Gitsplitta wrote:Here is the book that we presented along with our team display. It was originally bound and locked, with the key being presented to the judges by special order of the Inquisition. I've changed mundane names to dakka screen names for ease of reading. Each major section was it's own page, they are separated by a series of dashes in this document ( ------- ). The book also contained complete army lists, which I won't include here. The original is printed on heavy parchment... this is the best translation I can do for the web.
The Adeptinomicon
--------
The Badab War
by Rick Priestley
(White Dwarf 101, May 1988)
In 901.M41, as a result of Lufgt Huron's apparent mental destabilisation, the Master of the Tiger Claws and Lord of Badab attacked and destroyed an Imperial investigation fleet as it entered orbit around Badab. Huron's action can be understood with the benefit of hindsight. The Adeptus Mechanicus had long complained of the Tiger Claws' tardiness in submitting gene-seed for routine analysis, whilst the chapter had amassed a huge debt in planetary tithes stretching back over a hundred and fifty years. And when the Imperium moved against its wayward chapter, a full scale rebellion was initiated, the most serious of its kind since the end of the Fourth Quadrant Rebellion in 780.M41.
The Tyrant of Badab, as Commander Huron is known in Imperial histories, was a power-hungry and ambitious individual who should never have risen to power within a Marine Chapter. He was plainly a dangerous individual, able in many respects but lacking the absolute dedication to humanity vital in a Lord of the Imperium. It will never be known for sure, but current hypotheses suggest that the Commander was either an alien shapechanger, or otherwise subject to alien domination of a most unnatural kind. A sudden and unexpected manifestation of psychic powers may lie at the heart of the matter.
By 903 three other chapters, the Mantis Warriors, Executioners and Lamenters had joined the rebellion. Imperial shipping was attacked, and a ship belonging to the Fire Hawks Chapter was captured by the Mantis Warriors in 904. The Fire Hawks immediately retaliated, and soon five whole chapters were involved in the fighting. The Emperor recalled the Marines Errant from the Eastern Fringes, but they quickly found themselves fully occupied protecting Imperial ships in transit.
In 906 two more loyal Marine units, the Red Scorpions and the Minotaurs, had been brought in, and the threat to Imperial shipping was more or less quashed. In 907 the Red Scorpions and Fire Hawks were recalled to their normal service duties in the galactic east, and two more chapters, the Novamarines and Howling Griffons were committed to space-lane duties.
Meanwhile, the Star Phantoms began the task of besieging Badab whilst two other chapters were drafted in to investigate the worlds occupied by the Mantis Warriors and Executioners. The Lamenters were caught in an ambush by the Minotaurs in 908 and eventually surrendered after bloody ship-to-ship fighting. This came as a great blow to the Tyrant, and the rest of the war consisted almost entirely of close sieges. The uprising came to an end in 912 with the fall of Badab and final defeat of the Tiger Claws. Before the war was over, The Exorcists, Fire Angels, Salamanders, Space Sharks and Sons of Medusa all became involved for short periods of time; chapters replacing other chapters as pressures elsewhere necessitated their re-deployment.
With the rebellion over, The Mantis Legion, Executioners and Lamenters were granted the Emperor's forgiveness, subject to undertaking a hundred year crusade. The homeworlds of the Mantis Legion and Executioners were forfeited to the Space Sharks and Star Phantoms for their part in the war. The other legions received salvage rights to spacecraft and a proportion of the booty. The Tiger Claws were all but destroyed. Only a contingent of about two hunded fought their way through the Exorcists' blockade and escaped into deep space. They have not been heard of since. Of the fate of Imperial Commander Lufgt Huron, Master of the Tiger Claws and Tyrant of Badab, nothing is known.
-------
Listening Post Secondus
(story by Ice Angel)
*file request*
*
LPS information*
* request granted… data to follow…*
Listening Position Secondus (
LPS)
Throughout the Badab and Endymion Clusters the successful defense grid of the Imperium counted on quick communication between the worlds and its allies. During M39 or possibly late in M38 the pre-Imperial worlds in these areas set up several small networks of listening posts. These stations used a technology that has since been lost to the Imperium but after the formation of the Wardens the use of these stations has greatly improved the response time in the clusters.
These stations once found, have been coveted by the Imperial forces and have proven to be extremely valuable assets. The
LPS network is believed to be fully operational, however all logistical and documentation has been kept by the Tiger Claws and the other Warden Chapters. No information on the capabilities or locations has ever been sent to Terra despite dozens of requests by the High Lords.
*end file*
*file request*
*
LPS grid*
* granted*
Per ancient text discovered on Cygnax, the Listening Position Secondus grid consisted of twenty one hundred stations throughout the Maelstrom and its surrounding systems. After the establishment of the Wardens these positions of high importance were sought out. Mention of the grid becoming fully operational has been documented in hundreds of reports yet no maps exist of their locations.
It is believed that only a fraction of the original grid has been located and brought to operational level; however the truth will most likely never be known. As the Badab War proceeds, the loyalist’s forces have located several of the
LPS stations but all have self-destructed upon discovery.
*end file*
-------
-------
The Mantis Warriors
by
Gitsplitta
-------
Mantis Warriors
(story by Ice Angel)
Librarian Artemic knelt hidden, behind a grated panel. The ancient panel was covered in a fine layer of dust and hadn’t moved in a century. The still air around him smelled of aged copper with a hint of mold. He closed his eyes while taking a deep breath. When he opened his eyes his vision fell on the copper-armored marine working steadily on the other side, unaware of Artemic’s presence
For the last hour the marine had been replacing wires and reactivating panels and equipment that dotted the foyer. The marine had taken off his helmet and with diligent effort had made a truly impressive amount of progress. His technical expertise with this ancient equipment was surprising. Where other marines had passed by, this marine continued his quest to awaken the listening station that surrounded them. Clearly this marine from the Minotaur Chapter was determined to fulfill his superior’s orders as fast as possible.
A shout came from the Minotaur’s left. It was in High Gothic and filled with arrogance. Librarian Artemic didn’t flinch at the shout but continued to watch the marine.
“Thane!” the shout came once again. “Is this it?”
The Minotaur reluctantly set down his tools and looked to his left before responding. “No! We need a gamma-eight centrifugal divergent……you…. never mind. I’ll find one.” He got up and stormed off, clearly annoyed at his fellow astartes.
Brother Thane grumbled about his superiors and the lack of proper parts as he began to leave the foyer. Librarian Artemic couldn’t help but smile as he glanced to the floor next to his knee and saw the piece the Minotaur was searching for.
He checked his chronometer. Thirty two more minutes until he could evacuate his hiding place. As much as he despised the idea, he was looking forward to executing his strike on the Minotuars. The war needed to end. Two years ago Artemic was a Tranquility Veteran amongst hundreds of others, now he is leading his own task force. Unfortunately it wasn’t for his deeds in battle or his tactical skill—it was because most of the other veterans had been sent to the Emperor’s side. This war had taken a heavy toll on the Mantis Warriors. Only a handful of veterans were left, some of which sat in silence behind him in the service tunnel. They were his respected comrades, his brothers… but win or lose Artemic knew that this war would have to end soon, or there wouldn’t be any more veterans to turn into captains or any veterans to teach the future of the chapter.
-------
Order of Battle
Librarian: Brother Artemic
Apothecaries: Brother Tyberian and Brother Trauus
Tranquility Snipers: Sgt. Gnaeus commanding
Assault Squad primus: Sgt. Quintus commanding
Assault Squad secundus: Sgt. Vibius commanding
Vindicator: “Minos”
-------
-------
The Lamenters
by
Solar_lion
-------
Lamenters
(story by Ice Angel)
The Lamenter Chaplain Aanasius peaked over the ridge. Before him lay scattered around the rocky spires of the canyon, were signs of the hidden listening station. Two hundred yards ahead of him embedded into a cliff was the entrance to the ancient position. As the war had progressed the use of these ancient devices had become more and more vital to the success of the two sides. The chaplain examined the armor plates of the entrance before his eyes nestled onto a pair of space marines. Their copper colored armor was covered in red trim and symbols of the mythical minotaur. His lip twitched in anger. No other space marine chapter upset him more then the cursed Minotaur Chapter. They seemed to relish fighting other space marines. The Lamenters had already lost many of their numbers to those political pawns.
Calming himself he closed his eyes and refocused. He needed control. Slowly he lowered himself back behind the ridge. Behind him was his small detachment of astartes. Looking over them he saw the strength and power at his disposal. He wished he had more but the war wasn’t going well for the Lamenters as of late. Astartes on astartes combat was always costly and even now the words of Lufgt Huron were beginning to raise more questions then answers. The Chaplain had his doubts but he followed his orders and trusted in the Emperor to guide them through this. As he dwelled on this thought he reviewed his stoic marines. His quiet force was prepared but the typical fervor was gone. They didn’t show it but he felt it. It didn’t take hundreds of years of psychic conditioning to feel the doubt in his men.
A series of hand gestures came down a nearby line of assault troopers as weapons silently came up. The nearby vindicator adjusted several hull mounted cameras. They all waited for confirmation or orders. The Chaplain watched as a yellow and black armored marine seemed to materialize out of a nearby rocky out cropping.
Seeing the Mantis Warrior step out of the rocks gave him some hope. The Lamenter force may have already been defeated had the Mantis Warriors not intervened. After the loss of the listening station the Mantis Warriors were the first to arrive, but instead of investigating as the Lamenters wanted. They hid themselves waiting for the enemy. In typical Mantis style they disappeared amongst the surrounding natural environment setting traps and waiting to pounce.
The Chaplain didn’t know how many were here but seeing the lone marine made him smile. The Mantis Warrior stalked past the vindicator and the assault marines. Several silent greetings were exchanged before the Mantis Warrior stopped before the Chaplain.
Chaplain Aanasius held out a hand in a warriors greeting. “Greeting Mantis, you must be Buzka.”
The camo armored Mantis Warrior grasped his forearm. “Correct, Chaplain Aanasius. My commander apologizes for not coming in person but he is close to our objective and in position to strike from wthin.”
“Excellent.” Chaplain Aanasius quietly spoke. He did indeed want to move and quickly but the thoughts of attacking fellow astartes bothered him once again. “When shall we make our move?”
Sergeant Buzka looked towards the ridge that separated them and their target. “The blast will occur in seven minutes. Prepare your men.” With one final salute he began to walk away. “Continue radio silence, we will attack from the south while you dive at them from the east.”
Chaplain Aanasius watched as the mantis warrior melted into the rocky out cropping and disappeared from sight. With a simple left handed gesture his marines slowly crept towards the top of the ridge. They were spread out behind separate rocks and outcroppings, climbing as much as they dare. None looked over the top for fear of being spotted.
Aanasius walked down from the ridge towards an awaiting Stormraven. At his approach its engines began to warm up. As he reached the forward hatch the Stormraven he peered into the darkness of the opening at five white armored marines. They were restrained to the walls and were unmoving. He sensed their anger, he sensed their rage. They had been restrained and unable to move sense their last engagement. Their battle lust never sated, they waited once again for the Chaplain to unleash them.
Pushing thoughts of the death company aside he turned around to peer out the still open forward hatch. He hadn’t bothered to close it. With a thought, orders were issued. The raven leapt into the air, the vindicator began to move out as the hidden assault marines crested the ridge and flew towards the outpost.
Seconds before passing over the ridge an urgent icon from Brother Frealm blinked in his HUD. Consulting the map in his HUD he realized Brother Frealm was either in error or they were in trouble. Risking a look, Chaplain Aanasius ordered the Raven higher.
The listening station was the same as it was before but now several units of gray armored marines could be seen marching across the plateau to the north of the station. Numbers and tactics filled his thoughts. He pictured the oncoming explosion. The minotaurs down below would have to wait. The new enemies above the station would be their primary target or they would hold the superior position.
At seven seconds left, Chaplain Aanasius altered his detachments orders. He took in the view once more, observing the deployment of his adversaries. His men adjusted instantly.
As the yellow Stormraven adjusted its trajectory, the gray armored Carchodons began to bring up their weapons when the explosions erupted between them. Metal, fire, and a wave of heat passed over him during his descent. With a thought the restraints on the death company released, astartes or not, his enemies would pay.
-------
Order of Battle
Chaplain: Blood Father Aanasius
Death Company: The Lost
Death Company Dreadnought: Brother Matthias the Unmovable
Assault Squad alpha: Sgt. Marcus commanding
Assault Squad beta: Sgt. Gabriel commanding
Vindicator: “Bringer of Sorrows”
Storm Raven: “Hammer”
-------
-------
The Minotaurs
by
Briancj
-------
Minotaurs
(story by Ice Angel)
The auspex flew across the room and smashed into the steel wall of the control room. The hardy piece of war equipment clattered to the floor. Despite the inhuman strength of Librarian Tavros Spathi the auspex stayed in one piece. Tavros stood tall and monitored the fallen auspex with contempt.
Suddenly the Librarian began to pace back and forth in the room in front of a Minotuar assault squad that lined one wall awaiting orders. They stood perfectly still at parade rest, weapons were sheathed, their plumed helms were staring forwards.
After another glance at the damaged auspex Tavros stalked over to the window. The ancient pane of thick rubber glass was only two feet tall but ran the length of the room. Leaning on a console Tavros looked out over the rocky outcroppings before him.
“Why do they ignore our calls?” he asked to no one in particular. “What is the purpose of sending a detachment of Carchodons to our position?” he pondered.
“Dranicus, repair your auspex and continue to hail them.” Tavros ordered without looking back.
The Librarian heard the slap as the marine saluted and then quickly retrieved the broken device. Without a word he quickly took it apart and began the repairs.
Tavros sneered at the thought of dealing with the Carchodons face to face. His superiors deemed them allies but after hearing about their actions and tactics, Tavros despised them. Then again, he despised any one that wasn’t a Minotuar. Suddenly a thought filled his mind. His sneer began to contort into a grin.
Maybe the Carchodons weren’t as loyal as his commanders thought. The approach of the gray armored marines might turn into an amusing situation. Not a signal of any kind felt suspicious.
Spinning around the Librarian reviewed his assault squad. Squad Apateonas stood perfectly still, prime examples of astartes training and obedience. A side glance brought his attention to Dranicus.
“On second thought Dranicus, complete your repairs but do not hail the Carchodons. Clearly they don’t want to chat.” With several taps on his forearm communications controls he spoke again. “Be on alert for approaching Carchodons, intentions unknown. Do not hesitate if they prove……. hostile.”
Tavros felt a surge of warp energy as the thought of engaging the ferocious Carchodons tickled his lust for battle. “Squad Apateonas, with me.” He spat through his grin.
-------
Order of Battle
Librarian: Brother Tavros Spathi
Apothecaries: Brothers Marvo Kirkenizo and Foteinos Komistis
Assault Squad Apateonas: led by Sgt. Tyligo
Assault Squad Aspida: led by Sgt. Sfyri
Baal Predator: “Theristis”
Whirlwind: “Drepani”
-------
-------
The Carcharodons
by
Mr. Malevolent
-------
Carcharodons
(story by Ice Angel)
The engines of the Thunderhawk briefly roared before reaching its needed elevation. Only the whisper of the wind could be heard it sped off into the distance. The massive dreadnought watched it depart away from their flank before turning towards the units of marines ahead of him. “May the Emperor watch over you” his deep voice boomed as he resumed his march. None of the marines nearby paid him any heed. Once the march resumed no one spoke, only the steps of marines and the dreadnoughts heavy strides broke the silence.
On top of a rocky plateau the detachment of Carchodons moved towards the listening post. Brother Nikon, also known as Ancient Nikon or the Ancient Hunter, strode forward on powerful legs. He thought of all the planets his legs had stepped on, all of the ships he had traveled in. He then pondered how many legs he’d gone through in his long history as a marine and dreadnought of the Carchodon force.
As his massive and long strides took him towards yet another objective he looked around at his brethren. He knew they respected him and looked up to him, but over the past century he’d felt increasingly distant from his free-standing brethren.
Purple skies, orange plant life, cliffs of obsidian, geysers of liquid mercury, and countless alien structures flooded his thoughts. The sounds of alien life and unexplainable machinery flickered through his mind as if a memory filled concert was about to start. The bizarre smells of countless battlefields passed through his consciousness before a jab of sorrow interrupted his revelry. Ancient Nikon slowed for a brief moment as he realized he hadn’t smelled a battlefield in centuries. Nor had he smelled the tang of weapon oil, the once familiar stench of hydrolic fluid, not even his own genetically altered sweat. If he could have smiled he would have, but he silently laughed to himself as he realized he hadn’t sweat in several centuries either.
He reviewed his marines once again. His detachment commander, Librarian Cruviel “The Shadow Maw” was in front of him. Nikon stared at the back of Cruviel’s head. The Librarian turned around and met his gaze before turning back towards his march. Cruviel was agitated and Nikon knew it… but Nikon knew better than raise the subject unprompted. The edge of the plateau began to come into sight over the uneven rocky area. The mission’s parameters, objectives, and maps began to replace his ancient memories. Weapon systems rechecked themselves as he prepared for the upcoming engagement.
The likely Minotaur positions appeared in his heads-up display as did the known locations of the Lamenters. The count-down signal that they had intercepted appeared at the bottom of the HUD. Cruviel himself had broken the cipher and determined its meaning. As they approached the position he noticed the Minotaurs hadn’t withdrawn as they’d expected.
Nikon looked down at Cruviel once again.
Regardless of Nikon’s age and capabilities he wasn’t in a position to question orders or motives, but it seemed that the Carchodons didn’t plan on warning the Minotaurs of the hidden Lamenters and their impeding attack.
The units of Carchodons began to spread out. Still nothing had been spoken, their orders having been issued hours ago. Everyone knew their roles. The Red Brethren moved to Nikon’s left. The Devourers of Tranquility moved right. The Obliterators along with the Shadow Maw and himself continued forwards.
-------
Order of Battle
Librarian: Cruviel "The Shadow Maw"
Apothecaries: Corpse Takers Brothers Typho, Demius and Archelo
Assault Squad: “Obliterators“ in Drop Pod
Assault Squad: “Devourers of Tranquility” in Razorback
Assault Squad: “Red Brethren” in Razorback
Dreadnought: “Nikon the Ancient”
-------
-------
Finis 
mea culpa
) - very nice.
My P&M Blog :
I really love your work. It really is an inspiration.
