NPC Amanus Medare

Speech 1:

“Ah, Lord-Captain, it is always a privilege to be in your presence. Your command is truly… inspiring. The crew speaks of you with nothing but reverence, as do I, of course. There is such… strength in your leadership, a quality that the rest of us can only aspire to, though most will fall short, I’m sure.”
Amanus leans in slightly, a conspiratorial smile forming.
“I happened upon a rather exceptional vintage of amasec recently. A rare bottle from the private reserves of House Medare. It is said to have been aged in the starlit vaults of Hades IX itself, where the nebula’s radiance infuses it with unparalleled flavor. I would be… honored if you would join me in a private tasting. It would be an opportunity for us to… share insights, and perhaps I could benefit from your… immeasurable wisdom in such matters.”
Amanus gives a shallow bow, a gleam of ambition in his eyes.
“Shall I have it prepared, my Lord?”

Speech 2:

“You there! Yes, you, deckhand. Did you polish my quarters as instructed?”
Amanus’s voice drips with disdain as he glances over the unfortunate crewman.
“Hmm, I doubt you even know what a proper polish looks like. Honestly, I don’t expect someone like you to understand the finer points of presentation. After all, you spend your days wallowing in grease and muck.”
He sneers, eyeing the crewman’s uniform critically.
“It’s amusing, really. A man of my standing shouldn’t have to be concerned with such… trivialities. But then, when one is surrounded by the ‘less fortunate,’ it seems even the simplest of tasks become too much to ask for.”
He turns away dismissively.
“Go on then, and this time—do try not to disappoint. Though, I suppose it’s all you’re capable of.”

Imperial Mandate

Rank & Authority

  • The Master Helmsman is the vessel’s senior pilot and docking officer, entrusted with the precise maneuvering and navigation of the Ignis Aeternus during non-combat flight operations, approach sequences, and warp entry/exit alignment.
  • Reports directly to the Lord-Captain and works closely with the Chief Navigator, Enginseers, and Master of Manoeuvres.
  • Holds jurisdiction over standard void travel protocols, orbital docking operations, and the logging and recall of charted stellar phenomena and warp-space anomalies.
  • Serves as the custodian of the dynastic route archive, a collection of private warp-paths and secret void lanes maintained by House von Ulm for generations.
  • Authorized to issue navigational corrections, recommend travel delays due to cosmic hazards, and conduct manual helm overrides when automated systems prove unreliable or Machine Spirits require appeasement.

Core Responsibilities

Standard Flight and Helm Control

  • Operates or supervises the ship’s main helm systems during routine travel, orbital insertion, station-keeping, and realspace maneuvers.
  • Ensures helm discipline, correcting for inertial drift, thruster miscalibration, or gravitational fluctuations.
  • Maintains strict observance of Throne-sanctioned void lanes, or alternately, approved dynastic deviation paths.

Docking Procedures

  • Directs all approach, docking, and mooring operations, including planetary anchor, station tether, and orbital synchrony.
  • Coordinates with void traffic control, docking servitors, and station adepts during port calls.
  • Oversees ship readiness during docking, including pressure checks, energy modulation, and cargo lock inspection.

Stellar Phenomena Awareness

  • Maintains current charts of known stellar threats, such as:
    • Gravitic shear fields
    • Pulsar drift zones
    • Asteroid choke points
    • Warp-echo pockets and null-space rifts
  • Advises bridge officers and the Navigator on safe approach vectors, anchor points, and warp-storm avoidance.
  • Submits reports on route degradation or emergent celestial hazards to the Seneschal and Mistress of Shields.

Custodian of Dynastic Warp Charts

  • Maintains the Private Warp Route Codex—a sealed cartograph vault containing ancient and proprietary warp paths known only to House von Ulm.
  • Cross-references warp conditions with Navis Nobilite advisories and to verify route stability.
  • Protects these routes from data corruption, theft, or enemy interception, invoking Dynastic Lock Protocols when needed.

Additional Notes

  • The Master Helmsman is not responsible for warp navigation through the Empyrean (that lies with the Navigator), but must ensure the ship is correctly aligned and stabilized for safe transition.
  • During warp anomalies or emergencies, control passes to the Master of Manoeuvres and Chief Navigator, though the Helmsman remains aboard the bridge to assist and observe.
  • May recommend route changes or voyage adjustments to preserve crew safety or prevent hull strain from hazardous anomalies.

!GM only!