The Librian 7th Grenadiers took up defensive positions around the only spaceport on the world, Aethra, near to the bulk of the major mining operations. It wasn't long before they were attacked by the Eldar, who still worried that the increased military presence on the world would wake the slumbering Necrons. The main assault occurred in the north with the Eldar Farseer guiding his troops through the many roughly constructed mining buildings of Aethra.
The Imperial troops were well dug in, and as soon as they saw the approaching Eldar called for reinforcements. A fierce fire fight soon developed with the Imperial Guard refusing to give ground. After several Eldar Walkers and four Imperial Sentinels exchanged fire, it looked like the Eldar would gain the upper hand, but just at that moment the Librian vehicles arrived.
First, a hellhound appeared on the Imperial right flank, incinerating howling banshees and Eldar Guardians. The Farseer leading the Eldar forces was seen to flee at this point, but the aliens continued to press home their attack. Meanwhile on the left flank a Leman Russ, crewed by a crack team of veterans transferred from the Melberg campaign, appeared on the scene.
The effect was immediate as two Wave Serpents were expertly shot out of the sky by some excellent marksmanship. After this disaster the Eldar attack became more uncoordinated as the passengers within the troop transports tried in vain to close with their enemy. The Dire Avengers were cut down by massed lasgun fire and Hellhound flamer fire.
Too late the aliens realised the power of the flame tank and managed to knock one out with their vibro-cannons, but the battle was lost. The Eldar retreated and the Imperium took stock. It had been a disastrous raid by the Eldar who looked to their Farseer to provide an explanation...
Wednesday 21 May 2008
Wednesday 14 May 2008
The Imperial Guard appoints General Manstein
The unrest in the minor systems in the Vastrid subsector caused alarm on the Subsector capital. With his usual lack of attention to detail General Thaddius Roover, the highest ranked Imperial General in the whole sector declared that “something should be done about it” and appointed General Manstein, eager to regain his reputation after the fall of Cerberex, to organise the Imperium’s move on these worlds by force. He didn’t specify how this should be done.
Manstein was in fact a capable general and organiser and soon realised that there was no way he was going to get a mighty crusade together. High Admiral Bova Magnus was unwilling to give him much in the way of a fleet, but finally relented, giving Manstein the support of his new carrier battlegroup. This amounted to three capital ships and six sword and firestorm class frigates.
The flagship, the Mars class Ark Royal was accompanied by the dictator class vessels Formidable and Victorious, all new to the sector. Manstein was also able to secure the services of six troop and supply transports. Now all he had to do was locate some forces. After much negotiation and politicking, the veteran general managed to put together a reasonable force of six Imperial Guard regiments, or 60,000 troops, plus the highly valued support of the Blood Ravens 4th company and the Blood Martyrs 8th company, along with the strike cruiser Tempest and the Blood Raven’s Sword class escort Enlightenment.
The Imperial Guard regiments were made up of the Librian 7th and 118th Grenadiers, the Librian 18th Armoured regiment, The Vastridian 17th Engineers division and the very valuable Librian 2nd and 3rd Airborne Cavalry. Unfortunately Manstein was unable to secure any resources from the Titan Legions.
With this strong force Manstein’s army moved off into the lower Perseus Deeps. The general’s plan was simple; to intimidate the local forces making sure the loyalty of the Emperor’s subjects was invigorated.
After a week and a half in the warp the task force (named Battlegroup Manstein) arrived in the Aethor system… To find that Inquisitor Cicerus had got there before him. Manstein was less than pleased by the arrival of the Ordo Hereticus. When he found it had significant armed forces he was doubly angry. The Inquisitor had not even thought to mention his “crusade” to the sector command, not that he needed to, and when Cicerus curtly informed the general he was to secure Aethor in the name of the Emperor Manstein went into an apocalyptic rage. Even so Manstein was not about to cross an Inquistor and eventually half the Librian 7th Grenadiers, some 5,000 troops, were landed near the planet’s largest mining settlements, while General Manstein seethed.
Battlegroup Manstein
Imperial Navy
Mars Class Ark Royal
Dictator Class Victorious
Dictator Class Formidable
Sword Class Vessels Arrogant, Furious, Gladiator
Firestorm Class Vessels Vindictive, Badger, Fox
Transports Guardian, Protector, Emperor's Light
Supply Ships Incorruptible, Unwavering Faith, Virtuous
Imperial Guard
Librian 18th Armoured regiment
Librian 7th Grenadiers
Librian 118th Grenadiers
Librian 2nd Air Cavalry
Librian 3rd Air Cavalry
Vastridian 17th Engineers
Adeptus Astartes
Blood Martyrs strike cruiser Tempest
Blood Martyrs 8th company
Blood Ravens Sword class escort Enlightenment
Blood Ravens 4th company
Manstein was in fact a capable general and organiser and soon realised that there was no way he was going to get a mighty crusade together. High Admiral Bova Magnus was unwilling to give him much in the way of a fleet, but finally relented, giving Manstein the support of his new carrier battlegroup. This amounted to three capital ships and six sword and firestorm class frigates.
The flagship, the Mars class Ark Royal was accompanied by the dictator class vessels Formidable and Victorious, all new to the sector. Manstein was also able to secure the services of six troop and supply transports. Now all he had to do was locate some forces. After much negotiation and politicking, the veteran general managed to put together a reasonable force of six Imperial Guard regiments, or 60,000 troops, plus the highly valued support of the Blood Ravens 4th company and the Blood Martyrs 8th company, along with the strike cruiser Tempest and the Blood Raven’s Sword class escort Enlightenment.
The Imperial Guard regiments were made up of the Librian 7th and 118th Grenadiers, the Librian 18th Armoured regiment, The Vastridian 17th Engineers division and the very valuable Librian 2nd and 3rd Airborne Cavalry. Unfortunately Manstein was unable to secure any resources from the Titan Legions.
With this strong force Manstein’s army moved off into the lower Perseus Deeps. The general’s plan was simple; to intimidate the local forces making sure the loyalty of the Emperor’s subjects was invigorated.
After a week and a half in the warp the task force (named Battlegroup Manstein) arrived in the Aethor system… To find that Inquisitor Cicerus had got there before him. Manstein was less than pleased by the arrival of the Ordo Hereticus. When he found it had significant armed forces he was doubly angry. The Inquisitor had not even thought to mention his “crusade” to the sector command, not that he needed to, and when Cicerus curtly informed the general he was to secure Aethor in the name of the Emperor Manstein went into an apocalyptic rage. Even so Manstein was not about to cross an Inquistor and eventually half the Librian 7th Grenadiers, some 5,000 troops, were landed near the planet’s largest mining settlements, while General Manstein seethed.
Battlegroup Manstein
Imperial Navy
Mars Class Ark Royal
Dictator Class Victorious
Dictator Class Formidable
Sword Class Vessels Arrogant, Furious, Gladiator
Firestorm Class Vessels Vindictive, Badger, Fox
Transports Guardian, Protector, Emperor's Light
Supply Ships Incorruptible, Unwavering Faith, Virtuous
Imperial Guard
Librian 18th Armoured regiment
Librian 7th Grenadiers
Librian 118th Grenadiers
Librian 2nd Air Cavalry
Librian 3rd Air Cavalry
Vastridian 17th Engineers
Adeptus Astartes
Blood Martyrs strike cruiser Tempest
Blood Martyrs 8th company
Blood Ravens Sword class escort Enlightenment
Blood Ravens 4th company
Tuesday 13 May 2008
Ares Data Intercept
VERBAL TRANSCRIPT OF PICT-RECORDED DOCUMENTLOCATION: ARES, VASTRID SUBSECTOR
RECOVERED FROM SERVITOR RECORDING MODULE ABOARD RHINO APC
TRANSCRIBED BY SAVANT NOREIK, ORDO XENOS,INQUISITORIAL DATA-LIBRARY FACULTY
[Pict-record white noise segues to] Darkness, illuminated only by the dimming lamps of the clearly damaged APC and flashes of what appears to be energy-weapon fire to the right. Sound of las-blasts, fading.
[Pict-recorder pans to] Ancient ruins, clearly Xeno in origin, illuminated in an unholy phosphorescent green glow. Scattered amongst the broken masonry are the twisted and partially-disintegrated bodies of at least three (potentially more depending upon the degree of disintegration) Adeptus Mechanicus Skitarii. Wound patterns correlate with known Xeno gauss tech.
From the darkness beyond the pillars a humanoid shadow emerges, swathed in robes and clutching what appears to be a staff surrounded by a power field. The figure moves steadily through the rubble, the head moving systematically, almost robotically, from left to right as if scanning the debris. [Pict-record interrupted by static interference]
[Pict-image restablished to reveal] The humanoid’s head fills the screen. A skeletal appearance constructed from metal of unknown origin. Appearance matches Xenoform Necron. The ‘eyes’ of the face glow with an eldritch green light, harbouring malicious ire and burning intent to retrieve at all costs, that which has been taken. The humanoid fades into nothingness, leaving nothing but the distorted remains of the Adeptus Mechanicus. [Pict-recording ends]
Forgive me, my Lord, for the unusual use of inference towards the end of this transcript, as you know my work is dispassionate and objective, however in direct translation of the image these words were the most accurate account I could give. There was no message, but I am sure that the Xeno was demanding something. I can forward you the original Pict-file for you to confirm my analysis.
Sunday 11 May 2008
Cicerus on Aethor
Following Lord Cirerus’ less than successful action on Minos, his attention was drawn to the small mining colony of Aethor, dominated by wetlands which separated mining settlements from one another. Cicerus had got wind of alien artefacts and xenos threats from his agents on a number of minor worlds in the system and he passed this information on to his allies, the adeptus mechanicus.
The two factions agreed that the Mechanicus would investigate the more certain rumours on Ares, a barren research station, their mechanical constructs more suited to the harsh environment. The Inquisitor and his guard units would investigate Aethor.
The governor of Aethor was less than happy to see Inquisitorial forces arrive in his domain, but was powerless to do anything other than accept their “help”. The governor knew well some mining operations had been lost to unknown fates, and tales of battles with alien “machine men” were widespread. The inhabitants of the planet knew well which areas to avoid.
The governor was not the only one to be concerned by the Inquisition’s sudden interest in the planet. Fearing that Cicerus and his blunderings would unleash a sleeping Necron threat, the Eldar of the region knew they had to act. Arriving on the planet shortly after Cicerus had, the aliens launched an immediate attack on the Inquisitor’s forces. Sadly for the Eldar they were beaten back by a furious Imperial attack, abandoning the world to its fate...
The two factions agreed that the Mechanicus would investigate the more certain rumours on Ares, a barren research station, their mechanical constructs more suited to the harsh environment. The Inquisitor and his guard units would investigate Aethor.
The governor of Aethor was less than happy to see Inquisitorial forces arrive in his domain, but was powerless to do anything other than accept their “help”. The governor knew well some mining operations had been lost to unknown fates, and tales of battles with alien “machine men” were widespread. The inhabitants of the planet knew well which areas to avoid.
The governor was not the only one to be concerned by the Inquisition’s sudden interest in the planet. Fearing that Cicerus and his blunderings would unleash a sleeping Necron threat, the Eldar of the region knew they had to act. Arriving on the planet shortly after Cicerus had, the aliens launched an immediate attack on the Inquisitor’s forces. Sadly for the Eldar they were beaten back by a furious Imperial attack, abandoning the world to its fate...
Ares: Adeptus Mechanicus encounter Necrons
Personal Archive, Magos Explorator Sequor Focault
Aboard Ark Mechanicus INEXORABLE SEARCH FOR WISDOM
It would appear that I was correct – the site on Ares was worthy of investigation. Furthermore, my prudence in taking a sizable excavation force was rewarded, since we were attacked by some uncontrolled mechanical defences, whose machine spirits had over time apparently decayed to the point where they could not recognise their rightful masters.
The site was certainly ancient, certainly predating the Great Crusades, although there were signs of probable xenocorruption. However, I believe that the data core that I was able to retrieve will yield its secrets and lead me to further, uncorrupted repositories.
Some material loss was incurred in the core’s acquisition. One HUNTER and one STALKER class knight were lost in the initial moments after the defence systems’ ambush. Knight Baron Hoffstedder’s demise while attempting to redeem himself by countercharging precludes any punishment for the consequent loss of a maniple of Crusader assault robots.
Enginseers Kelvin and Pohl demonstrated excellent judgement, leading their Skitarii detachments into melee with the defenders, preventing any damage to the irreplaceable cyber-augment units of the Praetorians. I shall integrate their data archives into my own. Enginseer Devar shall not be so honoured; charging combat androids into melee was recklessly wasteful and, were he still alive, he would be punished.
It was necessary to abandon the breaching Termite, following irreparable damage to its carrier vehicle, although it may be possible to send a recovery detachment back for it at a later time.
The Carpenter-class forestry robot acquired on Madrigal and reprogrammed for combat performed admirably, destroying a number of defending units and absorbing a prodigious quantity of enemy fire with no ill effect. Truly an inspiring example of the versatility of the Omnissiah’s gifts to us.
Work continues in attempting to placate the machine spirit of the recovered artefact. I believe it to be a data core, but it has been long neglected, and the machine spirit is weak within it. But the proper observances shall be kept, and I have no doubt the Omnissiah shall cause the light of truth to shine upon it in time.
Aboard Ark Mechanicus INEXORABLE SEARCH FOR WISDOM
It would appear that I was correct – the site on Ares was worthy of investigation. Furthermore, my prudence in taking a sizable excavation force was rewarded, since we were attacked by some uncontrolled mechanical defences, whose machine spirits had over time apparently decayed to the point where they could not recognise their rightful masters.
The site was certainly ancient, certainly predating the Great Crusades, although there were signs of probable xenocorruption. However, I believe that the data core that I was able to retrieve will yield its secrets and lead me to further, uncorrupted repositories.
Some material loss was incurred in the core’s acquisition. One HUNTER and one STALKER class knight were lost in the initial moments after the defence systems’ ambush. Knight Baron Hoffstedder’s demise while attempting to redeem himself by countercharging precludes any punishment for the consequent loss of a maniple of Crusader assault robots.
Enginseers Kelvin and Pohl demonstrated excellent judgement, leading their Skitarii detachments into melee with the defenders, preventing any damage to the irreplaceable cyber-augment units of the Praetorians. I shall integrate their data archives into my own. Enginseer Devar shall not be so honoured; charging combat androids into melee was recklessly wasteful and, were he still alive, he would be punished.
It was necessary to abandon the breaching Termite, following irreparable damage to its carrier vehicle, although it may be possible to send a recovery detachment back for it at a later time.
The Carpenter-class forestry robot acquired on Madrigal and reprogrammed for combat performed admirably, destroying a number of defending units and absorbing a prodigious quantity of enemy fire with no ill effect. Truly an inspiring example of the versatility of the Omnissiah’s gifts to us.
Work continues in attempting to placate the machine spirit of the recovered artefact. I believe it to be a data core, but it has been long neglected, and the machine spirit is weak within it. But the proper observances shall be kept, and I have no doubt the Omnissiah shall cause the light of truth to shine upon it in time.
Sunday 4 May 2008
Inquisitor Cicerus encounters the Tau
+++ COMMUNICATO INQUISITORI EXTREMIS
+++ORIGINATOR: Inquistor Lord Cicerus
ROUTE TO: Inquisitor-Consul Lord Metellus
PRIORITY CODE: Delta
SECURE REF: P9876SDAFFSD76429852IODNSD
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Innocence proves nothing
My Lord, I beg to report on recent military action and discoveries in the Vastrid subsector.
As ordered, my initial priority was to locate and verify the faith of General Fillion. The same warp disturbance that caused my own ship to be effected by time dilation effects had also hindered the progress of the fleet carrying the General's troops. General Natoro Fillion is therefore declared innocent of heresy, and has joined my retinue. Admiral Hoson Fox, Navigator Inway Daniels, Navigator Stefanos Roskov, and Naval Commissar Lutro Vasius expired as I questioned them regarding their roles in allowing Imperial shipping to be impeded. As their souls were cleansed by my extortiators, they have passed into the Emperor's light, and I have instructed the naval authorities to award them their earned decorations posthumously.
Interpreting our most holy Emperor's divine will, I have ordered the General to aid in my investigations in the region, and to fulfill his original mission by defeating any threats to Imperial worlds and resources in the subsector. To this end, I commandeered an expeditionary force and made landfall on Minos, as xenos activity had been reported on this world. I encountered Tau forces in the desert regions around the planet's equator, and engaged them. In achieving victory over the aliens, many men and vehicles were lost and I was forced to destroy a grav tank in single combat before it could depart the field. In allowing heavy losses of His Holy Emperor's troops and equipment, Lieutenant Michal Forne is guilty of incompetence in imperial office, and I have sentenced him to one week's excrutiation and death by firing squad.
I am hopeful that interrogation of Tau prisoners captured in this action will yield information regarding the appointed officials in the region and any contact they may have had with nonhumans. It is currently unclear whether the Tau's presence on Minos is the result of incompetence or collusion on the part of the planet's governor, and my investigations continue.
The Emperor protects.
+++ TERMINUS +++
+++ORIGINATOR: Inquistor Lord Cicerus
ROUTE TO: Inquisitor-Consul Lord Metellus
PRIORITY CODE: Delta
SECURE REF: P9876SDAFFSD76429852IODNSD
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Innocence proves nothing
My Lord, I beg to report on recent military action and discoveries in the Vastrid subsector.
As ordered, my initial priority was to locate and verify the faith of General Fillion. The same warp disturbance that caused my own ship to be effected by time dilation effects had also hindered the progress of the fleet carrying the General's troops. General Natoro Fillion is therefore declared innocent of heresy, and has joined my retinue. Admiral Hoson Fox, Navigator Inway Daniels, Navigator Stefanos Roskov, and Naval Commissar Lutro Vasius expired as I questioned them regarding their roles in allowing Imperial shipping to be impeded. As their souls were cleansed by my extortiators, they have passed into the Emperor's light, and I have instructed the naval authorities to award them their earned decorations posthumously.
Interpreting our most holy Emperor's divine will, I have ordered the General to aid in my investigations in the region, and to fulfill his original mission by defeating any threats to Imperial worlds and resources in the subsector. To this end, I commandeered an expeditionary force and made landfall on Minos, as xenos activity had been reported on this world. I encountered Tau forces in the desert regions around the planet's equator, and engaged them. In achieving victory over the aliens, many men and vehicles were lost and I was forced to destroy a grav tank in single combat before it could depart the field. In allowing heavy losses of His Holy Emperor's troops and equipment, Lieutenant Michal Forne is guilty of incompetence in imperial office, and I have sentenced him to one week's excrutiation and death by firing squad.
I am hopeful that interrogation of Tau prisoners captured in this action will yield information regarding the appointed officials in the region and any contact they may have had with nonhumans. It is currently unclear whether the Tau's presence on Minos is the result of incompetence or collusion on the part of the planet's governor, and my investigations continue.
The Emperor protects.
+++ TERMINUS +++
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