The Chamber

Truth gives light to science. From science comes discovery and through discovery, all things are possible. These are basic Necron fundamentals, a lust for knowledge hardwired into every Necron being. The Nexus, a shared database from which all Necrons derive their knowledge of the physical world, hasn't seen an update in nearly 500 years. It was recently calculated that 98.7% of all possible empirical knowledge had already been explored and recorded in the Nexus. New findings are rare in this age, but not absent. The true origins of the foreign invaders which now threaten Ascendus do not register in the Necron records. This lack of information now plagues the Nexus and the individual Necron minds of those who tap into it. Who are these unknown intruders? What corner of the galaxy have they traveled from and from which beasts have they evolved? While the first few battles have revealed some of the enemy intentions, many questions are still left maddeningly unanswered. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, the Necrons rise for a cause much greater than victory. Their minds will continue to ponder aimlessly until solutions can be found.

Deep beneath the crust of Ascendus where temperatures soar far greater than any mortal could fathom, one such mind solemnly wanders. In this underworld, Sentry drifts weightless through a molten ocean of volcanic slag. He is hidden away from the noise of war and the burden of his sworn duty. White hot magma surrounds him in a warm embrace, flowing endlessly over his metallic frame. Sentry can feel his form expanding, warping and weakening his plating. In this state, Sentry is vulnerable. He prepares his battle plans, gathering all known information on his enemy and referencing previous battles recorded in the Nexus. He discovers that while one descends from an ancient race of elves, the other has branched from a humanoid race corrupted by the dimensional warp. Sentry knows that he must approach with caution. The Nexus registers a broad array of war tactics used by both entities, making it difficult to predict their next move. These hostile forces may prove harder to exterminate than Sentry had previously thought. He determines that it would be wise to avoid encountering both forces at the same time again if possible. Without completely understanding the minds of his enemies, it will be difficult to ensure victory.

As he surfaces from the volcanic chamber, his body hisses and pops in protest. His armor plating begins to harden as it cools, tempering the metal. With each venture he makes into the depths, his alloyed flesh becomes harder and stronger. He emerges with a strengthened mind and body, and perhaps most importantly, a battle plan.

When the Dust Has Settled

Wind ripped through the valley of rust in hard gusts. A minor sandstorm had followed the small Necron scout party, concealing their presence. Through sand dunes piled thick with time, Nephros led his warriors through the fog. As Sentry’s field tactician, It was his sworn duty to enter into unknown circumstances such that Sentry can better understand his opponents. Fearless and silent, Nephros and his scout squad trudged onward through the endless crimson grains. Their sensors had registered a harsh organic energy spike ahead. The erratic heat signatures indicated that these beings were already in the midst of a hurried battle. It was time. At Nephros’ will, the haze withdrew, revealing the unknown intruders.

The two forces rushed the field, sprinting towards a glinting object positioned between them. It was soon apparent that this chance deposit of Phylite was the prize for both parties. From the east, puffs of red sand plumed outward mirroring the sweeps and dodges of the Dark Eldar Jetbikes, weaving between them in a fragile dance of death. Blind fury drove them onward, charging into the oncoming chaotic marauders. From the west, deafening blasts ripped through flaming exhaust pipes. On steeds forged of iron, the unholy forces of Chaos charged fearlessly into the fray. Through a fog tinged with hatred, the Scouts of Lord Cyron’s Oathbreakers descended upon their prize, with every intention of slaughter and victory. However, battles based purely on raw bloodlust seldom go as planned. Over the dunes surrounding the valley, shots burning with rampant energy pierced the tense air. Nephros had arrived to put an end to this petty squabble and reclaim Sentry’s land.

Pushing deeper towards the Phylite, both parties rallied their remaining forces to focus on the common threat at hand. One by one the enemy fell to waves of piercing gauss fire. The ambush was a success.

It takes but a moment for the dust to clear over scarlet pools of organic matter. Bodies and burning wreckage litter the Valley of Rust, sending plumes of white smoke billowing to the sky. Silence floods the valley once more. 2 enemy squads down and not a single Necron casualty. Nephros stands proudly over the smoking ruin of a Dark Eldar vehicle. Sentry will be pleased.

Yet in the wake, airwaves crackle with signals, tiny transmissions of unknown data through the void. The surrounding white noise is too loud and too regular for Nephros to ignore. There are more forces where these few came from. Pinpointing the source of the transmissions, Nephros relays the message back to the catacomb fortress. For now, they must reconvene and wake additional reinforcements… a bigger battle lies ahead.