Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

For all RPs taking place in other settings.
User avatar
Besyanteo
Would-be GitP Bard
 
Posts: 4612
Joined: Sat Nov 09, 2002 8:56 pm
Location: Virginia

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Besyanteo » Sat May 01, 2010 9:33 pm

Gunner stood behind Cryvus, trying to keep his attention everywhere at once, the show included. Where had Mik and Mithras and Crisis gotten off to? Not that he would chide them for not watching this train wreck, but losing track of them completely when the room had essentially all gathered into one place was somewhat disconcerting. He force that concern aside for now. Things seemed to have gone well so far, but there was no reason for that to continue.

Gunner decided that Wedge had waited long enough to speak to Lord Bludnoch again, and whispered what he'd noticed about the poor lead actor.

"That man isn't drunk. They have him on something. It could be the same stuff they treated us to the other day, but for some reason... I don't think so."

User avatar
ChristianC
Let's go for a swim!
 
Posts: 2423
Joined: Sun Jun 16, 2002 2:18 pm
Location: Sweden, Baby!

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby ChristianC » Sun May 02, 2010 10:51 am

Mithras watched the spectacle with hidden disgust. The way they treated that poor man... perhaps for the first time he felt... dislike towards these nobles. Was this really how someone of such prominent breeding, of such a high position, should behave? He shook his head slowly, he wanted to help the poor man down from the stage and away from his tormentors, but... that would be too much of a risk. He made an attempt to smile at the whole thing, but he felt confident that he wasn't fooling anyone.

Well, let them think Lord-Colonel Strouke has no humour.

User avatar
Jak Snide
 
Posts: 5457
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 7:14 am
Location: London

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Jak Snide » Sun May 02, 2010 7:55 pm

Mikolas and Crisis made their way back downstairs, the keen-earned assassin stopping his giant friend more than once to wait for patrolling guards to pass them by. They slipped into the dimly lit main hall without anyone noticing and worked their way into the crowd, finding Mithras and his poor attempt at concealing his disdain in short order.

The play continued on the better part of an hour. Cyperen's performance was the subject of the occasional bout of amused laughter among the more intoxicated members of the crowd, though none so loud as to disrupt the show. The governor's world fell apart around him, assailed from all sides by menaces both physical and bureaucratic, as he desperately tried to protect the primitive and unappreciative people he ruled. Their betrayal was inevitable, and the last act of the play saw all that the man had worked for torn apart. Cyperen's performance grew less outlandish and more reserved towards the end, the "actor" on stage having begun to sober up.

Chorus appeared once again for the climax, surveyed the devastation portrayed on the stage and addressed the crowd. "What fate is suitable for such a one?" he asked. The response was swift, but it did not come from any of the spectating nobility.

"The Emperor will punish you." The clearly frightened man who'd played Cyperen looked out over the crowd and was met with stunned silence.

"And your son shall avenge you!" Chorus added, stepping behind the man and impaling him with a power sword.

The nobles applauded wildly as the corpse slumped down to the stage. Chorus removed his mask, revealing handsome features and a tight smile of perfectly formed diamond teeth. The cast formed up around him and took their bow, soaking up the praise of their peers.

User avatar
Kelne
EXTERMINATE!!!!
 
Posts: 3606
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 2:02 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Kelne » Mon May 03, 2010 8:19 am

To begin with, Cryvus had been annoyed at this butchery of an excellent play. The lead actor had clearly been sent out in such a state deliberately, the better to amuse a jaded and decadent audience. And now, a man had been brutally murdered on stage, and they cheered.

"Silence will fall," Cryvus said in a flat voice, thankfully lost amongst the noise of the crowd. There would be a reckoning. For this and for so many other things. But for now, they must maintain their covers.

User avatar
Capntastic
Aa, cracked glass!
 
Posts: 4579
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2002 2:09 pm

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Capntastic » Tue May 04, 2010 2:57 am

Mik thought about the reaction to the impaling, and how they'd been whistling a different tune when it was him on the battlefield. The exotic intoxicants altering their reactions taken into account, there was a matter of professional pride within him that had been scraped by this.

Dulov didn't let this show, of course. Of course, it wasn't just Dulov making this grim face. Mik had yet to find an opening to reveal his findings to the others. Hopefully, the play over, there would be some dispersal of the throng of nobles. That's when he'd make his chance.

User avatar
ChristianC
Let's go for a swim!
 
Posts: 2423
Joined: Sun Jun 16, 2002 2:18 pm
Location: Sweden, Baby!

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby ChristianC » Wed May 05, 2010 3:42 am

Mithras' face sunk in blank horror at the sight on the stage, almost dropping the glass he was holding. The man's blood splattered on the stage, and with abject shock he looked around the crowd... how could they do this? He tried to hide it behind the mask of Strouke, but it was almost impossible.

He stepped away from the stage, walking over to one of the bars where he would gather himself from the eyes of the nobles around him. Huh, nobles... He frowned deeply as he ordered something from the bar, waiting for the others to return. What the hell was he doing here? A soldier playing dress-up and watching as some hapless man got killed for the amusement of bored aristocrats?

Disgusting. He couldn't wait to wipe this smear off the face of the planet.

User avatar
Besyanteo
Would-be GitP Bard
 
Posts: 4612
Joined: Sat Nov 09, 2002 8:56 pm
Location: Virginia

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Besyanteo » Wed May 05, 2010 11:04 pm

As the wicked hot blade entered the man on stage, Gunner felt a blade of ice pierce his gut. What had just happened? Had they? Yes. That was real. The man was dead. Really, truly, dead. And they applauded. He felt a dark and terrible fury welling up inside him. He had a choice to make, and his head was not at all clear as he set about making it. He could either deliver each of these addle brained fools to the Emperor's Judgement at the end of his Mauler right here, right now... Or he could stand. He could wait for the ideal moment for that to come later, and focus on completing their mission now. He did not know what to do. Cryvus had not moved. Mikolas had not crushed anyone's skill. Mithras had not opened fire. Crisis had not picked off the murderer before he could act. It was entirely on Gunner to fall in step and continue with the operation or say to hell with it all.

His shock remained on his face for a moment longer, before he forced himself to return to character. In truth, the only thing that kept him from going through with it right then, declaring his own personal war on the lot of these fat twits, was one sobering fact: He did not have the ammunition to take them all out, and no guarantee that his companions could or would join in. He had to wait, or most of them might live.

User avatar
Jak Snide
 
Posts: 5457
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 7:14 am
Location: London

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Jak Snide » Thu May 06, 2010 6:07 am

Crisis' expression remained inscrutable, concealed as it was, as Mithras stalked off to the bar. One of the younger nobles, seeing his dismay, glided past him with comforting words. "You needn't be concerned, I'm sure he was just an underhiver."

The applause faded as the gem-toothed man caught a glimpse of something and descended from the stage, gliding through the adoring crowd and towards the one man who hadn't managed to conceal his utter contempt for the finale. The room fell silent as he stood before Gunner.

"Not to your taste, eh?" he inquired haughtily, speaking directly to the bodyguard.

User avatar
Kelne
EXTERMINATE!!!!
 
Posts: 3606
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 2:02 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Kelne » Fri May 07, 2010 8:24 am

Whilst Gunner was capable of looking after himself, Cryvus decided that such a challenge to his own authority was not going to stand. Let the man believe his power here to be absolute and who knew where the confrontation would end?

"And if it isn't?" he asked in tones mild but underlain by steel, "You may do as you wish with your own servants, but I will thank you not to involve mine in the entertainment." He allowed a distinct trace of irritaion to colour his voice, the merest echo of feelings kept under tight wraps.

User avatar
Jak Snide
 
Posts: 5457
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 7:14 am
Location: London

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Jak Snide » Sun May 09, 2010 4:18 pm

The gem-toothed noble didn't miss a beat, responding to Bludnoch even as several shocked gasps of breath were taken by the spectators. "The play has ended, my good man, and I have no need of your serf. I merely wished to hear the opinion of a commoner, or am I to take it that his master speaks for him?" The question was voiced innocently enough to allow it to be mistaken for something besides the insult that it was.

User avatar
ChristianC
Let's go for a swim!
 
Posts: 2423
Joined: Sun Jun 16, 2002 2:18 pm
Location: Sweden, Baby!

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby ChristianC » Mon May 10, 2010 3:47 pm

Mithras gave the man an almost poisoned glance before he did his best to blink it away.

"The man was a faithful servant of the Emperor, he had a family... you would do well to remember that even an underhiver can turn the tide of war..." he glanced at his drink and a slight smile spread on his face, "or incite the spark of revolution."

User avatar
Capntastic
Aa, cracked glass!
 
Posts: 4579
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2002 2:09 pm

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Capntastic » Mon May 10, 2010 5:39 pm

Dulov moved himself into a more defensive position, closer to those being glared down by this rock-toothed fop. This action was just as much a show as anything else, but it didn't help to be prepared in case something came of the powersword wielding weirdo.

User avatar
Kelne
EXTERMINATE!!!!
 
Posts: 3606
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 2:02 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Kelne » Mon May 10, 2010 8:57 pm

"On the contrary," Cryvus said, "Conversation is merely the continuance of entertainment by other means. And who among us would not be tempted to humiliate an unprepared critic before an appreciative audience?" He let his eyes wander across the sea of faces turned in his direction. "While I will not stop him from voicing his opinion, nor will I have him coerced against his better judgement."

At this point, he cocked an eyebrow at Gunner, inviting him to make his own decision on the matter.

User avatar
Besyanteo
Would-be GitP Bard
 
Posts: 4612
Joined: Sat Nov 09, 2002 8:56 pm
Location: Virginia

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Besyanteo » Sat May 15, 2010 12:06 am

Of course, the answer Gunner wanted to give involved his fist, the man's face and a power glove. But Wedge was something of a bumbling half professional, playing at civility. And he's already made his choice to play Wedge when he hadn't shot the man while he was still on stage. He forced his fury down, and replied as best he could. He had to voice his displeasure, but he was also a 'humble' bodyguard. Another trip to the arena on only their second meeting would probably be pushing their luck.

"I prefer not to voice my opinion, as I suspect you would find it... harsh."

Part of him hoped the man would insist. Just a small part. Gunner had recognized him, understood just who he was now. Breaking his jaw would feel that much better if it came down to that.

User avatar
Jak Snide
 
Posts: 5457
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 7:14 am
Location: London

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Jak Snide » Sat May 15, 2010 1:18 pm

Perhaps it was that small part of Gunner that had made him choose the words that he had. The noble had either confronted him to cow a potential critic or take him to the Bloodsquare. As the young man's face turned bright red he realised that he'd given the would-be thespian something he hadn't expected. Combined with Cryvus' own rebuke he had mocked him in front of his peers, a few of them unable to contain their amused grins behind their hands. The majority simply stood in shock.

The gem-toothed youth carefully slipped the glove off one hand and slapped Gunner across the face with it before turning and walking away.

---

Despite the severity of the noble's humiliation the sages of the Alabaster Court had concluded, in their esteemed wisdom, that the insult paid was minor. A trip to the Bloodsquares was inevitable but it would be a far more restrained duel than the one two days previous. The conditions were set out; it would be a duel of blades, provided by the Court, and only to first blood. Neither side was allowed to nominate a champion in their place.

It was a familiar scene; a square pit tucked away in a side room, three meters deep and 10 meters a side. The two duellists stood 10 paces from each other, stripped of whatever weapons and armour they had brought and each armed with an exquisitely crafted sword. Elsergi Krin, of Great House Krin, had not said a word since he had indicated that insult had been given. Gunner could see that he was still gripped by shame. The duel may only be to first blood but there was little doubt that the man would seek to injure him as gravely as he could within the confines of those rules. One of the Court's guards presided over the duel, announcing the name of the duellists in the formalised fashion they'd all heard before and holding the red cloth that would signal the start of hostilities.

(Gunner and Cryvus, who was nominated his second in this matter, are in room 5 on the map. The others may attend if they wish but are not obligated to do so. Several minutes have passed between the glove-slap and this moment and would have given the acolytes enough time to converse. The duel is mere seconds away from beginning and, as such, Gunner should declare his action for the coming round. Both combatants are about 8 meters away from each other, unarmoured and without any weapons save for a Best Quality Sword.)

User avatar
Besyanteo
Would-be GitP Bard
 
Posts: 4612
Joined: Sat Nov 09, 2002 8:56 pm
Location: Virginia

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Besyanteo » Sat May 15, 2010 1:30 pm

Gunner had been silent since the challenge, if not grim. He didn't technically have license to kill the man, but he had a chance to wound his pride. That would have to do for now. Especially if he could take the fool's sword arm at the same time. Where the other man was furious and eager, entering combat brought Gunner a sense of ease. He settled into a now familiar martial stance, and waited patiently.

(Preparing to Parry, while getting an idea of what Krin's style and skill are.)

User avatar
ChristianC
Let's go for a swim!
 
Posts: 2423
Joined: Sun Jun 16, 2002 2:18 pm
Location: Sweden, Baby!

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby ChristianC » Sun May 16, 2010 1:02 pm

The Lord-Commander had been whisked away by the crowd as something was going on. His drink was left behind on the bar, much to his displeasure, and it wasn't until he realized Gunner was getting into trouble that the chill of discomfort ran down his spine. Twice in... only a few days. His group was certainly causing quite a stir in the highborns...

He'd tried to catch Gunner and Cryvus before they were brought to the pits, but it had been to no avail, and realizing any more opposition would risk him losing his disguise, he tried to look cheerful, convinced of his bodyguard's coming victory and, most of all, pleased with what was transpiring.

It was difficult.

At least the duel would be to first blood.

User avatar
Capntastic
Aa, cracked glass!
 
Posts: 4579
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2002 2:09 pm

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Capntastic » Mon May 17, 2010 4:36 pm

In the hustle, Dulov slipped towards Bludnoch and whispered a message to him.

Cryvus:
Spoiler:
"They're know we know they're up to somethin'. An' they're worried about you."

User avatar
Jak Snide
 
Posts: 5457
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 7:14 am
Location: London

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Jak Snide » Mon May 17, 2010 7:33 pm

The crimson cloth dropped, swaying twice in the air before touching the floor of the Bloodsquare. Elsergi reacted instantly, darting towards Gunner and performing a lunging attack. The attack was deflected, but the young noble was quick enough not to leave himself exposed, darting back a step. Gunner took measure of the noble's stance before performing a quick slash only to have his own sword parried away. Elsergi reacted quickly, pressing the attack, but his blade failed to find flesh and Gunner refused to give ground. He feinted, catching the nobleman off guard and stabbed forward.

He'd misjudged the man. Elsergi had read his feint and drew Gunner in to strike a winning blow. The acolyte reacted quickly, powering past the young man and narrowly avoiding a vicious downswing. They both turned, placed traded, and Gunner decided to live up to the reputation of the low-born bodyguard he was posing as. He rushed forward, attempting to bowl his foe off his feet. The noble jumped back, too far back to strike a retributive blow, but the anger was leaving him now. He adjusted his stance, wary of facing a skilled opponent.

Silence had fallen, the spectating nobles enthralled by the display of swordsmanship of both duellists. They probed each others defences with cautious attacks and feints, Gunner eventually forcing Elsergi back against the wall of the Bloodsquare, what little enjoyment the noble was finding in the duel now banished. Gunner didn't follow up. He held his ground, staring down Elsergi and not saying a word. The young man sneered and leapt forward to strike. It was a mistake that he'd live to regret.

He tumbled past Gunner, wincing in pain as blood flowed from the shallow cut across his leg. He scrambled to his feet only to realise what those overseeing the duel and the crowd already had; the young scion of Great House Krin had lost. What would come next was a far more terrible prospect for the man.

---

The spectators congratulated the common Wedge with a short and stifled applause. If anyone who approved of his victory they didn't show it. Only once they had both left the Bloodsquare did Elsergi Krin present himself to both Lord Bludnoch and his bodyguard. He was smiling, a mask to hide his disgrace, and bowed before them, if only slightly.

"Woe to me. It appears that I am in need of acting and duelling lessons...and perhaps a beautiful nurse." He addressed Bludnoch and tried not to look at Wedge, the common man who'd bested him in a duel of honour.

User avatar
Besyanteo
Would-be GitP Bard
 
Posts: 4612
Joined: Sat Nov 09, 2002 8:56 pm
Location: Virginia

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Besyanteo » Mon May 17, 2010 7:40 pm

Wedge's face was placid, calm. His reaction to victory gave no hint that he had any idea who he'd just bested, which ought to add to the pain it caused greatly. Not that that would make Gunner feel much better. The man would be anathema in his social circle for a while, but that wasn't going to revive the underhiver.

User avatar
Kelne
EXTERMINATE!!!!
 
Posts: 3606
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 2:02 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Kelne » Tue May 18, 2010 9:18 am

Cryvus was not best pleased to learn they were under suspicion, but it was more or less inevitable at this point. Given his own 'unmasking' by the door wardens, it made sense that suspicion was focusing on him. They'd made enough waves that people could start piecing things together, though he doubted they were contemplating the right answer. It helped, he thought, that their cover identities had their own motives for nosing around, and were well connected enough that they couldn't just be killed off without repercussions.

For now, he was focusing on being reasonably gracious in victory towards Elsergi. Must they engage in duels at every social function they attended? At least they were winning thus far, which might give any future challengers pause. At the least, their little excursion had given him the chance to map out more of the complex.

"None of us achieve perfection, Elsergi," he said seriously, "It's the striving that's important, and which people will recognise." He left unspoken that there had been no striving in the performance; such a direct insult would only undermine the lesson he was trying to impart. Lord Emperor knew the man was undeserving of it, and it was entirely possible that he would wind up dead anyway before this was through. Nevertheless, Cryvus had made the effort.

User avatar
Jak Snide
 
Posts: 5457
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 7:14 am
Location: London

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Jak Snide » Sat May 22, 2010 12:22 pm

"Well then, to striving." Elsergi raised an imaginary glass in a toast to Lord Bludnoch's lesson, his true feelings masked behind a polite smile. "I can only pray that you're in Sibellus when I decide to stage my next production." With that said he bowed, the subtleties of the gesture conveying the appropriate level of deference he owed to them, and walked away.

The evening continued as if nothing had happened. Almost. Most of the nobility gave the group a wide berth, not willing to be associated with anyone who'd confronted Great House Krin. Gunner, or rather Wedge, did receive a few covert nods of respect from the other bodyguards present.

(Sorry for the delay. The acolytes are back in the main hall where they're largely being ignored which gives them ample time to discuss their next course of action and any discoveries they've made in greater detail. Further inquiries or snooping is a possibility, as is beating a retreat. Crisis and Mikolas know that Caros Shoal someone intends to have a word with Bludnoch at some point, confirming what the white robed woman at the entrance had said.)

User avatar
Capntastic
Aa, cracked glass!
 
Posts: 4579
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2002 2:09 pm

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Capntastic » Sat May 22, 2010 3:50 pm

Dulov nodded silently as events passed, and when the acolytes regrouped, would use their relative unpopularity to voice a quick message to his associates: "The guys upstairs are on to us."

He then waited, as the proper course of action- that of burning down a spire- had been explicitly shot down before the investigation began.

User avatar
ChristianC
Let's go for a swim!
 
Posts: 2423
Joined: Sun Jun 16, 2002 2:18 pm
Location: Sweden, Baby!

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby ChristianC » Mon May 24, 2010 8:29 am

Pleased with Gunner's victory, Mithras/Rubeus patted him on the back. He would've said something encouraging, but a lord-commander didn't wallow praise over a body-guard; it was their duty to be skilled.

So he gave him a slight smile as they congregated, fomented, the glass of expensive amasec in one gloved hand.

"What have we found out." He said in a tone... he tried to sound casual, all smiles, and not too low to sound like a whisper, but loud enough not to catch attention. He wished dearly he'd paid more time studying how to act and behave rather than how to fight..

User avatar
Jak Snide
 
Posts: 5457
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 7:14 am
Location: London

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Jak Snide » Thu May 27, 2010 6:27 am

"Biggs" had been tapping away at a data-slate while the others conversed. He passed the device to Cryvus once he'd finished, glancing at Gunner as he did.

(I'll assume that Cryvus will pass the slate around afterwards so that everyone can read it. Well, except Mikolas.)

User avatar
ChristianC
Let's go for a swim!
 
Posts: 2423
Joined: Sun Jun 16, 2002 2:18 pm
Location: Sweden, Baby!

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby ChristianC » Sat May 29, 2010 12:46 pm

Mithras read the slate slowly and scowled.

"Well, that means they're on to us... they're not right, but they're suspecting something..."

He thought for a little while and then nodded. "I think it's to our advantage if they believe we're mercs... if they confront us, we could hint that we're open to the highest bidder... they might want us on their side."

User avatar
Jak Snide
 
Posts: 5457
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 7:14 am
Location: London

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Jak Snide » Mon May 31, 2010 6:05 pm

Crisis snatched his data-slate out of the hands of his fellow acolyte and thumbed the purge rune before making a slight gesture to alert the others that they had company.

The white robes worn by the man that approached them marking him out as someone of great importance within the choir; hems were adorned with intricate script, no less than three purity seals attached to his shoulders and unfurled scrolls of parchment containing religious scripture hung down in front of each leg. The man himself largely resembled an upright weasel, a slender fellow with a pointed face that smiled warmly when he realised he'd been spotted.

"You must be the men I've been hearing so much about." he bowed his head respectfully. "Fenksworld's quite a trip away. I'm sure it was worth your trouble, of course. Caros Shoal, sirs, founder of our congregation here, though I hope my reputation preceded me. Your own certainly did, though that's no surprise. I trust you've enjoyed the evening so far?"

He was an affable man who seemed to speak earnestly, his disregard for the etiquette they'd grown used to over the past few days welcoming rather than offensive.

User avatar
Kelne
EXTERMINATE!!!!
 
Posts: 3606
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 2:02 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Kelne » Wed Jun 02, 2010 8:23 am

"The entertainment wasn't to my taste, I'm afraid," Cryvus said, taking in the face of the enemy, "But we can hope they'll grow out of it." He shook his head sadly at the rebellious youth of today.

"Still, the company is generally good, and the refreshments excellent, so on the whole the evening is on the positive side." For now, he was still taking the measure of the man. The news that Shoal was supposed to be keeping them under control while their operations were shut down did put a certain urgency in their dealings, though.

User avatar
Jak Snide
 
Posts: 5457
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 7:14 am
Location: London

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Jak Snide » Thu Jun 03, 2010 4:29 pm

"I'm glad to hear that you're contented, though not as much as your man I wager. This will be a day to remember for that boy, though not for the reason he thought it'd be." He grinned and tilted his head towards Wedge.

"So, what brought you all the way to Scintilla? I imagine it was for more than a familial visit."

User avatar
ChristianC
Let's go for a swim!
 
Posts: 2423
Joined: Sun Jun 16, 2002 2:18 pm
Location: Sweden, Baby!

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby ChristianC » Sat Jun 05, 2010 4:45 am

"I would say we certainly put Fenksworld on the map, if anything," Lord-Colonel Strouke said with a chuckle, keeping his wounded arm still and tucked in between his chest-buttons.

"Lord-Colonel Rubeus Strouke, a pleasure," he made the aquila with one hand. "The evening has been quite impressive indeed, I had assumed our last little gathering was the height of Scintillan festivities, but I was clearly mistaken." he took up his glass from the nearby table and raised it in cheer to the man.

"I assume you would not believe me if I said we came her for some civilization and peace? Fenksworld may be the world we have been appointed by Him above to reside on, but it is hardly Terra." he gave a slight grin.

User avatar
Jak Snide
 
Posts: 5457
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 7:14 am
Location: London

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Jak Snide » Sun Jun 06, 2010 8:15 pm

"I don't think you're likely to find peace in the spires of Sibellus. Not unless you do something about your propensity for ruffling the feathers of the prideful youth at least. Perhaps that's your Emperor given purpose here. You do seem to be very good at it." Shoal smiled warmly, never indicating that his mood was anything less than genuine. "If that's the case then he's certainly guided you to the right place and seen fit to provide you with an invitation to tonight's congregation. Will you be staying for the sermon? It's due to begin shortly, unless Brother Festus has been down in the wine stores again."

User avatar
ChristianC
Let's go for a swim!
 
Posts: 2423
Joined: Sun Jun 16, 2002 2:18 pm
Location: Sweden, Baby!

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby ChristianC » Mon Jun 07, 2010 4:17 am

Strouke waved it off with a light laugh. "My apologies for the ruffled feathers, I must blame Fenksworld for our somewhat... rough way of handling things. As you undoubtedly have noticed... martial skills take something of a... front seat at the cost of friendliness and such." He was sweating a little at the neck. His reservoir of fancy words were rapidly being exhausted.

"I would most certainly be honored to be present for it."

User avatar
Jak Snide
 
Posts: 5457
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 7:14 am
Location: London

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Jak Snide » Tue Jun 08, 2010 4:11 pm

"Most excellent! Just make your way to the Northernmost hall, the one with all the statues, and you'll be seen to and seated. I'd accompany you there but there's a shocking amount of paperwork involved in doing the Emperor's work that can't be delegated away." Shoal excused himself, observing proper protocol enough not to cause offence and headed towards the nearest stairwell.

(It's getting late in the day now and, in likelihood, this sermon will be the last chance people have to search the Alabaster Court. If you want to go poking please indicate so. Otherwise I'll assume that you're going to the sermon and move things along in 2 days. Crisis, being in NPC territory now, can be sent off by either Cryvus or Gunner.)

User avatar
Kelne
EXTERMINATE!!!!
 
Posts: 3606
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 2:02 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Kelne » Fri Jun 11, 2010 5:09 am

Cryvus opted to spend his remaining time scoping out the area in which he was sure the psykers were being held. He made sure the others were also aware of the area, and that each was giving thought to possible approaches and entrances if and when the time came to get in.

User avatar
Jak Snide
 
Posts: 5457
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 7:14 am
Location: London

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Jak Snide » Fri Jun 11, 2010 6:00 am

Crisis followed after Crisis, either out of a desire to keep up appearances, genuinely protect the ageing psyker or simply to avoid sitting through the service. The remaining three acolytes followed the crowd into hall of statues, passing a number of retreating servants on the way. Padded pews had been brought out from somewhere and arranged in rows before a similarly portable pulpit which was position before the statue of a kind-faced man with his arms spread wide in a welcoming gesture.

---

Main Hall

Lord Bludnoch wasn't the only one to have eschewed the sermon. There were a half-dozen groups of bored looking nobles and their equally bored retainers ambling around the main hall, a few watching impassively as a trio of servants set about removing the body of the dead "actor" and cleaning the blood off the stage. You catch sight of Elsergi Krin, leg freshly bandaged, making his way towards the exit of the court, shielded by bodyguards and hangers on while trying to look as inconspicuous as possible.

Cryvus:
Spoiler:
As you extend your psychic senses you can feel the fading emotions left by the man's sudden demise; terror and helplessness were the last thing the unwilling actor ever felt in this world. They're muted however, the wards that run through the Court doing their job. It takes you some time to get a good sense of them but after several minutes of focusing you're able to determine where they are the strongest.


Cryvus stood next to the door he'd been led to; identical to all the others he'd in the Alabaster Court except for the fact that it was shut tight and, after a careful try of the handle, locked. Crisis looked at him, glanced at the door and back at the senior acolyte again. His expression was hidden but his body language was clear enough. All he needed was the command and he'd set about bypassing the security measures placed between them and where Cryvus wanted to be.

Cryvus:
Spoiler:
They wards are strongest in this room or, more accurately, slightly below it.


---

Hall of Statues

The sermon was something quite unusual. The preacher who took to the pulpit wore a heavy ceremonial robe with an oversized round collar and sleeves. He raises his voice to its fullest, the room falling silent in response, and greeted them before expressing how happy he was to see so many faces in the crowd, both familiar and new alike. What followed was a short speech about how blessed all those present are that the God-Emperor choose that they should serve in leading, instructing and organizing the lesser citizens of His Glorious Imperium and that they too deserved to be happy about their role in the society and should give praise to the Emperor. His tone was far more amicable than any man of the cloth they'd received a sermon from before. Mithras and Gunner, both hailing from agri-worlds, were more used to the gruff commands of simple men who extolled the importance of doing their duty and serving God-Emperor and Imperium. For Mikolas, whose experience with such things was limited to what he'd seen on Iocanthos and the deadly-serious ceremonies that had been held in the Bastion Serpentis, the contrast was even more apparent.

Any thoughts they may have been contemplating were interrupted when the orchestral music began, played by some unseen band, and written lyrics sprung into being above them, hanging there and flickering occasionally as the holoprojection they'd seen back in orbit had done. The congregation quickly began to sing, plucking the words of the hymn out of the air above them.

(Here's an update on everyone's positions. Cryvus and Crisis (purple) are in front of a door that leads into one of the rooms marked 6. Mithras, Gunner and Mikolas are in the hall of statues.)

User avatar
ChristianC
Let's go for a swim!
 
Posts: 2423
Joined: Sun Jun 16, 2002 2:18 pm
Location: Sweden, Baby!

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby ChristianC » Mon Jun 14, 2010 11:12 am

Mithras made a show of looking as if he was singing along, but he merely mumbled a word here and there as he looked around, trying to spot anything suspicious. He didn't much like the preacher, he seemed far too content and... nice to spread the words of Him of All Glory.


[Pardon short post, my eyes are killing me]

User avatar
Kelne
EXTERMINATE!!!!
 
Posts: 3606
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 2:02 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Kelne » Tue Jun 15, 2010 7:51 am

Cryvus gave the matter a modicum of thought, then a slight nod to Crisis. There was no sense letting this opportunity go to waste, and he ought to be able to talk his way out of trouble if the room wasn't empty.

User avatar
Jak Snide
 
Posts: 5457
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 7:14 am
Location: London

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Jak Snide » Wed Jun 16, 2010 6:11 am

Side Corridor

Crisis began to tinker with the locking mechanism, producing a hooked pick from some recess of his outfit and probing the first of the keyholes carefully. It took him a few minutes of frustrated attempts before he even began to make progress, the mechanism of the locks being more devious than he had anticipated. Waiting for the assassin to complete his work took several minutes, the distinct clunk of each lock being bypassed only adding to the tension. Crisis stepped away from the lock, looked to Cryvus and then dropped one hand to where his sidearm was holstered.

"Are you lost, sirs?" a feminine voice inquired. Crisis adjusted his stance to hide the arm currently reaching for a weapon. Cryvus looked down the corridor to see a young lady in one of the white robes of the Choir approaching. How long had she been watching? Was she ignorant, or was she simply buying time for the guards to arrive after she'd tripped a silent alarm? Cryvus had little doubt that his mute comrade had already made up his mind but, thankfully, had exercised enough restraint to stop himself from shooting the woman before the senior acolyte had a say in things.

---

Hall of Statues

Mithras kept his eyes peeled but didn't spot anything that struck him as worrying or suspicious. Nothing beyond the unusual tone of the service at least. The preacher and the lesser priests that attended him all seemed normal to him, if less severe than he was used to, and nothing about the chosen message of the sermon struck him as inherently heretical. The Joyous Choir simply practiced a very benign version of the Imperial Creed, one that seemed to revolve around patting people on the back for performing the role they were born into.

(Map slightly updated. The bright blue square is the Choir member that's confronted Cryvus and Crisis. The former has absolutely no idea if she's genuinely ignorant or playing dumb.)

User avatar
Kelne
EXTERMINATE!!!!
 
Posts: 3606
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 2:02 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Kelne » Sat Jun 19, 2010 8:35 am

"Merely seeking privacy," Cryvus said, wincing slightly, "An old shrapnel wound is playing up, and it wouldn't do to spend the service looking pained and uncomfortable." Tempting as it might be to just start shooting and have done with it, once that started it wouldn't stop, and there was always the chance they were dealing with a genuine innocent.

User avatar
Jak Snide
 
Posts: 5457
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 7:14 am
Location: London

Re: Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

Unread postby Jak Snide » Tue Jun 22, 2010 10:25 am

Side Corridor

"Oh, I see." The woman was doing her best to sound sympathetic but Cryvus could tell that she had her doubts about his story. "I'm sorry, but that room is currently undergoing renovations. If you'll follow me I can lead you somewhere so you can take a lie down." She gestured towards the stairs behind her, the ones that lead to the upper level of the Court.

PreviousNext

Return to Other RPs

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 12 guests

cron

Yalogank