Sea of Stars - IC II

[rax]

Hannabel suddenly sits up straight upon overhearing the exchange between Macharius and Anika. "Someone said something mean to you, yer ladyship? Why would anyone ever do that? You want me to come with and give her a piece of my mind? Or I could kick her in the shins or something. Let's see how well she dances with her leg in a cast!"

[Haval]

'Just someone who questioned why someone like me needed to work at all. I think the implication was that I was on a downward spiral even from my previous job. There is no point in talking to some people.' She'll think that over, 'Shin kicking would imply she got to me and thus won the argument, so lets avoid that.'

Spoiler: ooc

Show

I'm not going anywhere in particular with this

Anika is going to visit the museums, libraries and menageries just to see what Winterscale has, but will hang out with Macharius for the purpose of making more allies.

[rax]

"If you say so," Hannabel responds. "Maybe she'll just trip on the dance floor then..." she muses.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I figured as much.

I think Hannabel's decided that Anika is good people though, which makes her something like family, and Hannabel looks after anyone she considers family.

[PotatoGolem]

Please refrain from assaulting or threatening any Rogue Traders, Hannabel, Macharius says wearily. Even if they are mean to Anika. I'm rather fond of Morwenna, but regardless of that I don't want to have to find a new pilot. And I suppose you're good for morale and well-liked by the crew and all that.

[Leon]

++Shin kicking does little in the long term++
++What you need is a good ole kneecapping to really make a point++




++With Hyper-density Penetrators++

[rax]

"Aha! Now see the Magos gets it!" Hannabel giggles at Ravia's joke.

"So, anyway...this Morwenna lady. Is she single? Of child-bearing age?" she asks Macharius as innocently as she can.

[PotatoGolem]

One doesn't ask a lady their age, Hannabel. Although yes, she's a little younger than Anika and I, so one would presume in her late twenties or early thirties. I haven't heard of her being married, and she wasn't when last we met. That's an excellent point, though. This will be a prime opportunity to catch up on new Trader family alliances. We should keep our ears open, see what power shifts have occurred. He turns to Anika. Have you heard any news? Wouldn't want to be caught off guard by any recent mergers.

[Leon]

++If you can get a blood sample i am sure i could provide a age to a rough ballpark figure++

[Destro_Yersul]

Temple

The path to the Cathedral wound through the gardens, past cultivated beds of native flora. Clusters of people gathered here and there, discussing business in hushed tones, or simply wandering and appreciating the sights. The paths were crushed gravel, hard wearing and pleasantly crunchy underfoot. Macharius spotted several people he knew, more he had heard of, and a very small handful of unfamiliar faces. Winterscale must truly have invited everyone who was anyone, barring the people he wished to specifically snub.

The walk was quiet, and shaded by broad-leafed red trees. Solace Encarmine's native foliage lent the place a cast of permanent autumn, golden sunlight filtering through all manner of reds and oranges. There was, unusually, very little green to be seen, though here and there blue flowers added a much-needed splash of cool colour to the vibrant gardens. Macharius was able to exchange greetings and pleasantries with half a dozen acquintances before they arrived at the broad flagstone causeway that swept out over the valley and terminated at the cathedral doors.

Statues of saints lined one side of the causeway, and statues of ancestral Winterscales lined the other. Somewhat unusually for dynastic statues, the Winterscales had been sculpted with their heads down, faces set in contemplative expressions, while the saints opposite them stood with arms upraised and faces to the heavens. It was, Echo judged, an effect intended to be striking, and to underscore the dynasty's faithfulness. It was somewhat unlikely that this particular section of the estate had been ordered built by Calligos.

Stepping through the vast cathedral doors, Macharius found himself in a small atrium, lit by hundreds of candles. High windows allowed little light to enter, and the atrium danced with flickering shadows. Beyond was the Narthex, lined with frescoes, images of nonspecific saints and prophets, many of whom bore suspicious resemblance to Winterscales past. Passing through that, Macharius and Echo entered the Cathedral proper. It was a high vaulted hall, supported by dozens of carved pillars. The rows upon rows of wooden pews were nearly empty, the official sermon having already ended earlier in the day. As he entered and began looking for a place to sit, Macharius found himself face to face with Jonquin Saul.

"It's... Macharius, isn't it?" the Trade-Admiral said with a smile. He was about Macharius' height, broad shouldered and clean-shaven. "I've heard you've been making great strides in restoring the Absalom Dynasty. This isn't the place to talk business, of course, but I'd like to hear where you found all the good fortune that's come your way, when you have a moment. Are you here for prayer, or just to see the Cathedral? I believe it's one of the older ones in the Expanse."

Museum

The Winterscale museum consisted of several rooms attached to the main complex, each holding trophies and mementoes of past victories. It was unlike a traditional museum, in that there were no tour guides or gift shops, but each item had a plaque bearing a description and noting the source world. The central chamber, a large domed gallery, held a table featuring a complete model of the Winterscale estate in miniature. One of the side rooms held miniatures of every vessel in the Dynasty fleet, including the great flagship, the Emperor's Vow. Another hall was styled the Gallery of Monsters, and featured skeletons and wax sculptures of Xenos creatures various Winterscales had personally slain.

An entire exhibit hall was given over to various Winterscale colonies and interests, featuring further miniatures of vehicles and buildings, and boastful descriptions of how profitable the various enterprises were. For any other Rogue Trader, such a display would likely be a collossal folly, but for Calligos Winterscale, any attempt to use the information to subvert his dynasty was likely to be met with crushing retaliation. This seemingly lackadaisical approach to Dynastic security was in reality just another example of Calligos thumbing his nose at anyone who dared try to oppose him.

Library

There were three libraries located within the confines of the estate grounds. The largest was simply a collection of books from around the Imperium, essays on philosophy and theology, and mostly filled with tomes and scrolls that were, if not common, at least not particularly rare and expensive. Volumes from this library were available to borrow for guests, provided that one was willing to supply their room number to the librarian servitor guarding the exits.

The smallest, held within a single medium-sized room, was given over to the local collection. Books written by people who lived on Solace Encarmine, and members of the Dynasty's army of scribes and seneschals, those who spent their time predominantly aboard Winterscale's fleet. This was also open to guests, but borrowing was not permitted. Anyone wishing to read the collection of books contained within was restricted to the reading tables within the library itself.

The third was restricted access, and Anika found that she wouldn't be allowed inside without permission from Winterscale himself, or a small number of people authorised by him to provide it. She was told it contained the rare volumes, and that access was granted infrequently, by a wizened old prune of a librarian.

All three libraries were places of silence, with wood-panelled walls and dim lighting, filled with the noise of shuffling quills and quietly rustling feathers. The upper reaches of the shelves were fitted with brass railings, the source of the rustling a veritable legion of cybernetically-enhanced owls. They stared down at visitors with restrained hostility, hooting softly, their glinting red eye lenses daring any intruders upon their domain to even think about mistreating the books.

Menagerie

In contrast to the libraries, the menagerie was raucously loud, trilling and screeching animals of all varieties filling the glass-walled enclosures. Ravia noted that there were no Ambulls within the facility, but that there were a fantastic number of other Xenos creatures. A flock of Razorwings were held alone in one aviary, the ground beneath their perches discoloured with blood and leavings from their feeding. A refridgerated pit enclosure held a Creeping Stalker from Lucin's Breath, the ambush predator difficult to spot amongst the ice and snow of its native environment. There were translucent Glasswolves, arboreal Pack Lorisids, giant mantids, and a mottled feline from Phyrr that watched them hungrily as they passed. One enclosure, surrounded by a double layer of armourglass, the inner layer of which bore heavy acid scarring, contained a large number of Karrikian Angle-Grinder Slugs. Emperor only knew where Calligos had found the things, they were supposed to be restricted.

Near the back, there was an aquarium section for acquatic creatures. Most of the inhabitants were multicoloured tropical fish, though here and there were more exotic specimens, including a tank of Landrian Spookfish.

Ballrooms

There were several ballrooms intended for the party. One was set aside for the auction, filled with chairs and lined with tables to hold the lots. These themselves hadn't been set out yet, but there was a list provided of what items would be up for sale:

Spoiler: Auction Lots

Show

Lot 1: Case of antique navigation tools, brass.
Lot 2: Walking stick, ironwood, set with ruby
Lot 3: Assorted weaponry, Eldar manufacture
Lot 4: Matched set, Khayer-Addin duelling pistols
Lot 5: Fingerbones of Saint Asceline
Lot 6: One case (12 bottles) Quaddian Wine
Lot 7: Mixed lot of firearms
Lot 8: "Memoirs of a Navigator," by Katarina Nostromo. Leatherbound hardback, 1st Printing.
Lot 9: Pulse Carbine, Tau manufacture
Lot 10: Remidium-pattern Medicae Servitor
Lot 11: "Engineer's Pocket Reference," author unknown. Paperback, 2nd Printing.
Lot 12: Mixed lot: Contents of Storage Locker X-11-755B, Scintilla
Lot 13: Prognosticator set, includes circuit runes
Lot 14: Ophelia Winterscale's perfume cabinet
Lot 15: Gryphonne-pattern Leman Russ Exterminator
Lot 16: Gilded Orrery, unknown system
Lot 17: Antique porcelain dining set, blue and white, rabbit motif. 100pcs.
Lot 18: Pelican-class Gun-cutter
Lot 19: Four dining chairs, Talathus Baroque style. Crescentwood.
Lot 20: Breeding pair, Nectavian Laser-Panthers

The other ballrooms were more empty, and seemed mostly to be serving as impromptu meeting areas for general discussion. Light refreshments were available, and knots of Traders and their entourages moved amongst each other, nibbling at canapes and catching up on the latest gossip. Jerot Penthon hadn't arrived yet, but Macharius and his crew found the Lady Morwenna engaged in spirited conversation with a trader Macharius hadn't seen before. A small man with a round head and wide mouth, clad in ministorum-style robes, he bowed in greeting as they approached, but stayed silent. Lady Morwenna spotted Anika and turned to Macharius.

"Good day, Lord Captain. How have things been treating you, recently? I see you've still got all the old crowd employed with you. Ah, though, who is your new Navigator? That's a very interesting fashion statement he's making, with that mask. Who did it for you? You must tell me, I'll need to get one for Primus Visscher."

Her own Navigator, who was unfortunately not present, no doubt. Echo, however, spotted another of the Navis standing behind the robed man and frowning.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Echo can roll an appropriate lore test to know which house the silent navigator is from.

Distillery

While the others socialised, Hannabel braved the outdoor gardens to reach the distilleries. These were apart from the main estate, housed in a series of buildings at the center of the garden orchards. They were more utilitarian than much of the estate, gothic style buildings housing kilometers of brass piping and great bubbling vats. Row upon row of barrels lined the walls, both metal and wooden. Here, employees of the Winterscale dynasty hurried about, busy with tasks unrelated to the party. Most of the distillery was not intended to be open to visitors, and Hannabel found that the only unlocked doors she could find led to a reception area, with a desk staffed by a harried-looking young woman, and a small tasting lounge through an open archway to the left.

"Frak off Daniels, it's not re..." The young woman looked up as Hannabel entered. "Oh, you're not Daniels. Thank the Emperor for that. Um. Can I help you?"

[Kaptin Keen]

Felidae has no use for this sort of place, nor this sort of party. She'll wander at random, mostly where the crowds are the thinnest, getting a good look at the gardens and grounds, popping by the menagerie and the distillery. On her way through, she'll put in a bid for Lot 7 (though her personal means are limited by Rogue Trader standards), it being the only one that seems potentially useful.

Eventually, she'll get bored, and decide the best path forward is to get drunk and disoderly.

[Blarghy]

Temple

Along for his own spiritual needs rather than the more practical matter of recording what he saw, Kennoch put prayer on hold when they encountered Saul. He was glad that this famously crafty trader focused on Macharius; Kennoch felt well aware that he probably wasn't up to the task of verbally fencing with such a partner, however nice he appeared. Instead he stood to the side, pict-lens fixed, capturing the fine details of Saul's expressions and gestures. If they could later study it and determine any subtle tells in his mannerisms, that would surely be invaluable for future negotiations.

Museum

The Gallery of Monsters interested Echo the most. He lingered here, searching for any beasts native to this planet; if the displays mentioned vulnerabilities or special dangers, that would be nice to know about before the hunt. Kennoch didn't expect to find help here for his own purposes, as Winterscale's special conquests were presumably far too large to use as familiars.

He did, however, make sure to record the colonial data. If any were near Absalom or Jonell lands, maybe the information could be used to propose a partnership, or at least prevent future conflicts.

Library

Echo bypassed the larger library and instead went to the smaller collection, where he searched for books about Solace Encarmine's wildlife, again to prepare for the hunt. Thanks to his memorance implant, he skimmed most of the pages quickly and then reviewed the relevant passages or sketches at his leisure. This seemed like a good place to think. The owls didn't particularly bother him; he occasionally looked up at the guardians and mused about someday having a winged pet of his own.

Menagerie

Now here the Navis hoped to do his best research yet, assuming that any of the specimens were local. That might be too much to wish for; Winterscale might consider them too niche and reserve captivity for the famous and deadly creatures feared throughout the Expanse. Still, it was worth a look around.

Ballrooms

How delightful that the items were posted in advance. Most of them held little interest for Kennoch, aside from vague historical appreciation. He nodded to himself as he browsed the list; they all sounded like impressive trophies, but most, he didn't care enough about to bid on. When the time came, he might place an offer on the antique navigational tools, just to display aboard the ship, but when he reached Lot 8, his breath caught in his throat. Rereading the description several times, he didn't initially hear that he'd been addressed.

He returned to Macharius and Anika, nodded politely to recognize Lady Morwenna's compliment, and debated whether to reply personally or let the captain do the talking. If this trader was a friend of Macharius, he certainly didn't want to offend her with his vocal mutation or voidborn ways. Echo settled for a quick bit of flattery.

"The skill of the skill the Lord-Commander's Lord-Commander's Lord-Commander's Lord-Commander's fashion experts is matched is matched experts only by his generosity by his only by."

Slowly turning so that his pict-lens caught both Morwenna and her mysterious companion, Kennoch hardly looked at his fellow Navis, yet his thoughts were focused there. Could this be an ally, or a rival? And would the connected rogue trader be the same, or opposite?

Spoiler

Show

So, it looks like my workplace mostly doesn't want us going on YouTube. We'll see if GitP ends up being added to the list as well, but until I'm told to stop, maybe I can keep posting from up here after all.

Common Lore (Navis Noblite) (71): (1d100)[13]
Forbidden Lore (Navigators) (71): (1d100)[99]

[Haval]

He turns to Anika. Have you heard any news? Wouldn't want to be caught off guard by any recent mergers.

'I fear that I don't know enough of the right people to answer that properly. I should try to rectify that while we're here.'

Spoiler

Show

Common Lore (Koronus) to know anything about recent Rogue Trader politics / marriages
vs. Int 53
rolled 41 in ooc

Museum

The museum supported Anika's opinion that this whole estate and the event they were at was for the purpose of Winterscale being able to show off to his assembled contemporaries. She will look at the section commemorating Winterscale's current ventures out of a sense of obligation but is more interested in everything else. She will take the odd picture in the Gallery of Monsters unless stopped by the museum's staff. You couldn't guarantee that any of it was based on real events, but the stories the Winterscales were trying to tell were sometimes interesting anyway.

Library

Anika is incapable of not spending some time browsing a library if she has the chance. She will browse the books in the libraries that she had easy access to just to see if they had anything unexpected for a man of Winterscale's rank, but she expected to be at least familiar with most of it already. Once she finds out that the special collection was off limits, she'll go looking for the senior librarian.

Ball Rooms

At the sight of the lots, 'We may wish to work out what we want to prioritise bidding on. I imagine some of these items will be quite popular.' She'll resist the impulse to go and find someone who could tell her where some of these things had come from. 'I'm also of a mind to try to get Felidae that tank even if we never use it.' Anika generally believed in spending money on things that might be useful over things that were merely expensive.

At the sight of Morwenna Anika chooses not to disappear off into the crowd. 'Enjoying the party Morwenna?'

Spoiler

Show

Common Lore to recognise the other Rogue Trader
vs. Int 53
(1d100)[39]

[rax]

Ballrooms
Hannabel quickly splits from Macharius' entourage to conduct her own inspection of the ballrooms. Heeding her employer's wishes, she refrains from pestering the other Rogue Traders and instead spends most of her time studying the auction lots. She can barely contain her excitement when she sees some of the items on offer...

Spoiler: Auction Lots

Show

Lots that Hannabel is most interested in (in order of preference):
Lot 9: Pulse Carbine, Tau manufacture
Lot 3: Assorted Eldar weaponry
Lot 6: One case (12 bottles) Quaddian Wine
Lot 11: "Engineer's Pocket Reference," author unknown. Paperback, 2nd Printing.
Lot 8: "Memoirs of a Navigator," by Katarina Nostromo. Leatherbound hardback, 1st Printing.
Lot 17: Antique porcelain dining set, blue and white, rabbit motif. 100pcs.

She then moves on to the museum.

Museum
Hannabel spends a happy couple of hours in the museum studying the miniatures of the Winterscale fleet, the estate, and the dynasty's colonies. Although she does take mental note of exceptional vessels and particularly advanced colonies, for the most part she just takes delight in the handiwork on display and all the new places she's never been to before. In comparison, Winterscale's boastful trophy hall and the more detailed information on his business interests warrant no more than a quick glance.

Distillery
"Oh I certainly hope so," Hannabel purrs. "I'm a guest of Lord Captain Winterscale and I've been away from anything resembling a proper drink for months, reduced to drinking third rate rotgut, tranq and wobble cooked up by the drive gang. So when I heard that Calligos Winterscale has his own distillery, I simply knew I had to sample his vintages. That is a tasting lounge over there, isn't it?"

"Aand because I'm a curious cat, who's Daniels and what's not ready? Won't you share the gossip, just between us girls?"

Spoiler: Testing

Show

Charm test vs. 54 (1d100)[44]
Pre-emptive FP re-roll (1d100)[67]

Library
Feeling noticeably but pleasantly tipsy after her session at the distillery, Hannabel only stops by briefly at the library. Realizing that she's not really in a state to read properly, she promises herself that she'll spend some time browsing the local collection before leaving Solace Encarmine.

Menagerie
After the quiet of the museum and the libraries, Hannabel laughs in girlish delight at the noise of the menagerie. Another couple of hours go by as she wiles away her time studying the many xenos beasts that Winterscale has helpfully collected so that she needn't go trudging through ice storms, jungles and swamps to catch a glimpse of them. She's especially taken with the Creeping Stalker and the Glasswolves.

Spoiler: Testing

Show

Just for fun, testing to see if Hannabel notes anything out of the ordinary in the menagerie, e.g. misidentified creatures, xenos species so rare that Winterscale having one is just preposterous, and so on.

Forbidden Lore (Xenos) vs. 50 (Int 50, Talented) (1d100)[32]

[PotatoGolem]

As they leave for the party, Flannery chuckles and speaks to Macharius away from the command staff, alone with Almagor and his Captain. "You do know what she was gettin' at, don't you sir? She's not asking if Captain Theophilis is married out of concern for her allies' retribution. She's suggestin' you take a more... personal interest. And I agree. We told you before that blasted death-race, the dynasty needs an heir. Rogue Trader party, lots of Captains, wouldn't hurt to think of the long term for the dynasty. Or the short term for yerself, some are quite beautiful." He laughs and Macharius joins in, chuckling despite himself.

------------------------------------------
Temple

Macharius is in his element. Finally, dealing with his equals, mingling with proper nobility. It is refreshing and delightful, but he well knows the dangers. A noble ball is a battlefield as dangerous as those he's seen on his voyages. But here, charm is his weapon and reputation his armor. Fortunately for him, the first comes to him as easy as breathing, and he knows how to cultivate the second. He gladly meets old acquaintances and makes new ones, flitting from group to group as he ascends towards the temple. He greets those he knows and introduces himself to those he doesn't, shaking hands and clapping shoulders. You only get one chance to make a first impression, after all. He never lingers too long with one group, leaving with apologies to continue towards the temple, always with a comment or joke as to what they simply must talk about before the end of the party.

The sight of the temple nearly takes his breath away. It is beautiful. Awe-inspiring. Truly, it shows the grandeur of the God-Emperor. His reverie is broken only by the encounter with Saul. Trade-Admiral! An honor to meet you. Yes, it is true that the God-Emperor has smiled upon me of late. Faith is its own reward, but he rewards the faithful even beyond, as they say. It would be my pleasure to talk with you. Yes, it's quite a marvel! Truly a testament to His power. I've come to offer my thanks to Him, for my fortunes and for bringing us safely here. A man must always remember the One who makes it all possible, what? He will linger and talk to Saul or make arrangements to speak to him later, as seems appropriate.

Ballrooms

Macharius is back to making friends. Sprinkled in to the light banter, he collects information on the other dynasties. Whose fortunes rise, and whose fall. What dynasties have formed alliances, married, or merged, and which splinter and fragment in civil war. Never direct questions, all idle chatter, of course. Only by piecing it all together does it have value. Under his bodyguard's watchful gaze, Macharius also gathers information on which ascending dynasties have young female heirs. When he sees Morwenna, he brightens.

Ah, Morwenna! Delightful to see you again! He offers her a formal bow. The God-Emperor provides well, I must say. My, it has been some time. Allow me to introduce Navigator Kennoch Castermire. Absolutely brilliant man. Truly a blessing from Him on Terra. And you? How have you been? Last we spoke, you were acquiring that Garden World, were you not? Ah, but where are my manners? I don't believe we've met. Macharius Absalom. He reaches out to shake the other Trader's hand.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Charm to see how generally charming and delightful Macharius is being. Winning friends here is crucial. (1d100)[90] vs 132.
Inquiry to see how useful of information he's getting. [roll[1d100[/roll] vs 102

[Destro_Yersul]

Temple

"I quite agree," Saul said. "As it happens, I'm here to offer my own thanks for safe journey, and ask for blessings on future endeavours. I'll have to introduce you to Lucius, I'm sure he'd be pleased to have another theologically inclined trader to talk to during the party. He's fond of debating scripture, but he's probably gotten tired of my arguments, by now. Too many long voyages spent with nothing to do but talk to each other. Which of the guest spires are you in? We'll drop by later." Saul left Macharius after securing arrangements for a later conversation, making his way back down the causeway towards the estate grounds, seemingly alone.

Museum

The Gallery of Monsters featured comparitively few examples of local fauna, and the descriptions were more concerned with the hunt that had taken each beast down than they were with relative vulnerabilities. The emerging picture, at least of the stories Winterscale wanted people to see, were of Calligos as a larger-than-life figure, one of the great and noble men of old, stepped right out of the pages of an adventure slate. What was perhaps more impressive was that, at least in the case of the creatures with skeletons, he seemed to have actually done the hunting in question. Anika found fragments of bolt-shell embedded in the bones of at least one xenos beastie, notably one that was described as being killed by Calligos' storm bolter.

Hannabel, meanwhile, was able to pick out a number of interesting ships and colonies from amongst the miniatures. Winterscale's flagship and home, Emperor's Vow, was also his main stronghold of operations. The palace on Solace Encarmine was intended as a secondary residence, and was unlikely to hold much in terms of important paperwork. It was also the largest in his fleet, but it was not the only ship of the line. Hannabel picked out three cruisers amongst the many miniatures, and there were probably more that hadn't been immortalised.

In terms of colonies, the most advanced were clustered along the trailing edge of Winterscale's Realm, more numerous the closer one got to Footfall. There were a small handful further out, and a number placed nearby to Solace Encarmine itself. Some of these were near to where Jonell had placed one or the other, and it would be a relatively short jump from some of them to Port Davis which, perhaps fortunately, was near to Winterscale's Realm without being inside it.

Library

Anika found the senior librarian, a pinch-faced old woman named Alethea, hovering near where Echo was reading and watching the owls.

"Even as servitor familiars," she said as Anika approached, "they are capable of completely silent flight. The perfect bird to tend to a library, would you not agree? It is a fashion imported from Calixis, from the great library worlds of the scrivener's star."

Menagerie

None of the creatures in the menagerie were, to Echo's misfortune, local captures. Possibly Winterscale didn't see the need, when he had kilometers of native land on which to keep the beasts in their natural environment. The things he did keep here, Hannabel noticed, were more often than not horribly deadly predators. She identified the dark felines as Phyrr Cats, which were suspected to be slightly psychic, but none of the creatures was completely outlandish for Winterscale to have found somewhere. The Angle-Grinder slugs were supposed to be proscribed, but Rogue Traders had ways around restrictions like that, and she noted that none of the creatures were intelligent - some unscrupulous types had been known to sell or keep sentient species, but Winterscale wasn't one of them.

Ballrooms

Anika had done some information gathering of her own, and between what she knew and Macharius had found out, the two were able to put together quite a good picture of the political landscape. Macharius' focus on looking for dynasties with young female heirs, in particular, had turned up a few promising candidates. In any gathering this size, there were bound to be a few rivalries bouncing around, though, and he would have to think carefully about which options to pursue.

"It's lovely so far, dear," Morwenna said to Anika, "but only just getting started, of course. Still plugging away on that research of yours? It must be difficult to get things done out on the fringes of the expanse. You should visit the Library of Knowing on Fenksworld sometime, if you run into too many stumbling blocks. Fabulous collection." Turning to Macharius, she continued. "Parhelion? Yes, had the deal wrapped up a few months ago. We're not planning to develop it overly much, wouldn't want to ruin the natural splendour of the place, but I think a few estates here and there wouldn't go amiss. I'll offer you an excellent deal, if you're interested... oh, but you haven't met..!"

The other trader, with the round face, with whom Macharius was already shaking hands. "Monk, Lord Captain. I don't often get out this way, but as I was in the vicinity I could hardly turn down the invitation. Calligos and I go way back." Which was certainly possible, Anika knew, though how probable she could only guess. She had heard of The Monk before, but very little - he was normally found further afield, and was known to have some sort of nebulous ties to the cold trade, but most of what she'd run across was little more than rumour. His Navigator, on the other hand, was likely to be from Calixis - Echo recognised him as a scion of House Mercator, a notoriously withdrawn and shadowy bloodline that some whispered was cursed.

Distillery

"Daniels? Oh, just the head waiter," the girl said, relaxing somewhat in response to Hannabel's manner. "I keep telling him that you can't rush good brandy, but he's been in and out all day asking if we've finished bottling up the casks we tapped for the party. Course we haven't, we've got hundreds of frakking bottles to do, and he's not supposed to need them until tomorrow. You want a sneak preview? I could add a glass to a tasting flight for you. We make it from Raurfruit, only grows here."

[Haval]

Library

"Even as servitor familiars," she said as Anika approached, "they are capable of completely silent flight. The perfect bird to tend to a library, would you not agree? It is a fashion imported from Calixis, from the great library worlds of the scrivener's star."

'Oh I'm aware, though I don't usually see them in such numbers. I knew someone who kept one to guard his office. Claimed they kept the place free of vermin.'

'Your library is impressive. Although given the size of this place I suppose it ought to be. May I ask about the special collections? What do you even have in there that needs protecting? I admit I'm mostly curious and if I have to go bother Captain Winterscale to try and get a look in I expect I'd need a better reason then that.'

Spoiler

Show

Charm to make a good impression
vs. Fel 47 (+10 Peer Academics?)
(1d100)[100]

See ooc for a more respectable 7

Ball Rooms

The Library of Knowing was something of a sore subject given that Anika had lost the credentials that allowed her to access it after she lost her old job. Perhaps her families influence could make up for that, but it wasn't the sort of thing that most of them would care enough to help her with. 'Perhaps when I'm next over there, but there's really nothing like first hand experience.' Anika had commentaries and the like to some of the books she didn't have actual copies of, but it wasn't the same.

She'll turn to the other Rogue Trader after he presumably shakes Macharius' hand, 'Here for the auction Captain Monk?'

[Leon]

Ravia spent a significant portion of the time in the Menagerie carefully making notes and recordings with Skull on all the interesting wildlife, many of which she had never seen before. Some of them would be a worthwhile endevour to find in the wild and add to her collection of interesting DNA

On the Auctions there was a lot of interesting things but only two items of actual note she would like to see bid on, Lot 10 and 20

++A Quality Medicae Servitor is a boon to have and one wonders how much breeding it would to upgrade them from Lascats to Hellcats++

[rax]

Distillery
"Daniels? Oh, just the head waiter," the girl said, relaxing somewhat in response to Hannabel's manner. "I keep telling him that you can't rush good brandy, but he's been in and out all day asking if we've finished bottling up the casks we tapped for the party. Course we haven't, we've got hundreds of frakking bottles to do, and he's not supposed to need them until tomorrow. You want a sneak preview? I could add a glass to a tasting flight for you. We make it from Raurfruit, only grows here."

"Sounds delightful," Hannabel answers warmly. "Make it so! And while you're at it, why not throw in a taste of the best and the worst you've got hidden away here. You can't appreciate the good without knowing what really bad tastes like!"

[Blarghy]

Temple

Echo turned to watch Saul leave. Once the Trade-Admiral was out of earshot, he mused to Macharius, "Smooth and gentle waters smooth gentle...but, I suspect I I I suspect, dangerous depths dangerous."

The young Navis cast his gaze around the room. He figured he could hunt down a priest even at this time of day, but perhaps that wasn't necessary. "...Would you care would care to lead a prayer to lead prayer prayer, sir sir?"

Ballrooms

This seemed to be progressing nicely. Kennoch was willing to remain on the edge of the conversation rather than among it; he took a drink from a passing waiter and carefully sipped through the layers of his costume while making his way, seemingly casually, to a better position. He stood to the side of his fellow Navigator, faced the Rogue Traders--especially the mysterious Monk--and recorded them amidst a discussion of his own.

"Quite the party quite, Lord Mercator Mercator Mercator Mercator," he remarked softly, without looking over. "Does it not does not remind you of home of home? The Expanse is full Expanse full of such adventure and possibility adventure of such, but I must say I must, a draught of civilization civilization soothes me nicely me me after risking the unknown risking risking the." Footfall hardly counted--although he wondered if Port Davis might, eventually.

A shrouded Navis such as you would make a questionable friend at best, but that doesn't mean I can't make use of you. What secrets have you and your kin uncovered? Knowingly or not, so long as I'm careful with what I reveal in turn, perhaps you can assist with my needs.

[PotatoGolem]

Temple

I don't doubt it, my good chum. He didn't rise to such wealth and power by politeness alone. Still, a trade deal with House Saul could be very profitable. He's certainly a good person to know.

Capital idea! Macharius takes up a commanding position in front of his followers. He speaks loudly enough for others to join, if they are so interested, but not so loudly as to prevent other captains from leading their crews in the Cathedral.

Almighty Emperor, Savior of Mankind, we are gathered here in thanks. By Your grace, we have been delivered safely here. By Your will, we have grown strong. And by Your hand, we have triumphed over our foes. Though the mutant, the heretic, and alien threaten, we shall not falter! Though the Warp growl and roil, we shall not fear! For You are our Captain, our Admiral, our Emperor. In Your holy sight we shall traverse the trackless dark, for the profit of all mankind. In Your glorious name we shall bring Your sheltering light to the lost sons of humanity. And by Your purifying flame we shall cleanse Your galaxy of the unclean and the recidivist. For the Emperor!

------------------------------------

Ballrooms

Splendid, splendid! Glad to make your acquaintance while we have you in the region! Ah yes, there's nothing like old friends is there? He turns to Morwenna with a wink and touches her arm lightly. An old friend is like a well-aged wine. After all, they're not making more of them, hoho! He laughs lightheartedly. Morwenna, dear, my profoundest apologies for cutting you off. Estates, you say?

------------------------

After talking to Morwenna and the Monk, Macharius will circulate around the party meeting people. He makes sure to talk to Igraine Armengarde, Alydda Kros, Charlabelle Armelan, and the Trask ladies, trying to get a sense of them. He'll also talk to Sarvus Trask, Alexander Kros, and Aiofe Armengarde, if he can. After all, a wise Trader never over-commits to a deal early and without weighing all potential options. As he circulates, he'll whisper to Anika in passing. Anika, have your people prepare a briefing for me on Houses Armengarde, Kros, Armelan, Theophilus, and Trask. Utmost discretion, of course. And I presume you know which family members to focus on.

[Blarghy]

Temple

"Very wise, Lord Commander wise Lord Lord Commander," Kennoch agreed. He then went to one of the empty front pews, sat, and bowed his head. Quietly, he murmured along with the prayer in his soft voice and the chorus behind it; the echoes ranged in emotion from comfort to zeal.

"By Your grace Your Your grace...delivered safely here delivered safely...

"...the mutant mutant mutant." Kennoch's bowed head dipped a little lower. "The heretic heretic heretic heretic...

"Though the Warp Warp Warp Warp Warp Warp growl and roil growl roil..." His jaw clenched. "...we shall not fear we shall fear...Your holy sight holy...Your glorious name glorious name..." Near the end, his fingers tightened together angrily. His thoughts turned to the dreaded, damned Castermares, those blighted witches who defied church and clan, bringing shame to Kennoch's house by their distant association. Quick and painless death was a mercy they didn't deserve. Kennoch dreamed of the day when he could fulfill his purpose by delivering justice. "And by Your purifying flame Your purifying flame we shall cleanse Your galaxy we shall cleanse of the unclean of unclean..."

Kennoch lifted his head, made the sign of the Aquila, and repeated in a full voice, "For the Emperor the Emperor Emperor Emperor!"

He sat for a little longer, waiting until Macharius was ready to leave, and in that time, the Navis said a mental prayer of his own. A prayer of hope, and of stern promise. For family, and for himself.

[Destro_Yersul]

Gardens

Felidae, in her searches for the means to get drunk and disorderly, managed to find a collection of like-mided individuals. At any sort of party like this, there were bound to be malcontents and social pariahs who had arrived as part of some Trader's entourage and decided that polite society was not for them. Naturally, these individuals tended to gather in darkened, out of the way corners, where they could engage in drinking and arm-wrestling without disturbing the delicate sensibilities of your average socialite. One such group had staked out a corner of Winterscale's expansive gardens, built a campfire, tapped a keg of ludicrously expensive rum, and declared their domain inviolate.

All of which meant they were more than a little put out when Felidae stumbled upon them by chance. "Hey!" Called one of the biggest, a fellow covered in scars and slabs of vat-grown muscle. He pointed at Felidae, slurring drunkenly. "Who said you was allowed to walk through this clearing? This is our clearing, see?"

Library

"They do, yes." Alethea pushed her glasses up her nose, frowning. "The speciaal collection is where we keep all of the rare books the Winterscale dynasty has collected over the years, and don't care to keep on the ship. Calligos isn't much for books himself, but some are quite valuable. Was there any sort of thing you were looking for in particular? I wouldn't normally allow access simply for the sake of curiosity, but if you're conducting research..."

Distillery

"Sure can. Can't say any of it's especially bad, not once it's aged. 801 wasn't a great year, though, and we've got some of that around. No charge for any of this, by the way. Everything's getting tacked onto party bills right now." Hannabel didn't have to wait very long before another of the distillery employees brought out a tray laden with glasses to the tasting lounge. The normal flight was five, but an extra glass of Raurfruit brandy, bright red with a spicy aroma, had been added. It was unlike anything else she had tried, with faint hints of all manner of fruit and a smooth alcohol burn. The '801 was a little harsh, compared to the others, but still better than most by a long shot.

Whatever else you wanted to say about Calligos Winterscale, his alcohol was good.

Ballrooms

"Quite the party quite, Lord Mercator Mercator Mercator Mercator," he remarked softly, without looking over. "Does it not does not remind you of home of home? The Expanse is full Expanse full of such adventure and possibility adventure of such, but I must say I must, a draught of civilization civilization soothes me nicely me me after risking the unknown risking risking the." Footfall hardly counted--although he wondered if Port Davis might, eventually.

"Castermire." The Mercator Navis inclined his head to Echo. "It is Castermire, isn't it? I see so few other Navis. Especially out here. But of course, out here is where you're liable to make great discoveries. In Calixis, there are secrets, but nothing like in the Expanse."

He shook his head. "It's a nice enough party though, in the meantime. I'm actually surprised to see you. Most of our kin prefer to stay aboard ship, avoid mingling with all the blinders."

The Library of Knowing was something of a sore subject given that Anika had lost the credentials that allowed her to access it after she lost her old job. Perhaps her families influence could make up for that, but it wasn't the sort of thing that most of them would care enough to help her with. 'Perhaps when I'm next over there, but there's really nothing like first hand experience.' Anika had commentaries and the like to some of the books she didn't have actual copies of, but it wasn't the same.

She'll turn to the other Rogue Trader after he presumably shakes Macharius' hand, 'Here for the auction Captain Monk?'

"Oh, indeed. There's something to be said for running around, getting your hands dirty, while you're still young enough to appreciate it." It wasn't actually clear whether Morwenna had intended the remark as a barb, but it always was that way with her.

Monk, at least, seemed to be a little more straightforward. He bobbed his head, smiling cordially. "Oh yes. Some rather interesting items up this time around. A few are there just to get rid of them, of course. I think old Calligos rather enjoys foisting off his rubbish onto less wealthy traders, who'll buy anything in an attempt to curry some favour with him. Nobody would bid if it was all like that - well, maybe some would, but it'd amount to a rather poor auction if there wasn't anything spicy up there. Anything caught your eye?"

Splendid, splendid! Glad to make your acquaintance while we have you in the region! Ah yes, there's nothing like old friends is there? He turns to Morwenna with a wink and touches her arm lightly. An old friend is like a well-aged wine. After all, they're not making more of them, hoho! He laughs lightheartedly. Morwenna, dear, my profoundest apologies for cutting you off. Estates, you say?

"Think nothing of it, Macharius." Morwenna laughed, and plucked a canape from a passing platter. "Yes, estates. Elysium Fields, I'm thinking of calling it. I have a team on the way to survey for the best sites, and I'll be reviewing the reports before we break ground, but I would expect to have things up and running within the next year or two. I'll be taking pre-sales immediately, though. Would you care for a brochure, or some of my Remembrancer's pict captures?"

After talking to Morwenna and the Monk, Macharius will circulate around the party meeting people. He makes sure to talk to Igraine Armengarde, Alydda Kros, Charlabelle Armelan, and the Trask ladies, trying to get a sense of them. He'll also talk to Sarvus Trask, Alexander Kros, and Aiofe Armengarde, if he can. After all, a wise Trader never over-commits to a deal early and without weighing all potential options. As he circulates, he'll whisper to Anika in passing. Anika, have your people prepare a briefing for me on Houses Armengarde, Kros, Armelan, Theophilus, and Trask. Utmost discretion, of course. And I presume you know which family members to focus on.

Macharius proved unable to corner Igraine without her mother. Aoife was escorting her daughter around the party, pointing out various people of greater and lesser importance, and gently steering her away from the stronger alcohol. Igraine didn't seem exactly happy with this arrangement, following sullenly. They had dressed similarily, dark blue uniform jackets embroidered with gold thread, and a pair of shoulder epaulets in the Navy style. Igraine looked much like her mother, though a little less round of face, with less grey in her hair. Both were armed, Aoife with an Eldar sword in a long sheathe, and Igraine with a fencer's rapier.

Aoife spotted Macharius approaching, and turned to say something to her daughter. Macharius caught the tail end as he reached them. "... supposed to have improved their fortunes considerably, but arrived in a Shrike."

----------

Trask's cousins, for the most part, hadn't been able to make the party. Alydda Kros had, however, and Macharius found her out on a balcony, watching the sunset with a drink in her hand. "The plants here are so strange," she said, swirling the glass and leaning on the railing. She had shoulder length brown hair, the same colour as her father's, and had selected a reserved dress in light blue for the evening. Against the backdrop of dark red foliage, it stood out like a sapphire in a pile of rubies. "Nothing like home at all. What was your name again? I must have met hundreds of people today."

----------

Charlabelle Armelan was located, when he found her, at the center of a knot of sycophants and hangers on, chatting idly about how the wars on the spinward front had affected the price of lasguns. She was draped liberally in jewelry, and stopped mid-sentence when she spotted him, waving for the crowd to allow him space. "Lord-Captain Absalom, pleasure to see you again. Does your dynasty have any shipping interests spinward? They've been ramping up the war, and the Munitorum is constantly calling for more equipment to arm all the new Guard regiments. Maybe not the most glamourous work, but that hardly stopped Trade-Admiral Saul from building one of the biggest fortunes in the segmentum, did it?"

----------

Approaching Sarvus Trask was easy. Getting a word in edgewise, less so. Ture to his reputation, Sarvus was larger than life, a huge man in a bright red coat and polished leather boots, his long beard elaborately braided. He pressed a drink into Macharius' hand and clapped him on the shoulder. "Bloody fantastic to finally meet you! Everyone's been talking about your exploits, you know. Taking on entire fleets of pirates all by yourself, laying siege to an entire planet's worth of xenos. Not trying to edge in on my schtick, are you? The rising star, Macharius Absalom!" He laughed heartily and tipped back his glass, draining in one go a very nice amasec that Macharius was fairly certain was intended for slow consumption. "Meaning no offense, of course. We've all got to make our way in the galaxy. Speaking of, have you seen our host around anywhere? Winterscale? I expect he's waiting to make a dramatic entrance at the right moment, but all this reclusiveness makes a man hard to talk to."

[Blarghy]

"Castermire." The Mercator Navis inclined his head to Echo. "It is Castermire, isn't it? I see so few other Navis. Especially out here. But of course, out here is where you're liable to make great discoveries. In Calixis, there are secrets, but nothing like in the Expanse."

He shook his head. "It's a nice enough party though, in the meantime. I'm actually surprised to see you. Most of our kin prefer to stay aboard ship, avoid mingling with all the blinders."

Ballrooms

"Mm, yes yes. Kennoch Castermire Castermire Castermire, specifically specifically. And you you you? But you're right you're on all counts all counts. Being dirtside being is a touch uncomfortable is is. The taste taste of the air of the. The sounds sounds and feel of the ground feel ground. To say nothing say nothing of the crowds crowds. Yet, as you say as you, here is where here one makes discoveries makes discoveries. I hoped for I hoped a bit of novelty a bit. What can one learn what can by remaining only only where one has already been where been, be it Calixis Calixis Calixis Calixis or a familiar tower familiar? What about you what about? Did you descend descend for pleasure or purpose pleasure purpose?"

The silver lining of having so few peers at the party was that Echo could worry less about gossip. He might be overthinking it, but he felt conscious of rank; regardless of this Mercator's personal skill, Kennoch considered their House beneath his own and worried about the consequences of being associated with it. Nobility of all sorts could be more judgmental than schoolchildren, and guilt-by-association was sometimes a legitimate concern. Of course, that was no cause for rudeness, nor would he pass up the opportunity to make a contact. In this case, he thought of it more as asset than ally. If he could establish enough of a rapport to exchange some notes before leaving the system, that would certainly be to his benefit. He only had to work cautiously, both with what he offered, and with how he phrased his requests. If Mercator had been in the Expanse for some time, he might have come across information on the Castermares (though hopefully not from friendly bargaining, a possibility Kennoch kept firmly in mind, in light of the clan's shadowy reputation). As well as more esoteric matters.

[rax]

Distillery
"Sure can. Can't say any of it's especially bad, not once it's aged. 801 wasn't a great year, though, and we've got some of that around. No charge for any of this, by the way. Everything's getting tacked onto party bills right now." Hannabel didn't have to wait very long before another of the distillery employees brought out a tray laden with glasses to the tasting lounge. The normal flight was five, but an extra glass of Raurfruit brandy, bright red with a spicy aroma, had been added. It was unlike anything else she had tried, with faint hints of all manner of fruit and a smooth alcohol burn. The '801 was a little harsh, compared to the others, but still better than most by a long shot.

Whatever else you wanted to say about Calligos Winterscale, his alcohol was good.

"By the way, I've been wondering. Have you ever met Winterscale in person? I hear he's larger than life, but when you're at the top of the food chain the rumour mill always goes wild. What's he really like? Is he a good man to work for?" Hannabel continues chatting with the woman in charge.

OOC: Is the party on? It looks that way from the Ballroom posts. If so, Hannabel must hie herself to her rooms and get dressed...

[Kaptin Keen]

Oh, this is a private fiefdom? In that case, I've come to pay my respects to the lord of the land. Since this is Winterscale's kingdom, I guess you must be a lesser - but still quite respectable - noble in his loyal service?

Baron? Viscount? Perhaps even a Duke?

May I ask your name and title, Honered Lord?

I am Felidae Vestraeme, called Lady Bolterface by some. Pleased to meet you.

Felidae is all politeness and smiles, but there is a steely invitation in her gaze. It says, simply, you make this whatever you want to make it. But imagine the damage to your reputation if you got your ass handed to you by a girl, in front of all your friends.

[Haval]

Ball Rooms

++A Quality Medicae Servitor is a boon to have and one wonders how much breeding it would to upgrade them from Lascats to Hellcats++

'Or plasma cats? No need to limit yourself.'Anika hadn't actually paid enough attention to the wildlife to know whether a Lascat was just a name or a description of some sort of enhancement.

And I presume you know which family members to focus on.

Anika assumes his meaning here. She has probably spoken with Macharius about this matter more then once. 'No time like the present I suppose. Just make sure you know what you are getting into.' She is heartily glad that as a younger daughter she has no such obligations herself. At a discreet moment she will message her secretary to get any information on Rogue Trader politics that she can't remember herself.

She'll suppress a sigh at Morwenna's barb but will respond equally evenly. 'Well exactly. After all, not all of us can be bothered with the expense of juvenat treatments.' Anika had always hated the assumption made by other nobles of what she ought to care about, but couldn't always avoid going down to their level. 'And anything was better then staying in Calixis and settling down.' That at least they could likely agree on.

To Monk, 'Well the Scorpion gear obviously. Even if I can't get it I'd at least like to hear where it came from. I understand the Eldar sometimes try to recover their weaponry if they discover someone else has it, but I can't pass up the opportunity even if that's true.' Anika is happy to have something to talk about that doesn't relate to the party. 'Are you my competition Captain? I heard we might share some interests.' Might as well see if the rumors held any truth.

Library

So it wasn't necessarily a case of keeping them secret for the ideas they contained. 'This and that, mostly on the known and suspected history of the Expanse. Human habitation of the Expanse before the Maw was opened, advanced Xenos that were known to have had a presence here, interesting landmarks and anomalies.' Anika thinks of the Processional and feels briefly sick. 'I don't always know what I'm looking for until I've started looking. I could probably camp out down here until it was time for me to leave, but I'm afraid I have obligations.'

'There's also the matter of checking if you were willing to correspond with me if I ever had a need. Say, if I encountered anything that I needed help understanding. These days I hang out with the wrong sort of people to help me with that. Most of my old academic friends are back in Calixis.'

[Leon]

'Or plasma cats? No need to limit yourself.'Anika hadn't actually paid enough attention to the wildlife to know whether a Lascat was just a name or a description of some sort of enhancement.

++Melatcats would be a devil to contain++

[Haval]

++Melatcats would be a devil to contain++

'Cats are like that anyway frankly. You have to treat them well enough that they want to come back.'

[Blarghy]

Menagerie

None of the creatures in the menagerie were, to Echo's misfortune, local captures. Possibly Winterscale didn't see the need, when he had kilometers of native land on which to keep the beasts in their natural environment.

Disappointed but not yet defeated, the Navigator went looking for a curator. Maybe there was a better way than hoping he could stumble over something appropriate during the hunt, while everyone else was searching for--or fleeing from--other enormous, vile predators. He was honest about his needs and motives: "I am also I am a collector of beasts collector beasts, albeit more modestly more than your Lord than Lord. I try to try acquire a new creature new creature from each world from each I visit I I I. Something small and simple small, fitting for a familiar for a." Kennoch gestured to the golden monkey by his side; Mr. Wah Dell sniffed and folded one set of arms, still of mixed feelings on growing their weird little family. "It would be would be a shame to miss shame miss a planet so rich planet so rich in life as this as this as this. To whom must I speak must to purchase to a local specimen local?"

[Leon]

'Cats are like that anyway frankly. You have to treat them well enough that they want to come back.'

++The scope is also there for cyberisation, Grapplehawks, Cybermastifs and along comes Noonspherecats as the next thing++