A commanding figure with a blend of ruggedness and charisma, his long coat of void-leather and salvaged naval regalia a token to his Imperial past. A cybernetic left eye glows faintly, a constant reminder of the mutiny he quelled, while his weathered saber and deliberate movements exude authority honed through hardship. Though exiled for a failed coup, Vane’s determination to reclaim his place in the Imperium drives his every move. His gamble at the Games hinges on Helion Primaris, a fortress world of immense strategic value near the Eye of Terror. Unbeknownst to him, his downfall was orchestrated by Rava Malix, an agent of Tzeentch embedded within his retinue, subtly steering his actions toward chaos. With a retinue of calculated allies and hidden enemies, Vane walks a treacherous path, driven by a dream of redemption and a legacy that defies oblivion.
Introduction at the Banquet
As Captain Eryx Vane approaches Synodium Tertium Nostrium, his presence cuts through the mingling crowd like a prow cleaving turbulent seas. His long coat sways with each deliberate step, the faint glow of his cybernetic eye casting an eerie sheen across his weathered features. Flanked by his retinue, Vane halts before the gathered Synodium, his stance relaxed but commanding. With a small, respectful bow, he begins his address.
“Honored Synodium Tertium Nostrium,” Vane’s voice resonates with a measured blend of formality and sincerity, a trace of void-born grit lingering in his tone. “Permit me the indulgence of interrupting your discussions, for I bring greetings from the Gilded Dark, where the stars burn colder, and survival demands both steel and wit. I am Captain Eryx Vane, once an officer in the Imperial Navy, now a navigator of harsher tides. My exile has been long and hard, yet my resolve remains unbroken.”
He gestures subtly toward his first mate, Isolde Dren, standing at his side with her data-slate clutched in gloved hands. “Isolde here ensures the discipline of my command, her strategic mind as sharp as any Navy augur. The success of my voyages owes much to her precision, even when tempests threaten to break us.”
Vane’s eyes flick to Corbin Thale, whose imposing figure looms behind him, a chainaxe resting on his broad shoulders. “And Corbin, my steadfast enforcer. His methods may lack subtlety, but in the void, raw strength has its own eloquence. He ensures that none aboard my vessel forgets their duty.”
With a faint smile, Vane’s cybernetic gaze sweeps over the assembled nobles and dignitaries. “Unlike others who stand here basking in Imperial favor, I am an outsider by decree of unfortunate circumstance. Some would call me pirate. Others, renegade. Yet, let me assure you, my ambition is not to wither on the outskirts like some Horrod Three-Fingers, clutching at scraps of stolen glory. No, I yearn for the warm embrace of Terra’s light once more.”
The faintest hint of a frown crosses his face as he takes a step forward, lowering his voice slightly. “I speak as a man who knows the void’s price. Every breath stolen in the cold black, every battle fought beneath a sunless sky has been with the dream of reclaiming what was lost—of ensuring that my name does not vanish into the void’s indifferent silence. The Games are my crucible, and through them, I intend to forge not merely a return, but a legacy.”
Pausing, he straightens his posture, his eyes flicking toward Rykos Varek, who remains at the periphery, clad in his shadow-black armor. “To that end, I have wagered much—perhaps more than is wise. My champion, Kaelos Voidstorm, will fight as only a son of the void can, and we shall see if fate deigns to favor the bold.”
Finally, he lets his gaze settle on the Synodium directly. “You, lords and ladies of influence, can understand the weight of ambition, the delicate balance between risk and reward. I would welcome the chance to discuss mutual opportunities, should your interest align with mine. After all, the Imperium was not built by hesitation, but by the daring hearts of those unafraid to seize destiny.”
He allows a moment of silence to linger, then inclines his head. “But let us not distract from this feast of magnificence. I trust the Emperor watches over us all, though I suspect his gaze may linger longer on those bold enough to earn it. I am Captain Eryx Vane, at your service.”
With a final nod, Vane steps back slightly, signaling to Isolde and Corbin with a subtle gesture. The retinue shifts, prepared to mingle further or withdraw, their presence both a testament to their captain’s charisma and a warning to his enemies.
Captain Eryx Vane, The Exiled Buccaneer
Appearance:
A rugged yet commanding figure, Captain Eryx Vane wears a long coat of void-leather and salvaged Imperial naval regalia, an emblem of his turbulent past and outlaw present. His cybernetic left eye emits a faint blue glow, a stark reminder of the mutiny he quelled with his own hands. A weathered saber hangs at his hip, and his graying hair and sharp features project a blend of seasoned wisdom and unyielding resolve. His movements are deliberate, exuding an aura of authority honed over decades.
Personality:
Vane is cunning, pragmatic, and deeply charismatic, traits that have allowed him to survive the precarious life of an exile. Beneath his ruthless exterior lies an unrelenting desire to redeem himself and rejoin the Imperium. While he often appears calculating, his actions are driven by a yearning to restore his honor and legacy. The Great Games are his means of securing the resources and alliances necessary to end his exile.
High Stakes:
Vane has wagered Helion Primaris, a strategic fortress world located near the Eye of Terror. As a critical launch point for Imperial Crusades and fleet operations, the planet’s immense military value underscores the gravity of Vane’s gamble. Losing it would cripple his ambitions, while victory could pave the way for his return to Imperial favor.
Dark Secret:
Vane’s exile was not merely the result of a failed coup but was orchestrated by Rava “The Serpent” Malix, an agent of Tzeentch embedded in his retinue. Unbeknownst to him, her manipulations have guided his downfall and continue to steer his actions toward chaos and instability.
Members of His Retinue
First Mate Isolde Dren, The Strategist
- Role: Tactical Advisor and Lieutenant.
- Appearance: A lean, sharp-eyed woman clad in tactical gear adorned with salvaged Imperial insignia. Her calm demeanor and ever-present data-slate mark her as a precision-focused leader.
- Personality: Isolde’s loyalty to Vane is steadfast, driven by her belief in his vision. Her tactical brilliance often balances his impulsive decisions, though her personal ambitions sometimes conflict with his goals.
- Dark Secret: Isolde has secretly negotiated with rival factions, hedging her bets in case Vane’s ambitions crumble.
Corbin “Riot” Thale, The Enforcer
- Role: Security Chief and Brawler.
- Appearance: A towering brute with a cybernetic arm and a heavily scarred face, Corbin is a walking weapon. His mismatched armor and massive chainaxe speak of brutal efficiency rather than elegance.
- Personality: Loud, brash, and fiercely loyal, Corbin sees Vane as a savior who gave him purpose. His love of violence, however, often jeopardizes delicate negotiations.
- Dark Secret: Corbin’s pathological enjoyment of combat has led him to sabotage peace deals, creating chaos for his own amusement.
Rava “The Serpent” Malix, The Infiltrator
- Role: Information Broker and Agent of Tzeentch.
- Appearance: A wiry figure draped in flowing robes shimmering with faint glyphs. Her piercing gaze and unnerving calm exude an aura of manipulation.
- Personality: Rava is enigmatic and calculating, presenting herself as a loyal aide while subtly guiding events toward chaos. Her insights often appear prophetic, further cementing her position in Vane’s inner circle.
- Dark Secret: Rava is the architect of Vane’s downfall, orchestrating his exile to further the schemes of Tzeentch. She sees the Games as another stage to manipulate his destiny.
Champion Fighting for Captain Eryx Vane
- Name: Rykos “Voidstorm” Varek.
- Role: Gladiator and Naval Veteran.
- Appearance: A wiry figure clad in void-black armor, adorned with lightning motifs. His dual plasma-edged blades and mirrored visor create an aura of precision and lethality.
- Backstory: Once an Imperial Navy pilot, Rykos defected after witnessing atrocities committed by his commanders. He fights in the Games to secure Vane’s future, though he battles with guilt over abandoning his squadron.
- Dark Secret: Rykos’s suppressed guilt and hidden doubts threaten to surface, potentially compromising his loyalty during a critical moment.
General Description of the Retinue:
Captain Vane’s retinue is a disciplined yet volatile ensemble, presenting a facade of unity while concealing personal ambitions and hidden motives. Isolde’s tactical brilliance balances Corbin’s chaotic energy, while Rava’s manipulations weave subtle discord. Rykos, the quiet and lethal champion, serves as the retinue’s blade, embodying the discipline of a soldier tempered by a rogue’s cunning.
Vane’s ambitions hinge entirely on the Games, with Helion Primaris as both his collateral and his key to redemption. His every move in the arena is calculated to reclaim his legacy while navigating the treacherous alliances and rivalries that could determine his fate.
The Hidden Truth
Rava’s influence as an agent of Tzeentch adds a volatile undercurrent to Vane’s already tenuous retinue. While Vane dreams of redemption and a return to the Imperium, he is unwittingly playing into Rava’s hands. Her orchestration of his exile and manipulation of his goals ensure that every step he takes toward legitimacy will ripple outward, sowing chaos and instability in the Imperium. The Games are a dangerous gamble, one that could either secure Vane’s future or leave him an unwitting pawn in a far greater scheme.
Ignis Aeternus WH 40K campaign notes 