn is killed)

 

Attack 4: Semi-Auto Burst against Kroot Horde

BS35(+10 SAB)(+10 Range)=BS55: 73 (Miss)

 

Edited July 13, 2021 by Commissar Molotov

[Necronaut]

+Yes, come for me, abhuman filth! Scrape at me with your claws and knives that my allies might be left unmolested! Your efforts will be for nought!+

Vesalius weathered the incoming blows from the mutant horde and lined up a killing blow for the Ogryn with his bulkhead shears. He lunged forward with the shears, hoping to disembowel the demi-human, but they got caught on the brute's right arm! No matter, trauma by severe blood loss would do. The apothecary gripped the handles of the brutal tool and squeezed...

Standard attack vs Ogryn C
WS46 + 0 (standard attack) + 5 (follow the Traveller's Path) = WS51
Standard Attack: 1d100 69
Miss!
Using the Traveller's reroll...
Standard Attack: 1d100 41
Hit (1 DoS)
Hit location: right arm
Bulkhead shears damage: 2d10+13R, Pen 6, tearing, unwieldy vs Armor 4(0), T10 (unnatural)
Bulkhead shears damage with Tearing: 3#1d10 10 10 6
Hit: 10, 10 (double righteous fury!) -> 20+13+8(str bonus) - 10 = 31 damage
Righteous fury attack roll #1: Righteous fury: 1d100 67
Miss!
Righteous fury attack roll #2: Righteous fury: 1d100 53
Miss! (Bugger!)
31 damage total to Ogryn C

Edited July 13, 2021 by Necronaut

[Black Cohort]

The devastator pivots in place, bringing his heavy bolter to bear on the abhuman horde, his rounds punching through multiple of the foul mutants.

 

"Such is the fate of all who continue to serve the fell coward Von Caeryd."

 

BS48+20 Full Auto +10 under half range = 78

 

roll = 6 therefore all six rounds hit x2 for unrelenting devestation +1 for explosive =13 magnitude damage to the abhuman filth.

[Lysimachus]

Round 2 Summary Cont.:

 

[x] Vesalius: Standard Attack at Ogryn with Bulkhead Shears.

Use Lead By Example reroll to Hit. Does 31 Wounds. Ogryn C dies.

 

[ ] Odysseus: ???

 

[ ] Svelk: ???

 

[x] Dagger Auxiliaries:

3 x SAB at Ogryn E. Ogryn E dies.

1 x SAB at Kroot. Miss.

 

[x] Kroot Mercenaries:

Full Action: SAB at the Traveller

BS33 +10(SAB) +10(Short Range) = 53, roll: 41, Hit with 1DoS!

1 Hit on Right Arm:

Dam: 1d10 + 5 + 1d10 (Mag 11) = 4 + 5 + 5 = 14

Minus Av7 (Av8 - Pen1) - TB8 = 0 Wounds!

 

(The above is assuming Odysseus/Svelk don't go after the Kroot in their Turns…)

 

[x] Aeldari Ranger F:

Silent Move and Conceal. Flee Battlefield.

 

[x] Decimus:

Full Action: FAB at Abhuman Horde, does 13 Mag Dam (6 remaining)

 

[x] Pirate Officer A: Faint Round 1+2

 

[x] Abhuman Horde:

Numbers have been reduced to the point that weapons cannot do any injury to target. Full Action: Run (and scatter!) Vesalius can make one Standard Attack as they flee, but either way they will play no more part in the battle!

 

[ ] Pirate Officer B: *Waiting for Odysseus/Svelk's Actions*

 

[ ] Elysium Crewmen: *Waiting for Odysseus/Svelk's Actions*

 

 

 

End of Round 2

[Necronaut]

The Ogryn howled in agony as Vesalius snapped off its forearm with the bulkhead shears and lost consciousness almost immediately as a thick torrent of blood gushed from the new wound. The red liquid splashed over the apothecary as the monstrous abhuman collapsed, and he turned menacingly towards the horde of mutants who had been clawing and stabbing at him. Suddenly, their bodies were tossed away from him and blown into wet, meaty chunks; the remaining few fled in terror. He spitefully lunged forward and sheared the leg from a fleeing mutant as they broke around him. More blood sprayed forth, splashing across his greaves.

 

Standard attack vs Horde 1

WS46 + 10 (horde size?) + 5 (follow the Traveller's Path) = WS61

Standard Attack: 1d100 37

Hit (2 DoS)

Hit location: right leg

Rolling damage for the massive overkill and the luls

Bulkhead shears damage: 2d10+13, pen 6, tearing vs whatever

Bulkhead shears damage with Tearing: 3#1d10 4 5 7

Hit: 5, 7 -> 12+13+8 (str bonus) = 33 damage

 

He looked around to locate the source of his salvation and found Decimus, smoke drifting up from the barrel of his mighty death-engine. Vesalius raised the gore-soaked bulkhead shears in salute to the decimator and voxed, +You have my thanks, Decimus.+

Edited July 14, 2021 by Necronaut

[A.T.]

Odysseus lept up to the next level of the hold, his eyes now unmistakably on Von Caeryds personal guard as he raised his hand again. This time it was not to unleash his psychic fury, instead with voice booming, "yield to the will of the Iron Gods, or join your once master in death."

 

Half action move, half action command or intimidate as appropriate

D100 = 9

 vs command 41 or intimidate 64

 

If the officer disagrees it's down to Svelk if he'd rather chase Von Caeryd directly or squish the mortal first.

[Lysimachus]

Round 2 Partial Summary:

 

Vesalius free attack hits and does 1 Mag Dam (5 remaining)

 

[x] Odysseus:

Move up and attempt to intimidate Officer B. Success!

 

[x] Pirate Officer B: Orders Crewmen to stand down.

 

[x] Elysium Crewmen: Stand down.

 

[ ] Svelk: ???

 

End of Round 2

 

 

+++STRUCTURED TIME ENDS+++

 

+++NARRATIVE TIME BEGINS+++

 

 

On seeing the monster that annihilated a massive Ogryn with a wave of his hand and hearing his words, the Elysium troop commander lets his laspistol fall to the ground from suddenly nerveless fingers. The crewmen to his left pause in confusion, then one, followed by a second, then all of the rest imitate the example of their leader and place their weapons on the ground.

 

Then the officer's attention is drawn back to the Assault Marine he and his followers just fired upon still stalking towards him.

 

I'll leave it to Beren to decide whether he wants to kill Officer B or not. You can do this narratively (although if you could roll your Dodge from the Officer's Round 1 las shot at you so I know how many Wounds you're on? Maybe the result could help you decide how to act…?) Up to you, anyway. The second officer who fainted will be waking up now, so its not like you need both of them?

 

 

In the meantime, Vesalius might want to perform some first aid on the injuries suffered by the team... probably himself most of all!

 

Then perhaps someone can look at opening the door.

 

 

Edit: Oh, and someone might want to narratively finish off the Kroot too. Varn might accept the crewmen's surrender, but he has no time for xenos...

[Beren]

 Dodge Roll: Ag 44

d100: 100

 

 

Before Svelk could reach his target, he saw Von Caeryd engulfed in a storm of explosions and energy dissapations that hurled the Rogue Trader, somehow barely harmed, the rest of the way towards the door. A second later and he was gone, the doors shut behind him.

 

At the same time, Svelk was registering the flurry of las and hard round impacts pattering raining against his armour. Svelk's head twisted towards the officer and his crew first, then he turned weapons raised...

 

...and Odysseus' commanding voice rang out through the chamber.

 

The officer stumbled backwards, his weapon falling.

 

Svelk turns away, instead making for the door through which their target dissapeared.

 

 

Svelk will attempt to determine of the door is something he can just force open with his axe-rake, or something that will require either the breaching tool or a melta bomb.

 

Edited July 14, 2021 by Beren

[Lysimachus]

Svelk's examination of the portal reveals a standard security door. Thick plasteel would make forcing you way through difficult, but not impossible with the right equipment. There may be a simpler way though. To the left hand side, there is a skull with a bionic scanner built into the eye socket. As you approach it, the sensor flashes crimson and a tinny, vox-mangled speaker emits a prerecorded message.

 

"You do not have security clearance for this area."

 

It seems that the guards on the surface from whom you stole your idents were not welcome in Elysium's more secure areas?

 

***

[Trokair]

Shield at the ready, and bolter raised Brynjar carefully advanced on the passageway on the north east side of the room. The abhumans may have scattered, the crew surrendered, and the last of the Kroot Mercenaries where dying under the attention of the Dagger militia and some of the others Astartes, but there had been some snipers in the back, and there may be more lurking around waiting for an opportunity.

 

If the main door was locked to them, maybe this side passage would be more accommodating.

[Beren]

Svelk turns and strides back towards the standing officer. Before the mortal can speek or make an attempt to flee they are grasped by the shoulder and hauled back towards the door.

[Lysimachus]

Brynjarr:

The side passageway leads away and down, into what seems to be a small airlock and collapsible void bridge, from the little you can see. Von Caeryd's private moorings, perhaps? Certainly it would seem logical that he might have allowed representatives of the Aeldari to dock their ship in such an honoured position? Whatever the case, the proud xenos are nowhere to be seen.

 

Svelk (and rest?):

The renegade officer lets out a unmanly squeal of surprise and tries to gesture towards his fellow officer, an older man who still lies comatose on the deck. Svelk's grip loosens and the squealer wriggles free. He kneels down, shaking the other man's shoulder, trying to rouse him. The second twitches, then sits bolt upright. He looks up at you in terror, but the first officer speaks quickly and quietly, explaining what you need. After a moment's confused incomprehension, the older, apparently more senior man hands over his security ident, similar to the ones you stole but of a much higher authority. The first officer stands and cringingly passes it to you.

 

"Through the door, stairs up into the Command Spire. At the top, forward takes you into the Command Centre, aft into his Highness' staterooms." He looks around again, eager to be as clear and helpful as he can. "Where the Chapel used to be?"

 

***

[Commissar Molotov]

Placeholder

 

The Traveller oversees the eradication of the Kroot.

[Necronaut]

Vesalius took a moment to assess the injuries during his, admittedly, foolhardy encounter with the Ogryn and mutant horde. Not exactly your finest moment... Minor lacerations to joints and soft tissue... Already clotting...

 

He applied healing salves to himself and checked the read-outs from the others. Minor injuries sustained by Odysseus and Svelk during their assault; they could wait another few moments.

 

First Aid Test:

I52 + 20 (narthecium) + 10 (Diagnostor Helm) + 5 (follow the Traveller's Path) = I87

First aid: 1d100 78

Success (0 Dos)

Wounds healed:

Enhanced Healing: 1d5 4

5 (int bonus) + 4 = 9 wounds healed

 

He turned to the fallen, dying Ogryn and drew his combat knife.

 

+++

 

His grisly work complete, he tied the Ogryn's head to his belt, and secured its severed hand in one of his belt pouches for later examination. The apothecary voxed the others, informing them he was on en route to render aid.

 

First Aid Test:

I52 + 20 (narthecium) + 10 (Diagnostor Helm) + 5 (follow the Traveller's Path) = I87

First aid: 1d100 41

Success (4 Dos)

Wounds healed:

Enhanced Healing: 1d5 2

5 (int bonus) + 2 = 7 wounds healed -- Svelk and Odysseus will be healed to full regardless of the enhanced healing roll.

Edited July 15, 2021 by Necronaut

[Black Cohort]

Decimus moved up to the doorway ready to continue their assault.

[Beren]

Svelk waits impatiently while Vesalius tends to his minor injuries, canister of repair cement waiting in one hand for the Apothecary to finish.

 

+++Make it quick. We should already be on his tail.+++

[Lysimachus]

The light flashes green as Svelk returns to the sensor skull and there is an audible thunk as the heavy door locks disengage. It has taken only a matter of minutes to finish off the xenos, treat your wounds and open the security portal.

 

Half of the auxiliaries stay in the hold to watch over the recent defectors. Holger and the rest follow you into the stairwell and up the spire. Just as the officer said, at the top there is an open landing with portals fore and aft.

 

The command centre - built from and still similar to a ship's bridge, albeit one that has had numerous extensions added to the superstructure - is quiet. Von Caeryd did not retreat here. A few specialists sit at cogitator banks, but when you enter they hold up their hands in immediate surrender. Elysium is now yours, with a remarkable lack of serious damage caused. Varn and Ghoran will be pleased at your prudent use of force.

 

But the mission is not over until the Prince has been dealt with. Looking back through the Command centre and the stairwell, you can see again the tall, imposing double doors leading aft. The coward must be hiding there in his Staterooms. Leaving Holger and his fellows behind to guard the Elysium command staff and inform Captain Achard that he can now safely begin docking procedures, the Kill-Team goes to finish the job.

 

***

[Trokair]

Continuing his approach down the side corridor and quickly came to an airlock, the wiring of machine surrounding it indicated that it had been used recently. Peering through the view port Brynjarr could not spot any shuttle on the other side, so someone had just left.

 

The Princeling had fled through the other door, so it probably had not been him Brynjarr reasoned, but if there was one shuttle birth set aside from the main port of this rock there may be others, especially close to the Princelings private domain.

 

Cycling through the airlock and cautiously surveying the scope of the shuttle port Brynjarr could see not other shuttles or airlock, but rising above was the remnants of the old command tower, where the bridge and the staterooms would be.

 

As the airlock cycled once more to let him back inside Brynjarr reported his findings to Kai, judging from what he had seen the other corridor would lead up into the tower.

 

Once inside he took a passage that from the angle should meet up with the others as they advanced down the main passage. If there were defenders at the base of the tower this might be a way to flank them.

 

The whir of an ammo belt feeding in was all the warning Brynjar got to automated defense discreetly set into the wall. Letting his shield take the incoming fire from a heavy stubber he charged at the servitor and with one swing of the power axe severed the feed. Thus disarmed the servitor continued to try and shoot him, but it obviously lacked the programming to realize that it was ammoless, let alone how to rearm.  

 

Unsure how much noise would have carried back to the main hall Brynjarr quickly reported in, and on the return signal update saw that the team was moving down the other corridor and would soon be level whit him, the door in front of him did indeed connect to the tower.

 

There were no door controls on this side, but as it was not a blast door a quick cut of the hinges and a shove made it fall inelegantly into the passage beyond. Several men raised their guns in surprise at the noise, but seeing that it was one of the Marines the squad of Dagger militia quickly continued on their path. Brynjarr hasted to follow and catch up with the others Astartes that he could see further along.

 

---

 

With the Bridge and control over Elysium secured they readied for the final assault on the staterooms. Before leaving the militia to guard the bridge Brynjarr relayed the details of the shuttle port below to Holger. Captain Achard  ould now easily send over additional crew and specialists to help with the administrative takeover of the station and land the near the command center for ease of access.

Edited July 17, 2021 by Trokair

[Lysimachus]

The Stateroom's basic structure is much as you would expect a Chapel to be; a long, gothic chamber with a high, vaulted ceiling. But it has been heavily altered, with a second level added that covers most of the floor area and sits perhaps a third of the way up the room's overall height. On either side of you, carved in marble, a grand double staircase with elegant balustrades curves upwards to this mezzanine level.

 

The whole chamber is grandly decorated, with walls painted in rich colours and sumptuously carpeted in deep crimson. Large plants, of seemingly alien origin, flourish in substantial round planters, an extravagance both in their genus and their requirement for precious water.

 

As you enter and split up to climb the wide staircases, your heavy footsteps muffled by thick woolen fibres, you can see on the walls a multitude of paintings in gilt-edged frames. If you had any knowledge of art, you would understand that these are masterpieces, priceless relics of dozens of cultures, not all of them human. Then, as you reach the upper level, you can also see rows of glass cases and stone plinths displaying further treasures; antiquities of the natural galaxy, esoteric technology and beautiful ornaments. More evidence of Von Caeryd's vast wealth and greed. 

 

Odysseus:

Something is wrong here. Very wrong. Your connection with the warp, always there scrabbling at the back of your mind, is somehow quiescent here in this grand chamber, muffled, hard to grasp. The sensation is oddly peaceful in its way… but deeply unsettling at the same time, like having one of your arms hacked away or your eyes gouged out.

 

You don't have to share this with the rest of the Kill-Team… but obviously forewarned is forearmed, as the saying goes!

 

***

[Beren]

Much of what Svelk sees here is lost on him, he simply has no context with which to appreciate it. All he senses is laxity, excess and waste, a creeping irritation which rises up his spine as he weaves between the various displays with his pistol in one hand and axe-rake in the other.

 

Where is he? Where is the worthless sack of flesh that assembled this monument to idiocy?  Hiding probably, helpless.

 

Maybe not. Maybe not everything here was useless. Maybe something here was dangerous, and maybe Von Caeryd could use it.

 

Never underestimate the lethality of the unknown.