Don't post in this thread if you are not an active player. If you have any comments about the game then PM me and I'll set up a comments thread for them. Likewise if you want to join our group.

The players are:

Randomoniuom
VikingScott
Luke_Prowler
Dreggog
Baronrichthofen
Commissar_NIkev
red_ix
(Lexx, if you read this and still want to play, there is still a spot open for you if you want to join. PM me and I'll get things sorted.)

Dark heresy Game 2

Copied from the original thread - Player advice:

1. This is your game, and your story. It isn't as cut and paste as Warhammer 40millions, and you can do pretty much whatever you want as long as it is in keeping with your character's personality. This means that if you are hidden behind some barrels of oil you can attempt to roll them at the enemies and blow them up. The GM would work out a sequence of rolls to see if you succeed. (Ordinary (+10) Strength test to get the barrel rolling, enemy takes an Intelligence test to work out whats going to happen and then if passed, takes an agility test to avoid it and/or, not fall over. then the character would shoot at the barrel and attempt to make it explode, which would then do damage to the enemy)

2. Don't be afraid to leave the beaten track of the story. As with 1, it's your story and isn't cut and paste. If theres a moment when you can make a descision that fits your fluff but deviates from how the story is supposed to go, do it if you want. This goes for the GM as well.

3. Having said that, this is a role playing game - not a game of 'Lets see how far we can push/beat the GM'. The GM is the ultimate authority in the game and annoying me may well result in nasty things happening to your character. I won't use this power lightly but be aware it is a perfectly reasonable tool in my arsenal.

4. No OOC posts in the thread. Use Skype instead.

I think that's everything. Good luck all and have fun! /begin game.


The Reign of Iron

Date: --.853.593.M41.
Location: The Nebula class Merchant vessel 'Rancor'
Cargo Hold

You awake from the dream with a splitting headache, your senses scrambled as they struggle to return to normal. As the whispering voices inside your head fade, so does the memory of Iocanthos, Aristachus, Jansen and everything that happened during your mission. In a few minutes you remember little, save the fact you and the other members of your cell all died horribly. You notice that as you exit the cramped metal cell that serves as a bedroom, that everyone else is exhibiting the same symptoms, and when someone brings it up during your sparse morning meal it is revealed that everyone else in the group had the exact same dream. You attempt to memorise the precise details but it is like trying to keep water in a sieve, and you soon give up. One thing you do notice though is that you appear to be slightly more proficient at certain things - almost as if what you learned in the dream has intruded into your waking life. It is very strange.

The groups Tech Priest, a Mech-Wright who goes by the name of Issac Karokov, appears to be the only member of the cell unaffected by the dream, though he explains that he was working on the engines all night, and does not sleep as 'meatbags' do. His manner is, as always, slightly unsettling due to the constant whirring of machinery and the chemical smell that emanates from his person.

Immediately after you have finished breakfast, a tall, dark figure in black robes and wearing an Inquisitorial Emblem enters your quarters and beckons for you to follow, completely silent as usual. It leads you down into the bowels of the ship, past rows and rows of industrial packing crates and dormant mechanical devices, till eventually you come to the small alcove that serves as your briefing centre, into which the mysterious figure motions you to enter. No-one else on the ship bar the captain and his first officer are aware of its existence, as this ship has a secret, darker purpose than just carrying merchant supplies to the outer edges of the Calixis Sector - it is also a carrier for any inquisitorial agents who require secrecy.

You enter the alcove, and see a small desk and a workstation, complete with quills, autoscribes, an Interface unit and a large plasmoid screen marked with the Inquisitorial Logo and the Imperial Aquila. The smell of incense permeates the room, presumably to keep it pure.

The screen flickers into life, and displays 4 hand scanning devices, which you use. One of them is left empty, as if for a missing party member. Once it has verified your Identities, the screen changes again - this time switching to show a barely furnished room, with another Aquila on the rear wall and the sign of the Ordo Xenos superimposed upon it. In the middle of the room sits a woman on a large chair in front of a desk, who begins to speak.

"This is a pre recorded message containing instructions for your first mission as part of a single acolyte cell. It will only be repeated once. Greetings. I am Inquisitor Vale Dalith, of the Ordo Xenos, as I am sure you are aware. As this is your first mission and I do not wish to see my new charges meet a grisly demise at the hands of xenos scum, this shouldn't be too difficult to handle. One of your number is of course, still en route to the sector, so will not take part in the mission. Three others who have recently been re-tasked to your cell are also still in transit, and will meet you on the planet. They have already taken part in missions for me, and you will find they are highly capable - even if they are a little... shady. The cleric who is part of the group tends to keep them in check however. Naturally, everything I say is strictly confidential, and is not to be heard by anyone other than yourselves." She pauses to collect some sheets of parchment in front of her. "Right, onto the mission - Your destination is the planet Laskin, a hive world in the Drusus Marches. This world is unusual in that it has only one Hive, and as a result - the Outposts of the Ecclesiarchy and the Mechanicus are almost right next to each other. Now, it doesn't take a genius to realise that the Cult Mechanicus and the Ecclesiarchy aren't exactly good friends at the best of times, so when we received a message from the Ecclesiarchy informing us that the Mechanicus had been using xenos technology, we naturally took it with a pinch of salt. This is your mission: you are to investigate these claims, and discover whether there is any truth to them, whilst remaining covert. I would recommend starting your investigation in a local hotel, and attempt to find out what you can about the Mechanius and the Ecclesiarchy on the planet. Then you must attempt to discover the truth of the claims via covert infiltration. Once you have assessed the seriousness of the situation, you are not to engage the perpetrators directly. Instead you must use the long range Vox caster one of you will be issued with after this briefing, and report back directly to me. Depending on your findings, we will despatch the necessary forces to deal with whatever threat you discover. You will then be taken to a classified location for debriefing. Good luck. Dalith out."

When you arrive back at your quarters, Zek discovers a small, black bag on his bed. Inside it he discovers a revolver, 12 bullets, a sabre and a punch dagger. He vaguely recalls that they are his, but cannot remember how or where he got them.

The next few days are uneventful, and you arrive at the planet safely, descending via dropship. It is early afternoon. You are met at the port by a man bearing the emblem of the Inquisition, who escorts you to your accommodation. When you arrive, three others are there already - presumably the new members of your cell. The man with the emblem informs you that the Ecclesiarchy have been alerted to your presence here, and will meet you to discuss the situation in a few days, since you arrived early. For now though, you have the rest of the day to get to know the new acolytes, as well as explore the city if you wish. After the day is over you may use the next two days to explore the city, visit taverns, or anything else you may think of.

++Subjects of cell. I am Isaac Karokov. Tech-priest.++
He opens his arms with a wide gesture point at a few cyper implants. ++I bid you the notion of luck for this assignment.++

a rather unremarkable man wearing a patched leather trench coat over a vest which by the faded blood stains has had several owners; looks over at the tech priest and groans: "guh. like we need more alter jockeys around here. especially a cog boy."
he gives the rest of the newcomers an appraising look before thinking better of it. "at any rate the names Felix."

Uriah looked at the others entering the room, sizing them up. The cleric was wearing a long set of robes, with an opening down the middle revealing a green button-up shirt and khaki pants, and a worn out trilby hat. He then looked over to Felix and let out a sigh. "Don't mind him. He's like that..." The cleric got up from his seat, and held out his hand to shake. "I'm Uriah. It's good to meet you all, and I hope we will be able to work together in such times."

Solomon got up out of his seat, eyeballing the techpriest with a hint of disgust. "Da name's Solomon," He said in an masked underhive accent "Feels weird being back in me ole' stompin grounts. Never taut I'd live long enough o' see dis place again." As he sits back down, he pulls at the collar like device on his neck. Saying to no one in particular " Any o' yooz got some o' dat chafe powda?"

One of the new people speaks up. "I'm Var." He has dark brown skin, and black hair, but his eyes are light blue, which look even lighter with his complexion. He's wearing blue coverals, and a orange vest, giving him the look of a sanitation worker, or a member of a road repair crew. "Has anyone seen any markets or weapons stores?" he askes. His accent is flat, but he speaks Gothic clearly enough. "I'm down to one mag, and I hate being down to one mag."


Automatically Appended Next Post:
"I'm not one for sitting around when there's a whole hive to look through," says Var. "I think I'd like to look around a bit, maybe do a little requisition of some ammo, and maybe get something to eat."

"Any of you up for a walk? You can stay here if you would like, obviously."

Var, clearly not wanting to irritate, gets up, and closes up his orange vest. "I'm taking orders for ammo. If you want anything, give me some thrones and I'll pick it up for you. I won't even charge my normal procurement fees, as we're all new friends," he says with a grin.

" ah my colleague has the right idea. shall we take to the streets?" without another word felix sweeps out of the door and into the streets where he disappears into a passing crowd of people.

You exit your habitation block and set out to explore the hive. The two new members of the cell inform you that you are in the southern part of the hive - the main habitation blocks. The Northern quarter contains the market and production regions of the hive, the Western quarter is under control of the Mechanicus and the Eastern populated by Ecclesiarch members. The hive spire is off limits too all but the nobilitas, and at night the gangs of the underhive launch raids into the streets - despite a constant Arbite presense. They tell you that during the day, the habitation blocks of the middle hive remain largely empty, with the majority of the population heading to the Tritanium mines and factorium of the underhive - then returning to the middle hive to the market area to drown their sorrows in the many taverns and brothels of that sector. The working periods are on half day shifts, so there is almost always a large amount of people in the market quarter. Due to the sheer size of the hive, it takes half a Terran Standard hour to go between quarters, and you only have 5 TS hours before the hive switches to its lunar setting. Not having any real information on the situation, the only place you can reasonably go to is the market quarter.



Automatically Appended Next Post:
Transport within Laskin hive is most unusual. It consists of a system of tunnels connecting each quadrant to all the others. The tunnels work by inducing a separate gravity field within the tunnels that causes the shuttles to fall horizontally towards their destination. The occupants of the shuttle are strapped in backwards and must endure the extreme speeds caused by the falling of the large shuttles. When they have reached their destination, they are freed from their gravity field and the pod is stopped by friction on the surface of the tunnel. Suffice to say it is a dangerous form of transport, but it is infinitely preferable to spending days or weeks walking through the maze of streets and alleys of Laskin Hive, where a wrong turn could send you down towards the underhive - a vile, decrepid place - infested with Gangers and mutants.

You exit the main terminal and look around. The market is full of people, with many clustering around the wide open hive caverns where you can hear raised voices. Despite the grey, featureless architecture of the hive, many of the shopkeepers and tavern owners Almost anything can be bought or sold here, should you be able to find the right place. In the deeper levels of the market quarter, there is a thriving black market, which by means of a complicated protection system, is completely untouchable by the local Arbites, whose offices are located in one of the taller spires of this quarter.

Uriah wobbled out of the shuttle after they were allowed to leave, holding his gut with his hand, worse for wear, and making a beeline towards one of the benches nearby. "I think I'm going to barf my brains out." He says out loud, then collapses on the bench while waiting for the feelings in his legs to come back. He tries keeps a close eye on the others, making sure that they would not run off and cause trouble like they usually do, but could not on account of the whole hive spinning around him. He got up, his senses beginning to settle, and he followed the other, looking for something he could use for cheep. He'll know when he sees it.

"Oi gents, I'll be rolling witcha. Ima try an' find me ol' bar fer a drink." Solomon gets up and follows the other members towards the market then breaks off to his favorite bar in the market district, "The Bloated Grox." He pulls up a seat at the end of the bar with a view outside. Throwing down a throne he orders a local rotgut, and watches for his new friends to start heading back.

The Bartender scoops up the throne for the drink and pulls a pint from the dispenser. "That'll be anuvva 'frone fer tha' glass mate. Times are tough right now, we gotta make a livin' " He holds out a hand expectantly.

Isaac walks calmly off of the transport no worse for wear. He looks disgusted at Uriahs poor phyiseque and walks into the market district.

The Bartender wrote: "That'll be anuvva 'frone fer tha' glass mate. Times are tough right now, we gotta make a livin' "

"Yooz takin me fer a joov?" He says as he finshes the drink in one go.

Solomon stands up and rests his hand on his trench tool, saying"Getcher mitts outta me face 'afore ya loos 'em!"

"You know dem mines ain't producin' so much lately, what with all dem cave ins. Unless you're an off worlder? You don't look like an off worlder" The hiver looks at you suspisciously as two large men with clubs in their hands come and stand over you. "Nah pay up, or my friends here will make sure you have an accident."

Note: You failed your carouse test for drinking that rotgut. You gain 1 level of fatigue.

Isaac decides to follow the local as he is more likely to know about the hive. He walks into the pub to see him arguing with the barman over the pricing. Seeing the two hevies looming he decides it time for some tact. "So sorry I'm late friend, here let me pay this half." He flips a coin at the barman. "Thats the charge right?"his disturbing vioce getting many glances. "The Mechanicus is paying for this bit"

A group of people in robes near a corner of the bar stand up, pushing their chairs over in the process. They leave the bar, pausing only to spit at Issac's feet. The last one mutters "Traitor". About 2 fifths of the bar leaves with them, many of them casting ominous glances in your direction.

The Bartender looks at you scornfully. "Now look what you've done. Get out of my pub 'fore you cause any more trouble. All of you."

Issac points at Soloman "You."
He motions to the door. "Come."
he walks out.

Chazzick stood with the rest of the Group checking on Uriah, "I'm going to find some more, exotic, items if anyone wishes to join me." Chazzick stood for a few moments before begining to head off.

Var trots into the bar, noting the crowd leaving.

"We should stick together," Val says. "As soon as our coggie walked in, the bar clears out. That's not the kind of attention we need."


Var checks his autopistol and makes sure it's within easy reach.

"Can we find a weapons dealer before we accidently pick a fight with a crowd of locals? We should keep moving, and let's keep an eye for anyone looking sideways at Isaac."

Uriah looked over to Chazzick and gave a curious look. He decided that he did not want to know what he meant by 'exotic' items. He saw Soloman walking into a bar followed by a few others, and watched as several others exit in only a few minutes, and Uriah walks over to the bar to hear the threats of a disgruntled bartender. Uriah walked over to the soldier and grabs the poor man by the ear and pulls down hard, making the already unbalanced Soloman almost fall over. "I can't keep my sight off of you for one minute and you're already causing trouble!" He looked over to the bartender "I apologize for my friend here, he as NO SELF CONTROL!" He yelled the last part right in Soloman ear (yes, the one Uriah still has a death grip on), and begins dragging him out of the door, and tosses him out of the bar.

"That seemed unessacery preacher" Isaac said calmly. "local, point me in the direction of a good section of the market, preferably allied with the Mechanicum rather than the Eccaliasch."

The local looks up from sweeping the streets. "Din' cha' know mate? Most of the tradesmen don't get involved in tha' rubbish. Get more customers that way don't thay innit?" The local moves off, his back bent over his autosweeper.

Uriah looked to Issac, sighing "I know, and I wish that I did not have to do it, but sometimes violence is the only think that will keep them in check. Throne protect what would happen if I was not there." He then heard the street sweeper and smiled. "How convenient"

"Alright, I need a trench coat or something similar to replace my Mechanicus robe so I will not be hassaled as much. A hood will also be required."

felix disappeared into the crowd of disoriented commuters almost as soon as the shuttle stopped. he reappears a few meters away from the bar and stops a native. " evening mate, would you be interested in once in a lifetime opportunity?" (charm test)

"Isaac", Chazzick called out, "Care to join me in my search? Maybe you'll see a nice trench-coat along the way?" Chazzick motioned his hands in a sweeping motion that suggested they get moving before the day dissolves away.

I shall join you. If we stick together we're more likely to not be hassaled. What are you looking for?" Isacc steps neatly towards Chazzic.

dregogg wrote: felix disappeared into the crowd of disoriented commuters almost as soon as the shuttle stopped. he reappears a few meters away from the bar and stops a native. " evening mate, would you be interested in once in a lifetime opportunity?" (charm test)

The Hab worker looks up at you hopefully. "Please, help me kind sir. I'll take it, just help me make my life better." He grovels at your feet as you walk with the others towards a nearby clothing shop.

Once inside, the shopkeeper looks up from his drawing board. "Welcome" he exclaims, beaming at you."Welcome to my clothing emporium. Whatever you want, I can provide." He steps down from his candle lit drawing alcove.

"and what can I do you for today sirs?" He grabs a jacket from a nearby rack and approaches Soloman. "Try this jacket sir? Ooh, suits you sir. Very smart sir."

"Chazzic, come with me quickly, then we'll look for what you need" Isaac follows Soloman and Felix to the clothing emporuim and goes inside.

Var walks into the clothing store and remembers he's been wearing the same filthy jump suit since he was "hired" on to the team. He looks down at himself and notes the smudges of food, gun oil, grease, blood, as well as the parts looking worn from toxic oozes from his home hive. His boots look terrible as well.

"How much are clothes here? I think I need new ones." Var tells the shop keeper he would like new boots. He also would like solid, durable pants, a good shirt, and a jacket. "I'll want the jacket a bit too big," Var says. "And extra pockets on the pants, as well as on the inside of the jacket. "Also, a heavy duty belt."

"I can come back tomorrow and pick them up, if you don't have them today, assuming you can give me a good price." (Barter Test)

"A Jacket sir? Ooh, suits you sir. What material would you like sir? I can do you padded leather sir. Perfect that would be sir, padded leather. A bit of extra protection sir, for only 150 thrones. Ooh, suits you sir."

The vendor grabs a tape measure from around his neck and begins to measure Var for clothing size.

"May I ask what you are in Laskin hive for sir?"

"Felix, do you think I can rustle up 150 thrones for a new suit by tomorrow? You might want a suit too." Var smiles. He's been in holding cells since his "recruitment" into his new job. He is really looking forward to being back on the outside. Var knew he was a new man, with his fancy job, and his powerful new boss. Var wasn't running with some filthy underhive gang, knocking over promethium refueling points anymore.

"Sounds great! I'm going to really like Laskin. I'm happy to do some business here." Val says to the shop keeper. "And don't forget... lots of pockets."

" *URP* Oi thar shopkeep! This jjackert soots me taystuh jes dandy, i ber willon ter takin off year hand s for a throon!" Solomon shuffles thru his pockets lookin for the last gelt he has. His intoxicated mind is easily distracted by the lint and various other bits of nonsense he discovers instead.

"Shopkeep, I would like a trench coat. Floor length." Issac shows him what he means with various gestures. "With a hood if possible and plain black."

The shopkeeper turns to Soloman on hearing his drunken rambling. "Been out on the town have we sir? Tell you what sir, my great friend across the street would be delighted to make your aquaintance, he just loves people like you sir. Why don't you go and see him sir?"

The vendor grinned and turned to Isaac, "Trench coat sir? Suits you sir." He walks over to a clothing rack and selects a large trench coat. "Leather sir, and I can sew a hood on for tommorow for an extra 5 thrones. Yours for 30 thrones sir. Including the hood."

"I noticed you drawing as we came in," Var says to the shopkeeper. "Is that for work, or for pleasure?"

"30 thrones" Issac mussed

"if you sell it to me for 25 thrones I could bless a piece of tech for you maybe?" Isaac offered looking at the coat.

"Bless my tech sir? No thank you sir, I have to keep neutrality sir. Very kind of you though sir. 30 thrones it is sir."

He turns to Var "Technical drawings sir, of a suit sir, would you like to buy it sir? Suit you it would sir. That'll be 50 thrones sir." He holds out a hand, expecting payment for the suit he was drawing.

Uriah looked around the shop, and the different styles and colors. Uriah would admit that he would never understand 'fashion'. "I just need a simple jacket, nothing fancy, preferably something cheap. and, uh..." Uriah double checked the room "Do you have anything that a little more protective than just padded clothing?"

"30 thrones it is then" Isaac sighs handing over the money and slipping on the jacket.

"awfully kind of you sir" says the shopkeep, pocketing the money with a wry smile.

"we have Leather and heavy leather sir, for your everyday needs." He draws Uriah to one side, losing his odd mannerisms in an instant. "For the discerning customer who is willing to pay, we also have a selection of more 'unusual' items, shall we say. They are certainly not cheap though sir, and I'll need a little 'persuasion' before I'll let you see them."

"Yes, of course" Uriah said, not at all surprised but gave a half hearted smiled anyway. He pulls 30 thrones from his pockets and shows them to the shop keep "I'm sure a considerate and generous man such as yourself is only concerned with my health"

(Charm test)

Var, realizing the group is tapped for cash, needs to think fast.

"Well, there, my good shop keeper, I'll gladly pay you once the suit is finished. I'm afriad my cash is tied up in a business agreement right now, but once I speak with a few people who owe me money, a great deal of money in fact, I might be in the market for more of your fine clothes. Just look at all the business my friends and I are doing here today! I'm sure you can understand, such a savvy business man like you, the way commerce works. I can be back the day after tomorrow with the full amount, good sir, the full amount, and maybe a little extra if I like what you have made." (Blather Test)

"I'm sure a bussiness man of your stature wouldn't mind waiting a little bit considering how much money we just spent in this place" Isaac intoned, looking very comfortable in his new coat.

The shopkeeper holds out his hand surreptitiously. "thank you sir, that's very kind of you to be so concerned with your own health. Perhaps you could help me with mine?" He waits for 15 thrones to drop into his hand. "Now, if you'll just wait there sir, I'll deal with your friend here, and escort you to the special items shortly."

The Shopkeeper turns to Var. "I'm afraid not sir, what if something happened to you and you didn't come back? That's a very nice auto pistol you have there, what if I were to take that for a day and give it back with the clothes in exchange for the money?

Uriah gives 15 thrones to the shop keep, then waits for other matters to be settled. He didn't like such underhanded tactics, but sometimes this happens.

Var drops the magazine out of the autopistol, pockets the ammo, and hands the empty pistol to the shopkeeper.

"I'm very fond of that pistol, fine sir," Var says. "I'll be back soon with the money and I'll expect the suit and pistol in good working order. I hope nothing disturbs our mutually agreeable relationship."

Zek, who was standing next to Solomon the entire time, turns to him and says "Le's jump dis place, 'n go get gakfaced, what ya' say to tha'? Fancy clothes is for frakkers, 'nyway."

"Zzekk my boy, I dyo enyoo yer stylinz fer intertaynen purposessz. Thar za joint dun the strit that be servin a bit o' me favorit gutrot." He says as he stumbles out of the store with Zek. After about a block of walking, or stumbling and tripping in the case of Solomon, the duo reach another run down looking establishment. "The Party Meets" was a habshap of what appeared to be tarps and railing held together by poorly tied knots and pieces of rough sheet metal.

"Howsh me Interlergernta jerket look on me? Lits gah insurd anb hab a few spiritz amunga frends." He says, pulling Zek inside.

"Thank you sir, your clothes will be ready by tommorow. Now my good sir... " He turns to Uriah "If you'll just come with me. Alone. He walks off to a door in the side and takes Uriah through.

Zek suddenly stops, and pats his pockets. "Gak, wait, Sol, you go' any coin, I seem ta' be down to ma' las' 'un!"

"Eee gort 'un leff tah. Them Horly Mans beend coaverin me teb all doiy doh."

"I 'spose we better go get sum' coin, 'eh? There's gotta be some petty fella's 'round 'ere who'll be persuade' to part wit' it, in exchange fer' their life, 'eh?"

"Tis good oin ya tat I brot alung me shuvul. Meks it a bit eezee yor ta nab tha 'dropped chanj'! HAHAHahaha!"

"'Eh, I like th' way ya' thinkin'! Le's ge' this 'voy on the run, go find us 'sum 'loose change'!"

Isaac leaves the shop and looks around him.

The Shopkeeper emerges from the door, with a decidedly larger purse of money. Uriah is carrying a large packet containing an unknown item. Seeing as you have no more business with the shopkeeper he bustles you out of the shop, telling you to come back tommorow.

Uriah walks out of the store, package under his arm, with a small smile on his face. His wallet might be worse for wear, but he'll be fine. He followed the others out, noticing a few were missing. He let out a sigh. "No rest for the wicket, I see"

Val stands in front of the store.

"Shall we take a look around? I'll stick with you learned gents," says Val. He's still on the lookout for ammo...

Uriah looked over to Val and nodded "I'd suggest not splitting the group up too much...although I see that two of our group have already flown the coop. Although I'm sure that can handle themselves. Let keep looking around and find something a little cheaper"

"I think I could earn a bit offering to bless some tech" Isaac mused.

He heads off into the marked with Var in tow.

"Wouldn't dream of leaving the group," Var says to Uriah. "Remember to tell these people the Emperor protects, and that a few thrones will get them a special prayer just from you."

Uriah looked at Val with shock. what he suggested was extremely seedy, and went against everything his stood for. Even if he was low on cash, he would not cheapen his ideals for petty profit. "What do you make me for, a con man? Do you expect me to wave a holy stick around, sanctifying everything in my sight and take the local's thrones for it? Next time hold your tongue should you say something like that to me, or I'll strike you down where you stand"

Var rolls his eyes...

"A thousand pardons, Padre. Just see what these people can tell you about the hive. Maybe we can learn something useful," Var says.

Var continues to keep an eye out for something worth paying for... and anything that might be worth no paying for as well...

Uriah nodded, that he can do. "Right, I'll go around and ask for the local rumors. We'll meet back here in, oh, half an hour, so you two can do whatever it is you want" With that, Uriah walked off from the group, looking for guards, bar attendants, and breaking workers to pick up rumors, starting with small talk then leading into the questions.

"Half and hour... sounds good." says Var. Var looks around for other preachers, or anyone else being loud or obvious. "Maybe you have some collegues here?" he says to Uriah.

Upon approaching the hive cavern nearest to you, you notice that the main speaker is a member of the Cult Mechanicus, and is preaching the message of the machine god to the crowd - some of whom do not seem to want to listen. You see several members of the Ecclesiarchy within the crowd, urging them on to greater levels of heckling. One of them steps forward and shouts "The Machine God inferior, Fool! Only our faith is true! Yours will be ground into the dust by his right hand!" The tension in the air is almost visible, and you can tell a fight is about to erupt. It would be wise to leave before you get caught up in the fighting.

Var moves to stay close to Isaac. "Let's not too close to that business." Var draws his club, but keeps it at his side.

Uriah saw the demonstration, and knew this could only end poorly. Part of him wanted to go in there and stop them from fighting each other, but the truth was he doubted he could actually stop them. He ducked out of the way and continued he previous plans, whispering a prayer than no one would get hurt.

Due to the nature of the animosity in Laskin Hive between the Adeptus Mechanicus and the Ecclesiarcy, and the fact it is constantly boiling over into conflict, the local Arbites, whose Headquarters is above the market quarter, have developed a rapid response system to deal with any approaching conflict quickly.

Gas begins to flood the hive cavern in which the fight is about to take place, and everyone within it begins to slump unconsious. The group of acolytes is near the edges of the cavern, and so move out the way quick enough to avoid the effects of the gas, which due to it's electrostatic properties, is also subdueing the tech priests in the area.

A large group of Arbites passes you, shoving you roughly out of the way. You ought to leave the area now, before the Arbites begin arresting people.

Var urges Isaac to move away. "Let's move," he says. I'll cover your back.

"Stupid blind fools" Isaac sighs "Come, there is nothing we can do here. And no chance to gain any thrones for the meantime, I suggest we go back to the livin quarters for now"

Var is disappointed about not making any money, but he doesn't want to get mixed up with this madness. "Let's just get clear of this gas."

You decide to head off back to your habitation building, and return to the gravshuttle terminal. The trip back is uneventful, and you arrive back well before the end of the day. After a good meal provided by the Hab building, you settle down and discuss the day with the rest of the group.

After a couple of hours of talking and card games, Uriah asks where Zek and Solomon have got to. The group immediately stops talking and everyone looks up.

As if on cue, you hear two people singing from the stairwell, and the door is opened and a pair of very smelly, very dirty guardsmen stumble in, completely drunk and covered in vomit, who immediately collapse unconsious on the porch. You drag them to their beds, realising that they will not be waking up for some time.

The next morning, all but two of you wake up. The two guardsmen are completely hungover and you will not be able to get any sense out of them for most of the morning. After a late breakfast you decide to go in and try and speak to them, and see what they were doing last night.

Isaac sighed. "I should have guessed the these meatbags would have done something like this, especially this one" He taps Zek with his foot "Espicially seeing how he acted in his dream. Ok then, answer me this, what did you do?"

"We got absolu'ly gak faced, if ya' can' already see, boss. An' I'll say fo' the record i' was all 'is idea." Zek points towards Solomon.

"Well ya see this kindly gentaman donated some thrones to Zek and me, so decided to partake in some o' da local brewries finest! An' then I don't much remeber much afffa that.." Sol scratches his head and looks confused.

"Ya' don' rememba' cos I was haulin' your dead weight aroun' haff tha' town!"

"What kindly gentleman?" Isaac intoned, his voice rising "you better not have blown our cover meatbag"

Uriah rubbed his temples. He had a good idea what they were talking about, but he had to make sure "Who is this "gentleman" and why did he give you his money?"

"'E said summin' like a chief secretry to the undershadow hiveseer, or summin' like tha'. It was all long and wordy."

" Well, he gave it to us after we gave him a shovel to the back o da 'ead" Reaching into his pocket for the thrones, Solomon feels the letter he nabbed. Opening it, he quickly scans it, causing his face to flush a deep shade of red. "Dis gentaman had a very loving and 'descriptive' woife at home waitin fer 'um"

". . . . ." Isaac just stares. Words have failed him.

Uriah has gone from rubbing his temples to just having his head in his hands. He was simply struck silent.

Zek breaks the silence "I' was worth it, though."

"Throne protect..." Uriah said "at least tell me you didn't kill the man"

"I couldna' 'gree moor, mate!"

"Tha' was Sol's job, don' look a' me!"

"I should take you both to peices for sevitor parts
I think those would be more reliable than you two. Alright, full story start to finish, Ommisaih help me this better be good"

"I'm with the walking tin can on this one. Talk"

Isaac lookks to Uriah "Thanks for that meatbag, I'll remember this for you weaklings sleep."

"He was carryin' a bunch o' heavy lookin nonsense scrolls wif some numbas on dem. So we gave 'em an urly naptime and raided some loots off his load to eez 'is burden." He explained, "Then we went supprted the local brewsters wit' his "genrous" donashun." Sol stood up a bit unsteadily saying "We mades it bac in good shape, soz it's all good in da hive."

Zek glances between the two of them, not sure who to fall under.

Uriah looked over to the tech priest, and hung is head down. "Look, I'm sorry about that, that was unnecessary. I'm just stressed about all this, and these two are not helping in the slightest"

Satisfied at the chain of command being established, Zek goes into his story. "We star'ed off leavin' tha' shop we was in. Wen' over to a bar. I realise' then I didn' have no coin. We 'ad this bright idea o' grabbin' some guy, 'n takin' the goods. It work'd, 'n we got some money. Di'nt 'ave much though. Anyway, long story short, we go' pissed, Sol 'ere tried to do a runner wivout payin', 'e got caught, 'n we wen' 'ome."

Chazzick sat, listening to the stories unfold. He then got up from the table with a "If you'll excuse me." he headed to check his weapons and sharpen his knife.

Var is amazed at the capacity for Guardsmen to drink, hang out in bars, and learn next to nothing.

"What else can you remember about the man? Did you see anything on those scrolls? Let me see that letter from the woman..." Var realizes he might be asking too much.

"Could you lead us to where you saw this man? I mean really... this is the worst bit of robbery I've ever seen. No plan, no goal, no idea who the mark is." Var can feel Uriah giving him a disapproving look.

"I'm just worried about his safety... We should check to make sure he's OK."

Var gets up, realizing this story isn't going to make him any money today.

He walks to the lobby of the Hab, looking around for local news sheets, or announcement boards. He looks for someone at the Hab who might be able to tell him about if anyone needs some labor for the day. I little surveilance, or a courier gig. He looks for a front desk, or someone who might be a manager or owner...

"Hello? Does anyone work here? I have a question!"

"If there is reliable work available then I would like some too"
Isaac chimes in stand a little way off.
"Of course my friend here being 1st gets 1st pick"

Seeing the other two had left, Uriah grabs the package he had gotten from the shop keep, opening it up to reveal a flak vest. A worn one, with a blood stain on one side, but it should still protect the squishy cleric's vital organs. He put in over his shirt and chain coat, then put his Ecclesiarchy robes over it. He headed out towards the streets, keeping his head low. He looked for anything that could requir his help for some thrones. He was not above honest labor.

When no-one appears to help him Var looks around for a notice board with job offers and the like on it. He finds one in the corner of the lobby and looks at it. In one corner he finds what he is looking for - a notice containing the words 'Courier Job wanted. High pay, training provided. Apply Market Sector, The Broken Lasgun Freehouse.'

Isaac moves to inspect the job board as well

Var turns to Isaac. "This could be just the thing for us. Move something safely, make a big payoff. I'm game if you are."

"We would have to share the money however. But together we would be safer.
It is your chioce. You need the money more than I do."

"Of course!" says Var. "Even share for even share, split down the middle. Just be sure to bring your guns. We want to be able to offer a secure service."

"Indeed we do. Shall we head off for this venture?"

"We shall."

Var and Isaac head to the transport and head to the Market.

Felix reappears from the crowd with a gullible looking native following him and an obvious slump in his shoulders. "well lets get out of here but first let me deal with my 'friend' first" he turns to the native and says " well sir all the paper work is ready and in my office, i just need you to make a few signatures first. the office is over there in that dark alley." (deception test)

(ooc: sorry for the long absence Dave, things have been pretty hectic here for the last week. )

The native looks up at you, realising he is being conned. His eyes open wide and he flees for his life. You will never find him again.

Uriah, Var and Isaac have left the group to head out to do things on their own. You will be able to find out what they did at the end of the day if you all make it back.

Your days over, exausted you all return to the hab. Looking at the others, you see each of them looks slightly different from how they looked leaving the hab this morning.

Isaac is lying on one of the recliners, a scattering of white packing paper around him and a collection of bloodstains on his robes.

Var is counting up bullets into a magazine, but his condition looks similar to Isaac's - the clothing around his leg covered in blood.

Solomon is absent mindedly scratching obscene phrases into the synth-wood of a table with a short, bloodstained dagger. His clothes are in a worse state than anyone else's, as they are covered in blood. None of it seems to be his own, and he is proudly sporting a long sword at his waist. He is talking to a complete stranger as if they were long lost friends.

Both Zek and Felix are covered in what appears to be fur, and Zek is unknowingly carrying a severed rats tail in his belt. They are counting a small pile of thrones however, so it seems their day was not completely wasted.

Chazzic is standing on a practice mat at the side of the communal room, silently going through unusuall sword routines with a curious curved sword.

Uriah is kneeling at a prayer mat in the corner, silently offering up supplication to the Emperor. He is carrying a large pouch of coins at his waist and his fingers are covered in ink.

You have the rest of the night to discuss your days with each other. (GM note: Keep it in the thread for maximum RP power!)

Finishing his current move, Chazzick re-sheathing his new sword looked to the group "I imagine everyone had an eventful day. Anything interesting to share perhaps?" Chazzick said as he took a seat, cross-legged on his practice mat.

"I managed to stop a few bullets of some uppity ganger. Then I made him explode." Isaac intoned not moving at all.

"That's nothing to be proud of, Issac" Uriah said, not moving from his prayer mat.

"I was just stating the facts" Isaac said still not moving.

"Let's not be too simple about it, Isaac." Var chimes in.

"We took what seemed to be a very simple courier job. While making a delivery in the Omega sector of the hive, we were set apon by a back of thieves, bent on common burglary. I shot one, Isaac shot too of them, and scored a nice pistol. I scored a little sleepy time drugs, which paid for my new clothes."

Var proudly displays his new heavy leater coat, pants, shirt, and shoes. "I look like a read security man now, not such gutter trash as before. And I picked up a little extra ammo, which made for a productive day."

Var seems very pleased with himself. "Now the courier job was a total scam, so if you see a one eyed man named Haartock, hold onto him until I arive." Var draws his knife to make a gesture. "I'm going to collect a 100 thrones from him, one way or another."

Isaac swiftly pulls the Sanguine Revolver from the recesses of his coat and spins the chambers listening to the clicks. He then puts it back in the coat.

"I wenta see me ol' mate 'ere," he says as he points to the guest "aneh turns out dat he was da target of some juve gang raid erleeya. Sohz bein da kind 'earted souls dat oi yam, I dun went an' got the scallywag. You boyz wouldna believe the level o' pateticness dem new "gangas" is. I downed a good bunchuvum wit just me ol' spade! Dumb as a box a rocks they all wuz, an' thur leader passed me a delishus bit o' 'ardware and sum coins fer tha trouble." he said, patting his new mono longsword, "I gots a note off dat soree excuse fer a man too. Oi ain't reddit on account of me still being a bit juicy ther."

Solomon gets up and washes himself off and starts to clean the blood off his armor. All the while starting a conversation with his old time friend. "So Jek me ol' mate, 'ow didcha get mixed up with tha loiks of dem worfless scum anyways?"

"I... I don't... I can't remember my friend, I'm sorry. I've thought about it myself, but I still can't work out why..." his voice trails off as he runs his hand through his iron grey hair, pulling out large tufts of it.

"Dat's ol'right chum, jes getcher self some rest and get you head back ta normal." Sol lights a smoke and pulls out the note reading it.

"Can you read it to us? I'm not the strongest reader of nice notes." Var says.

The scrap of paper you have pulled out of your pocket is covered in obscure runes and sigils that convey no meaning to you whatsoever. You will need to search out a scholar who can understand these symbols, however it is unlikely you will be able to find one within the time you have on the planet during your investigations.

As you read the note, you feel a vague sense of unease that soon passes, and the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end for a second.

"Is this Jek fellow OK?" Var asks. "Is his hair supposed to be like that?"

"Me an' 'im grew up in dis hive togeva, tho I always been da tuffa one. He was on a table gittin pricked and torchered by da gang boss, wen i found 'em. E'll be foin once he gets some food an' a nap in em."

Uriah rolled his eyes, then stood up and moved over to the couch. "Well, while the rest of you were painting the town red, I went out and got a job, 'cause I though we needed the money." Uriah looks over to Var and his new outfit "I guess not" Uriah sighed at the hard work he did, only to be outstripped by his teammate killing gangers and looting the corpses. At least today wasn't a total waste. "I also saved a man's life, he was being attacked by two muggers. I chased them off, although I wished it didn't have to come to shooting at them."

"I also made some money." Isaac said sitting upright. "And I did not "paint the town red""

"Well, you painting something red" Uriah referred to the revolver that Issac had been examining earlier. However, he just shrugged and turned on the pict-screen. "Hey, if anyone of you are looking for something more steady, the Bloated Grox needs someone for their 'Drive you home' program of something."

The screen flicks on to show the interior of a rather clean looking Hab being built in by a group of mindless servitors, who are replacing the comfortable-looking furniture of the Hab with tables and chairs that are made of the finest synth-wood. One of the servitors is placing enourmous wax candles around the room, another is screwing an iron chandelier into the ceiling, and one is placing a couple of synthetic skulls in tasteful areas around the room. The walls are in the process of being painted a Matte Black and you see what appears to be a dry ice generator being installed in the corner of the room.

Uriah raised an eyebrow at whatever was showing "what the heck is this?"

Isaac's eyes roll around in thier sockits. A few beeps could be heard before a very metallic voice says "DOES NOT COMPUTE"

"Screw whatever this is" Uriah said, then changed the channel.

The pict-screen flickers, showing a completely different scene for a fraction of a Second. Only a few of you saw it before it changes to show an enourmous column of Imperial Guard arrayed in pristine dress uniform marching to a soul stirring anthem. The scene changes to show a unit of Imperial guardsmen firing their lasguns at an unseen enemy as the flag of the Laskinian 4th regiment flutters above them, carried by a smartly dressed soldier who is looking into the sky. The music continues and the scene changes yet again to show a priest of the Ecclesiarchy walking along the arrayed lines of a regiment, flicking holy water at them as he goes, a squadron of Leman Russ battle tanks rumbling behind.

The Scene changes yet again to show a Commissar sitting at a regal desk with two banners behind him - one with the symbol of Laskin emblazoned upon it, the other with the double headed eagle of the Imperium. He looks up from signing a sheaf of papers and rises from his seat, coming towards the camera. A gleaming bolt pistol shines at his hip "Greetings, loyal citizens of the Imperium. I am Commissar Caerahm Pallock of the glorious Laskin 5th Regiment. I want you for the Imperial Guard. Your nearest recruiting station is being shown below. Remember, it is every citizens duty to serve the Imperium of man, and there is no better way to do this than in the ranks of the Imperial guard, where you can destroy the enemies of the Imperium with fire and steel, where our foes are crushed beneath the feet of our infantry and the treads of our battle tanks. If you value your life, the lives of your families, and the Imperium, join today."

Var chuckles... "No one on the telepict ever said our new employeer was hiring."
He turns to the group. "How did you people end up in the employ of our new master?"

"I cannot say right now in these circumstances. I also wish not to say it. That is the past, this is the now"

"Well," Var says, "That's very scary. I was arrested by our master after trying to hijack a heavy transport. My crew and I used to make loads of cash on taking down the heavy trucks coming into our old hive."

"One day we saw a really juicy looking one and went to work. RPGs on the wheels, det cord on the doors, shot up the guards and escort vehicles very nicely. Inside wasn't thrones, it was papers, most of which were then burning."

"Who shows up right after? Inquisition Storm Troopers! They waste my crew, but I got away with nothing put a scratch." Var lowers his collar to show off a healthy las burn scar.

"M'lady captured me at the medic's shop two days later. I was told I owed the Inquisition 35 Milliion Thrones, and I could either pay up, or work off the debt. I choose work, since I'm a man of my word."

Uriah changed the channel again, then looked over to Var when he asked how they were employed to the Inquisition. "I wish I could say they took me for my skills, but that would be a lie. Back home, there is a Rogue Trader that visits the planet often, he said it reminded him of home. Part of his crew, a small family of void born, had ventured down to the surface and I guess the the people there didn't know what void born were, because there was a mob with torches when I got down to the market place. I tried to stop them, they get mad, I try to save the family. Locked ourselves in the church stockroom. after about three days, the Rogue Trader found out and started taking matters in his own hands, with help from certain Inquisitor we know. Nearly took her head off with the crossbow when she busted the door down. Good thing I'm a bad shot. So the family is safe, but know everyone on the planet wanted by dead. So I was offered a job here, and I accepted."

"as for me." felix looks up from his squabbling over the meager pay out.
" I was on the same crew that var ran with, i mostly picked up contacts and found buyers for our 'discounted' merchandise."
he turns back to the pile of thrones. " anyway the good lady traced it back to me after the operation went foobald. and made me an 'offer that i couldn't refuse' so to speak. either work for the inquisition or be shot for 'conspiring to commit heresy'. obviously i chose the former."
he pivots to face var. " you shoulda told me about the courier job, i coulda made some great profit from the looted gear." he says with a scowl on his face. " instead i got stuck blasting rats in the lower habs."

Var gives a comicly hurt look at Felix. "You were messing around the hab and I couldn't find you. I'll cut you in if we ever find Haartock."

Solomon turns around and in between pouffs on his lho stick, begins to speak. "Me past ain't nuthin eksightinh like yoo gents is, I was pulled from me penal fiyateem and told dat I was goin on a "suicide mission to earn me freedum 'n redempshun', Oi 'ad no idee dat dey ment dis gak."

"That's a fine point, and we know you'll do your duty," says Var.

Var asks Solomon, "How does one get to be on a penal fireteam?"

"I think a better question would be, what did you do to get into the penal legion?" Chazzick revised.

"That's another way to put it.." Var admits.

" I yoosta drive da Chims e'ereywhere, and after we 'ead back to HQ fer some fuel, we'd throw down onna bit cards an' gamblin such. I wagered me ol' months pay on me 'and, I 'ad da Ehmpra and da Astropath wif three Inquisitas, and the LYING DAWG HAD THE SAME 'AND FRUM ANUVA DEKK!!" He blared as he stood up, obviously worked into a rage.

His face flushed red and he sat down, continuing his story.
"Anyways me an' 'im 'ad sum words, an' by words I mean "fisticuffs" as da Commisar called it. I ended up killin da bloke afta he fell back on a Leman Russ shell. Roit thru 'is back, Eh,pra rest 'is soul. Soze dey told me it was eeder da legion or da bolt hole."

"That's quite an interesting way to get into the legion." Chazzick replied.

A sly smirk grew on his face as he queried "Anyone up fer some cards?"

"Not much of a card player, actually," Var stammers, as he subtly walks through the room until Felix is between him and Solomon. "Maybe one of the other Guardsmen is up for a game..."


"Well, chaps, I've had a fun day, but I should get some sleep. I recommend you all do the same."

Uriah sighed. Blackguards, everyone of them. He knew that accepting this job would take him far, far out of his comfort zone, but to work with such base villainy? Uriah knew he would simply have to endure these hardship and keep his faith in the Emperor complete. It's, however, unfortunate the the only other intelligent and morally stable person here was a Tech-priest who most likely hated the cleric's guts and...appears to be shorting out. He turned off then pict-screen, then waved his hand in front of Issac's eyes to test to see if his reflexes were still working. "Hey, are you OK?"

Felix's eyes light up at the prospect of some "honest" gambling. " why sir I'd love to play a hand, my half of the pay out from today's job against yours." the scum pulled a grubby pack of playing cards out of the recesses of his coat and places it upon the table.

"Great Idea" Chazzick said to Var as he began lifting himself up, "Good Night all.".

"Well Felix Imma take up yer kind offa, get ready to pay out!"

Isaac eyes snap to Uriah, as soon as the hand starts to move in front of his face. He grabbed Uriah's hand "Do not presume I work like such base technology. Or that I would be the 1st out of us to malfunction." He lets go of his hand.
"Get some sleep. You'll need it."

"And you two" He points at Felix and Soloman "I would think that you would be better served by resting than gambling. I wouldn't want to sort out a schism in our numbers from this little game"
Isaac goes and lays back on the bed.

Uriah looks at Issac with eyebrow raised, checking that hand that the tech-priest had grabbed. If these two couldn't work together, why chance did their mission have. However, he was right about sleep, and headed to bed.

Zek look around at the others, and realises it would probably be a good idea to turn in too. He rises from his place. "Well, ah guess tha's me turnin' en to. Ah'll see yeh all when ah do." He moves off to go to bed.

You spend the second day learning new skills and abilities.

On the morning of your third day in Laskin hive, you are woken by a sharp tap on the door of your accommodation. A voice outside informs you that a senior cleric from the Ecclesiarchy will be joining you in the conference room downstairs to discuss the situation shortly. You prepare quickly, and go downstairs into the conference room, where a tall, bespectacled man in a long, white hooded cloak rises to greet you, his polished bald head glinting in the flickering glow from the hab-lights. After introducing himself as Senior Confessor Vardek Markov, he begins to explain the situation.

"As you may know, My honoured masters of the Ecclesiarchy have received intelligence from certain sources that the Adeptus Mechanicus in this hive have discovered Xenos technology and are using it in secret, as well as deviating from STC designs. We humbly requested leave to destroy these hereteks off the face of Laskin, but your esteemed masters saw the need to investigate our claims. Despite the insult inferred in this we have allowed you onto the planet, and will let you conduct your investigations of the mechanium.

Now, you may be wondering how we know all this. The truth is - every heresy has it's dissenters, those who will not participate in treachery and evil. Shortly after a large mine collapse, a group of tech-priests came to us, and told us of the xenos technology found in a cavern underneath the Mechanium quarter, where they are apparantly expanding into the planets crust. The dissenters informed us that instead of destroying the technology as per procedure, they instead ran experiments on it - testing it for compatibility with current Imperial technology.

However, their word is all we have, and in the eyes of the Inquisiton, the word of a group of junior Tech-Priests counts for nothing. That is why you have been sent. Investigate the Mechanius. Find the proof that is out there. Purge the faithless traitors from the suface of the planet. You may have to destroy a few Tech-Priests to get it, but that will happen any way. Do what you must.

The Cleric sits down, re-adjusting his robes and sight-lenses.

"This concludes the briefing. You may carry out your investigation in any way you see fit."

Chazzick sat back in his chair "Now what about the Mechanicum's side to this story? From experience, in a story with two parties such as this, there usually are 2 stories. Although the stories don't make the associated group look bad, knowing both sides is always better than just hearing one, as we have. Now do you know where we could hear the Mechanicum's side?"

The Confessor glares at you "So far, we have managed to keep our suspiscions low key. We do not believe that the mechanium are aware of our knowledge. Certainly if they knew we were having them investigated the situation would be far worse than it is now, so if you want to blow your cover on a question that they will flatly refuse to answer, or just deny all knowledge of the techs existence, then go ahead. I fear it would be unwise however."

Uriah remained silent for the briefing, taking notes down on his dataslate. He wanted to be unbiased for this mission, but knew he would be pulled in to defend the Ecclesiarchy's side os the story. However, there was something this that bothered him. "Do you know if these desserters have told anyone else about this?"

Var seems very interested. "Can you tell us more about what the tech priests saw? Or can you work out a meeting with them? I think the eye witnesses might provide some insight..."

"Well if they have nothing to hide, then there most certainly wouldn't be anything to worry about if a high ranking member was to perform a, 'Inspection', on an unexpected day. Has that Idea ever crossed your mind?" Chazzick asked, forming an Idea as he waited for the Cleric to answer.

felix leans over to var and whispers to him in their native slang(hive dialect) " Do you find something suspicious about a bunch of cog boys coming to the ecclesiarcy about internal problems? Especially with all the tension that's been building up between them lately."

Isaac leans forwards and places his arms on the table. "You say your suspisions are low-key, then why was I heckled in the streets and why do regular hivers know about the feud? You cannnot claim just that the Eccleasiary and the Mechanicum are always like this on this planet or it would have torn itself apart already."

"We don't know that one thing has to do with the other, Isaac." Var points out. "Just because things happen at the same time doens't make them the same thing. We need to take a look at that cave in site and talk to those Tech Priests. Evidence, men. That's what we need."

Zek slumps forwards slightly, as if falling asleep, then pretends to wake up sharply "Eh, sorry 'bout tha', bu' tha' wae ah see i', we wanna' ge' ou' thar', an' inves'iga'e. Talkin's gonna' do us nae a bitta' good, 'nless we 'ave sumthin' hard. Specilatin's gonna' get us nahwhere."

The Cleric looks at Uriah. "We do not believe so, and I find it unlikely. We are the only other group powerful enough and caring enough to move the wheels of power where it matters. The only other group who might do it - the Arbites - care only that the Status Quo is maintained, and most of them are corrupt anyway. Coming to us was their only option - anything else would have let the Heresy grow unchecked, and would spell the Beginning of the End."

He turns to Var. "You may certainly talk to the Tech-Priests. They are currently lodged in the Ecclesiarchy Quarter, for their own protection. I will take you there when this discussion is over if you so wish."

Looking at both Isaac and Chazzic, the Cleric tells you that the Mechanium have closed ranks recently, in response to the growing animosity from junior members of the Ecclesiarchy who are being louder than usual in their critisisms of the Ad-Mech. They have not revealed the fact they know about the xenos tech as they have been ordered not to by their superiors until the investgation has been carried out. As ever, however, the serfs who idolize the Ecclesiarchy have joined in in their heckling, despite not knowing the true cause. This is the reason for the heightening of tensions in the city as well.

Var pipes up. "I think we should talk to the Tech Priests and then take a look at this cave in site. I think the Priests will have more details."

Var looks to Isaac. "We will need you to take the lead here. The rest of us should look like your security and retinue, but the Priests should trust you. Fr. Uriah should be our liason to the Eccliesiarchy."

Var looks to Uriah. "I hate to be crass, but we may need some seed money for information or supplies. Once we get to the Ecclesiarchy compound, you might want to see if you can arrainge for thrones, transport, or anything else you can find."

"Remember we are here undercover, so for now, we are just investigating an internal complaint. Our true masters must not be invoked unless we need them."

Isaac steeples his hands on the table. "I can sympathise with them and with my presence they may feel more comfortable in telling us more."

Uriah nodded at Var. His position in the Ecclesiarchy did allow him access to resources that the others simply could not get. "Then we should leave for the compound at once"

Var leans into the Uriah's ear. "We could use scanners... auspex scanners to look for evidence, and cameras. Of course, thrones for expenses... and if you could get me and Felix into an Armory for a few moments, we could really help the team... but I don't want to wear out our welcome."

The confessor notes that you have finished your conversations and grants your request to see the Tech-Priests that have defected. He rises and bids you follow him to the grav-Shuttle bays, which you board. The trip passes without incident.

You arrive at the ecclesiarchy Quarter and are waved through by the guards who recognise the Confessor's seal. As Isaac is wearing an obscuring jacket he is not stopped.

The Ecclesiarchy quarter is full of the pious and devoted members of the hive. Smoking incense burners are hung from the side of every building, meaning the ground is swathed in a carpet of thick grey smoke. Huge pictures of scenes from Laskin history and the history of the imperium dominate the side of the sprawling mess of habs and pipes that rise into the hive spire of the quarter and the droning of chanting follows you everywhere you go, the sound of the faithful humbling themselves. The area is, in short - awe inspiring.

You are taken along several alleys into a dark and rundown area of the quarter, which Vardek explains is hidden for the protection of the Tech-Priests. You are taken into a dingy hab, asphalt grey and derelict looking. Two guards stand at the entrance to a room in which you find the 4 tech-priests that blew the whistle on the Mechanicus's activities.

They rise and greet you as you enter, their mechanical augmentations hissing in protest. Large patches of flesh can still be seen however - these are clearly junior Tech-Priests. Vardek waits outside for you to finish.

The door closes, shutting out all sounds from the outside. You are now free to question the Tech-priests.

Isaac searches the room for hidden (or visable) camaras or listening devices. He bids Felix and Var to do the same.

"Well met, good fellows" Uriah greeted himself to the tech-priest, then looking over to the more paranoid of his group "...don't mind them. We're just here to ask you some questions"

"Don't say a word."
"not a word."
"until I'm sure there is no bugs." Isaac says towards the Tech-priests.

Uriah looked over to Issac, with a small look of amusement. "Wouldn't admitting you're looking for bugs blow your cover?"

Your searches find nothing. The tech-priests watch you with amusement.

Isaac turns to the Tech-Priests and pulls down his hood revealing his true nature.
"Hello my Mechanicum brothers."

The Tech-Priests look shocked and back away hurriedly.

"You're from the Laskin Mechanium? Why are you here? To kill us for desertion?"

"I am not from Laskin." Isaac pulls back his Sleeve on his left arm revealing his Electoo.

Uriah shook his head "No, he's with us. We work for...a independent 3rd party, as it were. No harm will come to you so long as we're here. We have been sent here because of reports of use of xeno technology, and we've been told that you four were the ones that told the Ecclesiarchy, and we want to know exactly what you're said to them."

A long coil snakes out from underneath the robe of a Tech-priest, and passes a red line over the electoo. He looks up. "A Scintillan? Interesting, brother. As long as you are not one of those blasted Xenotech users or, Emperor forbid, a tinkerer and a heretek.

I suppose you want to ask questions then. Well, ask away."

" alright, first off tell us all about this cave your 'freinds' happened upon." felix asks from his corner of the room.

"I'm Var, I'm helping investigate your concerns. What are your names?" Var asks.

"You're safe here. The Ecclesiarchy will keep you well protected. We just want to understand better what you saw, and what you think the implications are. "

"Tell us what you saw, or what you know."

"where is the mine situated?"

Chazzick stepped up, "Why don't we just start off how Var started. Instead of bombarding them with questions. First, with your names please." Chazzick smiled as reassuringly as he could to the tech-priests.

"We will get straight to the point." The Tech-priests begin their story.

"It all started about 3 terran months ago. One of the junior tech priests was running Auspex tests on the lower levels of the Mechanium quarter - just below the areas that are still in use - when they picked up some unusual energy readings. They were deemed to be siginals that were originating from a relic of dark age technology buried deep in the catacombs of the hive. We began to search downwards, but as time wore on the signals began to get fainter. We sped up our search, cutting back on safety procedures in our search for the technology. Our superiors became almost fanatical about finding the source of the signal. It was probably this that caused the mine collapses - we often had to tunnel through feet of decayed ceramite and adamantanium at a time - and that sort of digging causes vibrations.

At last we reached a place near to where we thought the signal was originating from, and tunneled into it. We had to get through 13 feet of the debris of millenia, but we got through. It turned out the signal that we thought was a relic of the Golden Age was in fact a cavern of xenos technology - the waste of transgressors of Imperial space left untouched in the conquest of Laskin. It should have been destroyed there and then, with cleansing flame and blessed gunfire, but the upper council chose to experiment with it, to adapt it to Imperial use. After all - they reasoned - they had spent large amounts of time and effort to reach the place, so why not use it to compensate the effort involved by re-making it in the Imperial image? We faked a tunnel collapse near the site of the technology and found our way to the Ecclesiarcy Quarter, where they alerted the Inquisiton immediately.

Now we come to today, and you are faced with only one option - you must take proof of these accusations to your masters, and have them send a liberating army to destroy the traitors."

"I'm sorry, but we will need to see more, or know much more that just that. What you've told us is very serious information, but a LOT more is needed if we are to get a army here. Is there anyway you can get us visual evidence?"

"We can give you pict-scans of the inside of the chamber that contains the Xenos technology. We cannot do more as we did not think to take scans of the journey there. It will be up to you to find and provide proof to your masters." The Tech-priest holds out a mechandrite towards the group. "If any of you possess a suitable data-slate I can transfer what images we have onto it via this"

"Those will be most helpful thank you. Now, if we are to get our own evidence, we are going to need any and all kinds of blueprints of the mines that you can get. We would need to know every possible way in or out. Even little holes that seem insignificant." Chazzick's eyes scanned the group of Tech-priests, "Would that be possible?"

The tech-priests make a noise that passes for laughter among the Adeptus Mechanicus - this man has clearly never been into the bowels of a hive world before.

"The Nature of a hive city is that it is a mess. Unmappable, uncountable. Every denizen walks on but the latest level of the shops, cathedrals and living quarters of the generations that came before him. As each new generation builds up, the levels beneath him crumble into decay and disuse - stalked by mutants, gangs and other assorted filth. To live in a hive city is to live on the leavings of those that have gone before. It is to live on 10 millenia of pure history - none of which is documented, remembered or needed.

To put it simply - there are no maps."

Zek looks around at the room in more detail, not sure on what he should be doing.

Chazzick sighed, "So then that leaves us with finding a way in all on our own." Chazzick placed his hand on his chin, thinking about options. "Well would you be able to map our the general area of the tunnel?"

"Can you tell us more about the xenos items? What were they? What kind of tests were done to them? Who was in charge of testing them? What kind of energy readings did you get?"

" indeed..." Felix mutters. unconsciously palming his knife.
" me and var grew up in the under hive, this is our element."

"Felix is right. We can get you there, if we have an energy signature to follow."

The Tech Priests motion towards the data-slate in Isaac's hand. "Unfortunately, the signal was ceased shortly after the cavern was discovered. However, We have included a rough direction indicator that should point you towards the general area of the cavern. It is still maze-like in the underhive, so you must be careful of getting lost.

We are afraid that we cannot give you the specifics of what and who - we do not know ourselves as we left soon after the cavern was discovered. We do know however that we are the only protesters. No-one else has left that we know of, and if there were any more voices of dissent, they will have been silenced by now."

(Also, just in case anyone has missed it - http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/316758.page - Comments thread. All you lurkers, we want to see you!)

Isaac looks throught his Data-slate at the new information. He could glean almost nothing from the blurry pict-capts. All he can see is a medium sized hive cavern covered in ancient artefacts and dimly lit consoles.
Isaac intensly tries to make out stuff from the pict-screen
He sees what could be a group of Tech-priests stand in the corner working on one of the consoles.
He can't tell the Hight of the tech=priests?

The consoles are black and organic looking, almost like they have been moulded out of molten black glass. A greenish light glows from the various holes dotted on the consoles, as well as from the round screen at the top. You can't make it out very well though.

"Interesting. A minor Xenos race then. Or the possible owners of the planent before human colonisation..." Isaac muses mostly to himself.

"Now then. To the shuttle, I wish to see this with my real eyes."

After writing the last bits of notes on a piece of paper, he thanked the junior tech-priest and followed Issac out. However... "I do not think we should be so rash about this. We have little to no information, and under equipped if we're just going to storm in. At least give it a day or two."

"Our time is now."

"We cannont garrantee that the Mechanicum here would not just collapse the dig site to hide the evidence."

"The sooner we get there the better. Move"

You take your leave of the Confessor and head for the nearest Grav-Shuttle terminal. You get on, considering the problems that may lie ahead. The Shuttle is packed full of people and you end up sitting in two groups, one at the front end and one at the back. You strap yourselves in and the grav-clamps are released, the metal cylinder hurtling sideways in it's fall.

After about 10 minutes of continuous freefall, the glow-strips at the top of the shuttle flicker, and fail. The room goes pitch black and the murmering of the other passengers takes on a worried tone. Suddenly you feel the grav-clamps activate again, and your stomach lurches downwards into the pit of your chest. With an almighty screech the shuttle slides to a halt. As you are collecting your wits you hear the bang of explosive lock-bolts detonating and the reek of smoke fills your nostrils. There is a scream from one of the other passengers and you hear the hiss of gass as a debilitating nerve agent is sprayed into the room. The last thing you remember before blacking out is a light from a handheld torch illuminating the unconsious group of your fellow acolytes at the other side of the Shuttle, and a group of figures advancing through the blown hatch...

(No posting until I give the word please)

(also, for anyone who's watching this and hasn't found the comments thread, it can be found here: http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/316758.page )

You wake up on a comfortable bed and look around. You are in the middle of a clean room in the local Arbites facility. Two guards are standing by the opening in the side and you can see smartly dressed officers going up and down the corridor next to the room. Upon seeing that you are awake, an important looking Arbite approaches you and questions you on the incident, leaving you no time to take stock of the situation. After discovering that you know nothing, you are all escorted to the main entrance, you are left to go about your business.

The people left after the ambush are Isaac, Felix, Chazzic and Uriah.

Uirah rubbed the side of his heard, a splitting headache from whatever it is that those men used to knock them out. "Frak, my head hurts" Uriah said out loud. However, that did not distracted him from staring at Issac with the focus and intensity of a lascannon. "The time is now, you said. Well guess what, now we're lost half our team! The inquisitor is going to rip us a new one when she finds this out!" The strong words only continued to worsen his headache, Uriah now clutching his forehead with his hands. Did they even have a clue who the culprits were, or why they attacked. Uriah didn't know, and really didn't care at that exact moment, he just wanted someone to vent on.

"So you blame me for this?"

He put his head in his hand "Why oh why did I leave my simple profession in the Mechanicum for this."

"Fine if you blame me then then I shall leave."

Uriah sighed, shaking his head. As tempting as it was, they needed him. "No, no, don't go. I was just so pissed off, and lets face it we didn't start off on the right foot. But we can't quit now. We need to find who did this, and where the others are."

"Yes. I didn't see what happened. Did any of you? Don't talk now, let's move to somewhere else 1st."

You leave the Arbites facility and enter into the bustling streets of the middle Market Quarter.

felix rushes after them having regained consciousness as they were leaving.

"Well, now we know that we can't trust the local arbites."

Uriah rose an eyebrow at Chazzick's comment. "What do you mean we can't trust the local arbites?"

"Well, I don't know about you, but I don't think I'm going to ever fully trust someone after they've gassed me for no reason. Then, threw me into the streets dazed and confused. Would you?"

"I'm with Chazzick on this one, they're up to something, not sure what it is yet but I'll figure it out. as soon as this damn headache wares off." Felix groans as he staggers onward.

"We have no way of communicating with them or retreiving them as it is. They are MIA and there is nothing we can do right now. My only suggestion is to request for a heriticus cell to check out the Arbites here."

His face fell, a small showing of regret flickered across his features for the breifest of moments.

"I would like there to be something we could do to retrieve them but we have no leads. The only thing we can do is carry on mission. These are the facts and I feel I must state them."

Chazzick looked at Isaac incredibly confused. Only when he looked around at the group did he realize that he was talking about the other members of the team.
"Right, the mission. Let us at least complete it before anything else happens."

"Uh, right. I think the best lead we have is if we look for the effect on the community. Then we'll know if they're experimenting with the tech, when they started messing with it, and if we're lucky find were they're holding, and..." Uriah looks up at the clock tower to see that he was majorly late for work "and I'll see you guys later tonight" Uriah then ran off.

"Look for the effect on the community?" Isaac raised an eyebrow at the leaving preacher.

"I wonder how he presumed to do that. They aren't likely to flaunt the tech. That would be illogical and suicidal. The only lead is the dig site. I will be heading there soon. Come with me if you want as there is no where else I am going."

Uriah returns right back, with a slight limp and a banana peel on his hat. "You know what? I'm free today. So what ever it is you have planned, let's hear it"

Isaac looks quizickly at Uriah wondering where the bannanna came from.

Uriah wondered what the techpriest was looking at, then placed his hand on his head to find the peel attached to his hat. "I got fired from my job" Uriah explained, throwing the peel away "I said some unkind words, and I got tossed into a dumpster."

"Indeed."

"I think we must move we haste towards the dig site. We don't know if the mechanicum has hidden or destroyed any evidence yet."

"But how do we get down there? It's a labyrinth down there, even if the dig site is lightly guarded we'd get blasted"

Isaac whips out his Data-slate.

"I have a some a rough directional guidance system from the Tech-preists. It should work. I trust them and the program. Let's move"

Felix looks at the priests before him and clears his throat. "i don't know what's in that slate but it isn't gonna be so easy getting there, we're gonna have to find some transport and munitions before we go anywhere cause there's no telling what abominations are hiding down there, not to mention the gangs that are gonna be gunning for us."

"Well I think after how we were treated the arbites owe us a favour. Let's see what's in thier motor pool."

You sneak round the back of the Arbites precinct. The motor pool has a single guard patrolling around it. Within it you see several vehicles specifically designed for the Streets of a Hive world, as well as some that aren't.

Isaac takes one of the Iron wieghts that a conman had given him a day or two earlier.


He throws it in an effort to distract the guard.

The guard glances over to the area that you threw the metal weight and shrugs. Presumably the noise was not quite enough to catch his attention.

It took a second for Uriah to realize what Issac was planning, but when he did it hit him like a truck of bricks. Uriah would have rant and hollered, but they would have gotten them in even more trouble. The things he do for the good of the Imperium... "Listen how about I go over there and say my friend is in trouble, I bring him over here and then you knock him out" he whispered to the others.

"Do you think you can be that persuasive." Isaac whispers. "I have more wieghts to throw." he whipsers showing Uriah the bag.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
A reply not forthwith Isaac throws a handful of the wieghts in the dersired direction.

This time the guard notices. He also however, sees the weights in mid-flight and shoulders his weapon, calling over to someone hidden in the corner. They begin to approach the entrance to the lot, weapons ready.

Seeing that the tech priest's attempt to get the guards to look the other way has failed, Uriah slapped Issac in the back of the head, then walked out into the two guard's line of sight. "Thank the Emperor you two are here! My friend, h-he's in trouble, and we need your help!"

The Guard glances over to the quite clearly annoyed Tech-priest and back to Uriah. He does this several times with an extremely confused look on his face before shrugging and raising his weapon to his shoulder, jerking it in the opposite direction to the compound. "This is a restricted area. Leave now... if you want to live."

'No please, don't send us away. Our friend has been shot and we don't have time to go through the red tape. He's dieing, we need your help" Uriah tried to convince the two guards, putting everything into the act.

Isaac blinks a few times before rising his hand to his face.

The two guards take one look at your comical group, glance at each other and immediately burst out laughing, tears rolling down their face - a brief moment of happiness in an uncaring universe. For a moment all their trials and troubles are forgotten as they laugh out loud at the ludicrous situation.

They turn around and resume their positions at either side of the entrance way, still grinning after their small moment of relief from the hell that is their lives.

Uriah stood there, stiff and a board. A part of him, that part of him that had already given up on life, and humanity, and all that is good in the universe, knew that it wouldn't have worked. But he thought he could do it, he really did. And what did he get? Laughed in the face. Finally, something in him winded down, and he threw his hands up into the air. Defeated. Game Over. Feth this whole day, he might as well have stayed in bed, or face down in the mud. He turned around and stormed off, shouldering past his teammate. "If you want to continued whatever crazy plot you have, count me out. I quit. If you want me, I be drowning myself in beer"

Isaac begins to mutter to himself. It increase in speed and darkens in tone until he throws out his arms at the world and wails a mighty wail not unlike the cry of the banshee. All nearby cover thier ears at the sound.

One of the guards collapses in pain and shock - evidently he has never heard the fabled feedback screech of a tech-priest before. The other merely grits his teeth and unslings his combat shotgun from its holster - his moment of calm from his laughter but a distant memory - there is only duty now.

Having no time to pull his hunting rifle, Chazzick flipped out his throwing knife and aimed to the guard's trigger hand.

The spinning knife flies gracefully through the air and impales the hand right down to the bone. The guard yells in pain and drops his gun on the floor, trying to pull the knife out with his now free hand.

Not waiting for the others to make their move, Chazzick throws himself at the guard who had fallen to the ground hands over his ears, Isaac probably couldn't emit that sound forever.

Isaac charges in at the wounded guard. Swinging his staff arround his head.

Chazzic flies at the Arbite, Falx raised high above his head in a firm, two handed grip. The Arbite barely has time to recover before the sword slashes down towards him in a glittering arc, finding a weak point in his armour and cutting through it like butter. The sword point enters through the top of the Arbites helmet, breaking the visor off and tearing a bloody rent in the man's face. Browbeaten, but not yet broken, the Arbite spits out a tooth and grabs his Shock Maul from his back, swinging it in a cracking arc, it is easily ducked however by the more agile Sell-Steel.

Over at the other side of the gate Isaac swings his staff around in a long circle, hitting the Arbite in the leg. The Armour holds however but the Guard is still attempting to pry the dagger out of his hand.

In order to make full use of the Falx's damaging potential, Chazzic keeps the sword in a two handed grip and strikes at the Arbites head once again, who once again fails to block the strike, which goes through the side of the damaged visor and slices off the Guards ear. He quickly twists his sword around so the point is curved around the back of the Arbites head, pulling back sharply and gashing the man's head a bloody furrow. Somehow the guard manages to continue fighting and attempts to land a blow on his assailant. Ducking at the last second Chazzic avoids the blow, but fails to notice that the attack was a feint, and the guard twists his grip on his Shock Maul slamming it down on Chazzic's now unguarded head. The blow strikes with some force and the smell of burnt flesh fills the air as the crackling energies that dance up and down the shock maul scorch the back of his unprotected head. The blow knocks him to the ground but before the arbite can take advantage of this he rolls out of the way and stands up, bowed but not defeated.

Isaac swings his staff at his opponents right leg a second time, bypassing his block and bruising him badly, however his second attack flies over the Arbite's head. The man finally jerks the Dagger from the flesh of his hand and throws it away with a snarl, drawing his shock Maul clumsily with his off-hand.

Uriah cursed. He had only made it around the corner before having second thoughts about the situation. What kind of example is he showing if he quit when things looked rough? What's to keep the others from getting into more trouble with him gone? Uriah debated with himself for a while before he heard the sound of battle behind him, He drew his hammer and peaked out, seeing that the group had gotten into a fight with the guards. Frak me... Uriah thought, then charged into the fray, straight for the guard fighting Issac. "I'm sorry for this" He said to the guard as he swung the hammer.

Uriahs hit knocks the Guard in the head, cracking his visor and dazing him a little, as Isaac flicks his staff twice, hitting once in the Chest and once on the right leg. You hear an audible crack as something breaks in the Guards chest armour, but the leg hit just bounces off. The Guard attempts to attack Isaac but fails completely, dropping his shock maul in the process.

Finally clearing his head of the static produced by the feedback screech, and inspired by Uriah's selfless loyalty, Felix draws his knife and charges Chazzic's opponent, however his knife doesn't even scratch the Guards armour. Chazzic himself scores a deep wound into the center of the Arbitrators chest, delivering the Coup de grâce by severing the man's head. Both Chazzic and Felix turn towards the other fight, readying a charge.

Just before this however, Isaac swings his staff in low, knocking the Arbite off his feet as if his strike had the very fury of the Emperor himself in them! The Arbite lands on his back and Isaac spins his staff round and lands a blow underneath the mans chin, forcing the end of the staff past the base of his mouth and breaking his neck. His life is utterly crushed and the battle is won.

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

Wound tally ups:
Uriah has 10 wounds
Isaac has 15 wounds
Felix has 10 wounds
Chazzic has 5 wounds

Isaac strolls nonchalelant over to the vehicles, as if nothing had happened.

"Looks like we've won." Chazzick wearily spoke as he leaned on Felix's shoulder, vision swimming from the shock-maul. "I-I think it would be best if we hi-hid the bodies. In my experience, dead guards cause panic and a- alarm."

"You do that. I'll see what vehicles they have here. After quickly searching the bodies of course."

Isaac searches the bodies.

After doing this, he walks over to the group of vehicles at the side of the lot. They are in pretty poor condition, but look servicable. There are 3 vehicles in total and they are all Occhlos class Hive Vehicles.

The STC for the Occhlos class was discovered by Magos Explorator Raxham Karnos in late M35 in the deepest levels of Alb-ury Hive on the planet Downunder, in the Malfian sub-sector, and quickly spread throughout the Calixis Sector. It is a design perfectly suited to the cramped streets and passages of a hive-city and sees a large amount of use on these planets where it's robustness, manouverability and customisability are put to excellent use. It sees use almost entirely amongst the Adeptus Arbites.

The Vehicle itself is a small, snub nosed All Terrain vehicle (Jeep, basically, as I can't really describe it otherwise) capable of carrying a large amount of equipment and/or passengers. The cockpit is closed and the rear comes with a bullet resistant tarpaulin to cover it in the event of small arms fire. It is fitted with a Heavy Stubber gun above the cockpit which is controlled by a passenger standing behind the two front seats on a pedastal and firing. It also has a gas canister launcher fitted to both the front passenger seat and the rear entrance hatch. One of the primary features of the Occhlos class is the fact that the wheels can be indervidually controlled, giving a far larger degree of mobility.

The 3 in the lot are dented and scratched, although one stands out as the most battered of the lot. You see a crude engraving of two crossed revolvers on the side, and the motif 'born to kill'. Next to that are a whole list of names and an even longer row of kill-lines that have been scratched into the surface of the vehicle.

Uriah let out a small grumble as he grabbed the body of one of arbites, standing it in the corner so that it would be hidden in the shadow. He did not touch any of it's affects, as Uriah would not allow himself to stoop so low as to loot the body. with that, he walked over to Issac. "You know how to drive this thing, right?"

"I can get it running but no, I cannot drive. If it were an atmospheric or orbital craft then yes, but on the ground, no."
Isaac looks downcast at the floor. "I should have asked if any of us could drive before settign off."

After dragging and hiding the body, Chazzick returned to the group, "I've found it sometimes during a mission, that hired 'help' is sometimes needed. I'm sure we could find someone who would like to earn a few coins."

Isaac rubs his chin with his hand, deep in thought while he circles one of the Occhlos vehicles.

"At the moment we cannot drive one of these. But it probably won't be long until we are noticed. I propose we put it in gear and roll it out of here and then see what we can do next."

He and the group then do what he proposed.

Uriah sighed, looking to see if there was anyone else around, then moved over to the back of the of the vehicle with the others and pushed. "When we get off this planet, one of you is learning to drive."

Your pushing does nothing as the vehicle rocks on its wheels - It's still braked, clearly.

Chazzic and Felix volunteer to continue pushing, while Uriah and Isaac clamber into the drivers and passenger seats to attempt to turn the brakes off.

You both stare bewildered at the confusing array of switches, dials and buttons that are arrayed before you. What do you do?

Uriah looks at the controls slack jawed. How can something like this be so complicated? And why are there 6 petals when there's only 4 directions?! Rather than pushing things at random, Uriah begins looking to see if there's anything labeled.

Isaac flexes his fingers then cracks his knuckles.

He then pushes every button he can see.

Lots of things happen at once. A small screen behind the wheel lights up and displays a morass of meaningless symbols. You begin to hear music, a loud, fast tune that sounds like someone shouting into a microphone. It is quite catchy though. A small claw extends out of the dashboard, and a compartment opens to reveal a pair of manacles and some rope. As you continue pressing buttons the volume of the music changes from high to low and then back to high again. The speakers at the front of the Occlos fade to nothing, while the rear speakers increase in volume, confusing the two pushers at the back no end. A pair of long sticks start swishing back and forth on the windscreen at the front of the vehicle.

In astonishment, Uriah abandons his search for a label in confusion.

Isaac shugs before hitting some more buttons.

The vehicles machine spirit splutters and coughs at you, and the lights at the front flash in anger.

Uriah seems to have spotted something however.

"Why don't you look for a instruction manuel?" Chazzick asked having walked to the side of the vehicle, it clearly not going to move anytime soon.

Looking at the button he spotted, he decided that the situation couldn't get worse, and smashed it with a swing of his fist.

The Occlos's engine roars into life at Uriah's command. You hear it's machine spirit purr as it settles down into a better rythm.

Now all you need to do is get the thing moving before someone hears and notices.

Isaac glares at the panel, shrugs aand then tries to get it out of the motor pool.

As you attempt to drive forwards the Occhlos locks up, rocking on it's wheels. You haven't found the method of releasing the parking breaks yet.

Isaac gets out of the vehicle, pulls out his knife and stabs the tires on the other two vehicles. The group can he some faint noises coming from the Tech-Priest.

Your knife simply bounces off the tyres. It will take more than that to damage them.

"The Adeptus Mechanicus should start teaching their members to read if I found the start button before you did." Uriah said with a playful mocking tone, once again looking for anything that could indicate a brake release.

Isaac strides back to the lowly preacher while pulling his laspistol out of his pocket. He gets closer and points it at the man's fleshy head. "You should be more careful in what you say." Isaac snarls.
" We may have to work together but accidents happen and who would try to look for you in a hive? You will not be missed."
With this he clicks the safety off of the laspistol.

Uriah looked up from his search to see that Issac had a laspistol pointed at his head, safety off and finger on the trigger. The cleric sent weak at the knees, very scared at the prospect of his teammate blowing his head apart. "I-I was j-j-joking. Did they take your h-humor out too?" Uriah asked, with an extremely awkward and frightened laugh. "P-please don't kill me. I'll do anything, just don't..." He begged, throwing dignity and humility out the window.

Isaac looked at the man, a growl rising in what should be called his vocal cords. He narrowed his eyes and pulled the laspistol into the ready position. He snaps round and storms back to the other two vehicles trying to dissable them.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Isaac takes some of the remaining Iron weights and puts them under pedals and into exausts pipes of the two remaining vehicles.

"that should slow them down"

Although his life spared, Uriah's fear quickly turned to anger, his hand moving to his coat and pulling out his own gun, pointing it at the back of the tech-priest, pulling the hammer back. He had every reason to blast that tin head into scrap. But he couldn't. He wanted to, but he held himself back. Would he let himself fall like that over something so small. He let out a sigh of frustration, and put the magnum back in it's holster before Issac could turn back around. Still angered, he went back to looking.

Isaac walks over to the guards, knife in hand. He roughly cuts some of the material from their uniforms and then proceeds to shove it in the exaust with the wieghts.

The exausts are now well and truly blocked, allthough the tyres are still intact, and the engines still work, so the vehicles can be fixed with a little investigation.

"Ah screw it!" Uriah yelled as he pulled a random lever.

The back of your seat collapses backwards as you are stretched out to a resting position.

Uriah falls over with the seat, then gets back up, his rage only getting worse. He pulls himself together, and decides to just look for the manual.

felix seeing the lack of momentum in the vehichle decides head up to the drivers seat. there he pushes isaac out of the way and pops the brake catch off. he then revs the engine a few times and switches the damn music off. " well what took you guys so long to get this rolling, you act like you've never driven a rig like this before."

Uriah looked at Felix in awe shock, unable to say something as he was simply stunned at the new development. Eventually he decides to say nothing, slumping into his seat...which cause him to fall over, as his seat had not been put back up into the upright position.

Isaac grumpily climbs into the cupola, muttering to himself.

felix pops his head out the window and beckons chazzick to hop in the back before setting it in gear and rolling her out of the lot.

You leave the parking lot and head out onto the streets of the Market Quarter.

Isaac keeps a close watch on the shadows as the vehicle rolls out.

After figuring out the seat controls, Uriah began to create a plan, thoughts boilings to perfection. "Since we've already taken this thing, we might as well go straight through the jaws of the beast. Felix, head us to the Mechanicus quarters. Between me and Issac, we can bluff our way in as far as we can. If they do catch on, at least we're in a armored vehicle."

You set off at a high speed, Felix steering the vehicle expertly through the hive streets, keeping to the less populated areas. Even so, occasionally you have to swerve round a citizen going about his business.

After a short while of driving, the lunar setting of the hive switches on, the lights dimming and the humming of machinery quieting to a low murmer. These are the most dangerous times to be in the Market quarter, as gangs often raid the middle levels for equipment and supplies.

A noise of fighting cuts through the noise of the Occhlos's engine as you pass an empty and unused shuttle-bus terminal. You slow to a stop and turn off the lights of the vehicle and attempt to make out what is going on.

Through the smoky gloom of the hive, you make out a fight in the cavern ahead. It appears that a group of Arbites are engaging a gang who were in the process of raiding this level. The battle appears to be in a stalemate, but it is right in your intended path.

Uriah looks at the battle ahead, deciding that this must be the Emperor giving him a chance to redeem the lowly preacher, and aims the grenade launcher right at the gang fighting the arbites. "I'm taking this chance, if you want to help me then help, and if not then hold your tongue"

"If those Arbites decide to try to arrest us then I'll regret this but let's hope they're feeling helpful."
Isaac turns in the cupola and points the gun in the gang's direction.

Chazzick smiles as he finally has a chance to reveal his skills as a marksmen. Preparing his hunting rifle, he takes aim at the most important, tough, intelligent thug. "May the Emperor judge you and damn your lawless soul."

"right then lets lock and load." felix says from the drivers seat and drives the truck toward the fire fight.

Chazzics shot takes off his targets left ear, causing the ganger to yell in suprise. Felix revs the Occhlos and it surges forward, while Isaac sprays the area indiscriminately with bullets, causing carnage amongst the intimidated gangers. Uriah pops off a canister of gas, which spreads out around the gangers positions, dropping them quickly. Neither the Occhlos nor Felix have time for this though, and the vehicle continues straight through the heavy gas, crushing gangers beneath it as it goes and drawing a path through the smog. None of it reaches the occupants of the car though.

After cruising through the gangers, the Occhlos spins to a screeching halt, surveying the damage. What few gangers remain are being mopped up by the grateful Arbite unit. One of them starts to walk towards you, removing his helmet as he goes and raising his shock maul in salute.

Isaac decides to tacfully swivel round in his cupola, facing away from the advancing arbite.

Uriah moved his robe up to his head, now covering half his face. He gave a quick salute back, then elbowed Felix in the rib. "Come on, keep going, we can't let them see us."

Chazzick stayed on his position in the vehicle, grumbling angrily to himself, scorning himself for missing the shot. Keeping an eye on the Arbite as he approached, getting himself prepared for anything.

felix regards the arbite for a moment and gives him a quick salute before easing on the gas and rolling out again.

You put your foot on the pedal and drive out, leaving the bemused Arbite to go about his duties, he walks back to his post, talking into his vox-pack.

After about half an hour of driving, you turn a corner into a large, wide corridor. It is dimly lit with sparking glow-stips across it's flat, high ceiling, and the multitude of small shops are badly kept and have gang signs sprayed all over them, with one in particular, that of a skull and two crossed pistons, standing out over the rest. Felix puts his foot down and, with a roar, the Occhlos shoots down its length. About a quarter of the way down, the strips above you flicker and die, plunging the section into darkness. Felix flicks on the head-lamps and slows the vehicle down to a slower pace. You think you hear the rumble of engines behind you, but you can't be sure.

Suddenly, a large pile of cardboard boxes that was covering a side street bursts outwards to reveal a line of 4 crudely constructed bikes headed by a larger version, with a small sidecar bolted onto the side. The gangers riding them suit their bikes to a tee, with enourmous, spiked up hair that you could impale a man with, and chains and piercings all over their large bodies. They are covered with pistols and automatic weaponry, and the sidecar one of them is driving looks like it has a heavy stubber mounted on it. You look round to see the outline of an Occhlos class vehicle coming up at the rear. You think it might be assistance from the local Arbites, but then you notice the gang signs and the conspicuously large skull bolted onto the hood. The gangers appear to be screaming at you, but you can hardly tell over the roaring of their engines.

"All the better glorious end." Chazzick mused as he found the best cover and took aim at the Bikers. "I'll work with the biker's! If they board then we'll be easy targets for the rest."

Battle is joined. In an effort to block your escape, the 4 bikes spread out in front of you on the road, firing their weapons at you as your Occhlos effortlessly knifes through them as you go past, leaving them far behind in your dust. The lead biker, in the attack bike, screams and guns his engines, blasting his bike straight at you while firing his heavy stubber at your front. Felix twitches the steering wheel and you miss the bike by inches, a large skull bolted to the side of it scratching a long line down your paintwork, messing up the previous owners kill count. The heavy stubber bullets impact with your hull, but only just manage to dent the heavy armour plating a little. Uriah takes a pot shot at the biker driving the attack bike as you pass, and manages to hit his arm, making him cry out in pain.

You hear the roar of gunfire and the sound of manic laughter behind you as the gang’s looted Occhlos chases your tail. It has clearly been modified quite extensively, with all unnecessary components scrapped in favour of more speed, so that even at the slow speed it is moving, it still outstrips you for pace. The heavy stubber in the cupola at the top is manned by a piercing covered ganger, with chains hanging off almost every area of exposed flesh you can see. He grins at you wildly and fires his weapon indiscriminately in the direction of Chazzic, who is leaning out of the unprotected rear of the Occhlos in order to draw a bead on the driver. The bullets slam into him, disrupting his aim and throwing him out of the back of the Occhlos – the proud Assassin reduced to little more than a bloody mess on the road that doesn’t look as if it could ever have been alive. He lands face down, Falx gripped tightly in his hands in a last act of defiance against his attackers. The Occhlos roars past him, missing his arm by a fraction and going right over the Acian Falx. The monomolecular edge of the weapon cuts deep into the rubberised polymer of the tyres, bursting them with a bang and causing the gangers vehicle to swerve jaggedly to the right, losing speed dramatically, until it finally slows to a stop, the burst tyre ruining what chance it had of keeping up. You see the passengers dismount and hail the bikers behind you, grabbing on to whatever protruding piece of the bikes they can see in an effort to stay in the chase.

Felix guns the engines and accelerates to top speed in an attempt to lose the bikers, however their lightweight construction and souped up engines mean they easily catch up, yelling their obscene battle cries and whooping at the thrill of the chase. Isaac, manning the twin heavy stubbers on your Occhlos, swings the barrel round so it points towards the attack bike and pulls the trigger, the sheer weight of bullets making up for any incompetence he had through not knowing how to use the weapon. The heavy stubber peppers the attack bike with bullets, killing the rider instantly and snapping his body backwards, the weight of the extra passengers flipping the bike over backwards, where the makeshift construction of the bike betrays them at the last, as a piece of metal pierces the fuel tank, sending a shower of sparks into the distilled hive damp fuel...

As everyone from Laskin knows, the hive damp that can be found in the depths of Laskin hive is highly explosive and volatile, even after distilling it into its fuel form. So much so that it is commonly known amongst the scum classes of the underhive as ‘devil juice’. The fuel used by the biker gangs of the underhive is no different, and the attack bike explodes in a spectacular fashion, sending tongues of Orange flame licking out across the road, causing it to blister as if in pain. The passengers are thrown outwards by the blast as it bathes the 3 other bikes in its lethal embrace. The severed head of the driver of the attack bike strikes the driver of the bike next to him, the solid spike of dyed hair that projects out of his skull impaling him right through, killing him instantly. As the explosion catches up with the second bike it explodes as well, adding its own plume of orange to the symphony of flame. The second bike is lucky, as the armour around its fuel tank shields it from the worst of the blast, and it merely heats up the numerous piercings of the driver, cooking the skin around them. The third bike is not so lucky, as the shrapnel from the second bike kills the driver and he falls off to the left, sending his bike careening into the still active second bike. Active no longer, they both explode violently, scorching the walls around you and sending pieces of cooked ganger and bike everywhere. As the smoke clears, you realise that the bikes are no more. They have been consumed by the all devouring fire...

The battle is over.... but at what cost?

Uriah sighed, as he began taking apart the grenade launcher. When the lead biker had passed in front of him, the cleric had tried to fire one of the knock out gas grenades in front of the path of the bike, only for it to jam. Uriah was lucky that the shell had not explode, or the priest would have been knocked out by his own shot. He switched to his stub revolver to fend of the gang, but Issac made little work of the bikers. Uriah turned to the back to the passenger cage to congratulate the rest of the team, noticing they were missing someone. "Where's Chazzic!?" Uriah yelled over the vehicle's engine, noticing some blood on the wall.

Felix glances behind. Noticing lack of Chazzic.
He slows and pulls to the side and wipes his brow with his sleeve.

As the vehicle stops Isaac leaps out the back, lasgun cradled in his arms.

"You two carry on mission, I'll go back and find the assassin."

Isaac begins to walk away.

He turns and walks back making a quick file, he then passes his Data-slate to the preacher.

"This, coupled with your silver tongue should get you in still. Good luck and Omnisiah's blessing"

With that he begins to walk off.

"The God Emperor watches over" Uriah said as Issac pulled away.

You continue onwards without rest for the rest of the night, and the lights flicker on as the hive switches to its solar setting. As you continue onwards past areas of varying quality, with some districts appearing crisp and well-kept, while others are run down and depressing, and the locals stare at you with hate in their eyes as you pass. As citizens of the hive begin to trickle into the shops and taverns of the quarter, the faint smell of cooking reaches your nostrils and you realise you haven't eaten for some time.

NOTE TO READERS: GAME CONCLUDED VIA SKYPE.
To sum up: The Tech Priest went off on his own to find the dead-or-severely-wounded Assassin, but was hindered by the actions of a corrupt local Police branch. He attempted to take on the narco gang who had found the body of Chazzic, but was badly mauled by the automatic fire of the gangers during his attempted assualt of their base.

The other group continued onwards, eventually reaching the underhive cavern of xenos technology, fighting a couple of tech-priests and convicting the Mechanicus of heresy. Unfortunately, the group who had been kidnapped before had in fact been kidnapped by a group of Ecclesiarch dissidents, who proved to them that it was in fact the Ecclesiarchy who were being controlled by an Xenos organism. They didn't manage to get to the first group in time due to an accident whilst travelling through the underhive meaning they had to take a detour, and only informed the other group of their mistake when it was too late and the troops had been dispatched. This caused civil war on the planet and it's fate still hangs in the balance...