40k Cult Quest

[Dragonofelder]

Turn 4 - 753.M41
Cultist Numbers: 314 (418)
Total Votes: 30

Brethren Kelt Street Collectors
Low Numbers - 10% - 31
Roll: 1d100: 34 + 31 = 65
Average Upper Hive Income: 10 R (halved due to Drought) = 5 R
Amount Gathered: 5 x 65 = 325 R

Your street collectors have managed to gather a fair amount for their first outing. Although money is still tight, considering the Drought, there are many willing to give to a "good" cause.

325 r gathered, 25% (81) given to cult, rest kept by Brethren Kelt organization

Infiltrate Clippers
5 Votes - 47 Cultists - +4 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 88 + 10 (High Placed Clipper Insider) + 5 (Director of Public Outreach) + 1 (Upper Hive Menial Jobs) = 104

Your highly placed insider continues to knowingly give fruit, and what a harvest he offers this time. Officers with disciplinary issues, those known for taking more bribes than average, or passed over for promotion due to internal politics. Your cultists contact them, and using whatever means necessary draw them into your web of control. By now, you have a noticeable amount of influence over the law officers; yet more can be gained…

Gained Clipper Infiltration +3 (1/10)
Clipper Infiltration raised to Level 1

Pray to Chaos Undivided, for a way to interact with Annatar's Eye
4 Votes - 38 Cultists - +3 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 57 + 3 - 5 (Valsen) + 5 (Holy Consecration) = 60

Together in the Church of the Undivided Fourfold Path, your people pray, the first of such sessions to be done this year. This time their prayers are directed towards the greater whole of Chaos. They wish for some way to affect Annatar's Eye, for they have divined its nature as a gate between the realm of the gods and that of mortals. Can it aid them in their quest?

The answer is yes, it seems. As the last echoes fade away, nine members of the congregation are gripped by a shared vision. They see themselves and others performing a ritual that reaches out to the Eye and bid it open, allowing the power of Chaos to reach out in turn. Such a rite shall be costly, but it can be done

Gained Rite: Ritual of Awakening: strengthens Annatar's Eye, allowing it to open wider the next turn. Costs 999 R to perform
Gain 3 Undivided Devotion

Infiltrate PDF Logistics Corp
4 Votes - 38 Cultists - +3 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 81 + 3 + 5 (Director of Public Outreach) + 1 (Upper Hive Menial Jobs) = 90

A welcome change from the past two years, you have managed to begin infiltrating the PDF's logistics apparatus, and have made good progress. If you can subvert it, you could begin stealing some excess equipment. It'll also serve as a springboard for infiltrating the The Kindling Guard as a whole.

Gained PDF Logistics Corp Infiltration +2 (2/5)

Research folding paper figures with the marks of the Gods hidden within the folds.
3 Votes - 28 Cultists - +2 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 55 + 2 - 5 (Valsen) + 5 (Public Library) = 57

As this research begins, one of the cultists remarks they have heard of something similar. Ori.. Origani? Anyway, hampering this research is the fact that your cult's knowledge of the marks of the gods is limited. Although you used such to consecrate your church, such knowledge was instinctual, drawn from dreams. The researchers now must draw upon the same source, carefully testing each rune to see its effect. There will be both success and failures.

Discovered Research: God-Marked Origani (57/???)

Search for course/gym location
2 Votes - 19 Cultists - +1 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 41 + 1 + 10 (Previous Search) + 1 (Upper Hive Menial Jobs) = 53

This year you have better luck, finding an abandoned pump house, sealed away. The inside space is fairly large, and there is a mess of pipes and machinery that could be used as an assault course.

Choice of actions, see below

Pray to Tzeentch, for help in researching more advanced paper weapons.
2 Votes - 19 Cultists - +1 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 97 + 1 - 5 (Valsen) + 5 (Holy Consecration) = 98

To the Changer of Ways you pray, asking Him to arm you against your foes. The response is… apparently nothing, until your Head Researcher, Rosten Lowitzhs, finds notes detailing alternative designs for paper based weaponry, as well as knowledge on blessing such weapons with the Architect's power. Fascinating.

Discovered Research: Alternative Paper Weapons (49/???)
Discovered Research: Tzeentch-Blessed Paper Weapons (49/???)
Gain 3 Tzeentch Devotion

Pray to Khorne, for help in researching more advanced paper weapons.
2 Votes - 19 Cultists - +1 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 2 + 1 - 5 (Valsen) + 5 (Holy Consecration) = 3

To the Lord of Skulls you pray, asking Him to arm you against your foes. The response is… poor. As one, the praying cultists throw themselves upon one another, fists beating against flesh and teeth tearing into throats. When others attempt to intervene they are attacked as well. Finally however, the last one falls, as they attempt to stack their trophies. The blood, gore, and small pile of heads are quickly cleaned up, yet the sense of malice in the air cannot be so easily removed.

Prayer failed. Khorne is displeased
26 cultists lost
Lost 3 Khorne Devotion

Sacrifice a fellow cult member to craft candles from their remains for use in profane rituals and rites. If possible, attempt to find a willing volunteer: those who willingly give their flesh to the gods will no doubt find their sacrifice rewarded, after all.
2 Votes - 19 Cultists - +1 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 41 + 1 - 5 (Valsen) + 5 (Holy Consecration) = 47

The ceremony, almost canceled due to the… incident, still goes ahead. Out of a number of volunteers, one is picked, and they are ritually sacrificed by Valsen upon the Church's altar. Afterwards their body is taken away and rendered down, with the fat sloppily formed into candles. When lit, they give off a warm, invigorating light that reminds your cultists of what they feel within the church.

1 Cultist Sacrificed
Gained (1d4 + 1 =) 2 Profane Candles, a Unique Resource that can be used to give religious and esoteric actions +5. Choice of actions, see below.

Research Clipper Holdings - Spires (97/???)
1 Votes - 9 Cultists - +0 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 68 + 5 (Public Library) +2 (Rosten) = 75

The Clippers have a number of Watch-Houses, equipment depots and more within the Spires. Of more interest however is the Preccient Primus. Located close to the Spire of House Forstor, it includes high quality barracks for upper ranks, heavily secure holding cells, and The Nerve; the command center of all Clipper operations, from where Commissioner Raym Forstor can observe and direct his officers across the Hive. The technology involved is very interesting, and highly advanced.

Completed Research: Clipper Holdings - Spires (100/100)
Knowledge of Clipper bases with the Spire, as well as information about their command center.

Find out how things are with moneylenders.
1 Votes - 9 Cultists - +0 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 28 + 1 (Upper Hive Menial Jobs) - 5 (Snitch Law) + 5 (Brethren Kelt CEO) + 29

In a word? Bad. The Burning Bank, primary moneylender, is floundering. Interest rates are high, driven up by the cost of water. Indeed, ironically, the bank has begun accepting water as payment, and offers secure tanks to store it with. Sadly there is little opportunity here for you.

Research writing prayers to various Chaos Gods on paper knives, and see how it changes them
1 Votes - 9 Cultists - +0 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 4 - 5 (Valsen) + 5 (Public Library) = 4

Perhaps inspired by the notes on the Changer's Blessing, Rosten attempted to look into applying the blessing of other gods. It did not go well, with sheets of parchment bursting into multicolored flame, or twisting into wailing mouths that screeched or moaned. Somehow, no one died, but Rosten is furious. Perhaps unwisely, she was seen cursing the gods, aside from the Changer.

Research failed
Lost 1 Khorne Devotion
Lost 1 Nurgle Devotion
Lost 1 Slaanesh Devotion

Recruit Ogryns
1 Votes - 9 Cultists - 0 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 63 + 5 (Krok) = 68

It is much harder to proselyte Ogryns than standard humans. Not only are they dumber, slower to understand, and forgetful, they have a tendency to talk about things that should be secret. However with help from Krok, your cultists have found a system. Approaching Ogryns that are performing work, such as construction or shipping, they talk to them in simple terms that they can understand, explaining the basic tenets of The Human Ascension, which they begin to agree with. Slowly but surely, you spread the Truth.

+6d4 to next recruitment roll
Gain 3 Undivided Devotion

Infiltrate Redemptionists
1 Votes - 9 Cultists - +0 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 40 + 5 (Director of Public Outreach) - 5 (Underhive Distance) = 40

This is risky. Out of almost any group with Keltist, the Redemptionists might have the best chance of spotting what you truly are. Still, your cultists do what they can, finding those with connections to the group but are not actually devout members. They have yet to find opportunities to approach them however.

Failure to begin infiltration

Pray To Tzeentch, for help with researching the Aeldari files.
1 Votes - 9 Cultists - +0 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 80 + 1 - 5 (Valsen) + 5 (Holy Consecration) = 81

Some were concerned that calling upon one god so soon as another might have caused the… incident, but apparently in this case their fears were baseless. Rosten attended the prayer, and afterwards she claims she has a new understanding of the files. She has been blessed, it seems, with basic knowledge of the Aeldari language.

Rosten Lowitzhs gains Trait; Aeldari Language Primer - Gives +5 to studying Aeldari Files
+2 Tzeentch Devotion

Stealth Roll
Roll: 1d100: 5 + 40 (Observant) + 25 (Church Skippers) - 5 (Snitch Law) + 5 (Unseen Hand) = 70
There have been close calls this year. Too many. People wandering in the district of the Church of the Undivided Fourfold Path while prayers were ongoing. Those recruiting Ogryns almost overheard. A hundred little missteps, never quite allowing you to be caught. You must do better.

---

[] [Search] Use Pump House
With good space and a ready made assault course, it might not get better than this.
Gain Holding Pump House (0/3) (200 upkeep)
Comes with Basic Assault Course, allowing for basic cultist training

[] [Search] Use warehouse
Claim the warehouse you found last year instead
Gain Holding Small Warehouse (0/3) (100 upkeep)

[] [Search] Continue search
Continuing scouting for a location. There are some who think a continued search is a waste of resources however.
+20 to repeating action next turn. Next turn will be final time it can be performed
Warehouse and Pump House might not be available next turn

---

The Profane Candles can improve your prayers, but you have a limited number and so must use them sparingly. How will you use them?

[] [Candles] Use only on highest voted relevant action

[] [Candles] Use only on lowest voted relevant action

[] [Candles] Try and use on all relevant actions, using them up

[] [Candles] Do vote pre-results to decide which action uses them

---

Vote will begin shortly

It's hard to say how this update makes me feel. On the one hand, this is terrible. On the other, this is hilarious. I know how Boney feels now.

You have minus one Khorne Devotion. Honestly I never expected it to happen. I did have some ideas for when Devotion got unbalanced, but this is a whole other thing.

The next update will be an emergency meeting to deal with… this. This could literally reshape how your cult acts, how the quest goes forward.

Meanwhile.

Because Tzeentch is a bastard, you'll be getting your first Dark Boon from him soonish. Look forward to that, if you can think of anything interesting I might use it.

You have your first rite! They can be performed as turn actions, with the more cultists taking part giving a higher chance of success and greater effect. If you don't have the available resources, you can't perform the rite.

More choices to be made! I like the idea of the candles, if they got a higher roll I would have made them more impressive. As it is, you can now turn your cultists into +5 boosts. Well done.

Oh also your Head Researcher is going to start worshiping Tzeentch.

 

[Dragonofelder]

What does it feel like, for a God to turn Their attention away from you? It is an absence in a space you had never noticed before. It was the removal of a secret limb. It was the light of a sun, thought eternal and ceaselessly, to move away, leaving you a small amount colder.

Unwillingly or not, The Human Ascension has spurned the Blood God. They have not earned His ire (not yet, at least), but they must act quickly.

Valsen Stockhouse ruminated on this as she watched her cult descend into furious arguments. Many of them had gathered in the Church of the Undivided to discuss the sudden spiritual upset, but the debate had become heated quickly. No one, not even her, had prepared for an issue such as this. The very soul of the cult was under threat, and they could only squabble like children.

Many different ideas to regain the Lord of Murder's favour were put forward. Some suggested regular blood sports or sacrifice, but Valsen knew that a grander gesture was needed. Others speculated on attempting to balance out the gods' attentions by displeasing the other three, which Valsen knew would likely end badly.

Out of the corner of her eye, Valsen could see Rosten Lowitzhs, her Head Researcher. She was surrounded by a small group, quietly talking, and receiving nods in turn. Marc Eli, currently in the shadow of a pillar, had revealed to Valsen recently that Rosten had… altered her own beliefs, cleaving more closely to the Architect, instead of the Undivided Truth. The success of many actions in the Changer's name, including those that benefited her work, had led Rosten to devote herself to a single Lord. She had been rewarded already; even from across the room, Valsen could see how the researcher's ears had become slightly elongated.

The Unseen Hand had suggested this was the start of factionalism within the cult, with cultists beginning to venerate one of the Four above the others. As she already held a high position, and was clearly blessed by Him, Rosten was rallying behind those that followed the Deceiver. So far no one had begun to gather those faithful to Grandfather, or the Dark Prince, but as for the Lord of Skulls…

"It's a damn shame, that's what it is!" The cry came from the center of the other grouping in the room. Valsen knew their ringleader, as he'd once been in the running for her own position; Dreyfus Kindly. "We've been so busy setting up pointless businesses and researching cheap tricks, we've forgotten what this cult is about! Spreading the Truth to non-believers! Worshiping the glory of the Gods! And now one of Them, maybe the strongest, has turned away from us, for we have not given Him his due! I say enough is enough!" From his coat, Dreyfus pulled out a paper knife, and held it up, with many around him doing so as well. "I say we go into this god's-damned city, and spill some blood for the Blood God!"

"Or we can do something that won't bring down the hammer of Imperial authority onto us all." Everyone in the room had become focused on Dreyfus, but now they turned to Rosten. "You must admit, a God whose domains are primarily war and murder is not precisely conducive to the shroud of secret we operate. I'd like to suggest a method by which we can end this current problem, and prevent any future issues; we remove any trace of the Blood God from our worship."

There was silence at this. Even Valsen was stunned by the, the heresy of Rosten's idea. And yet…

"With a difficult to please deity gone, we can focus on those more deserving of faith," continued Rosten "as well as the Great Truth, of course. We would not be forced into violent acts, that would cut away at our numbers and our shield of secrecy. We would have more time and resources to work towards our ultimate goals. After all, she said, turning to look in Dreyfus' direction, "wouldn't it be better for our blood and sweat to be put to good use, instead of going to an unsatisfiable brute?"

The cult dissolved once more into furious arguments, Dreyfus yelling at Rosten who only smirked in response. Valsen sighed, and rubbed her head. Then she put her fingers to her lips and let off a shrill whistle, the kind that would travel for miles in the paper stacks. Everyone quickly fell silent. "If you are done squabbling like children," she said, "we need to come to an agreement on what is to be done. Those with plans, come forward and present them, so that the entire Cult may then vote.

---

Dreyfus has suggested the simplest, and the most likely to succeed option; a mass killing in the Blood God's name. The wanton slaughter will satisfy Him greatly, but will likely draw a great deal of attention.
[] Rampant Bloodbath
This action will be performed on the next turn

There is also the possibility of having a similar event, but only with volunteer cultists. Easier to control and manage, but likely to cost a great many lives.
[] Slaughterfest
This action will be performed on the next turn

Marc suggests a more covert alternative; a series of random murders, or abduction for ritual sacrifice. A greater amount killed will return more favor, but be harder to pull off unnoticed.
[] Red Harvest
This action will be performed on the next turn

Meanwhile Rosten's idea of severing the Cult's collection to Khorne is, while drastic, not without its merits. It may have a great deal of fallout, but you could also come out the other side far stronger
[] Banishing Blood
This action will occur immediately

However there there is space for other ideas to be brought forwards, as long as they will deal with the issue decisively.
[] write in
Please try and be realistic

---

Voting is now open, and will last for at least a day
You can only vote for one option

Remember this?

One character is actually an old part of the plan for this quest, but I'm not telling you who in case you cry "favouritism!"

Click to shrink...

Hello Dreyfus, I missed you.

This update is late due to quite a bit happening all at once in my life, as well as bloody writers block.

Thanks again to K von Carstein & Gabriel_TFA, who are my betas for this and the Hulk Ork Quest.

 

[Dragonofelder]

Current issues aside, the faith of The Human Ascension grows only stronger, and as it does the eye of the warp is drawn more towards Kelt. Success brings reward, or perhaps temptation fosters devotion? Either way, a new Undivided Boon is to be given unto the cult.

[] First Steps
At first, Valsen did not truly believe. The Cult was a means to her own ends. But the things she has seen, both real and in her dreams… it changes a woman.
(Valsen will no longer give -5 to all Piety or Esoteric actions)

[] Sacrifice of Wax
The cult's current method of producing Profane Candles is currently… ad hoc. Perhaps there is a better way?
(Gain Rite: Sacrifice of Wax: Produces a larger number of Profane candles then a standard action would give)

[] Through Knowledge Power
There is a great deal to learn and discover. And is this not another way to exalt the glory of the Truth, by unlocking its secrets?
(All research actions give an amount of Undivided Devotion, equal to its difficulty level)

[] Brass-clad Certainty
Even if the cult pools all their manpower, there is still a chance their attempt to mollify the Blood God will go badly, in one way or another. What if there was a way to… ensure a positive outcome?
(Slaughter Harvest action next turn will succeed, regardless of roll)

---

Vote Will Open Shortly

This one gave me a bit of trouble, but I think I made interesting options.

To explain "Brass-clad Certainty"; the action to regain Khorne's favor will be successful, getting you back the Devotion you need. But compared to the others it's a one time thing.

Update will probably be slower, as I now have a job! Well two technically. Anyway.

 

[Dragonofelder]

Merchandise To Sell: 4 units
Sold: 1d5 -1 = 0
No Merchandise Sold
Brethren Kelt Bank: 994r

Religion might have come to standstill during the year, but business has not. Now that Brethren Kelt actually has funds, and a source of income, it can finally begin its official purpose; alms for the poor, and literacy and spirituality outreach programs. Of course such actions can help the cult as well, it all depends on how far you wish to go.

First, and most simple, is the option to simply hand money directly to the poor. Vagrants and beggars are common enough, despite the Clippers' best efforts. Any amount can be handed out to the needy; as long as they remember who it was that gave to them.

[ ] [Give Money]
- [ ] write in how much
- [ ] write in what section of the hive (will default to Upper Hive)

You can also set up an outreach programme, although you're currently limited by the fact Brethren Kelt is based in the same church you perform your religious services in. Something to do next year, but you can still start the programmes now.

[ ] [Program] write in name and purpose
Suggest program ideas, I'll decide the upkeep cost, and we'll have a follow up vote to decide which/if any are enacted.

Meanwhile there is still a need to bring in more money. There are still the Street Collectors…
If no votes are given, it'll default to Low Numbers

[ ] [Street Collectors] Low Numbers
Just a small handful of collectors on the busier paths
Low income, little attention, 10% of available cultists

[ ] [Street Collectors] Medium Numbers
A couple dozen, scarred over a wide area
Medium income, more attention 25% of available cultists

[ ] [Street Collectors] High Numbers
Such numbers that are hard to miss, or avoid
High income, high attention 40% of available cultists

...and of course merchandise, even if none was bought this year...

[ ] [Merch Production] Write in amount of BK Merch units to produce
Merchandise costs 100r to make

…but CEO Holding believes you can aim higher. If you can get some wealthy backers, you can have a steady inflow of cash. There are a number of options, from the Noble Houses to business, even the gangers if you're feeling adventurous/risky.

[ ] [Backer] write in organization name
Highest three votes will be approached

And, of course, you can simply take money from the Cult's main bank. However you won't be able to put money directly back in, because that'll attract notice.

Current Cult Bank: 7256r

[ ] [Cult Funds] write in amount to transfer

---

Vote using the plan format please

Christmas Present! Well a bit late, but who cares.

If you want to check if something exists in Kelt, remember I'm open to questions.

 

[Dragonofelder]

"Schools Without Borders" shall certainly be a… pricy undertaking. You'll need locations, teachers and teaching material. Right now Brethren Kelt does not have the resources for a large enterprise; if they do not have enough to support a programme, it will be canceled, likely causing a negative response from those that benefit from it. Aside from yearly upkeep, you will also need to pay to set up the programme.

[ ] [SCB] Begin Schools Without Borders
500r Set Up Cost, 250r Upkeep
+3 to growing Influence in Lower Hive
Increased reputation within the Lower Hive workforce.

[ ] [SCB] Don't begin Schools Without Borders

---

CEO Boyce Holding, with aid from Unseen Hand Marc Eli, has located a likely backer. House Senistor was once quite a large house, although never a Major House. At some point, for reasons and by means unknown, their standing was crippled and now they rank among the lowest denizens of the Upper Spires; they only own 300,000 square miles within the Hive, tsk tsk. Fortune depleted, they still retain sizable funds.

Entreaties to House Senistor from Brethren Kelt have been well received, although it is unclear if the return message is indeed from House Patriarch Ilum himself, instead of a secretary or steward. Regardless, they offer a fairly standard deal. For a payment of 500 per year, Brethren Kelt shall openly declare that they are funded by House Senistor. Such an agreement might be expanded upon in the future as well.

[ ] [SENISTOR] Accept Deal
500r Income for Brethren Kelt
Links the charity to Minor House Senistor

[ ] [SENISTOR] Decline Deal

---

Happy New Year to you all!
I've realised I need to start a Reputation system, so look for that information post after the end of turn news.
Vote will start in a bit.
Quick Edit: I didn't mention the money you gave, the affect of that will be shown next BK post

 

[Dragonofelder]

100.752.M41
Seems like a number of high ranked adepts working for House Hyanstor were on someone else's payroll, and were passing information along. An attempt to capture them all at once failed, and now most of them have fled. Patriarch Glenen mal Hyanstor is furious, and is inflicting harsh background checks on his all current staff, as well as new hires.

Coincidentally, it's said House Hyarrstor has gained some new staff.

200.752.M41
One of your cultists that works in Inner Hive Shipping has reported something odd. A semi-regular stream of deliveries, from the Spires, passing down into the Underhive. She wasn't able to learn where the crates were from, where they were going, or indeed what they contained, but it's quite interesting nevertheless. It's well known the Houses try to influence the Underhive gangs, but a steady stream of resources is unusual.

300.752.M41
Apparently Hyarrstor's recent "hires" have started up a recruitment fever among the Minor Houses. They're searching out all kinds of talent; scribes, security forces, cooks, etc etc.

400.752.M41
The Redemtionists might be actively fighting the Buck-Horns and engaging in minor raids against the other beastmen tribes, but there is one group they are not fighting. Indeed, relationships between the corpse-worshippers and the Grey-Hands seem almost… cordial? Groups from the two have been seen passing on the street without incident. Sure, nasty looks are thrown, but for the Underhive that's practically kissing!

500.752.M41
News has filtered in about the nearby world that went dark last year. Well, some would call it "news", but the more likely word is "badly disguised propaganda". The world came under attack by a "minor flotilla" of heretics and traitors but they managed to "heroically hold out" until a sector fleet detachment was able to arrive, causing the invaders to "run like cowards". The fact that the world is currently off-limits for civilians, and that the sector fleet is now combing the system, aren't red flags, no siree.

600.752.M41
Likely caused by recent events, House Hyanstor have gone back on their decision to hire out more ogryns. This means they are a rarer sight, limiting the amount of time your cultists will be able to spend converting them.

Debuff for recruiting ogryns

700.752.M41
Well well well, someone is going up in the world. Your Clipper insider, the Commander's aide, has been promoted to their full time secretary. Now nearly everything the Clippers do passes through him. His increased workload means less bar trips, but he'll still have time to share interesting tales with his friends.

Highly Placed Clipper Insider modifier increases to +15 from +10

800.752.M41
The Under House is one of the more secretive gangs; it's not even known who runs them, if anyone, or where their primary base of operations is. What is known is their symbol; two triangles, one inside the other, the outer pointing up while the inner points down. It's a calling card often carved onto the foreheads or chests of those killed by the gangers, but what's remarkable this year is who have suffered this fate. Redemtionists, preachers, anyone connected to the Imperial Faith; all have been found, often brutally killed, branded with the symbol. The Under House has many mysteries, and this is just the newest.

900.752.M41
The Apostles of Moisture have been hard at work for the past three years, attempting to fix Kelt's struggling water system, and they seem to be getting somewhere. Their leader Apostle Thatchward has declared it shall take merely another three years for water levels to return to normal; two to fix the pumps and reservoirs, one for water levels to normalize across the Hive. As long as nothing catastrophic occurs, normality will return.

1000.752.M41
Something has… no, something is happening . The Clippers and Kindling guard have both pulled out of the Underhive, and are fortifying the entrances, turning the areas into killing fields. Other bases are also being prepared The Houses, Major and Minor, have sealed their dwellings up tight, security forces prepped. Perhaps most worrying of all? The Shrieking Spire, from where the majority of Kelt's astropaths send and receive messages from the wider Imperium, has gone into its highest lockdown mode. This includes, according to rumor, all the astropaths being placed into stasis fields. What is this?

Yearly Purge Report
The Kindling Guard suffered a large loss this year. One of their outer watchforts on the Magma Fields was destroyed. Earthquakes, apparently caused by a Lava Eel passing below, disturbed the island it was built upon so much it damn near split in half. A gap in the auspex net that tracks incoming threats is a big problem, but one the PDF seems too busy to fix…

 

[Dragonofelder]

+++ Thought For The Day: Hersey spreads like a disease, spreading between those that are close. It also must be cured like one; burned out! +++

Annatar's Eye: 45
Effect of Previous Year's Roll; 51

Well, you have an answer for what all the fuss was about. The Astropaths had detected a massive build up of warp energy in Annatar's Eye; apparently when the Eye seemed to be "resting" last year, it was, in some metaphorical way. All the activity towards the tail end of the year - the Underhive being evacuated of forces, the Astropaths being locked up - were all the standard procedure for such a situation.

However the danger seems to have passed. You're not sure of the specifics, but it's possible the energy dissolved harmlessly, or rippled out in a different direction to you. Once this was confirmed, everything went back to normal in Kelt fairly quickly. It's quite… disappointing really. If there had been truly a massive wave of warp energy, it's possible the cult might have been able to capitalize on it. But alas.

Upper Hive Recruitment
Recruitment Passive: 288 Cultists - 28d4+6 = 83
Church Holy Consecration Trait: 2d4 = 4
Water Supply: +20
Brethren Kelt: 2d4 = 4
Level Recruitment Total: 111

Lower Hive Recruitment
Schools Without Borders: 1d4 - 3
Level Recruitment Total: 3

Recruitment Total - 114

For the first time you've gained devotees that live & work within the Lower Hive. Growth here will be slower, as you are starting with fewer members than you did in the Upper Hive, but a slow start is still a start.

Cultists Unavailable: (Potential 60% =) 9% = 35 Cultists

The news that the drought may soon end has energized many citizens, members of your cult included. Despite their thirst, they are more available for the holy work.

Ogryn Recruitment
Recruitment Active (reduced by debuff): +3 - 3d4 - 10
Krok - 1d4 - 3
Recruitment Total - 5

The recruitment of ogryns has indeed been affected by House Hyanstor changing their hiring methods; your cultists have only been able to talk to half the numbers they did last year. Krok has also done his done his part, and has come forwards with a proposal: the cult should try and "liberate" one of his kind. Risky, but it'd allow you full time access to the muscles of an ogryn.

You can try and liberate/kidnap one or more of the converted Ogryns. The higher the number the higher the chance of failure

However. All this is inconsequential compared to the "main event" this year. Already preparations are underway for what has become known as Slaughter Harvest. It seems a large number of cultists shall be taking part, even those that don't openly praise the Bloodfather. It'll be… quite a drain on your numbers. But it shall be worth it. It must be.

Slaughter Harvest action needs at least one vote to happen, otherwise it automatically fails

Cult Details:
Numbers: 371 (406)
Status: Hidden
Cultists: Prepared for bloodshed
Devotion:
26 : -1 : 8 : 1 : 2 = 36

Resources
Bank - 7256
Income
Upper Hive - 1995
Lower Hive - 7
Water Deal - 1000
Total - 3002
Upkeep
Buildings - 525
New Bank - 9733
Profane Candles - 2

Spoiler: Active Modifers

-5 to Piety or Esoteric actions
+10 bonus to Clipper actions including Infiltrating
+1 to actions within the Upper Hive
-5 to general stealth rolls
-5 to diplomacy rolls, chance on failure the Clippers will be informed about you
Cultist Income cut in half
+5 to Historical Research
+5 to Alderi Cultural & Societal Research
+5 to actions involving Alderi biology
+5 to murder or assassinations, lessened chance of discovery
+2 to a Research action each time it is repeated
+5 to studying Aeldari Files
+5 to all infiltration actions
+5 to actions taken to conceal the cult and its activities
+5 to Diplomacy actions with other organizations
+10 bonus to Clipper actions including Infiltrating
+2 to Martial Actions

Actions
[ ] SLAUGHTER HARVEST
[ ] Recruit
- Write in what area of the Hive, or who you wish to focus on
[ ] Infiltrate*
- write in organization
[ ] Investigate*
- write in
[ ] Research*
- See Potential Research
- write in
You have a maximum of 3 Research Actions
[ ] Pray
- write in to who, or/and how
[ ] Perform Rite
- Ritual of Awakening (Costs 999)
[ ] Contact Group or Organization*
- write in who, in what way, and about what
[ ] Bribe
- write in who, for what reason
[ ] Hunt Rats
Receive money for hunting vermin
[ ] Liberate Ogryn
- Can do multiple at once. Remember, higher equals more risk
[ ] Train
[ ] Write in
(Write in suggestions; search for something or someone, try to find information, something more complicated, etc etc. I have finale veto on if they can be done)

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Voting will start in a few hours
Remember you only have one vote
Main voting for Brethren Kelt activities will be done later
Top 3 Research Actions will be performed, others will not be counted

If you want do a sub-vote, do it like this:
[/] Research*
-[/] The Aeldari Files
Actions with a star * next to them means you must specify through a sub-vote

Yes, I'm slightly salty over Annatar's Eye turning out to be a dud. Dammit birdface…

If the cult goes over 10000 resources, I'm considering enforcing some kind of penalty. Or might just rework the system, who knows.

Updates might be slower going forwards, but this is now my only active quest, so it might balance out. We'll see.

 

[Dragonofelder]

It has come up, during preparations, that there is no chosen place to hold the first part of the Slaughter Harvest to be held. To avoid drawing attention, it would be best for it to happen somewhere owned and controlled by the cult; but the options are sadly limited.

The Church of the Undivided Fourfold Path seems most logical, as this is undoubtedly a form of religious ceremony, and so the Bloodfather will be more likely to notice it. However the other three Gods may have the ability to affect the proceedings, as they likely would wish too.

By contrast the Pump House is both weaker and safer from an esoteric perspective, although there will certainly be some effect of baptizing the place you shall train your killers in blood. Should failure occur, however... the building may become unusable.

There is, however, a third option. The cult still knows of the forgotten archive hall where they held their first meeting. It is still abandoned, and could be utilized, but would have little merit to it, aside from being a disposable location.

What must also be considered is that the champion of the gladiatorial contest will go out, from the chosen location, to slaughter in His name until they themselves fall. They may, unwittingly, lay a trail that leads back to your door. Between the two, the Church is more remote, but it's loss would be greater. Especially if its true purpose is discovered. As for the others, as the archive hall is within a building controlled by the Administratum, it is the most likely to be found.

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Vote for the location SLAUGHTER HARVEST will be held at. These are the only three places.

[ ] Church of the Undivided Fourfold Path

[ ] Pump House/Gym

[ ] Archive Hall

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Voting is open, will end tomorrow

Thousand fecking apologies. This only occurred to me when I started writing the update.

 

[Dragonofelder]

Brethren Kelt Street Collectors (Upper Hive)
Low Numbers - 10% - 37
Roll: 1d100: 18 + 37 = 55
Average Upper Hive Income: 10 R (halved due to Drought) = 5
Amount Gathered: 5 x = 275

Attempt to honor Khorne on the day of the Slaughter Harvest through a symbolic offering of brass, blood, and broken teeth obtained from bloody brawls before the first part of the rite begins.
1 Vote - 12 Cultists - +1 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 72 + 1 + 1 (Upper Hive Menial Jobs) + 2 (Pump House Gym) = 76

Before The Slaughter Harvest even begins, a number of cultists are inspired to honor the Bloodfather, and go out into the Hive to collect items of religious significance. One searches through piles of scrap metal for brass. Another breaks into a private chirurgeon's theater to steal skull fragments. And a number intentionally begin bar brawls, collecting the broken teeth and bloodstained glasses that are inevitably created. These offerings and more are piled onto a makeshift altar in the Archive, and although the resulting shrine is basic and ugly, it is also… brutal.

+8 to The Slaughter Harvest
Gain 1 Khorne Devotion

SLAUGHTER HARVEST
7 Votes - 82 Cultists - +8 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 24 + 8 + 8 (HOLY NUMBER) + 8 (Offerings) + 5 (Profane Candles) - 5 (Valsen) + 1 (Upper Hive Menial Jobs) + 2 (Pump House Gym) = 51

In front of more than a hundred cultists, eighty volunteers step forward to fight in the Lord of Battle's name. It's noted that Dreyfus Kindly, the most outspoken of the Blood God's supporters, is not amongst them; but still he stands close by, eyes filled with cruel passion. He is the one to place the Profane Candle atop the simple altar, and lights it with a cig. No speeches are given, for that is not His way; only combat matters.

The first dozen or so rounds are… disappointing. Few of your cultists have martial skill or notable body strength, and fights are often drawn out affairs. Despite each combatant being given a paper knife, often they wildly swing at each other, giving slight cuts that weep blood. But, eventually, often through fatigue, death claims the loser. And the winner is steadfast as they remove the head, often with a new knife, and place it before the altar.

Slowly things improve. The weak are killed, as is right, and the strong survive to enter the ring once more. Some contestants stand out; a former Clipper who beats her foe until they are nearly unrecognizable. A junior medicae who uses their knife like a chirurgeon, severing arteries and tendons. An upper class ganger, who mocks his opponent as he grinds their face into the floor. And a meek-looking adept, who must be pulled off his opponent, hand still holding torn flesh.

Almost unnoticed, a sense of otherness creeps into the room. The spilled blood, left uncleaned, forms into strange shapes, showing twisted reflections and dancing flames. The flame of the Profane Candle turns crimson, as the pile of skulls grows and grows, a bloody pyramid.

The Ganger snaps the Clipper's neck, crowing about justice. The medicae's knife is yanked from his hand and jammed into his eye socket by the adept. Others are suffocated, bones broken, entrails pulled out and spread across the floor. They are whittled down, before the sightless eyes of those that lost, and finally only two remain. Two, in a circle of death, surrounded by corpses of those they proved lacking.

The ganger jams his knife into the adept's stomach, the second aimed for their side. But the adept, roaring so hard his voice breaks, pushes through the pain and barrels into them, fists striking all they can reach. The ganger gives no ground, pushing back as their knives attempt to land a killing strike, but a blow across the temple sends them to the floor, joining the other bodies in the blood and guts. The adept falls atop them, continuing their barrage with hands and feet, screaming all the while. And then he falls silent.

The ganger slowly, carefully, pushes the body aside, and rises to his feet. He speaks no words, as he pulls his blade from the adept's heart, and hacks at his neck. No words are said by those watching as he approaches the altar, dripping viscera, and places the head atop the four-sided pyramid, completing it. And no words are said as he turns, and walks away. Out the doors, and into the night.

That night all cultists dream of a plain of brass, of burning souls, of skulls piled into the sky.

That morning the news speaks of a vicious and maddened man that slaughtered eight, including Clippers, before finally being brought down.

Gain 2 Khorne Devotion
One Profane Candle used. One left

Research Legal Loopholes
5 Votes - 58 Cultists - +5 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 40 + 5 + 5 + 5 (Public Library) + 2 (Rosten) = 57

The Book of Judgement, the foundation of the Imperium's legal code, is not a single tome, instead being spread over many different texts and records. As the Book is nearly continually updated, there are numerous older editions to parse through as well. Given that there is also a localized version of the tome, utilized by the Clippers and continually undergoing a similar revising, your researchers could spend years at this task.

Gain Research progress: Legal Loopholes (83/???)

Recruit Disciples of Nourishment
2 Votes - 23 Cultists - +2 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 89 + 2 + 1 (Upper Hive Menial Jobs) + 5 (Director of Public Outreach) = 97

You already have some contact with the Disciples, as you trade water regularly, but now your cultists have begun searching out those in their ranks that are willing to accept the Truth. They must be careful, so that the disciples do not find their loyalties tested too much, but already they have had success.

+9d4 to next Upper Hive recruitment roll
Gained Disciples of Nourishment Infiltration +1 (1/5)

Recruit from the Lower Hive - Offer benefits for joining (as long as it doesn't overtax the cult's treasury)
2 Votes - 23 Cultists - +2 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 23 + 2 + 10 (Monetary Benefits) = 35

Your cult has limited reach outside of the Upper Hive, aside from the newly founded Schools Without Borders. To expand, you will need new members that live on those levels, and thus your recruiters have gone among the factory workers and low-ranking scribes. Success was limited at first; the Lower Hivers apparently have a natural suspicion of "Uppers" and their ideas; so your cultists turned to a basic human character: greed. Offering some monetary incentive allowed them to draw in the takers, and from them find those that can truly embrace the cult's teachings.

+3d4 to next Lower Hive recruitment roll
Spent 300 resources

Research Alternative Paper Weapons
2 Votes - 23 Cultists - +2 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 81 + 2 + 5 (Public Library) + 2 (Rosten) = 90

Your researchers have decided on two Paper Weapon designs. The first is simply a sword; a larger variation of the knife, it has more reach and power behind blows, but is much harder to conceal and dispose of. Next are darts, a ranged alternative. Although hard to master, a skilled user can throw them with only a flick of the wrist, making it easier to escape notice.

Your researchers had other, less feasible ideas, and will need dedicated projects to research them all.

Completed Research: Alternative Paper Weapons (100/100)
Paper Knives Equipment Buff replaced with Paper Weapons - +10 to murder or assassinations, lessened chance of discovery, & +5 to martial actions
+2 Undivided Devotion

Research God-Marked Origami
2 Votes - 23 Cultists - +2 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 4 + 2 + 5 (Public Library) - 5 (Valsen) + 2 (Rosten) = 8

While testing some likely symbols, a researcher had the "funny" idea of folding the test parchment into a paper flier and throwing it at another cultist. The item proceeded to slit their throat with its razor sharp wings before turning around under its own power and dive bombing its creator. Five cultists died, and more injured, before the flier was swatted out of the air by a heavy tome.

Rosten is pleased by the new line of inquiry.

Gained Research: God-Marked Origami (8/???)
Lost 5 Cultists

Train - While its current state isn't ideal, the Pump House still can act as the proposed Gym. Gather willing members and begin their basic training.
2 Votes - 23 Cultists - +2 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 88 + 2 + 2 (Pump House Gym) = 92

Once the bodies have been taken away to be disposed of, and the blood has been mostly cleaned up, the Pump House can start to fulfill its original purpose; as a Gym to train up cultists. A sizable group puts themselves forwards for the process, but few of them pass. Jogging around the building, performing the "assault course", brawling until they collapse. It's similar in some ways to the Slaughter Harvest, except that at the end you have some people still standing.

These few have proven them skilled enough to fight for the cult. So far they have no equipment above what other cultists can use, but if anywhere available they'd be trusted to use them. However your new Fighters have quit their day jobs so they are ready to fight at any time, and so are now dependent on the cult to provide money for them.

Gained (9d4 =) 19 Fighters, costing 19 standard cultists

Pray to The Prince
1 Vote - 12 Cultists - +1 Bonus
Roll: 1d100: 60 + 1 - 5 (Valsen) + 5 (Holy Consecration) = 61

Some might complain it's merely an excuse to have fun and enjoy themselves, but the cultists that held the, ahem, lively party within the Church argue that it's a valid way of worship. And that their detractors should take part so they can experience and understand it for themselves. Or, as one of them put it, "Don't knock it until you… knock it."

Gain 1 Slaanesh Devotion

Stealth Roll
Roll: 1d100: 85 + 40 (Observant) + 25 (Church Skippers) - 5 (Snitch Law) + 5 (Unseen Hand) - 10 (Murders) - 10 (Clippers Murders) = 100

There is quite a lot of noise after the deaths, mostly due to the fact Clippers always avenge their own, but nothing comes close to you.

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Hope you enjoyed the SLAUGHTER HARVEST, it was fun to do once I got into it. Which took a while.

When performing a Recruitment action on a Organisation, it also counts as infiltration. To keep it balanced the rewards are halved.

You'll notice I put the Offerings vote above the SH, mainly because it feeds into it. It was that, or have the SH at the bottom of the post.

Also; once this full turn is finished I'm going to take a (I hope) short break from the quest to rework some systems. I'm worried I've thrown in too many mechanics and it's losing its core aspect; a riot cult quest. But I'm not sure how to fix it.