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Hi all, my apologies for the long absence, had a hell of a lot on lately.

This is a companion piece to my Mechanicus story, which will be receiving something of a re-write over the coming days. I'm hoping people can give me some feedback on this post mortem. It's incomplete and will go through all the biological enhancements, and all the technological ones, in a renegade Astartes corpse.

[40K] Xenopaedia: Traitor Space Marine Autopsy // Magma Hound Post Mortem

++ By Inquisitorial order 2847461964a/Chaos/Renegades/Traitor_Astartes/Magma_Hounds_Chapter

By Adept-Senioris Kristel Vann Foer, Chief Medicae Mortologist, Quintus Tertia Frontier Station Alpha

Subject is a post-human male, formerly of the Adeptus Astartes. The subject was terminated in combat by storm troopers of the Imperial Guard.

The subject has suffered severe physical trauma, both internal and external, due to bolter shell and enhanced tactical lasrifle (cf “hellgun”) impacts which were sufficient to penetrate mk6 Corvus armour. Without armour, he stands 7’5” and weighs 345lbs.

++ Cause of death ++

Bi-cardiac arrest due to cerebral trauma.

Cause-in-fact: enhanced tactical lasrifle, Imperial Guard, probably Pius-pattern.

+ Progenoid and DNA profiling +

Both progenoid glands were present, albeit corrupted, probably due to exposure to aetheric energy. Specifically, the glands were not attempting to stabilise the functions of the subject’s genhanced body, but were in fact producing trillions of nanoscopic machines which were also found throughout the subject’s bloodstream and infesting each internal organ. These machines have been sent back to Magos-Ultima Yvan X-3 for analysis (see Addendum #1).

The progenoids were most likely sourced from the DNA of Primarch Roboute Guilliman, blessed is the name of Humanity’s Protector, although centuries of exposure to etheric energy tend to distort such results. Having run the subject’s DNA sequence against those of known Astartes Chapters, including a list of eighty-three proscribed Chapters provided by Interrogator Questin of the Ordo Hereticus, I have determined with 93% probability that this warrior was originally a Knight Excelsior. Other possible Chapters could be the Knights of Leon at 5%, Silverguard at 1.2% or Sons of Medusa at 0.8% probabilities.

There was significant damage to the subject's DNA structure, probably due to long-term artheric energy exposure. In an unmodified human, these would likely have led to significant and debilitating mutations of the physical form. However, progenoid glands sourced from the Ultramarines Chapter are well-noted for their stability, partially due to an inherent resistance to mutation via self-repair at a molecular level, which the Magos Biologis terms "genetic cleansing". This process of self-repair would likely enable a traitor Astartes to resist physical corruption for an unknown period of time.

+ Mucranoid +

This gland enables a Space Marine's body to survive in hostile environements for protacted periods, and is frequently triggered by the sus-an membrane (evaluated below).

The subject’s mucranoid gland was atrophied and therefore useless. However, significant quantities of nanites in this gland may indicate the mucranoid response could still be triggered by artificial means, should the subject be exposed to galactic radiation or vacuum. It could be hypothesised that in these extreme conditions, rather than exuding the wax-like substance of healthy, loyalist Astartes, the Magma Hound may generate some kind of mechanical layer formed from nanite material.

If this is this case, it could potentially be turned into a defensive technology, forming an additional dermal layer which would further protect the traitor from kinetic impacts; this is beyond the scope of this post mortem and would need to be investigated by senior adepts of the Mechanicus, in liaison with the Adeptus Biologis.

+ Beg patience, oh holy Masters. The rest of my report shall follow.

Your appology is accepted! A good read and looking fowards to more I dare say

Keep it up NP!

Thanks! I hope you enjoy the new stuff.

I also amended some of the first part to include new details.

Larraman's Organ

This organ produces a coagulant response which allows a Space Marine to survive significant physical trauma. It is virtually unknown for an Astartes warrior to "bleed out" due to the speed of this response.

No abnormalities of this organ were noted other than the presence of nanites. The nanites may actually enhance the organ's function. Significant quantities of nanite material were found within the coagulated blood sealing all of the traitor's wounds. The traitor may have appeared to bleed metal when wounded.

It could be hypothesised that the nanites may spread on contact, acting like a viral contagion, infiltrating the bodies of those impacted by the traitor's blood. The nanites' inactivity makes this impossible to confirm at this time. However, as conjecture, I believe that active nanites introduced into a foreign bloodstream could theoretically survive. We do not currently know if the nanites have the ability to self-replicate, and we do not know what effect the introduction of live nanites would have upon a living, non-Astartes being.

Omophagea

All known Astartes Chapters are able to assimilate knowledge by eating and digesting their victims. This ability would clearly apply to traitor Astartes as well. Typically, the brain is consumed, but other organs may also trigger this effect; for example, the xenos Feren-Dall do not possess recogniseable "brains", but Brother-Librarian Tolhen of the Hellhawks Astartes Chapter risked taint by consuming the heart-structure of such a xenos prior to that Chapter's famous victory at the Kyver Pass.

While it is unclear how much an Astartes could learn in this manner, or how long the process would take, other significant Imperial Astartes victories were apparently made possible by this process.

No impairment or abnormality of this organ was noted.

Occulobe

Both of the subject's eyes had been replaced with advanced bionics. These have been sent to the Adeptus Mechanicus for evaluation.

Primary and Secondary Hearts

Both hearts were relativey intact, albeit infested with nanites. The nanites appeared to have incorporated themselves into the walls and valves of the heart. The entire pulmonary system had been strengthened by this process.

Biscopea

This organ was located near the secondary heart. It ensures the appropriate release of stimulant and growth hormones. It is my opinion, as far as can be determined, that this organ was the source of the nanite infestatation.

The organ was clearly artificial and had been extensively modified. It was heavily affected by exposure to aetheric energy. I therefore believe this is a cursed artefact and its method of creation is beyond my understanding at this time.

I have removed the organ and placed it in alpha-level quarantine stasis; there is no evidence that this organ can function after the termination of the host body, and no evidence of contamination of myself, my servitors or my lab, but such precautions are clearly necessary.

Oolitic Kidney

This organ was also artificial and I would also regard it as a cursed artefact. It has been removed and quarantined not purely due to potential for nanite contamination, but for further evaluation in co-operation with the Ordo Hereticus.

Preomnor

Astartes equipped with the preomnor are capable of digesting materials that might kill an unenhanced human. I believe this is due to the nature of Astartes combat missions, which are frequently of extended duration far from resupply.

While the preomnor was present, the subject's stomach was artificial. The stomach contents were three pounds of partially-digested lead, six pounds of partially-digested steel, and four ounces of cordite.

These substances appear to be absored into the bloodstream, which could somehow allow the biscopea to generate new nanites and direct their interactions within the subject's body. However, it copuld also be theorised that a renegade Chapter such as the vile Magma Hounds could regard the consumption of metals and other, normally indigestible, materials as part of their Chapter's heathen rituals.

Interface

The famed "black carapace", which fuses with the rib-bones to create an artificial shield. The shield is capable of resisting knife-thrusts or bayonet stabs at the strength of the average Imperial Guardsman and can deflect or absorb the impact of primitive stub-weapons, lasguns and even chainswords.

The black carapace of this subject was very heavily infused with nanite material. All of the input sockets, which allow the subject's power armour to link directly with the black carapace (probably for the armour to analyse and maintain biological functions when the subject is wounded), were infested with nanites.

Conjecturally, this could be the nanites acting as the "lifeblood" of both the suit and its wearer, further blending armour with Astartes.

Haemastamen

The functions of this organ appear to have been taken over by the nanites. The Haemastamen normally regulates blood function and enables greater oxygenation and higher pressure of the blood.

Very enjoyebal read, keep it up and pardon the late reply

Thanks Trondheim, always a pleasure and a privilege to get feedback from you

Multi-Lung

All three of the subject's lungs were artificial. They are capable of extracting oxygen from water and the third lung itself is hugely efficient at containing fluids and feeding them rapidly through the traitor's enhanced urinary system. It would theoretically be impossible for this Astartes to drown.

It was during examination of the respiratory system that I realised the naintes in this traitor's blood were capable of storing oxygen. The traitor would not even need to breathe for protracted periods, as the sheer number of nanites would contain a considerable amount of oxygen.

I further realised at this point that the nanites "cleanse" the body by fighting infection in the manner of white blood cells, and may act like red blood cells in extremis.

It is highly likely this traitor could only be killed by wounds causing such severe trauma they cannot be healed in time, such as a lascannon blast, or destruction of the brain (as occurred with this subject).

I believe the Imperial Guard were highly fortunate to have scored such a wound against this individual.

Lyman's Ear

Substantial mutation and modification of the traitor's inner ear and associated functions mean that the traitor is likely to have experienced a constant form of tinnitus. Through extrapolation, and through a partial reconstruction of the auditory system via pure and blessed Imperial technology, I believe the traitor would have constantly heard a sound similar to static or "white noise".

Inquisitor Armane's "unotuchable", Heleyna Dron-Tackova, advises me there is a belief among the superstitious that such white noise contains messages from the dead, spoken in harsh whispers. My experiment certainly did not detect any such anomalies, bu equally it was not set up for them either, given my unimpeachable loyalty to the Throne. I therefore believe the traitor Astartes may have used this as some form of communications channel, or may even have simply relied on it for comfort, perhaps to drown out the shameful memories of his treachery.

Sus-an membrane

I was able to determine, via chemical markers and due to apparent degredation of this implant, that the sus-an membrane had been triggered repeatedly throughout this subject's life.

I do not claim an understanding of the daily lives of Astartes, particularly blasted traitors such as the subject. However, when I take the considerable expsoure to aetheric energy into account, I believe this Astartes may have made several long journeys across the Warp.

The blessed Relictors Chapter of Astartes, who furnished me with their tactical analysis of the Magma Hounds (which is beyond the scope of my examination and I have passed to Inquisitor Armane) claim to have fought the Magma Hounds around the Maelstrom, throughout Ultima Segmentum, but especially around the so-called Eye of Terror region. Therefore, the Magma Hounds are a Chapter that widely trespass the Emperor's domain.

It is also possible that the Magma Hounds enter suspended animation while hiding within warp anomalies, like craven beasts hiding from Imperial retribution.

While this implant did show signs of biological wear which had not been compensated for by the nanites, itself an unusual event, there are no indications that the Astartes would lose his ability to hibernate any time soon, though ultimately this ability would be lost through continued aetheric poisoning.

Betcher's Gland

The subject could generate considerable quantities of venom in his saliva and could potentially either spit a lethally corrosive gobbet, or when facing multiple assailants at close range he could have spat a "spray", with similar range and efficacy as an Imperial hand flamer.

This gland is no doubt part of the traitor's ability to consume metal and inedible foodstuffs, which works with his stronger and sharper teeth, most of which had been filed to sharp points. Some of the teeth had been replaced by nanite material fangs which had pushed through the gums, in some places displacing the subject's human teeth.

Ossmodula

This is a brain implant which promotes bone growth. The implant had been partially destroyed and the rest had degraded beyond my ability to usefully examine.

The subject's bones were infused by nanite material. Molten lead had replaced his bone marrow, and had solidified upon his death, in some cases breaking and deforming the bones from within.

It is unknown how the subject's bone marrow could have been replaced in this way, and I do not understand how he could have functioned normally in that state. This appears to be witchcraft of some foul, unknowable type, and a reminder that no traitor is ever untouched by the taint of sorcery, for what else could drive a loyal man - let alone an Astartes - to turn his back on human destiny?

Neuroglottis

An Astartes can identify taste and scent using this organ. However, in this subject the neuroglottis was atrophied and useless, unaffected by nanite material.

Relictors and Imperial Guard veterans stated that Magma Hound traitors often claim to be able to "smell the souls" of their enemies, though this is likely to be an attempt at intimidation on their part. The neuroglottis, by design, does not enable or enhance psychic abilities in any way.

Catalepsean Node

I was unable to determine whether or not the subject is able to sleep like a human or Astartes due to extensive brain trauma and degredation of the organ.

However, the sus-an membrane may be used as a relacement for the ability to sleep. If this is the case, perhaps the subject's catalepsean node did not function properly or at all, though this is purely speculation.

Conclusions

This was a formerly loyal warrior of an Ultramarines successor Chapter who turned to the Ruinous Powers for reasons unknown.

His body has been enhanced by a material and technology reminiscent of the Necrontyr. This technology is now dormant and cannot be replicated, and nor should it be attempted.

He has been thoroughly contaminated by aetheric energy, incidating prolonged time in the warp or within warpspace/realspace anomalies such as the Eye or the Maelstrom. His body has largerly resisted the resultant corruption due to its technological enhancements.

This would be a formidable opponent, virtually unstoppable without brain trauma or wounds inflicted by special or heavy weapons. He is virtually immune to being blinded, stunned, disoriented, poisoned or drowned in any way, even without his armour, and his rate of healing would be prodigious. he is not a subject to be taken alive under any circumstances.

There is nothing for Imperial science (technological or medical) to learn from this individual. His equipment was defiled, his body is corrupted and his soul will even now be roasting in the fires of hell.

I commend this knowledge to the survival of the greater Imperium.

Blessed be the Emperor and the Omnissiah.

++ Report ends ++

Inquisitorial note: The medical examiner and her staff were killed in an explosion of unknown origin soon after passing this report to Heleyna Dron-Tackova. The medical lab was gutted by fire which burned with the heat of plasma. No evidence whatsoever remained, and all biological samples were also incinerated.

Thought for the day: Only fire erases sin.

Now that was a somewhat unexpected end to the medical examiner. These are indeed strange times.
Well done and good to see you posting these things

Emperor keep you

Thanks mate. This has been a very tough and disappointing week for me, and quite literally writing is the only thing I've done successfully. I can already see several mistakes but they'll be easy to correct.

Thanks for helping me to stay motivated with my writing!

 NoPoet wrote:
Thanks mate. This has been a very tough and disappointing week for me, and quite literally writing is the only thing I've done successfully. I can already see several mistakes but they'll be easy to correct.

Thanks for helping me to stay motivated with my writing!

Sorry to hear it, such weeks are indeed no Fun at all. Glad to offer some measure of happiness brother. Drop me a PM You need to vent or something

Keep your head up NP!

Thanks Gents. I worked on a 20K story for my writing group, and despite the youngest person there (apart from me) being in their 50s, and 90% being female, it went down a storm... The first part will be up tonight