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Briefing: Plains World
Prepared For: Ripley, Inquisitor Ordinary, Ordo Xenos
Prepared By: Call, Inquisitor Probationary, Ordo Xenos

Little is known of the planet named Plains World (High Gothic: Terrarum Aecoris) outside of the Administratum and the Fleet. An unremarkable agrarian planet with a native human hunter-gatherer tribal population and little else by way of natural resources, nevertheless as an Imperial world it must tithe. Fortunately the natives are splendid warriors, coming to the notice of the Dark Angels shortly after Compliance, and Plains World has supplied warriors to the Dark Angels and the Adeptus Astra Militarum ever since.

Dark Angels oral tradition (cf. "Deathwing") tells of Plains World suffering infiltration and enslavement by a Genestealer cult; which was cleansed by a squad of Deathwing terminators, themselves former natives of the planet. As the story goes, only six of the terminators survived, and they divided the untainted population into six groups to separate and form new tribes to rebuild the Plains people. While the story is regarded as apocryphal and no trace of the Genestealers has since been found by Ordo Xenos Inquisitors, it is true that there are six major tribes, all with histories of their own superhuman chief.

The extant tribes refer to the Dark Angels as the "Sky Warriors", and structure their lives around their recruiting visits. Both male and female children begin warrior training at the age of six, with fierce competition among the braves to rise to the notice of the elders and be selected for The Trials on the Sky Warriors' next return. Of course, with commitments throughout the galaxy and their own inscrutable agenda, the Dark Angels may make several visits or none in any given generation; and many braves outgrow selection for the Astartes despite their skill.

Braves and squaws, once fourteen years old, enter mandatory service with the Plains World Regiment of the Astra Militarum; returning to their tribes on completion of four years' service (if not sent offworld) to raise and train the next generation while they continue their service in the Regiment as militia. The Regiment thus serves as both Planetary Defence Force and a continuously reinforcing extra-planetary unit. It is for this reason that there are no numbered "raisings" of the Plains World Regiment; there is one multi-generational and perpetual Regiment in constant renewal.

Over time and joint operations with other Imperial forces, the Plains World Regiment has adopted a style of fighting that suits both their native habitat and their aspiration to the Sky Warriors. The Valkyrie holds a special place for the Plains people, fuelling their pride at being sky warriors themselves; combined with the Dark Angels' discipline and the long range reconnaissance and independent operations inherent in plains warfare.

The tactics and equipment of the Elysian Regiment found a natural home with the Plains people, and the Astra Militarum have officially designated the Plains World Regiment as an airmobile shock assault force using codified Elysian doctrine.

The symbol of the Plains World Regiment is a stylised winged tomahawk (likeness follows), and they colloquially refer to themselves as The Six; a reference to the six united tribes of their homeworld.

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Lord Lok,

This report marks my arrival at Terrarum Aecoris per your orders. Righteous Fury remains at high anchor under the command of Vice Admiral Backar. I have requisitioned the small drydock and following offload of my equipment, she shall be refit with the modifications we have discussed previously.

I have concluded my formal introduction with the Planetary Governor, which was enlightening. I can only assume that the peculiarities of the Governor were redacted from my briefing as a test of my diplomatic abilities; a test I feel confident in having passed. Captain Machariel is no doubt a capable and dedicated administrator, with a reputedly astonishing combat record to inspire the populace. While I know of no other planet governed from the sarcophagus of a Contemptor pattern Dreadnaught, and cannot even speculate at the circumstances under which the Dark Angels might reward one of its veterans so, there seems to be no question that he has forged the tribes of Plains World into a formidable military asset for the Imperium.

I feel confident that Governor Machariel and I shall be able to cooperate on this most critical venture. While he was not so presumptive as to question my presence on this world, I should be most surprised if he has not already commenced discreet investigation through his chapter. I trust the appropriate intelligence safeguards are in place.

In His name,

Ripley
Inquisitor Ordinary
Ordo Xenos

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My Lord,

The operation continues on schedule. I have today conducted an inspection of a number of tribal settlements on continents separate from Captain Machariel's fortress-monastery, so as to gauge the homogeneity of culture and the stability of government.

On Inquisitor Call's suggestion we travelled by Valkyrie (provided by the Regiment with surprisingly little beaurocracy) so as to build rapport with the Plains people. I have retained the service of the vehicle and crew for the time being. It is well maintained and I have named it "Prometheus" for reasons I trust are obvious.

The tribes exhibit remarkably consistent macro-culture for a geographically dispersed people. I observed no significant deviations from planetary edicts or Regimental SOP. Mistress Derrial, Priestess of the Imperial Cult and my advisor on such matters, raised a concern regarding the general lack of Imperial statuary and overt reverence of The Emperor; lest our colleagues in the Hereticus feel the need to visit this system, I have included a transcript of my later discussion with the Governor on the matter. I consider the concern satisfactorily addressed.

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RIPLEY: Greetings, Governor. It is kind of you to receive me again so soon. I hope I am not interrupting planetary affairs?
MACHARIEL: The wisdom of The Lion be with you, Inquisitor. I presume this audience would not be necessary but for an irregularity in your inspection; there is thus no higher priority for my attention. Kindness plays no part. Speak your mind.
R: Indeed Captain. Very well. I have visited the villages of Dawn Scent, Forest-Touches-Sky and Howling Ridge this day. Your people have impressed me greatly with their organisation and duty. Their martial prowess remains to be seen, but I have no reason to doubt my intelligence reports. They are a credit to you.
M: You have travelled far then, and it would seem you have made an impression on Lame Bear's people yourself. You bear the totem of Forest-Touches-Sky.
R: I do. It was gifted me by a girl... my apologies, a squaw... with whom I had a memorable conversation. That is for another time though.
M: Then what are your concerns?
R: Observance of the Imperial Cult, to be blunt Captain. While Plains culture is certainly worth preserving, I saw little in the way of Imperial ritual or insignia other than on military equipment. Had I not counselled my Priestess in restraint, she would be leading the townships in devotional activities at this very moment.
M: It is my experience Inquisitor that those who feel a need to convince others of their faith should convince themselves first.
R: Were my Priestess to hear that Captain, she may feel a need to vigorously expand your experience of the truly devout.
M: [Incomprehensible sound, judged laughter] I feel there is little your Preacher could do to expand my experience of anything, least of all devotion to Him on Terra. Tell me, Inquisitor, did you ever bear a child?
R: While I appreciate your candour, Governor, there are limits to my tolerance.
M: No doubt. I meant no impertinence. If you would indulge me?
R: Long ago, Governor. She... the warp. Time passes differently in the warp. You understand.
M: Better than most, Inquisitor. Forgive me for awakening that pain. Do you ever feel the need to wail in public to profess your bond with her?
[Extended silence]
R: I think I see your point, Captain.
M: I see that you do. Aecoris is one of the finest recruiting worlds in the Imperium. Its braves seed the First Legion and its people fight throughout the galaxy for humanity. Every one among them loves Him on Terra as their children - wordlessly, proudly and indivisibly. On this you have my word as one who has stood in His light.
R: Then I hold you to that word in His name. May Aecoris remain ever so. I will leave you to your duties, Captain.

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Tangentially, I seek the benefit of your wider experience in dealings with the Astartes. Is it commonplace for them to refer to the Legions of old, rather than their Chapter? Is there any record of a Dark Angels delegation having audience before the Golden Throne in sufficiently recent history? It would appear that the Governor's documented service record contains gaps that may be in our interest to investigate.

Ripley

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Lord Lok,

A perplexing development: the Necrontyr are present on Plains World. You will note in the autosurveillance what appear to be Lychguard accompaning a Lord.

While readiness testing my armoured support at the Governor's fortress monastery I received reports of gunfire in the perimeter. Immediately investigating I encountered a pitched battle between a force of Necrons estimated at over thirty strong, including skimmers and a Night Scythe pattern transport, and a similar strength detachment of Dark Angels. The presence of both forces was a fact unknown to me at dawn. Machariel was not present.

Without a comm-link to the Dark Angels commander we outflanked the xenos and engaged their rear, careful to remain clearly visible to the Astartes. I shortly encountered and engaged the Lord and his bodyguard with the element of surprise, killing several without loss. It was at this point the Lord simply de-materialised along with the entire xenos force including their casualties. Without hubris or ego I remain convinced that the Lord withdrew upon recognition of the Inquisitorial seal; though whether this was out of fear or recalculation I cannot speculate.

Though I cannot say without doubt, I was convinced during our brief encounter that the Lord was none other than the Solemnace Archeovist. If this is the case, Aecoris may bear hidden archeotech to lure him. This itself may be of further interest to the Inquisition and Mechanicum. Though his visage was distinctive, it was his weapon that put me in mind of the "Terminal Lament of Libraropath Varya" if my memory serves: "... it radiated not contempt but indifference; as if it bore me no particular ill will but would, when asked, delete me and all my kind from the histories without pause or regret. By that fell and callous blade shall you know The Infinite". Its shadow rests upon my psyche still.

The Astartes withdrew quickly with their injured into the capital and I was unable to contact them on standard frequencies. I shall raise this and many other matters with the Governor when my audience is approved. I am advised by his staff that he is currently indisposed.

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