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In the end, after 11 days of trial, Nestus Margon declared following verdict:
>Dear ladies and gentlemen, men of cloth and men of sword, humans and Astartes, this court has finally reached it verdict on the case of Betrayal at Varda. From this midnight, following decisions must be implemented by all loyal Imperial servants in all branches of service.
>1. Haran Dreifus and anyone who is with him now bears the mark of Traitoris Extremis, he is to be hunted down and presented living or dead to the Adeptus Astartes of the revered Ghosts of Retribution Chapter. To encourage this, Imperial Authorities will offer the reward of 10 million thrones for anyone who delivers him, alive or dead. We believe, that Ghosts of Retribution will offer a reward of their own in addition to this.
>2. The list of following 129 priests who have been in various ways related Haran Dreifus over his career is to be inspected by Ghosts of Retribution and they are to be judged as they for their involvement or lack of thereof in the transgression against the Chapter. This investigation is left to the Chapter to conduct.
>3.Ecclesiarchy will grant following compensation to the Ghosts of Retribution because of the fact that it was indirectly associated with attack - 30 million thrones to the Chapter and 30 million worth of thrones to the people of Varda. This can be repayed by building infrastructure, schools, temples and other things of value to the local communities.
>4. Hulks in the space around Varda are from now on property of the Ghosts of Retribution, so is "Strongback" as soon as the criminals are delivered to Imperial justice authorities(look at 5). Ships under Dreifus command, if taken in battle, will become property of the person or organisation who will capture or kill Dreifus.

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>5. Participants in the munity of the Imperial Navy Escort "Strongback" are sentenced to 25 years of working in the slave gangs aboard the Imperial Navy Cruiser "Theseus". Leaders of the mutiny, including ex-Starboard Gun Battery Sergeant Fedoric Zurich, are sentenced to death by crucifixation in the plaza in front of St. Evangelions Cathedral in Tachion Primaris. Families of the mutineers will not receive any compensations associated with the death of serving sailor and their offspring loses the rights to join Imperial service in any form.
>6. Ecclesiarchy is allowed to accept support from it's armed patrons and no one is allowed to challenge this for a 100 years or until another similar incident happens.
>7. For the next 100 years priests of Iron Monks allegiance will not be allowed to enter Varda system without invitation.

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As there have been suggestions previously, you may spend any Favour Point to influence High Lords of Terra or try to change Fate by burning one of Fate points to change the outcome of trial. If not, we'll proceed as normal.
+++
As soon as the trial is over, the Halls of Justice become even more chaotic than before. Scribes are hurrying to reach the public cogitator pods to transmit recordings of the trial to their guilds and organisations, nobles are looking for their rivals to take back their bets or to cash out their winnings, priests who might have had a hand in the affair at Varda are running for the closest lander pads to escape the vicinity of intimidating Astartes... For this moment, you are the heroes of the hour, whole Capitolis Sectorum speaks about what had transpired here in the recent weeks. All that remains is to implement the verdict.

Nestus Margon approaches you with a retinue of Arbites officers:
>Congratulations with your victory, Chapter Master, it seems you have been indeed wronged by the Iron Monks. However I am here on business. We have already sent out the demand for all the persons on the list to attend the Halls of Justice as soon as possible, however we are not sure how many of them are going to come here by their own free will. If you wish to see justice carried out, you will have to act quickly. Also, we expect you to deliver the crew from Strongback to our hands within three days. Board the frigate immediately and arrest them, otherwise they might create trouble if they will hear of what has been decided here today. If you will need my guidance on any matters, here is my psychic signature, your astropaths will be able to relay me messages if needed.

[You receive a list of 129 suspects]
You may roll d70. This will be the number of them who will answer your summons and come by free will.

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Also, your valiant attempts to uphold Decree Passive make you look good in the eyes of Terra.

Favour +1

Rolled 46

>>29320754

>>29320565
>>29320589

"Lord Margon, if I may be allowed to ask for clarification of the court's rulings, with the intent to prevent future misunderstandings?"

>2.
"Will the court, in the name of justice and preventing additional conflict, be compelling or summoning the 129 priests in question to surrender themselves unto the court without resistance? The betrayal of Varda has been a bloody event, and we ask that this verdict ensure that the bloodshed not continue by allowing the priests in question to wield mobs or worse in an attempt to escape any crimes committed."

>7.
"I ask that you clarify this judgement by clearly stating the punishment for any that ignore or defy this verdict. In addition, I ask you to extend this decree to all worlds that my chapter holds stewardship over for the duration of the century, so that this betrayal is prevented from playing out upon another of our worlds."

>5.
"Lords and Ladies, the loyalist crew of the frigate 'Strongback' was commanded by souls that, had they survived, would be declared Traitoris Extremis. In the darkest hour of this betrayal, when the Heretic Haran Dreifus' victory seemed certain in the eyes of his fleet, the crew of 'Strongback' saw the truth of the situation, as their officers declared the enemy to be Sons of Corax, himself a son of He on Terra. In a display of bravery and loyalty to the Emperor and the Imperium, these men rose against Traitors during the height of their power. Such conviction and courage to act would be expected of any Astartes, who bear the heritage of our fathers, sons of the Emperor. But these men, not Astartes, men just like yourselves; struck against Heresy, despite believing that the Heretics would surely win and slaughter them all. With the Emperor's strength, both our Chapter and the crew of 'Strongback' were victorious against a foe that should have crushed us!"

>Cont...

>>29320754
Also, send for Xyptus, we'll need him badly if we're going to be investigatan and prosecutan.

>>29321066
"We ask that the loyal crew of 'Strongback' instead be allowed to serve our Chapter as serfs, and if the leaders of the loyal crew of 'Strongback' absolutely must be sentenced to death for the strength of their faith and courage, I ask that they be granted a soldier's death, as is fitting for men of such caliber. Varda and the Ghosts of Retribution will honor them as they were: men that fought in the darkest of hours in a manner to make an Astartes' chest swell with pride, and willing to call these men brothers. Their names shall be added to both our lists of the Glorious Dead and as victims of the Betrayal of the Iron Monks."

I also move that we stop Cannoness Engel before she departs, and request the aid of her Order's Hospitallers for both Varda and the prisoners we've taken.

Disease is going to be a major concern for Varda for quite a few years, we'll ensure Varda's population doesn't hate -all- priests, and they may very well end up recruiting a number of orphans that may have been created.

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>>29321066
>Summons
We have already sent out the summons, revered Chapter Master. However having in mind the circumstances and your reputation, we doubt that many of them will turn in willingly.
>Verdict number 7
I am afraid the Verdict has already been passed and there is nothing I can change. Punishment for defying the High Imperial Court is only one, so we decided that clarification is not required.
>Strongback's crew
I am afraid our verdict is final. They were sailors of the Merchant Marine of the Segmentum Navy, thus they are governed by the Codex of Imperial Navy. Granting them an exception would create a dangerous preceent that could lead to more mutinies aboard Imperial ships. That cannot happen and the debate is over.
>>29321160
If you are so serious in your request, you might initiate an appeal to review the case. It will not save the leaders of the rebellion, but the crew might be allowed to serve their 25 years of slavery in your service, maybe in the famous Vardan goldmines. If you would want to ask for another trial, be quick, we still have some slots left for 342.M41.
>>29321269
>I also move that we stop Cannoness Engel before she departs, and request the aid of her Order's Hospitallers for both Varda and the prisoners we've taken.
Engel thinks about it for a moment:
>Do not think that we forgot what has happened all those years ago, but we are no longer your enemy. However neither we are friends, Chapter Master. If you wish, we can provide help, but you'll have to provide suitable donation to motivate us. For 10 million thrones I would be delighted to send a humanitarian mission to your world to help out.
>>29320957
By the end of the month, 46 of the priests have given themselves up willingly. Some of them are arrogant enough to think that this is just a formality, others are simply stupid and some were simply unlucky enough to be caught by Arbites before they could leave off-world. What shall you do with them?

>>29321471
Are there any among them who are not incredibly arrogant, stupid or unlucky and actually take the charges seriously, and clear the situation up in the name of their faith and the Immortal god emperor?

>>29321471
Engel.
>Perhaps in the future we could hope to change that, for now the compensation is a small price to pay for Varda, you will have your 10 million thrones.

>>29321471
I propose a minimum punishment of a 10 wealth fine to each of the priests. With heftier punishments being dealt out to some of them on a case-by-case basis.

How many of the 46 signed Dreifus' promotion papers?

>>29321531
We should contact Folkvangr and see if Alexander Kerr held any records or information on the priests on our list...

>>29321471
I say we petition for an appeal of the case

>>29321471

>Engel
"I do believe we lost five brothers all those years ago, and have not seen or heard of their equipment or remains since, much like your response to our call for aid when we believed an enemy from beyond the Imperium was en-route to Varda, Lady Engel. Your Hospitallers can collect our donation to your order upon their arrival to Varda. Emperor go with you."

>>29321676
seconding appeal

>>29321676
>>29321862

I vote we only appeal the fate of Strongback's crew and request the extension of #7 to worlds we hold Stewardship over.

>>29321787
Apply water to the BURNED area! It's a valid point though, they're acting like we don't want to be friends. And we do. We don't have many friends.

>>29321676
I want to use a FP to affect the outcome and get more money, but it is probably too late.

Why do you want to appeal. For the Strongback crew? They still must be punished. Pardoning them would set a dangerous precedent. I'm okay with having them serve in the Vardan mines, if you want.

>>29321787
Let's not antagonize her. She is being very reasonable.
>>29321471
"Your requests are reasonable. 10 million thrones is a small price to pay for Varda. We'll send it to you."

>>29321471
>By the end of the month, 46 of the priests have given themselves up willingly. Some of them are arrogant enough to think that this is just a formality, others are simply stupid and some were simply unlucky enough to be caught by Arbites before they could leave off-world. What shall you do with them?
We will capture those we can. Send the ones we've captured to wherever they are supposed to go to be judged.

I'm against appealing. I don't want another trial. Use Favour to get more thrones or Fate to change the outcome but let's not risk going into a courtroom again.

>>29322562
I'll change my stance on the appeal to back vjvjv, but I'm still against any favor or fate point use

>>29322562
I'm all for an appeal if we can get more free labour and save those men the fate of working aboard that cruiser. Which is probably horrible.

>>29322658
We can negotiate with the Navy directly to make sure their punishment is not too harsh.

>>29322658
I'm all for an appeal. It shows the sector that we will look out for those with the courage to fight against HERESY and we have sector wide support. This should be easy.

>>29322562
I'm against using Fate points as they are a sacred last-minute ass savers.
But I see nothing wrong with using the favour.

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>>29322790
>But I see nothing wrong with using the favour.
Blatant misuse of power to warp what is commonly seen as Justice.
Loss of popularity, support and respect from all sides.
Less favour, which is also hugely powerful.

>>29322821
Ok now I see something wrong about using favour.

>>29322821
Exactly.

>>29322790
>>29322821
Okay. We won't use them. I'm still hesitant about appealing.

>>29322873
I still think that we should give saving the crew a shot through an appeal.

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>>29321506
Those who do take the charges seriously are claiming their innocence. Not single one admits being guilty of what happened in Varda.
>>29321526
>>29321787
>>29322210
>I am gla to hear that. My sisters will depart immediately. And regarding your brothers - we will see whether we have anything related to them. (you lose 10 million thrones)
>>29321531
You may roll d10. These priests will be from the richer dioceses and will actually be able to afford to pay 10 wealth. Out of 46 suspects only d9 have signed any papers related with Dreifus getting a promotion. Others were 'involved' by supplying him with information, materiel or simply by being associated with him.
>>29321667
You may roll d100 to send a soulword to Folkvangr.
>>29321676
>>29321787
>>29321923
Please roll d100 on Logic to submit your appeal.
>>29322308
Xyptus, your spymaster, approaches you in your cell:
>Milord, I heard we have a situation which is perfectly suited to my skills. I am almost offended you didn't call for me yet. Would you like me to start tracking them down?
You can order Xyptus to quickly find suspects(roll d100, pay 5 Wealth, immediate results) or to order him to methodically track them down(roll d100+10, pay 1 wealth, results after d3 years). Or you can always hope that Arbites will do the job... (Roll d100 -30, results next year)
+++
What are your next actions?

Rolled 29

>>29324467
logic

>>29324467
>only d10 can afford 10 wealth

well then they sell enough of their shit until they CAN afford 10 wealth of they can see there own headless carcass fall down as their head rolls away.

>>29324467
As for the d9 who signed Dreifus' promotions, I say they get a boltgun mouthwash and we take all their stuff.

>>29324510
Let's just take what we can get. No more threats. These demands are already quite harsh. Let's let the past be the past. We have more important things to deal with.
>>29324546
I disagree. Just have them pay d10 wealth. There is no way to prove that they had anything directly to do with the Betrayal. We're lucky to just get this.

Rolled 78 + 10

>>29324467
I say we should let Xyptus track them methodically and get the job done right

Rolled 5

>>29324467
All of the priests who have signed Dreifus' promotion papers are to be put to the test of faith by the Trial of the blade, all of those who fail this trial shall be put to death by the holy sword that they had held, preferably by their own hands, and all of their possessions taken under control of the Ghosts of Retribution.

>You can order Xyptus to quickly find suspects(roll d100, pay 5 Wealth, immediate results) or to order him to methodically track them down(roll d100+10, pay 1 wealth, results after d3 years). Or you can always hope that Arbites will do the job... (Roll d100 -30, results next year)
Can Xyptus work with the Arbites?
And does Xyptus teach his talents to others?

Rolled 46

>>29324467
Order Xyptus to quickly find the suspects. Justice must be swift.

Rolled 3

>>29324467
>>29324595

Rolled 59

>>29324467

Soulword to Folkvangr

Rolled 9

>>29324467
1d10 priests to pay 10W

Rolled 7

>>29324467
rolling d10 for priests

Rolled 3

>>29324467
d9 who have signed papers related with Dreifus getting a promotion

Rolled 56

>>29324467
rolling Arbites

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>>29324485
You have submitted a partial appeal to the verdict on Betrayal at Varda. Court session for this tertiary matter will take place in 342.M41. Wrenloft, please add this event to expected events.
http://chapterquest.wikia.com/wiki/Expected_events
>>29324510
>>29324546
Do we have a confirmation for this?
>>29324595
>>29324620
Xyptus is out on the hunt. Add expected event 'Xyptus presents you with the results of his investigation'. You lose 1 million thrones.
>>29324603
>Can Xyptus work with the Arbites?
That's impossible because of his less than legal background.
>And does Xyptus teach his talents to others?
Yes, he can. In fact, you used him at some point to establish whole spy networks in planets, organisation and subsectors, you can use him for that again.

I will need confimation about putting those 5 individual to the Trial of the Blade.
>>29324662
You do not receive a reply at this moment.
>>29324697
9 priests have the financial ability to meet your outrageous demands. After selling all of their possessions, palaces and relics, they are left with just a little more than clothes, but they can pay you a total of 90 million thrones in exchange for their freedom. All 5 of the signatories are among these people. All the other priests have a lot less personal wealth and are unable to meet your demands. Your decision?

>>29324467
We should make our way back to our marines and celebrate the victory, even if the punishment is not as harsh as we'd like. Show our disgust that the Iron Monks were able to hide behind judges and bureaucrats, and promise that if they ever try something like this again they will be killed to the last man.

>>29325000
I'm against both Trial of the Blade and Boltgun mouthwash. Just have them pay with money.

>9 priests have the financial ability to meet your outrageous demands. After selling all of their possessions, palaces and relics, they are left with just a little more than clothes, but they can pay you a total of 90 million thrones in exchange for their freedom. All 5 of the signatories are among these people. All the other priests have a lot less personal wealth and are unable to meet your demands. Your decision?
See: >>29324603
And if the Militia that so fondly followed after Dreifus' command wish to aid them in their financial crisis, then they are free to pawn off their weapons and aid their priests.

>>29325000
The priests unable to pay with give up 80% of their assets and pay 50% of their income to the Ghosts of Retribution for a period of d12 years.

Thoughts?

captcha: Economic hteopyg

>>29325228
They give up 90% of their income until they've paid the full 10 wealth.

>>29325228
This seems fair. Besides, we don't want to alienate the whole Ecclesiarchy with messed up demands

>>29325271
Actually no. Don't support this.
>>29325228
Do this. We can up the percentages a bit to satisfy Luigi.

>>29325000
We gave our word that any priest able to pay can go. The 5 have suffered enough and we have our honor. Let them go.

>>29325271
>>29325374
Yes let's skin them. We want all of their money.

>>29325454
Second.

>>29325454

We never gave any such word.

We said that the -minimum- punishment would be to pay the fine.

Please do not allow Skargan or confusion to place words into our mouths.

After we're done punishing innocent priests who probably just wanted to serve the Emperor I have a few things I'd like to do.

Send scout to gather information on Oskea. Perhaps expand spy network.

Find a particularly politically savvy or observant marine and train him in matters of court and information gathering. Next time we rotate Ursus's honor guard he will be sent and send us reports on the political situation and relationships between nobility.

Offer 10W reward for Dreifus delivered dead. 20W alive.

>>29325271
>>29325465
What are we, barbarians caring only for loot? No, we should have these men give us what vjvjv suggested. This is a fair price and it may actually net us more in the long run.

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Ok, let's vote on this:
A) Get 90 Wealth, release all of the priests. Minor outrage
B) Get 40 Wealth, Trial by Blade to the 5 signatories, release others. Medium outrage
C) Get 40 Wealth, Trial by Blade to the 5 signatories, skin others. Strong outrage
D) Get 90 Wealth, Trial by Blade to the 5 signatories, skin others. Extreme outrage
E) Get 90 Wealth, skin all the priests, their families, pets and churches, then execute them.

Please pick one and vote!

>>29325656
A) Get 90 Wealth, release all of the priests. Minor outrage

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The ONLY thing I've been trying to do for the last god-knows-how-many-months is make this chapter NOT a complete pile of dog shit.

For over a fucking year it's been like:
>Lose 150W worth of stuff in combat
>Its okay here's a present worth 20W

>Investment 100W
>5W profit 10 years later
>Yay now we can buy a Rhino

And then this whole betrayal crap rolls along, and I'm on the fucking edge from this constant conflict crap going on FAR too long. Skargan goes missing for 2 months, and I start thinking of ways to turn it to our advantage.

Maybe we can try and sell the hulks of the enemy ships?
>Oh no they ran away.

Oh well we can money from the destroyed ground forces!
>Oh wait no they're completely worthless for some reason.

Never mind! We can make Kest pay for the stuff his cult destroyed!
>All logical reasoning supporting our cause
>100 lol

Well...well....maybe we can force them to pay it in court?!
>Again, supported by all logical reasoning, RP, lots of effort
>32, 6 lol

Erm...okay....well......there are these priests who we're allowed to trial ourselves! Maybe we can force them to pay the money!
>nah lol, also everything's more expensive

>>29325057
>>29325634
And then of course we get some dipshit who's been playing for all of ten days actively opposing my ultimately-insufficient-anyway efforts to earn money.

This is absolutely ridiculous.

>>29325649
Well you know what fuckstick, maybe if we actually had enough shit to do our JOBS we wouldn't need to be barbarians caring only for loot.

>>29325656
A

>>29325656
A)

>>29325656
a

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>>29325656
All 5 signatories go by trial of the blade and have all of their possessions siezed.
All other priests are free to go if they have paid.
All the priests are also free to contact the Eccielarchy for financial support if they so need to.

>>29325656
We have -never- stated that payment would be grounds for release. See Luigi's original post @ >>29321531

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>>29325796
Winner takes all, after all.

>>29325649
It's called reparations bitch. That's what'ya get for betraying us. It's also an examplary punishment.
>>29325656
A)

>>29325679
Woah man, calm down. I just thought asking 90% of wages was a bit high was all and was trying to rp a bit. I agree with you on most of your points. Unfortunately events aren't turning out as well as we would like them so we are all scrambling.

>>29325656
AA battery.

I offer an alternative plan.

Those that can afford to pay the fine we have levied will do so.

Those that can not afford to pay the fine we have levied, will do as in >>29325228

the 5 that Signed Dreifus' promotions will be sentenced to the Ordeal of the Blade.

Before we enact the Ordeal of the Blade, we tell Engel, some Eaglebearers, and White Preachers that we will respect any soul that requests us to spare the 5 of this Trial, publicly.

>>29326130
Seems most reasonable.

>>29326130
second.

>>29326130
fuck the back lash lets just go with this

>>29325737 is renouncing in favor for >>29326130

>>29326130
>the 5 that Signed Dreifus' promotions will be sentenced to the Ordeal of the Blade.
And have their possessions seized if they are proven to be heretics?
>Those that can not afford to pay the fine we have levied, will do as in >>29325228
They're already selling nearly all of their assets to pay for it anyway.

>>29326184
Their remaining possessions can go to the church, not that it'll be much, since we're apparently stripping them bare.

>>29326209
What I'm saying is that all that are sentenced to the ordeal of the blade will have their possessions seized as well, since they are technically not paying the 10 wealth.

>>29326130
Something that will perhaps statisfy everyone. The priests that we have now have - regardless of their intentions - submitted themselves before the court, so for their good will, we let all of them off with the collective fine of 90W. However, the ones that escape our justice will have to face a harder punishment. Those that haven't presented themselves, and singed the papers, will have to face the trial of the blade, and submit 10W for a fine if found guilty. The ones that evade our judgement but didn't sign the papers will be subject to the payment plan or the 10W. Proportionate punishment to the crime.

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It seems we have nearly unanimous agreement on this >>29326130
You receive 40 million thrones from those who are rich enough to buy their freedom. The confiscated properties of the rest are worth another d15+5 million thrones.
+++
The five signatories are sentenced to the Ordeal of the Blade, please state their rules and describe me how you will state the trial (location, guests, level of publicity, whether you give anyone lighter/heavier swords, etc).

The Order of the Bloody Tears, White Preachers and Eaglebearers all send out their representatives to ask you to cease your ruthless actions against innocent priests.

Rolled 7

>>29326452

Rolled 6 + 5

>>29326452
million thrones

>>29326452
Why do White Preachers and Eaglebearers care about Iron Monk priests?

>>29326509
Some of the priests condemned could belong to their factions, and even if they didn't, it's still clergy being condemned.

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>>29326459
You gain a total of 52 million thrones in fines. No one paid that much fines on Tachion Primaris in over a century

>>29326452

You're bad at understanding my plans. We were to inform the 3 groups that we will honor requests to spare the 5 -at- the Ordeal, if they ask us to honor their polite request for Mercy in public. IE: "Before those gathered, we beg you to spare these men, Honorable Astartes."

anyway, Ordeal planning:
location: Steps of St. Evangelions' Cathedral
guests: anyone that wants to show up + priests for last rites
publicity: public trial.
Everyone gets a heavy, weighted sword with a mono-edge.

>>29326640
Well, they might not be at the ordeal. Do you take the risk?

>>29326754
invite them as well, and have one of Xyptus' men/women in position to beg for the 5 to be spared, in the event neither group shows to do it.

>>29326640
Seconding

>>29326754
>>29326798
Understood. Please stage the trial. They will come.

The condemned marched in line, their vestments of office worn above plain robes as they were arranged in a row upon the venerable entrance to St. Evengelion's Cathedral. Upon the flanks of the stairs stood fully twenty Astartes, their armor still bearing the marks of war they'd gained from the Betrayal at Varda, their hands placed upon the hilts of rested swords before them. The bells of the grand cathedral tolled five times for the condemned, the gathered witnesses ranging from nobles of the Governor's court to lowly beggars whispering that the bells would draw the Emperor's attention to this event.

Chapter Master stood beside the condemned as five of his brothers exited the Cathedral, bearing the anointed blades that would judge the Iron Monks before them. Several priests of the Cathedral offered prayers to the Emperor from the structure's doorway, empty containers of blessed water beside them. The five Astartes stepped between the condemned, all but the one nearest Chapter Master offering worried prayers to the Emperor.

Chapter Master surveyed the crowd as he unfurled the scroll in his grasp, banishing the whispers of the gathered. "These five do stand here before the Imperium and the Emperor to be judged by the Ordeal of the Blade for over one hundred crimes involving the Heretic Haran Dreifus. If you wish to admit your guilt to any of these charges, speak now and the Emperor's Mercy will be granted."

The silent priest simply turned his head toward Chapter Master and spoke. "Emperor forgive you, Lord Astartes."

With a simple gesture, Chapter Master signaled his Astartes to present the blades to the condemned.

I think that we might as well go on with the execution. Changing our minds and being merciful at the last second may endear us to the public, but I think it is more of a risk that we will seem weak and vacillating. How can they respect our judgement if it changes at the last second? Justice must be certain, and we must act accordingly.

I think the intimidation and fear caused will be more of a benefit than the resentment will be a hindrance. Sure, some of the Ecclesiarchy might hate us for a decade or two, but they'd be twice as vigilant at rooting out heresy and twice as reluctant to attack the Astartes. Some of the nobility might think us threats, but Ursus will be glad to have such an intimidating force behind him. I doubt there'd be any repercussions. Some of the public might consider us brutal monsters, but they'd know what is in store for any who dare act against the Astartes. The most important thing is the precedent set. Any that even remotely aid the traitor and heretic will pay with blood. People will be less willing to support the traitor. Plus, our marines will love to see their brothers be avenged.

Of course I might be wrong and the whole sector would turn against us. Probably not. What do you all think. Should we kill them or be merciful?

>>29327841
Executing these might make the rest of the priests condemned run for their lives, making it even harder for us to catch them. I suggest we spare these, and exact our full vengeance on those that signed his promotion papers AND didn't submit themselves to our authority. That way, we're both merciful, but know to punish those truly deserving.

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>>29327452

I believe we'll call the thread here, due to the time of night for our QM.

Regarding Strongback, here's my take. We keep the ship. We turn over the crew to the Navy, but first leave bolt pistols to the officers to be crucified so they may take the Emperor's Mercy. We can say that they concealed them. We'll also have our chaplains administer last rights. I'd also like to promise that their families will be taken care of and later track them down to give 1W or .5W or .1W as thanks for the officers' loyalty. We can offer them transport to Varda for protection. We should also see if any of their offspring are suitable to become Astartes so that they may continue to serve the Emperor. Part of the verdict was that the officers' offspring lose their right to join the Imperial service in any form, which is a shame, especially since the officers were loyal to the Imperium. This is a bit far-fetched but I'd like to do it.

Before the trial where we will try to exonerate the crew, we try to use our influence with the Navy to get leniency for the crew. Get their assurance that they are not being punished cruelly or executed. Then we wait for the trial and try to exonerate them. Yay!

So... anyone agree with this rough preliminary? We could also try to save the officers, but I'm not sure about that. A lot of discussion to be had next thread.