Khan Worlds IC

[Elurindel]

A team of heretics of moderate renown has stumbled upon the Khan Worlds in the ship run by Corvos, the God of Heresy. It is a system of five worlds, each dedicated to each of their own functions, united under the banner of a mysterious leader known only as The Great Khan. This is all your old cartography maps tell you thus far. Upon the bridge of the God of Heresy, you will have to use your wits, your sensors and any other tools at your disposal to find out more.

[Retrokinesis]

Corvos slouches in his massive command throne on the God of Heresy's bridge, staring out at the void. He stands, his golden power armor failing to be muffled by the carpeted floor, and walks over to the augury officer. "Status report! Give me a sweep of this sector, starting with the nearest planet. Look for other ships and space stations. Also, keep an eye out for any prime piracy targets. Transports and the like".

A new area of the Vortex meant new worlds to plunder and new pleasures to explore. Time to see what Slaanesh has planned for them...

[Seanfall]

Bacchus rose slowly from his drug and wine induced slumber. He was alone in his chambers, his bed sheets hewn from rare and valuable fabrics. Around him on the walls were dozens of portraits displaying Decadent and depraved acts. Graven images indeed, next to his bed sat a blasphemous statue of a Daemonette it's sinuous body displayed fully to the world. His chambers were larger than others to suit his increased size and wealth.

He stood his enhanced physiology quickly wiping away the residual effects of his chosen intoxicants. Servitors entered from outside and aided him in donning his armor. A twisted looking thing modified to suit the many cacophonous sounds a Noise Marine can bring to bear. He began to chuckle as he overlaid his gauntlet around his injection port. Carefully he stored a large supply of battle stims and drugs around his waist. His pistol was strapped to his leg, bolter stored beneath his power pack, knife sheathed against his left boot. He left his sonic blaster behind instead hooking up the Blastmaster and hanging his various grenades around him.

Shortly Bacchus exited his chambers, helmet stowed under his arm as he marched down the ship towards the bridge. Once there he sauntered onto it, "Seems I awoke at an opportune moment. Just as well I was getting lonely." He cast his gaze onto the bridge staff many of whom shuddered as he did. "So what did we happen upon we jolly band of travelers?" Bacchus chuckled at his joke as he approached the captain, around his neck on a chain long enough for it rest on his chest he bore an Unholy Icon the Star of Chaos laid underneath the Symbol of Slaanesh.

[cybric]

archrik

Archrik gazed into the brazer of fire he had in his chamber the flames dancing back and forth forming patterns that informed and amused the sorcerer. His chambers were large by naval terms. His room was typically dark but for the fire pit that constantly burned there. Relics and esoteric trophies lined his chambers. A skull from champions of every legion formed a pattern in the room. Sacred an alchemical patterns of focus and protection. He had also used his telkinetic powers to carve runes and formulaic lye lines into the chambers floor, walls, and ceiling.

He could not say how long he had sat staring into the flames reciting formulae and rituals long forgotten or simply hidden by the majority of galaxy. He was running along futures and scanning probability when he felt the tell take lunge and sink than let him know that they had exited the immaterium. He had see this play out in the flames many times but the future was ever shifting.

Archrik knew better than most that they were pieces in fates game but strong pieces get protected and so Archrik had sought power.

"ready my armor. Knowing my companions they will be quick and impatient to start their usual ruckus." Archrik said to the servitor in the room. His armor was blue with blazing suns and leering skulls. Intricate patterns that hurt the eye to look at for too long were wound into its construction. The servitors attached his bolter to his forearm and Over the years he had acquired many powerful artifacts and had then incorporated into his armor. "The eye of Phobos" a powerful talisman dedicated to tzeentch was worked into his armors chest like a great eye in the middle of sun. The next was a beguiling gem which enraptured his foes that he had taken from a fallen raptor champion. As a reminder of his time amongst the raptors his armor legs featured bladed talons that could rip into a man.

His armor had been modified to allow for a mutated tail which his god ha gifted to him as he exposed himself to more and more of the warp. The tail was long and dexterous and he could wield it like another arm. Archrik had a power claw of great. Craftsmanship attached and he cared a staff of warped wood and steel with him. The final piece of his gear. His force sword "witch king" which had slain champion after champion and seen him through the great crusade and the long war.

As Acrhrik made his way to the bridge and arrives slightly after Bacchus.

"And what do we have here?"

[Elurindel]

Boris receives word from a messenger that they had broken Warp and were ready to begin seeing what new opportunities for blood and glory in Baphtar's name these worlds had. He brushed the crumbs of yet another sandwich from the furs he wore when he was about his quarters: A spartan chamber save for the skulls of choice foes, and trays laden with hearty, fattening food and watered-down booze. Broken weapons line the walls and scattered about are various bits of sheet music that Clancy is working on. In the corner Chomper, his pet Xurunsh sits munching on the remains of the last person who tried to clean the quarters.
"Clancy! Help me into my armour!" Boris bellows.
"At once, O bold, valorous and downright handsome Boris!" Clancy stops in the strumming of his lute and helps the barbarian hero into his baroque power armour, light by human standards, but touched with powerful runes to keep it burning true forever, along with runes of destruction to burn lesser weapons that dared to strike him, augmented by a trophy rack and the mark of Baphtar himself and finished with laud hailers to enhance his mighty battle cry. He leaves his helmet off, since it catches in his beard and would leave him free to look into his foes eyes before he killed them. Hefting his trusty axe, Trusty, he stomped his way confidently into the bridge.
"So, companions, what worlds will next give us a good time?" he asks jovially, the walls ringing to the sound of his enhanced voice.

The ratings bring forth a report from the augers and communications with local data sources. These five worlds are each different, much like Imperial worlds. One is home to many competing forge masters, another home to billions that live in tall spires that help fuel forays into conquering other worlds. Another yet is a barren wasteland inhabited by Orks with which the humans have a tentative non-aggression alliance. Another still is a home to the vast amounts of food grown by the people of these worlds, the lands kept fertile by the bloodsports that rage on all the worlds. The final world is entirely oceanic, and populated by the wrecks of voidships and mighty krakens. Each of these bears a moniker dedicated to the local ruler, the Great Khan. Khan's Anvil, Khan's Nest, Khan's Scars, Khan's Bowl and Khan's Net, respectively.
The local culture seems to be one of fierce overt loyalty to the Great Khan, with one of covert competition for his favour. The law is simple in general terms, and that the Great Khan values business and power in those loyal to him. Those that would fight and gain the protection of law and work in his lands must compete in the local blood sports, the Anger Games, to gain license to operate as a Wave-Man within his systems, lest they risk being preyed upon by other Wave-Men.
To compete, one either must register, or commit a crime. Though criminals have less freedom in choosing the manner of their probable deaths and what equipment they might bring in with them.
As far as voidship strength goes, the Khan has contracts with Covenant X, along with a dilapidated Emperor-class vessel that maintains geosynchronous orbit with the Khan's Nest.

[cybric]

archrik

"This khan has set himself up quite the little empire here It would seem all must pay homage or die. Very greedy"

Acrhrik had traveled long and far and raked his memory to remember if he had ever head of the great khan.



Knowledge test (screaming vortex)
[roll0] vs 50
plus one degree of success {infused knowledge}

Knowledge test (psychology)
[roll1] vs 40
plus one degree of success {infused knowledge}
-see if I can infer some personality traits or gain insight into his mind by wha we've observed

[Elurindel]

From what you know, the Great Khan is a prominent figure in this sytem, and is slowly extending his reach to other worlds. He is harsh in his dealings with those that would depose him, but a fair businessman. He does not deal with Nurglites at all, thinking them decidedly bad for business. Nobody except the three Princes that pass down his edicts know the Great Khan's identity, and none of them have ever said anything about it. He has been seen out in public in a suit of terminator armour designed for Legionnaires, but when he removes his helmet all is seen is a holographic blur. Either you believe he has Dis-associative Identity Disorder or perhaps he, like the Emperor, knows the value of being known as a title instead of a name.

[cybric]

Archrik passes on his knowledge of the great khan, flavoring the descriptions with seasons of his options on the khans state of mind, to those on the bridge. The khan was a business man...it was most likely wise to make themselves good for business

[Seanfall]

Bacchus

"Seems we have a baby empire growing here. Great khan...One of the Primarchs used to go by a similar name." Bacchus stroked his hairless chin. "Hmm...Perhaps he chose that name and his armaments to effect such a correlation." Bacchus turned to Achrik. "From what you said it casts doubt on if the Khan is even real or not. Mayhaps he is just myth created to give power and fear to others."

[Elurindel]

Boris nods sagely. "Boris can well appreciate the power that legends have. And he has much that would say that he is a force to be reckoned with beyond our might." he shrugs. "No matter. If he has business that would let us profit by it and find some glory in the process than Boris has no objection. The question is, where to go?"

[Retrokinesis]

"I will bend and scrape to no man, however many mindless slaves he has. All of his power is nothing before the endless wonder of Slaanesh". He strides towards the augur readout and traces a finger over it. "Hmm... perhaps if we approached him as emissaries of the Dark Gods? After demonstrating we have their favor, of course".

His finger settles on one of the planets. "I see two options to prove our legendary might. One, we crush these orks. Two, we raid this aquatic planet for slain krakens and salvaged voidships. Thoughts?"

[cybric]

Archrik considers Corvos proposal.

"Why crush when we can subjugate? If we were to point the ork horde towards a enemy of the khan we could preset him with not only another world but a army of war hungry cannon fodder to protect his troops with.

[Retrokinesis]

"A worthy possibility. But much would depend upon their Warboss. If he is unusually intelligent for an ork I can bend him to my will with little effort. But if he is like most orks - brainless and short-sighted - then it is unlikely he would even consider any proposal we offer, no matter how advantageous".

The pirate turns away from the screen, a crystal glass of the finest amasec in-hand. "Furthermore, it is likely they would destroy any world we pointed them at, not conquer it. You cannot subjugate a dead planet any more than you can explain logistics to an ork".

[cybric]

Archrik

With the curl of a smile on his lips Archrik responds "you did say legendary might did you not? It is not hard to point a cannon from space or sway a foe who is already prone to corruption. Any fool can do that...meaning no offense of course. It is much harder and note worth to turn a hard foe. In any case attacking the orks would most likely cause a war that would spill onto the khans worlds. A business man such as the khan might not like us forcing him into a costly and unprofitable war. I also don't think a ego centric warlord such as the khan would appreciate us poaching kraken in his backyard with out his permission. "

[Retrokinesis]

"Trust me, I know egomaniacal warlords. I am one, after all. Still, if your information is correct, we need only hope his business sense outweighs his ego. Let's see, orks... "

He turns to one of the many hololithic displays on the bridge and calls-up everything the auspex revealed about the "Khan's Scars" and its inhabitants. "Hmm. I would suggest we offer this proposal: battle and plunder in exchange for attacking a target of our choice. If the Warboss refuses, we kill him and offer his successor the same proposal. Repeat as long as is necessary or until they're all dead. We just need to find the perfect world to turn them on, now".

A wave of his hand and the Master of Auguries begins scanning the nearby void for something that might fit. Corvos raises his glass towrds the Thousand Sons Astartes, "Unless you had a different suggestion, sorcerer?"

[cybric]

archrik

Archrik smirks as Corvos lifts his glass to him and he returns it with a theatrical bow. "As always captain you always know just how to make me happy..." Archrik pauses for a moment. The captain was always a slippery serpent and sometime Archrik never knew where his ego would take them as he had control of the ship and the mortal officers were enthrall to him. He chooses his next words and shifts around the room from display to display

"however these princes of the khan and his wave-men have me concerned. Do you not think they might attack us while we make our way in system seeing as mere prey to fall upon? "

[Retrokinesis]

"That's possible, if they can find us. The Empyrean Mantle and other devices make this ship very difficult to detect. Do you know how well-armed these Wave-Men are?" Corvos smiles; he has an idea.

"Because, if we can bait one of them into attacking us and then seize his ship, we get both another vessel to serve us and the captain's head to present to the Great Khan. He doesn't want weaklings serving him, right? So I'll doubt he'll be angry".

[cybric]

Archrik

The captain was slippery indeed. Planning the over throw of ork war las on moment and next thing Archrik knew he was planning to take over the khans fleet ship by ship.

It has been sometime since I have heard anything of the khan in my travels




Knowledge test (khans probable forces and voids ships)
[roll0] vs 50
plus one degree of success {infused knowledge}

I could also attempt a inquiry test by listening to system chatter I think it takes at min a hour though so once we're done talking I can roll

[Seanfall]

"I feel your forgetting something rather obvious, in regards to the Orks. One, they might attack us the moment we get close conversation after all is not one of the great Ork pursuits. Two what are we going to pay them with? They only thing the Orks would want is weapons and arms it's rather foolish to give them such things as that would only make them stronger should they turn on us, seducing them is a waste of time as they are sexless and as far as I know all but immune to the warps influence." Bacchus stroked his chin again. "What about this contest the Anger Games? Seems right up your alley doesn't it Boris? Not that we all aren't talented in the arts of killing...one of my favorite pastimes." Bacchus looks back to the data. "And as for Karkens, while I my armor will allow me to breath underwater, for a time. Sound does not carry well underwater. Were you thinking of using the ships Xenos weapons perhaps?"

[cybric]

Archrik nodded as the noise marine spoke. It never Ceases to amaze him when Bacchus was the voice of reason. "Bacchus does bring attention to the most direct route to power and security. Participation in the anger games gives us access to current system information as well as other resources that we may need aboard ship as well as personally. I can see little reason for them to turn us away"

[Seanfall]

"Plus we get to kill and ravage to our hearts content without some damned would be hero attempting to stop us...though I will miss the look on their faces when you rip their arms off. Ahhh such delightful screams and cries...." Bacchus looks far off his eyes glazing over for a moment. Before blinking and coming back to reality "What were we...ah yes the Anger games."

[Elurindel]

Knowledge: From what your auger arrays can tell, the system has about a dozen ships of escort or smaller size, in addition to the damaged Emperor-Class Battleship, there is a Ramilies-Class Star Fort orbitting the Anvil, and a Wayfarer station in an asteroid belt out towards the Net.

Boris listens for a while to the conversation, then decides to weigh in.
"Boris has no qualms with authority, as long as it does not happen to him. Many a lord has paid to kill one man, but gotten angry when two are killed. This Great Khan will likely become angry if we simply waltz in like we own the place and kill as we desire. However, from what you have told Boris, these Wave-Men are respected among these people, with freedom to travel unmolested by the masses. Maybe we should investigate them."

[cybric]

Wonderful. The others were making Archriks point for him just as planned.

"Our fellow companions bring up several good points captain. And it appears the orks are not going anywhere soon so they will be waiting for you to subjugate them later at your leisure. However investigating the wave-men does seem prudent. And if we do not like what we find them we can slash and cut to our hearts content."

Archrik was a true servant to no one save the master of fate Tzeentch and his primarch Magus the red. He had commanded legions of cultists, infiltrators, and companies of the fallen as his time as a warlord but he had no need to be in command at all times. As long as the end result remained the same the journey was inconsequential.

[Retrokinesis]

"Subjugating mindless animals is a waste of time without something to gain from it. Don't think I suggest dominating the orks just for the fun of it. Now what do we have here... "

He traces the readout with a gauntleted finger. "Well, that's intriguing. They have an Imperial battleship. And a star fort. By Slaanesh, how did the Great Khan get a star fort out here? I doubt the Imperial Navy just left it lying around. Just imagine what we could do if we procured it for ourselves".

They had a point about these Games being a good place to start or, at least, gather information. Still... the sorcerer isn't half as subtle as he thinks he is. "Really, Archrik? You're trying to play to my ego? I may be an arrogant son of a bitch but I'm not stupid. You needn't bother with the niceties. Say what you're thinking. Although I'm quite curious as to what these Anger Games will throw at us that they think can challenge four Champions of Chaos... "

[cybric]

"meh meh meh meh you must allow on old warrior his games captain. The time between battles can be exceedingly boring. All signs point to the wave-men and the anger games as the best way to gain access to what we need in system. We lack the military forces, political influence, and man power to attempt any kind of take over of any kind of planet or force that the khan currently has. Your ambitious I'll give you that but you over step your reach"

[Seanfall]

"People love celebrities and heroes. Easy paths to use to control and alter public opinion. The weak and meek always flock to the strong." Bacchus seems to be speaking to himself, "Hmm... how often do they hold these games? If we might be able to view such an event I'm sure there is much we can learn." Bacchus walked a little further down the bridge. "And let us be quick about it, there are people down there begging for the touch of Slaanesh." Bacchus turns to the others a wicked smirk on his face. "And I am loathe to keep them waiting." he said his voice growing deeper as he did so.

[Retrokinesis]

"Well, then. I say we give the people what they want. Worm our way into the Great Khan's court, chip away at his power and, when the time is right, take the whole thing away from him".

He raises his glass to his fellow Slaanesh-worshipper and drains the remainder of the amasec in a single gulp. "Sound like a plan to you gentlemen?"

[cybric]

archrik

Archrik shifts in his armor. His excitement shown by his tail slithering back and forth and the golden runes on his armor glowing slightly brighter.

"agreed, the khan will fall and his empire will ours to do with as we please"

[Elurindel]

"Such a thing will not be easy, no matter how simple you make it sound. Nonetheless, it is certainly worth trying." Boris agrees. "Besides, if I don't find a worthy opponent soon I will become exceedingly bored."

[cybric]

archrik

"Indeed Borris. This could only be an opportunity for your legend to grow and for your skald to add verses to your tale." Archrik adds. Archrik felt for the violent man that travelled with them. While Archrik hunted for arcane items in his quest to avenge his legion he was also a killer and a slayer or would be champions and his claws ached to fight as the once had

[Elurindel]

Boris nods in acknowledgement. "Well, with the decision to join in battle for publicity and profit, we should find out how one competes in the Games. Hopefully it involves getting off this ship. No offence to you Corvos, this vessel is fine, but Boris can only curl up in a comfy chair with fifty sandwiches and no books for so long! And Chomper needs to stretch his wings!"

[cybric]

Archrik could taste the brassy pent up violence in Borris. He projected in into the warp by his very existence. It spread like razored claws radiating towards the future. It was different from the slithering lingers of Bacchus and Corvos. Archrik let out a slow breath as he centered himself on the present remember the teaching of his now long dead order.

"yes off the ship would be the next step. I tire of slating practice servitors in the training pits."



Knowledge test (screaming vortex)
[roll0] vs 50
plus one degree of success {infused knowledge}

To see if I have heard where people register for the anger games.



Archrik had learned a great many things in his travels but the location that participants register for the hunger games had not been spoken of.

"I would guess that the registration mostly takes place on the world full of the khans subjects in their spires but I can not confirm that"

[Seanfall]

"Does it matter? We have a ship if we land on the wrong world we can just fly off to another." Bacchus shrugs. "For all we know it takes place in that station, or on board a derelict battle barge."

"Just pick a world that looks good, and lets be off. Fortune favors the bold as some nitwit on terra once said. I like to think I peeled his skin off."

[Elurindel]

The crew of the God of heresy begins communicating with nearby worlds, and are directed to register either at the Anvil or Nest registration centres, whichever is their preference.

[cybric]

"I say we go to the nest. We don't know what we'll be fighting and we might be able to squeeze some of the citizens for more information."

[cybric]

Archrik

Having voiced his opinion Archrik modifies it "however either choice is just as good as the other. Nothing shall stand in our way.


Flip for it? People don't seem to have much preference on way or another

1-10 (nest)
11-20 (forge)

[roll0]


Suddenly Acrhrik feels a sense of longing emanating from the holo display of Khans Forge. He feels drawn to it as if there was something there calling to him. Whispers and power lied there.
"...the forge...there's something about Khans Forge. It calls out...our future starts at the forge, we should go to the forge"

[Seanfall]

"Good enough starting point as any. Captain if you'd do the honors?" Bacchus bowed arms pointing out towards the nearby worlds. "We have some conquering to do."

[Retrokinesis]

Corvos sinks into his command throne and slouches as evil overlords are want to do. "I don't know whether Tzeentch is sending you signals or you made that up completely. Don't much care either. Time to show these unenlightened fools the glory of She-Who-Thirsts!"

Setting a course for the Khan's Forge, the ship's engines slowly hum to life. Time for the conquest to begin.

[cybric]

Archrik

Archrik did not understand anymore than Corvos did why the forge pulled him to it. He had gazed into the future but nothing had hit home with as much certainty as this. His predictions had always been hazed by his natural fury clouding his visions by a lens of blades. His description of this to his instructors led him to be called "the oracle of blades". This however did not feel like a vision. There was to much need and hunger behind it to for it to be that.

"Once long ago before the fall of my legion I was a member of the Corvidae cult on Prospero our homeworld. We were seers gazing into the future to guide our brothers but that was lifetimes ago and have never felt this before. I've been touched by Tzeentch more that once in the long war but my lord has never chosen to whisper to me in this way. Something hungers there on the forge Corvos. It needs something...this does not have the taste of my master but we are on our way and I have no doubt that we will find out soon enough"

[Elurindel]

The journey to the Anvil is largely one of hand-shaking with the local authorities: licensed members of Covenant X mostly. Once you are given permission to land you are greeted by an eclectic sight: Pyramids of beautiful glass reflecting warp nebulae from the sky shine beauteous light upon ugly, blocky smoking manufactories. The people here walk with more a self-confident stride than the broken cow-servants of the Imperium. Here the mutations are worn as a badge of honour from the Dark Gods. Mechanical horses pull hovering carriages decorated with coats of arms along with servo-skulls or striped butterflies among other more lavish decorations.

From what you know of the general political lay of the land, there are three Magi that run the Anvil under allegiance to the Great Khan: Magos Silvanus, who specialises in daemon tech and embraces all things mechanical; Magos Heldenhaft, who swears allegiance to Silvanus and in return controls most of the ground operations here while Silvanus concentrates on running his mighty Star Fort. Finally there is Magos Caxton, who focuses more on augmenting flesh than worshiping the machine. However he has no allegiance to Silvanus or Heldenhaft and as a result he is something of an underdog and is not above recruiting outside help to keep himself in the running.

[Seanfall]

Bacchus

"Quite the Spectacle isn't it?" Bacchus moves over to a pict viewer to get a better look at the city as they land. "Three Magi? The landscape certainly reflects that, Need I mention that if we needed an 'IN' this underdog of a Magi would be the best route?" Bacchus watches a little longer until the ship finally lands in it's berth. Then heads for the exit, eager to explore the city.



What's the third Magi's name? You wrote Heldenhaft twice. I've done that before.

[Elurindel]

Changed the name for the third one. Sorry, mind's been a bit scrambled today.

[cybric]

archrik

As they descended down to the city Archrik allowed his warp sene to wander outside of the lander a brush the different areas they over passed searching, sniffing out what could have called him so strongly and disappeared so quickly.

Bringing his senses back to the lander Archrik agrees with Bacchus. "Indeed, it does seem this Caxton is the hungriest of the Magi on the Anvil. Having our services might tip the scales just enough for him to see our obvious value. I heard from one of our covenant x contacts that Caxton has a specialty in augmenting flesh it will interesting to see what he can make with such "talent"



Test
To find local contacts/ information brokers for information through our covenant x contacts or other methods. Once we land I assume on a forge world equivalent there should be enough.

[roll0] vs 60

[Elurindel]

Success. You'll get a little information since you're not well-known here yet. What do you want to know?

[Seanfall]

Bacchus

"Perhaps he might outfit us with the Black Blood?" Bacchus smirked as they walked out onto the lander. Gazing around at the the pollution smoked city. He breathed deeply, "Ah the smell of corruption. It brings a tear to my eye." Bacchus mimed wiping something out from under his eye. Then he stepped out further as Archik began inquiring around, he closed his eyes and focused his awareness on the sounds around them his superior sense of sound was even better than that of his fellow Chaos Marines heightened as it was by his service to Slaanesh. He was 'tasting' the sounds around him, listening for groans of pain cries of anguish, or lustful moans of pleasure, pleased sighs of satisfaction.


Awareness roll. +30 for hearing
[roll0] vs 75 (45 +30)

My first one!

[Elurindel]

Listening close, Bacchus drinks in the general mood of the city. Wafts of spiced narcotic incense mix in with the smell of smoke, grease, fear, desperation, blood, honest sweat, metal and a myriad more. The thrum of competitive machinery and those that run it is an all-pervasive hum like the plasma drives on a ship. You catch a brief glimpse of a butterfly with bright yellow and black stripes, and take a moment to appreciate its full glory in that it's not a natural animal at all, but entirely man-made. Looking around at some of the hover-carriages around you, you notice that some of them bear the same livery as the butterfly.
The tiny construct begins to follow you as you wander. Finally, you see that amongst the myriad signs and designs splashed onto walls and floors, there are signs that point to Anger Games registration stores.

[Seanfall]

Bacchus

He sighed satisfied he had drunk in as much as he could, and it was not without it's benefits having found a few stores that seemed to be registration centers for the Anger games. Bacchus put his helmet on and locked it in place, activating it's vox link he contacted his compatriots, that is all of them who possessed a vox as he did. "The gifts and blessings of Slaanesh have once again proven their value. I've found a few stores that will allow us to register for the Anger Games. Hmm...and I've noticed something odd as well. Have you seen any butterflies? I have, expect their not real their man made, and their wings share a pattern that with a lot of hover-carriages. I suppose that means their all of the same make...but why bother making such intricate little mechanical Butterflies?"

[cybric]

Archrik

Archrik had spent time openning up relations with local information brokers and instructed many of his followers to continue making contact and find the shape of the information market on the Anvil. Knowledge was power and here he was certain someone would sell it for the right price.

Archrik took a deep breath and inhaled the psychic landscape around him. It looked and felt much like he would expect within the vortex and with a thought he brushed his senses to the rear of his attention. Bacchus vox the group noticing the butterflies that fluttered around and the markings they bore. He all brought up a good point what were they for if they were man made?

Archrik ponders the possibilities before responding to Bacchus

"Hmm..."


Use glimpse power: if successful add 15 to test below
[roll0] vs 100

Scholastic lore test (Heraldry): attempt to identify the markings on butterflies and carriages

[roll1] vs 30

Common lore test (tech): attempt to determine butterfly function/ purpose

[roll2] vs 40

Common lore test (adeptus mechanicus): possible origins or parallel technologies? Figured why not.

[roll3] vs 40

Plus one dos if successful for infused knowledge



"I have seen this butterflies as well. They're definitely artificial but they are of a make and configuration I haven't seen before. However I would say that they're most likely a form of surveillance or tracking but I can't speak with certainty. However I feel that I've seen the mark on their wings and the carriages before.

[Elurindel]

The yellow and black striped heraldry looks to be that of Magos Caxton. You've heard nothing of the purpose of such designs, however.

[cybric]

Archrik

Acrhrik passes on all the information that he knows

[Seanfall]

Bacchus

"Well at least we know what to look for to lead us to the Magi. Odd that such an important crafter would waste resources on such frivolous craft. Hmmm, still such artist is welcome among all who worship Slaanesh." Bacchus rubs his helmeted chin. "Yes...this will be an interesting meeting. Indeed." Bacchus looked through the crowd and decided rather than just guess it would be best to ask. As such he simply walked up to the nearest citizen and with his helmet still on and standing above the human, though no doubt mutant, spoke in a clear and honeyed voice. "Pardon me, I'm trying to get into contact with Magi Caxton Might you be able to point me in his direction?"


Hmm...what skill would this be? Well either way I'll roll a Fellowship, I have Intimidate and interrogation. I don't think this falls under either but here's a roll.

[roll0] vs 40 (I think this counts as charm which I'm untrained in, but my unholy Icon gives me a +20 to charm tests with other heretics so it evens out. *note to self take charm* )

[Elurindel]

Bacchus is given directions to one of the smaller arcologies in the Pleasure District, which is home to Caxton's manufactories and chem labs.
"Are you looking for a sponsor, sir?" the man dressed in bounty hunter's leathers and carapace asks, a movement that shows of transparent, shark-like teeth.

[Seanfall]

Bacchus

"Perhaps." Bacchus activates his Vox again and contacts Archirk relaying the information to him. "The Chem labs, those should have some fun things." With that he nods to the Bounty Hunter and heads off.

[cybric]

Archrik

Bacchus never met a chem lab he didn't like Archrik suspected. "Careful as we tread cousin. We are not protected here. . Turning back to the bounty hunter Archrik inquires more about what requesting a sponsor entails

[Elurindel]

Your travels take you to one of the smaller arcologies, bearing the cogwheel design in yellow and black-striped hazard design. More of the butterflies can be seen lazily pinwheeling and fluttering between the trees that sway of their own accord within the confines of the Arcology's protective wall. Outside the gates are two men in very formal navy blue and white flak uniforms carrying well-maintained lasguns. The only heraldry they bear is a solid black shield on their left arms. Beside each of them are a pair of power-armoured figures that move to follow the gaze of their unarmoured counterparts. Each has a bigger lasgun rigged into the power packs of their armour and there's an off feeling about them.

"What is your business here?" one of the flak-armoured men asks as you approach. The suited figured turn their eyes over each of you in turn, possibly assessing the largest threat.

[Seanfall]

Bacchus

"Oddly forceful for mortals aren't they Sorcerer?" He asked leaning towards his companion. "Find it odd that the power armored ones are silent? I would bet that they're not Legionaries...perhaps simply constructs using the armor?" It was a theory and he could be wrong of course. He looked closer at the power armored figures to try to determine exactly what was off about them.


Scrutiny untrained
[roll0] vs 22

[Elurindel]

Your surmise is possibly correct. The sets of power armour, judging from your Legionary knowledge bear markings of standard Legionary marks, with some flourishes that are most commonly seen after daemonic influence or possession.

"We are Khan's Guard. We are the arm of the Great Khan, and it is his law that all establishments of his greatest vassals receive His protection. So, I ask you again, Sirs, what is your business here?"

[Seanfall]

Bacchus

Bacchus chuckled under his breath as his inspection shed a little light on the power armored figures. "We were hoping to speak to Magi Caxton, concerning sponsorship in the Anger games."

[cybric]

Archrik

Archrik chuckled behind his helm which gave off a cracking growl with each chuckle at Bacchus' jest. Reaching out with his mind Archrik speaks directly into the mind of the guards. "My friend here is correct he seek sponsorship and he isn't known for his patience.

[Elurindel]

One of the Guard raises an ear to his comm-bead, and after a minute of muted conversation, the gates open. The Guards don't move from their positions, but simply nod you through. The area beyond is a surprisingly well-trimmed grove of trees bearing local fruit. The butterflies turn to look at you as you make your way along the rockrete-slab path. Inside you are greeted by Caxton's guards meet you inside, their armour bearing the black and yellow stripes of the butterflies. They lead you to an extension on the pyramid arcology, a large, metal and armaglas tunnel.
Inside are servitors bearing sweetmeats and couches of size enough to accommodate even the largest of you.

[Retrokinesis]

Corvos takes a seat on the nearest couch but is careful not the touch the food. No telling what additions the Magos has made to it and he needed his full faculties to negotiate effectively.

"Something tells me those butterflies aren't just decorative. I'd be willing to wager they're surveillance devices of some kind, which would give the Magos eyes everywhere. Including in this room. Choose your words carefully".

He steeples his fingers and looks around, careful not to mention anything he didn't plan on telling Caxton anyway. "So. We're agreed Caxton is the best option. He needs a way to tip the balance of power and we can provide it. How do you want to play this?"

[Seanfall]

Bacchus

Bacchus plops down on the couch, removes his helm and with slow deliberate actions takes a long slice of the sweet meats and lowers it's steaming body into his mouth chewing slowly as he devoured his small meal. Let them poison him he does it to himself on a regular basis, besides maybe he spiked with something special. "I have found." Bacchus spoke as he wiped the grease and meaty juices from his mouth. "That the Tech-Priests not already Ordained to Slaanesh are slow to switch allegiance. This one however has a love of body modification and implants. He might be more pliable then other's I have met." Bacchus held up his hand allowing a butterfly to land on it for a moment.

"I hope he's agreeable, he does make such interesting things." Bacchus let the mechanical insect fly off while he ate another strip of meat in the same gross manner as before. "I doubt he'll back us without an 'audition'. We'll most likely be asked to prove our strength and skill before he offers his patronage."

[Elurindel]

A servitor carrying a set of holographic plates lays them down on the floor in front of you, and you are greeted by a life-size projection of a tall, bulky figure in the same striped robes as his logo.

"Greetings. I am Magos Caxton. You will pardon the lack of physical presence. Not every participant in the Anger Games warrants my being there in person when I have forges to run. That said, what is your purpose in participating? Seeking Wavemanship? Or just in it for the glory?"

[Seanfall]

Bacchus

"Glory is good, Pleasure and sensation is better. The Anger games hold great warriors. I hunger to see and feel what inventive methods of death and pain gather there." Bacchus leaned in looking the hologram over. Bacchus runs his hand through the hologram temporarily disrupting it. "But I believe my comrades can articulate our purpose better."

[Elurindel]

"Very good. I could use successful sponsors to boost my reputation. You are welcome to bring men of your own, or if you wish I could provide you with mercenaries. I could provide my own soldiers, or there are Kroot always in need of fresh meat. That, or I could pull some strings and have some Orks join you. The choice is yours."

[cybric]

Archriks interest was peeked. This magos seemed cut from a different kind of Cloth than others Archrik had come across. "glory is its own currency but knowledge is better. I seek a mutagen to activate the psyker gene in a population. Your facility here seems well equipped. Perhaps after we stock your reputation in the games an arrangement could be made to allow me access to your research resources.

On the subject of the games...orcs would cause a particular kind of mayhem. It has pluses and minuses

[Elurindel]

"A mutagen to induce psykers? That's an angel I've not explored much. But definitely worth pursuing, I think. And you are partly right. Glory is definitely its own currency within the Vortex. I'll let you come to your own decision regarding your reinforcements. But you must be sure when it comes to fighting, that you let people know that you represent me. You'll be required to wear a visible logo of mine on you. The stripes, for instance."

[Seanfall]

Bacchus

"I am simply interested in exploring all the experiences, pleasures and Pain that I can." Bacchus leans in a bit, "I agree that Orks would create mayhem. But perhaps a more refined approach the Kroot, if memory serves me right are excellent stalkers and hunters. Where do these games take place? In the wild or in an arena?"



Sorry for the late reply I was waiting to see if Retro replied again.

[Elurindel]

The hologram hesitates for a moment. "You mean you've not yet registered? Perhaps it is best to do that first. There you will decide upon the fate that awaits you, as long as you've committed no crime."

[cybric]

Archrik

Although I'm surprised to say that we haven't broken any laws of the Khan that we are aware of and traveling with these three it is a bit of a miracle. I assume that we can find a registration center nearby? With the four of us you can count a good showing in the games. Archrik turns to his comrades and nods "I am also of the opinion that kroots make much more disciplined soldiers than orks and would much rather have have them accompany us. Beside with our burly compatriot here why would we need orks".

[Seanfall]

Bacchus

"Kroot it is then. We apologize for not being fully prepared, but we could not wait to make your acquaintance. As my sorcerer compatriot says no we have not broken any of the KHAN'S laws. Haven't had reason to." Bacchus smirks, and it looks completely normal not at all odd. Just another lie another deception.

[cybric]

Archrik

Bacchus smiling? In Archrik's experience that usually meant that he was up to something but he was sure that he would find out sooner rather than later if his fellow legionnaire had gotten up to something nefarious. Archrik turns to the two mortals he had traveled with. For nonastartes they were remarkably capable and Corvos always had a hunger to rival any Emperors Child that Archrik had met. The ambition was palpable.

The two of you have been unusually quiet does all this sit well with you? Magos once we've registered we shall return and see where this venture takes us

[Retrokinesis]

Corvos throws his arms up and gives an exaggerated shrug. "Fine with me. Kroot are so much more... manageable than orks. They're loyal as long as you pay them and we have that much in common".

Truth be told, he didn't trust the Magos in the least. He was either desperate or stupid if he was willing to let strangers represent him. Either one meant he was easily-exploitable, though...

[Elurindel]

"Excellent. Once you are registered, you can get in contact with me, using this..." he makes a gesture and a blurt of binary, and even though he is just a holo-projection, one of the butterflies obeys his command and flutters about you, darting in between you. "Speak to it, and it carry your message to me as though I were there with you. Now, unless there is nothing else, I bid you good day. If you wish, you may purchase augmentations from my flesh-tailors that will give you an edge in the upcoming fight." the hololith flickers out, and the servitor that brought it steps in to remove it.

[Seanfall]

Bacchus

"Flesh Tailors now that is exciting. I have the augmentations I need for my...hobbies. I have longed to feel the cursed Black Blood course through me though...Hmmm I shall see if they can accommodate me so." Bacchus stood up and headed out to see the Flesh-tailors, stopping to turn and speak to the others. "It's like a holiday, being given such grand gifts." He smiled chuckling in a deep unsettling voice as he did so.

[Elurindel]

You may make an Infamy test to try and acquire these cybernetics. Everything in the standard BC list is available here as this is a Forge World, but bear in mind Mechanicus Assimilation is still its standard rarity, unless you're a heretek.

[Seanfall]

I made my rolls in the OOC. :D

[Elurindel]

"Boris is unfamiliar with these races, so he shall defer to the group decision." he concedes. "Boris shall hold you in regard if he is to ever lose a limb. It is not his way to replace flesh needlessly."

[cybric]

Archrik

Change is the constant function of the universe Boris. To adapt, to overcome, these are the building blocks of greatness and anything that sharpens our edge is help indeed Archrik moves towards where the flesh tailors to receive the implant that he has chosen. He sees a treasure. A MIU of obvious craftsmanship. He was versed in communing with technology but this was another school of skill entirely. For Archrik the choice is obvious.

[Seanfall]

Bacchus

While they were busy talking and shopping, Bacchus had found his augments and his surgeons. He was currently undergoing surgery, he had requested the use of Rose as his 'painkiller' and his screams of blissful agony now reverberated through the area. "WHAT ABJECT BLISS YES, CUT DEEPER! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!" Even fellow Devotees of Slaanesh found this an extreme display of devotion. Eventually the pain became even too much for Him to stand and he fainted after babbling out incoherent prayers to the Prince of pleasure.

[Elurindel]

The flesh-tailors are somewhat inured to this kind of babbling, having often operated on people for the Games, often as a punishment. They make sure to keep a safe distance with operating mechadendrites, however, to avoid the thrashings of the pain-bliss-stricken Slaaneshi.

[cybric]

Archrik

While his fellow fiends recuperated Archrik began putting his time to good use. Following his recovery from hit augmetic surgery Archrik started to experiment with his MIU implant connecting to networks and swimming in data streams. While he was roving the information troves he came across a mid-level merchant who had recovered a scrap code generator by murderous means. Techno assassins...vicious things. The price was steep but the pay off would be worth it.

Once Archrik had his newest acquisition he set about truly digging for information. He had his underlings make contact with numerous minor information brokers. He would start to build his network there. Through various covert means he attempted to gain access to their information networks. He would need leverage to keep these mortals under his boot and information was the most powerful weapon Archrik had ever encountered. He hunted for their secrets, their weaknesses, what they loved, he searched for their hearts.

While Archrik was orchestrating this he also started a subsearch for past game records to help them anticipate what they might encounter during the games. What foes had previously been fought, were there special rules or restrictions.

[Seanfall]

Bacchus

After the surgery, Bacchus was laid out in comfort back aboard the ship Recovering. The use of Rose, while extreme had re-confirmed his devotion to Slaanesh and given him quite the thrill. Though the experience taxed even his considerable constitution. The black blood was cold at first, and even now gave him a slight chill as it replaced his natural fluid, he shivered in delight and dispatched a few messengers from the ship to acquire a new sight for his weapon. He wanted an edge, and this particular sight would give him that, being able to sight and track enemies by their souls...now that is an edge.

[Elurindel]

The information on the Anger Game's history is readily available. Some hololiths even offer some re-runs of what is to be expected. The environments range from areas cleared for the Forge Worlds to provide funnelled slaughter pens where masses of participants are pitted against each other in hours-long bloody conflicts to create meat, gristle and blood for Khorne's delight and drug-fuelled, lightning-fast competitions between skilled combatants to pitched armour battles with sponsors calling in bombardments, or even desperate struggles to survive against on the waters of Furia, known as Khan's Net to these people. The Orks it seems participate often, and perhaps due to the nature of the Vortex, their bodies change dependent on their environment. Those upon the oceanic world, for instance, sport tentacles over their top lips, and gills sprouting from behind their necks.

[Seanfall]

Bacchus

Eventually the serfs returned with what he had sought, delighted he decided not to torture them. Yet, instead he set about attaching the sight to his Blastmaster. It was a simple thing, but he took his time as he didn't want to damage it or his treasured weapon. He was surprisingly subdued as he worked, one of the few things he took seriously was work on his weapons. His Bolter was disassembled nearby he had been cleaning it to take his mind off the prolonged recovery time he had been undergoing. Currently he was unarmored as well the serfs and servitors on the ship cleaning his power armor.

When his task was complete he smiled and tested the sight, the souls of a few outside his quarters lit up. "Hmm...so this is how psykers see the world." He mused to himself, he had heard psykers speak of how they see the 'flame' that people carry. Fire of the soul or some such ****, though different Psykers from different paths had different interpretations. It was annoying when you weren't drugged out of your mind.

After testing the sight he sent out another servant to find Achrik, curious about what he had learned.

[Elurindel]

Boris spends much time around the local area, shouting and looking for a Force Field to protect him in the upcoming games. Perhaps it's due to the boorish nature Boris possesses, or that he has his Laud Hailer turned up to full, but nobody seems ready to deal with him.

"Blast it all, has the name of Boris faded so far from memory that none wish to deal with him?" Boris thunders in the augmetics ward.