[Rogue Trader PbP] The Heir Apparent Act I

[The Bashar]

"Ahh I know the lure of the stars. But, business must be attended to. My ship is my home more than anywhere else really. But I spent the last year near the Heathen Stars. Are you familiar with it? They sit near the spinward side of the Rifts of Hecaton. There are a number of human worlds there that have been cut off from humanity for so long that they know nothing about the God-Emperor. I established some holdings there, but need workers for a variety of tasks."

He motions around him with his arms.

"Which is why I'm here. While in Footfall I heard about the number of refugees fleeing the Orks near the Cauldron and heading back to the Imperium. Many of these people are desperate for a home and work, I can give them both. The Administrator is being rather unhelpful. You'd think he'd be more than happy to get rid of them? But something is up, he acts like the problem will take care of itself."

Jonquin begins to scratch his chin for about a minute. He remembers that he was in the middle of a conversation and returns his attention to Thraxus.

"What brings you here? Interested in making Thrones? I may have some work for someone with his own ship."

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While Thraxus is talking to Jonquin the people in the foyer move about between the other conversations. Three men start to make their way to the group. They wear long robes which are richly embroidered and have large hoods which conceals most of their faces. Their hands are concealed in the sleeves of their robes. They stop in front of Macharius.

"Greetings Navigator. I do not recognize you. Which House do you hail from? I am Therum of House Benetek, third son of Novator Benetek. "

 

[Gregor]

Thraxus leaves Mecharius to discuss with the robed newcomers and responds to Jonquin.

"We are establishing our operation here on the station, drumming up business and making contacts with fine gentlemen such as yourself," says Thraxus. "I'm eager to hear any and all business opportunities and would enjoy working with another Rogue Trader. The job and the price will have to be right of course. What did you have in mind?"

 

[Kaelan]

Macharius swirls his glass of Amasec gently, then takes a sip. "Swill, but it'll do," he absently mutters to himself. His thoughts interrupted by the navigators standing before him, he turns his eyes towards them and inspects their robes and demeanour before introducing himself "Well met Therum, I am Macharius of House Tersum, Eldest Son and 1st born of Novator Ternus," the words still sting as they escape his lips. "It's not often I encounter other Navigators, outside the confines of their ships," he adds matter-of-factly.

 

[jammastaj]

Zander takes a few moments to gaze upon the glow globe chandelier and ponder its workings. Do the differing colors come from the material of the globes or the character of the light within? Do they perhaps spin about, simulating a star system? Zander has seen miniature orreries before, but not one of this size.

His attention focuses back on his party and their discussions. It seems like the others are getting good information on potential work and local goings on. However, it could be good to try and overhear some of the other conversations between the people of power in this room.

Zander decides to wander off to another part of the room, half to gather more information and half to see what other sorts of interesting mechanisms great riches can afford.

 

[The Bashar]

Jonquin grabs another drink from a passing servant, swirls it, and takes a sip.

"The Heathen Stars have not been explored to any great extent. I have managed to discover stable warp routes to two worlds, Zayth and Naduesh. The populations there are primitive. The Naduesh live on a planet dotted with the ruins of many great cities. The Zayth are at constant war with each other. Their planet has been ravaged by their war as they do battle in vehicles the size of cities. Both planets have been cut off from each other for millenia, but both have a belief in an afterlife in a place called Agusia."

He takes another sip of his drink.

"You see they are all heretics. They know nothing of the God-Emperor. Most primitives make up some religion based on what they see around them on their own world. The fact they share a belief makes me believe this Agusia is a real place.

This is where you come in. I want you to find this planet and a stable warp route to it. I would do this myself, but I have other obligations that are taking up my time. I have setup a small startport on Naduesh and am willing to provide you some logistical support; fuel, food, and ammunition. If you succeed I will pay you a sum of 350 000 Thrones (+1 PF).

However, you are a Rogue Trader. You may find something interesting and valuable on the planet. Your Writ allows you to claim it in the Emperor's name. Depending on what you find I ask that you consult me concerning the exploitation of that resource. I have a fleet of Chartrist Captains who have routes to and from the Heathen Stars that can take care of the trading and transport of your goods. For a cut of the profits, say 30%, you can make use of my network. This way we are both making Thrones (+3 PF).

What do you say?"

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Therum grins and you see a mouth full of needle like teeth gleam in the light of the glow globes. He turns his cowl toward the two Rogue Traders and then back to Macharius.

"I keep strange company like yourself. I think Jonquin enjoys how our presence makes many people ill at ease.

But what is the First Born doing on a Rogue Trader ship? Shouldn't you be navigating an Imperial Navy Battleship?"

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OOC: Zander if you want to try and overhear some conversations make an Awareness test. If you want to try and gather some information from people make an INquiry check.

 

[Uthic]

Mordekai leaves Thraxus to talk with Jonquin, finding a servant and taking a glass of amasec. He wanders the room, eyeing the attendees and likewise listening for any good conversation although he doubts any of this foppish crowd can offer any.

 

[jammastaj]

Zander likewise wanders the room, keeping his ears open for any useful information. He eventually finds himself by the window, half trying to eavesdrop on nearby conversations and half contemplating the vast expanse of space that he would likely soon be venturing into.

OOC: Whoops double rolled. Mouse is doing a weird double click thing. Ignore the second one.

 

[The Bashar]

Mordekai you hear some Naval Officers talking about some pirate attacks that have been occurring in the Maw itself, specifically near places called "The Temple" and "Witch-Cursed World".

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Zander you also overhear the conversation about the pirates attacking in The Maw. You also overhear a trader talking about a Space Hulk that appeared over the world False Hope while they were making repairs. The trader talks about the feeling of dread and fear that washed over the crew. They got out of there as quickly as possible.

 

[Kaelan]

Macharius stares at Benetek and his retinue, his cold black eyes piercing, he takes another sip of Amasec, but his eyes never waiver. "Life isn't always a straight road sometimes it takes unexpected turns, whether you chose to follow them or not, but eventually I'll be lead back to my House and my family." he replies.

 

[The Bashar]

The Navigator raises his head a bit so that Macharius can see his eyes. They look like a regular human's eyes would. He gives Macharius another toothy grin.

"You make a valid point. I assume this turn you're taking now will lead to the Koronus Expanse? Is this your first time into the Maw? It's an interesting part of space. The warp is practically boiling on either side of your ship as you navigate it through the one stable channel. Be mindful, warpstorms have been known to flood into the Maw on occasion."