Dark Heresy - Wisdom is the beginning of fear.

[Kelne]

Like the others, Cryvus spent a few moments in quiet prayer and contemplation. He didn't think the cathedral itself hads been infiltrated. Whatever had arisen here would have done so in response to the cathedral, yes, but not necessarily within it.

Still, even the barest possibility bore investigation. He soon began to move around, not entirely sure what he should be looking for, but certain he would know it if he found it.

[Capntastic]

Mik followed suit, mimicking the kneeling and head bowing aspects, while trying to think of proper words of respect to think to Drusus. The best he could come up with was something along the lines of:

"I'm gonna personally make sure nothin' hassles your shrine when I'm done. Not just 'coz I'm getting paid, but 'coz you don't need some punk-ass monsters scarin' your followers."

Had anyone actually heard his mental monologue to the great, they'd shake their heads at his shaky comprehension of the situation at large. But despite that, his heart was in the right place. What's more telling, perhaps, is that he kept his reverence short and sweet, so that he could move on to getting things done.

[NamagomiMk0]

Crisis knelt before the statue as well, head lowered, out of respect. However, given himself, he said nothing. All for the better, he figured, since there was no need for words...

...not with what the reality would be if he were right. Warpspawned terrors are the last thing he wants to see again. And so, the others would notice him, not wanting to take any chances, taking out his rifle and readying it...

[Jak Snide]

Lamark was about to object to Crisis drawing a weapon on holy ground, but Aristarchus held an arm out to stop him, watching all of the acolytes with interest. Xerxes fingered his sidearm in response to Crisis readying his rifle. The five of them spread out, some more cautiously than others, taking in the sights of the cathedral as well as looking for anything out of place.

Crisis: You walk towards the center of the cathedral, being careful not to mount the dias, and take a good, long look around you.

Spoiler:

Despite your worst fears you feel no signs of warp-activity here. Your head does not feel swollen, there's no smell of raw ozone and your teeth don't feel like they're having electricity pumped through them. The cathedral looks how it should be, though a number of the plinths are without statues. Check your PMs.

Cryvus: You feel drawn towards the center of the cathedral as well, though you stop short of the dias, gazing around you from among the pews.

Spoiler:

You have a hard time drawing your attention away from the mural above you, the majesty of it utterly captivating. Check your PMs.

Mikolas: You stand near the entrance to take a good look around before proceeding in, heading North towards a number of stone plinths, some bearing statues.

Spoiler:

Most are empty, but you think you recognise one them: a handless and determined looking man, Vidicus the Forlorn. He was one of the saints Aristarchus told him about on their drive here, and the most memorable one thanks to the whole "ate his hands off to escape ork captivity" part.

Mithras: You head into the Southern pews, having swept more than one church in your time for insurgents and signs of heresy.

Spoiler:

You note that there are a number of stone coffins East of you, beyond the dias, most of which are open and empty. You suspect the few sealed ones are occupied by those that died during the construction of this place.

Xerxes kept close to Cryvus, only ever a few meters behind him, regarding the cathedral calmly, his hand no longer hovering over a holster.

[Kelne]

Cryvus seemed to have abandoned any checking of the rest of the cathedral, opting to focus instead on the mural on the ceiling. That trademark muttering was out in force; something about the ides of march, whatever that might be.

[Capntastic]

Mik took his time scanning the temple. His eyes took in the statues and artwork as easily as they did any possible spots and lurking beasties may be hidden. He mentally noted all exits and entrances he spotted.

[Jak Snide]

Cryvus was brought around by a gloved hand slapping down on his shoulder.

"Stay sharp." Xerxes intoned, fixing the old man with a worried glance.

Mikolas took a good look around for any other ways into the Cathedral, moving towards the back of it and past a number of mostly empty stone coffins. He found a pair of rooms isolated from the rest of the structure, sparsely decorated with desks, chairs and other furnishings which suggested they were to be used as offices.

"Everything in order?" Lamark's question was spoken loudly enough for all to hear, echoing throughout the cathedral. He had remained near the entrance along with Aristarchus, the seer still watching the acolytes intently.

[Christian]

Mithras shook his head slowly. A feeling of dread was building up in him, yet he was in a holy place... He frowned and took a deep breath.

"How long since those coffins were closed?" he asked as he walked back towards the entrance. He had a growing suspicion... would something be able to escape it? Certainly no one in their right mind would bother the dead... yet...

"We have to take every possibility into consideration," he tried to explain, knowing full well that what he was going to propose would be immediatly frowned up, "there are things that... well..."

[Jak Snide]

Aristarchus shook his head as Mithras drew closer. Brother Lamark, however, was more receptive to the suspicions of his old subordinate.

"They were all closed over a month or so past. We dug up and entombed those few who had died earlier in the construction. The only exception was when young Piter fell off a column two weeks back. If they had been disturbed since then it would be as plain as day to see."

[Kelne]

"The circle is unbroken," Cryvus remarked helpfully. Unfortunately, this seemed to be the limit of his input.

[Capntastic]

Mik circled around, edging closer to the coffins. He wasn't going to open 'em unless told, but getting a better look probably couldn't hurt.

[Jak Snide]

The coffins were divided into two groups of eight, each arranged into rows of three then five. Four of the the closest group were sealed, three of the lids bearing ornate carvings, one a featureless slap of rock save for what he presumed was a name chiselled onto it. He reckoned it'd take quite an effort to open one of the coffins. He might be able to do it himself, though only by shoving the lids off the top.

[NamagomiMk0]

Crisis shook his head. There was, thankfully, nothing here that was unnatural. But at the same time, he had a slight pang of disappointment: the buildup was for nothing. While it was indeed a good thing that nothing had infiltrated the Cathedral with the intent to corrupt it...

However, his suggestion was on a tactical basis first and foremost--had they started in the hills, the search would have taken longer and they would have procured nothing had it been fruitless. This would have been a devastating blow to the timeframe.

Still, it felt off that his intuition was wrong.

Writing it off as a simple mistake, he reslung his rifle, pulling out a pad of paper, writing on it before showing it:

'It appears that this area is free of the signs of infestation from the enemy. Either the enemy in this case is able to hide this, or it is absent. Regardless, this is better than the possibility of having to search the hills for an enemy that did not exist there, and then having no time left to search elsewhere for signs of the enemy.'

[Jak Snide]

Crisis had to move between each of the literate acolytes and his superior to convey his thoughts, the latter nodded in both approval agreement but remaining silent until the others had concluded their own investigations.

(Indicate if you're ready to move on, or keep searching if you think the cathedral holds some secret you've yet to uncover. I think the next logical location the acolytes would investigate are the hills, which is where Aristarchus will command them unless someone voices a different opinion.)

[Kelne]

"If I may," Cryvus said, "What event does the mural depict?" He indicated the ceiling. There was some significance there, he was certain. It could well be that some fragment of knowledge would prove useful.

[Jak Snide]

Brother Lamark approached the center of the room, craning his neck up to regard the mural. Xerxes followed his example as the cleric began to speak.

"Why, it's the coming of Drusus and his great crusade to Iocanthos, back when the Saint was among us as flesh and blood. He saw a world mired in superstition and heretical beliefs and drove them from the land, purging the worst elements and bringing the rest of the Ashleen into the Divine Light of the Emperor. See how he bears a shining aquila as he crushes the forces of darkness beneath his foot. The entire planet was pacified within a week, such was the might of Drusus."

[Christian]

((Sincerest apologies, although I thought I would get some free time in between finals and christmas, relatives and friends wanted different. I'll make a post now, and try to get on again by Christmas eve or, worst case scenario, Christmas day))

Mithras grunted softly as he rose from having inspected the side of the graves. Because of the events that transpired on the ship when last they went to search for "disrupting elements", he had once more adorned his armor, his heavy backpack slung over a shoulder.

"I agree that the cathedral seem unblemished. The hills would certainly be the next logical place to inspect, but if possible I would also like to visit the home of Lars; was the man literate? I assume you searched through his quarters after the murder, but anything he could have left behind could prove to have some value to our research..."

[Jak Snide]

"You're welcome to visit his tent, though I don't know what you hope to find there. He was not a literate man, no, and Brother Severus already went over his home for heretical materials. Of course the man was a sharp-shooter in his day, not an investigator for His Most Holy Inquisition, so perhaps you'll be able to find something his keen eyes missed."

(Providing nobody raises an objection to Mithras' course of action we'll move on to the home of Lars later tonight/this evening. Edit: evening is now, onwards!)

---

Their investigation of the Cathedral concluded, Brother Lamark led them outside once again, locking the double doors to the place of worship behind them, before leading them North and around the hill upon which the structure was built. Lar's tent was close to the North Gate of Stern Hope. The few citizens that had roused themselves greeted them warmly, but those who saw them approaching Lars' tent lost their cheerful disposition quickly. The ground around the simple abode had been cleared, adjacent tents relocated and now crammed closely together. Lamark muttered a prayer before holding the tent flap aside and letting the acolytes enter.

It was not a lavish home, it's dirt floor only a handful of square feet large and furnished with little beyond a large bedroll and a small shrine. The former was covered in dried blood while the shrine knocked over on it's side and the few living utensils the couple had possessed lay scattered around. The body of the victim had been removed, as had whatever had been used to hack apart the poor women, but the savagery of the murder was readily apparent. It wasn't surprising that nobody had wanted to dismantle the tent.

At first glance there was little to examine, an a closer examination of the scene revealed nothing more than a few bone errant bone fragments. Crisis, however, had stood bolt upright after appraising the scene, hands trembling ever so slightly.

Crisis:

Spoiler:

This is familiar. The way the shrine has been knocked on it's side. The seemingly nonsensical arrangement of the blood spills that, when concentrated on for a moment, hurt his eyes. But that's not what terrifies you. What sends a shiver down your spine is the faint, musical laughter that whispers at the back of your mind as the realisation that you've seen a similar scene before washes over you.

Cryvus:

Spoiler:

Something about Cryvus' reaction sets you on edge. Check your PMs.

(Everyone has made Awareness and Search checks already, though they've refrained from disturbing the scene. A more thorough investigation would require you to do so, though it would warrant another, improved Search roll.)

[Christian]

Mithras stood up, having observed some of the blood splatter. It was an unnerving sight, but, he had gotten at least somewhat used to these kind of things and managed to remain calm. Still, the violence of it all shook him to the bones.

"I... can't seem to find anything of relevance here." he breathed a deep sigh, "then, I assume, all that remains is to investigate the hills."

[Kelne]

Cryvus regarded the scene through narrowed eyes. There was something more to be found here, he was sure. With that in mind, he set about carefully examining the various nooks and crannies of the tent, putting any moved items back as best he could when he was done.

[Jak Snide]

As Cryvus carefully rearranges the room to match how he thinks it would have been before the murder Crisis seems to come to his senses, the assassin taking an involuntary step back as the small wooden folding-shrine is carefully placed on top of the small wooden table it sat upon before. The bedroll is aligned, the position of the few personal items altered and Cryvus stands back to appraise the scene again.

Cryvus:

Spoiler:

You believe that the victim was within the tent, kneeling and praying to the shrine when the murderer entered. He struck her and she flailed out, still alive, scattering objects and knocking over the shrine. She crawled towards the back of the tent, and the bedroll in an attempt to escape. The murderer pursued and struck her multiple times, one of them being the fatal blow. As he concentrates on the scene, though, his eyes begin to hurt and he becomes aware that the blood splatters seem be arranged into a pattern. The realisation sends a cold chill through him, and only his belief in the Emperor's protection prevents him from turning tail and fleeing the tent.

Mithras:

Spoiler:

As you watch Cryvus work you notice something about the blood marks splattering the inside of the tent. It's almost as if they form some sort of pattern. Your eyes begin to hurt as you concentrate on this and a cold fear grips you, though you fight it down.

[Christian]

"Throne..."

Mithras took an involuntary step back, old reflexes kicking in as he grabbed for his laspistol. His face was pale with emotion, staring at the blood-splatter with sudden intensity and his fingers trembled heavily.

"St-stop, Cryvus!" his voice was as broken as his composure. "There is something wrong with this... this pattern!" He motioned for the man to stop what he was doing, an almost pleading tone in his speech.

[Capntastic]

Not seeing anything particularly intriguing, he was content to keep an eye out of the hovel's exit, in case anything showed up outdoors.

When Mithras got to quivering, though, he turned to see what would happen. He wasn't very confident in the guardsman's aptitude for dangerous situations, so either something amusing was going to happen at Mitsy's expense, or there was a legitimate threat to be aware of.

Placing his hand into his laspistol's pocket, he was prepared for either.

[NamagomiMk0]

Crisis couldn't help it. This feeling...there was something completely WRONG here...it was so bad that he couldn't move for a few moments. Those moments feeling like several eternities, at that.

Pulling out his writing kit, he tried his best to write legibly, though his hands were still somewhat shaking from the experience...it was a complete pain for him to manage what is normally an everyday task with this...memory...going through his head.

Showing a very simple estimate as to what was here--the simplest he could manage with his hands still trembling...

'Warp phenomena. Were here if not here now.'

Hopefully, to him, they'd get what he meant.

[Jak Snide]

Both Xerxes and Lamark swiftly read the scrawled handwriting of Crisis, Mithras' reaction having already set them on edge. The former's hand dropped to the holster of his sidearm once again, while the priest took a single step towards the tent flap. Aristarchus' brow had furrowed in concentration, the man looking troubled and distracted, his eyes unfocused.

"We should burn this place." suggested Xerxes, who added "Once we're done here." after a moment's consideration.

[Capntastic]

"What's up?" Mik said. Noting everyone getting all on edge all the sudden was never a good sign.

[Kelne]

"Why does the heart keep beating?" Cryvus asked quietly before snapping himself out of it, "The pattern is the key, perilous as it is," he said, "Does it mean anything to anybody?"

[Christian]

Mits takes another step back, composure still not completely regained. He hadn't looked at the note, but he suspected something along the line.

"This can't be a mere coincidence... we must steel ourselves for what we might find in the hills..." he glanced once more at the blood pattern, "what drove him to do this...?"

[Jak Snide]

"Nothin' good." muttered Xerxes, the arbitrator having averted his eyes from the scene after the mention of warpcraft and patterns. Lamark had made the sign of the Aquila in an attempt to ward them from any harm and now stood silent. Aristarchus, however, was looking significantly worse for wear, his face pale and leaning on his staff for support.

"I'm afraid I must take my leave for the moment." he announced, shuffling outside with some degree of effort.

(Despite the any fears the acolytes may have nothing has risen up to assault their minds and souls. Aristarchus is just outside the tent, apparently in need of some fresh air, and Lamark and Xerxes don't look like they're going to take the initiative on what to do with the place.)

[Kelne]

Cryvus nodded, "Then, in the absense of anything else to learn, we shall burn it," he said decisively, "Such perversions cannot be left in place to ensnare the unwary."

[Capntastic]

Mik nodded, slipping his lighter from one of his many pockets.

"I can get that done pretty quick. Real quick, I figure, as there ain't much to burn. I gather we don't want anything left but some scorched up dirt, right?"

He flicked the tiny flame to life, depressed the rune, and repeated while mentally preparing for the task at hand.

[Christian]

"Burn it."

Mithras face had turned into a grim and steel-set face of determination. This was evil that should not be here.

"We can't let this remain a moment longer."

[Jak Snide]

The tent was ablaze a few minutes later, Mikolas having piled all within into a pile before applying his lighter to it. The spectacle had drawn people out of their homes and from their tasks, though none ventured too close. Brother Lamark consecrated the area once the flames had taken hold of the structure. Aristarchus excused himself again as they watched it burn, his condition having failed to improve, and retired to the Clotta to rest himself. A sleepless night combined with whatever effect the murder scene had on him was clearly taking it's tool. Once the blaze had begun to burn itself out the acolytes departed, Brother Lamark leading them to the North gate, stopping briefly at the Priory to pick them up some water flasks and a stout walking staff, and then up into the hills.

---

The midday sun blazed overhead, scorching those of fairer skin and working each of the acolytes up a sweat. The black attire that Crisis and Xerxes wore made it all the worse for them. The long uphill stretches didn't help either, though Lamark took them in his stride, deriving some simple pleasure from roaming the hills. The priest had regained part of his jovial nature, grinning once again. The wind was merciful, at least, the frequent gusts cooling them for moments at a time.

They were high up now, Stern Hope and the black stone Cathedral clearly visible from above. Cryvus rubbed his neck. He'd spent most of the journey gazing skywards, scanning the skies for the crows that seemed to haunt their every step. Any who'd followed his gaze would notice that there was always one in sight, passing overhead on resting on an outcrop rock nearby, watching sightlessly. As they crested a hill Lamark stopped, turning to regard the group as he did.

"Well, this is about where we've been seeing the light. Bodies of those bandits weren't too far from here either." announced Lamark. "Don't see anything out of sorts, though-"

A sudden wind picked up, carrying a sweet yet unpleasant smell with it. A shrill cawing erupted overhead as a worryingly large number of birds wheeled and fluttered frenziedly overhead.

"What the..." the cleric muttered, looking up quizzically.

Cryvus:

Spoiler:

Something is not right here. Well, beyond the obvious. You catch a flash of movement off to your left, your eyes being drawn to an outcrop of rock some dozen or so meters away from you.

Crisis:

Spoiler:

You notice Cryvus' attention being drawn away to the left of the group, towards an outcrop of rock a dozen or so meters away from the group.

Mithras:

Spoiler:

You see something dart out from behind one rock and leap behind another to the left of the group, about a dozen meters away. Your spine tingles and your palms start sweating.

[Christian]

The walk had been refreshing and relaxing, putting his mind somewhat at ease from what they'd witnessed in the tent. The guardsman was no stranger to hikes, so the stroll through the hills didn't wear on him too much.

Then, however, he saw that. Without a second of hesitation he raised his rifle, pointing it to the left of the group, eyes focused completely. Anyone seeing his face saw that the man was clenching his teeth tightly, lips pulled back slightly in a grin. Not one of amusement, however.

"We're not alone..." he muttered, keeping his weapon trained, his aim steady. "Show yourself!"

Despite the experiences he'd had aboard the ship, despite the company he was travelling in... You could take a man from the guards, but you couldn't take the guards from the man. He motioned with his left hand to Lamark and the rest towards the large rock on their left side. If something moved out from the other direction, he hoped they'd take care of it...

[Kelne]

Cryvus reacted with commendable speed, leveling his laspistol at the source of movement. "Trust in the Emperor and you will be saved," he said loudly.

[NamagomiMk0]

Crisis unslung his rifle and readied it, able to tell that there was SOMETHING there from Cryvus' glance. He had no idea what. Could be animal, angry native, or worse: The warp fiends.

He prepared to dive behind cover and prepare to attack once he had an idea of the entity's precise location, any anxiety he may show hidden by the gas mask he wears....

[Jak Snide]

Something leapt atop the outcrop to the left of the group and crouched low. Those with weapons ready didn't hesitate. A bullet slammed into it a moment before it leapt towards them, Cryvus' lasbolt darting through the space it once occupied. Mithras clipped it mid air and suddenly it was amongst them.

The creature had six legs and was covered with a light brown fur. That was all they had time to register before it's tongue darted out of it's mouth, wrapping itself around Crisis' torso. The man winced in pain as something sharp poked through an opening in his cloak and the elongated muscle constricted around him, the birds overhead cawed excitedly. Xerxes cursed, thumbed his shock maul into life and moved in.

(Here's the map of the situation. Crisis and Mithras both landed shots on the thing before it leapt into their midst. Crisis has taken 1 damage, his flak cloak saving him from a messy death, though he is now grappled by the tongue. He's got his arms free and his weapon in hand, though, and has somehow kept his cool. Mikolas and Lamark have yet to act this round, though everyone should go ahead and post their actions and we'll take the round as starting on Mik's turn. It's also worth mentioning that Crisis, Cryvus, Mithras and Xerxes are now in melee, with the former three being armed with ranged weapons, though Cryvus may use his pistol without penalty. One last thing that bears mentioning are the dotted grey lines on each side of the group - beyond those the terrain slopes downwards, counting as difficult terrain. Taking a tumble down them would probably be a bad idea.)

[Christian]

"Throne!" Mithras yelled as the creature, whatever it was, charged at them and gripped Crisis. There was no time for doubt or hesitation. He dropped his rifle where it was, his right hand darting to the axe holstered at his side.

"Abomination!" He drew the weapon and measured a strike towards the creatures head, hoping to sever the tongue of it as close to its maws as possible.

[Capntastic]

Mik drew his wicked metal bat and made to crush that skull. A simple response for a simple problem, he figured.

[Kelne]

Well, if at first you don't succeed, feed the enemy coherent light until they explode. Thus, Cryvus shot at the creature again.