Deathwatch: Murderers in Black (IC Thread)

[Machine God]

Asterius:

 

"My Lord Godfrey, I will secure the perimeter in case there is, Trouble."

 

He moved to the shadows away his charge for comms. 

 

 

+++Beta. Haste. Extract data+++

 

On secure link he sent the Shuttle co-ordinates to the Extraction Squad. 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 29, 2024 by Machine God
Tidy-up

[A.T.]

Omoc

 

As Asterius moved to concealment so Omoc moved to secure the entrance. This one would know the location of priority targets and escape routes that they might yet intercept their prey before they can reach their ships.

[Mazer Rackham]

Azadth:

 

The voxline came alive with a brief report from Asterius, and the evacuation rendezvous co-ordinates. Yet the chaos and confusion would serve to mask a lot of sins.

 

+Brothers, there is potentially vital intelligence to be secured. Should we raid the Administration office to sequester it?+

[Lysimachus]

OOC: Just adding this as a bit of clarification of what is happening in space above you…

 

 

Even as you begin to move in response to what is happening, a momentary buzz of static in your ears tells you that Vora is making contact with your unit on a secure line.

 

+++Lucifer, Vora. I have picked up a coded transmission from the Supremacy through the long range comms, relaying the signal now.+++

 

After a pause, the gruff voice of Commander Ibrym can be heard:

 

+++Lucifer, Ibrym. I am afraid our presence has been detected. Long range scans suggest that most of the vessels around the gas giant have started to power up, presumably making ready to flee.

 

We have been engaged by Eldar vessels, hit and run attacks by a pair of escort - perhaps light cruiser - weight ships. Nothing to worry the Supremacy, we have driven them back whenever they get too close, but it is slowing us down somewhat. If our rate of progress remains the same, Helm estimates four hours until we make orbit. The colours and iconography of the Eldar ships match those of the corpse you brought up from Dorghra. The Silver Serpents are definitely here. Ibrym out.+++

 

These vessels are almost certainly the ‘raiders’ that Bouchard just spoke of, so it would seem that the ‘Prince Kal’li-nath’ he mentioned must be the master of the Eldar mercenaries?

 

Vora's voice breaks back in after Ibrym's transmission ends.

 

+++Orders, my Lords? Several shuttles have already left… although no Eldar craft that I have seen. Should I do anything to stop these cowards from fleeing?+++

 

 

Edited December 3, 2024 by Lysimachus

[Lord_Ikka]

Moridyn

 

Speaking to his Astartes brethren quietly, "If we move quickly enough, we may be able to capture some of the administrators of this place as well as their records. Live prisoners usually know more than dusty tomes."

[Mike Zulu]

Zidemi:
 

“Yes,” Zidemi replied to Azadth, his voice betraying his eagerness to escape the watery encumberance. “Emperor-willing we will unmask this menace.”

 

+++

 

“I advise avoiding engagement where possible, Lieutenant,” Zidemi simply responded to Vora.

[Necronaut]

Gerhardt

 

The Templar tensed at his squad mates’ words, at their desire to gather intelligence when there were multitudes of heretics and xenos around to slaughter. The presence of such a concentration of recidivism and rank heresy offended him mightily. He snarled over the vox, +You would grant clemency, Salamander?! This sickens me to my core. We have the means to cut down the fleeing vermin both from above and below, burn their hovels and salt the earth, and you would let them escape?! I say we start the purge and our true quarry will reveal themselves, either by compassion or cowardice!+

Edited December 5, 2024 by Necronaut

[Lysimachus]

OOC: Ok, based on the points raised in the other thread, I’ll try to provide a bit more info by having Alda/Godfrey question Bouchard, hopefully that will help everyone have a better idea of where you are and figure out what you want to do next? I'll also add a few details to the Bazaar map previously shown.

 

 

 

Scene 24. Day of Reckoning (cont.)

 

Maintaining her character, Alda speaks with an officious air, trying to dig out more information from the Facilitator.

 

“But this is all simply unacceptable, Bouchard. My master is expecting me to return with agreements made, in principle at the very least. I must speak with those in authority here! The Master of the Market? Or this ‘Prince Kal’li-nath’ you speak of? Who is he? Perhaps I could discuss the matter with him?”

 

Bouchard struggles to maintain his polite, subservient demeanour, just barely managing to avoid snapping back. He answers hurriedly, not noticing the movements of Godfrey's protectors as they spread out around him.

 

“Who is…? Prince Kal'li-nath, Kal’li-nath Slaughterspear, is the undying Lord of the Nath’rai’che’an air’gid, the Brotherhood of the Silver Serpent! They are Anrathe, one of the oldest and most respected groups at the Bazaar! They do not trade as much as some, except for their services as warriors, and their fleet provides ships for our orbital and system security. For the most part Prince Kal’li-nath does not enter the city itself, but resides and conducts his business from his private compound upriver. It is a few kilometers to the northwest, one of the finest palaces on this moon.”

 

“But I fear that, even if he is currently on the surface, he will have no time for the making of trade agreements! Likewise for Master Jennings and my colleagues among the Administrators - they are making ready to flee! My Lord Godfrey, are you sure it would not be wiser to do the same? Do you not fear the Inquisition's wrath?”

 

 

 

 

Map with a few more details added. The Bazaar isn't huge, perhaps 4km from the first river branch point directly out to the sea, and maybe 5km at its widest point along the coast, so approx 10 square km? So wherever the various teams are, they shouldn't be too far from anything or anyone else? If you want to hit the Administration buildings, they are easily within reach, or alternatively the Eldar palace/compound is a few kloms northwest along the river?

 

 

Edited December 6, 2024 by Lysimachus

[Machine God]

Godfrey Na Sylt-Lingon

 

"Yes, yes facilitator Bouchard. Calm yourself, I still have my orders. I would be remiss if I returned without doing my Father's will!" 

 

He straightened up, commanding with his cane and motioned with a flourish to his bodyguards. 

 

"Take us to the administration buildings and the Master of the Market, if he hasn't already left. My bodyguard will keep us safe from harm, whilst the remains of The Biters deal with the petty rabble. We shall leave now!" 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mazer Rackham]

Azadth:

 

With Brother Zidemi by his shoulder, the Mantis Warrior began to move. A silhouette loomed above, bulky shoulders, but humanoid, the shape resolving into carapace armour. Insignia glinted in the wan light (OOC: we're in the dark/night time IIRC) which would never have been permitted for any of The Green. Some house retainer, local human militia enforcer, holding the bridge for his master, probably. He warned the Salamander to briefly hold with battle-sign.

 

Here, at the confluence of the river arms, a small rapid formed, stirring the water to oxygenated whiteness. Azadth rose through it, just as the shadow above leaned down.Between the rushing surface and cloying staunch of a watery tomb, his aural receptors caught the wonder in the human throat.

 

'What the-'

 

Silent Move:

 

AG 65 +10 = 75
D100: 43 Pass, 3 DoS

 

Azath's off-hand clamped around the man's face, crushing the jaw shut, mangling the mandible, cracking teeth. It was followed by the Kukhurai launching up, a leaping Salmon of silken steel to slide into the man's chest, slicing through carapace armour breastplate as though nothing was there. He yanked the man down into a liquid gave, crimson slick spilling quickly, rushing hungrily to feed the silt.

 

The Mantis Warrior stepped up the riverbank slowly, smoothly leaving the blood-churned water in his wake, light barely striking him, painting a water-golem steadily rising, creeping with dripping blade to the next target, another equipped like the last, he leaned against the bridge, busy thanks to his lho-stick flaring. Azadth's bio-monitor detected a narcotic sting, a perfume of hedonism that would cost the man dearly in his oblivious state. Useless creature.

 

Silent Move:

 

AG 65 +10 = 75
D100: 27 Pass, 4 DoS
WS Called Shot Head
Unaware : Auto hit, 21 Damage

 

Once more, Azath's grasp flickered out, hands raised in prayer-like readiness one moment, descending the next, clasping the man, casting the foul tobacco-stem to the ground. His prey immobile, a single Astartes arm crushed the corpse-to-be to his chest, massive hand once again smothering.

 

The blade came, one purposeful slice driven by biscopea, and the head came off in a spasm of splashing red wetness. He dropped the dead man and moved on, haunting death stalking the bridge.

 

Silent Move:

 

AG 65 +10 = 75
D100: 94 Oops (FP 49!) Pass, 2 DoS

 

A third, female guard was in the middle of the span, turned at the last second by some primal instinct, and got the blade in her neck, instead of her brainstem, with no time to raise the alarm.

 

+Bridge secured,+ Azadth voxed. +Brother Zidemi, you are clear to emerge.+

 

He wiped the blade.

 

OOC: GM 'll adjust as you see fit if this doesn't work, as I know the Biters are about.

 

Edited December 8, 2024 by Mazer Rackham
Stuff

[A.T.]

Omoc

 

At the indication Omoc stepped forward to loom over the facilitator, silently making it clear that the offer of safety was dependent on his co-operation.

[Mike Zulu]

Zidemi:

 

Zidemi was perplexed by the Black Templar's rebuke. He was certain his advise was strategically sound, given the circumstances and the objective. 

 

“It is not ‘clemency’, Brother Gerhardt. Let us not reveal all of our infiltration assets at once. Our mission is not complete."

 

If the other Kill-Team members objected, they would surely be vocal in their siding with Gerhardt...

 

+++

 

"Brother Zidemi, you are clear to emerge," Azadth relayed over vox.

 

"Acknowledged," Zidemi relayed back, as he emerged from the shallows, with servo-arm primed to strike. But the only threat he saw was a female guard hurled lifeless off the overhead bridge, just as Azadth skulked back to the shadows. 

 

Zidemi did his best to soften his movements to rejoin with Azadth...

 

Spoiler

Zidemi will make a Silent Move to rejoin Azadth on or pass the bridge.

Silent Move: 46 (Ag) - 30 (Power Armour ??) + ?? (modifiers??)

d100: 32...

(OOC: I'm following Rackham's lead here and trying to be stealthy as well, but I'm a little unclear what modifiers are in effect here so I'll leave it as a d100 roll until advised otherwise...)

 

... but alas could not mimic the steathy movements of the Mantis Warrior. He prayed to Vulcan that he was not conspicuous.

 

[Lysimachus]

Bouchard looks at Godfrey as though the ‘old man’ is mad, then past him and up at the hulking Devastator. It seems the Facilitator finally realises that this is not a negotiation. He bows low in fearful acquiescence and turns towards the palace entrance.

 

He leads you out along the main streets of the Bazaar and over a broad stone bridge onto another island where the buildings are of obviously high quality. After several minutes of walking, a complex of numerous domed roofs can be seen rising above the rest not far ahead. The streets are now relatively quiet, with only a few stragglers hurrying to and fro, rushing to complete their tasks so that they too can flee. They all avoid making any contact with you.

 

The Strike team also moves in, trailing their disguised fellows along smaller yet parallel paths and alleys, making the best use of the dawn shadows to avoid notice. These minor routes are even quieter than the main thoroughfares, and if anyone is hiding within any of the buildings that you pass, none of them are willing to risk their own necks in order to point out the Astartes invaders to the authorities. Quite possibly you could sing battle hymns at the top of your voices as you went, and still no-one would come out to investigate.

 

When you reach the administrative hub, it is a hive of activity. Several menials, dressed in blue overalls a similar colour to Bouchard's robes, are hurriedly carrying boxes from inside the main bureau and out down broad steps to the street. A sizable bonfire is already burning there, and each box is hurled atop it. Their contents, page after page of written records, are scattered and quickly begin to catch alight.

 

Others watch as the burning continues. Several squads of Biters stand around the bureau, looking with piggy eyes at the red flames. You might notice that many of these guards are armed with weapons that seem even more inexplicable than usual.

 

At the top of the steps a few more men also stand watching. Two are dressed in Facilitator's robes, the third in an elegant frock coat and high boots. You will recognize him from the hololithic message you received on entering the system. Heinrich Jennings, Master of the Market.

 

 

Ok, totally up to you how to handle this scene. If you want you can try to maintain the ruse, and have Alda/Godfrey go talk to Jennings. Note, however, that his Scrutiny is quite a bit better than anyone you've encountered so far. The Orks and Bouchard were all taken in by Alda's Disguise roll, but he might not be…

 

Side point: Mazer was quite correct on the timing/light levels, it's very early morning when everything starts happening, so still dark enough for a bit of sneaky-stabby. However, now, by the time you've moved up and reached the admin area, dawn has broken and it is getting lighter and lighter.

 

 

[Necronaut]

Gerhardt

 

Perhaps the techmarine was correct, but Gerhardt could not discount the fact that it still felt wrong to not set about the mass of heretics and xenos alike with blade and scourge, to see them routed and broken.

 

+You are right, Brother Zidemi. Forgive my ire, it was not intended for you.+

 

He emerged from the canal and trailed along behind the Mantis Warrior and the hulking, many-limbed Salamander, putting any wretch that he came across who lacked the good sense to flee before him to the sword. Where Azadth was a vengeful revenant emerging from the shadows to silence guards and other look-outs, Gerhardt was the mailed fist of retribution long denied, utterly lacking in subtlety and mercy, meting out indiscriminate punishment to the horde of panicked sinners as the Bazaar began to descend into chaos with news of the arrival of a world-killing Imperial warship spreading like wildfire. 

 

Brother Zidemi was right, of course, but he could content himself with the knowledge that he had done his part, that he had done the Emperor's bidding. Drachenhauer’s power field hummed sibilantly as he cut down the rabble in his path, resonating with his bloodlust and righteous fury as he purged the rot from his conscience as from this hive of villainy.

 

The Emperor guided his hand. This he knew.

 

A rictus of insane mirth spread over his features as his blade rose and fell again, hacking apart terrified heretics like a butcher preparing a side of brisket. They were all meat for the grinder, grist for the mill, a bloody offering to the Master of Mankind.

 

The canal ran red with blood and dismembered limbs as they drained into the languid channel behind him.

 

His maddened laughter burst out over the vox in chilling clarity.

 

+They all will die, brothers. They all will die for the Emperor!+

Edited December 11, 2024 by Necronaut

[Mazer Rackham]

Azadth:

 

He allowed a tight smile at Gerhardt's votive growl, before indicating in battle-sign he was going to flank around.  He lingered in a ornamental palm bush, one of many that grew along the roadside from where the team observed the wanton burning. Hundreds, if not thousands of documents were crisping and lighting in dry leaves of wisp-flame as the preservative chemicals in the papyrus or vellum took the relief of oblivion from the heresy captured upon them in ink.

 

 He waited until the eyes surveying the dastardly work were averted, then he was gone with a bullet-fast dash, exploding into smooth movement to leave a few leaves falling to cut the morning light where he once more plunged into tepid greenery, a backdrop against the building billows of black smoke rising into the moon's sky.

 

Beyond the sparse vegetation, he kept close to the edge of the building grounds, made his weapons ready and close to hand.

 

+Ready.+

[Trokair]

Alda

 

A brisk pace, but not a hurried one, that would not do at all for one such as Godfrey. Alda could see the worried looks in Bouchard’s eyes, darting at shadows and unexpected noises as the group hurried through the early morning streets.

 

The walk had given her some time to collect her thoughts. That the Supremacy had been spotted was inevitable, but earlier then she would have liked. Infiltration would not take them much further, but a little way yet perhaps.

 

Had Bouchard’s warning to them been an act of duty, or was it purely motivated to get space on their shuttle to flee. For that matter did the translator so readily seeking them as his way out speak to Master Jennings regime being such as to not have the capacity to save its loyal staff, or had Bouchard simply chosen the quickest route out, as he saw it? A lot to ponder, perhaps for nought given the circumstance.

 

As they arrived at the administrative hub the scene was one of confusion. Instead of fleeing here they were busy destroying records. No doubt at the order of their master, an act of desperation. Though not as desperate as it first appeared, the thought occurred, for if the destruction of the records was the aim why not torch the building itself, or at least burn them inside. The effort made to carry them out spoke to something beyond desperation. Did Master Jennings think to preserve the building for further reuse, or were there to may treasures inside that even now he hoped to save some.

 

Enough pondering, time to act. The mask of Godfrey had become easier with use, but that in no way was reason to let her guard down, she still had to play the role as well as ever.

 

 

Walking toward the Master and his entourage Alda raised Godfrey’s voice, accented as always in high Gothic.

 

“Lord Jennings. It is so good to meet you in person. Your Master Bouchard has been most helpful so far on my visit to your wonderful Bazaar.”

 

Godfrey Halted, bowed, then proceed up the steps.

 

“Excuse my manner’s, introductions of course. I am Godfrey Na Sylt-Lingon, envoy for his Greatness Balthazar de Lingon the twenty third. We have much to discuss Heinrich, may I call you Heinrich?”

 

“Though we should perhaps retire to safer quarters. Your man tells me a certain Prince has a retreat in the Jungle. Could you  introduce us. I hear the prince household guard are valiantly defending the entire system from raiders that are causing all the little folk to panic, I would wish to thank him for his efforts.”

    

[Lysimachus]

OOC: Rather than wait, I'm going to assume that Zidemi got at least a reasonable success on his Auspex roll, as it's info the team might want to have moving forward?

 

He would be able to pick up that Jennings is indeed wearing some form of energy field device, though it might not be obvious exactly what kind. The auspex would also pick up power signatures from the energy weapons wielded by several of the Biters, typically Orkish in design but you would notice that the containment systems have been improved or refined and therefore the output has been increased.

 

 

 

As Godfrey approaches, the Biters allow him through, not seeing any danger in one old man. However, they close ranks against the warriors around him, not allowing them to move any nearer to their principal. You might even recognise the burly form of the canny Sergeant Murtrugg in command of one of the squads, carefully watching the Astartes for any sign of trouble.

 

Jennings looks down the steps at Godfrey, his eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

 

 

Opposed Scrutiny test vs Alda's Disguise Success of 1DoS
Per38 +10(Scrutiny+10) +10(Heightened Senses - Exceptional Bionic Eye) = 58
Roll:   …26, 3DoS.


Oh, well…

 

 

The Master of the Market frowns more deeply for a moment. You might never know exactly what it is that alerts him that something is not right. An old man climbing steps with a fraction more vigour than his appearance would suggest he possesses? The simple fact that he has not fled as all the other merchants have done? Or perhaps the very presence of Astartes - regardless of their ramshackle appearance - makes him suspicious?

 

Even as you make it midway up the steps, he jerks backwards towards the doors of the bureau building, putting the two Facilitators between you and him, and pulling at the golden basket hilt of a long sword hanging at his waist.

 

“Biters!” he cries, “Stop those men! Arrest them! Kill them if they resist!”

 

The heavily armoured Orkoid peacekeepers immediately move to a ready stance, taking firmer grips on their weapons; mauls and brute shields, axes and crude pistols, glowing energy blasters. Whoever is closest might hear Murtrugg let out a sigh and mutter under his breath.

 

“I iz gettin too old for dis sh…”

 

 

 

Well, that happened. You can, of course, allow the Biters to disarm and arrest you…? but I suspect the alternative is more likely, in which case…

 

Gentlemen, your Initiative rolls please.

 

 

Edited December 13, 2024 by Lysimachus

[A.T.]

Omoc

 

The corpses of a few more orks would reveal nothing they did not already know, and as Omoc burned to fell the xenos scum he knew the bombardment would soon do the same. Proof of the Inquisitors actions here and the plots of the Eldar perhaps already burned around them.

 

With one hand firmly on the grip of his weapon ready still to fight he raised the other towards Heinrich and raised the volume of his auto-vox as he roared, "Mewling coward, I challenge you in combat for command of the market and its warriors. Step forward and fight."

 

Neutered or not perhaps the bestial instincts of the orks would turn them upon their would be master, a fitting end for one that would treat with the unclean.

 

Init roll 6 +5 = 11

 

Intimidation roll to try and challenge the master / stall the orks

Target 62 +10(fate point)

Roll 20 = pass plus seven extra DoS (five base plus two from unnatural strength)

[Mazer Rackham]

Azadth:

 

Init AG 6 +1 (Armour) = 7, +D10 (5) = 12

[Necronaut]

Gerhardt

 

Initiative: Ag4 + 10 (d10) = 14

 

As a friendly reminder, Gerhardt's armour provides Fear (1) and +1 Cohesion. He is also caked with the gore of "innocent" civilians. Let me know if I need to rework my previous post to fit with the current scene.

[Lysimachus]

The mortal Master pauses suddenly, as though the ringing challenge has fired something within him, something years old but never truly forgotten. He pushes back between his blue robed attendants, the long, slightly curving sword sliding free without a sound. He presses a stud on the hilt, and the blade flares to glowing life.

 

“Indeed? It has been a long time since such a challenge has been issued here.” He sounds almost pleased. “It would not be the first time I have faced one of your kind, Astartes… and yet I am still here. If one of you will face me, man to man, blade to blade, and if your comrades will abide by the codes of honourable combat, I will accept your challenge!”

 

The Biters snarl and roar in approval of this daring courage.

 

Edited December 13, 2024 by Lysimachus

[A.T.]

Omoc

 

A better death than the mortal deserved but at least some spark of human pride had survived his heresy here. The Emperor would not look upon him with mercy but he might perhaps glean something of the error of his ways in his final moments.

 

Omoc locked the heavy bolter to its mount and reached for his combat knife. He knew the blade would not hold against a power field nor would strikes in haste serve him well against the field that shimmered faintly around the man.

 

It would matter little once they closed for an astartes was still an astartes.

 

Waving the biters back, "Stand aside, unless you would fight me for the right to destroy him."

[Machine God]

Asterius:

 

“It would not be the first time I have faced one of your kind, Astartes… and yet I am still here. If one of you will face me, man to man, blade to blade, and if your comrades will abide by the codes of honourable combat, I will accept your challenge!”

 

Said the Xenos lover. 

 

"Somehow I doubt that Brother Omoc would challenge you and not have meant it. For him it would be in accordance with the Codex Astartes!" 

 

He turned, his hands hovering above his brace of Chainswords. 

 

"We will watch the duel, if your Biters will honour it too?"

 

 

 

 

Initiative: Ag5+ 1 (d10) = 6

 

 

 

 

"Then afterwards it's the Dance with the Biters.

The Mark of the Xenos is to be Hunted!

That is the Law." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 13, 2024 by Machine God

[Lysimachus]

Jennings smiles and replies to Asterius.

 

“A renegade who obeys the Codex? How…curious... But I am inclined to believe your comrade too. Murtrugg!”

 

The grizzled Ork looks up.

 

“You and your Biters watch all of them. As long as they don't interfere, no-one draws their guns or moves to attack… then what happens, happens. Let the dice fall.”

 

Then, with this insurance in place, he walks eagerly down the steps. He passes the power blade from one hand to the other so that he can shake free from his long frock coat. As he reaches a point just a few metres from the knife-armed Devastator, he sweeps the long sword upwards into a fencer's salute, then back to rest at his side.

 

“Ready?”

 

 

Jennings Initiative: Ag4 +2(Paranoia) +7(d10) = 13.
Jennings acts first.

 

Full Action: Swift Attack vs Omoc, 2 Attacks:

Attack 1:
WS49, Roll: 28, Hit on (28=82) Right Leg
Assuming failed Dodge/Parry
Hit does 1d10+10 Pen6
5+10 = 15 - TB8 - AV2(8 - Pen6) = 5 Wounds.

Attack 2:
WS49, Roll: 30, Hit on (30=03) Head
Dodge/Parry used
Hit does 1d10+10 Pen6
4+10 = 14 - TB8 - AV2(8 - Pen6) = 4 Wounds.

 

 

The energized blade lashes out with what is, for a mortal, an extremely impressive level of speed and skill. It sweeps low in a half-feint directly towards the Astartes’ legs, then flicks high, scoring a glowing line along one side of his beaked helm.

 

 

[ ] Omoc: ???

 

Edited December 14, 2024 by Lysimachus

[Mike Zulu]

Zidemi:

 

Spoiler

Zidemi will use his Auspex to detect for weapons and defensive technologies…

Tech-Use: 50(Int) + 20(Implants) + 3(Trapping) = 73 required

d100: 19 = Pass, 5DoS

 

Zidemi relayed the data from his Auspex to the Kill-Team. Their foe were well-equipped…

 

Spoiler

Zidemi will roll for Initiative…

d10: 8 + 4(Ag) = 12

 

Edited December 14, 2024 by Mike Zulu
Typos