You are a heretic!
A Traitor's Tale - An Imperial Navy Renegade Quest
- Thread starter MattTheRadarTech
- Start date
- Sci-Fi
- Pronouns
- Reader
"Commander Mord Fonus I have located a dissenter. Would perfer him disembowled, vented into space, or restrained and sent to the brig?"
Listens to his Commanders orders
"I am not sure that is anatomically possible, but I shall find out immediately!"
[X] [Movement] "... North."
[X] [Fleet] Field Repairs
[X] [Fleet] Build Network
Chaos corruption is a big concern, I don't want to tempt it.
@MattTheRadarTech I assume some priests sided with us, are any notable? We need to spin up a conducive version of the creed to support us.
Also how many navigators/Astropaths do we have?
[X] [Fleet] Field Repairs
[X] [Fleet] Build Network
Chaos corruption is a big concern, I don't want to tempt it.
@MattTheRadarTech I assume some priests sided with us, are any notable? We need to spin up a conducive version of the creed to support us.
Also how many navigators/Astropaths do we have?
[X] [Movement] "... East."
[X] [Fleet] Field Repair
[X] [Fleet] Build Network
[X] [Fleet] Field Repair
[X] [Fleet] Build Network
For the first, yeah some priests have added with the Commodore, but obviously most didn't and will play a part in upcoming chapters. And I'm glad you've picked up on the religious side of things, it'll play a big part in this
For Astropaths? Most are on side, I'm not super sure how many a ship has so I'll get back to you on that one. Navigators are all on side, again not sure how many exactly I'll get back to you
thanks! In my mind these are a critical strategic resource that allow rapid strategic operations. Unfortunately I doubt that is enough navigators to form a house so finding a rogue one is a high long term priority in my mind.
- Pronouns
- He
[X] [Movement] "... North."
[X] [Fleet] Field Repairs
[X] [Fleet] Build Network
[X] [Fleet] Field Repairs
[X] [Fleet] Build Network
ConfusedCanuck
Where did it all go wrong?
- Location
- Neverland
[X] [Movement] "... North."
[X] [Fleet] Field Repairs
[X] [Fleet] Build Network
[X] [Fleet] Field Repairs
[X] [Fleet] Build Network
[X] [Movement] "... East."
[X] [Fleet] Field Repairs
[X] [Fleet] Quash Dissent
Heck yeah warp storm fun times here we goooooo
[X] [Fleet] Field Repairs
[X] [Fleet] Quash Dissent
Heck yeah warp storm fun times here we goooooo
You say that like it's a bad thing
[x] [Movement] "... North."
[x] [Fleet] Field Repairs
[x] [Fleet] Build Network
[x] [Fleet] Field Repairs
[x] [Fleet] Build Network
I've updated the post right after the chapter to include some important information about the various characters
- Pronouns
- Reader
Lol. Love the idea that this captain joined because they were tired of working for an empire that didn't care whether there baby got destroyed for no good reason.
I sense Dessent of religious nature on the valorous. We must Quash it now, before it can leverage the crews faith against us.
- Location
- New York
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] [Movement] "... East."
[X] [Fleet] Field Repair
[X] [Fleet] Quash Dissent
[X] [Fleet] Field Repair
[X] [Fleet] Quash Dissent
- Location
- va
[X] [Movement] "... North."
[X] [Fleet] Field Repairs
[X] [Fleet] Build Network
[X] [Fleet] Field Repairs
[X] [Fleet] Build Network
Chapter 3 - Just Business
With a flash, the Valorous crashes out of the warp and into realspace at the edge of the system. Across the ship, shutters are lowered, the gellar field powers down and the realspace engines flare to life.
"Status report?"
"All clear commodore, no damage taken during the translation from the warp."
Several weeks have passed since they began their journey, and finally their destination has been reached: Magdedon Nine, traitor world and main port of call for renegades and pirates in the region. The journey was easier than expected; the warp is unusually calm, and fears that the God-Emperor would cast their ship adrift for their sins have proven themselves to be unfounded. The purpose of the visit is primarily to rearm and repair their ships but there is also the ever-present need for information and resources.
"Signal the Rapier and the Gloria, have them wait in the asteroid belt and run silent. I don't want our true strength being revealed sooner than it needs to be. Take us into high orbit and signal the defence fleet. We don't want them firing on us or mistaking us for loyalists. Oh, and also request an audience with the governor. We have a lot to discuss."
"Aye, commodore."
After a brief exchange with the admiral of the defence fleet, the Valorous settles in high orbit, powering down some of the secondary functions to save on power while maintaining readiness, just in case they outstay their welcome. Renegades are not known for respecting the various uneasy truces between groups.
------------------
[Description part]
The landing craft slices through the dense clouds of the gas giant's upper atmosphere, the pale green fog billowing around the wings and glowing in the exhaust. Looming ahead of them, silhouetted by the rising sun, is the capital city: Sanctis. As with all the cities on Magdedon, Sanctis sits comfortably in the atmosphere, kept aloft by arcane technology from before the dark ages, technology nobody alive today can even comprehend, let alone understand.
The Valkyrie, on loan from one of the regiments, touches down on a launch pad reserved for incoming dignitaries and is quickly met by an honour guard from the governor. The lead guard, dressed in the purple livery the planet's soldiers are known for motions for the group to half at the bottom of the ramp.
"Welcome to Sanctis, do you have any Tech-Priests aboard?"
"What?"
"Tech-Priests. Do you have any aboard? None of the cult mechanicus may set foot on this world, by the ancient decree."
"Uh no. No Tech-Priests here."
"Very well, please follow me."
They are escorted to the throne room, with a large, domed ceiling and surprisingly plain walls. Uncharacteristically plain in fact, especially for a rogue governor of such a rich world. As for the governor himself, it definitely fits the caricature of the corrupt governor. A bloated, layered creature more akin to an obese ogryn than any standard human, its lower half concealed by flowing robes with enough fabric to clothe an entire hab-block. Upon seeing the group, it smiles a wide and unsettling grin, wider than one would think possible. If K'Von is horrified, one would not think it from his face. For a man like him, this is nothing. What is horrifying, is the voice that emerges from that gaping maw. Oily, too nasal and deep for human vocal cords and with a quality that can only be described as 'indulgent'. This does give K'Von pause, but only for a moment.
"Greetings Commodore, we have been long wondering where you would go after hearing of your… self-liberation…"
"You know of me already? Grand. That'll make things much easier. Then I'm sure you also know why I am here?" The Commodore opens with the typical bluster and arrogant push that's worked so well for him so far.
"Yes, we have heard of you. The rumours hold true, you are definitely arrogant and presumptuous to walk in here and talk the way you do. Most men would not dare."
"I think you will find that I am not like most men."
"Indeed, speak your business. What is it you want?"
"A request? You misunderstand. It is not what I want that should interest you, rather it is what I can offer you. I've seen your fleet, it is mighty indeed but it is stretched thin. You do not have enough ships to defend your holdings and gather off-world resources simultaneously. That is where I come in. I have three ships under my command, more than capable of mounting expeditions in your name. I have the ships, and I am certain you have the information."
"Information?
"Yes, information. No doubt you have informants on the inside, likely rather high up in the crusade hierarchy. How else would this world be overlooked by the crusade? You are not small or unimportant enough to have evaded detection. No, the only explanation is that there are rats in the crusade. And you are pulling all the right strings."
"You are most astute, Commodore. Let us assume for a moment that what you say is correct, and we do have knowledge of supply routes and schedules. What do we gain from giving you said information?"
"I'm a generous man who knows how to reward his friends. Forty percent of the cut."
Loud, pearly laughter reverberates around the hall, in direct contrast to the creature's appearance, the governor's layers shaking like an earthquake.
"Forty percent? How generous of you," it continues laughing mockingly. "How gracious of you to offer us such a generous share of resources you would not even possess without our information."
"Don't try to bluff your way out of this," he points directly at the thing looking down to him, "this is the best deal you'll be getting from anyone. If you could act on this information alone you wouldn't even be having this conversation with me. This is a mutual deal."
He pauses for moment of loaded silence before he continues.
"But I am not a stubborn man. I'm willing to take the forty percent cut for myself and leave you the rest under only two conditions. The first is simple: any ships or crews captured will be my property and my business."
"And the second condition?"
"This information will be exclusive to me and me alone. I'm not interested in fighting others for my prize."
"Very well… but we have a request of our own. You must leave behind one of your ships. I am no fool. I know you have hidden strength, ships beyond the one docked in orbit. One must be left here on Magdedon to ensure that you do not take this information and flee. Collateral, if you will. I will let you decide which one."
"You think I would do such a thing? Have a little faith, governor."
"We will not budge on this issue. Whichever ship you choose will be resupplied and repaired free of charge, and the crew offered every available luxury."
"Well then that's a demand, not a request is it not? Doesn't sound like I have much of a choice. Very well governor."
[ ] "The Valorous will remain here. Let the escorts have their fun."
[ ] "One of the escorts will remain behind, we need as much firepower as possible."
"Excellent. Then it is a deal. We will transmit the location and timing for the first target to your ship. A word of warning Commodore, we do not tolerate failure here. Do not return empty-handed."
"Have a little faith governor, I've never failed because of my own faults before and I don't intend to start now."
"Faith. You speak of that a lot. But I wonder, what faith do you hold? Do you praise the Burned God? Speak freely, there is no persecution on religious grounds here."
"The Burned God?"
"Yes, the Burned God. The Entombed One. The God-Emperor, may his eternal gaze watch over us."
"Ah. That God."
[ ] "I do. I serve the Master of Mankind in my own way, even if I have diverged from his Imperium."
[ ] "I find myself leaning towards the teachings of the Mechanicus, there is some truth in their words."
[ ] "The Emperor? He is a god but he is not mine. There are…. other gods. Gods the Imperium doesn't wish us to know of, lest we see the truth."
[ ] "There are no gods, only warp anomalies given some semblance of sentience."
"I will take my leave now. I have a hunt to attend to."
With that, he turns and leaves.
"Pleasure doing business with you."
---------------
Well there's the next chapter. Not my best work and definitely not on time but its better than nothing I guess, I'm not a fan of writing dialogue so apologies if it came across a bit wooden.
"Status report?"
"All clear commodore, no damage taken during the translation from the warp."
Several weeks have passed since they began their journey, and finally their destination has been reached: Magdedon Nine, traitor world and main port of call for renegades and pirates in the region. The journey was easier than expected; the warp is unusually calm, and fears that the God-Emperor would cast their ship adrift for their sins have proven themselves to be unfounded. The purpose of the visit is primarily to rearm and repair their ships but there is also the ever-present need for information and resources.
"Signal the Rapier and the Gloria, have them wait in the asteroid belt and run silent. I don't want our true strength being revealed sooner than it needs to be. Take us into high orbit and signal the defence fleet. We don't want them firing on us or mistaking us for loyalists. Oh, and also request an audience with the governor. We have a lot to discuss."
"Aye, commodore."
After a brief exchange with the admiral of the defence fleet, the Valorous settles in high orbit, powering down some of the secondary functions to save on power while maintaining readiness, just in case they outstay their welcome. Renegades are not known for respecting the various uneasy truces between groups.
------------------
[Description part]
The landing craft slices through the dense clouds of the gas giant's upper atmosphere, the pale green fog billowing around the wings and glowing in the exhaust. Looming ahead of them, silhouetted by the rising sun, is the capital city: Sanctis. As with all the cities on Magdedon, Sanctis sits comfortably in the atmosphere, kept aloft by arcane technology from before the dark ages, technology nobody alive today can even comprehend, let alone understand.
The Valkyrie, on loan from one of the regiments, touches down on a launch pad reserved for incoming dignitaries and is quickly met by an honour guard from the governor. The lead guard, dressed in the purple livery the planet's soldiers are known for motions for the group to half at the bottom of the ramp.
"Welcome to Sanctis, do you have any Tech-Priests aboard?"
"What?"
"Tech-Priests. Do you have any aboard? None of the cult mechanicus may set foot on this world, by the ancient decree."
"Uh no. No Tech-Priests here."
"Very well, please follow me."
They are escorted to the throne room, with a large, domed ceiling and surprisingly plain walls. Uncharacteristically plain in fact, especially for a rogue governor of such a rich world. As for the governor himself, it definitely fits the caricature of the corrupt governor. A bloated, layered creature more akin to an obese ogryn than any standard human, its lower half concealed by flowing robes with enough fabric to clothe an entire hab-block. Upon seeing the group, it smiles a wide and unsettling grin, wider than one would think possible. If K'Von is horrified, one would not think it from his face. For a man like him, this is nothing. What is horrifying, is the voice that emerges from that gaping maw. Oily, too nasal and deep for human vocal cords and with a quality that can only be described as 'indulgent'. This does give K'Von pause, but only for a moment.
"Greetings Commodore, we have been long wondering where you would go after hearing of your… self-liberation…"
"You know of me already? Grand. That'll make things much easier. Then I'm sure you also know why I am here?" The Commodore opens with the typical bluster and arrogant push that's worked so well for him so far.
"Yes, we have heard of you. The rumours hold true, you are definitely arrogant and presumptuous to walk in here and talk the way you do. Most men would not dare."
"I think you will find that I am not like most men."
"Indeed, speak your business. What is it you want?"
"A request? You misunderstand. It is not what I want that should interest you, rather it is what I can offer you. I've seen your fleet, it is mighty indeed but it is stretched thin. You do not have enough ships to defend your holdings and gather off-world resources simultaneously. That is where I come in. I have three ships under my command, more than capable of mounting expeditions in your name. I have the ships, and I am certain you have the information."
"Information?
"Yes, information. No doubt you have informants on the inside, likely rather high up in the crusade hierarchy. How else would this world be overlooked by the crusade? You are not small or unimportant enough to have evaded detection. No, the only explanation is that there are rats in the crusade. And you are pulling all the right strings."
"You are most astute, Commodore. Let us assume for a moment that what you say is correct, and we do have knowledge of supply routes and schedules. What do we gain from giving you said information?"
"I'm a generous man who knows how to reward his friends. Forty percent of the cut."
Loud, pearly laughter reverberates around the hall, in direct contrast to the creature's appearance, the governor's layers shaking like an earthquake.
"Forty percent? How generous of you," it continues laughing mockingly. "How gracious of you to offer us such a generous share of resources you would not even possess without our information."
"Don't try to bluff your way out of this," he points directly at the thing looking down to him, "this is the best deal you'll be getting from anyone. If you could act on this information alone you wouldn't even be having this conversation with me. This is a mutual deal."
He pauses for moment of loaded silence before he continues.
"But I am not a stubborn man. I'm willing to take the forty percent cut for myself and leave you the rest under only two conditions. The first is simple: any ships or crews captured will be my property and my business."
"And the second condition?"
"This information will be exclusive to me and me alone. I'm not interested in fighting others for my prize."
"Very well… but we have a request of our own. You must leave behind one of your ships. I am no fool. I know you have hidden strength, ships beyond the one docked in orbit. One must be left here on Magdedon to ensure that you do not take this information and flee. Collateral, if you will. I will let you decide which one."
"You think I would do such a thing? Have a little faith, governor."
"We will not budge on this issue. Whichever ship you choose will be resupplied and repaired free of charge, and the crew offered every available luxury."
"Well then that's a demand, not a request is it not? Doesn't sound like I have much of a choice. Very well governor."
[ ] "The Valorous will remain here. Let the escorts have their fun."
[ ] "One of the escorts will remain behind, we need as much firepower as possible."
"Excellent. Then it is a deal. We will transmit the location and timing for the first target to your ship. A word of warning Commodore, we do not tolerate failure here. Do not return empty-handed."
"Have a little faith governor, I've never failed because of my own faults before and I don't intend to start now."
"Faith. You speak of that a lot. But I wonder, what faith do you hold? Do you praise the Burned God? Speak freely, there is no persecution on religious grounds here."
"The Burned God?"
"Yes, the Burned God. The Entombed One. The God-Emperor, may his eternal gaze watch over us."
"Ah. That God."
[ ] "I do. I serve the Master of Mankind in my own way, even if I have diverged from his Imperium."
[ ] "I find myself leaning towards the teachings of the Mechanicus, there is some truth in their words."
[ ] "The Emperor? He is a god but he is not mine. There are…. other gods. Gods the Imperium doesn't wish us to know of, lest we see the truth."
[ ] "There are no gods, only warp anomalies given some semblance of sentience."
"I will take my leave now. I have a hunt to attend to."
With that, he turns and leaves.
"Pleasure doing business with you."
---------------
Well there's the next chapter. Not my best work and definitely not on time but its better than nothing I guess, I'm not a fan of writing dialogue so apologies if it came across a bit wooden.
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The Traitor Fleet
Endeavour-class Light Cruiser "Valorous"
Captain - Ventessa Auirme
Damage - superficial
Weapons - 8 Macro Cannon Batteries, 2 Macro Turrets
Loyalty - loyal to captain
Firestorm-class Escort Frigate "Rapier"
Captain - Mird
Damage - light
Weapons - 1 Double-barrelled Light Macro Turret, 1 Light Lance Cannon
Loyal - loyal to captain
Sword-class Escort Frigate "Gloria"
Captain - Soliratos Solir
Damage - none
Weapons - 2 Double-barrelled Light Macro Turrets
Loyalty - loyal to captain
Arkanian 192nd "Gutter Rats" Infantry Regiment
Commanding Officer - Vasil Zelthe
Loyalty - loyal to commanding officer
Full strength, moderately well-equipped, experienced
Arkanian 193rd "Hive Rats" Infantry Regiment
Commanding Officer - Mord Fonus
Loyalty - loyal to commanding officer
Full strength, well-equipped, experienced
Arkanian 71st "Spire Rats" Artillery Regiment
Commanding Officer - Salaach Taloza
Loyalty - loyal to commanding officer
Full strength, very well-equipped, very experienced
Dramatis Personae
Name: Corubast K'Von
Position: Commodore
Traits: Glory Hound, Charismatic
Loyalty: Self-serving
Corburast K'Von - Commodore, Glory Hound
Frid Tyles - Chief Astropath, Coward, Self-serving
Name: Frid Tyles
Position: Chief Astropath of the Valorous
Traits: Coward, Self-serving
Loyalty: Moderately loyal to K'Von
Ventessa Auirme - Captain of the Valorous, Pragmatic
Name: Ventessa Auirme
Position: Captain of the Valorous
Traits: Pragmatic,
Loyalty: Loyal primarily to the Valorous, moderately loyal to K'Von
Name: Vasil Zelthe
Position: Colonel of the Arkanian 192nd "Gutter Rats"
Traits: Vengeful, Glory Hound
Loyalty: Loyal primarily to his regiment, vaguely loyal to K'Von
Name: Mord Fonus
Position: Colonel of the Arkanian 193rd "Hive Rats"
Traits: Hands-on leader, zealot
Loyalty: Loyal primarily to his regiment, vaguely loyal to K'Von
Name: Salaach Taloza
Position: Colonel of the Arkanian 73rd "Spire Rats"
Traits: Noble upbringing, duplicitous
Loyalty: Loyal to K'Von
Name: Octarian Thume
Position: Master of Arms of the Valorous
Traits: Servant of the dark gods, zealot
Loyalty: Dubiously loyal to K'Von
Name: Taha
Position: Tech-Priest Majoris of the Valorous
Traits: Uninvolved, heretek
Loyalty: Doesn't care for petty squabbles between command crew, only cares for their own experiments and knowledge
Endeavour-class Light Cruiser "Valorous"
Captain - Ventessa Auirme
Damage - superficial
Weapons - 8 Macro Cannon Batteries, 2 Macro Turrets
Loyalty - loyal to captain
Firestorm-class Escort Frigate "Rapier"
Captain - Mird
Damage - light
Weapons - 1 Double-barrelled Light Macro Turret, 1 Light Lance Cannon
Loyal - loyal to captain
Sword-class Escort Frigate "Gloria"
Captain - Soliratos Solir
Damage - none
Weapons - 2 Double-barrelled Light Macro Turrets
Loyalty - loyal to captain
Arkanian 192nd "Gutter Rats" Infantry Regiment
Commanding Officer - Vasil Zelthe
Loyalty - loyal to commanding officer
Full strength, moderately well-equipped, experienced
Arkanian 193rd "Hive Rats" Infantry Regiment
Commanding Officer - Mord Fonus
Loyalty - loyal to commanding officer
Full strength, well-equipped, experienced
Arkanian 71st "Spire Rats" Artillery Regiment
Commanding Officer - Salaach Taloza
Loyalty - loyal to commanding officer
Full strength, very well-equipped, very experienced
Dramatis Personae
Name: Corubast K'Von
Position: Commodore
Traits: Glory Hound, Charismatic
Loyalty: Self-serving
Corburast K'Von - Commodore, Glory Hound
Frid Tyles - Chief Astropath, Coward, Self-serving
Name: Frid Tyles
Position: Chief Astropath of the Valorous
Traits: Coward, Self-serving
Loyalty: Moderately loyal to K'Von
Ventessa Auirme - Captain of the Valorous, Pragmatic
Name: Ventessa Auirme
Position: Captain of the Valorous
Traits: Pragmatic,
Loyalty: Loyal primarily to the Valorous, moderately loyal to K'Von
Name: Vasil Zelthe
Position: Colonel of the Arkanian 192nd "Gutter Rats"
Traits: Vengeful, Glory Hound
Loyalty: Loyal primarily to his regiment, vaguely loyal to K'Von
Name: Mord Fonus
Position: Colonel of the Arkanian 193rd "Hive Rats"
Traits: Hands-on leader, zealot
Loyalty: Loyal primarily to his regiment, vaguely loyal to K'Von
Name: Salaach Taloza
Position: Colonel of the Arkanian 73rd "Spire Rats"
Traits: Noble upbringing, duplicitous
Loyalty: Loyal to K'Von
Name: Octarian Thume
Position: Master of Arms of the Valorous
Traits: Servant of the dark gods, zealot
Loyalty: Dubiously loyal to K'Von
Name: Taha
Position: Tech-Priest Majoris of the Valorous
Traits: Uninvolved, heretek
Loyalty: Doesn't care for petty squabbles between command crew, only cares for their own experiments and knowledge
No sense risking unneeded damage
[X] "One of the escorts will remain behind, we need as much firepower as possible."
While I certainly do not wish to serve the Four I do not think the delusions of the Mechanicum or the corpse on Tera whose adepts have become our foes are something we should strive to serve. So let's give the asnwer the Emperor would have wanted us to give when he was still half-way sane, if still very evil:
[X] "There are no gods, only warp anomalies given some semblance of sentience."
[X] "One of the escorts will remain behind, we need as much firepower as possible."
While I certainly do not wish to serve the Four I do not think the delusions of the Mechanicum or the corpse on Tera whose adepts have become our foes are something we should strive to serve. So let's give the asnwer the Emperor would have wanted us to give when he was still half-way sane, if still very evil:
[X] "There are no gods, only warp anomalies given some semblance of sentience."
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- Location
- In My Room- In A Galaxy Far Far Away
[X] "One of the escorts will remain behind, we need as much firepower as possible."
[X] "There are no gods, only warp anomalies given some semblance of sentience."
We would be sacrificing way to much firepower if we leave the light cruiser behind.
[X] "There are no gods, only warp anomalies given some semblance of sentience."
We would be sacrificing way to much firepower if we leave the light cruiser behind.
[X] "One of the escorts will remain behind, we need as much firepower as possible."
[X] "There are no gods, only warp anomalies given some semblance of sentience."
[X] "There are no gods, only warp anomalies given some semblance of sentience."