Rosenkrantz 26.5

	Rosenkrantz_GM	With the directions and other information processing through the Genetor's mind, the arrival of Master of Ordnance Mort -a man with a history in the cesspit that is Footfall during his times as a mercenary. Baine looks well, considering the state in which you left him when you first arrived, with a horrid case of warp-gut. He's palid, sure, but he's never had much color on him to begin
	Rosenkrantz_GM	with. He's escorted by a pair of armsmen who appear to be both off-put and happy to reach a port where perhaps they'll get time to go on furlough.
	Makh_Chomun	"You're late, Mr. Mort!"
	Baine_Mort	"Yea, well I haven't been that sick in a long time Chomun."
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	"Glad you could join us in this shit-hole." he says, visibly put off
	Baine_Mort	"Glad I could make it." Mort says to Freidreich. "What information have you found out so far?"
	Makh_Chomun	"About what you would expect in a port this far off in the middle of nowhere; everyone's a con-man."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The area where you were found by the Footfall Liege's servoskull is a wide deck crowded with shabby market stalls. Anything can be bought here, from green corpse-starch and potent liquor brewed from the run-off that drips from the roof, to the finest psy-spice to heavy weaponry, for the right price and the understanding that nothing comes with a guarantee.
	Josef	"You made a relatively quick recovery, Master Mort."
	Baine_Mort	"Seems like this place hasn't changed much since my last visit here." Mort turns to Josef, "Yep, thanks to your doctor cyclops, I was able to recover quickly."
	Josef	"You mean Doctor #Lathe MS-00006 ZA-k00? His skills are excellent."
	Baine_Mort	nodes in agreement.
	Rozen	"ahh yes, was that not the fellow who helped in my operations?"
	Makh_Chomun	"He's an ugly bastard, alright. Does fine work though."
	Josef	"Indeed, Twistcatcher. He did your finishing operations while I was incapacitated with uncontrollable rage."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	A screech and repeated hooting from one of the outer stalls catches your attention. But it's the panicked merchant's assistant who chases the flapping escapee that really draws you to the area behind the wider corridors where the merchant shouts all manner of threats to his assistant if he doesn't return with the creature.
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	pauses to watch the commotion
	Rosenkrantz_GM	One of the drunken scum in the parting crowd amuses himself by tripping the boy who faceplants on the rough deck, audibly knocking the wind out of him.
	Rozen	"Now that's not right."
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	"Rozen, think you could display some "Force" for me?" he says quietly, striding towards the scene
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The hooting, flapping creature gets away, as it reaches a greasy vent where it enters never to be seen again.
	Rozen	"with pleasure boss." He strides over, his powerfist crackling
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	walks to the young man, offering a hand
	Baine_Mort	follows Freidrich
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The distrust on the boy's face as he looks up to Friedrich perhaps isn't surprising considering where he's grown up... indeed, the act of compassion appears to put off the crowd around you, who see it as foreign.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Gotta be a boyfucker," the 'entertainer' among the crowd comments looking at the scene between Friedrich and his victim.
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	clears his throat "Rozen if you would."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Go on, boy, take his hand... and his cock," he cackles in a disturbingly broken voice.
	Rozen	Rozen strides over, grabbing the 'entertainer' with his free hand, lifting him up by his throat
	Makh_Chomun	shakes his head in bemusement.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The laugh is turns into a high pitch, before the pressure ends any ability to make noise... or breathe. The panic on his quickly blueing face, and reddening eyes is somehow... amusing. Highly satisfying.
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	withdraws his hand, before inquiring "What sort of creature was that?"
	Josef	"Twistcatcher Rosen. If you damage the fool to the point of repair, allow me to operate."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The boy gets up, and dusts himself off. "A cavern howler," he says very soft-spokenly.
	Makh_Chomun	"Don't kill him the man, twistcatcher."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The scum flails and strikes at the twistcatcher's arms, desperately and uselessly.
	Rozen	Rozen drops him. and begins to walk away
	Rozen	not before stomping on his left ankle
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	"Well, take me to your stall, I wish to see what creatures you have on display."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	He would scream in pain, as his face makes clear, but his lungs have yet to fill with any air. So rather than scream, a long and rough weaze comes out of his open mouth instead as he grabs his ankle.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Yes, m'lord" the boy says with a bow of his head.
	Rozen	"Makh, was that too harsh?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	It's hard to tell how old he is. It's clear he isn't fed particularly well, and it's likely that's been the case all his life. He has a frail figure, and though he doesn't look sickly, his muscles do appear to be underdeveloped.
	Makh_Chomun	shrugs. "Could have done much worse."
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	follows the boy, keeping an eye out for any more hecklers
	Josef	"I could have performed evasive operations in the middle of a highly contaminated area. Would have been an increasing challenge."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	 He takes you across the wider of the corridors to the outter stalls. There's a mix of sounds and... smells, as you approach the "Sanctioned Xenomalia" stall where a robust man with wide heavy hands ties down a screetching feathered reptilian and stuffing it into a bag before handing the bag to a customer.
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	"Hello Sir, your employee here has convinced me to purchase a fine specimen." he says with a smile
	Rosenkrantz_GM	He looks over to you, and smiles wide, making a welcoming motion as he introduces himself. "Come, approach! Tommyn Rulmec, at your service!"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"What manner of beast shall you be acquiring... Captain, is it?" he inquires, looking at the markings on your service tunic.
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	"Well, Show me what you have."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Suddenly, the expression on his face, changes.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Stupid boy, where is the damned howler? Why have you come back to me without the blasted creature?!"
	Makh_Chomun	orders the men at attention outside the stall. The Lord Protector stands off from the stall himself.
	Baine_Mort	"I wonder if he has any canines in stock?" Mort says to him self as he looks around the stall.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"I feed you, I give you shelter, all because that fool father of yours had to get himself killed. Do you have any idea what that'll cost me? You send word to your mother that your serviture'll be extended another half year, you little brat..."
	Rozen	"I haven't had dog in awhile."
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	"I can assure you sir that the boy had the creature firmly in his grasp before a rather rude individual took it upon himself to sabotage him."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"You needn't concern yourself with the little shit's failures, Captain. I'll deal with him later..." he sighs.
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	"And he convinced me that this was the best stall to acquire exotic animals as well, charmin lad really."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Charmin'? Hah! I like you, Captain. Y'ave a sense of humor. The boy's as dull as his mum, truth be told. But no matter... I'll squeeze the value of that howler in labor hours."
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	gives the boy a sympathetic shrug before gazing at the assembled creatures
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Now, what manner of beast did you have in mind? I've got it all, whether you see it here in my stall, or othewise. Give me a descriptor, and enough time, and I'll wrangle the damned thing, Haha!"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"I've got here with me from consumables, to cage fighters, to pretty much worthless companion types." he chuckles
	Baine_Mort	"What canines do you have?" Mort ask.
	Josef	"Hmm... fine subjects."
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	"My whole family is fond of avian creatures, I personally prefer large predators as well. And hopefully something intelligent."
	Josef	"Similar to your Uncle, my Lord Captain?"
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	"Indeed."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"For the canines, I have a few Broad-chest Mastiffs, if you're looking for a good trainable animal," he says pointing to the kennels where some dozen pups are kept.
	Josef	"I remember Lord Wilhelm's crested raven causing Master Ziel many troubles. It was amusing."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Ah..." his finger wags in thought, "red-crest raven's are rare things, but the most clever of the family. Live for well past 70 years, if you keep'em well."
	Baine_Mort	looks over the pups, "Do you have any other canines as well?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"They'll out-think any of the wretches you see wanderin' about in this market-deck, haha!"
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	laughs, before asking "How large do they get?"
	Makh_Chomun	"Speaking of avian creatures." He muses to himself. +Titus?+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Come in, Lord-Protector.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Aye, we've got a couple of Red-Tailed Foxes, just there," he points to a separate kennel. "Clever things, but can be a real handful."
	Makh_Chomun	+If you'd do me a favor, Titus, have Downfield release my Grapplehawk and have it come find me.+
	Baine_Mort	takes a look at the red-tailed foxes.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	They are slender creatures, not very big, with thin legs and bushy tails with a bright red line of fur along the top of the tail, all up the spine. They appear very energetic, chewing on rags with their sharp teeth.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+We'll have the techpriests release it, Lord-Protector.+
	Makh_Chomun	+Much appreciated.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Now, gentlemen... if there's anything you don't see here, you just give old Tommyn the word, and I'll make sure to acquire it for you. That's a guarantee."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The merchant reaches for a booklet, and opens it up to a page near the center, handing it to Friedrich.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	On it, a sketch of a man, an official of some sort by the looks of his attire - with his raven. The dark avian must be a meter tall, as it stands next to him.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Now, mind, Captain, that creature came to its end at an unusual 90 years."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"They're steady growers, these ravens. But if you're looking for truly large animals, of frightening intelligence..." he leans forward.
	Rozen	"why's that unusual?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"I can arrange that. But it will cost you, I have to warn. Acquiring them is no easy task, and keeping one will require much from its owner. The Prossoni Rhoc is a fearsome bird."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	A piercing screech is followed by the screams of a man, very near to you.
	Rozen	"Sir, get behind us."
	Baine_Mort	turns to look after hearing the screams.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	A man in a dark hooded robe is twitching uncontrollably in pain as the metallic wings of its assailant flap to keep it balance as the shock-talons dig into him again and again.
	Rozen	"orders?"
	Baine_Mort	"Looks like your bird's here Chomun."
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	"See too it Choman."
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	Makh_Chomun	whistles loudly through his index finger and thumb.
	Baine_Mort	turns back to the merchant.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	While the hooded figure is incapacitated, a bystander takes what appears to be a high quality needle gun from him, and runs off with it.
	Makh_Chomun	directs a couple of House Guard to follow him.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The grapplehawk takes off, leaving the writhing man on the floor, and flies to land on Chomun's shoulder. Two of the House Guard break from their perimeter, and follow Makh.
	Makh_Chomun	pets the bird fondly as he proceeds to the robed man, keeping an eye out.
	Baine_Mort	"I may be interested in purchasing one of your Red-Tailed Foxes." Mort says to the merchant.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Exotic, but a handlful. Hope you've the energy to keep up! Hahaha"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"It's yours for 400 Thrones."
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	"Those creatures a truly terrifying, I'd have to end up killing it before it kills me."
	Josef	"My Xeno Merchant. Would you happen to sell any edible treats for felines including a herb that induces hallucinations?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The incapacitated man grunts in pain. When he sees you approach, he instinctively reaches for his belt, where a dagger is holstered.
	Baine_Mort	begins to negotiate with the merchant.
	Makh_Chomun	"I'd suggest you not brandish a weapon at me, you're woefully outmatched."
	Makh_Chomun	unholsters his bolt-pistol but keeps it to his side.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Death is a gift." he grabs the dagger, and in a single motion he drives it into his chest.
	Rozen	"what the fuck is WRONG with this shithole?"
	Makh_Chomun	stands there watching the man for a moment. "What the fuck?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The merchant makes note, and hands Mort a bill of sale. "If you can just provide the docking informatinon to your vessel, I will have the fox delivered by the end of the day cycle."
	Makh_Chomun	+Mr. Mort, get over here when you get the chance.+
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	 "When will you be able to acquire this creature?"
	Baine_Mort	"I will do," Mort the give him the information he needs, "It has been a pleasure sir." Mort then steps out to check on what Chomun needs.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Now, there you're correct. Rhocs aren't known to reach a size limit. And their intelligence grows without any seeming limit. Comes a point when the animal is said to know its master's intentions."
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	"How long does that usually take?"
	Baine_Mort	approaches Chomun and the corpse of the hooded man. "What did you need?"
	Makh_Chomun	"Care to explain this suicidal shitehead? Given your expertise of the area?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Decades. And a deep link with its master. The average man can't afford to keep them for more than some 12 years. But it is said that powerful psykers can keep them for some 40 years."
	Rozen	"huh, there's a pill here. Hey Josef, Wanna see if I can eat it?"
	Josef	"Do not consume that pill!"
	Freidrich_Rosenkrantz	"I would like to purchase your...services for the Rhoc."
	Josef	examines the pill.
	Baine_Mort	looks over the hooded man, "Looks like a member of one of the Death Cult. They are one of the elite assassins you can find on Footfall, they are usually paid a lot to kill someone and they are usually clean about doing it."
	Josef	places it into his robes.
	Josef	"I will save it for later."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Very well, Captain," responds the merchant. "I will call for you soon as I can make arrangements. Will you be staying in Footfall long?"