Archival Records of the Phonicas Campaign

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Date Compiled: 6 643 962.M41

Input Clearance: Dominus

Author: Castellan Deltain

Transmitted via: Templar Strike Cruiser Black Piety

Intended Recipient(s): Marshal Pertru

Greetings Marshal,

We have arrived in-system in pursuit of the Xenos and can confirm that Phonicas is indeed in turmoil to the point that it is falling from the Emperor’s Light. Almost instantly our Navigator started ranting about an entity of glorious psychic power which could lend its strength to the Imperial Astronomicon for the better of humanity. I was careful not to endanger the ships systems with the bolter round I placed through his tainted skull.

Even a cursory scan of the communications channels confirmed the presence of not just the Ork forces we pursued but multiple Xenos elements and a vast concentration of Witches on the central planet gathering around the same force our corrupted Navigator had been raving about. Its presence is almost palpable like a corruption in the very air.

I request permission to seek the extermination of the warp presence and cleanse the planet to ensure the supply of our continued Crusade. There is already a substantial Imperial presence and I am confident that once the prosecution of the Heretics begin they will join us in the execution of cleansing.

Lastly I request the reassignment of a new Navigator.


Fraternally,

Brother Deltain

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Date Compiled: 6 643 962.M41

Input Clearance: -

Author: Marshal Pertru

Transmitted via: Templar Fortress Indomitable Faith

Intended Recipient(s): Castellan Deltain


Burn the Witch!


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Date Compiled: 6 672 962.M41

Input Clearance: Dominus

Author: Castellan Deltain

Transmitted via: Templar Strike Cruiser Black Piety

Intended Recipient(s): Marshal Pertru


Greetings Marshal,

The final assault of the tainted planet began three days after the fall of their orbiting defence platforms. Whilst we avoided significant engagements to preserve our limited resources this has resulted in our restricted ability to land en mass; an error on my part for which I shall penance for.

This tactical mistake has borne rotten fruit almost immediately with our first landing attempt resulting in the near complete slaughter of fifty brothers. Our target landing zone was held by one of the traitorous chapters, the Angels Radiant. They had dug themselves into a defensive position and decimated our descending forces.

The surviving elements made a courageous attempt to secure the area but were too few in numbers and only managed to take vengeance on one of their venerable machines, a Contemptor Dreadnought who was responsible for no less than a dozen Templar deaths. Even with the disabling of their remaining tanks, I was forced to withdraw our Brothers in face of continued resistance.

I take full responsibility for the failure and place myself in the hands of Chaplain Damasus for judgement and punishment.

Fraternally,

Brother Deltain


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+++Initiating Pict feed recording+++   The earth groans in protest as the Dreadclaw’s landing talons dig into the planets flesh deep in shadow from the towering spires of Hive 17. Its two passengers step onto the ground, the lead figure surveys the bloodied scene before him, his white skull faceplate in sharp contrast to the black gloss armour whilst the second figure shuffles forward with glazed eyes. A dark clad brother bearing the newly adopted crest of sergeant jogs over and kneels before the Chaplain and his Cenobyte Servitor, head bowed slightly.

“Chaplain Damasus, welcome to Hive 17. We were not aware that you were taking command of the operation, my apologies.” The Chaplain continues to scan the battlefield taking in the key points of the engagements aftermath, multiple drop pods, discarded and shattered marine bikes and artillery craters mere metres from the Templar defensive line. Ambush.

Stepping forward, Damasus flicked his hand in the sergeants direction indicating him to rise and follow, “I assume Centurion Pyloe is dead from his sudden severing of communications?” the Sergeant nods as he falls into step beside the Chaplain, the Servitor two steps behind them both, a small string of drool falling from the corner of his mouth. “Then give me a status report brother.”

The sergeant vox clicks acknowledgement and activates post engagement details to his visor display, “Shortly after establishing the defensive line overlooking the Hive entrances we were to secure, augury scans revealed a small detachment of Space Wolf Astartes moving into cover in the building to the north, supported by a single Dreadnought. During the engagement the Wolves landed three Drop Pods of reinforcements and flanked our position with a squad of bikes pinning one of our Cohorts.” Pausing he gestures towards a concentration of battle debris, bikes, power armour, limbs and blood. “Centurion Pyloe recalled the reconnaissance squad to secure the secondary entrance whilst he led a counter charge against the main force and our Attack Bikes conducted their flanking manoeuvre to suppress the Dreadnought and the Wolves fire support. Apart from the initial blow our tactics worked soundly and we have re-secured the perimeter.”

Damasus nods and comes to a stop at the defensive line, resting his armoured gauntlet atop the wall splattered with gore and riddled with bolter explosion craters. Without turning he addresses the following servitor, “Do you agree Brother Deltain?” The sergeant falters and steals a glance at the now alert servitor, only now recognising his former commander.

Brother Deltain turns slowly on the spot, analysing every detail of the battle site, after less than half a minute he turns to face the Chaplain, his voice slightly modulated with recent implants, “The summary is accurate to an extent honoured Brother. There is evidence of a Pyskers involvement on the part of the enemy forces.”

Damasus’ helmet lenses flare red as he swings about to face the sergeant, “The Witch?” he demands.

To his credit the sergeant maintains his stance and does not flinch under the withering gaze of his Chaplain, “Dead brother, by my own hand.” To emphasis the claim he points towards a pole slightly beyond the carnage, atop metal spike, the gruesome remains of the Rune Priests head is pinned, still dripping gore and brain matter. The Chaplains raging eyes return to a dull glow and he nods turning back towards the awaiting Dreadclaw.

“How are the brethren adapting to the new battle doctrine?”

“With enthusiasm Centurion; the tactics are effective,” intentionally using the new command title, and quietly cursing himself for not remembering it earlier, “as is the new chain of command!” adding the last quickly.

“Excellent. Carry on sergeant.” Damasus says simply as he reboards his transport.

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Date Compiled: 6 684 962.M41

Input Clearance: Dominus

Author: Centurion Deltain

Transmitted via: Templar Strike Cruiser Black Piety

Intended Recipient(s): High Praetor Pertru


Greetings High Praetor,

The implementation of the new battle doctrine has now been completed. Had I been aware of Brother Deltain’s decision to ignore your order I would have had him condemned to Terminal Penance earlier.

Whilst it will take some time for the men to fully adjust to the changes, the most recent offensive has been a complete success in stark contrast to the previous landing attempt. Our ground force at Hive 17 has been reinforced with significant armour and they have already been utilised to great effect against a retaliatory strike from the Space Wolves. Although we mourn the loss of Venerated Brothers Erkine and Jacobs, Brother Erkines Dreadnought was salvaged and can be repaired.

A number of tanks were also lost and damaged, however the majority of the vehicles are already back to operational status and we are preparing for a second orbital drop in the coming hours.

As to the second component of the Kildrech Reformation, I have instructed the Apothecarion and they have already commenced work. I anticipate we shall begin to see results in the under a week if this level of engagement continues.

Fraternally,

Brother Deltain

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