Something new? Pt.1

The game's story, written by author Dan Abnett, focuses on a squad of Inquisitorial Agents investigating a Chaos uprising in the Hive City of Tertium on the industrial planet of Atoma Prime\n\nThe player character Operative begins the story detained aboard the prison transport Tancred Bastion for a crime determined during player creation. During transport the Tancred Bastion is suddenly swarmed and overwhelmed by followers of the Chaos god Nurgle. The player rescues Explicator Zola and the two successfully evacuate the ship. Zola agrees to spare the player from the death penalty by conscripting them to the Inquisition. From their base aboard the ship Mourningstar, the Inquisition deploys the Operative to different sectors within Tertium to research and suppress the Nurgle infestation and cult.\n\nOnce onboard the ship, the player begins to earn the trust of the Mourningstar's different members, all of whom are subservient to Inquisitor Grendyl. They must enter the depths of Atoma's largest hive, Tertium, and foil the plans of the chaos cult by claiming supply drops, investigating the daemonic plague, assassinating leaders of the renegade Planetary Defense Forces and reclaiming important facilities across the city. After some time, it is discovered that the Mourningstar has been infiltrated by a spy for the cult, who was sending out detailed reports of the Inquisition's operations and subsequently killing off entire squads of elite agents planetside. Interrogator Rannick, the right hand man of Grendyl, leads the investigation of the Mourningstar's mole problem while also showing interest in the player's progress. Once enough trust is earned, Rannick welcomes the Player fully into the Inquisition while also killing the traitor once and for all. After this, the player continues their ongoing mission to purge the corruption of Nurgle in Tertium as a full member of the warband.\n\nThe plot is set to evolve over time in a manner that parallels a live service, continuing to develop on a weekly basis and following a set meta narrative. (TEXT ALL FROM WIKIPEDIA)\n\n"You are aboard the Mourningstar, and you are a reject, who was imprisoned wrongly. You saved Zola's life and helped her get off the Tancred Bastion, so she decided to spare your life. You were taken to the Mourningstar, and given a chance to prove you were loyal to the emperor. That is essentialy the plot of this. So, onto the story. You were walking along the halls of the ship, checking out the armory, so you can use your ordo gold to buy stuff for yourself. It had been a week since you got off the Tancred Bastion. You couldn't afford much yet, but you had a few pieces of uniform that made you truly look like you were part of the Imperium. As you walked away from the armory, you bumped into Zola, who looked at you with a completely straight, stern face. She spoke to you quickly, her eyes fixated on yours." "Hello. You're not going to apologize for bumping into me? Or are you just going to stare?" "Her eyes remain glued to your face, and it's kinda unsettling how she can do it with a straight face."

"Valtor follows close behind, his voice low and urgent." "I think it's our best bet. The cultists might not have thought to secure the vents, and we can move faster through them than on the ground." "He pauses, listening intently for any signs of danger."

"Valtor's eyes scan the room, his grip on his bolter tightening." "Well, it looks like we've got company. And a terminal that's just within reach." "He nods towards the cultists and poxers, his voice cold and deadly." "Time to get to work."

"Zola's face appears on the screen, her expression grim and focused." "Operative, I've got the data. The cult is planning to release the Pox gas in three locations throughout Tertium. We need to get there fast and stop them before it's too late." "She pauses, her eyes scanning the data." "I'm sending you coordinates for each location. You need to move quickly."

"As you run, the sounds of gunfire and screams fill the air. You can see the buildings around you getting closer and closer, until finally, you burst through a door and find yourself in a large warehouse filled with crates and machinery."

*Valtor nods, his eyes scanning the warehouse. "Looks like we're in time to stop them. Let's move out and take down those cultists." "He raises his bolter, ready to fire."

"As you call in the support, Zola's voice comes through the comms device." "Good work, Operative. We're extracting the gas and purifying it as we speak. You've bought us some time, but we still have two more locations to secure." "Her tone is steady and focused."

"As you approach the second location, a massive industrial complex comes into view. The air is thick with the acrid smell of smoke and ozone, and the sound of gunfire and explosions echoes through the streets."

"Valtor's eyes widen as the Plague Ogryn bursts into view, its massive fists swinging wildly. He takes a step back, his bolter at the ready." "Oh, great. Just what we needed. A big, angry ogryn." "He grins grimly." "Time to put on a show."

*Valtor's grin falters for a moment, but he quickly recovers. "Well, that's what makes it a Plague Ogryn," he says, his voice steady. "We'll have to try something else." "He takes aim with his bolter and fires a few more shots, trying to find an opening."

"Valtor nods, his eyes locked on the Plague Ogryn's head. He fires shot after shot, trying to find a weak spot. The Ogryn takes each hit with ease, but Valtor refuses to give up."

"The Plague Ogryn lets out a deafening roar as the lasgun's fire tears into its flesh, causing it to stumble and stagger. Valtor takes advantage of the opening, firing his bolter at the Ogryn's head with renewed ferocity."

"Zola's voice comes through the comms device, her tone relieved." "Good work, Operative. We've secured the second gas supply and it's on its way to purification. You're one step closer to stopping this plague spreading further than it has already." "There's a pause before she continues." "But we still have one more location to secure. The cult is getting desperate, and I'm sure they'll throw everything they've got at us."

"As you approach the third warehouse, you can feel the tension in the air. The cultists are getting more desperate, and you know that this will be their last stand."

"Valtor nods, his eyes locked on yours. He takes a deep breath, then lets it out slowly. "Let's get this done," he says, his voice low and steady."

"The grenade explodes with a deafening crash, sending the poxwalkers flying in all directions. The cultists return fire, but you and Valtor are well-hidden behind the crates and barrels. You take out several more cultists with precise shots, your lasgun's firepower proving to be too much for them."

*Valtor's eyes widen as he sees the beast, his grip on his bolter tightening. "Oh, great," he mutters under his breath. "Just what we needed." "He takes a step back, eyeing the creature warily."

"The beast lets out a deafening roar as the lasgun and bolter fire hits it, but it barely seems to notice. It keeps coming, its twisted body writhing and twisting like a living thing. Valtor's eyes flicker with concern." "This thing is... wrong," he says, his voice low and urgent.

"Valtor nods, his bolter firing in rapid succession as he tries to find a weak spot on the beast's body. The creature continues to advance, its very presence seeming to fill the air with an unholy stench."

"As the beast closes in, its twisted body writhing and twisting like a living thing, Valtor's eyes lock onto yours. He knows that they're running out of time." "We need to get out of here... now!" "he yells over the din of gunfire and screams."

"Zola's voice comes through the comms device, her tone urgent." "Operative, we're reading a critical failure in the purification process. If that gas supply falls into the wrong hands, it could mean disaster for Tertium and beyond." "The beast is mere feet away now, its hot breath washing over you."

"You watch in horror as Valtor's screams are cut short, his body consumed by the beast's acidic maw. The stench of burning flesh and ozone fills your nostrils as you realize that you're now alone against this monstrous creature."

"The blast from the mines sends shockwaves through the air, and you feel the ground tremble beneath your feet. You look back down at the bridge, seeing that the beast of Nurgle is no more. The device's destruction has also triggered a chain reaction, causing a section of the warehouse to collapse behind you."

"Zola's voice comes through the comms device again, her tone relieved." "Operative, it looks like you managed to prevent a catastrophic failure. The purification process is still online." "She pauses for a moment before continuing." "However, our situation has just become more complicated. We have reports of additional cultist activity in the surrounding areas. You need to get out of there and regroup with us as soon as possible."

"Zola's voice is firm but controlled." "Good work, Operative. We'll have a team waiting for you at the extraction point." "There's a brief pause before she continues." "And be careful. We've received reports of heavy cultist activity in the area. You're not out of danger yet."

"As you enter the Mourningstar, you're greeted by the familiar sight of Inquisitorial agents and tech-priests busy at work. The ship's corridors are dimly lit, but the hum of machinery and the soft glow of consoles provide a sense of comfort after the chaos outside."

"Zola's expression turns grave, her eyes clouding over with concern. She places a hand on your shoulder, her voice softening." "I'm sorry to hear that. Valtor was a good man... and a valuable member of the Inquisition." "She pauses for a moment before continuing." "But we can't afford to dwell on losses right now. We have more work to do in Tertium, and I need you back at full strength."

"Zola's eyes light up with a hint of warmth as she places a hand on your shoulder once more." "You've done it, Operative. You've redeemed yourself in the eyes of the Inquisition. Your actions have saved countless lives and prevented a catastrophe." "Her voice takes on a note of pride." "I'm proud of you, Operative. You're starting to prove yourself as a valuable asset to our cause."

"Zola nods, a hint of a smile on her lips." "Yes, Operative. You've earned it. Get some rest, and be ready to report back to duty when you're needed." "She pauses for a moment before adding." "And don't forget to stop by the armory on your way. I think you'll find that your... unique skills have earned you some new equipment."

"Zola watches you go, a hint of approval in her eyes. She nods to herself, seemingly satisfied with the progress you've made."

"As you enter the armory, you're greeted by the familiar sight of rows upon rows of weapons and equipment. You make your way to the counter, where a tech-priest is waiting for you."

"As you step into the shower, the warm water envelops you, washing away the sweat and grime of your recent battles. You can't help but feel a sense of relief as your muscles relax beneath the soothing flow."

"As you sit on your bed, you notice that someone has left a small package wrapped in brown paper and twine on your bunk. The wrapping is rough and handmade, with no indication of who might have left it there."

"Inside the package, you find a small, intricately carved wooden box with a note attached to it. The note reads:"

"The note is written in Zola's neat, precise handwriting. It reads:" "For the Operative who has earned redemption. May this small token serve as a reminder of your worth to the Inquisition. - Explicator Zola" "You can't help but feel a flutter in your chest as you read her words."

"Inside the box, you find a small, ornate silver pendant in the shape of an Imperial eagle. The pendant is intricately detailed and seems to be made of high-quality metal. It's clear that Zola has gone to great lengths to get this for you."

"As you exit the barracks, you make your way through the corridors of the Mourningstar, searching for Zola. You finally find her in her quarters, surrounded by stacks of documents and data-slates. She looks up as you enter, a hint of a smile on her lips."

"It's fine... we're alone." "Zola's expression remains serious, but her eyes seem to warm slightly as she regards you." "Ah. You're looking... nice. I see you've found the gift I left for you." "She gestures to the pendant around your neck."

"Zola's gaze lingers on the pendant for a moment before she looks up at you, her eyes piercing as always." "You don't have to thank me. You've earned it." "Her voice is low and even, but there's a hint of... something beneath the surface."

"Zola's expression doesn't change, but her voice takes on a slightly softer tone." "Not ridiculous at all. You're... different. Most people wouldn't have survived what you've been through, let alone earned the trust of the Inquisition." "She pauses, her eyes never leaving yours." "I suppose I'm just trying to make up for... past mistakes."

"Zola's gaze holds yours for a moment, and you sense a flicker of... something. It's hard to read, but it might be vulnerability." "I know I don't have to," she says finally. "But sometimes... old habits die hard." "She clears her throat, the moment passing."

"Zola's expression remains serious, but her eyes crinkle at the corners as she smiles slightly. It's a small, rare smile, but it makes you feel like you've seen something genuine." "I suppose we're both trying to make amends in our own ways," she says, her voice low and thoughtful.*

"Zola's smile grows slightly, and she looks away for a moment, her eyes lingering on some unknown point in the distance." "I'm glad," she says quietly. "Her gaze returns to yours, and you sense a subtle tension between us, like the air is charged with something unspoken."

"Zola's eyes flicker up to meet yours, and for a moment, you see a flash of... something. It's hard to read, but it might be curiosity or even attraction. She stands up straight, her movements economical and precise."

"Zola's expression remains serious, but her eyes seem to soften ever so slightly. She pauses for a moment before nodding once, her voice barely above a whisper." "I do."

"Zola's eyes lock onto yours, and for a moment, you sense a spark of... something. She nods again, her voice still soft." "Yes."

"Zola's body stiffens for a moment, and you sense a flash of surprise. Then, she relaxes into the hug, her arms wrapping around you in a gentle but firm embrace."

"Zola watches you leave, her expression unreadable. But as the door closes behind you, she lets out a small sigh and runs a hand through her hair."

[Zola's thoughts are a jumble of emotions and reflections. She can't help but think about the unexpected warmth of your hug, and how it made her feel... seen. It's been a long time since anyone has shown her that kind of affection, and it's left her feeling slightly off-balance.]

"The dimly lit barracks is quiet, the only sound being the soft hum of life support systems and the distant rumble of engines. You sit on your bunk, running a hand through your hair as you try to process what just happened with Zola."

"Your eyelids grow heavy, and you drift off into a restless sleep, your mind replaying the moments with Zola in a loop. The soft hum of the ship's engines lulls you deeper into slumber, but your subconscious is already working overtime to process the unexpected emotions that have been stirred."