Rogue Trader: The Athorthan Gambit

[Darkseeker]

The Immaterium erupts as The Furious Lion of the Indomitable Golden Dawn pushes back into real space. The 15 day trip felt like months and the crew have been uneasy as a plague of ill dreams have kept them on edge. The crew begins its scans of real space and soon you are sure the bright fiery glare of Furibundus is what greats you. The trip though the maw seemed to have taken about 60 days subjective time and you feel every one of them.

Scans show the distant collection of asteroids and habs known as Footfall. Traffic seems lively with a dozen or so ships being detected, one of which seems to be headed out of the system. The Master Helmsmen informs you The Furious Lion of the Indomitable Golden Dawn is six days from footfall at current speed.

[Hemnon]

Booming through the Ship-wide Voxcasters blessed by the Ecclesiarchy, Calistra's voice could be heard. Passionate words of true believe rang out from them all, throwing blessings and benedictions out into the stale air from the depths of the ship, all the way up to the more purified airlevels where the 'regular crewmen' and up was located.

It was a ritual that Calistra always did to ward off any residual taints clinging to the ship from the warptravel. Her voice was beautiful and clear, even through the ancient vox-system the voice remained clear and passionate.

[Menelcar]

The main blast door to the bridge opens itself to reveal Karl Franz, a tall man in his prime with brown hair hanging down to his shoulders, matching brown eyes and a stern and determined face. Enveloped in his red trench coat he walks upon the main bridge, his head held high as he looks around at his crew. Respectful salutes and semi-bows greet the Lord Captain as he positions himself besides de navigators, staring through the viewing glass at the void and stars.

He stifles a small chuckle and a half smile forms in his lips upon hearing Calistra's holy prayers through the vox-casters, Karl had always found Calistra's superstitions to be somewhat comical (not something he would say to her face thought) however he was not about to stop her.
The true power of prayers, only the God Emperor knows, however this galaxy is dangerous enough as it is, and Karl was not about to turn down any extra help, however fickle or unpredictable it may be. Besides, Calistra's crystal voice was always good for the morale of the crew.
As for him, he had other ways to ward of the potential taint the warp might have left in his ship: "I want a full system diagnosis" ordered the Lord Captain as his crew quickly scuttled to comply with the order.

[Mekboy]

When the jump to realspace occurred, Piety was sat within her quarters, quietly muttering the Prayer of The Emperor's Beneficence to herself. The sudden lurch that signaled the leap from the Warp to reality usually left her sensitive mind with a splitting headache. This occasion was no different. And although Confessor Neuenheim's booming blessings were reassuring, they were in no small way making the problem worse.

After a moment or two, Piety levered herself to her feet. She should head to the bridge in case the Lord-Captain required her assistance. She carefully tied a blindfold across her milky eyes (most people tended to find them unnerving), took her staff of office and began limping her way to bridge.

[Space Lawyer]

Conrad Fayiz

The High Factotum of the Lion of Dawn gives a grim smile and take his place at the Lord-Captain's left hand. The bridge was not a place to his liking, nor was their destination. The former was far too gaudy and ostentatious, more of a throne room than a ship's command center. Conrad understood the value of presentation, but this seemed to take it too far. The latter was much the opposite, a wretched place where the Emperor's beneficent light sometimes shone dim. It was Conrad's place to protect his Lord-Captain though, to keep him from that which would bring him harm, and to seek out opportunities that the Rohr could not.

[Squark]

First officer Cerival winces and presses his hand against his scars. In spite of the assurances of the magos who had examined him after the incident in the warp, the flesh around his scarring still seemed to burn every time he reentered the material world. The magos had said something about Association and learning, and said he could correct the procedure by replacing a good portion of Cerival's brain, but Cerival had turned him down. Still, at times like these, he occasionally regretted the decision.

Returning to the dataslate he was reading before the transition, he briefly skims the summaries he received from the dozen or so subordinates he was responsible for. More disciplinary incidents than average, but nothing out of the ordinary for an extended jaunt through the warp. Supplies were holding and would be restocked when they arrived at footfall. Security report from the Master of Arms showed up nothing of note. He shrugged and took one final look at the slate before he turned and prepared to leave his quarters for the bridge.

[Darkseeker]

The crew seems to be classified if uneasy as you travel across the system and all systems seem to be in fine shape after the trip. With just a 15 day trip supplies are barely touched, although you could likely top them off once more if so inclined. Deep scans of the system has come back as well telling you some base information of the ships in system. Five cruisers, three frigates and seven transports seem to be docked or headed to footfall. A large gathering, maybe the rumors of an information auction to a great prize is true.

[Mekboy]

Finally reaching the bridge, Piety straightened up fully, wincing slightly, and entered. She noticed a few wary looks from various staffers and ignored them. It was only right - suffer not the witch to live and that. A suspicious mind was a healthy mind, and constant vigilance was necessary. Banishing such thoughts from her mind, she made her way to the Lord-Captain, and standing up at her full height made a passable attempt at a salute.

"S-sir, I stand before y-you as a humble s-servant. Is there anything y-you require of me?"

[DrK]

Commander Kazan

Kazan strode between the helm positions looking at the two junior helm crew she was training up. Eyes critical for any faults she stayed nearby though her true focus was on the weapon controls and the pict screens showing the weapons crews doing some drills. Her eyes narrowed at the perceived slowness. Looking up at the Command Throne, "Lord Captain. The gunnery crew are a little slow. May I request that any shore leave be revoked so they can focus on their duties"

Looking at the navigation stations she salutes, "We should be be entering Footfall orbit in 138 hours"

[Menelcar]

Karl turns at the sound of the main blast door opening in time to see Conrad stroll through and position himself at his post, right by his left hand. Karl gives him a slight nod and continuous reading the main system check-ups. Shortly after Kazan enters the bridge followed by Piety. Kazan, professional as always, starts doing check-ups on the crew. Meanwhile Piety shyly attempts a salute with obvious nervousness from standing in his presence.

Karl nods his head back at her "Nothing as of now, Choir-Master"

Karl then turns to Kazan "Its been a long and ardous journey, a slight drop in performance is to be expected under this circumstances, and the crew need their shore leave in order to recuperate morale" he looks at the weapons control in a thoughtful manner for a second "However, our gunnery crew becoming lax is not something we can tolerate. You may do as you see fit, I trust your judgement in this, commander."

Finally he turns to his left and speaks to Conrad "High Factotum, please arrange a meeting with the senior officers, also, I want all information possible in this system, as well as any business opportunities you deem potentially lucrative"

[Mekboy]

Bobbing her head in acknowledgement, Piety stood back from the captain. "As you w-wish, sir." Without his attention on her, she dropped out of her ramrod straight upright stance into a more comfortable slouch and leaned onto her staff of office. He might not need her immediately, but she should fade into the background and be ready in case he needed her. Anticipate his requirements, even. Serve him as was expected as a true servant of the Emperor. She gave a decisive nod. Later she should contact Footfall. Announce the Rohr's presence.

[Hemnon]

Calistra finished off the benedictions and prayers with a shoutout to the Lord-Captain for having guided us safely (well, actually that'd be the Navigator, but he's a mutant and doesn't deserve the praise, in Calistra's opinion) through the warp and into the Expanse without any hitches.
Until called upon or requested to be somewhere, Calistra remained inside the Temple-Shrine of the ship, doing her job as Cheif-Confessor of the ship.

[DrK]

Making sure the helm was under control and no obstacles were within augur range Kazan headed down towards the meeting room, accessing the ships librarim on a data slate for information on Footfall. The collection of chained asteroids never somewhere she has left her ship to visit...



None that are useful!

[Squark]

There would be a meeting, of course. Between the crew's unease with the voyage and the business opportunity in Footfall, Karl would certainly call a meeting of the senior officers. And since anticipating his friend's orders seemed to be about half of job, that meant getting a hold of the latest disciplinary reports, supply counts, and the enginseer's report on the ship's systems. All of this would be in the hands of the high factotum's hands at the time of the meeting, and for that matter half of the people in charge of those things would be at the meeting, but a Captain should be aware of everything that happens on his vessel, and ensuring the High Factotum's was independently verified was Cerival's job. He spoke into the microbead and contacted the relevant people.

[Space Lawyer]

Conrad

"Yes, my Lord-Captain. I will see to it quickly." Conrad gives a shallow bow, and quickly retreats from the bridge. Just outside in the corridor, he keys in his code and opens a vox caster channel to the Temple-Shrine. "Confessor Neuenheim, this is Conrad. When you are able, please meet me in my chambers. I need to discuss our upcoming port with you." Most of the crew was knowledgeable only about war and the Imperial Creed. While those were both noble endeavors, Conrad needed someone with a greater knowledge of the Imperium, and Calistra was the only one who had such information. He then switches to a ship-wide channel. "All senior officers are to report to the Lord-Captain's audience chamber in four hours. Have a short report prepared detailing what is known of this system, and the state of your crews in preparation for arrival.

Conrad's chambers are located just outside the ship's arboretum. When afforded the opportunity, he liked to be able to walk through the space-borne parklands. Now was not the time though. As Conrad stalks through the door, various peons scuttle back and forth with reports and files, quickly making their way to and fro and always doing their best to stay out of Conrad's path. It was Conrad's duty to know everything that happened on this ship, and it was these people and the things they carried that allowed him to do that. Only the most important occurrences were worthy of the Lord-Captain's attention; everything else was best dealt with at a lower level.

He enters the calculance room, so named because of the calculance array that served as its centerpiece, a massive contraption that demanded constant attention. "Our files on Footfall, bring them to me." In minutes, four clerks appear, each straining under the weight of the stacks they carried in their arms. Conrad looks at the labels, selects a few, then sends the clerks back to whence they came. He pores over the documents, adding up figures and making charts while he waits for Calistra.

Commerce [roll0] v. 58
Common Lore (Underworld) [roll1] v. 48

[Hemnon]

"Good day, sir Conrad. I can indeed meet with you right away if you wish. I'm heading towards you right now." She replied with the angelicly sweet voice of hers, immediately striding along the narrow hallways and taking an elevator here and there to reach the arboretum and the adjoining area which was Conrad's personal Space.
She'd knock three times (Knock, Knock, Knock) before entering and then pushed the door-button and entered, Ecclesiarchal robes ornate and smudge-free as always, the fringes of the robe flappng behind her as she strode along inside, hoping to find Conrad actually being in his Quarters.

[Darkseeker]

Conrad has some time to look though the files and make some contacts within footfall. Its true time lag with the Vox was a bit bothersome but nothing he could not deal with. while Footfall is always ripe with options for commerce, most of the scuttlebutt seems to center on an auction.

A group called the Obsidian Emporial are auctioning off information it seems. The lay of those in the merchant trade and those in the know along the underclass of footfall claim its to something that could bring great wealth. several Rogue traders are rumored to be in the system and at lest one pirate.



http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/a/ae/Footfall_settlement.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width/1000?cb=20130403055320

Footfall is a massive, sprawling void port of gigantic stone asteroids bound together by ornate bridges, flexible tunnels, and chains the size of voidships, all centred around a macrostatue of the most holy God-Emperor of Mankind dozens of kilometres high. This statue, placed by Footfall's founder, the Rogue Trader Parsimus Derwin, looks out sadly over a morass of vice, degradation, perversion, sedition, mutation, and heresy. The floating agglomeration of Footfall is situated just rimward of The Maw, transfixed in the hellish glare of the star Furibundus. Footfall is typically the first stop for those entering the Koronus Expanse and the last stop for those leaving


Footfall is broken up into a few major area's

Pit of Voices: Claimed by the outcast Astropaths of Footfall, the exterior structure of the Pit of Voices looks as much like a collapsed dome as anything else. The interior is a steep tiered arena and maze of cells beneath, gravity plated at an unsettling angle, and set with gargoyles pillaged from the frozen exterior stonework. Incense burns constantly, and a litter of occult devices is strewn about the floors.
The Boneyard: The waste of Footfall -- along with quite a few unlucky murder victims -- all end up in the Boneyard, an open, frozen midden in the void beyond the structures. The Bonepickers of Footfall, clad in paltry or improvised voidsuits, pick through the debris and corpses in search of what little value remains. Useless waste is propelled away from Footfall by human effort, drifting slowly to pass through the weak Void Shields and away into Furibundus' burning embrace.
Chapel of the Third Congregants: The Chapel of the Third Congregants is an imposing, void-pitted structure of spreading bastions and leering gargoyles that floats unconnected to the rest of Footfall. Within, every surface is crowded with statues, sepulchres, and saints' shrines. Worshippers come and go in a procession of gigs, cramped passenger craft that are little more than a seal-gate and gas expeller for propulsion.
Hab-Fanes: The largest hab-structures in Footfall look like ornate temples, their crenelated exteriors encrusted with crystal mosaics of Imperial Saints and grimacing gargoyles. Open spaces within are divided haphazardly by cloth and metalwork, uncounted masses packed close in an ever-changing three-dimensional maze. Here are the poor, the menials, and the lesser outcast factions.
Liege's Court: One of the oldest structures in Footfall, these regal transepts and pillared, ornate halls are where the Liege of Footfall receives those of sufficient importance to warrant a formal welcome. The Liege's throne is beauteous alabaster, an ancient masterwork engraved with a hundred scenes of the God-Emperor's victories, said to have been looted from the wreck of a warship during a long-ago war, and equipped with embedded field generators to shield its delicate surface.
Macrostatue of the God-Emperor: The stern visage of the God-Emperor of Mankind watches over Footfall. His vast statue floats at the very center of the community, close to the size of the greatest vessel of Battlefleet Calixis, linked to twenty structures by massive void-steel chains. The statue and its plinth are hollowed with chambers, but no-one dares dwell within. The macrostatue is a point of pilgrimage for the faithful who yearn to see the God-Emperor stare out across unclaimed voids that will one day be His.
Red Schola: A monolithic slab without decoration, the Red Schola is the slave-hold of the Tutors, a cabal of mysterious slave masters who have made Footfall their base of operations. Whether one requires a delicate courtesan assassin sculpted in the image of an Imperial Saint or a cohort of mute, slab-muscled stranglers, the Red Schola can provide.
Shield Shrines: The Void Shields that protect Footfall are projected from three Shield Shrines. Each is a cubic, metal Machine Temple marked with the raised cog of the Adeptus Mechanicus upon each face and linked to Footfall by a coiling umbilical passage. The Shrines are well-defended inside and out by Servitor-crewed weapon systems.
Spire of Intoxicants:The Spire is the only location in Footfall where narco-tribe gangers are willing to trade their drugs and allow outsiders to participate in their rituals. It is a trade-space, laden with chemical fumes and strange artefacts, some carried from the far reaches of the Koronus Expanse and given to the narco-tribesmen in payment.
Xenosium:Considered accursed by many, the Xenosium is a dwelling place intended for the alien. It is made in the fashion of a prison-fortress -- thick-walled and psy-warded. Void-weathered statues with stern faces look inwards at each corner. Often it is said that no human has set foot inside for centuries, No one seems certain whether or not the Xenosium is presently empty.

[Space Lawyer]

Conrad

Conrad looks up as Calistra enters. "Excellent timing. As I recall, you are the only member of our senior staff with knowledge of this area. I was hoping you could double-check the records my clerks have brought to me and verify their accuracy. The newest we've been able to find is forty years old, and a lot may have changed since then." He slides the stack of files over to her. "There seems to be an upcoming auction by a group calling themselves the Obsidian Emporial. I've not yet been able to ascertain what exactly is being sold, but it is apparently something that could bring great wealth to whoever possesses it. We seem to have many competitors though, and will have to deal with them."

[Hemnon]

Calistra frowned a little at that statement. "I'm sorry, but if you are refering to the Koronus Expanse, then you must be mistaken, because i do not know much about it. only rumors and hearsays like most others." She replied, the frown still apparent.

[DrK]

Jodie looks around the table, sitting stiffly in her pressed uniform. Does our honourable factotum have any contacts in this place. I have never taken leave here. It has an unsavoury reputation.

Looking at the files on the table. We shall run scans as we approach to make sure there will be no threats to the ship docked. It will allow force as an option to recover any items should it be required.

[Squark]

The reports now on his dataslate, Cerival makes another call, "Choir-Master Keel? I trust the choir has made Footfall aware of our estimated time of arrival? If not, I suggest you do so before the meeting. In addition, if you or your subordinates have anything to report about recent communications or the health of your charges, it would be best if the Lord Captain and I were made aware of it before the scheduled meeting."

A few minutes later,he grits his teeth and makes another call, anticipating the unpleasantness that always comes from talking to the Navis Nobilitiae, "Navigator? This is the first officer calling. It would be a great service to myself and the captain if you would supply me with a report about any abnormalities in the immaterium of late."

[Menelcar]

Karl proceeds to walk into the main meeting room, taking his place at the Lord Captains chair and overlooking the massive round table with a built in holographic display.
Karl agrees with a nod to the suggestion of the Master Of Ordnance "That seems prudent, we will make it so" he looks at his files awaiting the rest of the senior officers to arrive.

[Space Lawyer]

Conrad

Conrad is visibly displeased. "My apologies. I was led to believe you were knowledgeable about the Imperium. No matter; our own files should provide us with enough information." He stacks said files into a small pile, and lays his own report on top of it. With a click of his fingers, he summons one of the scurrying clerks. "You will have these copied onto dataslates and delivered to the Lord-Captain's audience chamber within the half-hour. Go now." The clerk hurries away with the files in hand, other scribes crowding around to get their chance at the files.

"Let us depart for the audience chamber, Confessor. I believe the others will be waiting for us." Conrad holds out his arm to escort Calistra. He is nothing if not polite.

[Hemnon]

Calistra bowed a little bit and made the sign of the Aquila and then followed Conrad out of the door towards the Lord Captain's meetingroom.

[Squark]

Making his way to the meeting, Cerival crosses paths with the Confessor and the High Factotum. He gives Conrad a stiff nod and bows slightly to Calistra. Cerival respected both of them. High Factotum Fayiz had generally proven to be a wise counsel to his old friend, and the Confessor's sermons reminded Cerival of many of the more valorous priests he had known- although how she managed to keep her voice from becoming as hoarse as those old men, he'd never known.

[Space Lawyer]

Conrad nods back to the Cerival. "Greetings, First Officer. I believe we have discovered an excellent opportunity on Footfall." He passes his own dataslate, containing the information found on Footfall and the auction.

When the trio reaches the meeting room, Conrad once again takes his customary place to the Lord-Captain's left. "My lord, my clerks will shortly arrive with the necessary documents. Until then, First Officer Leoth has the files if you would like to see them, or we may proceed with another topic of your choosing while we wait."

[Hemnon]

Calistra returns the bow with a gentle and regal nod, followed by the Sign of the Aquila, dutifully expecting the gesture returned, since it IS the sign of the emperor...

Following the two others inside the meeting-room, Calistra did NOT take a seat, but rather stepped up near the right side of the Rogue Trader, holding a certain distance to both show respect and a sign of her own true position, but also showing (to those of political apptitude) that Calistra stood both WITH and APART from the Rogue Trader. She was a Missionary and as such had a prime directive to spread the Imperial Faith and keep those under her care dutifully loyal to the Imperium and the God Emperor himself.

Upon reaching the Rogue Trader's side, before turning away to take a step away, she DID do the sign of the Aquila while gently bowing slightly and inclining her head to the side in both greeting, but also to show the state of grace the Rogue Trader held with her (since the did more than just make the Sign after all).

[Squark]

Cerival returns the sign, and follows his compatriots into the conference room, taking his customary position on the Lord-Captain's right. He glances through the dataslate, refreshing his memory as he tried to recall anything useful about Footfall beyond his old lieutenant's rather colorful description of the final imperial- well, human, at least- holding of any real size.

[Darkseeker]

The room is large, well appointed with rich furniture and lush tapestries. Churbs fly though its high ceilings taking notes or carrying scrolls to and fro. Gilded servitors brings rich wine to those gathered. Many you know some you know only by reputation.



He is rarely seen outside the depths of the ship and today is flanked by two servoskulls. You are unsure if he is ignoring everyone or studying you.
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Many of you are unsure of Thedotus's age, but he has served on board the flagship longer than almost any of the crew. He seems at ease and to be rather enjoying his wine as well as a nice crispy pastry
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The Mistress of Etherics takes her role very seriously. She is known to be both through and unrelenting, she also has been known to shoot those serving her for incompetence a time or two. Currently she sips wine as a underling stands behind her with a rather large stack of scrolls.
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For a member of the Adeptus Mechanicus, Traggat is a rather talkative and joval sort who is currently being the ear of anyone near him about some "Rather exciting innovations in flesh replacement'
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Gratian has been the ships whisper master for a very long time. His name brings fear to both the crew and the dynasties enemies. He is currenlty sipping his wine and reading a scroll.
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The ships navigator sets by her self, enjoying her wine and making everyone of flesh and blood uncomfortable. He very form reads as wrong and her presence brings some primal need to run.
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The drive master is another rarely seen member of the command staff. For many of you this is the first time you may have laid eyes upon him. He stands near Athardous Kurzorn like an unfeeling servitor.
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Much like his companion, Zam stands at the shoulder of the Enginseer Prime. Zams gaze however sweeps the room as if gathering information.
http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/280/d/1/mechanicus_enginseer_by_ning-d5h2pkr.jpg

Cynewulf stays and sits with his own rank. A 13th generation Bosun,Cynewulf knows his place within the scope of things.
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Seeming out of place in this meeting, Alzark Omocron is a ship born crewmen who clearly sees she is out of her depth among those she finds herself
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Deiad is a forceful woman with no room for Heresy.She is known to collect secrets and root out the wicked and the untrustworthy of the ship and takes delight in burning mutants and oath breakers.
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Bonsell spends more time mated to the vox control then not. He seems to live and breath duty only leaving his station, and his connection to the ship to attend such meetings and for biological functions.
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Grimm is ignoring everyone else and deep into a data slate.
http://th04.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2014/132/7/e/secessionist_by_ilacha-d7hyu5b.jpg

Estell also looks out of place. She seems and often acts like a low born street walker and not the skilled Carto-Artifex she is. Scuttlebutt on the ship is she is the bastard git of a navigator house of some power. The only thing known for sure is she served the former rouge trader for a very long time, maybe in more ways than appropriate given his station.
http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/253/8/6/rogue_trader_goth_by_tghermit-d2ygdtc.jpg

Kalvan is deep in chat and seems to be flirting with Estell as he smokes some low grade herb.
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[DrK]

Jodi sips her Amsec and takes the offered Lho stick from Thedotus. 6 days you said. An easy warp transit. Turning to her left to the fierce Mistress of Etherics Your tracking party was slow today. 42 seconds slower than gamma shift. My gunners were also slow when they got the tracking data. I am dealing with them.

Looking around the chamber she gazed at the Lord Captain wondering what his intentiobs were going to be.

[Hemnon]

Calistra drank nothing, more out of Personal choice, than a religious Belief.
She smiled and indicated her head in a greeting to Deiad whe She saw the woman. Calistra knew Deiad well.... it's been Calistra that'd inserted the annual twist-offering after all, and from what Calistra had sensed from the woman, Deiad had loved that idea.

Calistra then turned her mind towards muttering blessings and benedictions, as well as the Rite Of Civil Talk.

[Darkseeker]

Suellen puts down her wine and motions to the underling behind her, who comes forward and presents Jodi with a scroll "Yes, it was a pitiful display.The quality of the crew seems to have suffered of late. Clearly more discipline and training is required." She takes another sip as the scroll is handed to Jodi " we are still too far away for reliable scans, however I have prepared a summary of this Footfalls current known defenses and ships. You should find them useful for training" She leans back as the underling returns to his place


With near 12 hours of scans and using old data( due to light lag) some details can be made out.
Five of the ships seem to be cruisers.

There is a 32% chance one of the cruisers match a ship within the dynasty records
two of the ships seem to be light cruisers
Three ships seem to be raider/frigates
Four ships have been Identified as Jericho class
One ship may be a Carrack class
Two are unknown but likely transport class ships
six shield generators of unknown class have been spotted around foofall
32 places have been tagged as possible weapon systems.


There is a 32% chance the known cruiser is an Ambition class cruiser called the Dark Jesters Gambit. Flagship of the Palitor Dynasty


The Palitor Dynasty would be well known to many here as they have fast become the chief rival of the Rhor Dynasty. The Palitor took advantage of the Dynasties weakness, using military might and politics to strip away many of the families holdings. Many within the dynasty see the Palitor as opportunistic scavengers.

[DrK]

Jodi smiles, but the joy doesn't touch her eyes. The gambit. A fine foe and better prize. The lord captain could double his fleet and cripple and enemy in a single stroke.

She turns, her voice loud enough to carry and curious to see a response to her words..

[Space Lawyer]

Conrad makes various orders to his underlings while waiting for the Lord-Captain's pronouncement. "Gratian, I will need you to search among the crew and any contacts you may have in Footfall. We need to know more of a group that calls itself the Obsidian Emporial. We need to know their reach, power, history, and usual means of operation. Marna, see to it that we have sufficient liquidity to resupply at Footfall and purchase whatever this auction is selling. Additionally, allow any crewmember who requests it to receive his pay early this week so that they may buy what they wish. Of course, have your clerks keep careful track of who requests an early payment so they don't get paid twice." He interrupts Estell and Calvan's conversation. "Estell, make sure our maps of this system are up-to-date. While we're there, get an accurate map of the station. Check if Talia will can give you a coherent update of the Warp route we took here. Kalvan, I want detailed survey of our current stores and reserves. Gather reports from each major division as to what they require so that we may purchase supplies."

[Mekboy]

Refusing the wine from the servitors (the stuff went straight to her head), Piety hovered awkwardly around the edges of the room, vaguely listening to fragments of overheard conversations. She would hardly pretend to be at home in most social situations.

[Darkseeker]

Gratian Mielkie Nods to Conrad and holds his glass up for a servitor to refill. "Yes I begin looking thought the crew before we left Port Wander. while none of our long time crew knows anything of the place a few people we picked up since coming to the sector knows of the place. They have given me enough information to make some inroads. I have some information on the Obsidian Emporial. It seems to be run by unknown Intercessors and deal in rare items. The few crew who knew of them spoke of them with awe and fear. they seem "trustworthy" enough as long as agreements are upheld."

The Purser looks up from his dataslate "Yes, yes, I have already seen to the majority of that. The auction I do not know enough of the cost as yet to have sufficient thrones ready." He sounds rather put out

Kalvan simply nods but Estell leans forward " Yeah, yeah I have a lead on some rather splendid maps of the area" She says an accent that seemingly can't make its mind up if its hiver,noble or some bastardized ship dialect.

[Darkseeker]

As Piety hovers around the edge of the room she sense's the stomach turning presence of the Navigator before she even speaks. " Interesting place do you not think? I found the passage trying and rather invigorating. A pity the unblessed do not see as we do yes?"

After being nodded toward Deriad makes her way toward Calistra "Good Evening Confessor." She says with a nod "I must tell you, I do not like what I hear of this place. It seems unholy and indecent.Can you imagine a place that welcomes the unclean and the twisted?" she says with more than a hint of distaste.

[Hemnon]

Calistra greeted the woman back. "Yes indeed, a great purge should be done there one day, but if it had been the emperor's plan for that to happen, it would have been so a long time ago. Maybe a spread in imperial faith OUTSIDE the area of Footfall would do the trick. It's warfare after all, we need to gather intel and spread into the unfaithful parts of the expanse and once that's done we should begin the cleansing." She said, sounding both very maneuverable and tactical for both the political view, as well as the actual worthwhile idea that it was.

"On another subject, are we soon ready for the Twist-hunt? it went so well last time with the decapitations and jettisonning of their corrupted corpses, as well as the prize-winners' implaccable feats and ideas for capture of those twists."

[Mekboy]

Suppressing a shudder, Piety turned to face the navigator. She'd never liked the woman much - she seemed to rather revel in her powers, rather than fear them as any Emperor-minded individual should. Nevertheless, she was vital to the ship and to the Rohr, and so needed to be tolerated. She smiled weakly.

"I-interesting is c-certainly one w-way of putting it. I cannot s-say I have h-heard a-anything but rumours about the p-p-place, but the rumours are certainly... c-colourful. I c-cannot help but hope that they are at l-least s-somewhat exaggerated."

[Menelcar]

Karl sits for a while in silence while listening to his crew talk about the current affair, taking time to look at each one of them, their opinions, ideas thoughts and words. Silently evaluating every single one of his commanders, lords and advisors.

He raises his hand lightly to quiet the voices in the command room.

If reports are to be believed, we know of at least half a dozen rogue traders in the area, plus a possible pirate fleet He looks around the table As of now, our position is somewhat compromised, our dynasty lacks the strength of ages past, and thus we must be careful. We cannot afford to charge in guns blazing, for currently we lack the power to back an aggressive position.
For this reason I deem necessary the use of caution: Whatever our actions, we must not draw excessive attention to ourselves He looks araund to make sure all the attendants comply That being said, feel free to pursue whatever course of action you feel appropriate, as long as you make time to inform me first

Content with his little speech, he proceeds to turn to Kazan That would indeed be desirable, however if we where to attempt such a thing, it will require careful planning, any suggestions?

[Squark]

After finishing with the dataslate in front of him, Cerival passes it to his old friend on his left and addresses Commander Kazan's proposal, "Stealing the gambit would be quite a boon. At present, however, even if we managed to capture the vessel- Quite an accomplishment in and of itself given we would likely be outnumbered- I am not sure we possess the resources to acquire the crew for such a vessel. Still... If an opportunity presents itself, claiming one of their lesser vessels seems an excellent idea, especially since several of the House's old vessels now lie in their hands or scuttled. Probably not something we should attempt at present, though- Such blatant aggression too close to Footfall could result in many doors being barred to us." Finishing that thought, he turns and addresses the entire assembly. "Not to distract anyone from their current discussions, but since our esteemed Master of Arms is not currently present, I should remind everyone here that Footfall is a lawless, wretched den of iniquity. While the Rhor warrant of trade and the Lion lend us a considerable amount of influence here, we are almost certainly not the most powerful party currently present, and no amount of influence would stop a knife in the back in a dark alley. With that in mind, all senior officers should be accompanied by a detachment of soldiers whenever they leave the Lion, unless your task requires absolute discretion, and all such solitary excursions should be approved by the Lord Captain, myself, or the High Factotum. We should also try to ensure any crew on shore leave stick together."

Hopefully that wouldn't get too much complaint from those assembled. Of course, Cerival couldn't actually enforce the order where the Navigator or Tech Priests were concerned, but they weren't really the ones he was concerned about- anyone with the resources to set up a kidnapping would pick an easier target than a Navigator or senior tech priest.

[Darkseeker]

Deriad nods at Calistra " Oh yes, some of the ratlings have been spreading tales of things below decks. Might be a fine time for hunting parties with awards going to the groups that brings back the most deformed and the most dead and so on. It may well help with moral' She says with a grin

__________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Piety may be shaking but the navigator gives no signs she notices who cares " Oh, I do not think they are blown out too much. You should have seen the warp on the way here! The maw was simply awe inspiring in its anger"

__________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
Hearing talk turn toward possible action with the Palitor Dynasty, Gratian Mielkie speaks up. "Pardon me lord captain but we do have some files on the ship in question". He reaches for one of the many dataslats near his chair " They are also an Ambition class cruiser, but in open space they may hurt us greatly. Unlike us they have full weapons batteries and a veteran crew at the very least. and while we may take them in ship to ship combat it is far too even a match for us to come away from unhurt. However, I do have some contacts within the Dynasty and I might be able to see just why they are here and maybe what they are up to"

[DrK]

Kazan nods at the Captains request. There are two possibilities sir. The first is to follow her when she leaves system, its several days to the warp transit point. In that void we can take her.

She coughs, The alternate is to plant a story in the town and lure her to a world of our choosing.

[Darkseeker]

Six days after the meeting The Furious Lion of the Indomitable Golden Dawn docks with one of the many docking arms of footfall. You find yourself docked in a tight cluster of lashed asteroids near the Liege's Court. Your crew has spent the last six days looking over many things and planning for the things to come.

Suellen Deliberato, Mistress of the Etherics has sent many scrolls with updates as you have carried deeper into the system. She has identified the classes of all ships in system at the time and noted six more arriving since you have.



The Dark jester's gambit
Two Lunar class cruisers
One Dictator class cruiser, IDed as Lord of the stellar winds, Flagship of the Jalzoko Dynasty
One Secutor class cruiser
Two dauntless light cruisers, One of which has been IDed as The Hammer of truth, flagship of the Djanko dynasty
One sword class Destroyer, IDed asWrath of the Righteous Fist, Flagship of the Ozalak Dynasty
Two Hazeroth class privateers
Four Jericho class
One Carrack class
two Vagabond class, One of which has been IDed as Grace of Sopha Flagship of the Armelan dynasty

She has also identified at lest four other Rogue traders. Alhem Jalzoko,Madam Charlabelle Armelan,Baron Djanko Scourge, Izabor Ozalaks

Gratian Mielkie, the master of whispers has been making some contacts and he and his hand picked men wish to put feet on the ground as soon as the ship is docked.

the only other real point as Athardous Kurzorn wishes to make contact with the Admech stationed on Footfall itself and Estell has plans to set off with a group of "guards" to some destination within footfall.

One other thing of note uncovered. Is as a rule the liege of footfall, in theory is sub-servant to any who bare the warrant of trade.

[Squark]

In light of the new information, Cerival sends out a messages to Conrad

Greetings High Factotum Fayiz,

Being that protocol is your area of expertise, I am wondering if it is expected of the Lord-Captain to exchange gifts with his peers. If this is the case, I recommend we collaborate with Master Grimm in acquiring several suitably respectful gifts, and one relatively ambivilent gift for the Palitor representative. I also have a few questions regarding the current political situation. If you could send me a copy of the data on Footfall's major factions, details about the other Dynasties we know are present, and information on how the nominal leader of Footfall will be determined while the various dynasties are in attendance, I would be very grateful.

Sincerely,

First Officer Leoth

[DrK]

Commander Kazan looks at the ships and then at the fire control systems. All seems good and accurate. The target rich environment screams opportunity. She sits in the chair, MIU plugged into the ships cogitator. The gun batteries now more like an extension of her body.

Thinking of things she sends a burst data slate to the Factotum.
Master Fayiz. Would it be possible to request several items for !y personal use to aid in my duties?

[Space Lawyer]

Conrad sits in his sanctum surrounded by scurrying scribes and ever-growing stacks of paper. For him, this is where the battle is waged. Information is his war, the surrounding scrolls and slates his fortress, the multitude of clerks his army. It is only by knowledge and its proper application that victory may be obtained.

He first replies to First Officer Leoth, dispatching a favored clerk with the report. There is no expectation one way or the other regarding gift-giving to our Lord-Captain's so-called peers. However, doing so could give us a decided advantage. It would show the Rhor to be magnanimous and wealthy, and announce that we have both little fear and great decorum. I do agree with gauging our gifts to our favor of the recipients; much can be said by what is given. I shall have to consult my records before giving a report on the various dynasties. Expect the results soon.

To Kazan he replies Certainly. I already have agents scouring the markets for the best deals. Send me a list of your needs, and I shall transmit it to my factors.

[Menelcar]

Karl finishes off preparing his attire, setting his sword and overcoat and giving himself one last look in the silvery mirror. Nodding to himself he waves off the servants, straightens himself out and proceeds to exit his chambers.

Hitting his comms unit he speaks to his command crew I want my away team assembled and ready to go whithin the hour to venture into Footfall, feel free to take any precautions necesary, however remember we dont want to make too much of an impact, for now atleast

sorry for the ST reference, I let you guys decide if you want to be on the away team or not :) (as for hemnon, Calistra might be interested in protecting the lord captain's faith while in a place as amoral and heretical as this?)

[Darkseeker]

Soon after docking a group of armed and well dressed men deliver a scrolls resting on a gold chest held aloft by four gold and ivory cherubs. The men say they are here to see the master of the vessel at the behest of life Tanthus Moross and ask that this small token be sent to the lord captain.



Greetings Lord and Master of the Rhor Dynasty
I Tanthus Moross, am humbled to be in the presence of such an established House as yours. Footfall has the good fortune to have several Rogue Traders in port at once and as Humble Liege I feel it is my duty,nay my honor to host a grand gathering among the nobles of Footfall and those such as yourself of such hallowed lines. I am gladdened that your vessel arrived before this evenings dinner. I humbly extend an invitation to you and your retinue.Your attendance would honor me greatly

[DrK]

Kazan cursed inwardly at the tight armour plates under her uniform overcoat. Checkng the safety is on and the power sword fully charged she met the away team as it assembled.

Having left orders to keep the weapon batteries at full power lest a firefight break out between the many Rogue Traders gathered here. Looking at the Captain she saluted Captain. I stand ready to accompany you.

Moving with the away team into the busy port she kept her eyes open for a few small trinkets.


Autopistol [roll0] TN 70
The book of C.lore expanse [roll1] TN 50
A nice cape [roll2] TN 80


The real purchases are the inferno shells and ships turbo weapon upgrade that I've asked the Factor for. The little ones here are market browsing.

[Hemnon]

Calistra arrived near the docking station, formal-dressed (in her armor as well underneath her robes) and then halted near the Rogue Trader.