Character Journal 2 - H. Tiberius Holocene

Matt's character logs continue to impress. Here's his character log for our 2nd session. I love the opening headings and the correct dating conventions. Such things make me grin inwardly with geekdom.

Day 128, 813M41
Log of Events
Ferral Wolf, comissioned 389M34
Captain H. Tiberius Odysean Holocene

Warrant of Trade # RV-426-G7-96-BFN4Y2

• Granted to Rogue Trader Hester Nathaniel Holocene 623M35
• Given leave to spread the light of the God Emperor to places unknown within Segmentum Obscurus.

Politics and intrigue. After encountering two other Rogue Traders, I realize now that I must be careful in what I say. The phrase silver tongued devil certainly comes to mind, and if I am going to succeed against such as these, I must be able to use every talent in my arsenal.

Footfall has shown that already this place, this Expanse does not operate under the same restrictions as the Imperium proper. However, just because law does not exist here in a traditional sense, it does not really give me leave to break my vows. Reputation seems to be as important, if not more so, than any amount of coin I carry, and I must ensure that mine remains intact, or this dynasty will soon find itself adrift.

I am honestly pleased with our trade agreement with House Kerin. While I am certainly wary of the prospect of them trying to extort us at some point, I know that they too have a reputation to consider. Moreover, my read of Nathaniel, their highest ranking member of their House here in the Kronus Expanse is of a person who is looking to do business and establish good relations rather than a cut-throat or a brigand. We will see in time if my hunch to form a trade agreement with them proves a good or bad decision. Still, we have, I believe, what weapons we need to start our colony, and have managed to procure at least basic versions of many of the supplies we will need to start it up.

I decided that it would be a waste not to look into the ruins on Vedic, the planet we're planning on settling. I have dispatched Sebastian and others to look into finding someone who will be able to take advantage of this, so that we might turn these ruins for a profit. Of course I dream of unique alien technology and relics either for our use or for sale, but there is something to be said about simply looking more closely into this seemingly extinct race. I find in this yet another joy of being out from under the oppression of the Imperium.

The encounter with House Narghast went, I believe, in my favor. The other Rogue Traders must know that just because we have been dealt a crushing blow, we are not fickle or weak, and I will not allow others to intimidate me. We still stand strong, and I will persevere. I will never trade for the "protection" that Lady Chorda was offering. While this might lead to hardships later, I know that the troubles we might face are nothing compared to being indebted to such as her.

House Ontiveros on the other hand was an entirely different encounter. I know our own Explorator was extremely interested in them, he did little to hide it. They have a sense of curiosity about them that seems like innocence. Perhaps this is their true nature, but I will, as ever, remain on my guard. Still, they seem trustworthy enough to deal with and perhaps work alongside.

The arrival of the Ghost Ship was something that caught everyone's attention. Honestly, I am glad that the Governor of Footfall had the three of us meet to discuss what would happen with it, because I do not think I would have come out on top of a skirmish, let alone a full scale battle. I am also glad that Admiral Balter accepted my invitation to appear. I would like very much to get a chance to catch up with him before he leaves in search of the Angvein fleet.

I was shocked at how easily I was able to convince the other houses that the ship should remain intact, and that I gained custody of it. I wonder what I really gave away with the deal with Chorda, and I fear that I won't know the true extent until it may be too late. As for Lady Ontiveros, I wonder what they knew when they said they would not help us in bringing the ship under our control. I only hope there is no animosity there, as I would enjoy forming an alliance with that dynasty if possible.

Now it is time to rally the troops in preparation for... well in preparation for anything. I have won the right to claim this ghost ship, now it is time to take her as mine!