« on: May 14, 2010, 11:15AM» Repost
Acantha left the Hab to pursue her lead. She moved stealthily around the perimeter to where she had seen and then left a Cult mark. As she approached a soft scrape announced the presence of another person and she turned towards the sound. *
“Sister.” She greeted her fellow cultist with a slow nod and impassive tone.
“Sister…” came the equally expressionless response.
“I believe we need to talk,” Acantha prompted, noting the lingering title, but the newcomer raised her hand indicating a stop.
“That is not my purpose... Sister,” she responded. Acantha noted the slight pause but did not reveal it in her manner. “My purpose is to guide you to the Collegarium. Follow if you are worthy.” Nodding Acantha looked around her briefly and then followed her sister cultist.
Taking to the roofs, traversing the Hive through access vents and crawling along pipes, she led Acantha to a location close to the arboretum. There she descended into an alley and halted.
“My purpose here is complete,” the cultist stated. “Only the worthy may find the entrance.” After her statement she moved away and quickly vanished from sight. Acantha scanned the location for any sign of an entrance and quickly found a grating showing subtle signs of use. She slipped inside and stood, still and respectful, as she cast her eyes carefully around the location. She had been there but a few moments voice announced itself over an intercom.
“First trial, little sister, the dance of a thousand cuts....” a soft feminine voice echoed through the hall way, but Acantha had already spotted the signs. Tell tale triggers marked various squares across a chequerboard floor that lay between her and the only door out of the room. She edged around them gracefully and approached the exit opposite. Running her hands across its surface with delicate care she located additional triggers and removed them. Drawing some tools from a pocket she picked the lock, opened the door slowly with regard for further traps beyond it and stepped through to see a set of stairs beyond.
As she did so the scent of rich, fresh blood assaulted her senses. Taking a deep breath she licked lips a little. Pausing she closed her eyes momentarily and her face assumes a more focused expression. Opening them once more she ascended the stairway and found the source of the smell. She entered a round, darkened room at the centre of which was a Sacred Pool full of blood. Spaced around it, in the shadows at the edge of the room, she could see several female Death Cult members. All armed and all watching her with neutral expressions. As she stood awaiting acknowledgement the same voice washed from everywhere around her. “Welcome little sister.”
Acantha inclined head again as a figure steps from the shadows. “My thanks for the welcome.” The figure was of an older woman, and one obviously used to authority. She regarded Acantha critically for a moment and then spoke.
“I am concerned.” She announced, her voice stern. “Why would a sister be traveling with a band of heretics?”
“I am assigned to the Inquisition.” Acantha responded, her lips tightening somewhat but her tone remained even. “The techpriest is loyal, as is the soldier. The scum born is ... useful for now. The witch? I have her in my sights.”
The older woman arched an eyebrow slightly. “Inquisition? Many a heretic has used that ploy to escape our swift justice.” She gave a sardonic laugh. “To try, rather.”
“It is not yet my place to challenge the methods of Ordos Heriticus,” Acantha stated flatly, “but all evidence I have thus far confirms the loyalty of the Inquisitor. Though as you say, should I be given reason to believe otherwise I am also well placed to deal with the situation.”
“Reason to believe otherwise indeed,” the cultist retorted with a snort and Acantha’s brow creased momentarily in a frown. “I have many reasons to believe otherwise but doubt does creep in when faith should sustain. I do not like being used or lied to from heretics. Point in case... a worthy servant requested that our order remove a band of heretics... a lying ex ganger, a heretic tech priest, an ex guardsmen, a fallen death cultist, and a witch.”
Straightening up, her face filling with affronted anger, Acantha opened her mouth to protest but the woman held up a hand. She subsided to listen but the anger remained evident as the cultist continued. “While observing our targets we noted some inconsistencies. The only reason we are speaking today is because of your being a sister and those inconsistencies.” The older woman regarded Acantha sternly. “I am faced with two truths, which do I follow? Tell me little sister?”
Acantha forced herself to remain calm. “There is no doubting my loyalty, to the Sisterhood and to the Emperor,” she responded. “You may test me as you wish.”
The other woman nodded in acknowledgement. “So shall it be, Trial by Blood.”
Face impassive but lips tight with anger Acantha nodded. “When do we begin?”
“By way of tradition,” her senior explained, “my Champion shall enter into ritual combat with you in the Scared Pool of Blood. Blood gathered from heretics and purified by the Emperors Grace.” She indicated the pool before them. “Only the righteous shall survive and the truth be known as judged by the Immortal Emperor. Realize if you die, little sister, you shall be judged false and your companions’ lives are forfeit. Do you understand?”
“I understand.” she drew her sword and saluted. “Ave Emperator.”
“Step into the pool and begin when I command,” the cultist told her.
Acantha complied. “As the Emporer wills it, so shall it be.”
One of the younger women around the pooled entered it also. Her and Acantha knelt down, dipping their fingers into the blood. Standing, the champion used the blood to make a blood tear on her cheek. Acantha did likewise, but drawing a crescent moon. They both stood watching one another hawk-like awaiting the command. “Begin!”
At the word both women moved to strike. To begin with they were evenly matched, defending from one another’s blows and each taking minor cuts the blood from which joined that in the pool through which their feet moved. Then champion misjudged a feint from Acantha, leaving herself open to a slice which cut deep into her side. Acantha snarled and leaped in for another strike but the woman recovered quickly. Blocking Acantha’s follow up attack, the shock spurred a desperate response, and temporarily off balance from the attempted follow up Acantha was forced to defend strongly, taking several smaller wounds in the process.
The women circled one another again, knives flashing out to test the defences of their opponent. Each of them bleeding steadily from their wounds and watching for a weakness in the other. Eventually it came. The deep wound in the champion’s side took its toll, and through pain or blood loss for the tiniest moment her eyes flickered. It was enough. With the speed of a snake Acantha struck aiming for the already wounded side. As her opponent desperately moved to defend the opening, she left another fatal one. Acantha’s blade changed direction slashing across her throat. The erstwhile champion dropped to her knees, blood coursing from her wounded neck, and with an odd look of ecstasy collapsed slowly into the pool.
Panting and bleeding, making no attempt to stem the dripping into the pool, Acantha bent and drew her hand along the fatal cut. Cupping her hand she lifted it to her mouth and drank the captured blood, sucking it from her fingers carefully. “Your life will continue to serve in me.”
“So be it Judged by the Emperor,” the older cultist stated, then regarded Acantha with anger in her expression. “I ... dislike being used. You shall be the Emperors Hand of Justice in this matter. Come Sister, let us talk.”
((From a short side game to work out the result. All OOC knowledge of course! I'll IC the information gained in game.))
IC Roleplay
Moderator:Valas
Brand - Monk Gently
« on: May 14, 2010, 6:38PM» Repost
Brand waited for the inquisitor to leave, having remained quiet throughout his visit. His goggles stayed over his eyes and his mouth, mercifully, remained shut. Even as the inquisitor stared him down, he did little but stare back, the lenses on the goggles showing naught but the man's own reflection staring at himself.
But once the man stepped back out the door, he Brand patted down his armor before withdrawing a tightly rolled cigarette of some sort. It gave off a sweet-smelling smoke as he lit it and took a drag.
"So we're just going to walk into a fortress, the five of us, with a few hundred well trained security and other measures that maybe, maybe, we can bypass?" He said at last. He fell quiet again for a few moments to take a drag on the cigarette. "Well, alright. But I'll go along with this crazy plan only if we all accept that we're gonna need a Plan B. I think someone mentioned luring him out with rumors of a book, so if the direct approach doesn't fly and we survive the abortion of it... there's always the underhanded."
He had another breath of the sweet-smelling smoke before extinguishing it and tucking the remains away.
Brand waited for the inquisitor to leave, having remained quiet throughout his visit. His goggles stayed over his eyes and his mouth, mercifully, remained shut. Even as the inquisitor stared him down, he did little but stare back, the lenses on the goggles showing naught but the man's own reflection staring at himself.
But once the man stepped back out the door, he Brand patted down his armor before withdrawing a tightly rolled cigarette of some sort. It gave off a sweet-smelling smoke as he lit it and took a drag.
"So we're just going to walk into a fortress, the five of us, with a few hundred well trained security and other measures that maybe, maybe, we can bypass?" He said at last. He fell quiet again for a few moments to take a drag on the cigarette. "Well, alright. But I'll go along with this crazy plan only if we all accept that we're gonna need a Plan B. I think someone mentioned luring him out with rumors of a book, so if the direct approach doesn't fly and we survive the abortion of it... there's always the underhanded."
He had another breath of the sweet-smelling smoke before extinguishing it and tucking the remains away.
DM
« on: May 18, 2010, 7:30PM» Repost
The team spent the day in heavy discussion after Inquistor Sol left - debating plans and course of actions until a decision was made. Setting out to the Mechanius temple, Severian made contact with the Magos and searched the vast wealth of information stored in the databanks at the temple.
Finding some of what he needed, he consulted the Magos and ultimately revealed his associations with the Inquistion. Still the revelation was profitable and Severian returned to the team to reveal the knowledge he has recovered.
Now the team continues the investigation before implementing the final leg of their plan.
The team spent the day in heavy discussion after Inquistor Sol left - debating plans and course of actions until a decision was made. Setting out to the Mechanius temple, Severian made contact with the Magos and searched the vast wealth of information stored in the databanks at the temple.
Finding some of what he needed, he consulted the Magos and ultimately revealed his associations with the Inquistion. Still the revelation was profitable and Severian returned to the team to reveal the knowledge he has recovered.
Now the team continues the investigation before implementing the final leg of their plan.
Garm - Ayram
« on: May 21, 2010, 3:53PM» Repost
Garm didn't know how to feel about the plan they had worked out. It seemed to rely too much on taking out the guards on the walls quietly. That may be fine for Acantha, but Garm himself wasn't trained that way.
He said as much when they had a free moment.
Also, Brand was at serious risk. Especially if something went wrong on their end. Nevermind his own. This part he kept to himself however. He was sure Brand knew the risk he was putting himself in.
This was one of the bigger assignments Garm had received, and he ardently hoped it wouldn't go down in flames, taking the team with it. It would be his failure as team leader. Nevertheless, this was all necessary. And he would do his part, as would everyone else.
May the Emperor guide us.
Garm didn't know how to feel about the plan they had worked out. It seemed to rely too much on taking out the guards on the walls quietly. That may be fine for Acantha, but Garm himself wasn't trained that way.
He said as much when they had a free moment.
Also, Brand was at serious risk. Especially if something went wrong on their end. Nevermind his own. This part he kept to himself however. He was sure Brand knew the risk he was putting himself in.
This was one of the bigger assignments Garm had received, and he ardently hoped it wouldn't go down in flames, taking the team with it. It would be his failure as team leader. Nevertheless, this was all necessary. And he would do his part, as would everyone else.
May the Emperor guide us.
DM
« on: May 23, 2010, 2:58PM» Repost
Venturing into the Scar Ward during a riot was not a good idea as they were besotted with rioters from various gangs. Though they persevered and found the illegal body shop and obtained the send/receive chips that would be needed to bypass the automated gun system at Victus Manor... hopefully.
Final plans were reviewed and edited as new information was obtained. A brief conversation with Inquisitor Sol and a couple of the team members split off to obtain needed supplies. Time was of the essence because the teams strike window was ticking away... 48 hours.
Venturing into the Scar Ward during a riot was not a good idea as they were besotted with rioters from various gangs. Though they persevered and found the illegal body shop and obtained the send/receive chips that would be needed to bypass the automated gun system at Victus Manor... hopefully.
Final plans were reviewed and edited as new information was obtained. A brief conversation with Inquisitor Sol and a couple of the team members split off to obtain needed supplies. Time was of the essence because the teams strike window was ticking away... 48 hours.
Brand - Monk Gently
« on: May 26, 2010, 7:12AM» Repost
As Brand left the building and took a turn for the access tunnel, he felt a mild burst of irritation. After all, he thought, he never told any of them how to hit things with giant damn swords, talk to machines, be a creepy woman with a blood fetish, or make people's heads explode, did he? Sure, he reasoned, he might not know the tactics involved in raiding a manor, but he damn well knew how to get things illegally.
He grumbled to himself all the way to the Scar Ward. Who did they think they were, anyway?
As Brand left the building and took a turn for the access tunnel, he felt a mild burst of irritation. After all, he thought, he never told any of them how to hit things with giant damn swords, talk to machines, be a creepy woman with a blood fetish, or make people's heads explode, did he? Sure, he reasoned, he might not know the tactics involved in raiding a manor, but he damn well knew how to get things illegally.
He grumbled to himself all the way to the Scar Ward. Who did they think they were, anyway?
Garm - Ayram
« on: May 27, 2010, 1:56AM» Repost
When Brand left, and (presumably) Acantha right after him, Kastian turned to the other two, more pointedly at Severian.
"I suppose that leaves the Mechanicus. Since he already knows, would it be possible for myself and Zeevja to accompany you in our talk with them? I'd prefer to look them in the face if they decide they're going to help us out. Our lives could depend on them at some point, after all"
Of course, looking at tech priest in the "face" could mean any number of things when it came to that, Severian himself being a prime example. Still, Garm thought it the diplomatic thing to say.
It was true though. In the Guard, trust comes more easily that way, and Kastian needed to know whom they were requesting help from.
When Brand left, and (presumably) Acantha right after him, Kastian turned to the other two, more pointedly at Severian.
"I suppose that leaves the Mechanicus. Since he already knows, would it be possible for myself and Zeevja to accompany you in our talk with them? I'd prefer to look them in the face if they decide they're going to help us out. Our lives could depend on them at some point, after all"
Of course, looking at tech priest in the "face" could mean any number of things when it came to that, Severian himself being a prime example. Still, Garm thought it the diplomatic thing to say.
It was true though. In the Guard, trust comes more easily that way, and Kastian needed to know whom they were requesting help from.
Acantha - VM
« on: May 27, 2010, 2:26AM» Repost
She'd need to be close, so Acantha deployed the field in the suit the Sisters had given her as she followed Brand. Not silent, never silent, silent attracted attention. She simply made no more noise than which environment they were in would naturally provide.
Moving from shadow to shadow, taking to the rooftops or balconies where she could, she trailed him never letting him out of her sight. Conscious still of the fact that those he would be seeking would also be wary, and have watchers of their own, whenever he stopped to speak she sought out those too.
His effectiveness was impressive, she allowed. Careful not to leave his back open to the watchers when placing himself to speak to the mouthpiece. Presumably with regard to his negotiations too as an exchange of payment came very quickly.
Acantha followed until the deal to be completely sealed and the handing over of 'goods' had taken place. Waited for the partners in the exchange, and their watchers, to be clear of the location and, when she was sure they were, dropped down quietly beside Brand and turned off the suit field.
She'd need to be close, so Acantha deployed the field in the suit the Sisters had given her as she followed Brand. Not silent, never silent, silent attracted attention. She simply made no more noise than which environment they were in would naturally provide.
Moving from shadow to shadow, taking to the rooftops or balconies where she could, she trailed him never letting him out of her sight. Conscious still of the fact that those he would be seeking would also be wary, and have watchers of their own, whenever he stopped to speak she sought out those too.
His effectiveness was impressive, she allowed. Careful not to leave his back open to the watchers when placing himself to speak to the mouthpiece. Presumably with regard to his negotiations too as an exchange of payment came very quickly.
Acantha followed until the deal to be completely sealed and the handing over of 'goods' had taken place. Waited for the partners in the exchange, and their watchers, to be clear of the location and, when she was sure they were, dropped down quietly beside Brand and turned off the suit field.
Severian - SA
« on: May 28, 2010, 12:18AM» Repost
"You may of course both accompany me to the Temple," Severian says. "Be aware, however, that any conversations will likely be conducted in machine code, and therefore will not be intelligible to you. I would also prefer it if you were not present while my implants were upgraded," he goes on to say. "It is nothing personal. Simply a matter of ritual purity. Shall we embark?"
"You may of course both accompany me to the Temple," Severian says. "Be aware, however, that any conversations will likely be conducted in machine code, and therefore will not be intelligible to you. I would also prefer it if you were not present while my implants were upgraded," he goes on to say. "It is nothing personal. Simply a matter of ritual purity. Shall we embark?"
Garm - Ayram
« on: May 28, 2010, 4:00AM» Repost
Garm nodded.
"That's fine. I'll trust you to say whatever needs to be said. Let's get going then."
With that, Garm led the others out and made his way to the Mechanicus temple in their company.
Garm nodded.
"That's fine. I'll trust you to say whatever needs to be said. Let's get going then."
With that, Garm led the others out and made his way to the Mechanicus temple in their company.