The Silent Revolution

[DaedalusMkV]

After the five members of your Cell arrive on the Varyag, preparations for departure began immediately. The transition into the Warp was a relatively smooth one, considering, though the sixteen days transit time to Alterus was as unpleasant as any Warp travel tends to be. Your cabins, though small and poorly appointed, are at least grouped close together which gives the lot of you plenty of time to get to know each other and go over the details of your mission, namely to discover the source of the recent anti-Imperial activity on Alterus, particularly in connection to the attack on the Imperial Garrison at Fortress Malkin, and eliminate it by whatever means you deem necessary.

You were provided with a detailed analysis of Alterus III, including a short history of recent events, as well as a summarized report on the particulars of the Malkin Massacre; not much material to work with, unfortunately, and left to your own devices. Eventually, you experience the unnerving sensation of the transition back to realspace and an announcement over the Varyag's intercom, the Captain of the redoubtable Raider called you into his stateroom.

Captain Vilk appears to be middle-aged, but the unmistakable signs of Juvenat treatments mean he could be anywhere from 60 years old to more than twice that. "As I'm sure you've noticed, we've arrived at Alterus. The Inquisitor asked me to provide you with a few things before we send you off in the shuttle, so let's make this quick." First, he gestures to a small crate sitting on the floot near his desk. "Inside that is a set of demolitions equipment. I don't know what it's for, and I don't much want to know." Even as he talks, he reaches into a drawer on the desk and draws forth a stack of papers, which he hands to Jerhyk. "These are false identities, a product of my finest Scrivener during our journey. Each one lists a false planet of origin and solid credentials establishing you as legitimate travelers to Alterus III. They'll pass any basic inspection but try to avoid serious scrutiny, because it's not too hard to figure out that none of these people existed a month ago." Another object is retrieved from the desk and placed in front of you, this time a small device with a number of antennas, dials and wires. "This here is a long-range vox transmitter keyed to communicate with the Astropathic outpost in this system. Use this if you need to contact Inquisitor Malekor for any reason, and make sure you use the code-words you've been taught. I'm sure you can figure out how to use it. Lastly he pulls a data-slate out of a coat pocket and hands it carefully to Nihilius. "Finally, this lists the hab you've been provided with in Makhar city, as well as a few contacts on Alterus. Any questions?"

[Caimheul]

"Yes, I have few actually" Zarkov speaks up, his words carefully enunciated as he checks for identifying marks and any seals on the crate that supposedly contains 'demolition equipment' (Art. 5423/19j, any member of the Departmento Munitorum who fails to certify the contents of containers not issued by another member of the Departmento Munitorum, through either visual inspection or checking seals and labeling, will be flogged and branded). "Firstly, have there been any developments on Alterus during our time in the warp? Secondly, am I correct in assuming we are to land in Makhar city? Lastly," here his voice becomes quite grave, "I presume you will need a receipt?"

[profitofrage]

Raltus Regis…Heir to the famous Regis Dynasty.
A man destined for greatness and adoration by the common man was thrust into squalor. He had spent months (or so it felt to him) in a cramped putrid smelling living space that he expected would be suitable for the more...ill kept people he had recently bumped into while on the ship. He had of course spent a great deal of time complaining about all this.
Indeed when he was not complaining about the conditions he had to put up with he was boasting of his families Dynasty...which is why it came to no surprise when he muttered.
"Receipt...Considering the quarters I was given we should be asking for a refund." he said checking his clothing for perhaps the hundredth time to ensure it was all in order.

[Hawkwings]

Jerhyk takes the sheaf of false identity papers and glances over them quickly. They passed his cursory inspection easily enough, and Jerhyk didn't plan to get caught by the local authorities anyways. He handed the appropriate document to the person it was meant for as Zarkov asked his questions. He too had eyed the crate of demolitions equipment suspiciously.

What would we need high-grade explosives for? Hopefully it's just a precaution, otherwise the Inquisitor knows something that we don't...

Pointedly ignoring the complaints coming from the prissy noble boy, Jerhyk waited for Captain Vilk to respond.

[DaedalusMkV]

The Captain settles back in his seat as Zarkov asks his questions, though his stoic face does flash a brief hint of surprise and confusion at the last question. He frowns for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts, and is just about to speak when Raltus makes his comments. Again comes a flash of emotion, this time barely contained anger. "Oh, you're disappointed then, little prince? Perhaps you would have preferred to ride a luxury liner then?" His right hand rises and points accusingly. "We made a three-week journey in sixteen days, and you're whining about your rooms? I'll pass along your... Comments to our master. I'm sure that he'll be properly sympathetic." With a small effort Vilk turns away from the well-dressed noble and returns to Zarkov's questions. "Right. First, I'm afraid that I'm as in the dark as you are. Our Astropath hasn't received any more reports, and I haven't exactly had time to look at the news-slates since we arrived. The contacts Inquisitor Markov has referred you to should be able to answer to your satisfaction, however. Yes, you'll be landing at Durandal Spaceport just outside of Makhar. I believe there is to be a Flitter there waiting for you. Third... That box was never on my ship. Smuggling nonlicensed explosives is a capitol offense, you know. Just take it and go, unless you have something else to ask."

Caimheul:

The munitions case is flagrantly unmarked and in violation of no less than 21 regulations concerning the proper storage, labelling and transfer of military-grade explosives, though it is at least well sealed. If you found such a violation in a PDF armoury the quartermaster in charge would be swiftly transferred to a Penal Legion, or possibly executed.

[profitofrage]

Raltus was rather taken aback; such a sudden outburst would not be seen amongst the true civilised people of the nobility.
"There was a Luxury Line available and I was not informed?" He said before deciding that making enemies of the Captain was probably a mistake.
"Well In any case...we applaud your efforts for getting us here in a timely fashion, indeed although the quarters were not to my rather high standards the exemplary performance of your chosen trade makes up for it, and should be rewarded." Raltus was indeed turning on his natural charms.
However the best kind of reward was one that benefited the most parties available. While benefiting the captain was obvious, with one foul swoop he thought he may also benefit his fellow acolytes and his father’s dynasty.
He took out a small circular chip, a Holowafer and offered it to the captain.
"With a sign of such favour I’m sure my father’s associates and holdings will put your skills to great use in the Regis Dynasty...if you should so feel inclined."

OOC:
Charm test on the captain? Ill assume my bonus to talking to civility counts due to him being a captain. Of course I’m assuming ill be hit with some negatives due to the prior outburst :P but ill just make a roll on my flat DC + high society bonus and leave the results to you.

[roll0] DC 54 DC 44 if Etiquette doesn’t count.
Dang... Im just going to assume that theres no way out of all that I managed to get a +10 bonus? :P Maybe my pretty clothes? My Holowafers are shiney to?

[Emperor Ing]

The techpriest takes the data slate, taking it in his metallic hand. A small number of wires erupt from the creature's sleeve, one connecting directly onto a port on the side of the dataport. A low-pitched beep can be heard not long later, confirming the completion of the download of information from the data-slate. Afterwards, Nihilius plays the information back in his head.

[DaedalusMkV]

The Captain listens with barely contained impatience through Raltus' speech, but eventually his expression softens a little bit. "Well, it turns out that there are a few thoughts in that perfumed head of yours. I suppose I'll accept your apology on behalf of my ship, whether you mean it or not. Keep your token, though. I've barely enough time to serve one master, much less two." Regardless, he seems mollified. He was likely more affronted at the insult to his ship than truly angry.

Yes, your bonus from Etiquette would apply in this sort of situation. Though the setting is informal, dealing with authority figures holding positions of privelege and power is exactly the sort of time it was intended for. While you did technically fail, the effort alone was enough to at least undo the previous damage.

[Caimheul]

Zarkov shakes his head and sighs after looking over the crate No respect for proper procedures he muses. "I for one am satisfied by your answers and thankful for your hospitality during this trip. While I cannot speak for the others, I am prepared, nay, eager to hunt down the foul enemies of the imperium."

[Hawkwings]

Looking around at the rest of the team, Jerhyk said "Alright, I guess we don't have any more questions. How long until we make planetfall, captain? And I assume you are leaving soon afterwards?"

[Fremen]

Varick thumbed silently through his new identity, his lips repeating his new name over and over again beneath his mask. He was, however, paying very close attention to the others, although it may not have appeared so, for the former soldier was still not sure what to make of his new companions. Not that it really mattered; he was ordered to assist them.

Snapping shut his file the young guardsman stood ramrod straight and simply saluted the captain, a crisp and exact gesture, before stepping forward and bending over the explosive crate. Without a word he hefted it up and made to leave the bridge before he thought twice and turned to face his fellows. He spoke, his voice somewhat cracked and harsh, "I presume no objections?" He indicated the crate in his arms with his shoulders.

[DaedalusMkV]

Vilk nods to Jerhyk, the slightest hint of a smile playing on his lips for an instant. "Very good. The shuttle is being prepared as we speak; it should be ready to fly by the time you arrive. We should be on-station above Alterus for the next week or so, loading and unloading cargo. After that, you're on your own." He pushes a button on his desk, and leans close to a small mechanical speaker-grille mounted there. "Hans, please escort the gentlemen in my office to shuttle bay 1." He turns back to you. "Good hunting, Acolytes." A few seconds later the doors to the stateroom open again, a young-looking Rating with watery blue eyes and perfectly groomed hair edging his way in. Hans quickly salutes the Captain, then bows to the others. "If you would care to follow me, Masters?" He turns and gestures, his slightly out-of-fashion clothing rustling, and makes to lead the Acolytes to their shuttle.

[Caimheul]

Zarkov's eyebrows raise up in suspicion at Varick picking up the demolitions equipment, and makes sure to follow behind him to make sure the guardsman doesn't try to pocket anything, dispite the seals on the container. One thing he learned in the Departmento Munitorum, guardsmen were typically ungrateful for the bounty of the Emporer, often asking for more than their fair allotment of equipment.



Edited to make more sense

[profitofrage]

Masters? ah finally someone on this ship who knew his place!
Raltus was almost completly at home when the Rating came forth. He was of course put off at the mans appearance but thats how it should be for a noble. Why if the servants looked on par or better then the noble they were to serve that woudnt make much sense now would it?
"Tell me Han's to what extent is your knowledge of this ships dealings?" He said offhandidly yet listening intently upon the answer.

[DaedalusMkV]

The young man replies even as he leads the way, his nasal voice properly obsequious in the face of someone so clearly above his stature. "Hmm. We're a trade ship, really, though we do work a lot with passengers... Well, like yourselves. Captain Vilk takes pride on being one of the fastest ships in the sector, so we mostly deal with urgent shipping. No set trade route, you understand. Is there something in particular you wanted to know?" While you can't see his face, something tells you that this particular ship-dweller has no idea about his Captain's true masters.

[DaedalusMkV]

Hans quietly leads the way to the shuttle bay, where he points you towards the lower ramp of the ship's primary shuttle, a well-maintained civilian-model Aquilla lander with the lascannon mountings removed. The trip down to the surface is fairly uneventful, though unfortunately you are given to chance to actually see out of the lander and see for yourselves your destination. Eventually you reach your destination at the Durandal Starport, and the shuttle's hatch opens once more.

Alterus is a strange world, at once both quite like millions of other Imperial planets and nearly unique. While the architecture of the spaceport is clearly the stark and blocky style endemic to the Imperium, the environment itself is quite alien. The sun hanging in the sky is a brilliant blue, so bright that is nearly blinds you after so long in the dim illumination of smog-covered Hive Worlds and voidships, and the sky itself is a strange shade of bright blue-green which is highly unnerving when contrasted with the saphire-like sun. As you step onto the rockcrete of the landing field, still disoriented, a middle-aged man wearing the red and black uniform that valets across the galaxy seem to affect runs out of the nearby starport terminal, huffing slightly as he comes to a stop. When he catches his breath, he raises his arms dramatically and cries, "Welcome to Makhar City, the jewel of Alterus!"

[Fremen]

Varick's boots echoed heavily under his heavy tread down the debarkation ramp, quieting as he stepped onto the firm rockrete field. His lasgun lay dismantled and stored in his pack, and he wore only his pistol at his hip, low-slung in the habit of gun-runners and bounty hunters. It felt uncomfortable, and he quickly resolved to adjust it when he had a moment alone. In his arms he cradled the nondescript crate which contained the demolition charges, but he attempted (somewhat badly) to wear an air of nonchalance.

His head snapped smartly around at the sound of running, and he straightened up to face the valet as the man slowed to catch himself. His face still hidden beneath his gas mask and helmet, he reached into his heavy coat and produced a simple slip of paper which he handed to the valet. "This is the address to our accommodations. We require transport."

[profitofrage]

Raltus had been rather excited to read over his "secret identity" as one with less elegance would state it. He was surprised to see that it was less of a false identity and more of a well planned series of excuses for him being there. The recent problems were of course impacting on trade in various ways and Raltus was here to inspect how it may impact his families investments. Raltus could not have been more pleased, Instead of having to play down his natural charms he could very well be himself.
He would of course need to remember the goal in mind, and a disguise would need to be aquired should he need to do any "field work"

The valet arrived and he watched as the man he new as Varrick handed him a slip of paper.
"I trust the accomodations provided will be up to standard" He said playing with a holowafer like a coin in his hands. His shotgun wrapped up in cloth and tied to his back, the rest concealed beneath his cloak. He would need to pass off his shotgun to one of his teammates lest it look overly strange.
He regretted not getting to know his fellow acolytes better before stepping off the ship.

[Caimheul]

Zarkov sighed upon reviewing his cover storyThis must be some kind of joke, I have to pretend to be that fop's personal aide! Clearly the Emperor had a sense of humour.
..........
"If they are not up to your standards m'lord I will personally punish the men responsible and oversee the acquision of new lodgings." He keeps his voice in a monotone in an attempt to hide his disdain for his new role. Zarkov then approaches Raltus in an effort to relieve him of his... minorly unusual armament for a noble. "Surely m'lord does not mean to carry part of his own luggage! Here, allow me the honour of guarding that parcel for you."

[profitofrage]

Raltus was releaved that Indeed the cover stories did mix well. Indeed it was even more surprising that Zarkov whom he had not thought many positive things of suddenly showed some proper respect for the noble class.
"Thank you....uh..." OH By the emperor I dont know his cover name "Trusted Aid..Though Im sure that no such measures will need to be taken."

[DaedalusMkV]

The Valet looks back and forth between Raltus and his "servant", an expression of shock on his face. "Oh, oh my. We... Ah, we here at the Durandal spaceport have nothing to do with your accomodation on-planet, Your Lordship. But, er... May I take your luggage and lead you to your Flitter, sirs?" Then, he abruptly seems to remember Varick and turns back to him. "You are all together, yes? Shall I call for a cart to carry all of that?" The red-faced man looks decidedly uncomfortable; he's probably not used to dealing with nobility or bounty hunters.

[Caimheul]

"Yes, please do so at once." Zarkov snaps, taking out his frustrations at the role he is to play on the poor man. Once the valet is out of earshot, Zarkov looks at Raltus with a look of disbelief " 'Trusted Aide'? Thank tHE emperor the nobility are so smooth under pressure! The name is Leman for future reference." he says, with a little more than a trace of sarcasm.

[Hawkwings]

Jerhyk rolled his eyes at the interaction that just occurred. Undercover as muscle, along with the guardsman, it wouldn't have done well to speak to the man at all. Jerhyk did his best to look bored and dangerous at the same time, not something he'd practiced.

As the nervous attendant left, he said to the group "Right, so we're all learning each others' names and stories tonight. We can't be messing this sort of stuff up, especially so early in the game."

[DaedalusMkV]

At Zarkov's insistance the valet scurries off with somewhat unseemly haste, leaving you alone for a few minutes, before returning with a large metal cart, which he pulls up to your shuttle. "Allow me to gather your luggage, sirs." he says, as he begins loading your gear onto it. "Now, if you don't mind, I'll lead you to your flitter." With a grunt, he pulls on the cart and starts slogging his way across the rockcrete landing field. After a few minutes of walking you enter one of the large concourse buildings, where a pair of guards in the blue and green uniform of the local PDF make to approach you but are quickly waved away by the valet. He begins talking again, the strain of pulling the heavy steel cart making his speech somewhat stilted. "Do you have your own pilot, my Lord, or shall I arrange for one to take you to your destination? I'm certain I can find someone willing to take care of you for the duration of your trip."


You'll need Drive: Hover Vehicle or Pilot: Civilian Craft to fly a Flitter, which is a local VTOL aircraft similar to a helicopter designed for both ease of use and transport capacity. I know that at least one of you has the skills to use it, but it's up to you if you want to hire a seperate pilot instead.

[Caimheul]

"No thank you, I am familiar with this model of Flitter. If you would excuse me m'lord I will begin the preflight checks." Zarkov begins checking the outside of the craft for any obvious signs of damage/tampering while pulling up a map on his data-slate. I never thought I would actually regret not paying more attention during the valet classes he thinks with a sigh.

[DaedalusMkV]

The valet nods. "Of course, sir." He leads you to an elevator, which takes you to the roof of the concourse building where half a dozen aircraft await. The Flitter you've been supplied with is fairly large, slightly smaller than an Imperial Valkyrie Gunship, and fairly blocky in design. It has a spacious passenger compartment with seats for eight in addition to the pilot's cockpit in the nose and a cargo compartment with more than enough room to stow all of your equipment. As soon as you arrive the Valet hands Zarkov a set of keys. "These open the locks on the compartments, but the flight system is code-locked. The code for your Flitter is 113694, and if you forget you'll have to come back in person to restore it. Your documentation says you've got it for six weeks, but if you need longer simply vox us or come in person and we can extend the rental." The valet blinks, then cringes back as if he's just remembered who he's dealing with. "Er, if that's alright, sir. May I do anything else for you today?"

The craft itself looks like it's in excellent condition, probably due to the abundance of tech-priests that tend to congregate at spaceports. The two turbine engines on the short wings seem to be well-maintained, and there's nothing suggesting it's been damaged to any extent.

Caimheul:

The datapad you have lists the address of the safehouse your Inquisitor has provided as a location near the centre of Makhar City, on the opposite side to where the spaceport is. It's likely about an hour's travel time in the Flitter, depending on how well you can actually navigate the unfamiliar city.


Rolls:

Awareness for all of you:
Nihilius vs 16+10=26: [roll0]
Zarkov vs 15+10=25: [roll1]
Jerhyk vs 36+10=46: [roll2]
Raltus vs 37+20=57: [roll3]
Varick vs 29+10=39: [roll4]


Caimheul and Hawkwings:
You hear a muted thump in the background, followed by a series of lighter cracks and bangs. It sounds rather like gunfire, coming from somewhere to the north.

[Caimheul]

"Yes, actually. Do you often have trouble with the rebels around the spaceport? I only ask as there seems to be a firefight occurring north of here."

[Hawkwings]

Jerhyk jerked as he heard and instantly identified the gunfire. Looking to Zarkov, who also apparently heard it, he frowned and then waited for the valet to respond.

[DaedalusMkV]

The valet's face blanches and he whips his head around looking for the source of the gunfire; he doesn't seem to hear a thing. Eventually, he calms down enough to give you an answer. "Normally, I'd say there was no chance; the rebels normally just go after the PDF and make the Lord Governor's security earn their pay. It's never bothered us, you understand. Recently, though, everything's changed... You're sure you heard gunfire? They might be attacking the PDF garrison at Port Hope, two kilometers north of here. There's no way they'd be crazy enough to attack the spaceport; there's an Imperial Navy office here, by the Emperor! They'd bring half the Imperium down on them, make no mistake." Though his words are confident, his manner suggests that he's trying to convince himself as much as you. Something has the man spooked.

[Caimheul]

"Yes, well according to certain reports they've already attacked the Imperial Guard directly so I would not put it past them. If you would provide me with means of locking and unlocking our transport, we should no longer require your services. I do recommend caution dispite your beliefs."
After the valet leaves:
"Despite what that moron of a civilian claims, I am definately hearing the sounds of a firefight to the North of this current location. I would rather not fly while it is going on, and I think perhaps we might want to investigate. All in favour?"

[profitofrage]

Raltus watched the Valet organise everything and was equally shocked when the mention of gunfire started.
He however remained composed, it would look badly on him if his trust in his entourage wasnt absolute.
It was after he left that he truly bothered to respond.
"I agree in theory...We did not come here only to not get involved so an investigation is a must...However unless we plan on getting there AFTER the battle..and hence AFTER the PDF has had its pickings...I suggest we use our advantage of mobility and get there before evidence goes missing."

[Emperor Ing]

Nihilius has been very quiet lately. Even though this is strange for tech-priests, it was easy to forget he was there. In fact, it's hard to imagine that he was even there at all! Only now can he be noticed, apparently. Although it's more than ridiculous, one may easily think that if they were paying closer attention, they would've seen Nihilius just...pop into existence, right there and then!
We know their motive at least. I suggest we travel there immediately. I hypothesize that it is more of those...half-dead rebels.

[profitofrage]

Raltus was rather disapointed in his own lack of control and sudden loss of composure.
"OH throne.....Well...You mechanicus types can at least be relied to give the enemy a fright....at least give me the grace of knowing your there before you sneek up on me"

[Fremen]

Varick cocked his head, trying to hear gunfire, but a lifetime of trench warfare and an enclosing mask and helmet did his hearing little favours. Almost shrugging, he seemed to take his allies' word and he set down the crate he held and heaved his backpack onto the hood of their transport. Without a word he opened his pack and immediately began extracting various parts with drill-like precision, and assembling what quickly became apparent as a lasgun. Sliding the final piece home the former guardsman hefted the weapon to his shoulder and snapped a fresh charge pack home, checking routinely to confirm that the power was being fed correctly.

He turned silently to his fellows and cradled his weapon nonchalantly in a manner that seemed far more genuine than only minutes before. Almost as an afterthought he shifted his grip on his gun to one hand, and he readjusted his pistol holster to something more... regulation.

[Caimheul]

Well, so much for getting there *after* the battle Zarkov thinks with a sigh, as he reaches into his backpack to assemble his own lasgun, exchange his robes for a flak cloak, strapping a combat knife, two grenades, and a spare charge pack to his waist. Lastly, he dons a micro bead and then covers the lower half of his face with a respirator. "Alright, lets get everything loaded up and then see what the gunfire is all about."


The intention is to fly in the general direction of the gunfire, finding a suitable landing area close to the action while preferably being behind the loyalist troops. Pilot roll if needed: Pilot (Civilian Craft) 38: [roll0]

[Hawkwings]

"As long as we get there before all the evidence is destroyed, that should be good enough." Jerhyk says. He gestures towards the flitter and says "Well now, shall we get going?"

[DaedalusMkV]

Working together the Acolytes quickly load the rest of their gear into the flitter's cargo compartment and strap into the vehicle's seats. Zarkhov begins the ignition rituals and with a loud whine the turbines come to life and lift the civilian flyer off the ground with a gut-wrenching jolt; not too surprising, given that the former Munitorum quastor hasn't actually flown such a craft in some time. Nonetheless, it's only a short time before the flitter leaves the confines of the spaceport heading north.

As you pass the grey rockcrete island of the spaceport, it almost seems as if you're flying over an ocean for a moment, until you realize that this part of the planet is covered in a vast savanna of blue-green grass almost precisely the same shade as the sky, broken up by the occasional green-leafed tree. You have only a few short minutes to watch the local terrain, however, before a plume of smoke appears on the horizon. Just over a kilometer north of the spaceport a trio of heavy PDF trucks is stopped in the middle of the service road, the front and rear vehicles burning profusely and generating the plume of smoke you saw earlier. A group of figures close to the now stopped convoy take whatever cover they can as they exchange fire with a number of others about 100 meters to the west; it looks like the PDF defenders have taken heavy casualties, and less than half a squad is still fighting back. From this distance it's hard to get a good look at the attackers, dispersed as they are throughout a rocky outcropping; you'd need to get in closer to get a good count of them or assess their equipment, though there can't be more than seven or eight of them hiding.

Varick, Zarkhov:

While the attackers' position in the outcropping is giving them excellent cover from the PDF troopers, there is another small outcropping about 50 meters to their southwest which they would have little protection from and would be an excellent position for a flanking attack, since no matter how they moved they would be clear targets for either you or the PDF troopers.

[Caimheul]

"I would recommend everyone hang on, I'm going to try to put this thing down... Emperor protect us "
DaedalusMkV:
I am assuming the outcropping has enough space to land the Flitter, in which case I'm going to do so, if not... well people may end up jumping....
[roll0]

[DaedalusMkV]

Zarkhov brings the flitter around smoothly and begins to descent towards the eerie blue-green plains below. Neither side of the combatants notice you descend, intent as they are on their own battle and in testament to the quiet efficiency of the engines holding you aloft, and after a slightly bumpy landing on the soft ground you find yourselves in position to ambush the ambushers.

Everyone:
There wasn't quite enough space to land inside of the outcropping, but you were able to land very close to it on the oposite side from the enemy.

Please, roll initiative and state your actions prior to the battle beginning.

I'll be trying something a little bit different to speed up combat; rather than going by strict Initiative order, I'll divide you into two groups; those who go before the enemy and those who are after, and resolving player actions each turn based on the order of the posts in two parts, before the enemy acts and at the end of the combat round. If you aren't the first person to act in your Initiative group, please include contingencies if the people who go before you might invalidate your action. For example, say Zarkhov and Varick went before the enemy and both chose to attack the same opponent, whoever posts second should include a different target for their attack as a contingency, in the event that the opponent is incapacitated after the first hit.

If this method causes problems, I'll revent to the by-the-book method and enforce a strict posting order, but I'd like to at least try to speed things along first.


GM Rolls:

Initiative:
Rebels: [roll0]
PDF: [roll1]

[profitofrage]

Raltus had wasted little time when the prospects of a real fight had come up. Indeed he was eager to finally prove his worth and carve out a name for himself on this backwater planet...by the end of his gun if need be.
He loaded up his Meathammer and his arsenal of other weaponry and got aboard, Indeed during the entire trip he couldnt help but smile at his various fantasies of what would soon occur.
Thats when the thought occured to him that he had no real disguise for all this and as such would need to be careful.

"Well, I say we take care of this quickly men....try to take one of them alive if you can" He said with a grin as they all began to leave the Flitter.

OOC:
Initiative 1d10+3
Action, Leave the flitter and immediatly find suitable cover that can provide total concealment. If nones available just stick to regular cover. After Ill be taking Aimed (half action) shots with my Silenced Carnodon at the enemy...should end up being +20 due to the telescopic scope/accurate quality? (no range modifiers yay) Hopefully its in range. If its not move up closer with the rest of the group.

[Hawkwings]

As it became apparent that they would need to assist the local PDF if they wanted to get any usable information out of this situation, Jerhyk readied his weapons and checked his ammunition. He had gotten a fairly good view of the battlefield from the air, and picked out a couple good looking spots to take cover and fire on the rebels. When the flitter touched down and the door opened, Jerhyk made for cover, autogun in hand.

Initiative:
[roll0]
Jerhyk will find some cover and fire semi-auto shots at the rebels. If the rebels at any point in the battle look like they're massing to charge, Jerhyk will go full-auto and try to pin them down.

[Emperor Ing]

The inquisition has chosen sides in this war. The half-dead zombie rebels attacked Imperial Guard forces, not PDF forces. Nihilius readies his hellgun, holding it in hand, attaching the charge pack to the back of the gun, connected by a hose that leads into his back.

[Caimheul]

*Sigh* so much for Article 3957/72j "A Departmento Munitorum adept will not actively seek combat, for such duties are best left to the Emperor's chosen warriors." Although I guess I now qualify as such... Making sure to grab his backpack and Mars Pattern Mark III lasgun, so as not to leave any of his equipment unattended.
Initiative:[roll0]
Zarkov is going to move forward into cover, and use any remaining actions to at least start a full action aim (let me know if he has any actions left this round so I know if it spills over into the next round)

[DaedalusMkV]

The Acolytes swiftly make their way into position, preparing to spring their ambush, and at this point you can get a far more accurate count of your opposition. Seven rebels are scattered behind the rock formation they're occupying, taking shots at the PDF, and two more lie unmoving, either injured or dead. As you move into position, one of them makes a loud cheer and pumps his fist into the air, probably celebrating after eliminating a PDF trooper, but his cry is cut short when a lucky lasbolt from the PDF takes him in the throat.

You're all acting at the same initiative group, after the PDF and before the rebels. Assume that prior to the current round, you had time to spend an action on a Half aim.

[Emperor Ing]

Nihilius lines up a shot on the rebel to the far right with his hellgun, looking down his red dot scope. However he remembers the reports being the ambushing rebels were acting no more human than servitors. He whispers to the other acolytes. They seem normal.

[Caimheul]

"Normal or not, they are still attacking the what appears to be a PDF convoy. Should we involve ourselves in this local conflict?" Zarkov then continues to aim at the nearest rebel, while checking through the his microbead's channels for any radio chatter pertaining to this ambush.

Going to combine the half action left over from last turn and a half action from this turn to a Full round aim... am going to wait for a decision from one of the more warrior characters before opening fire. Despite his Schola education, the proper paperwork hasn't been filed for involvement of Imperial assets in a local conflict :smalltongue:

[Emperor Ing]

I vote we avoid this conflict, and observe the rebels for now. The mind-controlled insurgents acted no better than servitors. Servitors do not celebrate kills with fist-pumps.

[profitofrage]

Raltus was grinning and squirming with excitement behind the thick peice of rock he had found. He held his Silenced Scoped Carnodon in his hand with a grip that would rival augmetics proping it up and aiming down the sight at the target towards the back, hoping that there friends would not notice them being picked off one by one.

Crunch:
Full round aim, the intention being to pick off the target without his friends knowing next round.

[Caimheul]

"This does however provide us with an opportunity to...'procure' one for questioning while gaining some good will with the pdf who are loyal servants of the Imperium."

DaedalusMkV:
Firing at target:
BS vs 56 [roll0]
Damage if needed: [roll1]

[Emperor Ing]

Is there any indication that they are not both loyal citizens of the Imperium? And hold your fire!

[profitofrage]

"They are firing upon the Planetary Defence Forces..such treachery is an AFRONT!" Raltus said the second he heard the Lasgun bot fire off determined not to let his shot for glory be missed.

ooc:
ok I full round Aimed with the weapon, so next round I should have a + 30 bonus from aiming with an accurate weapon. This on top of a surprise round (I hope) means I get the full +60 to the shot against my bs of 38.

Ill be making a Called shot to the Targets Head as well as firing burst. netting me a +50 overall (60 - 20 + 10 for burst.) That is if I still get the 1d10 (per 2 degrees of success) on all my shots...otherwise ill fire single shot only.

[Hawkwings]

After rushing into cover, Jerhyk sized up the situation. They were in a good flanking position, and looked like they outnumbered the rebels. This would be easy, relatively speaking. Certainly no frontal assault on a well-fortified and prepared enemy.

Taking aim with his autogun, Jerhyk lined up the sights with one of the cultists and squeezed off several quick shots.

Firing semi-auto, should be +10 for a half round of aim, and +10 for semi-auto, for a total of +20. BS of 29, for a target of 49.
[roll0]

[DaedalusMkV]

Raltus' silenced strike is deadly accurate, dropping the rebel to the ground. Miraculously, however, he seems to still be alive and clutches his head while moaning in pain. Meanwhile, Jerhyk's autogun burst stitches across another rebel's body, leaving him slumped over a rock either dead or critically injured. Unfortunately, the Machine Spirit of Nihilius' Hellgun was most intractable, resulting in an interruption to his power flow; the Tech-priest will need to repair the minor malfunction before the weapon becomes usable once again.

Seeing two of their number badly wounded by an unknown attacker, the rebels panick. Three of the four uninjured rebels turn around and return fire at the Acolytes, while the other opens fire at the PDF with an autogun. Of the three firing at you, two are using Lasguns while the third wields another Autogun. The lasgunners fire wildly, sending their bolts so wide you have no idea who they may have been shooting at, while the autogunner fires a barrage of bullets into the rock formation Raltus is hiding behind. Meanwhile, seeing the rebels distracted the PDF send a hail of lasbolts at the rebels, impacting the autogun-wielding rebel attacking them several times and leaving him staggering backwards clutching a horrible burn wound on his head.

[profitofrage]

Raltus had managed to duck behind cover as the hail of gunshots tore up the side of his cover. Indeed the thrill of battle was exhilerating far beyond what he had hoped. The satisfaction of his target falling to the ground limp, the panicked yelps of the enemy as they turned to face them. Raltus could get used to this.
"Haha! You will need to do better then that to best me!" He shouted back to the rebels, standing up again to take an aimed shot at the rebel left standing with an autogun.

[roll0] target 58 (+20 for aimed with accurate weapon)
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

OH YEA!. Ok...so I hit ounce and got rightous fury sweet...Im going to assume the other two max's I rolled arnt gonna count :P

[Caimheul]

Steady breathing, while muttering the litany of accuracy, line up the shot, and squeeze the trigger. Zarkov recalls his time at the Schola's gun ranges, hoping to hit his target this time.

Half action aim and single shot at the rebel with the autogun (or if he falls to Raltus's shot next nearest rebel)
[roll0] vs 46
[roll1]

[Hawkwings]

Jerhyk let out a whoop as his target went down, the powerful shots punching through their body armor. He looked around his rock and spotted that at least one other had fallen as well. Jerhyk spotted the autogunner, determined that he was the biggest threat at the moment, then lined up a shot and fired at the rebel.

half aim + single shot against the autogunner attacking us. +10, for a target of 39.

damage:
[roll]1d10+4

[DaedalusMkV]

Raltus's Carnodon round goes slightly off target, smashing into the Autogunner's knee with a resounding crack, resulting in a scream of pain from the rebel trooper, who is swiftly finished off by a headshot from Jerhyk's Autogun which blows half of his skull away in a shower of gore. Unfortunately, Nihilius' efforts to placate his weapon's Machine Spirit go unheeded as the recalcitrant hellgun stubbornly persists in its malfunctions, and Zarkhov's own shot goes wide again. Seeing their comrades eliminated, the two remaining rebels have utterly different reactions. The one on the left immediately drops his weapon and puts his hands on the back of his head, a panicked expression on his face at this unexpected turn of events, while the other Lasgunner lets out a cry of anger and lets off a volley of lasbolts at Jerhyk which impact against the rocks he's crouched behind and leaving small smoking pits behind, then notices his allies are all out of the fight and drops his own weapon, a look of horror on his face, then shouts, "No, don't shoot! We surrender!"

[Emperor Ing]

The tech priest wonders as to what could drive the sacred machine spirit of the hellgun to such rebellion.
...oh. Of course. It's so obvious.
Servitors don't surrender either. Hold your fire.
He attempts to call out to the machine spirit, blessing it with words bestowed upon the Mechanicus priesthood by the Omnissiah. In addition to the standard Petition of Unjamming, he attempts to communicate to the machine spirit that it will not be used to harm the rebels.

Another gun blessing.
Target 49
[roll0]

[Caimheul]

"And interrogating dead men is a difficult prospect... Should we stick around and make ourselves known to the PDF survivors or grab a prisoner and run?"