Several days pass before you answer the door to your quarters to find a tear-streaked Synne flinging herself into your chest and embracing you tightly. "I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry" sobs your younger sister, her tears soaking into your shirt. You give your favored sister a hug as her sobbing apologies slowly trail off, still standing just inside your quarters. For a brief eternity you are left in one of the more awkward positions of your adult life; the sister you still remember and think of as a sweet little girl now a grown woman and trying to muffle her sobs against you. Fifteen years you were gone, and now your sweet sister seems almost alien in your embrace. When her sobs finally quiet, Synne's voice is hoarse. "They're saying things, horrible things, with mother and father's voices, Percius. I can't make them stop."

With a sigh you pull Synne over to your budding collection of drinks and pour her one that Elise sent over from the captured transport. The small device that surrounds it maintains the fruity cider at a warm temperature, and you pour Synne a glass as she watches and occasionally sniffles. "I'm glad you came back, Percius. I never believed that you were-" You silence your sister with a soft kiss to the forehead and a gentle squeeze. "Nan Pendert told me all about your little visits when I was gone, Synne. Though it is nice hearing you say it."

Your sister quickly downs her drink and after only a few minutes you soon find yourself sitting upon your bunk, shoulder acting as a pillow for your sleeping sister. Her hands still maintain a death grip upon your shirt, much like she always did as a child, afraid her favored brother would slip away in her sleep. The quiet sound of Advinessa's override opening your quarter door draws your attention, and you carefully shield Synne's eyes from the brighter lights of the hallway. "Your sibling wished to see you, Captain." states Advinessa with nod of her hooded head before making a quiet retreat.

Alica smiles at you, though you notice a small frown as she spots the empty glass besides Synne. "Don't worry, its just a warm cider from our recent prize" you assure her. Your elder sister follows your gesture toward the drink and pours two glasses, placing one in your hand as she sits with you. "You know-" "She never believed I was dead, I know, Alica. Pendert told me all about it" you cut off your sister's words with no small amount of frustration in your voice.

Your sister takes a sip of the warm cider, looking you in the eyes. "It wasn't just you, Percius. She never learned to deal with anyone's death. Mother's, Father's, yours. You just happened to come back, but they won't." You both take a sip of the cider in the silence that follows Alica's words. "What was I supposed to do? Stay away and play dead?" "I never said that. Don't try to make this about you." Her tone reminds you of your mother when she used to scold you for one thing or another. "Everything but Synne's emotions kept moving after you left, and now they have no choice but to fall apart or catch up to the rest of existence."

"You know this sounds like a bunch of Hospitaller head-talk bullshit, right?"

"And you've been around for how many months of her life since you left?"

"Below the belt, Alica" you grumble.

"Don't pick fights you can't win, Percius" Alica plants a kiss upon your forehead before settling in to join Synne in using your shoulder as a pillow. "I missed you, too."

Just under 9 days after entering the warp, your ships tear back into reality at the edge of Wilson's Refuge. The vox is quickly hit with a repeated hail from Lord Wilson's ship. "To the command throne, if you would."

"Aurex! You've been gone nearly a year, what the hell happened" bellows Lord Wilson's voice.

"Morix managed to escape, but we encountered another prize and took it. I'll have to explain anything beyond that later, Lord Wilson."

A lingering silence greets your reply before Lord Wilson's voice returns. "I'm glad you're back, boy. Congratulations on your first prize."

>It is now 344.M41

>Orders?
>Head in-system to the planet? Y/N
>Report to Lord Wilson?
>Sort out crew/cargo of your Prize?
>Take some shore leave on the planet?
>Other?

>wiki with a decent bit of info
privateerquest.wikia.com/wiki/Privateer_Quest_Wiki

>thread archive on suptg
suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Privateer%20Quest%202

>previous thread link
archive.foolz.us/tg/thread/29516008/

>>29684594
>Sort out crew/cargo of your Prize?

>>29684594
Yes and prepare to report to Lord Wilson.

While we head that way try to sort out what kind of cargo our prize had. We can get a report from the XO on if they had any trouble with the crew.

Also since we forgot to last time I say we bring a bottle of Protheran Centenial Wine along with us when we go to see Lord Wilson.

did we ever meet Kerit Periun again?

>>29685095
No. He is back on your home world.

>>29684734
>>29684737

You catch a lighter over to your prize once the two ships have closed to a more manageable distance, Ana donning her armored voidsuit and joining you despite any protests you can muster. "Last time you went off alone you came back covered in blood." The lighter soon lands in a familiar bay at the base of the ship's command section, Adept Jere and Elise awaiting your arrival.

"Miss Eberhardt, I trust you had no problems?"

"The captured crew was quite compliant, Captain Aurex" smiles Elise. "Though it seems we only captured a pair of lighters, most of the ship's cargo seems to have been intact. Or would you rather hear of some of the various personalities that we took with the ship? I thought you'd like to make the offer to those still alive to join us. Either way we do it, I fear we'll be spending at least a month confirming the cargo manifests versus what is actually left and sorting through the crew."

Adept Jere nods. "The Omnissiah's flock upon this vessel alone may demand as much time as well, Captain Aurex. Captain Eberhardt also neglects the navigational charts and the former Captain's family."

Elise and Jere exchange a less-than friendly glance as you sigh. "How big of a headache is that last little detail?"

>Orders?
>Investigate crew personalities?
>Investigate cargo manifests?
>Investigate Navigational information?
>Investigate Captain's Family?
>Investigate Techpriests?
>Offer crew a job?
>Other?

>>29685580
Let's see those personalities.

>>29685580
what about his sister, Rebin? I remember seducing, her, that was hilarious.

>>29685580
personalities first methinks.
>>29685633
Oh yeah, the first member of our harem.

>>29685633
First Lt Rebin Periun is, as of late 340.M41, serving as one of the ranking gunnery officers upon the Sword-class Frigate 'Xiliam Sente'. Part of Battlefleet Paxia's patrol group 'Torchbearer' in the Galian Salient of Sector Corgus.

>>29685788
and that would be me.

You also have the ability to ID 'Torchbearer' at long range due to having their IFF signals.

>>29685852
So we haven't seen her in four years then, Pitty.

>>29685580
In order I think we should

Investigate personalities
Investigate Techpriests
Offer crew a job

Then we can deal with the Cargo manifests and Nav information.

Really save the family headache for last.

>>29685626
>>29685698
>>29685889
>>29685921

Elise flips through her dataslate and pulls up her list.

"Sebastion Wern was the ranking officer of the remaining crew aboard vessel, but we can't quite figure out exactly what he did aboard vessel. Miss Veritas' serfs are holding the navigators and astropaths, and we're frankly happy to let them. Among them are the Chief Astropath Heriun Jaenar and a one Athena Alekto, the astropath that warned the officers upon the planet. There is also the Artisan among the techpriests, Zeynep. Quite unwilling to speak with any of us, for the time being. Finally, we found a man by the name of Cassianus Enes among the crew. He's a missionary of the Brethren of Thunder Water, and from my home planet of Barivia. I can fill you in on their little order, if you like."

>Orders?

>Sebastion Wern
>Heriun Jaenar
>Artisan Zeynep
>Athena Alekto
>Cassianus Enes
>Information on the Brethren of Thunder Water?
>Investigate something from the previous list?
>Other?

>>29686301
>Sebastion Wern
Find out what he did. After all, we do need to know if we have a job for him.

>>29686301
>>Information on the Brethren of Thunder Water?

I'm interested in both the order, the missionary, and hearing a little bit more of Elise's home planet.

>>29686301
>A Jaenar
And let's go have a chat with Sebastion, useless people don't exist in a ship, which makes him all the more interesting.
And if there's missionaries of that order around, we might see them again in the future, so any info is handy.

>>29686379
>>29686462
>>29686548

"Let's start with Mr Wern and his little mystery job. Can you give me a rundown on these Brethren of Thunder Water while we walk?"

Elise is more than happy to tell you what she knows as Adept Jere leads you through various corridors. "They're from the southern regions of Barivia, and it's said their particular order is based around a region of highlands that erupt in water blessed with so much of the Emperor's power that it roars thunder and escapes into the sky. They use this blessed water to brew alcohol for everything from treating wounds to helping preserve some of the more perishable food products the world produces." She smiles at your confused expression, "They're my favorite faction of the Ecclesiarchy, and quite popular across Barivia." That likely explains quite a bit.

Sebastion Wern has been confined to a fairly barren set of quarters, two of your armsmen guarding his door. The man sits quietly as you enter the room, his clothing changed little from when you first met him. "Can I help you?"

>Orders?

>>29687155
We have arrived at our destination and you were the ranking officer when we "acquired" this vessel.

You have been highlighted as a person of interest and now I am wondering what exactly did you do aboard the ship.

( Or something along those lines. He is a person of interest and we are trying to find out what exactly his talent is. We are of course on the constant search for talent being pirates.

>>29687808

"We've arrived at our destination, far beyond the system we took you from. You claimed to be the ranking officer aboard this vessel, Mr Wern, and that makes you a person of interest to me, more so when my people can't seem to figure out what exactly your duties included." You tip your hat up by the brim and look at the man before you. "Now, Mr Wern. What did you do aboard this vessel?"

"I simply did my duty" flatly states the man before you.

>Orders?
>Attempt Charm [Fel] (unskilled)
>Attempt Inquiry (Elise)
>Attempt Intimidation (Keller)
>Other?

>>29688539
Attempt Inquiry!

>>29688539
>>Attempt Inquiry (Elise)

Elise! Show us what you got!

Rolled 37

>>29688614
>>29688762

Roll vs this post. 1d100

Rolled 59

>>29688913
Don't worry

Rolled 60

>>29688913

Rolled 88

>>29688913
So do we want lower?

>>29688913
>>29689062

After nearly two hours of meaningless conversation Elise has managed to learn only that this man taxes her patience. With his usual, dull politeness the man wishes her well as she joins the rest of your little party outside. "Perhaps we should get Orsola to extract the information from him with a bit more force" grumbles your XO.

"I could try extracting the information, but I'd have to kill him afterwards" offers Ana. Judging from the look everyone nearby suddenly gives her, you aren't the only one to have heard she tends to kill any man she sleeps with.

"I believe I'd prefer him alive, for now. I'll keep that in mind, Ana... thanks."

>Orders?
>Heriun Jaenar
>Artisan Zeynep
>Athena Alekto
>Cassianus Enes
>Investigate cargo manifests?
>Investigate Nagivational information?
>Investigate Captain's Family?
>Investigate Techpriests?
>Offer crew a job?
>Other?

>>29689662
>Cassianus Enes

I have to say i'm fairly interested in the missionary.

>>29689842
Seconding.

>>29689662
>Cassianus Enes

>>29689842
>>29689869
>>29689878

Cassianus Enes looks up from a book as you enter the quarters he has been confined to, a small forest of hand-written documents piled behind him. "I take it you are the leader of my captors, then? May the Emperor see fit to forgive you for your attack upon those bringing his light to the darkness." Despite his words, there seems to be little contempt behind them. "I take it Miss Eberhardt did not convince you to simply set me free, so what is it you want?" A pair of simple spectacles ride lowly upon his nose.

>Orders?
[Sorry for how simple and slow things have been tonight, I can't seem to avoid an interruption for more than a minute or two]

>>29689662
>>29689842
>>29689878
I wouldn't mind seeing him also. As a change of pace I say we should be overly polite when we introduce ourselves.

It may be silly but I am a emperor fearing man and the last person of the Ecclesiarchy we met got blamed.

>>29690285
Quick question: What are usually done with members of Ecclesiarchy if they are captured aboard a ship the wolf pack has tacken over? I know we ended up killing that one and bargaining the sister's of battle away, but is that always done?

Are there members that have chosen to stay?

As >>29690311 suggested I would say being polite as possible. Introduce ourselves, that we hope he has been treated well with the recent change, maybe ask what he was doing on the ship. Did he book passage or maybe he was there to help spread the word of the emperor.

While we are talking/getting him to talk I would like to see if we can tell from afar what book he was reading and what the hand written documents are about.

Another question: About how old does he look? From him having spectacles I take away he might be a older gentlemen or just need reading glasses.

>>29691103
Do members of the church use body rejuvenation techniques?

Omnissiah preserve me, I just had a drunk person run me through the exact same conversation over and over, back to back since my last post.

>>29691103

Some members of the Ecclesiarchy are ransomed when they rank high enough or are connected. Most are simply added to the slave count and sold to the highest bidder. More recently, your wolfpack has put slaves to work farming food on this world.

There are a few instances where preachers have been kept around as scholarly underlings or even as priests for a ship.

>his age

His appearance suggests that he is roughly 50 years of age, though it could well be stress or a rough life that has caused this.

>>29692031
In most cases, only highly ranked and powerful members of the church have access to rejuv treatments. There are exceptions, such as when a priest is from a powerful noble family or a powerful benefactor values a lowly ranked priest for one reason or another.

I'm afraid I'm going to call it here for the night, as I've got a very bad headache from a certain drunk.

I'll hopefully be able to continue tomorrow in the later morning and then the afternoon, if the thread survives the night.

>>29693058
As always thanks for the thread MS.

bump

bump

bedtime bump, someone else keep the thread alive please

Work going a bit longer than originally expected. Should still be able to get an update in before noon est

Delay due to critical repairs

Huehuehuehue

bump

>>29701591
Best NPC saving you from page 10

Rolled 69

wee, minor, 4 meter geyser of a delay.

Rolling for trade skill: Technomat

>>29707679
RIP MachineSpirit, drowning in mud under a house was to horrible of a death even for you.

>>29690311
>>29691103

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Father Enes. I am Captain Aurex" you say with a respectful, if slight, bow. "I hope Miss Eberhardt and my crew have been treating you well?"

Father Enes seems to consider you for a moment before carefully closing his book. You are quick to notice that the book's cover has flowing script in what seems to be high gothic and a large aquila. It seems this missionary has been reading a religious text of some sort. "Aurex, hmm? I can not before the Emperor say it is a pleasure to meet you, but do admit I am pleased that you are... well, you, I'd have to say." The man takes a moment to stand, placing his book upon the seat he vacates and extending his hand toward you. "Cassianus Enes, Missionary of the Brethren of Thunder Water. Miss Eberhardt has been more than accommodating to one such as I, and your men were kind enough to bring my journals. Is there something you wished to speak to me about, Captain Aurex?"

"Journals?"

"Ah, yes. I've been chronicling my journey into the frontier of this sector, I hope you do not mind if I continue the saga while travelling with your crew?"

"I'm but one Captain among several in a wolfpack, actually."

"Oh? That is quite interesting, Captain Aurex."

>Orders?
>Conversation (Write in)
>Heriun Jaenar
>Artisan Zeynep
>Athena Alekto
>Investigate cargo manifests?
>Investigate Nagivational information?
>Investigate Captain's Family?
>Investigate Techpriests?
>Offer crew a job?
>Other?

>>29710753
Would you mind letting me see those journals? Or mayhaps you would like to regail me with the stories of your journeys and the purpose yourself? Your "commanding officer" is quite the puzzle. I and my crew are still at a loss as to what he actually does on this ship.

>>29710753
i'll second >>29710977

Did you leave again MS?

>>29710977
>>29711385

Enes chuckles. "If you can crack my personal code, I suppose I can't stop you. The idea of a story being told without a conclusion ready seems a bit vexing, does it not?" He takes a moment to pick out one of his journals, conveniently numbered '1' and dated from early 341.M41. Your fingers quickly recognize the grox-hide binding as he places it into your hand. "I'm afraid I don't know who exactly you are refering to, Captain Aurex. I was under the impression that Captain Leris and his command crew were deployed to the surface of the world 'Kromvo', searching for an earlier team that had gone missing in some ruins."

"Does the name Sebastion Wern ring any bells, Father Enes?"

"I'm afraid it does not, Captain Aurex, though I was quite preoccupied between the few expeditions I took part in and the occasional sermon for the crew." He gestures to the various journals behind him. "I trust you understand such a thing quite well."

>Orders?

>>29711443
I've been warming up after fixing a burst water line in the cold mud all day, and eating.

>>29711731
>Investigate cargo manifests?
he seems harmless enough, though I doubt we'll get into his journals, only other question regarding him is what to do, ransom or what?

>>29711731
Well I wouldn't mind letting him go, but I wouldn't feel right if we didn't try to see if he would be interested in staying with us for awhile. I like to think of us as "free spirits" and despite our trade we will no doubt still be exploring the vast unknown of the Corgus sector.

Before he answers us I wouldn't mind inviting him over to our ship to maybe have dinner with us and the XO. After all our cook has a way with making something quite tasty.

>>29711913
>>29712317

"Thank you for your time, Father Enes. Perhaps you'd care to take a trip to my ship for the purposes of your saga and a fitting meal?"

"I don't see any reason to decline such an offer, Captain Aurex. Doubt I'll be leaving any time soon."

You ask Elise to pull up the cargo manifests she's unlocked, and she quickly hands you the dataslate once they're displayed. "Just remember, we don't know what is still there besides the fact that there are only two lighters left upon the ship."

>Cargo Manifest
>8 Heavy Lift Shuttles (All Missing)
>3 Aquila Landers (1 Missing)
>250 Emergency Habs
>50 Rapid Deployment Shelters
>5 Nestorium-Pattern Modular Hab Base
>50 Locke-Pattern Long-Range Auspex
>10 Sentinels
>100 'Bulk' Stasis Containers
>700 'Sample' Stasis Containers
>50 Perimeter Defense Systems
>40kg Bomb Spray
>30 Beast Cage (Average)
>25 Beast Cage (Hulking)
>15 Beast Cage (Enormous)
>5 Beast Cage (Massive)

>Orders?
(Cargo passively verified over time)
>Heriun Jaenar
>Artisan Zeynep
>Athena Alekto
>Investigate Nagivational information?
>Investigate Captain's Family?
>Investigate Techpriests?
>Offer crew a job?
>Other?

>>29712852
Investigate nagivational info.

>>29712852
>>Investigate Nagivational information?

>>29712852
>All those Habs, shelters, and bases

...Well well well....Looks like we will be able to settle on our very own part of the planet after all.

>Investigate Nav information

>>29712852
What were they doing? Going around taking plant and animal samples from every world? That sounds like a gold mine.

Investigate navigational information

File: 1390444422330.png-(2.78 MB, 2000x2000, CorgusMap_Current_Aurex_U(...).png)

2.78 MB PNG

>>29712896
>>29713015
>>29713066
>>29713084

"What about the navigational information the ship carried?"

Elise quickly taps upon the dataslate in your hand and brings up a sector map with the combined system information. "We haven't managed to completely integrate the data, but we've added the systems themselves to our own map. From what we can tell, the ship entered through The Corridor and moved through Labado and Serentus to the system we took it in, which it seems has officially been named Valkyria by some explorer or another. The data on the other systems seemed incomplete when Veritas' people looked at it."

>Glacia added to map
>Vulgaris added to map
>Galia's Respite added to map
>Adamastos added to map
>Unserus added to map
>Serentus added to map

Adept Jere finally seems to take an interest in the conversation at the mention of Serentus. "It seems there is an effort to colonize the Serentus system with pilgrims. It might be a healthy system to raid for slaves or even the slow pilgrim transports that bring them."

>Orders?

>>29714002
yay, more prey

lets talk to the astropaths from the prize ship, maybe find out more about what the command crew were doing on that planet and whats up with the cargo

>>29714002
We shall look into immediately.

Athena zeytep

>>29714171

The astropaths in general or the one of interest?

>>29714338
I meant Artisan Zeynep. My bad.

>>29714002
Well this piece of information just made the entire side trip worth it.

We are definately going to bring this piece of information with us when we go see Lord Wilson.

Anyway back to seeing what other things are here. I say go investigate the Tech-Priest.

>>29714367
Maybe see Artisan Zeynep before talking to the other Tech priests then?

>>29714347
the Chief astropath first, then the one that warned the officers second

>>29714441
>chief astropath
Was upon the planet with the rest of the command crew, as far as you can determine.

>>29714384
>>29714171
>>29714338

You decide to investigate the astropath that has drawn your crew's attention and make your way to a room under heavy guard by armed serfs of your Navigator. "Beware, Captain Aurex. Though they may look weak, all psykers are capable of terrible destruction to those with open minds" warns one of the guards. Only Ana is willing to follow you into the quarters where the astropath is being held, two more Veritas guards armed and standing to each flank.

A meek, hunched looking woman seems to cower at your approach, though you quickly note that she has the most obvious mark of an astropath: there is nothing where her eyes should be. Ana seems perturbed by the sight, and the woman before you seems to sense that Ana and any sort of uneasy feeling generally lead to violence. "I... I didn't get a response from my master. I've told you this already." Her voice nearly begs, and you begin to note that what skin she has exposed on her hands and face seems to carry a multitude of short, needle-like scars. You'd almost pitty the sullen look upon the witch before you, but you also know that her and her kind are bound to the Emperor's light so violently that it their eyes are destroyed by his power. This witch has survived the Black Ships that mothers upon a million worlds and more whisper of to unruly children, lest they manifest as a psyker for their naughty behavior and be claimed by the bleak ships. With that survival has come the power to bring doom upon you and yours with what is called simply a 'song' to her brothers and sisters among the stars.

The hair upon the back of your neck would flee from your flesh if it were able.

>Orders?

>>29715272
>Was upon the planet with the rest of the command crew, as far as you can determine.
oh? what about

>>29686301
>Among them are the Chief Astropath Heriun Jaenar and a one Athena Alekto, the astropath that warned the officers upon the planet.

>Orders?

>Sebastion Wern
>Heriun Jaenar

confused is all

>>29715364
Ah, seems I made a typo.

Heriun Jaenar is the Chief Navigator.

My bad

>>29715364
Now I'm confused. Aren't we talking to the Artisan?

>>29715427

I may be suffering from warp madness.

I seem to have brought you to the astropath. Artisan techpriest will be next.

>>29715401
ah, right then

>>29715272
ask her about why the ship went to that planet, and what was the purpose of the cargo they were carrying

>>29715480
You are forgiven. I bet all that mud took it's toll.

>>29715529
also, we don't have an astropath yet do we? we might be able to recruit her

>>29715571
Did... did we torture her?

>>29715529
>>29715571
is me, and now I must leave for work, good luck fellow anons, don't get us killed

>>29715722
I hope not, we didn't order anything of the sort

>>29715722
The scars seem to vary in age, though there are a few that look to still be healing.

>>29715529
>>29715571

Please remember that I do try to reward RP input into conversations and such, and every bonus is helpful when trying to get information. (though some characters will offer it more freely)

>>29715722
Maybe or maybe not. But they might have been a little ruff with her either way.

I say we introduce ourselves in a soft voice and ask what her name is (We already know it, but it's to get her to talk) Ask how her hands are and if she requires any medical treatment.

Say we found these animal cages and were wondering if she knew anything about those.

Not sure if we should mention that there are others like herself where we are heading and if she doesn't cause any trouble we might could be able to let her speak with them.

The key is to try and remain calm throughout the entire thing.

>>29716460
Do we need to do an Atton type thing to sheild our mind from psyker prodding?

File: 1390451642332.png-(137 KB, 468x666, 40K Characters 1.png)

137 KB PNG

>>29715529
>>29716460

You take a moment to gather yourself and speak in a soft, even tone. "I am Captain Aurex. Do you require medical attention, Miss...?" The woman looks at you without actually looking at you, which is disconcerting to say the least. "Alekto... Astropath Minoris Alekto" her voice wavers at the use of her name, as if she expects punishment to come from it's use. You notice one of the Veritas guards stiffen as the Astropath seems to look between the pair and then back toward you. "I do... not... require medical attention, Captain... Aurex."

Even Ana's attention seems to be slowly shifting toward the Veritas guards, and you notice her quietly distance herself from the witch; which happens to also place both guards within her field of vision. Wonderful, tension you can cut with a tree limb and Ana of all people is feeding from it. "I noticed an interesting cargo manifest aboard this vessel, Miss Alekto. Would you be able to assist me in any manner with the purposes of some of it?" Returning to the manifest on your data slate, you note the various beast cages. "Particularly, I've an interest as to why this vessel carried seventy-five beast cages."

The woman seems to give you a confused look for a moment, then seems to shrink back as if it were a mistake. "I... I'm not privileged with such information... but we had... heard that the Captain was quite interested in the worlds and beasts we might... visit. I... I don't know more... I'm sorry." Her near-begging tone returns as she runs out of information.

>Orders?
>Attempt recruitment?
>Depart?
>Other?

>I had an image that worked for this psyker, but can't seem to find it, so have a psyker enjoying cake

>>29717126
>Attempt recruitment

Tell her it's alright if she doesn't have any more information on that subject and we were just curious. Our ship is going to be traveling a lot and if she felt up to it we would be overjoyed if she joined up. She hasn't lived until she has tasted our Cook's food (Yes, I am purposefully promoting her cooking)

>>29717126
Are you ok? You seem to tremble at so many things. I would extend my hand to offer comfort and refuge aboard my vessle should you seek it.

>>29717805
Oh! I like it!

>>29717840
How long have we been without an astropath for?

>>29717924
Well the only time we had one was when we "borrowed" one for that one mission that took a year or so for us to complete. But i'm pretty sure they were returned when we got back so having a dedicated Astropath would be a boon for us.

>>29718015
Is Athena a high ranking astropath? Are we going to hand over this ship for cash and tech, or try and find more crew and ranking officers to captain in under us?

Rolled 32

>>29717924
Most pirates loathe the idea of having a psyker that has been soul-bound to the Emperor and can sell them out via means they can't detect aboard their ship.

That said, an astropath is a powerful boon if you can find one that won't betray you. (or you have the means to control)

>>29717768
>>29717805
>>29717840

roll 1d100 vs her loyalty (my roll), best of 2 for RP

Rolled 33

>>29718166
Rolling

>>29718151
She is a minor astropath. You're unable to tell if this is due to a lack of skill, experience, or other factors at this time.

Rolled 50

>>29718166

>>29718199
But that's still better than nothing right?

Rolled 65

>>29718193
>>29718166
So so close...

>>29718254
Depends if you can win her loyalty or at least ensure she doesn't signal a passing warship "help, pirates here have me prisoner!"

>>29718193
>>29718244

Rolls accepted.

calling it here for the night, will continue in the morning after more field repairs to broken shit.

>>29718151
>are we going to hand over this ship for cash and tech, or try and find more crew and ranking officers to captain in under us?

This would be something to consider and discuss between yourselves. Granting one of your loyal officers a chance to become a Captain increases your power within the wolfpack, but also means you'll have less loyal followers backing you up if the ships don't operate together.

>>29718446
bump

>>29718446
>>29718446
bump

Bump

bump

"It is alright if you don't have any more information on the subject, Miss Alekto. You're by your own admission an Astropath Minoris, after all."

The astropath moves to conceal a slight tremble in her hands with her flowing robe, bringing her forearms together as if for warmth. "Y-yes. Yes I am."

"My ship often travels alone, Miss Alekto. If you are willing, I would offer you a chance to join my crew before I speak with any other parties. I can not say I'm familiar with the fate of captured astropaths in the group I'm part of, but I'm led to believe that we have a shortage. Personally, I find the prospect of being crippled on the frontier and without an astropath distasteful, and I find you here trembling at so many things. If you would accept, I offer to grant you what comfort and refuge I am able to aboard my vessel. One of my crew is quite a talented chef, as well. I'd dare to say that you have not lived until you've tasted her cooking."

You suddenly feel every pair of eyes in the room upon you, though the meek woman before you seems to be the only one not looking at you in shock or confusion. A long silence follows, Miss Alekto seemingly attempting to read into your offer. "Y-you're not going to... throw me out an airlock, are you?"

"I'll not promise that it is impossible, but I do not plan to do so unless you act in a manner I feel warrants such a drastic action" you slip up a bit and your voice loses some of the softness you've maintained, but the witch doesn't seem to flinch at it.

"I... I would like to visit your vessel... so that I might... consider the offer, if you'd allow?"

>Orders?

>>29726178
allow it, but be careful with the veritas guards, only one can follow along, the rest stay on that ship, we should also have someone watching them, they are very suspicious

will continue @ 4-5 pm EST

bump

>>29726236
The Veritas serfs acting as guards have the captured Navigators and astropaths because they're simply more used to interacting with and resisting the powers their kind may have.

You are welcome to change that, if you prefer.

>Orders?
>Bring Miss Alekto with you, take care of other things on this ship (# of Veritas guards?)
>Have Miss Alekto wait here for now, you'll come back when you're done
>Have Miss Alekto wait at the lighter (# of guards?)
>Depart for your ship with Miss Alekto now? (# of guards?)
>Reject Miss Alekto's request. She either throws in with you now or the offer ceases to exist.
>Other?

>>29731638
>>Bring Miss Alekto with you, take care of other things on this ship (# of Veritas guards?)
Two guards.

>>29731638
>>Have Miss Alekto wait at the lighter (# of guards?)
Two Guards.

I'm hesitant to bring a powerful psyker capable of interstellar communication whose loyalties are questionable on board.

>>29732966

"I believe such a thing is acceptable, Miss Alekto. You'll have to bear the presence of your two... guards for a while longer, however. I've business upon this vessel that still needs to be taken care of."

Elise and Adept Jere both frown as Miss Alekto follows you and Ana out of her assigned quarters. "Making new friends, Captain?"

"You know me too well. Miss Alekto, this is my executive officer, Miss Eberhardt, and one of my veteran men, Adept Jere. Elise, Jere; This is Miss Alekto, she'll be joining us while she considers an offer." Despite the looks you receive, you manage a slight smile to reassure the nervous Astropath. Ana clears her throat beside you after a moment, and you quickly correct your minor oversight. "My apologies, Ana. Miss Alekto, Miss Ana. Ana, Alekto." Your bodyguard seems to enjoy intimidating the poor, trembling woman despite your introduction. If it were anyone but Ana, you might be able to have a chat with them to end such a thing.

"Jere, if you'd be so kind, would you accompany Miss Alekto to retrieve any personal effects and then to the lighter while I conclude some other business?"

"Aye, Captain. Miss... Alekto, if you would?"

Soon after you've parted ways you're once again greeting a pair of your armsmen and allowed into yet another quarters. A robed figure sits on the side of the quarter's bunk, a pair of odd-looking mechadendrites crossed before it. The hood slowly turns toward you, revealing a grotesque series of pipes and what seem to be vox casters where a man's mouth and throat would be. A synthetic voice greets you. "The Captain reveals himself and the knowledge is recorded. The servants of the Omnissiah will be allowed to continue their quest?"

>Orders?

>>29733591
"Would it be illogical of me to ask what exactly your quest is before deciding?"

>>29733591
>Our quests are not mutually exclusive. You seek knowledge, I seek the rewards that spring from knowledge. The question is, are we willing to help each other on our quests?

File: 1390520995679.jpg-(1.09 MB, 738x1001, 1339088923914.jpg)

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Rolled 30

>>29733820
>>29733844

1d100 for persuasion vs this roll

Rolled 100

>>29734688
Persuading!

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>>29734723
>>29734688

File: 1390521348586.png-(244 KB, 266x480, chaosfleet.png)

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SUDDENLY CHAOS FLEET!

>>29734824
Oh please, we're not in Chapter Master Quest.

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>>29734824

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>>29734888
>>29734866
Fuck you I ama chaos fleet, I cna do what I want.

Randomness of the Warp Bitch!

File: 1390521697832.gif-(2.69 MB, 384x288, Average CMQ session.gif)

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>>29734866
Yet

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>>29734911
HEAVE HO! ME LADS! CANNONS TO THE FORE BOARDING PARTIES TO THE BOATS!

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>>29734952
DEATH!

>>29734723

"Would it be illogical of me to ask what exactly your quest is, Adept Zeynep?"

"This one utilizes knowledge openly, how quaint. The quest is the quest for knowledge; Knowledge lost, knowledge to be learned, knowledge to be discovered. Captain Leris would seem to have perished in this quest along with his command crew."

"It would seem that our quests are not mutually exclusive. You seek knowledge, I seek the rewards that spring from knowledge. The question seems to be if we are willing to assist eachother on our quests."

The Adept remains silent for a moment, contemplating your offer. "This one's offer is unacceptable. Only the Omnissiah's faithful shall reap the rewards that spring from knowledge." A pair of red lights reveal themselves to you in place of the Adept's eyes, and you find yourself upon the receiving end of a troubled, uncomfortable glare. "Depart, lest the Omnissiah's spirit move this one to strike down the heretic before it."

>Orders?

>>29735126
My bad, guys. I'm sorry we lost the Artisan.

>>29735126
"Well I'm sorry you see it that way"

Leave rather hastily and maybe think of some ways we can dispose of the uptight calculator

>>29735126
Check the other techpriests? Did we speak to Heirun? Or should we just prepare for our meeting.

Also. What are we going to do with this prize? Sell it for coin and tech upgrades for our ship? I'm in favour of doing this.

>>29735238

"I'm sorry you see it that way, Artisan. Your fate is out of my hands, then."

You make a relaxed, if nervous retreat from the quarters.

>Orders?
>Heriun Jaenar
>Investigate cargo manifests?
>Investigate Nagivational information?
>Investigate Captain's Family?
>Investigate Techpriests?
>Offer crew a job?
>Other?

>>29735300
>>Heriun Jaenar
Might as well.

>>29735300
>Heriun Jaenar
and delegate someone to
>Investigate cargo manifests?
if we can

>>29735287
>Also. What are we going to do with this prize? Sell it for coin and tech upgrades for our ship? I'm in favour of doing this.
I'm leaning in favour of that, would rather consolidate any possible crew, and much upgrade our own ship, than fly around with another ship that won't help in a fight and will put more of our crew in danger

and fuck you too capcha

>>29735823
This

"How did it go?" Elise seems shocked that you've made your exit so quickly.

A few grumbles are your only response, and you quickly look at the list of personalities. Only one remains, Chief Navigator Heriun Jaenar. "Last one, then?"

"Don't forget the Captain's family" helpfully reminds Ana.

"Emperor, that will be fun" you mumble.

As you prepare to enter the Navigator's quarters, one of the Veritas serfs pulls you aside. "Captain Aurex, I feel it prudent to remind you that all Navigators possess the ability to open their their third eye and use the raw power of it to do unspeakable things. If this one should do such a thing, you must look away to avoid it's power, if you are so fortunate. Be aware that some Navigators may possess powers that do not require you to see into their eye to do harm."

"Thanks, I'll remember that."

Heriun Jaenar sits upon the floor in a long, hooded robe of ebon hue, his hands upon his crossed legs. "Greetings. I assume you are Captain Aurex, judging by the hat."

"That would be correct, Mister Jaenar."

"A pleasure to meet you, Captain Aurex. I hope you won't mind if I remain where I am, these quarters disagree with me greatly. Shall we speak of business or perhaps you'd rather discuss the possibility of ransoming me to my House?"

>Orders?

>>29736318
"business first, I'm interested in any information on what exactly this ship and its crew were doing prior to my happening upon it, also any information concerning the individual crew that you could think of would be good too"

>>29735823
>cargo manifests

I'm having more warp madness, it seems. You've already viewed the cargo manifest and verification is an ongoing process for the next month. (you could probably assign an officer to assist this, if you wanted) Found here: >>29712852


You've also investigated the navigational data, which is slowly getting put onto the wiki (while system locations are on your updated map here) >>29714002

>>29736318
Ah. A fellow hat lover. It is always good to meet a man with a respect for hats.

>>29736456
ah, it seems warp madness is contagious

>(you could probably assign an officer to assist this, if you wanted)
If Adept Jere is not busy, I think we should assign him to that

also, where abouts/how long into our journey back to the wolfpack are we?

>>29736318
"Business, would you be adverse to change in employment? Experienced Navigators are always being sought after."

>>29736512

You're currently heading in-system from the outer reaches zone (the one that is generally safe to warp into/out of at it's edge), a journey that in this case takes 12 days.

You will arrive at the planet your wolfpack is farming with slaves in roughly 4 more days.

>>29736593
Are all the cages and stasis capsules empty or full or specimens?

"Ah, a fellow hat lover. It is always good to meet a man with a respect for hats."

"I used to wear quite a few, back when I had the looks for them. So few seem to recognize the power inherent in even the most simple of hats, Captain Aurex." A sharp-toothed grin greets you from under the figure's hood, likely one of this navigator's mutations. It only takes you a moment longer to notice that the grin has no actual lips to the mouth. Mildly disconcerting.

"To business, I'm interested in any information on what exactly this ship and it's crew were involved in prior to my encountering it. Information concerning individual members of the crew that you could think of would be useful as well. If you are not adverse to a change in employment, we might also discuss your terms of employment. Experienced Navigators are always sought after."

The hooded head tilts slightly, offering you a seemingly queer look. "I'm afraid that my current contract prevents me from providing any information about this ship's mission or it's crew. As it were, I would not be adverse to a change in employment, if you have a suitable offer for my services."

>Offer for Navigator Jaenar?
>Other?

>>29736703
Unknown at this time, you simply haven't enough crew to run the ship and sort through cargo. Adept Jere and Elise managed to crack the codes that protected the original cargo manifests during warp transit.

>>29736412
Sounds pretty good to me and we can then talk about the prospect of returning him to his house and of course throw this in >>29736542


>>29736703
A good question and those "sample" containers as well.

>>29737026
>>Offer for Navigator Jaenar?
"I've rarely deat with negotiating a navigators contract, what would be required to secure your employment, keep in mind that I'm but a lowly captain with one small raiding merchant vessel to my name."

Lets see what he wants, and whether we can offer it, or negotiate it down.

>>29737026
Well sir, I'm willing to cut you some slack on account of your hat knowledge. Name the terms of your previous contract and I'll do my very best to offer you better terms.

>>29737220
What?
We're the ones who name the terms. He can just lie about his previous contract. We're the one in charge here. He's under our control.

>>29737207

"Frankly, Captain Aurex, I don't give a damn about your financial situation. My duty is to bring wealth and prestige to my House, not to grant a discount because you and I both enjoy hats." You almost appreciate his suddenly flat tone and firm business manner, but it is also insulting enough to ruffle your proverbial feathers. "My price is five million thrones a year, provisions provided for myself and those under me, fifty percent ownership of any navigational data on undiscovered systems, and the right to sell that information."

>Navigator Jaenar's offer: 50 wealth per year, you'll provide provisions, 50% ownership of navigational data, right to sell navigational data.
>Counter offer?
>End Negotiation?
>Other?

>>29737394
But... but he likes hats?

>>29737509
So no mutual hat love? My proverbial feathers ARE ruffled!

In terms of wealth. What are our finances like? Average income, yearly earnings, if any. Current wealth pool? How many underlings and the cost of providing for them and the role he and they will play aboard our ship?

Could/would he steal our current maps and navigational data? Do we have any of worth?

>>29737642

You currently have... 18.2 'liquid' wealth [Imperial thrones, bars of silver/gold] and then goods such as the two containers of fist-sized Nebula Sapphires. [estimated value of Sapphires: 200 wealth. (stolen, easily traced)]

>>29737509
>>Counter offer?
40 wealth per year, to be paid at the end of that served year, to discourage cutting and running, and we'll throw in a hat maintaining servo-skull butler

anyone got other ideas to negotiate?

>>29737722
>two containers of fist-sized Nebula Sapphires. [estimated value of Sapphires: 200 wealth. (stolen, easily traced)]
we really need to find a way to launder those soon

>>29737814
Maybe get our techies to work with the silver and gold we have along with the jewels to make other goods? Or would that diminish their worth?

>>29737795
Half now half later kinda deal?or maybe paid in qtrs.

>>29737814
Could give him a container for 2 years.

>>29737864

It could go either way, really, but to your knowledge none of your crew are talented artists or jewelers.

And the only jewels you have left are fist-sized. Thats some serious bling, Aurex.

>>29737795
>to discourage cutting and running
Note that this guy would pilot your ship through the warp if you hired him. He could do far worse than cut and run...

>>29737999
hmm, so we need to find someone that can launder it for us, I'm guessing they would take a large cut, like 30%

>Note that this guy would pilot your ship through the warp if you hired him. He could do far worse than cut and run...
very true, it was meant as a more general way to dissuade possible betrayal

Anyone got any other ideas to negotiate with?

>>29738069
As sad as it will be to see this gentleman slip from our grasp if he does not accept this then we will simply have to let him go.

>>29737999
When you say pilot "our" ship do you mean the one we just captured or the merchant raider?

Because I get the feeling if we hire him it might "clash" with one of our officers.

>>29737509
>End Negotiation?
Yep.
Let's just ransom him.

>>29738225
Whichever ship you decide to assign him to.

Miss Veritas is, by her own admission, a fairly inexperienced Navigator. She has improved since you added her to your crew, however.

>>29738266
In that case I say he should be assigned to our newly captured ship.

I agree to trying to bargain down to 40 wealth with about half now and half at the end of the year. Ask him if he has ever heard of unique gem known as Nebula Sapphires.

Rolled 42

Gonna go with bargaining attempt, then.

1d100 for opposed roll

Rolled 88

>>29738603

Rolled 33

>>29738603
ere we go!

>>29738620

Your attempts to haggle down the Navigator's demands are fruitless, and after a short while you admit defeat.

"It would seem our partnership is not to be at this point in time, Captain Aurex. If you plan to ransom me, I am able to promise a price of twenty-five million thrones, paid in your choice of precious metals or thrones, and a bonus of twice my weight in your choice of currencies if you are able to deliver me to the world of Noctis in Sector Deus. If you prefer to use a third party for the exchange, my House will pay any reasonable price they require for their assistance."

"Seems a bit low, considering you'd make it back in five years."

"Pure wealth, on top of the ship and cargo you've just captured, Captain."

>Orders?

>>29738911
well with that over, lets investigate the captains family

>>29738911
So it seems though he might see us again at some point in the future. I'm sure we can arrange for his ransom to go smoothly.

And now to deal with the Captain's Family then we can see about those tech priests.

>>29738911
This guy is one smooth operator. We could always offer passage aboard our vessel for that pretty sum.

>>29738933
>>29739286

Excusing yourself from Navigator Jaenar's company, you are pleasantly surprised to find that the presumeably late Captain Leris' family is only a short distance.

Standing outside their quarters you pause to straighten out your attire with Elise's assistance, your XO even going so far as to pull a small brush from some hidden pocket and straighten out your hair. Ana seems to find some amusement in her Captain stooping to allow such an act, and makes no attempt to hide her grin. "So, what should I expect in there?"

"The wife seemed polite enough, though I suspect it is more out of fear than respect. She is with child, but does not yet show it." Elise smiles nervously as you shoot her a look of disapproval. "I uhh... better you than me!" Ana quickly raps upon the door and the two women practically shove you through the doorway before quickly closing it behind you. You're quite certain that you can hear them laughing despite the door's obnoxious lock settling with a 'thunk'.

Before you sits a woman you guess is Alica's age or perhaps a bit closer to your own, her eyes bloodshot and her nose red with irritation. She holds her chin up defiantly, though the movement of her neck's muscles as she swallows nervously betrays the air she presents. The two of you simply study one another for a long while; you half expecting her facade will crumble at any moment, her expecting you to do Emperor knows what. Finally she collects herself enough to speak, failing to disguise the hoarseness in her voice. "The Captain, I presume." Well, the venom in her voice is as you expected.

>Orders?

>>29739644
Be polite, yet curt and businesslike.
Milady, since neither of us have a desire to spend long in each other's presence, I'll be short. I won't sell you off as a slave, to do so would be below propriety and honor--sneer all you will. Your husband may yet be found, until then I trust you will remain my guest on this ship. Is this acceptable?

>>29739644
I'll second >>29740075

>>29739644
Short and to the point.
Introduce ourselves, ask her name, and if there is a planet or place that she calls home. We would like to make sure she gets there. She doesn't have to worry about things like if we are going to enslave her or not.

Until then she is a guest and will be treated like one.

>>29739644

offer sincerest condolences for parting the lady form her family.

mention that mysterious ships officer fellow, that won't tell you his rank or duties, see what she says about him

also this >>29740075

You suppress a strong urge to sigh at being put in this situation and make a mental note to get some form of revenge upon Elise and Ana for their part in putting you here. "Mrs Leris, I believe both of us would like to minimize the amount of time we spend in each other's presence, so I'll be brief. I am Captain Aurex, and I have no intention of selling you off as a slave as to do so would be below propriety and honor-," the woman sneers at the notion, "-sneer all you wish. If you would provide me the name of your home planet, I'll seek to arrange your return there when possible, until then I'd ask you to stay on this ship as my guest. Your husband may even be rescued during this time... and you have my sincerest apologies for unwittingly parting you from him. Are my terms acceptable to you?"

The woman's petite chest rises and falls quickly after you mention her husband, and she seems to be able to do little other than nod and struggle to keep her composure.

>Orders?

>>29740679
>>29740895

one of your husbands officers, Sebastion Wern, is among the men aboard this ship, would you be comforted by his presence while we get back to your home

>>29740895
seconding >>29741023 but only after we ask her about him and his role on the ship, we know nothing about him, and thats dangerous

Rolled 83

>>29741023
>>29741043

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>>29741140

Mrs Leris' chest lurches suddenly as her will cracks and tears begin to stream down her cheeks to her chin and drip to the deck. "L-leave me!" She chokes on the words as she tries to turn away from your sight, her hands rising to conceal her face as she loses her projection of dignity and weeps openly. Even Synne's recent fits of emotion don't seem to compare to this woman's, her entire body beginning to convulse as she moves to conceal her violent sobs in bunk across the room. Emperor, you hope this isn't going to be a constant habit of yours.

>Unfortunately I'll have to call it here for the week. My apologies for all the crazy delays this week. Next thread on Tuesday, hopefully the usual time.
>Q&A for ~20 minutes
>Thread previously archived
>Transport's hull/component info posted to wiki, link on front page.
>Thanks for playing!

>>29741476
Try to comfort the woman as best we can.

>>29741476
no worries MS, life always comes first, and we're still having fun

>>29741476
question, was it mention of Sebastion Wern that set her off crying? or did she not get that far and was just overwhelmed by saddness at being away from her husband

>>29741597
you didn't even say anything between my two posts, she broke down before you went to ask about Wern.

Rolled 56

>>29741540
lol
This is the time you gtfo

>>29741681
You want to just leave her crying in despair?

>>29741729
Yes. It's time to give her some privacy. We're her captor not her friend.
You can't solve every personal problem with hugs.

>>29741643
righto, man, we really need a sad wimminz counselor aboard our ship...

>>29741856
It might work for once if we roll well enough.

bump

>>29747665
no need to bump bro, threads over

>>29741476
>Unfortunately I'll have to call it here for the week. My apologies for all the crazy delays this week. Next thread on Tuesday, hopefully the usual time.