Rosenkrantz 26

	Rosenkrantz_GM	IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The Consequence's crew is alerted to man their stations, as the transition back to material space is announced. The gravity well of Furibundus marks the entry point for the Grandier Navigators, who now carefully maneuver the voidship in its last moments of warpspace travel.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Around you, the crew is visibly tense, you can hear aides, or perhaps armsmen, lose the contents of their stomachs.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The voidship violently shakes, the cacophonous roar produced filling your ears, louder and louder every second.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Suddenly, it feels as though you, and everything around you stretches to impossible proportions, as a deaf silence takes over.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	A ring in your ears is paired with the sight of the bridge's viewports opening up... the light of Furibundus suddenly the brightest thing you have seen in months.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	As your eyes adjust, Furibundus comes to focus as a massive, churning star. Volatile, and with the appearance of dueling beasts inside its core, with layers of corona blasting out in every direction to distort its shape.
	Rozen	I have never seen such enchanting sights before
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Geller fields deactivated. Commencing systems diagnostics." Titus calls out.
	Josef	stretched his limbs and releases a sigh of relief.
	Makh_Chomun	After 60 days of forced isolation and pseudo-fasting Makh feels great to be able to traverse the innards of the ship. He makes a quick tour of the decks to reacquaint himself with the ship before heading to the bridge.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Matching Chomun's pace, Lt. Downfield begins where she left off before transition. "And given what we know about the sort of people on Footfall, we can't expect anything worth the chance of replenishing the House Guard's numbers.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"
	Makh_Chomun	"Not surprising....can we call in any favors with the Navy?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"It's the worst kept secret in the Battlefleet that the Navy has operatives on Footfall, but we can't expect to be able to get an audience with any of them," she replies as she swipes through her datapad looking through information of the port.
	Makh_Chomun	rubs his forehead, irritated. "Augh, annoying. Not nearly as bad as my little confinement in the warp, but..." he just shakes his head as he continues to tromp towards the bridge.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	For the next 40 hours, the Consequence gets closer and closer to your destination. Where you might expect a voidstation, with its robust structure, and clearly defined lines, you see instead a collection of haphazard structures build into a clutch of asteroids, protected from the star's fury by layers of voidshields. Footfall is an irregular growth of twoers, domes, and docking gantries
	Rosenkrantz_GM	that hangs in the void like a lump of jagged stone. From its founding, Footfall has grown by the unplanned accumulation of structures built by the various groups and cults that have made it their home. As further structures are grafted on, the previous structures may be partially rebuilt or re-purposed and so the intenral and external layout of footfall shifts and changes with the decades.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Some structures have endured for long enough that they remain firm features that define this strange place even as Footfall grows and changes, and the means by which irregular visitors may gain some sense of permanence between visits.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The first of these landmarks you pass by is the waste of Footfall -- along with quite a few unlucky murder victims -- all end up in the Boneyard, and open, frozen midden in the void beyond the structures. The Bonepickers of Footfall, clad in paltry or improvised voidsuits, pick through the debris and corpses in search of what little value remains. Useless waste is propelled away from
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Footfall by human effort, drifting slowly to pass through the weak void-shields and away into Furibundus's embrace.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The Chapel of the Third Congregants is an imposing, void-pitted structure of spreading bastions and leering gargoyles that floats unconnected to the rest of Footfall. As you pass by, those familiar with Footfall tell of the inside... where every surface is crowded with statues, sepulchers, and saints' shrines.
	Rozen	"josef, think of all the mutants to experiment on!"
	Josef	"After maiming mutants for the last 60 days, I think I had a small rest from mutant anatomy studies."
	Makh_Chomun	"What a sight!" Makh exclaims as he steps onto the bridge. "Reminds me of that hellpit I called home for many years."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Now, as you near dock, you can see the most permanent and unforgettable views on this otherwise forgettable lair of villany... the stern visage of the God-Emperor watches over Footfall. His Macrostatue floats at the very center of the community, close to the size of the greatest vessel of Battlefleet Calixis, linked to twenty structures by massive void-steel chains. The statue and its
	Rosenkrantz_GM	plinth are hollowed by chambers, but no-one dares dwell within. The macrostatue is a point of pilgrimage for the faithful who yearn to see the God-Emperor stare out across unclaimed worlds that will one day be His.
	Makh_Chomun	"Magnificent..." the Lord Protector whispers to himself as he makes the sign of the aquila across his chest.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Lt. Downfield has lost her words. She stands as near as she can to the fore viewports, arms limp on either side, as information idly streams on her unattended datapad.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Docking, however, has Titus coordinating with every senior officer on the bridge. From the tight and tricky maneuvering necessary to reach the right docking arms, to the comms crew  convincing Footfall's corrupt and trigger-happy gunnery crews not to fire upon their vessel.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	At last, you are able to stand ready in front of the airlock as the voidship comes to a complete stop.
	Makh_Chomun	"That's enough gawking Downfield, we've business needs attending."
	Makh_Chomun	He smiles wryly, only just keeping himself from doing the same.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Titus: "We have successfully docked. You may make your way to the umbilical."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Downfield snaps out of it, and nods to the Flag Lieutenant, while quickly going over her datapad to see what she may have missed.
	Makh_Chomun	summons his weapons and armor to be made ready near the airlock to be donned before departing. He also has 20 House Guard assigned for the party's honor guard.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The House Guard are already there by the time you arrive at the airlock. In their standard gear, and decorated armor, with the fighting Raven on each one's left shoulderpad.
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	Rosenkrantz_GM	With an angry burst of venting gases, the armored airlock portal swings outwards. As the swirling miasma clears, a thousand sights, sounds and smells assault your senses simultaneously. Stepping through, you find yourself in a huge, vaulted space, the walls made of roughly-hewn stone dripping with the corruption of ages. This is the Footfall longshore, and it is crowded with hundreds of
	Rosenkrantz_GM	void-farers, laborers, servitors, merchants, and scum ---all swearing, grunting or calling out the values of their wares. If you expected a welcoming party, you're disappointed-- this is Footfall, where money and blood are the only currency.
	Makh_Chomun	nods to himself as he takes in the sights and sounds...and smells. "Hah, not too bad, not too bad of a smell considering."
	Rozen	"And I'm still the tallest person here."
	Josef	"The sooner we leave this dreaded port of disease, the better."
	Rozen	"it's not all that bad, cheer up"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The docks are served by a staggering range of assorted scum, mind-slaved laborers, servitors, and those just plain down on their luck and out of options.
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"What a nightmarish voyage."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	As you make your way through the bustling longshore, many such individuals stare. Everything about you is alien... the way you walk, the way you dress... the equipment you hold. As such, you are given a respectfully wide berth, overall.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	You pass through a particularly crowded stretch of longshore, an area strewn with cargo containers and bustling with laborers...
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	Rozen	"look at them cower, pitiful."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The Lord-Captain notices, however, that while most here are busy, or otherwise trying to get out of your way, there are three men who travel at the same pace as your group, closely watching you.
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	Rosenkrantz_GM	An overseer, who is leaning nonchalantly against a battered cargo crate, makes the casual remark, "Lovely voidship. Would be a shame if it got its paint scratched out here. Might even make the likes of the boy shed a tear or two."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The men who have been following you snicker nastily at the remark.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Pretty men dun' last long, boss, aye boss. You's a smart. hehe"
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	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Choman, any idea who these filth are?"
	Makh_Chomun	grunts to himself. He remembers their type from his past. "I've never stepped on such things, so I can't say I've ever seen 'em stuck to the bottom of my boot sole."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The overseer empties a mouthfull of unhealthily-colored, thick flem, and locks eyes with Friedrich.
	Rozen	"is there an issue gentlemen?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Well..." one of them grunts, "the pet can talk."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"The "pet" has a name. And can turn you into jelly in a few seconds flat." he says in a bored tone
	Makh_Chomun	"Let's not waste time Lord-Captain, we've business to attend to."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Of course." he says as he turns and begins to walk away
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Aye, better listen to yer handler boy. Yer a lost bunch out here."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The House Guard glare at the men as they walk past.
	Rozen	"Cant you just, have them killed or something?"
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	quietly radios the ship to be on the lookout for the likes of those men
	Josef	"Lost fools, they are not worth the effort Twistcatcher."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"I could, but what would that have accomplished?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Clearing your way out of the lonshore, past cargo collectors, and servitors, you arrive at a more open area. Here, merchants show off their wares, and armed mercenaries talk to those who look as though they own a vessel.
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Makh, could you find replacements among these men?"
	Makh_Chomun	"No. Downfield has reported that we would find nothing armsmen material here. If we needed ratings, perhaps."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	nods
	Rosenkrantz_GM	It isn't long before you are approached by a group of five individuals who appear to be local tithe officials. Each is wearing a high-collared, double-breasted uniform, bedecked with epaulettes, gold piping and a vast array of rank insignia.
	Josef	"Lord Captain, once our business has concluded. May I be allowed to visit the Shield Shrines?"
	Josef	"It would make this experience much more tolerance."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Depends on the circumstances."
	Josef	"Of course, Lord Captain."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	They close the distance, yet maintain a respectful two meters before one raises his palm, and requests politely, yet firmly that you, "accompany us to the offices of the Administratum Oeconomica Imperialis, if you please, Captain."
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	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Good afternoon gentlemen, how may I be of assistance."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Please come with us, Captain, that we may register your arrival, and process your docking tithe."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Of course." he says, following the men
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"And... while your advisors are more than welcome to join us, I'm afraid the armed soldiers will have to wait here."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"For any particular reason?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Such is procedure, Captain. As you can see, we must take every precaution in a place like this, where all-too-often force of arms would get in the way of the civil processes that keep this station serviceable."
	Makh_Chomun	scowls at the official.
	Makh_Chomun	"Who do you want with you Friedrich?"
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	turns to the guard."Remain here until we return, on any sign of trouble contact the ship a retrieve us."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The lead official nods, and leads you.
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"everyone save the guard."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"How are your experiments coming along Josef?" he asks as they walk
	Rosenkrantz_GM	You are taken to what appears to be a cargo staging area, where remarkably, the scum and laborers seem to steer clear of. As with most things in this place, the "office" appears to be just another improvised location from which business can be conducted.
	Josef	"Dreadful, I was tending to the Mutants underdecks of the ship. The effects of Warp travel had dampened my logic functions."
	Makh_Chomun	"Heard he spilled enough blood down there to fill a city's worth of tubs."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The floating servoskull scans the room you are taken into, apparently to the annoyance of the lead official.
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	Josef	"Enough blood to fill 2.34 water containment units."
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	Rosenkrantz_GM	"I will be expecting your declared cargo manifest to come in and back up your statements here, captain. But the nature of collection in a distant place like this... is in a way more flexible."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"So, for now, I will simply need to know if you have come into port to trade, or sell any cargo?"
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"To trade of course, it's in the name."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"What wares have you in your hold, intended to be unloaded for trade?"
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Nothing as of yet, we are hoping to buy and barter firstly."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"I see." He appears to make note of this on a datapad.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"But you do have a significant amount of arms, for what I can appraise."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"And men."
	Makh_Chomun	chuckles at that.
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	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Tithing for Footfall's defense would fulfill what is lacking in trade goods."
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	Makh_Chomun	"Care to elaborate on what you mean by that? Are you proposing to buy our services as mercenaries?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	One of the officials chuckles at this.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"This is a tithe, sir. Not an offer of employment," the lead official clarifies.
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	Rosenkrantz_GM	"We would take on a sufficient number of your men. The number would be in direct proportion to their quality, of course. The better trained, the less would be required," he affirms.
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	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Makh, do you notice something odd?" he says quietly
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"I wasn't aware we were in the presence of a grand admiral."
	Makh_Chomun	roars in laughter while slapping his armored knee. "You don't say?"
	Makh_Chomun	"Tell me Admiral, where's your flagship?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"The rank doesn't matter. Look around you."
	Makh_Chomun	"It matters if we're being played. I don't appreciate being conned, 'Admiral.'"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"You are new to Footfall, that much is clear. And while you may not understand how things are run around here, you will soon come to understand that there are powers which rule this collection of metal and rock which expect the customary tithes necessary to both appease them, and to ensure there isn't a collapse of this place."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	clears his throat "I'll give you ten seconds to depart before this get ugly."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Ten."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"If you expect to remain unharassed during your stay, Captain, you make an offer and pay the tithe."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Nine."
	Josef	"Really, Lord Captain? I wish to experiment on untainted flesh."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Eight."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Seven."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Before making their exit, they make one last, very serious threat, "You don't want to mess with the likes of us, boy. Just remember who controls the gunnery turrets. You'll have to leave sometime, and when you do, we'll be watching!"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	With that, the bogus officials flee.
	Makh_Chomun	"Do not mock representatives of the Rosenkrantz Dynasty, scum." Makh sets his power-fist arcing with tiny bolts of electricty.
	Josef	pulls out a chain axe and revs the engine and says "Please return, I wish to continue our appointment a bit further."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Josef, inform Titus for me if you would, and Makh gather the guards. Extra vigilance."
	Makh_Chomun	"Aye Cap'n." Makh puts on his helm and keys his commbead and informs the House Guard to remain extra vigilant and to meet with the rest of the group.
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"I don't know about you lads, but I'm getting sick of the light handed approach."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The guard quickly regroup just as Titus makes contact.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Captain, we have received a ping from a transmitter issued to House Operatives here on Footfall. Lady Gillam's men.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+What's the word Titus?+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+Recommended course of action by her staff here is to make yourself visible. Let them find you.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Any specifics of "them"?+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+I would also like to add that the early report appears to contain information about the relics being auctioned off. I'm afraid I am not privy to any of the details of Lady Gillam's agents. All I know is she set up a front organization of mercenaries here on Footfall.+
	Makh_Chomun	"Lets start parading around the busier places 'til we run into them. Stretch our legs."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Begin marching!" he says with a mock authoritarian voice
	Josef	"I wish to sanctify this place with the blood of pirates as well."
	Makh_Chomun	"Now now, don't be hasty Josef."
	Makh_Chomun	leads the column of House Guard, allowing Friedrich to lead ahead of Makh.
	Josef	"You can see the degeneracy to this place, Lord Chomun. The Shield Shrines and the statue of the Omnissiah deserve better than this."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	As you make your way about, you notice people speaking into eachother's ears, making comments as you pass by. For better or worse, you are being noticed.
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Titus, are the mercenaries available to be contacted in case we need aid?+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Soon after you enter one of the main thoroughfares, where some degree of 'order' seems to exist --perhaps entirely due to the armed uniformed mercenaries on every corner-- you spot a servo-skull buzzing slowly about.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+I am told to avoid any open contact with the organization. No suspicions to the Dynasty's connection to the organization ought to be raised, unless absolutely necessary.+
	Rosenkrantz_GM	+It is worth noting, that many of the mercenaries are in fact employed and have no notion of the true nature of the operations behind the company.+
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	+Thank you leuitenant.+
	Josef	speaks in Techna-lingua to halt and state its function.
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	begins to walk boldly down the street, attempting to walk directly into the servo-skulls sight
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The servo skull approaches your group, and hovers in front of you, scanning your faces one by one.
	Makh_Chomun	doesn't pay the servo skull any attention as he marches at the head of his boys and girls.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	A burst of binary tell Josef some authentication protocol has been activated.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	A recording beings to project from one of its eye sockets.
	Josef	[Techna-lingua] "Under who's authority?"
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The static-filled image resolves into a monstrout brute, vaguely man-shaped creature consisting almost entirely of exquisitely crafted bionic augmentations.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	Even his face has been re-crafted into a stylysed death's head of chased silver, though the eyes remain disturbingly human. When he speaks, however, his voice is surprisingly soft.
	Rosenkrantz_GM	"Greetings, honored Rogue Traders. My name is Tanthus Moross, Liege of Footfall, and it gives me pleasure to welcome you here, amongst so many of your august companions. If you so desire, would you honor the nobility of Footfall with your presence at a small celebratory meal tonight?"
	Makh_Chomun	"Sounds like something we ought to do after finding Gillam's agents.
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"We accept."
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	"Good
	Friedrich_Rosenkrantz	plan Makh."
	Rosenkrantz_GM	The recording terminates, with a burst of binary, the servo skull sends directions and other information directly to the Genetor, and departs.

Mutants are inferior, and Josef smells.