Welcome to game 25 of our rather long running campaign. In this report, the Mechanicus enter the fray, having uncovered something ancient under the soil of Triskelion. Ever acquisitive, they seek to keep the find for themselves – the Inquisition however, has other ideas…
Previous games in this campaign can be found here:
http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/Gordy2000%27s_Battle_Reports
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Techno-archaeologist and Arch Magos Xanat observed the Xenos artefact as it emerged from the pit his melta-cutters had precisely carved in the bedrock of Triskelion IV. Its form shimmered in the latent heat left by the molten sides of the pit, but the magos could see it was otherwise undamaged. His internal processors gave a quiet sigh of data – his calculations had been perfect. As always.
He turned back to his personal vehicle – the crowning achievement of his career – a fully functioning Macrocarid Explorator, recovered from a cavern on a burned-out husk of a planet declared perdatus millennia ago. The rules of the Imperium were always secondary to the quest for knowledge pursued with zeal by the Mechanicus.
And now, a new jewel for his Techno-archaeology crown. This Xenos artefact would piece together one more clue to his ultimate goal – the location of the Bronze Vault, long rumored to be hidden somewhere in the Triskelion system.
His calculations were interrupted by a data burst into his noosphere. An unknown force was approaching the dig site. His metal features gave an approximation of a frown as he reached out with his sensors. Interruptions to his work were always unwelcome. He quickly scanned the approaching vehicles and their machine spirit signifiers. Their identities were well hidden behind layers of scrambling and false data ghosts– intriguingly so. Only one imperial branch had access to such fine technology – the inquisition.
The lead vehicle ground to a halt just short of the pit and a finely dressed individual alighted from it. Xanat assessed the newcomers wargear and armor. Ah yes, an Inquisitor indeed. Well, these upstarts would soon learn that their authority was not as unlimited as they liked to believe – he had a writ from the sector conclave and no jumped up torturer would get in his way. With a snap of data he ordered his Skitarii escort to attend him – this rude interruption would not stand!
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Technical notes - the Macrocarid Explorator uses the rules for a Land Raider (hurry up and port the Forgeworld 30K vehicle rules into
40K GW!). also, the colour scheme is that nice deep metallic red scheme from the
FW modelling masterclass book, but my poor phone camera doesn’t do it justice…
The ancient ruins, along with the strange Xenos artefact uncovered by Magos Xanat’s team.
Inquisitor Bellerophon and his forces deploy to confront Xanat’s excavations
“In the name of the Holy Inquisition, you are hereby ordered to desist!”
The Mechanicus are not so easily bowed, especially so close to claiming their prize
“+++Processsing…request denied….your authority over this operation is not established….advise you retire to a safe distance prior to excavation terminus…+++”
On the perimeter of the dig site, Skitarii forces monitor the Inquisitorial force
Who shot first and why will remain a mystery – a mistake? A calculated ploy? A weapon malfunction? Bellerophon leaps for cover as two of his guard are blasted by radium fire
A blizzard of short-range fire erupts from both forces, cutting down troops on all sides
Sisters of Battle accompanying the Inquisitor move up
Xanat marshals his Skitarii as Inquisitorial fire starts to tell
Sisters armour moves in from the flank
More sororitas arrive in support of the Inquisition forces
Bellerophon’s colleagues join the fray
As the skirmish escalates, Xanat calls in his tech-thralls
Sisters take cover
A Dune Crawler engages the immolator
The volley of shot and beam knocks out the tank
The tech-thralls close on the sister’s position
Bellerophon wins the fire-fight with the Skitarii at the dig site, but loses his retinue in the exchange
The Rangers at the perimeter move in to support Xanat
…but are a long way out from the action
Xanat makes repairs to his beloved Explorator as it continues to battle the sororitas armour
Mechanicus firepower clears out the sisters in the ruins
The state of play around the dig site
More Inquisitorial forces arrive
I’m not sure those pants are approved battlefield attire…
Inquisitor Rector Hex deploys
More forces of the Inquisition deploy from their ride
Rex heads for the second Dune Crawler, recently arrived from the perimeter guard
Xanat holds the dig site – for now
The Inquisition opens fire with everything it has into the tech-thralls
Only the ancient battle-droid (designation ‘Hammerstein’) survives
Inquisitor Hex ties up the Dune Crawler, severely damaging it in the process
The Explorator finally destroys the Exorcist
The battle construct raises its mighty hammer to smash the Inquisitor….and freezes
Xanat’s tactical processing concludes the battle to be proceeding down an irretrievable pathway – he orders all Mechanicus forces to stand down…
Victory Imperium (?)
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Inquisitor Bellerophon strode to the edge of the pit and glared at the Magos on the far side.
“Emperor damn your hide tech priest! No one fires on the agents of the Throne!”
Xanat considered the figure opposite him with mild interest. “+++Processing….individual identified as Harlan Bellerophon…rank Inquisitor….currently listed as active, Triskelion system…no record of obvious heresy..+++”
Bellerophon’s colour reddened further. “By the Emperor, do you know how much trouble you are in! We are here to take possession of this Xenos artefact you have uncovered. Your writ does not cover such matters”
Xanat raised a palsied hand, one of the few organic parts that remained of his original form. “+++Processing…you are in error…my writ covers all techno- archaeology….its remit and therefore mine is broad..+++”
Before the inquisitor could respond, a ripple passed through the remaining Skitarii clustered around them. Xanat cocked his head briefly before straightening.
“+++Alert…our conversation is redundant…sensors detect new contacts entering the engagement sphere...designation hostile…we are beset Inquisitor+++”
Bellerophon turned to a nearby savant who consulted his auspex and nodded. The Inquisitor swore and rounded on the magos “Dammit then – it looks like we must fight as one for now, priest – for now…”
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Next game – enter the Eldar. The Mechanicus and Inquisition aren’t the only ones who covet the artifact….
