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    Edoc - Pub - Wrath Amp Amp Glory Dark Tides A PDF

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    Светослав Борисов

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    Lead Designer Ross Watson Writers Datron Bowley Bill Keyes, Ross Watson, Ben Woetner Russel Zimmerman ‘Additional Writing Michael Mernll and Sean Schoonmaker Editor Abigail Harvey ‘Art Director Maik Schmidt Graphic Design and Layout Ben Acevedo, Emma Beltran, and Aaron Acevedo : th . LEARN MoRE ABOUT WRATH & GLORY Be sure to check the Ulisses North America website Cover Art Diego Gisbert Llorens Interior Art Helge C Balzer Alberto Bontempi, Matt Bradbury, Florian Haekh, Nathaniel Park, Sebastian Watzlawek, ‘The Games Workshop Studio Publisher Markus Plotz : oa ‘Studio Manager for Ulisses North America Timothy Brian Brown Special Thanks “Aurora Glonificus’ James Layton vith Michael Coppin, Matthew Gamsie, Benjamin Davis James Layton, Damon Steff Leigh Tuckman, Linette Voller Bolter and Chainsword” Matthew Hunt,"kurgan the Lurker’ with Julien Del Rosario, Slips, Alex Baur, “Acabaur, loshus Ryan Wells, Conn Eremion’, Gord Schubert, Eddie Oflock; Dustin Browne, "Buz Thanks to Games Workshop (www.ulissesnorthamerica.com) for all the latest news, updates, 4 previews, and discussion for Warhammer 40,000 Roleplay: Wrath & Glory Se INTRODUCTION THE Core Activity For Dark Tides, it is expected that the player characters are all Imperial (meaning they have the Imperium keyword) and are part of a warband sponsored by Rogue Trader fakel Varonius (see bbelow}-Adventore 5 however, expects that the payor characters are al Craftworld or Corsair Eldar (possessing the aparopriate keywords), operating as a group hand-picked by an Eldar Fatseer It your group is using @ completely different Framework athe Game Master must make adjustments to many of the read-aloud sections of the adventures to make tham a better ft ROGUE TRADER JAKEL VARONIUS ‘The Gilead System Ules oni the berdar of the Segmentum Solar and the Segmentum Obscurus. it if 9 clustar of worlds isolated within the Dark Imperium, cut off from Imperial reinforcements and astropathic messages, and left to fend largely for itself against myriad threats. A glimmer of hope attived in the form of 2 feet of ships ‘beLonging to 2 charismatic and influential Rogue “rader—Fakel Varonius Yaronius and fis flotila accomplished a test considered impossible tracing the Geeat Rik trom the Imperium Sanctus tthe other side. Many slain that oniy gest fortune snd the presence of an ancient, highly skilled Navigator of House Omincara aboard his flagsriothe grand cruiser Ducal Cret—cousd explain sucn = miacuus iserksflpen Hstaniva kel Vor chine with ee jules ofthe system a5 peat His Meet his Warrant of Trade, and the welght of House Omincarae alance provided im with enough authority to assume a. prominent role in the systems governance. Ever since, the Rogue Trader fos sescbverl wabaral Gh ageoh io ete vere in any shuation that right affect the weltre of the Glead System pee a ON en Sinister schemes are afoot on the ocean world ‘of Charybdion. Baneath the placid surtace of this Imperial warld lie roiling currents of ambition, heresy and horrar, Welcome to Dark Tides, an adventure anthology book for Warhammer 40,000 Roleplay: Wrath & Glory OVERVIEW Dok Tides is composed of five distinct adventures set on the planet ot Charybdion. AU of the adventures are linked together as part of the ‘overall. narrative of the threats facing this ocean ‘world. Hawaver, each adventure can also be used individually as 4 stand-alone eyent in your Wrath & Glory campaign if you so choose ADVENTURE 1: DESCENT (FOR TIERS 1-2) ‘The capital hive city of Charybdion Seethes with discontent, Tha Imperial Governer is missing and presumed dead, and a serles of mysterious murders have threatened to destabilise the succession The swarband \s asked to investigate and discover just ‘who is behind these horific acts of wolence, The hhunt for the killer takas the playar characters on a {grand tour of the capital hive, from the Luxurious heights to the scurrilous depths, - ADVENTURE 2: SLEEPWALKER (For TIERS 2-3) Terrifying dreams and savage violence threaten 2 Large region of the capital hive, These are no normal nightmares-they are visions of soul- seating fear and despair. More and more of the citizenry are falling asieep, unable to wake, and ‘wreaking leady havoc in thelr slumber The ‘warband must seak our the source of theta horrific nightmares before the sleepwalking phenomenon spreads tothe rest ofthe city, ADVENTURE 3: CAUGHT BETWEEN. (For TiERs 3-4) The planetary governor of Charybdian, Ganthet Vaneratio is missing and has bean declared dead His twin heirs squabble over the: succession, for abel ips tac ena ok power Vee SB Ea hedeciahgted todecerine hit He cea Ge ae SI Gacocee ne ae rer of Charydlon. There are fr more dangrcus Plots going on beneath the suace however and the heroes must fake great cae to survive long CASA Nv oat kacioat ADVENTURE 4: IRONWATCH (For Tigrs 4-5) Psykers intended for the Black Ships have been (gathered at Iianwatch, an Enforcer prison. However, since the coming of the Great Rift, the Black Ships have not yet arrived. The prison has slowly ‘transformed into a psychic locus of suffering and terror, The facility fas become corrupted into a hhottfc lair for tampagina out-of contral psykers, and much worse The watband must enter Iranwatch and engage 2 failsafe measure to east Ironwatch intothe sea before the dark forces withinthe prison break fre to ravage the rast of the planet. ADVENTURE 5: TWISTED STRANDS. (FoR TIERS 3-4) This adventure Is very different from the athers In Twisted Strands, the player characters are 2 group of Eldar seeking to olminate a particular prisoner within Ironwatch, lest his powers affect the mytiad possible futures facingstheir people This adventure presents a Look at Ironwatch from an entirely navel perspective, and there is even an optional encounter for the Eldar player characters to encounter the characters going through Adventure 4 eee ee hee TIERS OF PLAY Each adventure in Dark Tides has a suggested Tier: watbands with characters of these Tiers will Tind the encounters challenging and engaging However, each advanture alsa has some acvice on how to adjust the threats presented for a different Tier If your group is of a different Tier then the adventure you would lke to use, check cut the presented sections on adjusting the Tie. TH CHARYBDION GAZETEER Classification: Hive World Gub-category: Ocean lord) Population: Approximately four billion Geography: Rociy islands, tong. jagged «lif, massive reef structures Planetary Governance: Gavernor Ganthet Veneratio Tithe Grade: Aptus Nihil (ne longer capable of. paying Terra Due) The "black pearl’ of the Gilead System, Charybdion is 2 world mostly composed of dark roiling cceans seathing with pollution and rich with chemical ‘waste. A handful of rocky continental plates tise above sea leval, and the planet's hives clingtothese islands Uke érowning men. The planet possesses numerous promethium tefineties that support ‘military and inslusrial efforts across the system. Established.by the original Adeptue Mechanicus Explorator “fleet that discovered the system + thousands of yearsvago the refineries are Contined. within. sealee_machine-temples on the ocean's flock Some of these machine-temples have fallen silent and le dormant, whilst others have been, tom apart by ravening riptides and geclagical events, Teth-Priests ceganise small teams and dispatch tham to the depths to salvage some of these ancient technologies. ‘The planetary governor's enforcers maintain a sizable prison facility named lronwatch The governor hes bean forced ta confine psykers gathered for the tithe to the Black Ships in this forbidding tower. The prison is connected to the capital hive, Aidon, and has numerous failsates intended to cast the tower down into the sea should it become necessary. In recent years, the “buildup of psykers has ‘caused lronwatch to become a haunted, horrific place filled with misery tertor and the collected psychic nightmares of its growing population of prisoners. Rising sea levels have swallowed many of the smaller islands, and the lowest levels of many hives now Le beneath the waves.In the undechive tegions on Charybdion, the inhabitants strugale to seal leaks and deal with corrosion, lest they drown inthe foul seawater kept outside the hives hulb-like outer walls. Some regions have been abandoned wholesale ta the ocean depths. Much of the industry of the undethives on this world ravalves around the hunting of wortafish huge, bloated sea creatures heavily mutated by the ever-present pollution. Worldfish produce flesh, bone, cil and many ather by-products that ate prized amongst the populations of the lower hivas actoss the planet ENT When the Cicatrix Maledictum tore the galaxy asunder, Chanybdicn found itself tercityingly severed from the guiding order and power of the Imperium. In its wake, chaos and confusion bred mistrust. and deceit among the ruling elite of Hive AidonePlanetary Governor Yeneratio and his ‘court thought a great doom would immediately be Visited upon the hives of Charybdion. Fearing for their very stufviva, the noble houses became even, more bitterly entrenched against their rivals, bth real and imagined. tt looked ike Hive Aidan, even the whole of Charybdion, might tear itself apart in its own desperation, During this dark and threatening time, Governor Veneratio held the planet together, aldad with ‘the guile of his chief assistant, Prastor Borst; the efficiency of his chisf administrator Profect Orrilus; all backed by the might of the planetary defence force getrisons and Enforcers stationed on each hive. Saon, news of the Indamitus Crusade started to reach the beleaguered world, and it didnt take long before the full force of the war was felt on Charybdion. Governor-Militart. Taleria Fytamon. demanded the chemically processed algae ration ppack tithes Charybdion paid to the,Astra Militarum. be radically increased to feed the swelling armies fof Roboute Gulliman’s crusade —armies swollen in rho small part by-also stripping the planet of most of its garrisoned troops. Te fulfil Charyedion’ . obligation, Governor Venetatio ordered the hives! praduetion of procassed algae te doubled. It was a divisive decree among both his noble court and the {general population, as it forced the noble houses that controlled the production farms to press their labourers into even harsher working conditions, The citizens of Charybdion’ hives, whose lat in fe was bleak to begin with, now became even ‘more oppressed, To make matters worse, the Black Ships that were meant to gather atithe of asykers from the planet were long overdue, This meant that the governor was forced to order the psykers confined ta lronwatch, an Enforcer prison facility resembling 2 tower, which Jutted from one slope cf the capital hive, ‘Then, the planetary governor retited to his chambers one night and never returned. it was as if Governor Veneratio had vanished, for na one knew what had become of him. Weeks passed, and the governor's courillors felt they had no choice but to declare their ruler dead and begin the succassion process Immediately. Wthout the governor's firm hand and powerful authority, his councillors struggle to maintain Charybdions precarious status quo Veneratios absence has done nothing to ease the plight of those Uving and working deap within the hives. They continue to toll unrelentingly under the unceasing and uncaring dictates of the Lords above. The untold millions of workers who farm, process, pack, and haul the algae rations know nly that this is a sacrifice all must make in order for humanity to survive, None of them can even, imagine the quit between their meagre, squalls lives and the state of grandeur luxury and ease wnithin which the'r ruling elite resides. Recently, a series of brutal murders has occurred within the capital hive city, Aldon Many of these murders matter little to the hive at (arge, for the tolling masses continue on, oblivious, and the ‘majority,ot nobles that grace those ailded halls are ignarant or indifferent to such insignificant passings However, a palr of more prominent deaths have pur these events into new perspective Members of two powerful families have been killed, and each of the Families is on the verge of accusing the other of the foul deed, which could precipitate violence between them and destroy the fraglle peace that exists in the wake of the governor's. disappearance. It could potentially enguff the entite hive in open conflict, and thus is 2 serious threat that can no longer be ignored. That is the situation on Charybdion and in Hive Nidon as this story starts. The protagonists are tasked by Rogue Trader Jakel Varonius to look into these problems: the governors death must be verified, if possible,and the warband may be able to solve the murders in the upper hive district. These murders may seem of little consequence, but they, hhave the potential to destabilise the ruling class ahead of deciding Governor Veneratio’s successor, Acting as the Rogue Traders agents, the watbands investigation is crucial to determine what is next for this beleaguered world. ae seo lt Sa rman: ees OVERVIEW Descentis an adventure suitable for Wrath & Glory charactarstrom Tiers Land 2. Characters rom higher Tieré may find the difficulties of this adverture too easy and the opponents lacking any challenge. AcT ONE ‘The protagonists start by attending an audience with Prefect Orrilus the interim head of plenetary government until either Yeneratios whereabouts have beer ascertained ot a worthy successor has been appointed. From Prefect Orilus the protagonists laarn some ofthe derals ofthe murders before heading to the scene of the most recent death, There, they meet Praetor Borst. an important member of the missing governor's council who is conductinghis awmirvestigation Borst is convinced the slayings are connected to pailtical machinations amongst tival nobles However, the protagonists ‘uncover evidence—specifcally, missing valuables stolen ftom the victims ~that suggests the assailant came from lower down the Hive, hinting that something far mare sinister is gaing on. Act Two Having discovered clues that points to involvement from loner down the hive, the warband investigates thelr lead. Tb do 59, they must first negotiate with Magos Catborast, a TechPriest of the Adeptus Mechanicus wha controls and maintains the vast transportation network that threads through the hive, Getting Magos Carborast to even admit the possibilty that Someone could use his netwotk to pass unseen throughaut the hive is a challenge. IF the protagonists dont tread carefully they may find shat they have made an enemy. Whether with Magos Carborasts ald or reluctance, the protagonists eventually locate Sub-unction Intendant Ivill Kreet, Kreet is corrupt, taking bribes to smuggle people up. and down the hive through his junction In a panic, teat and hs cronies attempt tokllthe protagon sts Act THREE The trail now leads deep into Lowerhive itseli, Where the protagonists enter inta the territory of a savage underhive gang, Using elthar diplomacy or violence, thay negatiate passage. While exploring owerhive, the protagonists laam of a elack market dealing in stolen upperhive luxury items, exactly Uke those taken from the murdered nobles. This in tum leads to the discovery of the Cult of Luxury —a ‘youp corrupted by the influence of the Ruinaus Powers—thriving in lowerhive. After finding out where the cUit | Located, the protagonists either infiltrate of raid its gext meeting, Therein. they witness the cults leader, known only as Gertit, brandishing a skull which he claims to be that of the missing governor, and prophesising the imminent doom af Hive Aldon and all of Charybdion. With the warband in pursuit, Gerrit. flees to kill his next victim, Prafect Orrilus, leading to 2 climactic ght on the carriages of Magos Carborasts freight network as they speed up the Five. If the protagonists kill Gerrit, Prefact Orrlus is seved and indebted to the warband. th A SENSORY TouR OF THE HIVE This story is designed to give the protagonists a comparative view of the different strata of life throughout Hive Aidan From the heights of Uupperhive to the depths of lonerhive, they are exposed to the splendaur and the squalor in which the different cltizens Uve, wotk, and die [As they descend through the hive and encounter Increasingly more dasperate people and living ‘conditions, the protagonists should build a picture of just how uncaring the Imperium is to the Individual forthe survival of humanity 2s 2 whole, In order fr ths to be most ffactive, remember to describe the protagonists’ surroundings in detail at key locations as highlichted in the story Create a comprehensive description and first impression. of needed locations and scenes ahead of time, Use this as a basis for improvisation whenever members of the warband take actions. Ty to utlise all fiva senses as much as you can and reinforce them with repetition For example, emphasise the peace and quet of the governor's audience chamber by having them hear the smallest rustle of a robe of the squeak af @ boot on the polished floor so thgt later, when they are in the depth of lowethive, the constant clamour of the machinery drowns out every attempt they make to talk with ‘one another, forcing them to shout to be heard. Or even desctibe how something as simple as Light changes depending on where the protagonists are: bright, clean Ught in the halls of upparhive; dim, uilizarian yellow light in the industrial areas} flickering, intermitting Ught tinged greon from stray algae gronth in the depths of lowerhive Tan ee ‘This act opens in the vaulted halls of upperhive, in the very seat of its glory and power: the {governor's throne room. From there it moves into-the estates of the upperhive nobles as the protagonists investigate a series of murders, Finally, an encounter with Praeto: Borst prasents a ‘ery convenient solution. Clearly the protagonists investigation is nc Longer welcome. STARTING THE ADVENTURE ‘The aiventure begins with the protagonists recelving 2 message from Roque Trader Jakel Naronius. They are told of 3 development that fs occurring in Hive Aidan and is threatening to destabilise the planet's precarious ruling council: a series of gruesome murders have bean committed. soon after the mysterious disappearance of the governor, Ganthet Veneratio. Paraphrase or read aloud the following: You receive © message from your patron, Rogue Tiade Jokel Yaronius on your data-slates. The message is short, almost curt, describing the current mission fot your worband, “Charytidion isan ocean warld of significant value ta the Gilead System. The planetary coverno, Ganthet Veneratla, has gone missing, and we hhave reason to believe he dead, AS Such, this planet needs a nev” governor—and 'm going ta ensure that the succession proceeds quick Charybdion’s praduction of food is too impertont 7 te the Gilead System to lt it fall nto anarchy. One ofthe largest problems involves the nobles af the capital hive, Aidon, These upperhive elite relish taking insult at any opportunity. There hhas been a series of apparent murders amongst thelr ranks. Eventually, one will use these deaths os an excuse to accuse 0 rival, and the Planets incustry will fall apart as the nobles war amongst themselves. | want this raurderer 7 found, and svnft,retributive action taken against them, understood? At the seme time, venly the governors death if you can—Veneratios disappearance was far too convenient for my taste, nat have these triviaites distract from the greater threats to the Gilead Syste Yourfrststep should beta contact Prefect Ors, the cumtent highest renking Admnistratum Affcial—and interira gavernor—to gain mare specific detalis about the murders The warband is already en route to Hive Aldon aboard an Arvus shuttLecraft, sent down trom the Rogue Traders flotilla 2s the adventure besins. ht ‘STAND-ALONE ADVENTURE This adventure can be run 2s a stand-alone adventure ot as part of the larger Dark Tides narrative. To tun it as a stand-alone, without the presence of Rogue Trader Jakel Varonivs or his ‘attempts to install anew governor just change the beginning to have Prefect Orrilus assemble the protagonists as anevtral groupthat caninvestigate vnithout any political bras. Some minor details of the protagon sts" interactions with Prefect Orrilus ‘may need to be changed to reflect this, but his goal is essentially the same as Jakel': stop the nobles from warring with one another SS MEETING THE PREFECT The warband’s shuttle lands on ane of the private landing pads that protrude like ilsters from the top of the hive. There the protagonists are mat by 3 squad of hive Enforcers—wall-armed representatives of the planetary authorities and escorted through the wide and elaborate promenades of uppethive towards the governors palace. ake this opportunity to describe to your players the Lavish nature of Upperhive Its a place of wide avenues and high Vaulted arches where huge statues of Imperiat heroes and Aquila icons loom above every cornet. Servitors patrck the streets, keeping them constarkly clean. Bright illumination flzods down from the stilp-lights above. As the player characters pass through the plaza outside the palace they sae a singular wonder: an actual ving tree ’ Swe L The inside the palace js no’ lead lavish. The cgrand hall, wide encugh to ft three Lerian Russ fanks aaeast (sined with plush red carpets, The protagonists sce 3 series of gigartic paintings, each depicting a period trom the Imperium’ history or the hives past. Eventually, they are led inta, an arteshamber where they walt for their audience: This is an apportunity tolet them discuss the murders with Prefect Orlus. Give the player characters 3 moment to react to what they've s2en and prepare for the meeting Evertually, after some time, thay are led into the main audience chamber. ust off ta the side of the governars throne, stands Prefect Orrilus, wno Is casually eating extremely rare and very expansive purple grapes from 2 bowl As the protagonists reach tim, he says: © ‘So,you're Jakel Varonius's“neutral investigator’ Jake it He regards you ol erticaity sniffs, ard then pops another grave in his mouth. “Youll do, suppose. Bit understand this: Jakel may operate under an mperia. wera, but you do ‘not: | allow you as @ courtesy to'the esteemed Rogue Trader, on account of our mutual goals, but you c1e not\ tepect, aot—under ony rauimstances, to make this sitiétion werse, Is that understood? There arete be ro accusations . without proof. Your presence here is under the auspices of the Rague Trader and that grents ‘You certain, latitudes and liberties, but does ‘of grant you cuthory. You are to extend the hives nobles the respect they are accustomed to during the course ofthis investigation. is that clear? Good. Now: what do you need to know? Quickly I dont realy have the time to spare cn this endeavour Orritus sighs. “Normally, the Enforcers would ‘handle something like this he mutters. But they ‘are busy suppressing riots in the ather hives. Charybdion is suffering from seething, planet- wide unrest, and if we don’t solve this murder quicly, things are only going to get worse: For this part ofthe storyit would be a good idea tore familiarise yourself with the Social interactions rules fon page 251 of the Wiath & Glory Core Rules: Ortlluss responses from this point 00 ate dependent upon haw successfully the protagonists interact with him. Refer to Orrilus's entry in the Dramatis Personae (see page 25) to get a feel for how Orilus would react. Lae HR aa t . SR isthe plane tar Lt tg A Wiomin fan ee Os z Eel uta Raiwaes bow wll Cre Felerl da ey DMettiat there Fave beth four badles found In the lst month: Mie Terma Keevan Tiss Larsan Keel and Atsen Velie he tet body Alsen Voll was found lisPlest ght (ant ls whee plored Rogue Pea Cars alectoes) Tol ces an All ala eM on (eres rent ochoy in ae ent emdaty cette vauctleg utlch elaelly made Unking hem together more aficlt-ay foe esr fotcsed on te eebetpeapet Neutral: Orilus gives the warband more detail “Inighcing isnt uncommon arcngst the younger robles Rivalries flare in these uncertain times; but they rarely lead to deaths, and never four in such a short time. Our grectest wary is that this is. @ prelude to a war among the robles or is being framed as such by unkronn perties for politcal ‘goin. We just don’ know by who or for what gain® Friendly or Higher: Orrilus is not party to the details but he understands the murders have been gruesome’ in some regards, but that is being kept secret for naw at the request of Praator Borst, who Is conducting his own investigation. After the interview with Prefect Oxllus the player characters are assigned a high-priority mass transport tram that travels along 2 conveluted rail system between different levals of the hive to take them to the site of Asen Vollus's murcer, ‘The servitor and transport are at the oratagon sts disposal for the duration of the investigation If players roll complications during this scene with ‘the prefect, they cause some kind of social faux pas ‘that has unfortunate consequences: the character suffers 2 loss of 2 point of Influence until the end of the adventure, SCENE 2: IN THE ESTATES OF THE MURDERED Aksen Vollus's apartment is bright and spacious, ‘| ‘with an open plan living area rising up ever two Levels. Abedroom balcony overlacks the living ara, directly below which Is Aksen Vollus’s body, which ras bean covered by a deap green, expansive- looking cape, A dark stain of blood has spread from underneath, with a curious gap interrupting its even spread, FAILING-FORWARD This adventure is largely focused around the investigation cf the hive killer. Thus, many tasts are orientated towards gainiog information for the players and moving towards the eventual confrontation with the main villain—the killer It is important to remember that failing these tests should not stop the player characters from gaining information (after all, the fun part of an Investigation Is interpreting the lues, not gaining them), Look at Falling-Forward on page 63 of the Weath & Glory Core Rules for mora information fon how Gest to keep failures interesting without stopping the game's forward motion, For Descent failing tests during the investigation should make the killar and the Cutt of Luxury (see age 80} more aware of the heroes’ intarest and interference. This can be represented by gaining Ruin for the GM. adding more enemies to the combats, or inflicting 1 Shock on the characters to represent 2 growing exhaustion and stress, As always, the most effactive consequences for fallure tie into the individual character's awn story Saaallliann ans eae From this Initial tableau, the protagonists will likely have several areas of intarest they'd Uke to investigate; Below is a summary of what they fing relating to the topic cf their inquest 4 The Body: Aksen Vollus's body, still in his sleeping robes, Is 2 bloody and: crumpled mess, his neck twisted at an unnatural ange. However, that is not his only injury: both of Yollus’s hands have been removed, causing the pools of blood. A successful Medicae test (ON 3) reveals the hands wate cleanly snipped ‘off immediately post mortem, hence the Lack ‘of blood splatter, by some sort of powered «clippers. His other injuries are consistent with 3 fall. Also, rigor mortis is just beginning to fade, so death occurred approximately 56 hours ago, sometime between 12 and 2am ‘+ The Blood Stain: An investigation test (ON 5) tells that whotever was here was round and removed afte’ the blood had stopped flowing. ‘rudging by the size and position, and a few fur Fibres left behind, twas most Ukaly a rag ‘made from some exotic off-world beast. A quick check shows it is'no longer in the apartment; ‘the killer must have taken it for some reason, How did the Killer get in? Its obvious from the futside that the door's metal locking contrat panel was cut into by powerful clippers. Once inside the mechanism, the Killer was able to manuel release the lack and gain entry. The clippers don't seem to be that big, only about the slte of a servitor’s hand. Ifthe heroes know how Vallus's hands were removed then yes, its most likely the same tool. What happened in the bedroom? There are some signs of a struggle: tossed sheets knocked cover tables scattered personal effects It Looks Uke Vollus amoke before'the bllar could murder him in his bed and he attempted to fight back However, itis unclear ifthe fall was accidental of deliberate If the player characters make a Challenging (DN 5) Investigation test, they notice that Valus had sat aside his clathes for the morning boots, britthes, undergarments, Jacket, bat and jewalry. However, seems ut of place that there is no shirt (aid out. its impossible to tell iF its just an oversight of if its missing but, judging by the rest of his wardroba, it would have been silk and most Ukely purple ‘Who ie Aksen Vollus?: Taiking with the Enforcer sergeant posted outside reveals that Aksen is a minor note in the Vollus clan. The Vollus flan operate most of the algae export dacks on the eastside of the hive. lan Vollus swears fealcy to House Gaellen, which |s an important house that controls all the algae processing factorums in the loner-east side of the hive, ED anytety fea. ‘see’ Seyting? The Enforcer sergeant tells the protagonists that thoy asked sfound a= soon 2s the body war found ty the clasning servitor. The Bulkhesds are thick and provide alot of privacy thus, no one saw or heard anything Anything else after looking around?; The protagonists do spot something that seems out of place: just outside and inside the door, and also next to the body there are some smudges ol EE of dity grease, as if an olly satchel or bag was placed on the floor there, Mized in with ‘the grease are some tiny flecks of spongy grean mass if they ask around, ao one from upperhive has any idea what its. In addition if they make a Challenging (ON 5} Investigation test, they nnatice a few ather things missing such @s one of a pair of candle holders, a solus night-lamp from one side of the bad (inthe style of an art eco Sororitas Seraphim), and some bottles of alcohol from the liquor cabinet. All of these items are of fairly low value and relstively easily obtained by aryone from uppethive What about the ether vietime?: The Enforcer sergeant tells the heroes what he knows cf the other murders. # Larsen Keel was the first. Initially it was Viewed a5 a fatal robbery, He had bean stabbed to death after leaving a dalinquant smoking den that nobles often frequent AL of Keel’ custom smoking paraphernalia. was taken—along with his ears. it was as though this disfigurement was symbolic that Keol had ovetheard something he shouldnt have. The Keal clan is beholden to House Haestus, which control the algae [processing factorums on the Lower-west side of the hive = Keavan Tiss, anther vary minor noble, was Killed walking home from seaing her lover. She was also stabbed and robbed, The embroidered cloak her lover said she was ‘wearing was never found; nor were het feet, which the killet also tock, The Tiss family are prominent members of House Gaellen = Mirit Terimnar, 2 lesser noble of 2 family associated with House Haestus, was knifed to seath inbhis own bed five days ago. Both legs were removed though the killer did leave the {et pahind, The Enforcersdidrit think to look to see f anything else was missing Other murder scenes?: The frst two will offer up no further information, having b thocaughly cleaned by servitors, However, Mirrit Terimnars apartments can be viewed His apartments are of 2 similar Level. of luxury to Vollus's, anc examination indicates that the lock was forced in the same way. 13 = Aiditenaly mikiieae: (eitaetion tee (OM 3) feet thal les Incordieniest, these fubdin We WL gehor kaapea ffocsoneltaheieatomledss rtd cater slverware cutery volumes 1-5 of se-volume Jeet stot datatete ae vee done tathing though tht lst one fs lfc fo be Aco Renlis sha se sucker ely Hiebel Dafa ear ty bia ct porn sperelca materia ‘Any suspects?: The Enforcers say that is beyond ‘their purview and that it would be bast to:talk to Praetor Borst about such matters ‘SCENE 3: CASE SOLVED, PROBLEM OVER [At this early paint in the investigation, the player characters prabably have some theories but no solid leads Some things they may want to fallow Lup on are: a possible biack market in stolen goods, the tool used to cur the Limbs off, the significance cof the green stuff, and what suspacts there are already However before they can fallow up on any Of this in earnest, the protagonists are visited by Praetor Borst Borst arrives at their Location (either Yolluss or ‘erimnars apartments) with 3 squad of Enforcers in tow He speaks to the heroes in private, while the Enforcers form a secure cofdon, Prastor Borst is an Imposing and intimidating figure; sae his. ‘entty in Dramatis Personae page 25-26 for detail ‘on haw to portray him. Read aloud ot paraphrase the following “Tam Praetor Borst IfPrefect Ors is Governor VYenerouds right hond, then | om the left. The prefect keens the hive running, | keep the hive Safe. Safe ftom itself The nobles ofthis great hive are.. proud of what they have attained throughout its turaituous history. That frie can often beproveled to rash ecticn shuld they {feel their honcuris challenged. Such as inthe case ojthese recent unfortunate deat; Houses Gaellen and Haestus both feel aggrieved by these tragic losses. and both seek a swift—ard amicableend to this whole unpleosantness 1 have reviewed ali the availeble evidence and have concluded that the murders of Vollus, Terimnar and Triss were retaliatory strikes precilteted by the unfortunate—ond accidental—decth of Larsen Keel after & sunken argument in an unsenctioned Obscura stoking den. t's, no doubt, deplorable, yet 1 have sean simlor altercations escalate like this many times before. | hove spoken with and convinced Arbiram Haestus that the Gaellea scion responsible for Keet's,death es been ‘found and deate with, Now, as you can see, this ‘matter is resolved, and | assure:you and the honourable Rogue Trader Varontus that there is fo need for you to pursue this further” After this, the player charactars will Likely be Confused and concerned, Praetor Bork has no actual idea who the real murderer is, but his only goal is to stop these two houses from breaking into all-out war with one another. As such, he hhas framed 2 young noble associated with House Gaellen with the initial Keel murder, and convinced the leader of House Gaellen to give him Up to House Haestus to placate them and stave off further bloodshed. Bath houses accept Praetor Borst’s proposed solution, as it allovrs them both the minimum loss of status Neither of them care about the dead, just what che fallout could mean for thelr powar and inltuence, Borst is keen to put an end to this and to communicate to the Rogue Trader that it has been dealt with efficiently by him, Ta this end, he will suffer answering any questions the protagonists ‘may have to gat this aver with and move ont the next brewing crisis he has to avert. His answers to some of the possible lines of questioning are given below: ‘+ Who killed Larson Keel?: “in impetuous youth ‘called Geeger Voton, He and Keel had a history of ‘arguments, it scems one of their disogreoments ‘got out of hand and he Killed Larson. Of course. he pleads his innocence but which guilty person doesn’? | have a witness that puts ther together ‘on the night of the murder” = ‘The truth is that thouch Vaton and Keel were together that night and cid argue, Borsthas no evidence Vaton killed Keel. Hes just using the circumstances to frame Vator as it provides Borst with his best solution, + Then who hat been killing the others?: “Irth bbe told, | don't know exactlyand we may never ‘ind out, Yet it seems to me that It isnot just one Hae ’ Swe L person The mast likely scenario if that agents of the two great hawses took action of their own ‘gaiast the other until the original culprit was revealed ond reparations made* + This is actually pretty close to what Borst actually thinks happened. Though they deny it, Borst bellaves the leaders of the houses had mare knowledge and invclvemant than thay are admitting + Why take body parts?: “Most likely as proof that the exsassin's task had been completed and by thea. These mercenary types ore interested only, {in their rewards and such proof likely guarantees that? + Borst doescit know why the Limbs are being taken. THs aspect of the crimes doesat fit neatly with the farrative hes trylag to create, Why steal items then?: “terms? fm unaware of things being taken from the deceased. However If things ave rssing, either fram the. victim's person or their abode, they are most probobly just misplaced + This Is genuinely the first Borst has heard ofthis, its another thing that doesnt fit his narrative so he's trying to brush it off as best he can, + What about stains found that suagect its the same killer?: “Stains? That sounds faconsequential to me. If it's at multiole murder scenes, then it is mast likely leakage ‘from 0 seivitar or something + This is another genuine reaction from Borst. He is growing increasingly annoyed at these Inconsistencies that threaten Is solution. + What about this green stuff found at the scenes?: “Green stuff? What green stuf? Look, your attempted dlligence is commendable. fm sute Rogue Trader Voronius willbe suitably lmpressed when | report to him of your worthy actions here. However, the case Is now closed and the hostilities the honourable Rogue Trader scught to avoid have been averted” wba Se ara Wess AS 2 ~~ 7 ~ alae eac Ss Note: With regard to the overall, Investigation, each of Borsts declarations absve counts as a fraud, Using ary of thase arguments in their +6 presentation to'the Judge later on onty hurts the g heroas cause. See Investigations on pace 259 of the Wrath & Glory Core Rules for more information, Ieshoutd be clear tothe haroes that there are some i inconsistencies with the scenario Prastor Borst is f | presenting Yet jt seems that Borst and the two houses Involved,even the rest of 15 sBe teh ecg UL ety Oo acer ete the safe of continued peace. Now would be a good. ‘time for the player characters to'review wrat they know before reporting back to the Roque Trager. in fact, the Game Master should have Jakel Varcnius (or possibly Prefect Orrilus) prompt the player characters fo summarise the situation for thers Some ofthe Leads.clues and unanswered questions re summarised below: + Why are body parts being removed?: Borst’: story of mercanaties taking proof of completion doesn't entirely make sense.ln fact, the similarities of the parts removed, and the tool used to remove them being the same as ‘that which broketthe locks to bath Vollus's and Terimnar’s apartments, points to there being only single killer ‘© What about the stains?: This evidence being at both-and presumably all—crime scenes points to a single killer with the same modus operandi. Also,the oiliness of the stains seems Inconsistent with the general cleanliness evident thoughout upparhive. ‘+ Why are items being stolen?: None ot the items are particularly rare or valuable within uppethive society, The.consistent and deliberate removal of items from the person or scene saems relevant. 5 the killer collecting them as trophies? ‘ ‘+ Just what is that green stuff?: So far, nobody in Uppethive hes recognised these tiny green flecks of sponge, Moreover, ncbody seems to have heard of arything like it elther. What Is It and whare doas it come from? If the protagonists dont take the initiative: to contact Varonius, the Rogue Trader will message. them over the planstary voxcnetwork, requesting ‘an update. Vatonius will ask for a summary of what they have discovered and, more importantly, their ‘opinion of it If the heroes express an unease or distrust of Praetor Borst s Solution and that further investigation and information is needed, then \Vatonius agraes with them. He suggests speaking ‘with Magos Carborast of the Adeptus Machanicus, iho is knowledgeable of, yot Largely independent from, the hives hierarchy, as its purview is maintaining the vast network of machines that go towards the algae processing and shipping industries. However, if the player characters support Praator Borst’: version af events and fis solition, Yaronius agrees in part that it solves his immediate problem but that the inconsistencios are troubling. In which case, he orders. the protagonists to continue pursuing this matten in secret, 2s he feels that until the true killer fs found, mova murders may occur and Borst can only cover for so many bafore the hauses retaliate, Again, he suggests speaking with Magos Carborast nest, athe ‘SKIRMISH! Act One is primarily about exptoring the hive, meeting the important NPCs, and following the killer's trail If the Game Master wishes, they an include a brief combat scane to shake things Up. ‘Asan optional encounter,the warband is ambushed bby a group oF combat servitors (see page 411-412 of the Wrath & Glory Core Rules) sent by Ivil Keeet to bring thair investigation to an abrupt halt. An lnformant inthe Cult disc;eatly alerted Kreet tothe warband's arrival and Kraet saw the apparcunity ta eng their meddling early on The Game Master should find an agpropriate moment when the player characters are pausing in betwaen scenes of abaut to move to Act Two. Then, the combat servitors arrive and begin the attack, gaining an’ Ambush {see page 206 of the Wrath & Glory Core Rules) unless the heroes succeed at a DN 5 Awareness test (since servitors are fairly Ubiquitous amongst the hive). There shoud be a number of servitors equal to the number of characters +2. The servitors are somewhat sluggish and slow to react, suffering 2 +1 DN penalty to all tests Ifthe heroes confront Carborast about the servitors {ater the Magos will quickly es amine the machine- spirits of the servitors it controls, It reports that those units went offline earlier that day while attending a maintenance issue in uppethive, and that their memory caches were wiped and new protocols were implanted These new protocols 212 primitive and timited, clearly ipput by someone with only rudimentary knowedg2 of servitor rituals, Thistect starts withtheheroes vsitingthe enigmatic Magas Carborest of the Adeptus Mechanicus. Here they must negotiate with this somewhat eccentrl« personage to get further information and clues ‘The Magos eventyally points them to one cf its sub-junetion commanders, Iill Xreet, who tutns Cut to be corrupt and attempts to protect rimselt by killing the player characters SCENE 1: AN AUDIENCE WITH THE ADEPTUS MECHANICUS ‘Jo meet with Magos Carborast, the protagonists need to make their way éeeper down the hive into the industrial mid-section of Hive Aidon. It's actually 2 relatively easy jolaney for the heroes to make as they are Reading into the administrative hheart of the vast industrial zone that iguratvely and literally props up the lavish Ufestyies of Luppethive: An ornate thoroushfare leads down, Rarked by Gant statuary depicting a procession of Adeptus Mechanicus Mag) fiom 2ges past. At the end are clant riveted gates festooned with a complicated network of cogs and Bears that forms its lock, Permanently patraling the entrance are nts of Shitan Vanguard. Vanguard alsha checks the protagcnists' credentials before Letting them through, They are assigned a servitor guide and instructed to follow it,they are also warned that any attompt to leave it and explore on their own is forbidden. Ignoring the Adeptus Mecharicus protocol on this matter may resutt in the player characters permanently losing { pcint oF Influence he servitor trundles along cn itstracks leading the player chorattets deeper into the heart of the Magog domain The joumey takes them past inaumerable pipes, ducts end junctions with courtless bulkhead doars leading off to. who knows where, Red-robed Enginseers direct Lacions: of serdtors as they work theoughout the halls Eventually, the servitor brings them to a large silolke chamber. Steam and smoke pour down from far above, Snaking down out ofthe mists ae courtless wires and cables that loop off to connect to the wall of displays forming 2 Mechanicus augury station, which locks to the protagonists capable of monitoring the whole che hive. Inthe middle of allthis is what initially appears to be an enormously corpulentrobed man ACT TWO This is Magos Carborast=refer to the entry in Dramatis Personae on page 26~27For adescription of Catborast'’s appearance and personality At the protagonist's entrance, Carborast rises onto metal centipede-Lke lags and shifts over to them, adéressing them directly. “Emissaries of Rogue Trades designation’ Jotei Varonis, your presence is acknowledged Commence your data tronsfers and query requests. Note Enforcer processes already formatted, duplicate dato Submissions will be refused” The heroes may want to ask Magos Carborast questions on @ number of subjacts; the Magas's esponses to some of the Uksly topics ralsed are van below ‘+ What tool was being used?: ‘Current iteration, designation: model 1254 through model T688, servitor waste dismantling apparatus, colloquial designation powerclaw, requires Thermic Plasma induction coils mounted on tracked chossis, © designation model Uz34. Main application: Worldfish dismantling. Improper application against decr and bio-pacts, 82% ‘chance tool wos obsolete model, designation: T100 through ‘mode! 1233. Srey, hand portable, integrated power core. Redundant tools dlsposed of through stondard channels” i “Standard channels? should they ask, are to be dumped in lovrerhive, + What are the stains?: "Stendard Hive Aidon lubricent, designation’ L52. 8i-product of natural Worlcfish oll Harvested and processed in lowerhive. Harvesting protocols not optimised tunccceptable wastage due to sub-aptimsation Process got within the Adeptus Mechanics vera” + What ig thie greon stuff?: “quctic biomass, designation: species 8267675-86, Main purpose of Hive Aidon production facility. 6467.24 million tons howested, processed and shipped iast Impetil year. Principel ingress via lowerhive docks: ‘+ What do you think of Borst’s solution?: “Armed conflictarsong superfluous uppethive communities 17 ex = “alee biped artcten by negative 22% with funher escalation immediate action. ‘ot token to suporess Te protocol implemented * by civil functionary, designation: Praetor Borst, projected 78% successful, given current variables, weith dimivishing proboblities should adtional biamass terminations ensue* Ifthe playar characters infer 2 connection batwaen ‘the murderer and Lowerhive, Mago: Carborast will concur If they still haven't made the connection, Carborast will point it out for them. Either way. it is clear that Veronius wants them to pursus-the lead. The pertinent question is, i the killer from Lowethive how are thay getting up and presumably, bback down again? IF the protagonists don't raise the issue, Magos Carbarast will In response to the ‘query Carborast will posit the following: “Ingress and egress is through limited transit points, each active flow monitored by Skitori! Vanguard Prewoll protocols. Unsanctioned biomass contamination from lowerhive via sonctioned portals calculated as highiy unlikely. Biomass filtration through secondary systems predicted. Highest probeblity, weak point Via bioroass, industrial transit network Corrupt biomass component required for infitration protoco's completion. Scanning performance data. stream. Complete Sub-wunction shunt station, designation: SIST386, peformance analysis report predicts 48% likely that biomass component, designation: Will Kreet, wilnerable to outside protocols. Recommendation: submit queries to Ill Krest, before biomass is euthanised for spore servtor pa Servitor unit K98 is assigned to guide the heroes to sub-junction intendant vill Kreet at shunt station SIST386, ScENE 2; THE RAIL YARDS. ‘The player characters ate Led out of the Magoss sanctum by K98 and taker to a heavy-duty carga transport. They set off downwards through the Industrial zones of Hive Adon. This area is dimly illuminated except for the occasional. flashing yellow hazard light and at work sites. Despite the © industrial mature of the area, it is kept relatively ‘lear of debris and obstructions. Servitors crawl all over the place, accompanied by hive citizen workers, The mast notable feature of the area is the intense and Loud noise of machinery Eventually, ater some miles of travel, K9B stops the transport at @ bulkhezd door and announces thelr arival at sub-junction shunt station SISTS86. Going through: the door, the player characters ‘are assaulted by a wall cf noise and rushing air, Created by-the rhythmic chuggng and clanking of hundrads of industrial carriages constantly moving up and-down rall tracks, The door opens onto metal walkway overlooking a vast drop that appears to fall all the way to the bottom of the hive. Running vertically on the opposite wall are the tracks, making @ giant rail yard. Occasionally.2 train of eartiages slovs and stops before being re- touted Each catrlage cartes 2 glant ladle, mounted on a gimbal frame, filled witha spongy graen mass. This is how the algae collacted from Charybdions oceans are transported up the pracessing plants. ‘A walkway to the right leads to a cirty-windowed control cantre filled with levers and moritors, attended to by saveral workmen. Running [talks 2 Tech-adept, prasumably intendant lilt Kiet, How this plays out is dependent on how the ‘protagonists approach it. One option Is to use subterfuge’to try to convince Ivill that that the hheroes went to smuggle something If the player characters succeed in 2 Challenging ON 5) Interaction skill test (most commonly Cunning, Decéption; Intimidation, Persuasion, or Tech), (vill will admit to running 2 smuggling network Using the access to the carriages te move items, and sometimes people, between lowerhive and uppethive. He handles the upperhive part of the ‘operation but itis the Piscator gang that takes care of the Lowerhive side, However, the protagonists get 2 complication on the test, Ivill becomes instantly suspicious of the heroes, prompting him to attempt to ill therm and flee Lowerhive Should 2 fight ensue Ivill and his loyal workmen. pull out weapons and shoot to Kill. Use the statistics for Scum on page 416 of.the Wrath & Glory Core Rules Ivill and the workmen will attempt to take whatever tover they can behind the levers and desk, butt Is Ukely to bea short and ‘bloody fight, The gangers form three mobs, with ‘each mbb containing = numzer of gangers equal to the number of player characters. The Geme Master should adjust this number up orcdavn (2 fevrer or “This act Leads the player characters down Into the lowest racesses of the hive, giving them 2 Mew of how the’ dispossessed and forgotten live among the squalor First, they must negotiate passage past the Piscator gant before Locating the black market that trades in lurury items from upperhive.Finaly, they confront the Cult of Luxury and its leader before the cult can kill again. As the protagonists descend further down the hve, moving from the industrial zone into the slums of lowerhive, remember to'describe the change in environment and living conditions to the players Tha industrial zone, while dity with cll and grime, and noisy with the sound of production, is stil functional and in gaod repair Once in lowerhive proper, dasctibe to the players the prevailing squalor and derelict nature of the Whole level ‘+ Rusted and collapsed passages + Damp walls and stagnant pools additional gangers is a good rule of thumt) ifthe ‘warband is particularly strong or particularly low Should the player characters take any prisoners alive for interrogation & successful Standard (ON 3) Intimidation test is needed to reveal the same information as above. Alternativaly. if lull and all his cohorts are dead, a successful Standard (ON 2) Awareness test finds documentation that Gives the same information Ik should be cleat that the heroes need to travel down the hive an one of these carriages to follow the lead to the Plscator gang. if they dontt do this Of thoir own initiatva, they will be instructed to do So by Jakel Varorius as soon as they report in The Game Master can use this opportunity to have the Rogue Trade: contact the watband if they do ot react out to him first Jakel explains this as ‘wishing to oversee this personally" when tha task is this important, He is also trying to become more familiar with how the warband reacts in @ crisis, evaluating them for more dangerous missions in the future, Des ds tS + Blacked-out corridors, with vermin scurrying in the darkness The stench of briny alr and rotten fish ‘+ Mounds of refuse and discarded litter * Makeshift barricades and hovels + The sounds of dipping water, clangs echoing through the metal and distant, unfathomable rumbles Lowerhive is cramped, claustrophobic, dank and frequently without power, Leavina it dark and cotd The people they see hudcling for cover 2t their passing ardrightened, malnourished, and caked in tgime. Almost all have their teeth stained green from feeding on scavenged raw algae. SCENE 1: THE PISCATOR GANG ‘The protagonists can got to lowerhive by riding In one of the expased operator cabs af an empty ‘arriage, as it descends back down the hive to 19 lll i aati Pe carted motes beget ec acon na tc Fat an lor, levels in an area that fs prmatly storage silos Werkmen on the walkways above proceed to refi the calage' ladle trom an atcated pe Ths ate Is caked in oversol fom the alge. fs Daisies a ists land ee ie tilasislelscira weia ones There is some initial confusion from the workers ‘when they see the player characters as they simply werent expecting them. One of the workers bursiedly leaves to find the Piscator representative that handles anything coming down from upperhiva. As the protagonists dismourt onto the walkway with the workers, severat Piscator ‘members show up to find o.£ what's going on. ‘The Piscator yangers are all heavily muscled men In thick, dirty yellow rubber waders and rebreather masks. Eachis carrying a heavy tool repurposed a5 2 weapon. The leader steps forward and demands to'know who the heroes are and what they are doing here, From this point, the encourter ‘can go several different ways depending on what the player characters do, The Piscator gangers are aggressive, 50 8 fight is certainty possible. If that happens, the ‘workers flee while the Piscator gangers attempt to bludgeon the pratagonists into submission ta find ‘aut what's going on, Once the gangers have the ‘ruth from the Hejoss, they'll dump any survivors into one of the algae ladles and send them back to Uupperhive. teling them never to come back. “The default reaction ofthe Piscatcr gang isto fight these Interlopers, Aggressive and territorial, the

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