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Listening to the Heresy books on DVD and I don't understand why Horace blows the head off the Auretian (sp?) Technocracy's diplomat when he mentions they have STC machines. (Book two)

Can someone explain please? Thanks!

If I remember correctly, this was after Davin yes? If that was the case, the revelation of an STC, something that was already becoming increasingly rare in the Imperium, would have given Horus a massive bargaining chip to lure members of the Dark Mechanicus to his side in the upcoming war.

So, it was a calculated power play and not some inherent Imperial decree against the machines? The book made it sound like there was something inherently and unforgivably wrong with having them, thus Hoace acted on impulse.

 Gitsplitta wrote:
So, it was a calculated power play and not some inherent Imperial decree against the machines? The book made it sound like there was something inherently and unforgivably wrong with having them, thus Hoace acted on impulse.

Well there is this idea that the Imperium of Man "owns" STCs and that any STCs found need to be handed over to the Adeptus Mechanicus, which is why the Blood Angels have the Baal Predators, etc... Those are STCs that differ from the regular STC. Technically those should have been turned over but weren't.

As to it being calculated? I would say yes, Horus goes on about the staff the guy was carrying being an item that could assassinate Horus.

 Gitsplitta wrote:
The book made it sound like there was something inherently and unforgivably wrong with having them, thus Hoace acted on impulse.

The only thing inherently wrong with STC templates (the blueprints themself, not the finished products) is that not all of them are owned by the Adeptus Mechanicus. The techpriests see it as their religious duty to collect them all and take it very bad when you don't agree. They're still miffed at the Blood Angels for not turning over the Baal Predator design to them, but the BA field tested the Storm Raven for them and gave it great rewievs so maybe that took some of the edge off. Space Marines are normally wary of new technology - some Chapters are still suspicious of the Razorback since it's only been in use for 5-6000 years. So having a First Founding test your newest pet project and approve of it is a great marketing victory.

 Gitsplitta wrote:
So, it was a calculated power play

That's exactly what it was. Functioning STC machines are INCREDIBLY rare, and Horus knows that he just needs a little "push" to bring over a good portion of the Mechanicum to his side.

Additionally, finding an STC machine that can produce Power Armor and weaponry will be extremely useful to Horus and his supporters in the upcoming rebellion.

So in essence, Horus went to that system specifically so he could start a war and claim the STC machines that he already knew we're there, yes?

 Gitsplitta wrote:
So in essence, Horus went to that system specifically so he could start a war and claim the STC machines that he already knew we're there, yes?

I can't find any explicit mention of why he attacked. if I remember correctly, they just kind of "continued" on the crusade while Horus identified who would not turn against the Emperor within his ranks. I'm sure that as soon as he saw the power armor and bolter knockoffs the Warmaster immediately knew that there had to be some sort of STC on the planet, and knew that without the aid of the Mechanicum, he wouldn't be able to have the "tech" to upkeep his armor, ships, etc...

STC are the Pokemon of 40k and the Mechanicus are the trainers. They want them all at all costs. Whole wars are fought over rumors of one working or not working STC.

 Gitsplitta wrote:
So in essence, Horus went to that system specifically so he could start a war and claim the STC machines that he already knew we're there, yes?

That's not my recollection of the events, Gitspitta. He went there to meet them in good faith. He immediately turned on them when he found out they had an STC. Notice his immediate change in demeanor.

 kronk wrote:

 Gitsplitta wrote:
So in essence, Horus went to that system specifically so he could start a war and claim the STC machines that he already knew we're there, yes?

That's not my recollection of the events, Gitspitta. He went there to meet them in good faith. He immediately turned on them when he found out they had an STC. Notice his immediate change in demeanor.

They were human off shoots right?

Human-Human.

And up until that point, were on reasonable terms as they opened negotiations (Again, IIRC).

 kronk wrote:
Human-Human.

And up until that point, were on reasonable terms as they opened negotiations (Again, IIRC).

I thought they had described them as stockier than humans? I mean it's been a few months since I've read False Gods

Possible. Perhaps "somewhat enhanced" humans.

Now I need to read it again.

Kronk is dead-on, which is why I'm confused about it.