Twitter: @ELHMk1

Ember’s Character Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VXWZDf90yNXctCA3HlAlBuwKLc9xfhlVpkBXKmjvzB4/edit?usp=sharing

G-Doc Archive/Summaries:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17A2MqjN-BmHHIAYi6DwA9lsS_BvGlIPwcGqKfjrCQj4/edit?usp=sharing

Previous Thread: >>1494954

If you’re a die-hard lover of canon, I suggest you turn away now. Like all things 40k, the gauntlet runs from “worshiping the printed, grimdark word” to “over the top silliness.” Most of the time it’s somewhere in between. Others it swerves hard to one side and/or breaks this model entirely. You’ve been warned in advance. I do try to keep things fairly reasonable though.

Alternatively, if you’re not at all familiar with canon or want more details on something, just ask! You don’t need to have played the original Khornette Quest to play and enjoy this one. I’m sure someone (or I) will explain any cameos that come up if you’re lost.

All rolls go against a specified characteristic in the style of Black Crusade. You’ll want to roll under the characteristic value in order to pass the check. The more degrees of success (every multiple of 10 counts as 1), the more awesome of a result. A 1 or an 8 is a guaranteed success, and a 100 is a guaranteed failure. NPCs I roll for only crit succeed/fail on a 1 or a 100.

Best of three rolls when it’s called for, with a 1, 8, or a 100 instantly taking precedence. If multiple characteristics are being rolled for each 1d100 counts for its respective test. Any rolls prior to the call for one and those not linking said post will be ignored.

I realize that /qst/ is much slower than /tg/ ever was, but I’d like to keep things moving. Voting windows will be a maximum of twenty to thirty minutes after the first vote. Same goes for dice rolling. This week we’re going to try running Thursday afternoon (now), Friday early morning (~2am onwards), Saturday early morning (~12am onwards), and maybe Sunday late evening (11pm). If the thread’s still up on Tuesday, we might play then too.

That’s it housekeeping-wise for now. Onto the quest!

>>1663454

>[5] What is there to stress about? We'll fight, kill, and take over the ship.

>>1663454
> [2] Give him a Khornate pep talk

I'd count >>1663468 as a vote (of sorts) for [2].

Go ahead and roll me a 1d100 vs a 47 (Fel+20) to see how convincing you'll be

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>1663493

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>1663493

>>1663493

>>1663493

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>1663455

>>1663503
>>1663505
Well a 43 is enough anyways. I'll get to writing.

>>1663514
>>1663515
Did dice break or did you forget to roll em?

>>1663454
That’s not what you were expecting at all. You raise an eyebrow at him, somewhat confused by this change in demeanor. “What is there to stress about?” you say. “We'll fight, kill, and take over the ship. Simple.”

Rikiar shakes his head. “That’s just it though. Nothing about this ship feels right. Maybe it’s because I’ve never been off world before. The gravity isn’t constant, there’s no sky to speak of, and I have no idea where to fall back and regroup should shit hit the fan. Not to mention if something does go wrong, we’ll be hunted down and purged. It’s not like back on Desoleum where we could always return to the Underhive. And-”

You interrupt before he can keep blathering. “If the situation unnerves you, why did you come aboard in the first place?”

He shrugs. “I don’t think I had much of a choice. There wasn’t time to properly weigh the consequences of staying on Desoleum or of coming here. Plus if I didn’t come, then you’d be down at least one capable fighter.”

“A true warrior doesn’t complain about his lot,” you put forth in not-quite a lecturing tone. “You should instead be grateful that you have a new enemy to fight and a new battlefield to learn.”

“I suppose…”

> [1] Continue the pep talk. By that you mean slap some sense into him
> [2] Ask if he’s going to be a liability in the coming battle
> [3] You don’t want to hear any more whining
> [4] Write in

>>1663524
>> [2] Ask if he’s going to be a liability in the coming battle

>>1663522
Apparently is dislikes a capital D. Been too long, derped out.

>>1663524

> [2] Ask if he’s going to be a liability in the coming battle

>>1663524
If you weren’t already angry from the whole Feva and Usha affair, this bit of whining from Rikiar definitely gets your blood to a nice simmer. Usually when warriors start introspecting themselves like he is, they end up dead in short order. That or everyone around them. Especially if such introspection comes right before a decisive battle. You need to determine now if he’s going to be ship-shape in time to be useful. Otherwise…

“Is this going to affect your fighting in the days to come?” you ask in a commanding sort of fashion. “Because I can’t afford to worry about one of my underlings going off half-cocked and taking those under him with them.”

Rikiar briefly glances up to meet your eyes. Only for a moment, however. It’s not surprising, considering you’re all but glaring daggers into him, but you still wish he’d get over this hump and display some of those leadership qualities that made you recruit him in the first place. “I… I don’t think so,” he replies. “No, I’m certain of it. I just need some time to relax, I think.”

> [1] Stare at him really hard to see if he’s being sincere
> [2] Take him at his word
> [3] Cut him loose, here and now
> [4] Write in

File: Staring.jpg (9 KB, 300x168)

9 KB JPG

>>1663545

> [1] Stare at him really hard to see if he’s being sincere

>>1663545
>> [1] Stare at him really hard to see if he’s being sincere

>>1663545
>> [1] Stare at him really hard to see if he’s being sincere
>I can help with that

[1] it is. 1d100 vs a 33 please. (You're not that great at reading others, let alone a human.)

Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>1663570

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>1663570

>>1663574
>>1663576
Well... shit so far.

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>1663570

>>1663574
>>1663576
>>1663589
Normally I'd let three distinct IDs roll to keep players engaged, but since this is a fairly innocuous roll I'll let it slide.

Back in a bit!

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>1663570

>>1663545
You’re not exactly the best at reading others, whether they be daemon, human, or something else entirely. People skills and empathy in general aren’t exactly a part of the standard Khornate kit. Still, you do your best to size Rikiar up and get a feel for whether or not he’s being sincere. Nothing about his body language seems to indicate he’s lying. Best you can tell, anyways. You’ll just have to take his word at face value.

“Fine,” you say, thumbing over your right shoulder to point at the bedrooms of the suite. “Get on that then. The next time I see you, I want to see the Lion I met back in the Underhive of Desoleum.”

Rikiar bows his head and stands. “Of course, Scythe-Mistress. Sorry for dumping this all on you. I-”

“Just go.”

“Right.”

He walks past you and into one of the bedrooms. You hear the door shut, and shortly thereafter the light sound of Rikiar snoring. You guess he really was that tired, if his lack of judgement in opening up to a daemon wasn’t evidence enough.

Absent-mindedly, you poke at the wounds across your torso and stomach. They’ve sealed themselves, for the most part, but the Gellar Field is definitely hampering your daemonic regeneration. You’ll probably be alright by go time. Probably.

In any event, you have a few days worth of mortal, linear time to wade through. What do you do first?

> [1] Consult with Niazach about the preparations
> [2] Spar with someone in particular (Specify)
> [3] Talk to someone in particular (Specify)
> [4] Relax, take it easy, and otherwise be “available” should someone need you
> [5] Seclude yourself away until it’s time to go
> [6] Write in

File: ember-commissionhr.jpg (3.91 MB, 3508x2480)

3.91 MB JPG

Forgot to post this earlier, but here's the full OP image in case you don't want to wade through the imgur album

>>1663611
>>> [4] Relax, take it easy, and otherwise be “available” should someone need you

>>1663611

> [1] Consult with Niazach about the preparations

>>1663611
> [2] Spar with someone in particular (Specify)
>> [3] Talk to someone in particular (Specify)

Rikiar, get him in a khornate mindset. He's a leader, better than we are atm, and we'd like to keep him around.

>>1663611
>> [1] Consult with Niazach about the preparations

>>1663621
He's sleeping, let him rest. Pretty sure mortals need that.

Looks like [1] has the most votes, so we'll roll with that. Back in a bit!

>>1663611
Finding Niazach isn’t all that difficult. You catch the purple-skinned daemon in the hab block’s corridor, wandering between rooms. Luckily, you don’t have to announce yourself. She turns on the spot as you approach and flashes you a smile.

“Well hello, Mistress,” she practically purrs. “What brings you out here among the rest of us?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” you ask with only a hint of annoyance.

Niazach giggles into her hand. “It’s just that you like to be the mysterious, brooding type if our time together on Desoleum was any indication.”

“And what’s wrong with that?”

“Oh, nothing~”

Why did you come to see her again? Oh. Right.

You switch gears and try to regain control of the conversation. “How goes preparations for that distraction?”

Her smile falters slightly, the corners of her mouth dipping. But only for a moment. “I’ve had no luck in finding a duck. Or chocolate pudding for that matter.”

You’re lucky, ducks, you think to yourself. Then you say aloud, “Then obviously you’ll need to come up with a new distraction.”

“Oh, not to worry. I already have one in mind. It’s big, red, and involves lots of blood.”

> [1] Go on…
> [2] You kinda expected to help with Deck 6, not play distraction
> [3] You’re definitely not interested
> [4] Write in

>>1663671
>> [2] You kinda expected to help with Deck 6, not play distraction

>>1663671
> [2] You kinda expected to help with Deck 6, not play distraction

>>1663671

> [1] Go on…

>>1663671
>> [2] You kinda expected to help with Deck 6, not play distraction

>But continue

>inb4 she wasn't talking about us at all and we get teased

>>1663689
Supporting this

>>1663671
Reluctantly, you admit, “I was kinda expecting to help with Deck 6, not play distraction. But continue.”

Niazach claps her hands together excitedly. “Oh, but don’t you see? This is the perfect opportunity to lure out the Captain and the other Officers so Usha can do her thing.”

“I don’t follow.”

“Well, while you’re getting mobbed by the voidsmen from Deck 6, the rest of us will obviously secure the deck and make it ours. They’ll have to send so many warm bodies at you that capturing Deck 6 will be a breeze.”

You nod. “Right, I got that much. But how does that involve the Captain and the Bridge Officers?”

Niazach looks you up and down as if she hasn’t seen you in awhile. Then she says, “Ah, right. You wouldn’t know about how these sorts of affairs usually work. Basically, the longer a threat stays alive on a voidship, the more likely the upper staff is to get personally involved. They have the best toys to play with, after all, and stand the best chance of eliminating whatever is causing a commotion. So, logically, if you make a big enough stink, it’s highly likely the Captain and his fellows will come running.”

You can’t really find fault with what she’s saying. Though you do have a question: “And what exactly am I supposed to do when they show up? If you haven’t noticed, I’m unable to summon my weapons while we’re in this Gellar Field.”

“Where’s that Khornate spirit, hmm~? Ripping them apart with your bare hands should get you all aquiver!”

It does, on some level, but you’d never admit it to anyone. Still, you versus Khorne knows how many voidsmen, plus elite unknowns, would be rather risky. Even if Usha was nearby to possibly provide support. Should you go for it?

> [1] You can play distraction just fine
> [2] Nope. She can find something else big, red, and bloody
> [3] Write in

> [1] You can play distraction just fine

>>1663710
>> [1] You can play distraction just fine
> Might need some help since they do show up though, Gellar fields suck ass, and i'd rather kick off a proper crusade instead of dying in one.

>>1663710
>> [1] You can play distraction just fine

>But take down the Gellar Field as quickly as possible, I can wade through most of this ship on my own but I'd rather not have to deal with psykers or whatever else the might have without my blades

>>1663710
Really, there’s only one option here. Turning down such a fight would be supremely un-Khornate of you. Plus, Niazach would likely never let you hear the end of it. So you put on that trademark Khornate smile that borders somewhere between insanity and glee. “Fine. I shall do this thing. But what of you then? What are you going to be doing while all this is going on?”

“Oh, I thought I might stay nearby and ambush those who might try and circle around behind you. Maybe even toss a few bits of psychic restoration your way. But I doubt you’ll need it.”

“In other words, you’re going to lurk in the shadows and pretend like you’re helping. All while doing something Slaaneshii as you watch.”

“Oh but of course, Mistress~ You’re not the only one who gets off on seeing blood flow~”

Well, that’s about all you can take of her in one sitting. You start to turn around, saying, “I didn’t need to know that. Let me know if any other snags in the plan arise.”

“As you wish~”

With that, you…

> [1] Spar with someone in particular (Specify)
> [2] Talk to someone in particular (Specify)
> [3] Relax, take it easy, and otherwise be “available” should someone need you
> [4] Seclude yourself away until it’s time to go
> [5] Write in

We'll be taking our first break here. I'll be back around 1-2am EDT (7 hours from now). Hope you're all enjoying stuff so far!

>>1663762
>> [3] Relax, take it easy, and otherwise be “available” should someone need you

>>1663762
> [3] Relax, take it easy, and otherwise be “available” should someone need you

>>1663762

> [3] Relax, take it easy, and otherwise be “available” should someone need you

>>1663762
[4] Seclude yourself away until it’s time to go

>>1663762
>> [3] Relax, take it easy, and otherwise be “available” should someone need you

>Take a walkabout of the troops, give advice and slaps as necessary

Hooray! I caught a session while it was still live! Excuse me while I catch up.

Though... I may be in bed by the time you resume. That sucks.

Here's a quick update I managed to squeeze in-between rounds of combat. I probably won't be able to do the next bit until later though.

>>1663762
...start to wander about the hab block without any real purpose. To anyone who’s brave enough to ask you, you simply tell them you’re inspecting the troops. And while you are, in fact, doing so, you don’t see any single person or witness any events that would require your attention. The Fleshcutters are either sparring, tending to their weapons, or otherwise engaged in drink and other such merriment. Most nod respectfully to you as you pass by. A few look like they want to run up and talk to you, but a single glance their way is enough to send them scurrying in the opposite direction. The perks of being a daemon, you suppose.

Eventually you finish your rounds and start to head back to your suite. About halfway there, though, you’re accosted by a message runner. A mousy-looking fellow with dark hair, the human male before you immediately goes down on one knee and offers out a data slate. “An urgent message for you, O great Scythe-Mistress,” he says.

You take the data slate and stare at the screen. On it is a simple message:

Lady Desoleum,
Your presence is requested and required tonight at the Captain’s table. A contingent of guards will arrive to escort you at 2030 ship time. Dress code is semi-formal. You may bring one guest of your choosing.

Signed,
Seneschal Graven

“What load of shit is this?” you ask to no one in particular. You must sound rather pissed, because the message runner stammers an answer.

“I-I-It’s a dinner invitation. Um, not that you eat, Scythe-Mistress. And um… I guess you’re not technically Lady Desoleum either so-”

You glare down at him with fiery eyes. He visibly recoils under your gaze and falls silent. “Go,” you command. He doesn’t need to be told twice. No sooner are the words out of your mouth then he’s sprinting off down the corridor towards the nearest corner to hide behind.

This isn’t a good turn of events. If “Lady Desoleum” really is required to attend this dinner, then you have a problem.

> [1] Try to find Niazach. Maybe she can disguise herself as Lady Desoleum
> [2] Try to find Usha. Maybe she can disguise herself as Lady Desoleum
> [3] Try to find either daemon and see if they can’t disguise you instead
> [4] Fuck disguises. You might need a bit less revealing clothing though.
> [5] Fuck disguises AND changing clothes. You are as you are.
> [6] Better idea: Fuck this meeting in particular
> [7] Write in

>>1665211
>Call a council see if we'll be ready to strike by the expected time.

>[7] Write in

I think it would be quite a good idea to make Feva play the role of Lady Desolium. Surely, nothing could go wrong.

>>1665211
>7 Write in

Oops, forgot the link. I think it would be quite a good idea to make Feva play the role of Lady Desolium. Surely, nothing could go wrong.

>>1665230
See >>1495082 & >>1495268
The window of opportunity opens tomorrow at the earliest. I.e. Far after this dinner affair.

>>1665230
>>1665304
then call a council and get a plan together.

Alright. I think we're going with getting everyone back together then. I dunno how many more updates we'll pound out tonight. It'll largely depend on you guys. Back in a bit!

>>1665211
This is the sort of problem you’re not going to solve on your own. You’re going to need to get the gang back together, so to speak. To that end, you grab the nearest Fleshcutter (who happened to be leaning up against one of the corridor walls smoking a lho stick) and more or less shout at him to find Niazach, Eraric, and Crocus and bring them to your quarters. Then you head back that way yourself without any further delay.

It takes the better part of a half hour to gather everyone. Rikiar looks half-dead to the world, but that’ll happen when your sleep is interrupted by a three meter tall, angry daemon of Khorne. Niazach seems to be somewhat bemused, while Eraric and Crocus are respectfully at attention as is their norm. Finally, Usha has graced this particular meeting with her presence. Mostly because you kicked open the door to the room she’s sharing with Feva and told her, in no uncertain terms, that if she didn’t attend you’d rip out every single feather on her body.

“So, why are we all here?” asks the Tzeentchean daemon as she crosses her legs. “Not that I don’t mind these meetings.”

You toss the data slate you were given onto the table between you all. “Lady Desoleum is scheduled to have dinner with the Captain tonight. In…” You look at a clock. “...three hours. Non-negotiable, judging by the tone of the message.”

Niazach immediately snatches up the data slate and scans it rapidly. Usha lets out an “Oho~” The rest seem stymied by this turn of events.

“So… they’re expecting to see you then?” Rikiar says slowly, as if he’s having to work through constructing the sentence. “That’s… not good.”

Usha looks over to him questioningly. “I have been meaning to ask: how did you manage to secure this section of the ship without actually bringing the real Lady Desoleum?”

“I pretended I was her,” you rapidly respond. “Turns out when you’re standing over a dead body, and in their home, there’s plenty of things to go around that’ll make you look official to the average voidsmen.”

“And they just sort of overlooked the fact you’re three meters tall and red?”

“I was under a cloak.”

“Riiiiight… Well, maybe that small detail never made it to the Bridge Officers’ ears. Obviously, we can’t send you in a cloak to this dinner.”

You roll your eyes. “Thank you Captain Obvious. Keep it up and I might promote you to Admiral Apparent.”

Niazach intejects, “Yeah… I don’t think we’re going to be able to weasel our way out of this. This sounds like one of those dinners where the Lord Captain of the ship basically sits his passenger down and asks ‘Where am I taking you and how much are you willing to pay me?’ Depending on how rogue-ish the Captain in question is, that could even mean outright blackmail or threats.”

>cont

>>1665532
“I don’t respond well to threats,” you reply, mostly to keep everyone from going quiet. “So yeah, I’m not going. But I think I might know someone who could go.” Everyone looks at you expectantly, then you continue, “Feva, of course. She’s someone we can trust, happens to be female, and probably won’t attempt to kill the Captain if he slights her.”

Usha narrows her eyes a little at that. “Are you sure? She only just barely has control over her arm as it is. I don’t think it’ll hold up under stress like that. Not to mention that blood rage.”

“The notice says she could bring a plus one though,” posits Niazach. “Maybe one of us,” she points between herself and Usha, “could go with her.”

> [1] Usha goes
> [2] Niazach goes
> [3] Rikiar goes
> [4] Write in

>>1665535
>> [1] Usha goes

Well I guess that's to be expected of the late hour. I'll let this vote run overnight. I'll try to post a few updates in the afternoon, but no promises. I'll definitely have time after midnight though.

>>1665535

> [1] Usha goes

>>1665535
> [1] Usha goes

>>1665535
> [1] Usha goes
>Unless Rikiar has a better idea.

>>1665698

> [1] Usha goes

>>1665535
“I think it’s fairly obvious that Usha’s going,” you respond. “She’s got her own part of the overall plan to do, and this just makes things easier for her. Plus, if we send you, Niazach, there’s likely to be some sort of incident.”

Niazach puffs out her cheeks in a pout. “You don’t know that! The last dinner party I went to only resulted in the death of three people!”

“I rest my case.” Then, to Usha, you add, “I trust you’ll be able to handle this one, simple task.”

“I suppose that depends on both who’s in attendance and how easy getting the Captain alone will be,” she replies with a shrug. “There’s not much I can do to help Feva should she lose control, other than maybe cast an illusion or two.”

You open your mouth to chide her, but think better of it. Instead, you say, “Everyone else: I want triple the guard on every entrance to our section of the ship. If things go south, I’m sure the first place they’ll think to purge will be here. That’s all, unless anyone else has anything urgent to add.”

No one does. As such, the group of your underlings disperses and goes about their tasking…

Time to try out a perspective change! You’re now temporarily playing as Feva for the party, since waiting and brooding as Ember isn’t as exciting. Feva’s stats will be kept hidden for the time being.

The first thing that creeps into your awareness is a low, dull pain that seems to cover your whole body. Everything just plain hurts. Next is the sensation of the flesh of your left arm boiling and burning. It’s not exactly painful, but it’s also not the most comfortable feeling in the world. Even in your groggy state, a voice in the back of your head reminds you that you’re supposed to be trying to keep your daemonic arm from showing. But in order to do that, you’ll actually have to fully wake up.

You open your eyes to see the stark, metal ceiling of your room aboard the Inferno. When you look around, you see that the blue-skinned, feathered daemon that’s been overseeing your “training” is seated on the bed across the room from you. Usha smiles as you make eye contact and hops to her feet.

“Finally,” she says. “I hope you won’t mind, but I accelerated your healing process. You’re needed for something very important.”

Immediately you worry that you’ve almost slept through an important battle. “Is it time for our assault on Deck 6?” you ask.

“No no, something far more mundane and interesting, in my opinion.” You raise an eyebrow at her, and she continues, “You and I are going to be attending a dinner party with the Captain of this vessel.”

You must have misheard her. “Why would the Captain want to spend dinner with me?”

“Because you’re going to play the part of Lady Desoleum, of course.”

Well that’s something new.

> [1] Protest. Surely someone else is better suited.
> [2] Reluctantly acquiesce
> [3] You’ve always wanted to see what high society is like
> [4] Write in

>>1666420
> [1] Protest. Surely someone else is better suited.
Angry Ember. Whining all the way until someone twists her arm (metaphorically; Literally would have a different ending).

>>1666420
>> [1] Protest. Surely someone else is better suited.

>>1666420
> [1] Protest. Surely someone else is better suited.

>>1666420
>> [1] Protest. Surely someone else is better suited.

>>1666420
> [1] Protest. Surely someone else is better suited.

>>1666420
You sit upright and prop yourself up against the backboard of the bed’s frame. Once situated, you protest, “There has to be someone better suited for this. I’ve never been to a fancy function in my entire life. Plus I mean, what about this?” You wave your red and black, daemonic left arm about before you for emphasis. “What if I can’t keep it hidden? I’ll be shot on the spot!”

Usha giggles at that. “Then I guess you’ll just have to keep it hidden. Besides, it’s not like a dinner party is some mystic and mysterious affair. All you have to do is pretend to care, politely eat some food, and maybe answer a few questions. Really simple stuff.”

“Ugh. Are you sure this isn’t a nightmare?”

“As amusing as that might be, No.”

“Great…”

You look down at your daemonic left arm and furrow your brow as you concentrate on it. It takes quite a bit of mental effort, but eventually the twisted flesh begins to meld back into that of a normal human. A small part of you has to continually concentrate on maintaining the transformation, but you’re getting better and better about it. Who knows? Maybe soon it’ll be as easy as blinking or breathing.

“So…” Usha says. “What are you going to wear to this thing? Should I fabricate something for you?”

> [1] Your usual get-up is fine
> [2] Maybe something frilly?
> [3] You have no idea what’s appropriate. Usha can decide
> [4] Write in

>>1666493
> [3] You have no idea what’s appropriate. Usha can decide

>>1666493
>> [3] You have no idea what’s appropriate. Usha can decide

>>1666493
> [2] Maybe something frilly?

>>1666493
> [2] Maybe something frilly?

That's about all I have time for update-wise. See you all later tonight!

>>1666493
>> [3] You have no idea what’s appropriate. Usha can decide


Fashion bird to the rescue

>>1666493

> [2] Maybe something frilly?

Because, as Kill La Kill can attest, nothing is scarier than a girl in a frilly dress.

Hm. We're tied still. Interesting. I'll give it another 15 minutes or so, then tiebreak with a roll.

>>1666493
> [3] You have no idea what’s appropriate. Usha can decide

>>1666493
>> [2] Maybe something frilly?

>>1666493
>>> [3] You have no idea what’s appropriate. Usha can decide

Well, that was close. Guess we're going with [3] then. Back in a bit!

File: Feva's Dress.jpg (53 KB, 482x652)

53 KB JPG

>>1666493
You have no idea. You communicate as such. “I have no idea what’s appropriate. Maybe you should decide.”

Usha’s eyes light up and she claps her hands together excitedly. “Excellent! Change into these robes I found, then stand right here, if you would.”

She holds out a set of standard, gray Imperium robes and motions to a spot on the floor between the two beds. You rise, change into the robes, and stand where directed. Then Usha begins to weave a spell. Your skin tingles slightly as you feel the Warp-infused energy twist and change the robes.

Almost immediately, you feel a slight pressure on your abdomen as the fabric there turns into a fitted, black corset. Then you notice the lower part of the robes has turned into a crinoline. Over top of the corset and the crinoline, a red and black dress forms that barely scrapes the floor and cuts off mid-arm. It is, without a doubt, the most amount of cloth you’ve ever worn in your entire life. Sure, you suppose you look fancy, but there’s no way you’ll be running in this. Or doing anything strenuous for that matter. You already feel out of your element, and the dinner party hasn’t even started.

“Well, what do you think?” asks Usha with twinkles in her eye.

> [1] It’s… nice? I guess?
> [2] Meh.
> [3] It’s lovely!
> [4] Write in

>>1668283
>It's nice, but how will I fight?

>>1668283
> [1] It’s… nice? I guess?

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>>1668283
You struggle to come up with the proper words. “It’s… nice? But how am I supposed to fight in it?”

“You don’t,” Usha replies. “If there’s any fighting to be had at this dinner party, it will be with words.”

Oh boy. The one thing you’re good at. “I uh… don’t really do word games.”

“Not to worry. All you need do is act nice and respectful to everyone and talk them up like they’re Ember. That should be easy enough for you, yeah?”

“I mean… I guess?”

“Good. Now let me slip into something more… human.”

With a snap of her fingers, Usha’s tight-fitting bodysuit shimmers, as does her form. The suit itself shifts into a vibrant blue dress that prominently shows off Usha’s breasts. The bottom half is a mass of feathers that swirls around her legs, which are now clad in dark stockings. Her skin turns from its normal blue to a pale white that wouldn’t be out of place even in Hive Desoleum. Also, her hair changes from the evershifting, pseudo-tentacles to a multi-toned bob cut. In all, she looks way more like the Planetary Governor than you do. At least, in your mind anyways.

“Well, what do you think?” she asks as she twirls on the spot.

> [1] Maybe tone it down a bit
> [2] Why don’t *you* be Lady Desoleum?
> [3] It suits you
> [4] Write in

>>1668396
>> [2] Why don’t *you* be Lady Desoleum?

>>1668396
>> [3] It suits you

>>1668396

> [4] Write in

Why did she choose me to be Lady Desoleum when you're the best choice?

>>1668443
>>1668396
Eesh, that was terrible. I change my vote to.

> [2] Why don’t *you* be Lady Desoleum?

>>1668461
I mean, I liked it

>>1668396
“Why don’t you be Lady Desoleum?” you say. “You sell it way better than I do.”

“Please. I only picked something like this in order to woo the Captain. A good Planetary Governor wouldn’t caught dead in this right after essentially being driven off-world. Not unless she was a harlot or something.”

You raise an eyebrow at her. “Why do you know so much about fashion?”

Usha flicks her hand downwards in a stereotypical, girly-girl manner. “Oh pshaw. I only dabble. I’m sure Niazach knows far more than I ever will.”

“Riiiiiiiight. So I guess we look the part. What happens now?”

“Well, we need to get you ready to act the part. Let’s see you walk a bit.”

The next couple of hours are spent by Usha giving you a crash course on Nobleborn etiquette. Only about half of it sticks. By the time a runner comes to tell you that your escort has arrived, you’re still struggling to understand how to properly dance in heels.

“Well, that’s about as good as we’re going to get,” Usha says. “Let’s go put on a show, shall we~?”

You nod and follow her out of your suite. On the way you pass by Ember. The brooding, three meter tall mass of muscle and daemonic fury nods once at you, but says nothing. Nor does she need to. Even though you’ve only known the Khornate daemon for a few months, you can tell that she expects you to succeed or to return covered in the blood of your enemies. It makes you wish that you could bring your spear along, but there’s no way you’d be able to conceal a weapon of such size.

Your escorts turn out to be a couple of voidsmen in dress uniforms and bearing a pair of gleaming archeotech las pistols. They offer an arm to each of you, as if expecting to walk you all the way there in such a fashion. “Lady Desoleum,” one says. “We’re here to escort you to the Captain’s mess.”

> [1] Take the arm
> [2] No thanks, you prefer to walk unhindered
> [3] Then escort us instead of treating us like your dates
> [4] Write in

>>1668544
>> [1] Take the arm

>>1668544
In situations like this, you’re supposed to take the arm. You think. So you do with a curt nod to your escort. He smiles back at you, then begins walking back out of the hab block with his partner and Usha in tow. To anyone you encounter on your trek up to Deck 1, you get the distinct feeling Usha and you look like the dates to some very lucky voidsmen. What else would people think seeing you hanging off of their arms? It’s social nuances such as this that make you wish you could just stab someone and be done with it. At least then you’d feel more in control than you do right now.

The farther you go up in the Inferno, the more clean it gets. The typical grunge that you’re guessing afflicts every starship in the Imperium gives way to corridors with polished floors and seamless walls. It’s supremely obvious that the main source of power and authority on this ship resides and works here. So much so, in fact, that by the time your group arrives outside the double doors of the mess hall where the dinner party is taking place, the corridors themselves are lined with all manner of exotic trophies.

Your escort relinquishes your arm as he turns to you and asks, “Would you care to be introduced? Or shall I take you around the back way so you can slip into the party without ceremony?”

> [1] Of course you want to be announced. You’re THE Lady Desoleum!
> [2] Oh thank the Emperor there’s another way in
> [3] Look to Usha for advice
> [4] Write in

>>1668544
>> [1] Take the arm

Stealth mode activate

>>1668759
>> [3] Look to Usha for advice


The bird knows best

>>1668759
>[1] Of course you want to be announced. You’re THE Lady Desoleum!

>>1668759
>> [3] Look to Usha for advice

I think I'll let this vote run out for a bit. My next window of free time will be Sunday afternoon around 3pm EDT. I'll tweet about it as well, since I forgot to do that this time. Feel free to ask questions and discuss things in the meantime!

>>1668759
>> [1] Of course you want to be announced. You’re THE Lady Desoleum!

>>1668759
> [1] Of course you want to be announced. You’re THE Lady Desoleum!

>>1668759
> [1] Of course you want to be announced. You’re THE Lady Desoleum!

You know, I've been wondering what would have happened if you guys hadn't eaten the soul of the person who accidentally summoned Ember. She seemed interesting.

Looks like we'll be going with [1] later this afternoon. I'll go ahead and write that up now before bed so we're good to go whenever I wake up.

>>1668759
All Nobleborn love ceremony and pompous fluffery, right? You may be a pretender, but you’re pretty sure the most “in-character” thing to do is to have yourself introduced. So you reply to your escort, “Of course I want my arrival to be announced. I am Lady Desoleum, Planetary Governor, after all, no matter what circumstances may have brought me here.”

As soon as the words are out of your mouth, you immediately realize that a slight tremble crept into your voice. Really, you were just copying the same sort of arrogant attitude that the real Lady Desoleum had in all of her public broadcasts. It’s beyond nerve-wracking for you. And to make you anxiety worse, it feels like time stretches on forever in the silence following your words. You’re starting to wonder whether your cover’s already blown when your escort responds:

“Right. Of course, My Lady. And how shall I announce your friend?”

He turns to Usha, who extricates herself from her own escort. She flashes a wicked smile, then answers, “Lady Usha, daughter of the Third House, holder of the Sacred Reliquary of Saint Sephata, heir to the Holy Seal of Ossuar.”

Fuck. That sounds way better than what you said. Luckily neither of the voidsmen seem to care. They simply nod and enter the Captain’s Mess, the double doors barely making any noise as they swing close behind them.

Now that you’re alone, you give Usha an exasperated look. She simply says back, “What?” You shake your head and make sure nothing’s amiss about your dress. Then you take a few calculated deep breaths to try and calm your nerves. But perhaps sooner than you were hoping, both double doors swing inward and a loud, amplified voice over a vox says:

“Now announcing Lady Desoleum, Planetary Governor of Desoleum…”

> [1] Walk slowly so as not to risk tripping yourself up
> [2] Walk with confidence and medium speed
> [3] Walk as fast as possible so you can sit down and not have to deal with these heels
> [4] Write in

>>1674010
> [2] Walk with confidence and medium speed

>>1674010
>[2] Walk with confidence and medium speed

>>1674010
> [2] Walk with confidence and medium speed

Roll not to trip, I bet.

Oh, I hope we trip.

>>1674010
>> [2] Walk with confidence and medium speed

>>1674010
> [2] Walk with confidence and medium speed

Some of you have guessed it - it's time for an agility check!

1d100 vs ???

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>1674092

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>1674092

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>1674092

>>1674096
>>1674108
>>1674157
Anon saves it with a 12! Back in a bit.

>>1674010
That’s your cue. You steel yourself for whatever’s on the other side of the threshold and step forward. Immediately, you see that the large, open space is about thrice the size of your suite. The middle part is left entirely open for dancing, while the sides are packed with tables both bearing food and for sitting at. Were you not in the middle of a Warp jump, the floor-to-ceiling windows to the left of the room would afford you a view of a beautiful starscape. Instead, they’re shuttered closed, so all you see is matte gray. The people inside this place are all dressed about the same as what you expected. I.e. formal uniforms and dresses with all sorts of jewelry and ceremonial weapons. The Captain sticks out among them all, though. He’s a fairly lean and muscular man that stands about two meters tall. His auburn hair is shaped into a crew cut, and he’s wearing some sort of exotic furs on top of a rather vibrant vest and dress pants.

Everyone turns to look in your direction as you step inside. The stares send your anxiety into overdrive, but you do your best to push past it. Instead, you concentrate on trying to look like you’re full of confidence. Nice, even steps that neither wobble nor make it look like you’re in a hurry to get anywhere. Plus a smile that says, “Yes look at me, I am important.” You think you sell it all pretty well.

The actual distance you have to walk before arriving before the Captain isn’t much, but it feels like you’ve gone over a kilometer. He nods respectfully at you and reaches to take your hand, “Ah, so good of you to join us, my dear. I am Captain Thedius, but I’m sure you knew that already. How are you liking your stay on my ship so far?”

> [1] No complaints
> [2] It’s great!
> [3] Actually it kinda sucks
> [4] Dodge the question
> [5] Write in

>>1674179
>[4] Dodge the question

>>1674179
> [4] Dodge the question

>>1674179
> [1] No complaints

> [1] No complaints

Khornates don't dodge.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

Guess I'll tie break unless someone posts at the same time as me.

1 = [1]
2 = [4]

Either way, I need you to roll me a Fellowship check!

1d100 vs ???

I have to dip out for a bit to do some errands, but they shouldn't take long. One hour max.

>>1674179
>> [1] No complaints

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>1674248

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>1674248

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>1674248

>>1674255
>>1674265
>>1674266
A 40 then. Alright. Back in a bit!

>>1674179
You reluctantly let Thedius palm your hand and plant a kiss on the back of it. “Your ship is good,” you reply. “Very fitting and quaint.”

Thedius raises an eyebrow at you. “’Quaint’ eh? That’s a new one. I must apologize if your bunk isn’t as lavish as your previous abode. However, they are the best passenger quarters we could spare. You did come aboard on very short notice.”

You can’t really tell if you accidentally insulted Thedius, or if he’s taking it in stride. Either way, you should probably choose your next words carefully.

> [1] His ship just happened to be in the area
> [2] Thank him for taking you on
> [3] Remind him of the contract between you
> [4] Stall for time and hope Usha gets introduced soon
> [5] Write in

>>1674443
>> [2] Thank him for taking you on

>>1674443
> [2] Thank him for taking you on

> [2] Thank him for taking you on

The Emperor rewards the faithful

>>1674443
> [2] Thank him for taking you on

>>1674443
>> [2] Thank him for taking you on

>>1674443
Opting for a safe reply, you say, “I must thank you for taking myself and my underlings aboard. I honestly don’t know what would have happened should we have stayed on Desoleum.”

“Of course! I’m ever so much the sucker for a damsel in distress.” He laughs to himself for a moment, then gets very serious in both tone and expression. “Someone here wants to talk to you about Desoleum and its future. He’s why you were, ah, forced to come tonight. Personally, if I were you, I’d find a way to excuse yourself from the party before-”

There’s a loud, trumpet like sound as the double doors at the entrance swing open. Then, over a vox, one of the servants says, “Now announcing Lady Usha, daughter of the Third House, holder of the Sacred Reliquary of Saint Sephata, heir to the Holy Seal of Ossuar.”

Like with you, everyone turns to look at the newcomer. The difference here, though, is that Usha is more than just the center of attention. She outright owns the room without doing more than walking in a way that accentuates her hips. Men whisper obvious praises of her to one another, and women fein a polite smile at the fact they’re no longer the prettiest one in the room. It’s not until Usha comes right up to Thedius and you that normal conversation resumes.

“Ah, Darling~” purrs Usha as she slides right up to your side. “Who’s this tantalizing fellow you’re talking to?”

Seriously. Why wasn’t she Lady Desoleum? “This is um…” you begin, only for Thedius to beat you to it.

“Lord Captain Thedius the Third, at your service, Lady Usha,” he says with a grand bow. “You honor us with your presence and your beauty.”

Usha giggles in a very feminine way. “Such a flatterer! I do hope my dear friend here hasn’t talked your ear off.”

You don’t really know how to reply, so you simple stare back at her questioningly. Thedius doesn’t seem to notice though. His entire attention is directed at Usha at this point. “Not in the slightest. Come! Let us get some food and drink and toast to your ravishing charm.”

Before you can process what just happened, the two of them hurry over to one of the tables along the exterior of the room and begin chatting in hushed tones. This leaves you awkwardly standing in the middle of a small crowd of people, yet not a part of any one conversation. In fact, most people seem to have their back to you. Not deliberately, but it still cuts you off and leaves you isolated.

> [1] Well you made your appearance. Time to leave through the back
> [2] Get some refreshments and see if this person who wants to talk with you shows up
> [3] Try to find a group to join in on their conversation
> [4] Write in

>>1674554
>> [2] Get some refreshments and see if this person who wants to talk with you shows up

>>1674554
> [2] Get some refreshments and see if this person who wants to talk with you shows up

>>1674554
You seem to be on your own for the moment. Which is great, since a protracted conversation about nothing would probably make you want to kill everyone in attendance. You just hope this mysterious person who more or less ordered your arrival here shows up soon. The quicker he (or she) tells you want they want, the sooner you can get out of this damn restrictive dress and ankle-killing heels.

So you make their job a little bit easier. You head over to one of the buffet tables and begin loading up a plate. You take your time so as if to seem like you’re deliberating whether to take the grox fillet or the caviar. In reality, you’re making sure those people looking around notice you at the table. After what’s probably just a tad much delay, you turn away with your fully-loaded plate and nearly run into someone.

“S-sorry!” you blurt out, saving your plate from flying into their chest. Then you look up at their face. A heavily scarred gentleman wearing a black hood and cloak stares back at you. He carries a cane that matches his ensemble, with the eagle of the aquila topping it.

“Lady Desoleum,” he says in a voice that exudes authority. “I am Inquisitor Ervig. And you and I are going to discuss exactly why your planet is now scheduled for Exterminatus.”

>Housekeeping next post

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So yeah, that should finish up everything I wanted to accomplish in session seven as a whole. Plus we get to end on a cliffhanger. Apologies for the wonky run times. I've got quite a full schedule so scheduling is a tad hard. As usual, I'll post when I'm running on Twitter. Next week will probably be late Wednesday followed by Thursday afternoon.

Hope you all enjoyed!

>>1674679
Awwwww shi- wait, that isn't actually our problem.
Who gives a fuck what happens to those losers, we're moving on to new pastures.

>>1674727
It's our problem when we lose our cover or get executed for incompetence though.

>>1674736
Ah, but a chaotic agent would logically try to prevent a freshly-turned world's extermination, right? So if we just give him the go-ahead and directions to where everything went down in the Hive, we look loyal and he scampers off to do his thing. By the time any of the evidence could potentially be traced back to us we'll be off this ship and hopefully halfway through killmaimburninating some other planet.

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>>1674761
Or he still catches on and we risk our protege. It's a bit of a risky gamble. May have been a bit safer to send nia as Lady Desoleum. Could have possibly even turned an inquisitor to chaos.

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>>1674993
>Could have possibly even turned an inquisitor to chaos.
I mean, that might still be on the table. We've done crazier things in the original KQ.

>>1675019
Fair enough. There was some pretty wild stuff done in the original KQ. So how are guards posted about the ship at the moment? Is there a heavier focus on the party, which could lead to an easier time for us to break into the gellar field generator? Is now the most viable time to take over as the big wigs would have to keep the party goers calm and not be as able to lead the troops? So many questions.

>>1675135
As far as you know, they probably have a constant guard on critical areas. But whether or not any shift in size or focus has occurred is unknown. Plus, you have to remember there's two gellar field generators. One up by the bridge, and one mid-decks. The lower one might be easier and more deadly to the crew if disabled, but still a challenge.

Just in case anyone's still watching this thread: We're taking a break this week as I only have the one day available to do updates. We'll pick right back up on the 27th around 3-4pm EDT