OOC II: DH The Purity of Sacrifice

[Haval]

In that case it might be worth trying as a learning experience for Orla. She can learn how to gamble properly and get some practice in pretending to be other people.

My only reservation is about how easy would it be to molify the Rogue Trader if things go bad and Orla ends up failing a charm roll.

[rax]

@Haval and Rax: ...I would also suggest that in a pinch, Orla's character could offer similar RP opportunity. He's also read her as having an atypical accent, and she could plop herself down having "acquired" thrones from her master.

I have no problem with attempting this approach if you as the GM see no issue with our "servant-class" PCs approaching Casmirre to socialize. I see the Imperium in general, and certainly this Hive, as a very class-conscious society, so my assumption has been that mingling with the upper classes isn't something Hound and Orla can just decide to do and expect it to work.

...They could alternatively attempt to spy on him, find his retinue and get information out of them, ect.

Perhaps I'm moving too fast, while also being too paranoid, but my concern with snooping around Casmirre's retinue is that it ought to be pretty difficult to get any useful information out of them on the basis of a casual introductory conversation at this party. If we push too hard, it seems to me that there's also a risk that they'll report back to Casmirre that we've been asking questions about stuff that he likely wants to keep very secret.

So, this option seems more like a way to maybe establish a connection and make some inroads to follow up later on. My problem with this - and it's mostly a personal thing rooted in current RL issues - is that I'd quite like to see some sort of breakthrough soon and not spend much more time cultivating sources that may or may not lead to us getting any actionable intelligence. I.e. lack of patience is a problem on my part right now, which is why I suggested a high-risk option.

Physically spying on Casmirre, Durchesse or the General (our host, who's name escapes me right now ) is theoretically doable, I suppose, but so far my impression has been that our targets are hanging out in groups in rooms where we can't easily hang around to listen in on their conversations without being questioned about what we're doing there. Likewise, if they later decide to get together and discuss their nefarious activities in private, the building seems large enough that they could easily do so without us being able to follow and listen in.

So, yeah, I guess I'm just in problem-focused state of mind right now, but if Haval wants to take the plunge on approaching Casmirre via the gambling table, I say go for it!

[Bennosuke]

I think I'm willing to be slightly flexible regarding socialization and rolling if it allows the players/PCs to be at the center of things. And for what it is worth, while Rogue traders are often of Noble families with prestigious backgrounds, they are also often rather rough and tumble individuals. I hope I've made it clear from portrayal so far that Casmirre is not the most regal, snooty individual.

[Haval]

Worst case I was going to ask if duels were a thing in the upper hive. I am going to bend over backwards to not upset him but stuff happens I have been reading the Enemy Within and its been giving me ideas.

At least Rogue Traders are all over the place as regards social class.

[rax]

At least Rogue Traders are all over the place as regards social class.

I suppose you could always tell him that Ezekiel is a massive fanboy and wants to spend lots of money to build a giant statue in Casmirre's honour.

[Haval]

I suppose you could always tell him that Ezekiel is a massive fanboy and wants to spend lots of money to build a giant statue in Casmirre's honour.

That would work on Macharius

[Bennosuke]

I think it would be reasonable to assume that duels occur amongst Noble elite amongst many societies in 40k, though of course in theory there are billions of semi-diverse societies that we are generalizing between.

That said, with Orla not being a Noble... Cassmire would probably just shoot her

[rax]

That would work on Macharius

My thoughts exactly.

[BananaPhone]

If only you guys had someone at that card game who could read minds or something.

[rax]

But, but...that would be cheating!

[Haval]

Well I don't need to win. Just lose plausibly enough to stay in the game. Social class issues aside, the fact that Orla is from the least wealthy character class was my main concern. I suppose there's always the chance that they'll accept a cheque.

Maybe it's the lack of sleep talking but maybe there's a casino somewhere that we can take Marcella to.

[BananaPhone]

I'm sensing a possible custom, homebrew minor power or Telepath power!

Gamble:
Use both rudimentary divination and telepathic discipline to read the surface thoughts of opponents in games of chance, dice or cards. Treat Gamble as a trained skill, use your Willpower attribute and gain +30 bonus.



*Steeples fingers* Yes, off to the casino indeed!


(but in seriousness, probably not, as I've got another character in a warhammer fantasy rpg atm who was a real rogue-like character with a very high gamble, and it made things a headache for the GM because I'd use it frequently lol)

[Bennosuke]

@Wynde and Banana: So, are you going in the front or the back then?

[BananaPhone]

I think we're going in through the front.

[Bennosuke]

Posted. I am assuming that Orla was talking to Hound and thus have not replied in that conversation/scene.

[Haval]

I don't think it's been established, but is there any kind of buffet downstairs that might have cutlery with it?

I'd like to have Orla pocket a knife or a fork in case there's any lying around. As I've said this will be for emergencies only.

[Bennosuke]

I think that would be reasonable, though likely nothing "weapon's grade" if you know what I mean. Still I'm sure she can grab the equivalent of a steak knife.

[BananaPhone]

Hope ya'll had a nice weekend!

[Bennosuke]

Hey all, apologies for being MIA the last few weeks. It's been a mix of good and bad busy. I am slowly working my way through all my posts, and will get to this either today or tomorrow. Thank you for all of your patience as always!

[BananaPhone]

I hope you're doing alright IRL Benno, take it easy.

[BananaPhone]

Guess Marc needs a lying check too: (1d100)[59] vs TN 52

[BananaPhone]

Of course, Fate Point tax: (1d100)[51] vs TN 52

[Bennosuke]

I hope you're doing alright IRL Benno, take it easy.

Thanks. It hasn't been all doom and gloom. I've also had some PTO, it's just that time off means time back at work is busier than normal. I was on call this weekend and had a pretty rough sunday.

I love that Arl and Marcella have decided to test their social skills given that is not what either character is made for.

[BananaPhone]

I love that Arl and Marcella have decided to test their social skills given that is not what either character is made for.

Maybe we get huge bonuses to intimidation because Kent's essentially received a quiet sit-down chat with agents of the IRS that are interested in him.

[Bennosuke]

I suppose it will depend on what you bring up. The way Arl was swinging it, Kant wasn't necessarily the target of the investigation:

"Several... "irregularities" have been noted in certain accounts and your name has come up tangentially to this case. If you would permit me, I would like to discuss the matter with you, ideally with your cooperation, so as to eliminate you as a consideration in our investigation -- it is strictly routine in these matters."

Also, I love how our Feral worlder has suddenly adopted the affect of a bureaucrat.

[BananaPhone]

I suppose it will depend on what you bring up. The way Arl was swinging it, Kant wasn't necessarily the target of the investigation:

Oh, I was mostly joking .

[Bennosuke]

Lol. My bad

[Haval]

This is where the mechanics cause me problems. Gamble is a basic skill and -20 takes me to a TN of -4. I suppose winning a hand isn't the goal here.
Int 31/2
(1d100)[46]