GM The Passion of Gruberion

Adventure intro and player character info

Fragmentary notes for GM for the coming adventure

Chronology

Pilgrimage to the underhive is launched by cardinal Lucius Aurelius.
They seek signs foreseen by the cardinal.
At hive block D208 pilgrimage finds the first sign. The boy chosen by the Emperor.
After several successful sermons from auto-pulpit masses of citizens join the pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage travels for one week deeper to the underhive.
Their destination Waste Reclaiming Facility 38 has been destroyed by mutants.
Lucius Aurelius or Komuk tears down the symbol of ruin at the door of the cathedral.
Cardinal Lucius Aurelius leads the purification of desecrated Imperial.
500 pilgrims are contaminated during cleaning of the cathedral and develop mutations.
Iudas leads the beheading and pyre squad to cull the tainted from the flock.
Mass at the old cathedral, baptism of Gruberion Komuk.
Thunderstorm revealing the glass windows, Emperor striking with the sword towards censored opponent, Saint Brannicus, Saint Celestine.
Acid rain that causes the eyes of those who testify outside bloody and red.
Pilgrimage continues towards Outpost 67F also know as “Grox’s Scab”
Pilgrims are low on rations and Lucius declares fasting to be necessary to gain Emperor’s blessings
Pilgrimage arrives to outskirts of “Grox’s Scab” where large fields under rudimentary green houses have large crop of starch turnip.
Hungry pigrims loot the green houses which leads to confrontation of 1.000 villagers and the pilgrimage.
Those villagers not willing to join the pilgrimage are named as Unbelievers and are driven away by pilgrims
Next sign foreseen by the cardinal is found. Great steam engine Dominus Mundi.
Pilgrims clean the steam engine, pack it up with starch turnips and start to haul forwards Dominus mundi on it’s tracks.
Rusted wheels are not moving until cardinal blesses them and annoints with holy oils.
Iudas becomes the steerer of the great machine.
Steam engine is hauled by the pilgrimage in an underground tunnel.
Along the way pilgrims pulling or pushing the steam engine are trampled by other pilgrims and crushed by the iron wheels of the steam engine.
End of the tunnel is ahead. Group has come outside of the tunnel and underhive. In front of them loom desolate landscape of toxic disaster named Necromunda.
Weird pox is spotted among the pilgrims. It can be traced to people who cleaned the cattle wagon of old dung. Diseased and their families are left behind to protect the pilgrimage. 800 people are expelled.
Valley of toxic clouds which causes permanent lung damage for large portion of pilgrimage.
Mutant tribes spot the pilgrimage.
Mutants start to sneak attack pilgrims and grab living prisoners with them.
Screams of the tormented prisoners can be heard between sermons of the cardinal.
Iudas leads a sting attack to free the prisoners. Wounded, lost crew and executes maimed prisoners by himself.
Fungi has contaminated the starch turnips and from this moment holy wafer printer is only sustenance for the whole pilgrimage.
Mutants continue to kidnap the pilgrims but stay behind as they notice that pilgrims continue forward and do not delay for catched prisons.
Green light appears in the cab-fortress panel and several lights go on and start blinking.
Pneumatic pressure, signal horns, vox-caster.
If pneumatic pressure not dealt with then pipe explosion and that kills 400 pilgrims on the side of the train.
Meat stew ambush. Mutants have left stew with corrupting properties on the path of the pilgrimage. 150 people eat it. The cardinal have to command guilty to step forward. Next night each guilty that has not been executed turns to chaos spawn. Mutant horde attacks pilgrimage.
The cardinal commands pilgrims from cab-fortress as they drown their enemies with their own blood.
Holy wafer printer gets red square and starts to beep on each use. If not solved it will emit accumulated toxins as great cloud which will be blown by wind over some hundreds of unfortunate pilgrims and suffocating them.
Great hunger reaps the weakest as daily wafer is not enough to sustain pilgrim on hard physical labor.
Apostate challenges the cardinal. Peter the Redeemed announces the cardinal as heretic, lunatic and having the unnatural friendship with Groburion Komuk. Internal struggle kills large number of the pilgrims.
Hunger continues to reap the herd until there are under 1.000 faithful and they are not able to haul Dominus Mundi forward.
As the steam engines comes to halt Komuk is able to perceive great hive tower on the horizon.
The pilgramage arrives to shores of Rubicon. Where dangerous and strong current separates them from their destination.
Time for Iudas to decide.
Auto-pulpit is carried over the river as hundreds of pilgrims are washed away by torrents of water.
Final sermon of the cardinal at the other side of the river.
Iudas notices the pain?
Remaining pilgrims start the feel the pain as poisonous waters of Rubicon slowly melt their lower bodies. Driven insane they attack the cardinal, Komuk and doomed Iudas as they wish to wash their pain away with the blood of the golden boy.
Iudas and cardinal die as Komuk escapes to hive tower.
Hive tower has it’s own inner climate ad ecosystem. Clean water drips down from the walls and plants bear fruits and berries.
On the top of the hive tower is a piece blue sky and as Komuk watches it the great warmth and light embodies him. For a moment he is in the Emperor’s brace. Komuk can see in his mind as the Emperor’s blue-grey eyes pierce him.

Within the secretive and competitive cult of the pilgrimage, some of the disciples of Lucius Aurelius harbors their own elaborate plot to gain influence and secure the favor of the cardinal. Here are some examples of their intricate schemes:

Peterius the Redeemer: Peterius, fueled by his desire for redemption, plans to uncover and expose the darkest secrets of his fellow disciples. By revealing their past sins and misdeeds, he hopes to position himself as the most virtuous and trusted follower of Lucius Aurelius.
Johnathan the Lost: Johnathan, driven by his longing for purpose, seeks to manipulate the visions and prophecies that Lucius Aurelius receives. He aims to interpret them in a way that casts himself as the chosen one and uses his newfound status to rally the disciples behind him.
Lydia the Widow: Lydia, having lost everything, intends to use her charisma and empathy to manipulate the emotions of the other disciples. By offering solace and understanding, she hopes to gain their trust and loyalty, positioning herself as the empathetic heart of the pilgrimage.
Thomasius the Seeker: Thomasius, a skeptic by nature, plans to gather evidence of the disciples’ hypocrisy and present it to Lucius Aurelius. By exposing their contradictions and double standards, he aims to discredit his rivals and emerge as the most intellectually honest and trusted advisor to the cardinal.
Jameson the Protector: Jameson, driven by his desire for power and control, aims to exploit any weaknesses or vulnerabilities he discovers among the other disciples. Through manipulation and coercion, he plans to gain leverage over them and establish himself as the guardian and enforcer of Lucius Aurelius’s will.
Isabella the Catechist: Isabella, fueled by her ambition and passion for spreading the Emperor’s truth, intends to use her oratory skills to sway the minds and hearts of the pilgrims. Through eloquent speeches and persuasive arguments, she seeks to amass a following of devoted disciples and establish herself as a powerful voice within the group.
Matthew the Merciful: Matthew, driven by his longing for redemption and inner peace, plans to perform selfless acts of kindness and mercy towards the other disciples. By demonstrating his unwavering commitment to Lucius Aurelius’s teachings, he hopes to earn their respect and admiration, solidifying his position as the embodiment of the cardinal’s message.
Maria the Listener: Lydia, cursed with unsanctioned psychic abilities, covertly eavesdrops on the private conversations and thoughts of the other disciples. Armed with their secrets and vulnerabilities, she plans to use this knowledge strategically, either to blackmail or manipulate them for her own gain.

As the disciples’ intricate plots intertwine and clash, tensions rise, and the pilgrimage becomes a battleground for their hidden ambitions. Each disciple strives to outmaneuver the others, all while trying to maintain an appearance of loyalty and devotion to Lucius Aurelius. The result is a web of deceit, manipulation, and fierce competition that threatens to undermine the very foundation of their shared quest for enlightenment.

Internal struggle

Within the circle of disciples following Cardinal Lucius Aurelius, intricate webs of relationships and rivalries have formed, shaped by personal ambitions, conflicting ideologies, and the pursuit of power within the pilgrimage. These adversarial disciples stand as both friends and foes to one another, their interactions ranging from subtle manipulations to overt confrontations. Here are some examples of their relations:

Peterius the Redeemed vs. Iudas: Peterius, seeking to distance himself from his dark past, sees Iudas as a constant reminder of his former self. While Peterius embraces redemption and seeks to embody the teachings of Lucius, Iudas is haunted by guilt and the weight of his past betrayals. Their conflicting paths often lead to tense confrontations and a struggle for moral supremacy within the group.
Thomasius the Seeker vs. Rachel the Believer: Thomasius, driven by an insatiable thirst for the Emperor’s Will and a desire to question established beliefs, clashes with Rachel, whose unwavering faith sees any deviation from orthodoxy as heresy. Their debates and intellectual clashes highlight the tension between doubt and faith, challenging the very foundations of their shared pilgrimage.
Lydia the Widow vs. Isabella the Catechist: Lydia, fueled by her personal losses and desire for solace, finds herself at odds with Isabella, a zealous proponent of strict adherence to the Ecclesiarchy’s teachings. Marianna seeks comfort and community, while Isabella aims to maintain doctrinal purity. Their differing approaches to spirituality create friction and a struggle for influence among the followers.
Simon the Mechanic vs. Maria the Listener: Simon, embracing the unity of faith and tech-use, clashes with Maria, whose Imperial tarot grant her unique insights into the Emperor’s will. Simon believes in harnessing technology to serve the pilgrimage’s needs, while Lydia holds firm to the spiritual and mystical aspects. Their rivalry centers around the question of how best to interpret and utilize the Emperor’s guidance.
Jameson the Protector vs. Matthew the Merciful: Jameson, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to defend the weak, often finds himself at odds with Matthew, who advocates for forgiveness and mercy above all else. Their conflicting approaches to dealing with external threats and internal conflicts challenge the group’s cohesion and raise questions of the appropriate balance between strength and compassion.

These rivalries and tensions underscore the complexity of relationships within the disciples’ circle. As they vie for influence, power, and the favor of Cardinal Lucius Aurelius, their interactions shape the dynamics of the group, creating a delicate balance of cooperation, competition, and personal growth on their shared path of faith and self-discovery.

Adversaries and allies of Iudas

Dark gambits devised by some of disciples, involving Iudas, to gain power within the pilgrimage and earn the favor of Cardinal Lucius Aurelius:

Peterius the Redeemed: Peterius, in a bid to gain favor, plans to manipulate Iudas by revealing his past betrayals to the Cardinal. By positioning himself as the one who exposed Iudas’ dark secrets, Peterius aims to present himself as the most loyal and trustworthy disciple.
Johnathan the Lost: Johnathan intends to exploit Iudas’ past as a betrayer to create chaos and discord within the pilgrimage. He plans to subtly reveal Iudas’ secrets at strategic moments, causing doubt and mistrust among the disciples. In the ensuing confusion, Johnathan aims to position himself as the voice of reason and stability, gaining favor in the process.
Marianna the Widow: Marianna’s dark gambit involves forming a secret alliance with Iudas. Together, they plan to manipulate the events of the pilgrimage to create opportunities for themselves. By orchestrating incidents that showcase their strengths and loyalty, Marianna aims to gain the Cardinal’s favor through their combined influence and control.
Thomasius the Seeker: Thomasius sees Iudas’ past betrayal as a tool for his own advancement. He plans to subtly manipulate Iudas into questionable actions, exploiting his vulnerabilities and using him as a pawn in his schemes. By exposing Iudas’ flaws and presenting himself as the one who exposed them, Thomasius aims to gain the Cardinal’s favor through deceit and manipulation.
Jameson the Protector: Jameson intends to use Iudas as a scapegoat for any potential dangers or threats that may arise during the pilgrimage. He plans to manipulate situations to make it appear as though Iudas is responsible for any mishaps, thus positioning himself as the hero and protector of the disciples. By painting Iudas as a liability, Jameson aims to gain favor through his perceived strength and reliability.
Isabella the Catechist: Isabella’s dark gambit revolves around using Iudas as a means to control and manipulate the faith of the pilgrims. She plans to exploit his past sins to instill fear and obedience among the followers, using him as an example of the consequences of straying from the righteous path. By presenting herself as the one who can guide and save them from a similar fate, Isabella aims to gain power and influence over the pilgrimage.
Matthew the Merciful: Matthew’s dark plan involves using Iudas’ past as leverage to gain control over the pilgrimage’s resources and decisions. He intends to subtly blackmail Iudas, threatening to expose his secrets unless he is given a prominent role in decision-making and resource allocation. By exploiting Iudas’ fear of exposure, Matthew aims to secure his own position of power and influence.
Lydia the Listener: Lydia plans to exploit Iudas’ vulnerabilities and secrets by using her psychic abilities to delve into his mind. She aims to extract valuable information and use it to her advantage, manipulating Iudas into serving her interests. By wielding her knowledge against him, Lydia seeks to gain power and control within the pilgrimage.
Simon the Mechanic: Simon intends to sabotage Iudas’ reputation and credibility by manipulating his belongings and creations. He plans to tamper with Iudas’ mechanical contraptions and blame him for any accidents or malfunctions that occur. By discrediting Iudas as unreliable and dangerous, Simon aims to position himself as the trustworthy and competent disciple, gaining favor in the process.

Abandoned cathedral

The dilapidated Imperial cathedral in the underhive stands as a somber and imposing relic of a forgotten era. From the outside, its grandeur has faded into obscurity, and time has worn away the once magnificent facade. The cathedral’s exterior is a gloomy sight, its spires stretching upwards, though they seem to reach for the heavens with a faded glory. The grand archways and imposing columns, now covered in layers of grime and soot, tell of a once-proud place of worship. Lichen and dead creeping vines have claimed some of the stonework, a testament to nature’s battle of reclamation in this forsaken environment.

The large statues that adorn the cathedral’s exterior have eroded by acidic rain to the point where their features are mere suggestions, their expressions hidden behind the patina of age. What once may have been depictions of saintly figures now bear a haunting, otherworldly quality in their partial obscurity. These statues, though worn, still stand tall and watchful, as if guarding the cathedral’s secrets. (edited)

As you step through the cathedral’s entrance, the transition from the underhive’s grimy chaos to the interior is striking. The once opulent gilding and red paint of the Ecclesiarchy have been stripped away by time, leaving the cathedral a somber expanse of puritan concrete gray. The vast interior is a cavernous space, capable of accommodating several thousand participants. The towering nave extends into the darkness, with only the flickering light of countless candles and torches to guide the way.

The windows, now dark glass that does not allow the intrusion of natural light, add to the solemnity of the place. Stained and cracked, these windows reveal nothing of the outside world, leaving those within to exist in a perpetual twilight. The play of light and shadow creates an eerie, mystical atmosphere, casting long, dancing shadows that seem to breathe life into the silent stone figures that line the cathedral’s interior.

The echoes of footsteps reverberate through the vast space, a reminder of the cathedral’s enduring presence in the underhive’s depths. In the midst of this solemn gloom, the cathedral still serves as a sanctuary for those who seek solace or reflect on the mysteries of the Emperor, a testament to the enduring power of faith and the passage of time.

“Dominus Mundi” great steam engine

It is a striking Imperial relic, a colossal steam engine that now stands abandoned and rusting on its tracks. It is a mechanical hand-crafted masterpiece, a testament to grandeur and a melancholic echo of a bygone era:

The steam engine, at the front of this behemoth, is an intricate blend of tarnished brass and corroded steel. Massive gears, once spinning in harmonious motion, now stand motionless, their intricate patterns partially concealed beneath layers of rust. The pipes and valves, dulled by time, betray no hint of steam’s former passage, and the boiler remains cold to the touch. The towering smokestack, choked with corrosion, reaches upward like a monument to the past.

Perched after the engine, the cab-fortress resembles an Imperial fortress. Its iron-clad walls, adorned with faded yet recognizable Imperial symbols, exude an air of noble decay. The once-ornate searchlights are now motionless and dark, bereft of the electrical spark that once brought life to this colossal machine. Bronze horns, though still regal, are tarnished and silent, lending an air of solemnity to “Dominus Mundi”.

At the rear, the massive cattle wagon stands as a relic of an era when mass transport was a working function in Necromunda. Its sides, once boldly displaying the Imperial Aquila, have faded into obscurity, their grandeur lost to the relentless passage of time. The enormous iron wheels, encased in layers of rust, are like vestiges of a forgotten age, a testament to the journeys they once undertook.

The “Dominus Mundi” stands as a poignant Imperial monument, an embodiment of the Emperor’s power and a testament to the relentless march of history. Abandoned, nonoperational, and lost in time, it tells a story of imperial might and the enduring beauty of a bygone era, even in its state of decay.

The Engine

1. Polished Brass and Corroded Steel: The engine’s exterior is a stunning amalgamation of polished brass and corroded steel, a striking contrast that tells the tale of both opulence and the inexorable march of time. The brass gleams where rust has not yet consumed its surface, reflecting faint hints of the Imperial symbols that once adorned it. The steel, on the other hand, bears the scars of neglect and neglect, its luster faded into shades of muted, aged gray.

2. Intricate Gears and Cogs: Gigantic gears and cogs, once the heartbeat of the locomotive, are now immobilized in a tableau of frozen motion. These mechanical components are adorned with intricate patterns, their teeth interlocking like a work of art. While some retain the sheen of polished brass, others bear the marks of decay, rust snaking along their edges, a testament to the relentless advance of time.

3. Dormant Pipes and Valves: The web of pipes and valves that once carried steam and power throughout the engine is now silent and still. Once gleaming in the light, they have been dulled by the passage of time, their brass fittings tarnished with age. The valves, each a work of art in itself, appear frozen in place, locked in positions that will never again admit the rush of steam.

4. The Cold Boiler: The heart of the engine, the boiler, stands as a silent sentinel of its former glory. It bears the scars of countless journeys, etched into its surface like the lines on an old veteran’s face. Yet, its surface remains cold, devoid of the heat that once coursed through it. The towering smokestack above it, once a beacon of industry, now stands choked with corrosion, a testament to the cessation of its once-constant belching of steam and smoke.

Cab-fortress

1. A Regal Citadel: Stepping into the cab-fortress feels like entering a regal citadel of a bygone era. The walls are clad in resilient iron plates adorned with faded yet still discernible Imperial symbols. These symbols include the noble aquila, laurel wreaths, and skull motifs, but their once-vivid colors have muted to subtle shades. The ironwork is a masterpiece of hand-crafted artistry, featuring ornate filigree and intricate patterns that harken back to a time when craftsmanship was celebrated.

2. Obscured Control Panels: The inner workings of the cab-fortress are a realm of concealed mysteries. Control panels, levers, and dials are scattered throughout, but their functions are concealed from the untrained observer. Their purpose remains elusive, locked behind ornate yet cryptic designs that provide no easy clues as to their original roles. A rich patina of age and wear has settled over these once-functional elements, and their true purpose has become obscured over time.

3. Silent Electrical Components: Though there are electrical parts within, they lie dormant and devoid of light. Electrical elements that once powered this fortress have succumbed to the weight of time, their delicate filaments dimmed and silent. Their housing, intricately designed with Imperial aesthetics, stands as an eerie reminder of the past, where electricity once danced through wires, conduits, and glass bulbs, now rendered inert and enigmatic.

4. Tarnished Bronze Horns: The bronze horns that jut from the walls, once resonant and majestic, are now relics of silence. Their surfaces are tarnished, their sonorous call forever hushed. Yet, they remain an essential part of the cab’s imposing presence, their design reflecting the artistry of a time when aesthetics and function were equally cherished.

The interior of the cab-fortress is a realm of contradictions, where the opulence of the past mingles with the shadows of obscurity. It’s a place where time has not only aged the physical components but has also veiled the mechanical and electrical workings in enigmatic secrecy, creating an atmosphere of mystery and reverence for the enduring legacy of Imperial engineering.

Cattle-wagon

1. Entrance Ramp: The cattle-wagon features a substantial entrance ramp, a massive piece of rusted iron. This ramp can be lifted and lowered by means of equally rusted iron chains, which creak and groan when manipulated. Over time, the chains have corroded, leaving behind a pitted surface that further adds to the rustic charm of the wagon.

2. Reinforced Interior: Inside the wagon, the interior has been fortified to withstand the potential fury and strength of the enormous animals it once transported. Thick metal bars and plating form a network of enclosures, creating a system of stalls to keep the creatures secure during transport. These elements, though aged and battered, have not lost their durability and strength, testifying to the engineering prowess of the past.

3. Centuries-Old Dung: The most striking feature of the cattle-wagon is the centuries-old dung that coats the floor, extending for several meters. This dry dung, devoid of any smell, has been desiccated by the relentless passage of time. It now forms an eerie and historic carpet, a stark reminder of the wagon’s past as it once transported powerful creatures. The dung, now inert, has settled into a mosaic of shapes and textures, providing a tangible connection to the enigmatic animals that once resided within.

4. Echoes of the Past: As you step into the wagon, the echoes of the animals’ presence can still be felt. The reinforced walls bear the scars of their struggles, with scratches and gouges testifying to the immense power contained within. Although the animals are long gone, the wagon’s interior still resonates with the memory of their passage.

Rubicon

As the pilgrims arrive at the Rubicon, they are met with a scene that is both awe-inspiring and foreboding. The oily black river stretches out before them, its surface glistening with an eerie, viscous sheen. Its rapid flow and dark undercurrents create a sense of urgency and trepidation, a reminder of the power of nature in this grim and broken world.

The shore of the Rubicon is a desolate expanse, covered in slick, oily pebbles that glint with an unsettling, radiant colors. Fractured concrete boulders, bearing the scars of time, protrude from the shoreline like ancient, weathered sentinels, standing witness to countless men who have come before.

The remnants of the collapsed bridge, with only gatehouses on both sides and the skeletal support pillars jutting out of the dark waters, serve as a haunting testament to the impermanence of man’s creations. The bridge once allowed mighty Titans to cross the Rubicon, but now it stands as a shattered relic of a fallen pride.

Across the Rubicon, shrouded by a murky, grey-green fog, the silhouette of a lonely hive-tower reaches into the sky, its upper reaches obscured from view by the dark clouds. It stands as a solitary sentinel against the poisonous, misty horizon, a symbol of Imperium’s stubbornness in the face of time’s passage.

As the pilgrims take in this haunting sight, they can’t help but feel the weight of past and the mysteries that lie ahead in the depths of Necromunda. The Rubicon river is a boundary, a threshold between known and unknown, and a stark reminder that this world is one of darkness and unforgiving challenges.

Hive tower

To an individual who has never witnessed living plants or natural streams, and whose existence has been confined to the unyielding embrace of concrete and a stark absence of natural life, the desolate hive tower is an otherworldly revelation. Even among the twilight, it remains a mesmerizing enigma:

As you step into the hive tower, the first thing that strikes you is the air. It’s remarkably clean and free from the heavy, acrid pollution you’ve become accustomed to outside. It’s as though you’re inhaling an entirely different world, one untouched by the industrial fumes that once dominated existence.

Looking upward, the towering interior of the hive tower stretches into an endless abyss, the missing top floors revealing a vast expanse of stars and celestial wonders. This celestial sight, unmarred by the smog that once obscured the sky, is like a portal to the galaxy itself.

The lush plants within the tower, illuminated by phosphorescent fungi, maintain a subdued, ethereal beauty. Their leaves, illuminated by pale light, exude a mystical, almost surreal quality, like something out of a dream. You cannot help but be captivated by this unexpected glimpse of life and color in the midst of the barren underhive you once called home.

Small mammals, though less active during twilight, continue to dart and play amongst the foliage. These creatures, so alien to their concrete-bound world, bring a sense of enchantment to the twilight darkness, a reminder that life persists even in the most improbable places.

Streams of clean water that wind down the inner walls of the hive tower continue to murmur softly, creating an ambiance of tranquility that is in stark contrast to the relentless urban cacophony you’ve known. This gentle melody, even during twilight, is like a soothing lullaby, offering a sense of peace and wonder.

As you wander deeper into the hive tower, you feel as though you’ve crossed a threshold into a realm of the extraordinary. The hive tower, with its clean air, abundant life, and streams of water, is a world far removed from the rockcrete jungle you’ve always known. It’s a testament to the resilience of life and a vivid reminder that even in the bleakest of landscapes, nature’s beauty and vitality can prevail.

The Emperor appears

The first thing Komuk perceived was light, brighter than anything he had ever known. It streamed in through the vast openings above, casting a brilliant radiance that painted the world in a luminous glow. It was an illumination so pure and intense it felt as though the very walls of the hive tower were ablaze with ethereal energy.

Then came the warmth, a gentle caress that touched his skin. It was a sensation of comfort, something entirely new to him. The warmth enveloped him, as if the light itself had reached out to embrace him in its fiery embrace. It spread a soothing, almost paternal sensation that transcended the physical and reached deep into his soul.

And finally, the emotion. As the light and warmth merged into a single, harmonious experience, a profound emotion welled up within him. It was a feeling of awe, of overwhelming wonder at the beauty and purity of this newfound sensation. It was an experience of rebirth, as though he had stepped into a realm of existence he never knew could exist. Tears welled in his eyes, and your heart swelled with a sense of transcendence, as if he had uncovered a hidden, sacred truth of the universe.

The shape appeared within the light, an ethereal silhouette that seemed to materialize out of the radiance. The contours of a man, his figure defined with stunning clarity against the luminous backdrop. His piercing blue-grey eyes held a depth of intensity that transcended time and space.

In the briefest of moments, this figure raised his hands, and Komuk saw the unmistakable gesture—an intricate and solemn sign of the Aquila, a symbol of faith and protection. The gesture was made with such reverence, such solemnity, that it conveyed a profound message of survival and duty.

Then, as swiftly as it had emerged, the figure dissolved back into the radiant light, leaving Komuk with an overwhelming sense of awe and wonder. The brief encounter with this spectral presence, with its aquiline blessing, became an indelible sight, a source of inspiration and mystique that would linger in his heart and soul.

As the power of the light waned and the radiant brilliance dimmed, the once-luminous world gradually shifted into the muted hues of twilight. The vivid glow softened to a gentle, diffused radiance, and the clarity of sight yielded to a mysterious, dusky palette, where shadows embraced the evolving landscape and the world held its breath in the quiet of twilight.

For Komuk, this experience of the light within the hive tower was a revelation, an awakening to a world he had never imagined. It was a moment of profound transformation, where the light, warmth, and emotion converged to create a memory that would forever be etched in his core.

Red Redemption Cult motto: “Multi quaerunt, sed imperator eligit qui intrat.“

Almbox of Iudas

? gelt worth of currencies, bonds and scripts
Survival kit: navigation slate, pressurized tent, water purifier, heater, power cell
Re-breather
100 portions of Imperial rations
100 portions of daily prayer
Holy wafer imprinter