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Post by Oriol FM on Jul 13, 2014 0:47:49 GMT 8
Previously, on Dark Heresy: When all of you have stepped down of the dropship and the ramp begins to close, one of the figures at the basilica's door makes a gesture, and music from the basilica fills the air. A few hundred people begin walking down the stairs ceremoniously. The central figure, a really big man dressed in a dark red robe, is walking under a huge pallium, carried by four people. ROLL REQUIRED: Your characters may roll Lore(imperium) flat, or Lore(ecclesiarchy) with a +30 to know more information about the people that come to greet you.https%3A//soundcloud.com/chrieseli/mozart-requiem-confutatis-7
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Post by nathanjames on Jul 13, 2014 1:24:39 GMT 8
Titus stood quietly, weighed down by his backpack, multiple weapons, and communicator device from the Interrogator. "I'm no ecclesiastical church-goer," he said, "but I would guess the guy in the middle is our contact."
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Post by richmccomas on Jul 13, 2014 9:50:58 GMT 8
Red looks around at the architecture, the pageantry and the pomp, and his eyes start to get that glazed over look again. He starts edging closer to the pool, checking it's depth and looking for signs of aquatic life. Even thoughts of using the lake as an escape route aside, a swim sure would feel nice about now. It would be nice to stretch out and relax after the confined spaces of the ship and shuttle. He gazes at the water longingly, but thinks better of it. Who knows what the local flora and fauna are like? There could be leeches in there as long as your leg, or viperfish, or poisonous algae. It's a shame, but better to play it safe. He looks up at the approaching group, then whispers a quick aside to his squadmates. Red assumes a strict military attention that even appears to remove all signs of intelligence from his normally lively eyes, his spine stretching erect, his hands clasped behind his back, and lips pressed firmly together. [Red has the Primitive trait, which gives a -10 to Fellowship tests in civilized areas, which brings his already abysmal 22 down to a 12. So he's going to try to keep his mouth shut for this next bit.  ] |
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Post by nathanjames on Jul 13, 2014 14:50:15 GMT 8
Titus nodded to himself while listening to Red's summation of the matter. Though he was gruff and self-centered, Red still had a sharp eye and a level head on his shoulders. It would be good to stick close to him when in non-urban environments, or even for a second opinion.
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Dennis
Junior Member
Posts: 63 
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Post by Dennis on Jul 13, 2014 15:53:23 GMT 8
Leitbec stood to face the procession coming towards their group. The priest on the Palaquiin slowly made his way towards them. He reminded himself to resesarch the background of this Rauk charcater. Even if he is the one that called the Inquisition, his involvement to the riot is still unknow, innocence proves nothing. He tried to recall what he may know about this Priest and his followers.
AWAkSUNX1-100 Imperium Knowledge Test, against his INt of 31.
1-100
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Dennis
Junior Member
Posts: 63
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Post by Dennis on Jul 13, 2014 16:21:42 GMT 8
Nothing. his knowledge on the Ecclesiarch is pitiful. Still that won't deter him on his mission of solve the case. Given that these people know where they are landing awaits at a landing zone rather than ambushing them, he jedged their intentions are non-hostile and likly to be their contact. Stepping up, He acknowledged the procession, his weapon at rest against his chest as he holds out one hand. palms opened. |
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Post by nathanjames on Jul 13, 2014 17:07:43 GMT 8
This out to be good, Titus thought to himself.
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Post by natahem on Jul 14, 2014 10:43:10 GMT 8
Ash observed quietly the approaching fellow, thinking "Who is a foe? Who will become a foe?.... Who will die first?"
He couldn't help but smile at Tidus' remark. "A big contact it is, and a nice pack of sheep at his feet. But I would guess some wolves may be hidding among the flock. Let us speak carrefully."
As the crow appraoched, he tried to remember something about the ecclesiarchy : K4pirSHQ1-100 vs Int (29)
1-100
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Post by Oriol FM on Jul 14, 2014 17:59:54 GMT 8
As soon as the pallium and the figure under it are closer, four more men emerge from the crowd, bringing a tall, wooden chair with elaborate motifs. They set up near you, bow to it, and step backwards to allow the procession come next to it.
Ash identifies the man under the pallium as the ecclesiarch, the maximum authority of the ecclesiarchy on the planet, second only to the Ecclesiarchy Council (and the High Lords of Terra, of course). Only the planet's ecclesiarch can walk under pallium and wear the red cape to show his high rank.
The ecclesiarch is a tall man, almost 2 meters, and he has a big belly. His face is severe, and he wears a pair of glasses that seem like an antique. Most people nowadays would choose cybernetic augmentation to correct sight flaws. He comes in front of your group and stands there, waiting for two people from his entourage to remove the heavy red cape. Under it, he wears a black robe with red accents. A heavy Imperial Aquila pendant hangs from his neck.
Without taking his eyes off you, he walks back and sits down on the chair.
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Post by Oriol FM on Jul 14, 2014 18:15:35 GMT 8
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Post by nathanjames on Jul 14, 2014 20:10:44 GMT 8
Titus blinks blankly a few times at the Ecclesiarch's declarations.
"Welp, I think we're done here."
He picks up the communicator bag he had only just let go of, turns around, and walks back towards the dropship.
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Dennis
Junior Member
Posts: 63
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Post by Dennis on Jul 14, 2014 20:14:51 GMT 8
Leitbec kept his face impassive, as he tried to decide what this priest is about. Hearing the nonchalant way this man wants to purge everything to scare the populace in line, he became suspicious of this man. Obviously he is no stranger to being forceful to demonstrate Imperial Justice, it is still a grim business. Indifference either indicates the man is incompetent, or hardened, which is unlikely given his current size. He bows in a fashion of the Nobles from Scintilla Leitbec stares at the priest, scrutinizing his response and body language, his training in investigation kicks in. Test Scrutinize, ECnWZvMQ1-100 against Perception of 35 Test Inquiry[+10%], 1-100 against Perception of 45 1-100·1-100 |
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Post by Oriol FM on Jul 14, 2014 23:47:07 GMT 8
Leitbec doesn't get much of this man... his hieratic stance seems to obstruct displaying too much emotion. His laugh, though, makes Laitbec wonder if this man is sound on the head or not. Maybe he has some kind of dementia?
As for the question (see the OOC Thread for full details):
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Post by Oriol FM on Jul 15, 2014 0:04:19 GMT 8
The Ecclesiarch frowns when he sees Titus turning around. He speaks a little bit quieter, talking to Leitbec in front of him:
After hearing Leitbec's question, he leans back and right a little bit, resting his chin on his fist.
(he spits to the ground, and many people in his entourage gasp make the sign of the aquila at the mention of the heretics and their beliefs)
Most of the Ecclesiarch's followers say "and for times to come" in answer to his last sentence.
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Post by nathanjames on Jul 15, 2014 0:56:21 GMT 8
(As it was not specifically stated that the dropship has left, only closed its ramp, I'm going to assume it's idling until we have left the dropzone.)
Titus walked around the corner of the dropship to where he was mostly hidden, but could still keep an eye on the proceedings. He flopped down on the wet grass and spent a few minutes double-checking his equipment--redundant, as he had done this just before the drop. As an engineer, his social skills were only mediocre [33 Fellowship]. He got along best with curt, to-the-point individuals who knew exactly what they wanted. Military types, like Red, were a great example. Fools, on the other hand, required a level of conciliation and placation he simply didn't have the patience for. Hopefully, their resident fop would be better skilled at handling the likes of "Dementia" Rouk; Titus would probably have threatened him to his face.
He picked up the receiver to the communicator and debated what (if anything) to send back to the ship overhead. If he were to be a pawn, he would be the pawn of the Omnissiah first (the Holy Emperor his avatar), and the Inquisition second. He would not be the unwilling participant of a scheme cooked up by a half-sane clergyman he was not accountable to.
After a few moments of thought, he clicked the communicator on.
"Third Testament, this is Balefire 1. We're having...diplomatic issues with our point of contact. Will keep you informed. By the way, have you been able to discover anything about those weather points I mentioned earlier, or is this something that will have to be done planet-side?"
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Post by Oriol FM on Jul 15, 2014 1:06:48 GMT 8
After a few seconds, an answer comes through:
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Post by natahem on Jul 15, 2014 9:35:16 GMT 8
As the Ecclesiarch speaks, Ash checked carrefully the faces his followers. "Show me your face little wolf" he thinks, convinced that a spy could hide among the folk.
Test Perception (38)? (he also has Heightened Senses (sight) and Awarness) : ix8NeNJx1-100
1-100
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Post by natahem on Jul 15, 2014 9:43:36 GMT 8
He couldn't detect any suspicious behavior, so he focussed on the fat guy Ecclesiarch once again and kept staring at him with cold blue eyes and a frozen smile on his face.
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Dennis
Junior Member
Posts: 63
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Post by Dennis on Jul 15, 2014 18:40:34 GMT 8
Leitbec, tried to change the subject as he smiles and looks at the priest.
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Post by Oriol FM on Jul 15, 2014 21:52:45 GMT 8
Rouk raises from his chair and looks at you.
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Post by Oriol FM on Jul 15, 2014 22:01:18 GMT 8
Taking two steps in Leitbec's direction, he makes a slight bow, smiles, and says:
He makes the sign of the Aquila and takes one step back, waiting for you to follow him.
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Dennis
Junior Member
Posts: 63
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Post by Dennis on Jul 15, 2014 22:52:48 GMT 8
Leitbec gathered up his things and walked on.
Turning around to face the others.
While entering the building, Leitbec tries to remain aware of whatever is happening around him
0xsNVLMC1-100 against awareness on per 351-100
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Post by nathanjames on Jul 15, 2014 23:26:14 GMT 8
Seeing that Leitbec had succeeded in becoming the face of the team towards the ecclesiarchy, Titus signed off the communicator (with a note that he'd report in again in at most 12 hours). He gathered his belongings and fell in behind Leitbec's lead.
As he went by, he eyed the ecclesiarch and his followers quietly. He disliked Rouk's personality greatly, but he did not yet intrinsically trust or distrust him. Petty emotion blinded too easily; his relationship with his previous adoptive father proved that to him.
"The Omnissiah directs our footsteps along the path of knowledge," he whispered to himself, confident that study and a level head would see him through his troubles.
Hearing Leitbec's nonchalant backstory, he moved closer to reply.
"I am hardly fit for such a social function, no matter what color you paint me," Titus pointed out, "and a planet-wide revolution of this size leaves its fingerprints at all levels of society. There will be the masked aristocracy, hiding their intentions behind flairs and smiles; and there will be the cooks and mechanics and doctors and foot soldiers--everything a revolution needs. While you bump elbows with the elite, I will be searching for footprints where they're a lot harder to hide: down in the dirt."
(Translated, this means Titus will be paralleling Leitbec's performance with local information gathering in lower parts of the hive.)
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Post by natahem on Jul 16, 2014 13:26:47 GMT 8
"I agree with Tidus," Ash wispered while they were following Brother Oberon, "we may also find usefull information looking down the lower folk. And it would be easier to not bring attention if we are not staying all together."
But then he tried to decide if he would prefere the shadow of the background scene, or play the dangerous game in the light of the ball. Both aspect seemed really attractive to him.
"I may enjoy playing the deaf little bother of our false marchant here, and watch his back during the ball."
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Post by richmccomas on Jul 16, 2014 16:16:48 GMT 8
Red pauses for a moment, thinking things over before responding. On the one hand, there is the intimidating prospect of a formal dinner and ball in high society. Red has only a vague idea of what that might be like, with flowery dresses, perfumed handkerchiefs, formal dancing, everyone complimenting each other on their fine white wigs, and probably a strict "No knives over 1 meter long" rule. He shudders for a moment, then turns his mind to the alternative. Last time he was in the belly of a hive was on Pitt, and the memories there are none too fond either. Dark twisting corridors, strange machinery and unknowable tubes all around, with the flat unfriendly stares of a billion people squashed in together like sardines in a can, never knowing who to trust and having to live in constant fear of ambush from disgusting mutants. The thought of another hive walk puts a grimace on his face. Then Ash speaks up, and that pushes Red over the edge of indecision.
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Post by Oriol FM on Jul 16, 2014 18:15:00 GMT 8
Brother Oberon keeps walking towards your destination, in the east wing of the ecclesiarchy building. He listens to all you say, then turns to Leitbec:
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Post by nathanjames on Jul 16, 2014 19:48:13 GMT 8
"Ash, you have the look of a hired killer...in other words, a perfect bodyguard. Just hover near Leitbec's shoulder and glower at anyone who comes too close, and you'll be set.
"Leitbec, there were several hundred people just now who heard the ecclesiarch's declaration that you're from the Inquisition. Expect word to get passed around. Expect someone to publicly oust you at the ball. That way, you'll be ready for it, should it actually happen.
"Red, you seem like the kind of guy who knows his way around a jungle. Being in a hive isn't all that much different; instead of trees and teeth, it's faces and steel. I've been living in one all my life; I'll give you a quick crash course on keeping your wits about you and seeing danger before it arrives.
"Finally, Brother Oberon, would you be able to procure garments for my friend here that will help him blend more into the sea of people beneath us? Right now he stands out like a very masculine thumb."
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Post by natahem on Jul 16, 2014 22:13:29 GMT 8
"Ok everyone. See you later."
Without another word Ash went to his room. After closing the door, the first he did was to check for any spying camera .
After being sure that everything was safe, he prepared for the ball. He washed his clothes to remove the remaining traces of the vomit. He hide a knife in a sleeve, and a throwing knife in each of his boots. He carefully left all his other weapon hidden in the room.
Then he took a hot shower, stretched each of his muscle and finally meditated to empty his thought and sharpen his sens, waiting for the ball.
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Dennis
Junior Member
Posts: 63
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Post by Dennis on Jul 16, 2014 22:41:37 GMT 8
Turning around as the others decided where they will seek for information. Turning to Ash, he nodded and was glad he has some backup, in case something goes wrong.
Walking into his room, he cleaned up and prepared himself. Refreshed, he accessed his microbead to contact Titus, requesting his skills to help looked up information on Rouk, the Ball, local news. He sent to the others coordinates for a local restaurant as a secondary meeting place.
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Post by Oriol FM on Jul 17, 2014 12:44:06 GMT 8
Roll Required: Ash should check Search(Per) to see if he finds anything at his room.
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