Taken from the personal records of Court Historian Astor Eusebius (excommunicate) on the reception of the Arch-Champion Vex at the Ex-Governor's Palace.
The Arch-Champion entered the inner sanctums at the ninth hour of the day, kneeling before the altar of the Dark Gods and awaiting summons. I had heard tell of his arrival the previous day and took the time to observe the wretch. He was a huddled mess with the scent of blood about him, which agitated the Flesh Hounds greatly. The marks of his failure were still about him and I could see him quavering in place. Pathetic.
At the eleventh hour, Vross appeared, his pistol in plain view. He did not speak, but the so-called Champion rose and bowed immediately before following him into our Lord's chambers.
"Ah," said Julian when the wretch splayed himself out before him and kissed his boots, "I did not expect you to return so soon, Champion."
"My Lord," Vex managed to choke out. I couldn't help but sneer. "My Lord... my men and I are not..."
"Not responsible?" Julian inquired, "Really? Then who is? Who am I to hold responsible for the defeat of my forces at the hands of a group of deserters and women? I gave you sufficient men and arms, did I not? Precious men that were diverted from our drive against the Orks. Men who are now dead."
"My Lord, the forces you gave were more than sufficient for our purposes... the Monastary would have been ours, were it not for the interference of the Space Marines!"
There was silence after he spoke these words. His Dread Majesty Julian gestured with his right hand and Vross stepped forward, kicking the man in the face with his iron-studded boot before lashing him across the back with his whip. Repeating the gesture twice more, Vex was soon little more than a bloody mess.
"Space Marines," Julian said as his Champion writhed in agony, "Have we any confirmation of this?"
Vex was incapable of speech at this point, but I heard a voice from one of the corners of the room. I could not make out the man's features, but he spoke with a clear and calm voice. "It is not unexpected. It was only a matter of time before the Imperium intervened. You should be happy, Governor. Your saviours have arrived at last."
The Governor sneered before turning back to Vex. "What fate befell the Emperor's Ring? Or were you and your men too busy fleeing to discover that?"
"The Chapter Librarian of the Loyalists retrieved it," Vex said quickly. He was still breathing heavily, like a dog. "I know not where he took it."
"We shall do without it," the other voice said, "Governor, I want you and your men to redouble their efforts against the Orks. We cannot let the Greenskins keep us from our prize for so long. For myself, I shall see what I can do to impede these Space Marines."
"If that is what the Gods of Chaos desire, then it shall be so," Julian answered He turned to leave then, before stopping short. "But oh yes, lest I forget... the reward for our great Champion here for bringing us such excellent intelligence."
Vex, to his credit, was not fooled by the Governor's tone. "My Lord, please, forgive me..."
"You are forgiven, Vex," the Governor said earnestly, "And the Dark Gods will reward those that die spreading their Word."
He turned and left then, his black cloak waving behind him. Vross stepped over the whimpering Champion then, drawing his pistol to dispense the mercy of the Dark Gods.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
The following is a full text transcript of an audio distress signal received at 0200
This is Sister Clara Amparin of the St. Marika Monastery, coordinates 82 by 35, sending out a general distress call to any force loyal to the will of His Supreme Majesty, the Emperor of Mankind. Our monastery ... [unintelligible] ... a force of heretics and blasphemers. Our walls are holding, but we have a few Sisters with us, along with a handful of Guardsmen that did not succumb to the hateful forces of Chaos. I beg of anyone that hears this... heed our call. Our Monastery bears a relic of the God-Emperor ... [unintelligible]... along with countless innocent peoples. Chaos cannot be allowed to prevail here.
Repeat, this is Sister Clara of the St. Marika Monastery...
The following is an exert from the transcript of the resulting discussion between Chapter commanders, as recorded by Octavius' familiar.
Isaiah Aetos: I share your concerns, Brother Librarian. But orbital surveillance from the Pride us showing a concentration of the Governor's forces in that area, along with evidence of recent weapons fire.
Octavius Drakonis: That may be, Isaiah, but we have no way of identifying the players here. The heretic governor may be conducting an extermination campaign or some dark ritual of the Gods of Chaos. It may even be an elaborate trap. We would not want to carelessly commit our forces so early in the campaign.
Isaiah: Nor would we wish to leave loyal servants of the Emperor to the mercy of Chaos.
Claudius Varnus: If I may interrupt, what is this artefact that the Sister spoke of? The relic of the God-Emperor... Octavius, do we have any records of this?
Octavius: Yes, Brother Chaplain, I have checked against the records. During the Great Crusade, the Emperor came to this planet personally and dispatched a colony of Eldar Exodites. He is said to have left a ring here, which the colonists have since treated with all due reverence. However, I have no records of the ring being kept at St. Marika's.
Claudius: We cannot allow such a holy thing to fall into Julian's foul hands. Brothers, should such a thing come to pass we would all be guilty of failing to fulfil our duty.
Octavius: I cannot disagree with that. However, I must emphasize the need for caution. The final defeat of the Governor and the reclamation of this world to the service of the Imperium is much more important than any fleeting blows to Imperial pride. However, I will defer to you in this matter, Brother-Captain. Shall we answer the distress beacon?
Isaiah: We must and we shall, Brother. Brother Varnus, ready a strike force. Brother Octavius, do what you must to enhance our intelligence in this matter. But remember: Time is of the essence here. The longer we wait, the deeper Chaos roots will grow.
Octavius and Claudius: Agreed.
This is Sister Clara Amparin of the St. Marika Monastery, coordinates 82 by 35, sending out a general distress call to any force loyal to the will of His Supreme Majesty, the Emperor of Mankind. Our monastery ... [unintelligible] ... a force of heretics and blasphemers. Our walls are holding, but we have a few Sisters with us, along with a handful of Guardsmen that did not succumb to the hateful forces of Chaos. I beg of anyone that hears this... heed our call. Our Monastery bears a relic of the God-Emperor ... [unintelligible]... along with countless innocent peoples. Chaos cannot be allowed to prevail here.
Repeat, this is Sister Clara of the St. Marika Monastery...
The following is an exert from the transcript of the resulting discussion between Chapter commanders, as recorded by Octavius' familiar.
Isaiah Aetos: I share your concerns, Brother Librarian. But orbital surveillance from the Pride us showing a concentration of the Governor's forces in that area, along with evidence of recent weapons fire.
Octavius Drakonis: That may be, Isaiah, but we have no way of identifying the players here. The heretic governor may be conducting an extermination campaign or some dark ritual of the Gods of Chaos. It may even be an elaborate trap. We would not want to carelessly commit our forces so early in the campaign.
Isaiah: Nor would we wish to leave loyal servants of the Emperor to the mercy of Chaos.
Claudius Varnus: If I may interrupt, what is this artefact that the Sister spoke of? The relic of the God-Emperor... Octavius, do we have any records of this?
Octavius: Yes, Brother Chaplain, I have checked against the records. During the Great Crusade, the Emperor came to this planet personally and dispatched a colony of Eldar Exodites. He is said to have left a ring here, which the colonists have since treated with all due reverence. However, I have no records of the ring being kept at St. Marika's.
Claudius: We cannot allow such a holy thing to fall into Julian's foul hands. Brothers, should such a thing come to pass we would all be guilty of failing to fulfil our duty.
Octavius: I cannot disagree with that. However, I must emphasize the need for caution. The final defeat of the Governor and the reclamation of this world to the service of the Imperium is much more important than any fleeting blows to Imperial pride. However, I will defer to you in this matter, Brother-Captain. Shall we answer the distress beacon?
Isaiah: We must and we shall, Brother. Brother Varnus, ready a strike force. Brother Octavius, do what you must to enhance our intelligence in this matter. But remember: Time is of the essence here. The longer we wait, the deeper Chaos roots will grow.
Octavius and Claudius: Agreed.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
From the Personal Log of Oathkeeper Captain Isaiah Aetos following the landing at Outpost N64-3 (renamed Fortress Loyalty)
The first strike in a campaign is always a difficult thing. An early defeat can lead to a death sentence for the entire Company and even an initial victory can lead to disaster if the underlying strategy behind it is not sound. The northern regions of the planet thus had many advantages for us as a landing point. For one, the harsh snows and hails are of no consequence to our Marines, but certainly have a certain effect on the Renegades. More importantly, however, the accursed traitor Julian has concentrated the bulk of his forces along his border with the Orks. The forces in the north are little more then genocidal agents, sent to force the local population into the foul worship of Chaos.
Vargus disagreed with my selection, saying that an immediate crushing blow against the Ex-Governor's main forces would have been ideal. Octavius intervened, however, pointing out that we possess little intelligence and that the Governor's anti-air defences meant that a drop assault might prove fruitless. Chaplain Vargus was firm, but eventually allowed himself to be overruled.
The exact target of our first operation was an Outpost called N64-3, a large barracks being used by the Traitors. Bike squadrons charged against enemy lines, while Assault Marines followed close behind. My Command Rhino, the Laserion, coordinated our communications from behind the lines while our Thunderhawk, Pride of Terra, fired Melta Torpedos against their back line. Against such an onslaught, the enemy quickly folded. Still, I was surprised at the ferocity with which the defenders fought. If the Renegades are this committed at such a remote outpost, then this will be a difficult campaign indeed.
After the outpost was secured and fortified, Brother Octavius and Vargus arrived, along with the bulk of our forces. Octavius informs me that his brother Alastor, an Inquisitor of high rank, will be arriving in the system soon. The presence of the Inquisition is reassuring, for we know not how far the rot has spread into the general population. Let the Inquisitors sort the faithful from the heretic. My Company will focus upon the task at hand.
The first strike in a campaign is always a difficult thing. An early defeat can lead to a death sentence for the entire Company and even an initial victory can lead to disaster if the underlying strategy behind it is not sound. The northern regions of the planet thus had many advantages for us as a landing point. For one, the harsh snows and hails are of no consequence to our Marines, but certainly have a certain effect on the Renegades. More importantly, however, the accursed traitor Julian has concentrated the bulk of his forces along his border with the Orks. The forces in the north are little more then genocidal agents, sent to force the local population into the foul worship of Chaos.
Vargus disagreed with my selection, saying that an immediate crushing blow against the Ex-Governor's main forces would have been ideal. Octavius intervened, however, pointing out that we possess little intelligence and that the Governor's anti-air defences meant that a drop assault might prove fruitless. Chaplain Vargus was firm, but eventually allowed himself to be overruled.
The exact target of our first operation was an Outpost called N64-3, a large barracks being used by the Traitors. Bike squadrons charged against enemy lines, while Assault Marines followed close behind. My Command Rhino, the Laserion, coordinated our communications from behind the lines while our Thunderhawk, Pride of Terra, fired Melta Torpedos against their back line. Against such an onslaught, the enemy quickly folded. Still, I was surprised at the ferocity with which the defenders fought. If the Renegades are this committed at such a remote outpost, then this will be a difficult campaign indeed.
After the outpost was secured and fortified, Brother Octavius and Vargus arrived, along with the bulk of our forces. Octavius informs me that his brother Alastor, an Inquisitor of high rank, will be arriving in the system soon. The presence of the Inquisition is reassuring, for we know not how far the rot has spread into the general population. Let the Inquisitors sort the faithful from the heretic. My Company will focus upon the task at hand.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Extract from the Journal of Chief Librarian of the Oathkeeper Space Marine Chapter Octavius Drakonis concerning their impending deployment to the planet Malathor.
The world Malathor is a temperate planet in the northern regions of Segmentum Obscurus. The world is of little strategic value, with limited resources available for military use, which perhaps has worked in its favour, as it has previously enjoyed a measure of peace and security.
This changed last year, however, as the planet came under attack by Ork marauders. I am told by my brother [High Inquisitor Alastor Drakonis - Ed's Note] that the local PDF was at first led effectively, though I entertain obvious doubts about his conclusions. Regardless, local resources were too poor to allow a proper defence/evacuation of the world to be conducted. The southern Continent completely overrun by the Orks in the first four months, while north remains in precarious defensive position
Requests to Segmentum Command by the Malathorans for reinforcement went unattended due to need to divert resources to Medusa V. Governor Julian [excommunicate - Ed's note] was essentially told he was on his own. I spoke with my brother about this and, while he maintains that it would have been impossible to reinforce the Governor, the manner in which Julian and his people were told to sit down and wait to die did not help matters. The envoys of Chaos took advantage of the situation. Our intelligence on the planet is spotty at best, but Daemons and Marines of unknown origin have been observed in the drive against the Orks. The Orks have been pushed back, but the population are now being subjected to the Chaotic Powers that 'liberated' them.
A sizable portion of the population is still loyal to the God-Emperor, though they are disorganized and lack leadership. Many have been forced to take refuge in the isolated Monastary communities maintained by the Priesthood, which number seven in all. Of these seven, three have been overwhelmed and desecrated by Julian's forces, while two are in Ork territory and presumed destroyed. The status of the two remainders is presently unclear.
There is an undoubted element of personal bitterness in governor's decisions. Perhaps his sense of betrayal spawned his own betrayal? Regardless, the fool did not understand that it is we that serve the Emperor, not the other way around.
In any case, the daemonic presence on planet is significant. According to Alastor, deserters from the governor's office have reported massive creatures that exceed normal manifestation. Alastor is concerned. He tells me that many of the Daemons that have manifested are noted in the Grimore of True Names, including Nurgle's servent Maelhobias and the hounds of Khorne called Ur'Mog and Val'n'rk. Calling forth such Daemons would require centuries of preparation.
I have discussed the matter with Brother-Captain Aetos and he agreed that this seems like an unusual commitment of force for the Forces of Chaos on so remote a world. Chaplain Varnus was quick to point out that, should Chaos or the Orks successfully claim the world, the Holy Fleet will simply bombard it into oblivion. It is not for us simple servants of the Emperor to know the motivations of Chaos, however one cannot help but wonder if there is some element here that we are perhaps missing.
In any case, Aetos will be leading a preliminary invasion into Renegade territory at the northern outskirts of the Governor's continent. Once he establishes his beachhead, Chaplain Varnus and myself will follow after the battle. Perhaps some of these uncertainties will become clearer once we are on the surface.
The world Malathor is a temperate planet in the northern regions of Segmentum Obscurus. The world is of little strategic value, with limited resources available for military use, which perhaps has worked in its favour, as it has previously enjoyed a measure of peace and security.
This changed last year, however, as the planet came under attack by Ork marauders. I am told by my brother [High Inquisitor Alastor Drakonis - Ed's Note] that the local PDF was at first led effectively, though I entertain obvious doubts about his conclusions. Regardless, local resources were too poor to allow a proper defence/evacuation of the world to be conducted. The southern Continent completely overrun by the Orks in the first four months, while north remains in precarious defensive position
Requests to Segmentum Command by the Malathorans for reinforcement went unattended due to need to divert resources to Medusa V. Governor Julian [excommunicate - Ed's note] was essentially told he was on his own. I spoke with my brother about this and, while he maintains that it would have been impossible to reinforce the Governor, the manner in which Julian and his people were told to sit down and wait to die did not help matters. The envoys of Chaos took advantage of the situation. Our intelligence on the planet is spotty at best, but Daemons and Marines of unknown origin have been observed in the drive against the Orks. The Orks have been pushed back, but the population are now being subjected to the Chaotic Powers that 'liberated' them.
A sizable portion of the population is still loyal to the God-Emperor, though they are disorganized and lack leadership. Many have been forced to take refuge in the isolated Monastary communities maintained by the Priesthood, which number seven in all. Of these seven, three have been overwhelmed and desecrated by Julian's forces, while two are in Ork territory and presumed destroyed. The status of the two remainders is presently unclear.
There is an undoubted element of personal bitterness in governor's decisions. Perhaps his sense of betrayal spawned his own betrayal? Regardless, the fool did not understand that it is we that serve the Emperor, not the other way around.
In any case, the daemonic presence on planet is significant. According to Alastor, deserters from the governor's office have reported massive creatures that exceed normal manifestation. Alastor is concerned. He tells me that many of the Daemons that have manifested are noted in the Grimore of True Names, including Nurgle's servent Maelhobias and the hounds of Khorne called Ur'Mog and Val'n'rk. Calling forth such Daemons would require centuries of preparation.
I have discussed the matter with Brother-Captain Aetos and he agreed that this seems like an unusual commitment of force for the Forces of Chaos on so remote a world. Chaplain Varnus was quick to point out that, should Chaos or the Orks successfully claim the world, the Holy Fleet will simply bombard it into oblivion. It is not for us simple servants of the Emperor to know the motivations of Chaos, however one cannot help but wonder if there is some element here that we are perhaps missing.
In any case, Aetos will be leading a preliminary invasion into Renegade territory at the northern outskirts of the Governor's continent. Once he establishes his beachhead, Chaplain Varnus and myself will follow after the battle. Perhaps some of these uncertainties will become clearer once we are on the surface.
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