Dark Heresy - Acolytes Handbook

Acolytes Handbook – Dark Heresy Welcome to the missing handbook! This supplement is being written to put rules to some of the stuff missing from the main book that I need for my campaign. So what is missing? What rank is my character in the Inquisition? What resources can I call on? Can I become an Inquisitor myself? I propose to fix this missing element from the rules by introducing a new career concept that runs along side your current career…… So if me take a standard guardsman character he will have Guardsman Ranks and Inquisitorial Ranks. This might sound a bit complicated but I think it has the potential to work quite well. Your character will gain experience points in the normal way, your GM will allocate so many for his usual reasons, these will go towards your career rank as normal. Your GM will also allocate you Inquisition xp points, these go towards you Inquisitorial Rank only. They are not awarded for time spent playing, roleplaying or any reason other than your GM thinks that you are doing a good job in the eyes of the Inquisition. These points represent the trust you have earned in the eyes of your master. I should also stress that players should receive this kind of experience at different rates, depending on their actions and how their actions are interpreted by their superiors (they may never be able to verify some things). So you should not advance quickly unless you are very good at your job. If you can complete missions and succeed in doing the Emperor’s work then you might just get on in the Inquisition and rise through the ranks. Table 1-1: Inquisitorial Ranks Rank Acolyte Trusted Acolyte Cell Leader Cell Supervisor Interrogator Inquisitor Veteran Inquisitor Inquisitor Lord

Inquisitorial XP Level 0-499 500-999 1000-1999 2000-2999 3000-5999 6000-7999 8000-9999 10000-14999

At each rank certain skills and talents are opened up to you just like an ordinary career would do. On top of these choices are a new set of advancements called Resources & Authority, these are detailed later in the supplement.

Acolyte Advances An acolyte is the lowest rank in the Inquisition, you are recognized by your Inquisitor and have gained some measure of trust. You have no direct authority of your own and are usually given specific missions to act on. Advance

Cost

Type

Prerequisites

Ciphers (Team Specific)

100

S

-

Climb

100

S

-

Common Lore (Imperium)

100

S

-

Inquiry

200

S

-

Literacy

200

S

-

Security

200

S

-

Swim

100

S

-

Trusted Acolyte Advances A trusted acolyte has shown his loyalty and has earned the trust of his Inquisitor. He is given some authority to obtain what is needed to get the job done. These are the veterans of the Inquisitors cadre. Advance Ciphers (Team Specific) +10 Common Lore (Imperium) +10 Forbidden Lore (Inquisition) Forged Identity* Jaded Peer (Acolyte) Pilot (your choice) Requisition Basic Equipment Resources Scrutiny Shadowing Silent Move Tech-Use Unshakeable Faith

Cost 100 100 200 100 200 200 200 100 100 200 200 200 200 300

*This resource can be taken 3 times this rank.

Type S S S R T T S R R S S S S T

Prerequisites Ciphers CL (Imperium) Fel 30 -

Cell Leader The cell leader has the authority to direct the cell’s investigations. He is usually the one to report to the Inquisitor and can now command actual judicial powers. Advance Barter Blather Charm Ciphers (Inquisitor's Personal) Command Deceive Forged Identity* Iron Discipline Logic Orthoproxy Paranoia Requisition Enforcers Requisition Safe House Resources* Scholastic Lore (Judgement)

Cost 100 100 100 100 100 200 100 300 200 300 200 200 200 100 100

Type S S S S S S R T S T T A R R S

Prerequisites WP 30, Command -

*This resource can be taken 3 times this rank

Cell Supervisor The supervisor’s job is to co-ordinate multiple cells working on large scale investigations. This person must manage teams and the resources needed to ensure that they achieve their objectives. This person has now earned a large amount of trust. Advance Additional Resources* Acolyte Cell* Common Lore (all available) Contacts* Forbidden Lore (Inquisition) +10 Logic +10 Requisition PDF Requisition Fleet Transport Requisition Arbites

Cost 200 300 200 100 200 200 200 200 200

*These resources can be taken 3 times this rank

Type R R S R S S A A A

Prerequisites Logic -

Special Advancements From the rank of Interrogator onwards the characters have access to the best training that the Inquisition can offer. This allows them to purchase additional statistic advances above and beyond the normal human allowance. Once a character has taken all of his available advances in a given statistic he can purchase additional advances as shown below. Table 1-2: Inquisitorial Statistic Advances Characteristic Weapon Skill Ballistic Skill Strength Toughness Agility Intelligence Perception Willpower Fellowship

Exceptional 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000

Legendary 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000

Interrogator An interrogator is officially an Inquisitor in training, they are sponsored by a specific individual and often trained by them and their close allies. They are expected to excel in all areas. They come from such a variety of backgrounds and operate in any number of ways. An Interrogator now has official power to detain in the name of Holy Inquisition and carries considerable authority on his own. Advance Acolyte Cell* Cell Supervisor Common Lore (all available) +10 Contacts* Forbidden Lore (Inquisition) +20 Forged Identity* Inquisitorial Authority Interrogation Interrogation +10 Logic +20 Requisition Exotic Requisition Military Resource Pool* Scholastic Lore (all available) Tech-Use +10

Cost 300 200 200 100 200 100 200 100 200 200 200 200 200 200 200

*These resources can be taken 3 times this rank

Type R R S R S R A S S S R A R S S

Prerequisites CL FL +10 Interrogation Logic +10 Tech-Use

Inquisitor An Inquisitor has to chose an Ordos to operate as a functional member. This is where his primary area of interest lies. This is often the same as his sponsor, but not always. Ordos Hereticus hunt the traitors and the corruption that lies within the Imperium. They seek out those who would harm from within. Ordos Xenos hunt those who would deal with the vile aliens that populate the galaxy. They also gather intelligence on aliens and their activities and try to thwart their plots through intrigue or brute force. Ordos Malleus hunt the demonic forces that pollute the galaxy as well as monitor the other two ordos. They watch the watchers. You must have reached a Veteran status to be inducted in to the ranks of the Ordos Malleus. Advance

Cost

Type

Absolute Authority

200

R

Prerequisites -

Air of Authority

200

T

Fel 30

Armour of Contempt

300

T

WP 40

Chem Geld

200

T

-

Common Lore (all available) +20

200

S

-

Contacts*

100

R

-

Dodge +10

200

S

Dodge

Exotic Weapon Training

200

T

-

Fearless

300

T

-

Forbidden Lore (all available)

200

S

-

Forbidden Lore (all available) +10

200

S

-

Furious Assault

200

T

WS 35

Hardy

200

T

T 40

Interrogation +20

200

S

Interrogation +10

Interrogator

300

R

-

Into the Jaws of Hell

300

T

Iron Discipline

Iron Discipline

200

T

WP 30, Command

Litany of Hate

300

T

Hatred

Meditation

200

T

-

Minor Psychic Power*

200

T

Psy Rating 1

Psy Rating 1

300

T

-

Requisition Adeptus Astartes

300

A

Requisition Assets

300

R

-

Requisition Imperial Navy

300

A

-

Requisition Rogue Traders

300

A

-

Resistance (Psychic Powers)

200

T

-

Resource Stream*

300

R

-

Scholastic Lore (all available) +10

200

S

Scholastic Lore

Scholastic Lore (all available) +20

200

S

Scholastic Lore +10

Sound Constitution*

300

T

-

Step Aside

300

T

Ag 40, Dodge

Strong Minded

300

T

Talented

200

T

-

Tech-Use +20

300

S

Tech-Use +10

*These advances can be taken 3 times this rank.

WP 30, Resistance (Psychic Powers)

Veteran Inquisitor A veteran has survived many investigations and has managed to survive in one of the most dangerous positions in the Imperium. Perhaps more impressive than surviving contact with the enemy for so long, is surviving the political infighting that runs through so much of the Inquisition. Advance Arms Master Contacts* Dark Soul Decadence Disturbing Voice Dodge +20 Forbidden Lore (all available) +20 Heightened Senses Interrogator Master Orator Mimic Minor Psychic Power* Peer (Inquisition) Power Well Psy Rating 2 Psy Rating 3 Psy Rating 4 Psychic Power Resource Stream* Sound Constitution* Talented

Cost 200 100 300 200 200 200 300 200 300 300 200 200 400 300 400 500 600 400 300 300 200

Type T R S T T S S S R T T T T R T R R R R T T

Prerequisites BS 30, Basic Weapon Training (2) T 30 Dodge +10 Forbidden Lore +10 Fel 30 Psy Rating 1 Fel 30 Psy Rating 2 Psy Rating 2 Psy Rating 3 Psy Rating 4 -

*These advances can be taken 3 times this rank

Inquisitor Lord I have not detailed the advancements available to a Lord as they should probably include anything they already do not have available to them. Each at a cost of 500 xp. A lord has a great deal of respect in his Ordo. He may even be in a key position of leadership. At this level it is up to the GM to determine the power level available to each Inquisitor.

Authority & Resource Advances Acolyte Cell Each rank in this resource gives you another cell of acolytes to work with. Each cell has 4 starting level characters in it of random backgrounds/careers. Cell Supervisor Each rank in this resource gives you another cell supervisor who can coordinate your cells for you. They will build up a web of cells and contacts and feed you information that warrants your attention. False Identity Each rank in this resource provides you with a complete false identity that will check up under scrutiny from all but the most determined of investigators with the highest levels of access to adminstratum files. Each identity must be detailed. It also provides you with access to appropriate disguises. Interrogator This resource provides you with a trainee Inquisitor who will operate under your supervision and authority. As and when you decide that he is ready for advancement he will become and ally instead your Interrogator. You can promote someone from a team of acolytes or ask for one to be assigned to you. Inquisitorial Authority You now carry an official Rossette of the Inquisition. It details your rank and authority provided by the Throne of Terra. It acts as an electronic decoder for top secret information and is tied to your biometric readings. It will provide you with nearly instant co-operation from almost any agency. Although your identity will have been compromised if you use this. Requisition Basic Equipment This resource allows you to requisition from your superior basic field equipment such as survival gear, vox, pistols and basic disguises. Resources Each rank of this resource gives you an additional 100 thrones a month in pay.

Resource Pool Each rank in this resource provides you with a large deposit of readily available emergency funding. The funding is secured in a sector banking system and is accessible by your or a pre-arranged agent. Each Pool holds 20,000 thrones and once depleted it must be topped up by other methods Resource Stream Each rank in this resource provides you with a stream of income that must be detailed. The stream is vulnerable if identified. It could be shares in a merchant guild, siphoned funds from administratum accounts or funds from a noble title that you have manufactured. Each stream generates an income of 5000 thrones a month. Requisition Adeptus Astartes This authority allows you to request assistance from the nearest chapter of Space Marines. It also allows you to request assistance from one specific chapter. Obtaining this authority should be roleplayed in the form of an adventure. It should be earned and not just bought with xp. The chapter will send what assistance it can spare or deems appropriate. A contact of relevant stature should also be purchased. Requisition Arbites This authority allows you to request assistance from the local Arbites office. The office will not take kindly to being re-tasked to pointless roles and should be used in dire emergency only. They can be directed to arrest individuals based on any evidence you can produce. Requisition Assets Each rank in this resource allows you to obtain a major asset for your permanent use. This can be anything from a secure base to a warp capable vessel. If you spend additional ranks on the same resource then increase the capabilities of that asset as agreed with the GM. Requisition Enforcers This authority allows you to exercise control over local enforcers, you do so through a special authority, but this may alert certain people to your presence. So be careful that you can trust who you requisition. It generally allows you to control a squad of 6 enforcers. Exceptional evidence may allow for greater numbers to be obtained.

Requisition Exotic This authority allows you to ask for very specific and rare pieces of equipment for field use. Anything from plasma pistols, psi shielding, power armour or forcefields. This should not be abused and the lending party may require the items back or request a favour for lending them in the first place. Requisition Fleet Transport This authority allows you to requisition transport for your team onboard a supply ship or some form of civilian transport for warp travel to non-prohibited Imperial worlds. Requisition Imperial Navy This authority allows you to requisition transport and assistance from a Naval vessel or battle group, depending on what is required and what is available. This is a formidable power and should go hand in hand with obtain a contact of relevant stature. Requisition Military This authority allows you to requisition Imperial Guard troops to your cause, this can be as little as a single unit or as large as an entire army. It depends on your cause and availability. It may take some time to assemble large forces. An appropriate contact should also be purchased. Requisition PDF This authority allows you the power to obtain co-operation from local PDF units. It should be used in exceptional circumstances only, as your Inquisitor will have to explain why they were commandeered. Requisition Rogue Traders This authority allows you to obtain the services of a Rogue Trader vessel in moving you around the galaxy. This comes with additional benefits, access to black market knowledge, uncharted trade routes out of Imperial Space and a very capable Captain and vessel. Requisition Safe House This resource allows you to obtain a safe house for use by your team. It will be shielded from vox thiefs and will have a secure armoury location. It will have enough rooms for each team member, a kitchen, toilet and a secure cell. It will also have room for a small workshop. No equipment is supplied.