I think the difference is that the Red Hunters offer their services to the Inquisition as a whole, much like how the Grey Knights are the Chamber Militant of the Ordo Malleus. A single Inquisitor having a whole Chapter at their beck and call is more concerning.
It's the same thing for most forces the inquisition can call on. If the Ordo Hereticus calls on a Order Minoris to act as their combat force, that's okay to most other factions. If Inquisitor Burnstab can pick up a vox and summon a whole order minoris to purge some people, that's more of a issue. Of course like everything in the Imperium the more powerful you are the more you can get away with, so Ordo Malleus Inquisitor Lord-General Tacticus Auerlis having the ability to summon a chapter of Astartes to do his bidding is likely much more palatable.
Lezo System, Aetelian Sector, Ultima Segmentum 743 M41
"Announcing Chapter Master Severus of the Mist Shrikes, and his Honor Guard."
As you and your men step into the throne room, the eyes of everyone falls onto you. Most of them look at you with faithful admiration, transhuman awe mixing in with the religious connotations that the Ecclesiarchy has attributed to Space Marines, distasteful as they might be. The room itself is extensively decorated, with so many paintings, banners, frescoes and mosaics that it is impossible to discern the material the wall is made of. Light comes into the room from a chandelier the size of a Rhino, hanging from the ceiling thanks to torso-thick chains.
"This seems like the kinda place Catilina would enjoy." Comments Lepidus through the vox link of his helmet.
Claudius snorts in response. "Would enjoy burning to the ground, maybe. He'd have a seizure at the sheer gaudiness of this place."
Alesios looks at them with a disapproval so intense it can almost be seen through his faceplate. "We´re in an audience with the Lord Sector, and you're gossiping about the decor. Your lack of solemnity is shameful."
"You should be grateful that they're saying it over the vox Julius." Chuckles Martellus as he adjusts the grip of his bolter. "They could be shouting it out of the rooftops knowing them."
"Who do you think I am Martellus? Logos?" You ignore your guard´s bickering as you walk towards the throne itself, the crowd of hanger-ons, supplicants, courtiers and servants flanking you at a respectful distance. It is as heavily decorated as the rest of the room, a seat of solid gold with encrusted rubies and amethysts. On it slouches a young man. And you've seen enough people with rejuvenant treatments to know that he's not taken one. Lord Cartagena is tall and lanky, with long brown hair bound in a ponytail. He smiles excitedly when he sees you, and as you take off your helmet he raises a golden goblet in salute.
"Greetings, greetings Chapter Master." He greets you in a jovial tone, his voice slurring slightly. "I hope that you're finding your stay in my sector to your liking, even if it is in that poisonous shithole." He chuckles at his own comment before taking a gulp from the goblet.
"Luctus is a fine planet Lord Cartagena." You state politely as he laughs and takes another gulp. You momentarily take your attention from that farce to study his advisors, who stand at the side of the throne. You ignore both the sickly looking PDF Marshall and the mass of blubber dressed as a priest, instead studying the other two figures. Both are women, but one of them is older looking, with cybernetic augmentations in the back of her head and dark rings underneath her eyes. The other one looks more youthful, clad in a black trenchcoat over a bodysuit, Steely gray eyes glare at you from the brim of a wide hat, an inquisitorial rosette stitched into the lapels of the coat. You briefly return the glare at who must be Inquisitor Mitsuhide. She may be safe for now, but none escape the Emperor's Judgment.
"I am glad for your visit, Chapter Master. You´re truly one of the Emperor´s Angels, saving me from the tedium of rulership." The room bursts into painfully fake laughter, which manages to be both sycophantic and somewhat mocking. "Leave us, I want to hear in private whichever of the great feats that the Chapter Master wants so share,"
As the room empties itself to obey their lord's command, the Inquisitor speaks up. "I would like to hear those tales, Lord Sector. It wouldn´t trouble you if I remain here?"
"My dear Lady Ayano, if you wish so, you can ask the Chapter Master himself later. Or I could tell you of them later, perhaps over dinner?" The question is accompanied by a leer at the Inquisitor chest. Mitsuhide's eyes flare in disgust and anger, even if none of it shows on her face. "I appreciate the offer, but that won´t be necessary. With your leave." She vacates the room with the others, the only people that remain in the room being you, the Lord Sector and your respective guards. You wait for a few seconds before speaking.
"It is not my business how you act in your court, but I would appreciate it if you spare me the theatrics."
A change passes over the young man. He stops slouching and the droopy expression in his face is replaced by one of intense focus as he studies you. "But of course Chapter Master." His tone lacks the previous slurring, now clear and strong. "If I may ask, what gave me away?"
"Your heartbeat, the smell of your breath and the small, unconscious movements you make." Also, you´ve killed plenty of drunken nobles during your service, but that is something that isn't appropriate to mention.. "But to the matter at hand, I wish for my chapter to work closely with the sector's leadership. Is there anything you need that the Mist Shrikes can assist you on?"
He laughs without mirth. "Plenty. My father and grandfather have made a mockery of our authority and prestige. Various planetary governors, guildmasters and nobles act as they wish, treating my decrees as suggestions and flaunting how much they disrespect me. And then there's that inquisitor, squatting in my palace and seeking to make me into a puppet. I don't have any requests for you right now, and my authority is limited. But rest assured that I´ll remember who my friends are. And my enemies." His tone is laced with anger and determination, and that's something you can respect. "If you may, remain here for a moment. It would be suspicious if you immediately left."
A reasonable enough request, especially since you´re already here. "I can do that."
"My thanks." His face shifts into a slightly embarrassed expression. "If it isn´t too much of a nuisance, I would appreciate hearing those tales."
You all laugh in response, and you spend the next hour telling him stories of your prior service, although all of them are twisted so that it appears you were previously in another chapter instead of the VIIIth Legion. Lord Cartagena, who insists you call him Blas, seems to enjoy them, even if he seems somewhat nauseous when you mention the fate of the ruler of Fertoa.
It is as you exit the throne room that someone approaches you. It is the woman with the head augments, moving hurriedly towards you until Numa and Garum intercept her, making her recoil slightly. "Chapter Master, if I could have a moment of your time?"
You raise a hand, and Numa and Garum let her approach. "And who you might be?"
"Adept Katerina Kalivnova, head of the Adeptus Administratum in the sector." Convenient, you were planning on contacting her for a meeting.
"A pleasure to meet you. What do you want to discuss?" She takes a deep breath before answering, words coming out of her mouth at a rapid pace.
"The Damocles Gulf Crusade has caused plenty of problems in the regular logistical lines of this sector. As such it is vital that the supply convoys and depots remain as protected as possible. I would ask you to protect some of this convoys and depots if you can."
"Damocles Gulf Crusade? Is that campaign everyone is preparing for?"
"Preparing for? My lord, it began a year ago." You were misinformed then. You´ll have to find more accurate sources, you may have contributed forces to it if you had known. On the other hand, you doubt your marines are ready for such a large scale deployment. "Anyhow, I would appreciate it if you take heed of my request."
"It is no trouble to do so Adept, I´ve already dispatched some of my forces to assist Lord Admiral Adherbal in dealing with the pirates harassing the supply lines." You see her smile at that, making her face look less exhausted than it was before.
"Then it seems I have another thing to thank you for Chapter Master?"
You blink at that. You don't remember having dealt with anybody in the Administratum since you founded the Chapter. "Another?"
"I helped in the survey of potential Astartes Homeworlds." She explains. "Luctus was the only one that didn't require us to change it´s tithe if it was selected. It would have taken us three years or so changing all the appropriate paperwork. Have a nice day Chapter Master."
"The same to you Adept." You chuckle as she leaves. Three years to update the paperwork. Hilarious.
It was a joke right?
-New contacts gained, Lord Blas Cartagena (Neutral), Adept Katerina Kalivnova (Neutral) and Inquisitor Ayano Mitsuhide (Suspect-)
-New contacts will occasionally grant new deployment options.
Luctus System, Aetelian Sector, Ultima Segmentum 744 M41
You host Numerian and Apollodorus in your office. You had tasked them with researching the Mechanicus presence in the sector and finding out what space marine chapters, if any, operate nearby.
"So, which topic do we breach first?" The two of them share a look before Numerian coughs into his hand.
"Let´s get the worst out of the way first. The two Forge-worlds in the sector hate each other." You sigh in response. Ten millennia have passed and the techpriest are as belligerent as they were back during the Legion days.
"Of course they do. How much and what for?"
"The beginning of the feud goes back to the Horus Heresy. Both Smilnay and Milan had blueprints for the manufacturing of Volkite weaponry. For that, they were both targeted by Iron Warriors battalions. While both managed to repel the Traitors, one of the worlds blueprints were destroyed during the fighting, and fearing the other rise in prominence, they tried stealing the other blueprints, but they were found out and those blueprints were also lost." Numerian eyes drift to the Volkite Serpenta at your hip. Fortunately, you and Karark Zel had foreseen inquiries about the weapons, explaining to those who ask that they were relics from our "previous chapter". You do take note that they can be of use when interacting with the Forge worlds. "Both worlds blame the other for the theft and loss of the blueprints, and that hatred has deepened with the passing of the millenia."
"As for how deep that hatred goes, we have an example of it in Luctus' past." Carries on Apollodorus. "Back when the planet joined the Imperium, both Forge Worlds sent expeditions to reclaim lost archeotech. Upon arrival they immediately started skirmishing against one another, and any Stalker guild or Refuge that traded with one was attacked by the other. In the end the locals had enough and lured packs of a creature called Flesh Grinders to both expeditions bases. They haven't launched another expedition since."
"Well have to be careful in our dealings with them." You conclude. "What about the nearby chapters? Are they also locked into a feud?" You hope they aren't. It is already infuriating that the Mechanicus is infighting, you´re not going to tolerate loyalists killing each other.
"Fortunately they aren´t, although we might have troubles with one." Answers Apollodorus. "There are two of them, both located on opposite borders. The first is the Blazing Wardens in the Cassoain Sector. A Salamander successor from the 20th Founding, based on Feudal World of Xdit. Respected and widely admired, they are currently rebuilding after a vicious campaign against a Death Guard Warband that left them with only two Companies. Their current Chapter Master, Guo Saetang, is the previous captain of the 9th."
That is unfortunate, but hopefully this position of weakness will make them more receptive towards working together. "We must be vigilant of threats coming for the Cassoain Sector then." Interjects Numerian grimly.
"I would not be so quick to write them off Paulos." You rebuke. "The sons of Vulkan are a resilient lot. What about the more problematic one?"
"That would be the Angels Crusader. A Dark Angels successor from the 16th Founding. They are fleet-based, and constantly patrol the Galilean and Luxeran Sectors. They have a reputation of belligerence and constant disagreements with both the Imperial Guard and other Space Marine chapters. However they have good ties with the Ecclesiarchy and are currently at full strength. What might cause us trouble is that the Aetelian Sector was part of their zone of operation since the Wind Watchers fell to Chaos."
"I don't see what the problem is." How can they be displeased by having less fronts to manage? It allows them to cover their dominions more effectively, and their forces would be at a closer distance to reinforce themselves.
"They might take it as an affront to their competence." Interjects Numerian. "We do find it unlikely that the situation will devolve in violence. Chapter Master Baldwin has a reputation as diplomatic, and he's been repairing the Chapter´s reputation amidst certain circles."
"That's good to hear. I will consult the rest of Chapter Command later about the Mechanicus situation, try to find more information in the meantime. Dismissed."
Your two officers nod their assent before leaving. When they do so, you rummage through your desk pulling out a small flask of gorionik za usta, a local spirit, before draining it in one go.
"WIth friends like this, who needs enemies?"
-New Options for meeting with the Chapter Masters of the neighboring Sectors.
-Revealed that any reputation gain with one Forgeworld will be accompanied by an equivalent reputation loss with the other, and Viceversa.
Luctus System, Aetelian Sector, Ultima Segmentum 745 M41
Karark Zel inspects the stalker bolter carefully. He disassembles it, using inbuilt zoom in his helmet to take note of the exact dimensions of each piece. He reassembles it again, with deliberate slowness so as to see how each piece fits against the others. Once he´s done, he reverently loads one bolt shell into the chamber, before aiming down the sight to the target in his workshop's range and firing. During the whole process he mutters prayers to the Machine-God with conscious articulation. Then he gives the gun to a nearby artificer and speaks.
"Disassemble all the pieces and throw it into the furnace to reuse the materials." The serf does as ordered. The prospective techmarine that constructed the weapon opens his mouth to protest, but the Master of the Forge whirls to look at the marine, facing him with a thunderous gaze. "Do not protest Ostia, that bolter manufacturing process was pitiful. The assembly of the trigger was improperly done, making it so that you would need 0.015 Newtons more of force to pull it and causing a delay of 0.2 seconds between pulling the trigger and the bolt releasing. The magazine and the feeding chamber didn´t fit perfectly, which increases the possibility of the gun jamming by 5% and the possibility of the magazine not detaching when needed by 7%. Also, the rifling is incorrectly patterned, which reduces effective range by 20 meters. This is not only unworthy of the Omnissiahs teachings, but a threat to the battle brother that will trust his life to this weapon in the heat of combat. Do it again and do it better."
Ostia, substantially admonished, retreats back into the workshop. With the last of his candidate´s pieces tested, the Master of the Forge of the Mist Shrikes returns to the assembly of a venerable Storm Raven, the displeasure he feels fading as he´s absorbed by the process of manufacturing. Hours pass in complete silence, with only the sound of tools echoing in the foundries.
When the work for the day is done, Karark Zel checks once more the work of his candidates. There are only a few of them that show inclination to the glorious worship of the Machine, but those few have the enthusiasm and dedication to the craft of the Omnissiah to make their lack of knowledge and skill more endearing than offensive. They remind him of himself back in his youth, when he was a young child in Nostramo, jury-rigging various gadgets and gizmos for the gangs, taking care of the machinery the same way the machinery took care of him.
He inspects the newly assembled stalker bolters, and to his satisfaction all of the guns are properly fabricated this time, including the one made by Ostia. He gathers the candidates, who stand at attention as they prepare themselves for following new commands.
"All the weapons have been fabricated to my satisfaction." He tells them with a slight smile and a nod, which the candidates return. "With this, you have demonstrated that you internalized all the lessons I have teached you. As such, you have all the basic knowledge required for receiving instruction in the secrets of the Machine back in Holy Mars." He stops briefly as the candidates cheer, allowing them that expression of joy before continuing "It will be a difficult and long process, but you´ll learn wonders and sacred knowledge, the will of the Machine God and the multiples ways they influence the universe. You´ll depart tomorrow, may the Omnissiah bless you as you begin the pursuit of Knowledge." The candidates depart, and Karark watches leave, hearing their excited chatter with a fond smile, fully confident that by the time he sees them again, they´ll be fully ordained Techmarines.
-2 Storm Ravens and 10 Stalker Bolters added to the Chapter´s Armory.
-Techmarine-candidates Ostia, Noricum, Capua, and Siracusa sent to Mars for training, will return at the beginning of Turn Five.
Luctus System, Aetelian Sector, Ultima Segmentum 746 M41
As Cato Utica and Domitian, Chief Victualler and Master of the Keep of the Mist Shirkes, gaze upon the training field below, they consider that perhaps they´ve made a mistake. It had all started when Chapter Master Severus tasked Domitian with supervising the training of the Chapter´s Serfs. The first part had been easy enough, as he had the assistance of Cato in order to select the divide the serfs in training groups, so that the instruction would not impact the correct functioning of the Fortress Monastery. However, both of them lacked experience in instruction, so they consulted with the Master of Recruits, who told them that he had some ideas to solve their issue.
That solution involved pitting the various training groups against detachments from Space Marine companies in simulated warfare. Which had resulted in the Medicae being filled to the brim with injured serfs.
"We need to speak to Kuthil." Urges Cato as the current training bout concludes, medicae carrying a group of injured serfs to the Apothecarium, some of them in stretches. "This is pointless and harmful."
Domitian caresses his chin in thought. "I agree. We can´t keep the Fortress running if have the serfs are recovering from injuries."
Their decision made, they descend to the training field, finding Kuthil sharing his advice to the Marines that just finished the instruction. "2-2, you advanced without waiting for the other squads to suppress the enemy. If their return fire had been more accurate they would have cut you to shreds. Pugius, it does not matter if they are "just mortals", stop overcommitting with your swings. 2-9 and 2-10, carrying heavy weaponry means exercising caution when firing, you risked friendly fire by firing on enemies already engaged with your fellow marines.." He sees then the other two officers approaching. "I will continue this later, dismissed." The marines of 2nd Company leave and the Master of Recruits turns slightly to face them. "Domitian, Utica. What do you need?" His tone is polite, but he does seem slightly annoyed at the interruption.
The two officers hesitate briefly. "We want you to reconsider how you are training the Serfs." Starts Domitian.
Myrok raises an eyebrow. "Why?"
"A quarter of the Serfs are wounded!" Raises his voice Utica. "What purpose those it serve to routinely injure them in training? What can they learn injured in a stretcher, when they´re outclassed so greatly?"
Myrok faces Utica with an indifferent look. "What kind of foes do you think will they face?"
"Excuse me?"
"What kind of foes do you think they will face?" Asks the Master of Recruits again. He then moves his hand at their surrounding, as if showing them."This is a fortress monastery, surrounded by poisonous gas that can kill a mortal in minutes. If an enemy manages to breach inside, and we need to repel them, that enemy WILL outclassed them, and if they are not trained to face adversaries beyond them they WILL perish. Whatever tribulation they may suffer now serves them to avoid death in real combat. It also allows our Marines to improve their skills at the same time." As he speaks, he fixes the Chief Victualler with a glare, which unsettles the Marine somewhat. "So, in the same manner I don´t tell you how to manage your responsibilities, I would kindly ask that you don´t come at me criticizing me in matters that you know nothing off, especially when you were the ones that asked for my assistance."
Domitian and Cato had never heard the Master of Recruits speak for so long. Surprised as they are, they do nothing to stop the veteran from turning away from them and leaving.
"He has a point there, Cato." Comments Domitian.
Utica sighs in response. "I know, even if I don´t like it."
Training Weapon Skill Roll 6d50= 34, 7, 6, 12, 43, 43, 25, 28=185. 185+190=375. Weapon skill 3 75/400
Training Ballistic Skill Roll 6d50= 27, 19, 7, 43, 16, 22, 7, 5=123/300
-Chapter Serfs training goes from None to Green.
-Average Weapon Skill Raised to 3
Luctus System, Aetelian Sector, Ultima Segmentum 747 M41
"Soran, record. Time of death; 25:34 luctusian time. Cause; Systemic organ failure due to rejection of the Black Carapace." Valzadai washes his hands in a nearby basin as a servitor carries away the body of the neophyte. Rejection didn´t usually happen at this stage, but it was within the realm of possibility.
It was also one of the few casualties of the implantation process, most of the neophytes had survived, which he attributed to the physical capabilities of the subjects and their compatibility with their geneseed.
"Soran, help Anodynon with the implantation of the secondary heart on the new Neophytes." Soran nodded and left to carry out his instructions. Valzadai watches him leave, unwilling to turn his back on him. Then he turns towards a nearby cogitator, which displays a cellular analysis of their current geneseed. It seems alright at a first glance, but he notices that the progenoids implanted in one of the failed neophytes has a small, discolored area. He hopes is an aberrant mutation, but he suspects it could be a variety of other things, sabotage being the foremost in his mind.
The door opens once more, and it is an automatic reflex of the Chief Apothecary to point a gun at it. Galen, who was standing in at the door, takes in stride, barely reacting at the bolt pistol aiming at him.
"Sir, you told me to call you when Diocles began the implantation of the second heart on the priority subject?"
Valzadai narrows his eyes. "I did. Let's go then" He keeps Galen before him as they both walk towards one of the surgery rooms. Once there, they both move towards an observation suit. In the operating room proper stands Diocles preparing the tools needed for the surgery. Some would balk at letting trainees operate on neophytes, but he considers that the best method for training is practical experience. Besides, his teaching method is downright gentle, at least in comparison to the one he was subjected to as a trainee.
The crop of aspirants have been more plentiful that in the last 5 years, but the one Diocles was about to operate concerns him, for it is a psyker. It was part of the reason why he wasn´t performing the operation himself. Back in the legion, another apothecary had botched a surgery on a psyker, and what remained of him after could be stored on a bolt casing. As such he waits with bated breath and a drawn pistol until Diocles concludes the surgery. With the first step successful, it is now Severus' responsibility to determine what to do with the Witch.
-25 Nowalijki Marines join the Chapter
-Gain 49 Neophytes.
-Gain 1 Psyker Neophyte.
-Your geneseed is pure, although there is an anomaly in a failed neophyte.
-Apothecaries in training become full Apothecaries.
Choose Training Option for Psyker Neophyte:
-[] Ask Inquisitor Harker. (Training is done by an Inquisitorial Psyker, Neophyte might be more loyal to Harker than to the Chapter)
-[] Ask Deathwatch. (Training is done by a Deathwatch Librarian, will owe a Major Favor to the Deathwatch)
-[] Ask the Schola Psychana. (Training is done by a Psychana instructor, worst instruction available.) -[] Ask another Chapter. (Training is done by the other Chapter´s Chief Librarian , will owe a Major Favor to the other Chapter.)
-[] Delay decision for the next turn (10% chance that an accident happens.
Ah our first Psyker...hmm I feel like the most fitting option is to chose the Deathwatch, yeah we'll need to probably send some folks to them or aid them in a Xeno mission, but it is getting a strong Psyker Space Marine to teach the first one of ours.
What will happen to future Psyker Neophytes? Autopick same option, vote again, learn from the first one? I don't want to owe a Major Favor per psyker.
Inquisitor Harker is my favored choice, loyalty to Harker feels like a minor issue when we need to stay on Harker's good side to get political cover for this whole chapter.
We might need to send some of the older competent ones there (alongside some young ones) but for tutoring with some of the best marines in the galaxy? Worth it. Also, it'll help build relationships with other Chapters.
[X] Ask Inquisitor Harker. (Training is done by an Inquisitorial Psyker, Neophyte might be more loyal to Harker than to the Chapter)
We're already bound to the man due to our heritage.
Giving him a possibly loyal marine is a lesser issue when the entire chapter needs to obey him anyway.
I will not tolerate some half-cocked training for someone who could open a Warp Rift right within our Monastery. Fine, we'll take the debt, but it would also improve our standing with the Deathwatch.
Also, classic Dark Angel Grand Company (not Chapter, I don't care what heraldry they bore, the First Legion will remain a Legion), too prideful to admit for their mistake. And we're (Night Lords, kek) gonna clean their mess for them.
Honestly being on the deathwatch's goodside is probably a good idea, the debt shouldn't be too bad since deathwatch is all about murdering aliens good and proper with very little stuff in between.
Imagine the possible Deathwatch commentaries of their new cousin.
Ultramarine: "Do you ever think that our new recruit is rather..." Iron Hand: "Eccentric?" Ultramarine: "Excitable. You'd think he'd be a Minotaur with how bloody he'd cut his targets." Iron Hand: "Or a Blood Angel." Blood Angel: "Hey, I on the other hand, feel rather proud at his gusto. Isn't that right, my Raven Guard friend?" Raven Guard: "... yes, the epitome of loyalty." Ultramarine: "... you think he'll ever come around his suspicion?" Iron Hand: "Eh, give it a few decades."
Inquisitor Harker is my favored choice, loyalty to Harker feels like a minor issue when we need to stay on Harker's good side to get political cover for this whole chapter.
Most Inquisitors inevitably turn Radical or Monodominant. Considering he is already working with Night Lords Astartes we can safely assume Harker a Radical. He doesn´t seem like an Istvaanian, Phaeronite or other stupid evil Radical flavour, but with Inquisitors you never know. It wouldn´t be the greatest 40k plot twist that Mitsuhide was kinda justified in what she was doing and that Harker is secretly a traitor. Or subverted by mindshackle scarabs. Or, or, or...
Whereas getting a good connection to the Death Watch is something we absolutely want to have. Because the knowledge and tactics our brothers will learn there will make them prime officer material. Just be careful with the little traitor gene-seed secret... [X] Ask Deathwatch
Still not sure if our Chief Apothecary is just overly paranoid or if he is overly paranoid and correct in his suspicions of sabotage.
And we fuckin´called it on the political problems of the Forge Worlds.
If you have friends like these, indeed Severus.
If we get a large enogh pool of Librarians, we should be able to train them ourselves, right?
And what do we do with psykers amongst our serfs and planetary population? I imagine all boys get recruited regardless of survival trials, possible Librarians are too valuable. But men, girls, women? Eventually trained as our Astropaths by us, the Black Ships or the "traditional" solution of witches and pyre? I can´t imagine our inquisitorial minders being terribly happy with us training our own psykers.
