The Demiurg v5

7/28/2019 The Demiurg v5

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The Wise-Gifted OnesThe Demiurg

In the grim darkness of the far future

war is for a price

Version 5.1 12/12/09

Frank 'Xisor' O'Hanlon

Disclaimer: All copyrighted material ultimately protected by Games Workshop and used without

permission. Largely this is the work of myself, but ideas and suggestions have been contributed by many

others over many years, being reworked and reforged into something I hope will one day be wonderful.

For now: No infringement intended.


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ContentsContentsContentsContents

Introduction

Chapter I LoreIndex Xenos Minoris

Code: Dark Magenta

Chapter II On InquisitorScenarios and Warbands

Demiurg Rules & Character Creation

Automata and Machinations

Construct Bodies

Equipment and Artefacts

Facilitation and Augmentation Widgets

The Benefactor

Inquisitor Revic

The Equipment of Inquisitor Revic

Chapter III On Battlefleet GothicThe Quirnox Sound

The Khareshi ExpanseThe Tau Empire

The Cradle

Special Rules

Commerce Vessels & Stations

The Dar'fan

The Demiurg Commerce Fleet

Campaign Rules &Refits

Chapter IV On Epic: ArmageddonThe Account of Fio'la Bork'an Lar'el

Special Rules

Army List

Unit Descriptions

Chapter V On Dark HeresyCharacter Creation

Origin: Abominable Intelligence

Generating Characteristics

Determine Career Path

Unique Worlds

Kao-Li (Void Born)

Background Packages

---

Modifying Existing Careers

Trade Envoy

Robotican Cognitae Vigilite

Elite Advance PackagesThe things I've seen (travel with a Demiurg)

Ranged Weapons

Melee Weapons

Armour

Gear

Miscellany

Calixan Brotherhoods

Chapter VI On Rogue TraderThe Quirnox Sound

The Khareshi Expanse

The Tau Empire

The Cradle

Special RulesCommerce Vessels & Stations

The Dar'fan

The Demiurg Commerce Fleet

Campaign Rules &Refits

Chapter VII Day of the DemiurgAn Overview of the Adventure

Part One: Meeting targets

Part Two: Industrial Fraternity

Part Three: An Economic Climate

Part Four: The Marble Throne

Chapter VIII The Unbeholden Reaches

An Overview of the AdventurePart One: Meeting targets

Part Two: Industrial Fraternity

Part Three: An Economic Climate

Part Four: The Marble Throne

Chapter IX Design Philosophy

Chapter X Modelling the Demiurg


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CHAPTERI: LORE

INDEX XENOS: MINORISProvisional Portfolio (ref AdMech 345623/XE019)- MagosMeirus, Kar Duniash

The Demiurg are a race of nomadic and somewhat

reclusive beings observed primarily, if rarely, on the fareastern Fringes of the Galaxy. Whilst their ships are a

common sight among the stellar atmospheres of deep-

core stars of the Galactic bulge, and frequent denizens

of the most bizarre celestial phenomena, actual contact

with the Demiurg is rare. From their majestic starships

the Demiurg live out their solitary existence. Each

vessel is known to be home to thousands of constructs

and drones of the Demiurg, but the numbers of the race

themselves onboard are scant. A brotherhood or three is

the extent of their populations on any one ship, though

how many this correlates to is at this point unknown.

They are reclusive, often avoiding contact or notice of

other species for many centuries and millennia only tomajestically emerge from the corona of a star, appear at

the edge of a star system, or slowly and methodically

work their way out of the uncharted depths of dense

asteroid belts and dust clouds where they reside, often

unseen, for the passing of aeons.

Noted in many cultures across the galaxy as a race of

uncommonly benevolent traders, artisans, craftsmen

and industrialists beyond compare. Though these

records individually are scarce, on a large scale their

frequency is undeniable. Trade in material resources,

technical components and technological knowledge

seem most common, with militaristic services seeming

incredibly rare, despite the undeniable power

associated with any given Demiurg vessel. When put to

it, even their smallest ships are capable of deploying

significant forces to any given engagement.

Whilst mention of and hearsay regarding the Demiurg

is by no means unheard of, sight of a

vessel or sign of their passing is less common. Indeed,

the sight of a Demiurg itself is so uncommon that there

are no largely reliable Imperial accounts of even their

most basic aesthetic physiology, though it is known the

Tau, Kroot and the likes have fared better in these areasthan Imperial Humanity. It is projected an rumoured

that the actual occurrence of Demiurg is even rarer than

the previously thought given the sheer size of their

vessels, extensive automation is commonplace with

some sources even claiming a common brotherhood

size of only at most scant dozens of Demiurg. The

Demiurg are ancient with regards to Humanity.

They have existed in their present state of nomadic

trawling, harvesting, mining and trading at least since

current records begin at the dawn of the Imperium.

Those records of insignificant races and colonies on the

eastern edge of the Imperium show contact, primarily for trade, with the Demiurg before the Imperium itself, manyeven before Mankind set foot among the stars. Where they come from, and why they are so rarely seen, yet so

widespread, across the Galaxy is clearly unknown, though speculation abounds. With the incredibly scarce Imperial

data on the species,

Korel Mashyr to OVRok chimed the intercom, You may proceed tothe hanger when ready, our guest has arrived.

Lord Inquisitor OVRok called The Bentusin envoy of the Thurmbrotherhood is here, please come this way. OVRok motioned at a panel

and the wall opened up, its door-iris revealing a corridor to the hangar bay.

Revic, Humble servant of the Emperors Most Holy Inquisitorial OrdoXenos, proceeded ahead of the aged Water Caste leader. As the hangar iris

opened at the end of the corridor, some moments before he reached it, he

could see the hatchway of the new Xenos vessel lower, a misty or smokycloud seeping from the dark confines of the vessel into the otherwise dryly

pristine Tau atmosphere.

Lord Inquisitor Revic, remain here whilst I consult with the envoy.

Indignant at this needless diplomatic exertion, he remained where he was,

adamant not to ruin this opportunity. PorO VRok strode off and stood

next to lowered ramp, a Fio aide joining his side. There they waited forsome moment.

In this time, Revic made to study the Xenos Vessel. Of a similar size to an

Astartes Thunderhawk Gunship but of an asymmetric shape with a dirtied,

almost rusted and grimy exterior, the vessel seemed active though from the

indications VRok had given, it apparently only contained the Thurmenvoy. Similar in colouration, but quite architecturally different to a

catamaran like vessel Revic had glimpsed on his way to the Tau transport,he wondered whether they were related. Deep within, the sound of

machinery was somewhat irritating Revicwas this envoy intending to

waste his time and force him to wait longer? Precluded by clanking andhumming, a gout of what appeared to be vented plasma coolant discharged

from the vessels side, causing Revic to mentally flinch, but provoking no

reaction from the Tau technicians nearby.

As the clanging increased somewhat, movement at the top of the ramp

became very distinct, slowly resolving into a broad and squatted,seemingly humanoid, shape, but with what seemed unnaturally many

limbs. Two more shapes materialised at its side, these even more bizarre

and unnatural in appearance. They progressed swiftly down the ramp.Revic could clearly discern they were of mechanical, not biological nature.

Completely unlike servitors they exhibited no observable livingcomponents. Indeed, it appeared to Revic that it was they who conversedwith VRok and his aide, as he discerned a distinctively rough and clicking

dialogue. With a bow from both the machines, the aide and VRok, the

constructs shambled off with the aide to elsewhere in the hangar.

VRok returned to Revic Lord Inquisitor, please join me, and swiftly

returned to the foot of the ramp. Revic made a conscious effort to seem as

regal as he was able in the shadow of this majestic, i f haphazard, vessel.

VRok turned, It says time is short, that it can guide you to the last known

location of the artefact you seek and that it can provide you with thefacilities to transport it. It insists, however, that compensation be made in

advance and that any defence of the operation is left in your hands.

VRok, for the first time in Revics long acquaintance, looked slightly offput. It also insists that the transaction is conducted out with Tau domains

and that you accompany it immediately.

Revic paused; perhaps this deal was not to the advantage of the Inquisition

after all. Consorting with Xenos was no small heresy, let alone employing

their aid and inviting their incursion into Imperial territory. Revic resolvedhimself. If the first contact in millennia was to yield a beneficial and

informative result rather further human bloodshed on the already thinly

spread Eastern Fringe, then to toe the line of heresy is how it should bedone.

The first Inquisitorial contact with these Xenos in these parts since thedawn of the Imperium was no small thing. You have served well, VRok,

I may yet see you again sighed Revic, and he strode up the ramp towards

the waiting Demiurg, in all likelihood his sole companion for the comingmonths.


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they are a subject of intense scrutiny by all branches of the Adeptus Mechanicus, if only due to the rarity of such

knowledge. Indeed, true knowledge of the long-dead Necrontyr, the vile Hrud and the elusive Eldar is more prevalent.

In recent years Demiurg activity has increased significantly. With sightings of Demiurg-Kroot and Demiurg-Tau fleets

becoming commonplace and the known extensive concentration of Demiurg appearing around Tau space, it seems these

two cultures have worked out a worrying agreement to their mutual benefit, perhaps even strategic alliance. Alarmingly,

incursions into Imperial space have increased with offers of trade extended to many fringeworlds. Though the

Inquisition and Adeptus Arbites have been keeping an extensive watch for such arrangements, the onslaught of theTyranid Hive Fleets and the increased activity of Orks all across Ultima Segmentum, Imperial forces are hard pressed to

maintain authority in all extremities.

Non-confrontational to the point of pacifists when jeopardising wealth in most situations, it is a strange and terrible

sight to see one of their mighty Commerce Vessels bearing down upon an opponent. Even this has become a more

common sight in the centuries surrounding the expansion of the Tau, the arrival of the Hivefleets of the Tyranids and the

increased Orkoid activity on the Eastern Fringe. Many theories have arisen to account for this increase in Demiurg

activity. Some point to the devastation wrought by Tyranid Hive Fleets allowing an apparently capitalist facet of the

nature of the Demiurg to exploit this time of woe. Indeed, they have also been linked to a more deep-rooted, somewhat

less logical, tie to the Orks and their kin in the Segmentum. With it rumoured that a deep enmity between these two

Xenos exists, it would not be beyond belief for some conflict to be ongoing outside the baleful eyes of the Imperium.

What this is portentous of, if anything, remains unknown.

On such rare occasion that the Demiurg are contacted by Mankind, all reports point to an incredibly mentally adept race

with extensively alien minds. They are said to show no interest as a race in the rise or fall of the Imperium of Man or

the dominion of the Tau, but express a desire to see to their own business, with the access of natural resource and

artificing being of paramount concern. Though records are scant and reliable data nigh nonexistent, the reluctance of

Demiurg to claim planets or commit ground forces is said to indicate an aged population and their reliance on

automation suggests they put a high price tag on the lives of the Demiurg.

Most peculiar of all reports and also, most unconfirmed, is the mention of the Demiurg limbs. Whilst reports indicate a

mainly humanoid form, there are perplexing tales of limbs sprouting from the mid back or sides that display qualities of

tentacles and less articulate limbs. Strangest of all is how it is these limbs that Demiurg use to operate and interact with

most machinery and technology in a passive, almost thoughtless manner.

Their operations consist primarily of the massive industrial bulwarks that are the Demiurg Commerce Vessels,exceptionally advanced and laden with an inconceivable amount of automata and artificial constructs. They impose an

impressive commercial weight upon any region they inhabit, with ordnance far exceeding the range and ubiquity of

artificial Imperial capabilities, and can mount enough resources for a small coalition of vessels to strip the major

resources of a Mining Grade system within a few Terran years. Often the affiliations between inhabiting brotherhoods

extend over and across many sectors, leading to an incredibly dispersed power base. They trade for, mine and harvest

resources incessantly, even their great starships are noted to be permanently absorbing and scouring the void for

interstellar particles, dust and detritus under any circumstance, with many further ventures rumoured to move from

asteroid mining, planetoid destruction and even on seemingly rare occasion the scouring of a significant portion of a

planets inherent wealth.

The forces more recently rumoured to be observed in the service of their affiliates planet side reportedly closely

resemble the units remarked to be deployed across almost all their operations. The ease and rapidity of their conversion

to combat purpose is something widely commented upon, with a Demiurg Vessel outfitting its automated legions forsuch intention in little more than the time taken to rouse an Imperial vessels Machine Spirit core a prospect and idea that

receives ridicule and apprehension in equal amounts within the Cult Mechanicus. Worryingly, rumour persists of the

Exterminators, Demiurg devices said to be capable of annihilating or incapacitating entire planetary populations within

months, though the veracity of these rumours is untested.

Though apparently generally similar in function, the sheer variety and personalisation, almost individuality, rumoured in

Demiurg constructs is staggeringly immense, almost to the point of unbelievable. Though almost unswervingly it has

been said to be a broadly similar type of automaton deployed in the Demiurg forces, it has been rumoured of more

intense variation ranging from dedicated combat drones up to reconfigured attack craft and worryingly war-engine sized

automated behemoths, even theorised perhaps to scale towards dedicated combat starships rather than the Commerce

Vessels so observed.


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CODE: DARKMAGENTA

The Demiurg, the Bentu'sin, the Starcrawlers. They remain more scarce than the eldar, more unseen than the hrud, more

resilient than the ork and arrive as unheralded and unwelcome as the tau. That they are a potent civilisation is not a

question. That they possess a civilisation is quite the question.

Since the commencment of my tenure within the vaults of Terra some twenty years ago, I have scoured the darkest

archives, the unseen depths. I have fought the guardians, the eriadicators and the deletons in the depths of theadministratum hives. To put it swiftly: there were very many forces at work ensuring that I could not see that which we

desire and we have achieved but a fleeting glimpse at no small cost.

Let us establish the accepted facts:

That the forces identified in association and pattern to be 'Demiurg' are present across all five segmentae with

reports authoritatively stretching as far back as seven thousand years, pre-Imperial. [Cref. The Corianus

Aexcavation, the Testimony of the Rambhaldhri Species, the Pacification of Forty-Five Eighteen]

Evidence of interxenos and reprehensive human trade conducted over an indeterminate time period of no less

than twelve-thousand years, terran standard.

With no noticeable change in recording, notation or identification methods retrospective studies of the Adeptus

Terra archives across the five Bastions of Humanity yield a sharp rise in positive identification over the last

millenium. Prior to this an almost constant retroactive identification is indicated across all segmentae save

those sectors deep in the Cradle region, as it is colloquially known.[Censure: informal tone.] No biological study has been undertaken.

Positive-matched tech-specimens match no known technology associated with the Disciples of the Omnissiah.

Infiltrative xenos technology identified as compatible with STC artifices on multiple counts.

Demiurg-identified artefacts indicate xenos origins (unrecognised in revelations of the Omnissiah) [Note; This

edict bears the ratification of the High Lords of Terra c.867M32 in addition to the Seal of the Sigilite and

upheld by the High Lords of Terra c. 442M36.]

Prevailing threat rating: Xenos Majoris. [Note: Acting upon this rating is rare. Battlefleet standing orders

acknowledge recalcitrance and hermit-like nature inherent in Demiurg vessels. Few squadrons survive action

based upon this rating.]

Various conclaves {Amtrath, Rasanan and Kreto, notably} are in pursuit of reclassification Obscuro Minoris.

[Update 4123992M41: Latest reports from Interrogator Pendrath, acolyte of Inquisitor Whitaker, relay

overtures of Isstvanian philosophy attendance at noted conclaves.] Despite consensus of the Ansamas forum the orthodoxy of the Adeptus Terra accept no substantiation of

Demiurg proliferation

Technological heresy proves sufficient to outstrip even the Explorator Arks of the Adeptus Mechanicus. [Cref.

The Ark Mechanicus Cognitae Bobilis, attendant forge ships and explorator cruisers proved undable to capture

identified Demiurg vessel 'Stronghold' during fourteen-year pursuit in the K'tet sector.]

Demiurg operations, as viewed by means of stealth monitoring units operated mutually by the Ordo Xenos,

chambers militant, planetary governors, sectors and sub-sector ministries in addition to sanctioned

conventional Imperial military operations, all report a high degree of automated and sophisticated industry

quite in exccess of the abilities typically assigned to their parent sources. [Clarification: A vessel of battleship

displacement capable of planetary scale industry is by no means an uncommon allusion of the reports.]

What these factors point to is no definable links connecting isolated Demiurg sightings and reports across the galaxy

until this millennium. Previous authorities [Kain344M34, Rebutte 121M37 and Irasis 420M38] yield many theories asto the nature of the Demiurg. The lack of reliable contact with distinguishable individuals of their species casts most

doubt upon these theories. Which is: the Demiurg are a reclusive foe possessed of technological capability in excess of

our own brothers, the Adeptus Mechanicus. That they would remain unchanged and recalcitrant for millennia is a

mystery.

In every instance a Demiurg, if present, is posited to reside within the augur-impenetrable protective suit massing

substantially less than that of an appropriately armoured sororitas. Indeed, this depiction of such a Demiurg is curious in

itself. Whilst most reports allude to a xenotype which is indicative of blasphemously human proportions (a dorsal

extremity in correlation with the neck and skull, bipedal ambulatory systems, twin articulator limbs etc), and that their

physiology appears squatted, possessing a low centre of mass and distinctly stocky ambulators is well established, there

remain too many exceptions for a rule. Their articulators and nadir-pads are uniformly bizarre. Be they tehno-tentaular,

fore-field manipulators, mechanical force translators or a baffling variety of other items, no visible flesh or biological

matter is properly identifiable. The individuals purported to be Demiurg lack an obvious common physiology save thisvagued, squatted and semi-humanoid basis. For this reason it is of little surprise that many outlandish and unsupported,

yet essentially feasible suggestions abound as to the nature of the Demiurg.


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This, alongside a lack of indication of any overt desires save trade, seclusion and industriousness leave theorists in a

perplexing situation. Insight from the proliferation of various expansive xenos trade empires in the Ultima segmentum

presents new material for study, though this is outwith my own remit. It is my suggestion therefore that the utter absene

of any distant unity between the various pockets we encounter (for they are phenomenally more often than not

individual capital-class vessels and attendant ordnance) indicate that the Demiurg are products of a civilisation rather

than the core of one.

It is almost unnecessary to state that there are a great many corollaries and attendant assumptions which underlie this

conclusion, but my scepticism, after decades in the hallowed repositories of the Imperium, allows me to venture little

further by way of hypothesis as to their origin. It is a matter of extreme perplexity indeed.

Another curiosity, another heresy.

Allow me then to progress onto distinctly more tangible matters. The night inexplicable proliferation of Demiurg

technology and artefacts across the extent and history of the Imperium, of human history itself.

Following is a representative account of the devices catalogued in the Debronian system in orbit of the jovian planet

Rellian within fragmentary wreckage and on the planet Klevar IV of the Hellar subsector, Corianius sector.

The most prolific remnants are those termed 'automata'. Few remain intact. Previous encounters corroborate thetestimony of traders passing the Debronian and Klevarian systems; that the automata of the Demiurg are specialised

creations. The stories tell that the Demiurg are artificers, smiths, designers, architects and engineers who apply their

intellect to the fashioning of their automaton servants. These servants, we are told, exhibit profound independence.

Though many tell of mediocre machine-minds capable of specialised tasks and particular duties (largely industrial)

some more tell of trade-machines, fashioned in the image (and even capacity) of their Demiurg lords or of their

prospective counterparts in trade and negotiation.

To summarise the findings we note that the automata are the recurring (potentially sole) aspect of the Demiurg

encountered by other concerned parties. They are often equipped at least in a capacity for self-defence accounting as

well for a variety of machine appendages and widgets suited to the completion of varied tasks. These tasks range from

mundane transportation of goods to the extraction of precious materials, from the securing of a site of operation to the

utter eradication of all potential opposition. That other automata display no overt specialisation is again not in question;

the distasteful implication remains that their function is indeterminable given the means at hands to our research.

Automata display a marvellous range of aptitudes. Though many are reported to have little independent capacity other

cases report displays of contingency planning and action as complex organisational-coordinator nodes within an

extended network (one hesitates to designate such a conglomeration as a 'team'), there are more troubling allusions.

The accounts of Explicator Asariel Ugana and Lector Fiefus Marr indicate that their attempts to capture a living

Demiurg have produce no fewer than thirteen distinct formats of impersonator-drones; each having successfully duped a

long series of unwitting (yet heretical and suitably reprimanded) Imperial officials.

Most Demiurg automata are of the size and disposition of common mammalian life forms. The uncommon lower end

pairing alongside rodents with the larger form being akin to ogryn stature, or even that of greater beasts (such as the

ammamalian Grox). Larger constructs appear in more standard mechanical formats being loosely analogous to

transportation vehicles, weapon platforms and so forth. Smaller mechanoids identified by the Cult Mechanicus remainunder closer scrutiny though details remain elusive.

Demiurg automata are rarely fragile and uncommonly durable. Though most exhibit a lack of overt moving parts (save

limb- and manipulator-analogues), some remarkable artefacts indicate an incredible grasp of astoundingly complex

clockwork mechanisms. Devices, manipulators and tools routinely included projected energy-based technology. Quill-

sized devices exhibiting the potency of las-cutters are a commonly reported folklore, though no such device has been

observed. The members of the Cult Mechanicus note many indicative patterns in certain aspects; a clear competency

with elements exerting control over the fundamental forces is corroborated by the prevalence of gravitic-projector

analogues, technologies reminiscent of highly sophisticated electromagnetic manipulation (plasmatic and ionic tools) as

well as prolific field-effect devices.

Their physical form varies from the nodular set-up of the intricate manipulator automatons to the disc-like format

similar to the drones of the Tau. Barrelled forms are less common, but have still been reported in utility roles. It is notuncommon to find one local pattern of automaton following a rough preference or style only to find automata

performing the exact same tasks that look nothing alike.


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CHAPTERII: ON INQUISITOR

THE DEMIURG & CHARACTER CREATION

Demiurg spend much of their lives in the solitude of

their own company and their creations, they portray as

incredibly wise with the knowledge of centuries long

gone. Whilst not often forthcoming or overbearing when

it comes to sharing, if they find a being that suitably

impresses them, they will gladly pass on helpful nuggets

to those who would hear. Not often overtly forthcoming

to all species, it is without doubt their incredible

intelligence can be put to more than technology, though

as always for a price. It is noted that when they turn

their minds to biological nature, they can be highly

proficient medics.

So far there has been no indication of any Demiurg

exhibiting psychic or similar powers. That their vessels

are warp capable is clear. How this is possible without

prevailing psychic prowess is completely unknown,

though it is supposed that alone of all the races

encountered by the Imperium the Demiurg may have

mastered the technology to make such a feat possible.

Equipment: No Demiurg is yet known outside their

Resilient Augmetative Suits. Demiurg are known to

equip their suits with a multitude of highly advanced

and highly technical possessions, amongst them the

famed Monocle Spectrometer and Structural Disruption

Charges as well as their attendant automatons, drones,

and mechanoids alongside a host of other intricate

devices. Most often however, they utilise powerful ionweaponry. It is not uncommon for them to have an extensive array of bionics and augmetics, often incorporating a form

of extremely advanced mechadendrites. Many Demiurg are said to equip themselves primarily with some form of

multitool, a device which is typically of excellent manufacture and often arcane purpose.

Abilities: Though it is quite common for the Demiurg to be extensively skilled with a wide range of talent and abilities,

it is not often that these traits transcend to the realm of Inquisitor rules. Capable of most skills, it is common for them to

manifest their natural knowledge in the Medic Special Ability, and often accompany a warrior band serving as a mentor

in many respects. Demiurg automatically have the Ambidextrous and Technically Efficient special abilities.

WS BS S T I Wp Sg Nv Ld Sp

Demiurg 40 70 55 75 50 90 120 80 80 3

Random 50+2D10 60+2D10 50+2D6 70+2D6 40+2D10 70+4D10 100+4D1070+4D10 70+4D10

DEMIURG SPECIAL ABILITIESTECHICALLY EFFICIETWhen interfacing with machinery in any way, every action spent counts as two actions for how much can be achieved, activated, attained,

reloaded etc.

UHURRIEDThe Demiurg so far encountered by denizens of the forty first millenium seem perpetually unhurried, or incapable of haste. They have

exhibitted no ability or desire to move faster than a walk, making little effort to evade, sprint or dodge under except under the heaviest fire of

fire. As such Demiurg characters may take no movement action faster than walk though they may dive due to a failed nerve test and suffer nomodifiers due to combining an action with walk.

The Envoy just stood there. Revic couldnt fathom the inhuman features,but felt there was an air of pride about the Envoy, having revealed an

archive hidden within a typically coppered room aboard the vessel.

Unlike the other workshops and cavernous holds Revic had been inside,he was convinced that this room lay outside the main hull of the vessel,

perhaps an additional module of some form. Peering closely at the

arrayed objects, Revic could discern various incubators and storage jarscontaining a mixture of what seemed to be entirely different xenos fauna.

Indeed, one jar seemed to hold something very similar to a grox, thought

quite a significant amount smaller.

Unsure of the reason why the Envoy was showing him this room, Revic

persevered. He began to pace slowly around the walls, peering amongstthe shelves and assorted items strewn around the room. Resisting the

instinct to take up his data slate and stylus, Revic pressed on. Certainly,

there were artefacts that the Adepts of the Machine God would marvelafter, but there were smaller, more insignificant and discreet things too; a

plant in a pot, a set of what Revic assumed were anatomical dummies of

Fio Tau, even a partial set of damaged Imperial Tarot cards. The dust inthe room was quite thick, it seemed this was an area not tended to by the

Envoys machines and if Revics implant assisted cogitations were

correct, the room had not been tended to for at least a Terran year. As

Revic neared the far-side of the archive, slowly glancing at a few objectsand making brief mental notes, the Envoy had moved towards a small

portal on the hull-side end of the room. After some movement, the Envoymotioned for Revic to approach, clearly having some other purpose in

showing this room to the Inquisitor. Revic, perplex, approached the

Envoy. As the portal opened, Revic saw a thin corridor extend off towards

another vault. Reasserting himself, Revic prepared to follow the Envoy.

Despairing at his own mind, Revic assumed theyd taken an extra turn

somewhere along the walk to the archive room otherwise theyd now bewalking entirely outside the vessel, where no hull or chamber had existed

when he had first seen the ship. In spite of himself, his mind and implant

still ached to the contrary. As such, Revic could still not shake thesuspicion that there had been no wrong turn and having seen much of the

Envoys work already, it seemed somewhat proper in Revics estimated

that such an enticing marvel would only exist here, on the Envoys ship.


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AUTOMATONS & MACHINATIONS

Demiurg Automatons are the personal creations of the Demiurg, though often mass produced for menial and mundane

tasks, it is not uncommon for a handful of them to accompany a Demiurg in their business. Often observed and

equipped for personal defence of the Demiurg, it is not unusual for them to carry equipment on behalf of the Demiurg,

or perform certain tasks, often demonstrating the use of trade items and even augmenting their own abilities, often

acting as delegates or hosts whilst their master deals with other things. Though often in a roughly humanoid form, it is

not uncommon for automatons to be in almost every shape imaginable.


Automaton 30 60 65 85 40 50 50 130 20 3

Exterminator 40 75 80 110 55 85 45 170 50 4

Random 6D10 50+2D10 60+2D6 80+2D6 30+2D10 D100 D100 120+2D10 4D10

Equipment: Automatons are typically outfitted with a wide array

of what can only be described as gadgets. Although not unheard of,

the average automaton is unlikely to be equipped with much more

than common items, though they may be hardwired and effectively

connect via Mind Impulse Units. Most will be fitted with some

form of armour, and due to their sophistication suffer injury results

as standard (though this is merely an abstraction).

Abilities: Though not totally incapable of advancing and gaining

skills, most automatons are little more than complex robots. Unless

outfitted for very specific reasons, the most standard automatons

will have little more than Nerves of Steel and Mechanoid special

abilities.

CONSTRUCT BODIES

Observed across the Galaxys cultures, not every creation bears a

direct resemblance to their creator. This is also quite true for the

Demiurg too, with many displaying signs of extreme adaptation or

augmentation that arguably leads to the perception of being semi-

humanoid. Indeed, the Demiurg form most encountered is in itself anomalous: none can verify if it is a suit, a mount, or

even if it is actually a Demiurg at all. For the purposes of those conducting business with the alleged Demiurg, it is a

moot point.

It is not uncommon to find many of the interpersonal and interpreter constructs ambulating with humanoid styles. It is

most often the case that the form of the device will fit its intended function.

Their form varies intensely, from the nodular set-up of the intricate manipulator automatons, to the disc-like format of

the Korvesa drones of the Tau. Barrelled forms are less common, but have still been reported in wide areas of utility.

Indeed, it is not uncommon to find one Demiurgs automaton following a rough preference of style only to find

mechanoids performing the exact same task looking nothing alike. Bellow are listed the varying hit locationmodifications based upon the form of an automaton. Typically, most will use the standard humanoid table, but many

will follow these formats.

DISC DROE BARRELLED/CYLIDRICAL

90-100 Processor houseis hit. Count as head 85-100 Control centre is hit. Count as head.

35-89 Central disc is hit. Count as abdomen 30-84 Main body is hit Count as arms

01-34 Underbelly is hit. Count as chest 01-29 Motivators are hit Count as legs

Note: If a disc drone is flying very low to the ground/on the ground then bear in mind its underbelly

would be 'in cover' of the drone itself!

ODULAR

93-100 Central core is hit. Count as head.

50-93 Manipulators are struck Count as arms.1-49 Motivators are damaged Count as legs.

AUTOMATO SPECIAL ABILITIESMECHAOIDThough portrayed as a character, this being, even if such a

term is philosophically or technically accurate, is anentirely mechanical construction with no living

components. It is immune to most kinds of psychic powers,

gases, toxins, etc whilst must pass toughness tests to avoidsystem shock under effect of, say, haywire grenades and so

on.

HOVERERThe being, through some arcane method, does not walk orrun as most fauna of the galaxy do, nor does it move on

tracks like the Praetorians of the Adeptus Mechanicus.

They hover some metre or so from the ground, utilisingtheir unique motivators to allow them an added dexterity

that their small size would otherwise prohibit. GMs should

take into account the skill and level of the motivators.Advanced hoverers can be quite stealthy, whereas crude

hoverers will be hulking, noisy and incredibly unreliable.

Hoverers may not sprint, and must pass an initiative test

when suffering knockback or else the result is doubled. In

addition, Hoverers count as having Catfall.


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DEMIURG EQUIPMENT

COMMO SPECIAL EFFECTSOF DEMIURG TECHOLOGY

Almost all Demiurg technology requires an intense technical skill to be able to use it. Whilst it is not uncommon for

Demiurg to construct simpler and more manageable control mechanisms, they themselves are undaunted by the

complexity inherent in using their creations.

Unless otherwise stated all Demiurg Equipment has additional rules as follows:

Require twice as many actions as standard to be used in its operation.

Any non-Demiurg (not including Demiurg-derived machines) must pass a Sagacity Test for each action using

the equipment.

Ionic Equipment never causes bleeding damage to a target as part of the injury caused (due to intense

cauterisation of wound tissue).

IOIC EQUIPMET

Weapon Type Range Firing Mode Acc Dam Sh Reload Weight

Caster Basic D Semi(6) D6+3 30 2 25

Wand Pistol E Semi(3) D6+1 3 2 15

Scalpel Pistol E Single 30 4D10+2 1 4 10

Blaster Heavy E S(3) F(6) 30 3D10+3 1 3 50

Weapon Reach Damage Parry Penalty NotesMultitool 1 2D3+2 -40% Shock Weapon, Extra Mechadendrite

effect when interacting with technology if

used.

CASTER

The typical Demiurg firearm, commonly mounted on their battle

automatons, the Exterminators. In many of its personal arms forms, it

mirrors closely the ancient Terran crossbow, the bow section housing thecomplex acceleration and beam forming arrays. A powerful weapon, it is

ideally suited for engaging personal, using its complex magnetic array to

suffuse its target with its intense beam of ionised particles, reactingcatastrophically with its targets molecular structure.

WAD

The smallest sidearm that Demiurg are known to carry, almostcertainly a part of the equipment of the Envoys that make contact

throughout the galaxy. Though in no particular shape, most take formloosely similar to standard pistols that permeate the Imperium and

known xenos enclaves.

SCALPEL

A small and intricate cutting tool, it is immensely powerful, easily

capable of slicing through multiple layers of reinforced ceramite armouralmost instantaneously. It is theorised that this is used for extracting

samples and for facilitating improvised repairs and modifications to

technical and mechanical systems. Given its intricate nature, it makes ahighly unsuitable battlefield weapon, though it is indeed exceptionally

powerful.

BLASTER

The Ionic Blaster is the weapon most often fitted to automatons thatconduct close range drilling and heavy duty undermining. Capable of

alternating its beams makeup to be particularly reactive with any given

substance, it is dangerously effective. As with most tools, it is difficult to

improvise as a weapon, though that does not prevent its use in diretimes.

OTHER EQUIPMET

RESILIET AUGMETATIVE SUIT

Treated as a full body suit that benefits its wearer with 5AP on all

locations. The helm usually includes a number of scanners and targetersthat work the same as autosenses. Due to the nature of common Demiurg

work, the Augementative Suit allows the Demiurg to completely resist

the effects of shock based weaponry. They can also survive in a vacuumfor up to 10 turns unaided. In addition, they may spend one successful

action per turn to adopt the regenerative special ability for that turn only.

Further it is strongly recommended that some Demiurg may exhibit the

same attributes as a Mechanoid character (see Page 12). Whether this is

due to an affect of the suit, perhaps a natural effect of the Demiurg itselfor because the Demiurg is, perhaps, a robot is entirely up to the player!

MULTITOOL

A small personalised Demiurg tool, similar to a technologically complex

wrench, screwdriver etc. Also, if in hand when interacting withmachinery, technology, information etc the multitool acts as an extra

mechadendrite style benefit. It can also hold scan data and be used as a

data storage device if required. Note that many more advanced forms actsimilarly to the legendary archaeotech of the Adeptus Mechanicus.

PERSOAL TELEPORTER

(Risky Action to use) On activating their personal teleporter, theDemiurg is instantly teleported to a preset (presumably safe) location

just off the current battleflield, allowing the Demiurg to escape to safety

should the situation become out of control. Due to the complex nature ofthe teleportation device, the Demiurg cannot teleport extra equipment or

objects away from the battlefield with them. Should the Demiurg fail the

risky action it is indicative that it has misprogrammed the teleporter, itmust use one more successful action to reprogram the teleporter before

attempting again.

STRUCTURAL DISRUPTIO CHARGE

These charges attune themselves to the natural frequency of any

structure which they are affixed to, they then apply an intense resonantpulse to the structure. Curiously these charges can even apply their

nature to multi-frequency materials. Structural Disruption Chargescannot be thrown, they must be set upon their target taking four actions.

They must also be set on inanimate targets. They inflict a single hit upon

their target doing the D3*30 damage.

MOOCLE SPECTROMETER

A small eyepiece, reputed to be among some of the most advanced and

intricate spectral technology in existence. Typically used for spottingimmediate surface level phenomena, and ensuring that its user is quite

aware of the surrounding goings on. Theorised to be able of thermal

imaging as well as penetrative spectroscopy of materials, the Monocle issaid to be suitable, with modification, to adapt to hold many other

scanners and targeting mechanisms. Though the monocle spectrometer is

the most common of Demiurg optical devices, they come in many formsand complexities. Most have a range of slightly larger than one

kilometre, but it is rumoured some have more than twenty times that

range. The standard monocle spectrometer fits over the eye of its creator(or in some cases, the person i t was created for), with only minor

modification they can be outfitted with increased variety of functions

and ranges.


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A monocle spectrometer, when activated, allows the user to survey his

surrounds. Within the characters vision phenomena are recognisable tothe trained eye. Any material related phenomena nearby will be visible,

but the wearer must still look to see, identify, probe or otherwise act on

anything that seems unusual using the monocle. Sagacity is used ratherthan Initiative to detect anomalies, but also inflicts a -40Sg penalty when

attempting to use the device (GMs are recommended to add further

modifiers depending on the variance in skill and background ofcharacters). Typically phenomena will be armour patterns, biological

signature combinations, curious structures, rare materials or similarthings. It is heavily recommended that the GM monitors the use of thesedevices closely, using their judgement to determine exactly what the

bearer has detected and what they perceive, recognise or know of the

item.

Note for modelling policies, and individuality, similar devices can be

created, often using bioscanners, psy-trackers and various other items.

Indeed, they can be upped in scale and downed in efficiency and

essentially tweaked to the players hearts content (within reason though!).

An extensive spyglass apparatus could work similarly, whist a mobilescanning unit would be more cumbersome but generally more potent in

its usefulness.

ETAGLEMET BEACO

Usually a hand held device, it is ideally used to mark certain aspects of

objects at the subatomic level, making them traceable over an extremedistance. The Beacon itself is only capable of following those it marked,

or when using data transferred from a similar device. GM discretion is

widely recommended here as the Beacons could be potentially campaignsolving devices. A few Sg tests and actions should be required to

reliably Mark any simple object. Marking a more complex item would

be even more difficult, perhaps even taking double figures worth ofactions to mark reliably whilst marking a living item could take even

longer as simply marking hair or skin is ineffectiveit could fall off!

TELEPORTATIO WAD

A short ranged marker device often used for identifying samples and

items of worth and relaying the relevant data to a nearby starship orother suitably powerful teleportation device. Indeed, without such

support, the wand is quite useless given its purpose. To use it, it is first

programmed requiring from one action for a simple object up to overhalf a dozen for intricate or complex item. In addition, during each

action a Sg test must be passed to ensure the programming is correct, ifincorrect the device will not activate. Following this, it is simply pointed

at an object within one yard of the wand and activated, subsequently the

target item disappears with a loud hum, an acrid smell and a violent

thwump of air.

CHROOMETRIC DESTABILISER

A truly rare technology shared by a scant few races encountered by theImperium. It is even unknown whether the Tau Empire are entirely

aware of such technology. Though primitive in relation to the rumoured

greater works of the ancient Necrontyr, and the grotesque fables of theCtan, the Chronometric Destabiliser creates an intense localised

temporal distortion at a point, working quite similar to a stasis field but

on a much more specific area and less orderly manner. In effect thedestabiliser disrupts the flow of time itself, phasing an objects history

partially forward, backwards or other ways. With respect to Inquisitor it

can be used as a range E weapon which, if it hits, effects an immediatedamage level increase regardless of armour and stuns the target for D3

rounds. A skilled operator can recognise certain responses and natures

from the target items and garner knowledge from them. By probing theinstability of a wall or a pile of rubble formerly a wall, it is possible to

detect or infer possible future or past events. In this case, a successful Sg

test or three could lead the GM to allow the character to devise what thenature of the rubble was beforehand, what could have collapsed it (eg a

blast, inherent structural weakness, vibrations but not being

destroyed by two Space Marines in a bar brawl, alternatively a probecould detect that what appears to be a wall is in truth a secret door). GM

should note that it takes a great deal of sagacity and experience to infer

anything of useful value from an objects reaction to a Chronometric

Destabilisation.

SHIELD ARMOURPLATE

It is not uncommon for Demiurg equipment including automatons,gauntlets and helmets to be outfitted with highly advanced shielded

armour. Such technology imbues familiar armour types with enhanced

force field shielded properties. Shielded armour plate is very rare for themost part, though not uncommon in the vicinity of Demiurg. Shielded

armour plate incorporates both armour value and force fields, whichwork as normal. Note that as Shielded Armour plate is often morereliably constructed, the force fields can often have a set value or

combined value e.g. 4 or D3+3. Note this is often incorporated in a

Demiurgs Augmetic Suit.

FACILITATIOAD AUGMETATIO WIDGETS

In addition to the larger more obvious automatons, robots, and assorted

other device of the Demiurg, they maintain a host of smaller, morediscrete and often a lot less potent mechanoids. Facilitation and

Augmentation Widgets are more dependent upon their masters than

other Demiurg automatons, but act in an heretically similar way toImperial Servo Skulls.

FAWs are treated exactly as Servo Skulls, though count themselves asInitiative 30 rather than 10. A FAW may not select the usual Servo-Skull

patterns (bar Med Skull). If needed count them as Sg 90 for things

referring to technology, maths, science etc; but Sg 20 for things relying

more on common sense. It's the GMs choice (as ever) to decide on the

appropriate option. FAWs come in many forms:

DEMOLITIOS ASSISTAT

May carry and prepare disruption charges once they have been directed

(i.e had one action already applied to them).

SYSTEMS REPORTER

This FAW gives its master +20 Sg for the purposes of detectinganomalies, scanning and awareness.

PRECISIO ISTRUMETATIOThis FAW has an Ionic Scalpel and a BS of 60. The FAW targets nothing

until instructed to and will continue to target as instructed until the

original criteria are met E.g. [For one action] Target that door until it isdemolished

OR

[For 2 actions] Target the man in red until he moves away from thewarp energy source Note, in this second instance, it refers to a

daemonic artefact, a summoning circle perhaps. The FAW may

misinterpret this at the GMs discretion and decide that the FAW thinksthe energy source he's referring to is the Red Man's Daemonsword.

WARP FLUX COTAIMET

This FAW is counted as having a Wp of 65 and will attempt to nullify

ANY psychic power that will affect either itself or its master. The master

may command the FAW not to nullify a psychic power from a psyker if

the FAW has attempted to nullify the psyker before, e.g. its mastercommands: Don't nulify that signature again. This takes one action or

may be done between games. The FAW may be told to nullify the psykeragain for another action or between games. Automatons, Drones,

Mechanoids and other Mechanical Machinations

It is widely recommended that Demiurg characters consider the idea of

Servo Skulls, Psyber Mastiffs and other such creatures. Though it is

unheard of in the extreme of Demiurg using such creatures, they utilise ahost of automatic constructs, their vessels apparently being almost

entirely automated. The rules for cyber creatures can also be used to

represent some of these creations, within reason.


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THE BEEFACTOR

First Sighted: Betsuda

Last Reported Locale: Hastor

The Benefactor is the name given to what appears to be a Demiurg that has affilliated with various officials (now under

investigation) across the Imperium. His last sighting was at the controversial and apocrycphal encounter upon fabled

Hastor. The Benefactor allegedly conspired with Inquisitor Konstandin Garibaldi in pursuit of the , combattingover five dozen Inquisitors, surviving unscathed, and permitting, through heresy, other heretics to abscond with the

. Fractured reports indicated that the Benefactor brought primarily firepower to Garibaldis endeavour, a

sidearm of immense destructive power.


The Benefactor 32 61 45 73 54 89 109 81 79 5

Equipment: Resilient Augmetative Suit (incorporating auspex, bioscanner, psy-tracker and infrascope), Multitool

(Archaeotech: Machine Empathy, only useable within 10 yards) and an Ionic Scalpel.

Abilities: Ambidextrous, Technically Efficient.

SPECIAL RULES:THE BEEFACTOR'S MULTITOOL

The Benefactors multitool is typical of the Demiurg. For a minute device it incorporates an incredibly potent localised

field projector, capable of manipulating technical structures both massive and microscopic with relative ease.

The mutltitool counts, in addition to its standard properties, as archaetech exhibiting the Machine Empathy ability. A

caveat on its use is that it cannot be used at ranges further than ten yards.

THE BEEFACTOR'S RESILIET AUGMETATIVE SUIT

The Benefactors augmetative suit incorporates shielded armour plate sufficient to count as a 2AP of force field on all

locations in addition to the basic 5AP of armour.

REPRESETATIVE JEV-30L

Representative Jev-30L was recovered by the errant Ordo Xenos Inquisitor Cabel Kean as part of the cataloguing

process in the Debronian system. Jev-30L, self-identifying as sixteenth subservient machine-overlord was retained off

the record. Jev-30L now functions as Kean's rememberer; a bearer of trivial or highly-detailed data and wayward

advisor. Kean was announced Heretek Abominatus after being involved in Rebeanakan Librarium Province disaster on

the Forgeworld Voss, wherein a full servitor legion became infected with a xenogene malady which induced partial

lobotomy reversal; the death toll exceeded seven thousand tech-adepts. The association and involvement of the Jev-30L

artifact is suspected by pursuing Inquisitors and Magos Mechanicus.

WS BS S T I Wp Sg Nv Ld

Representative Jev-30L 25 51 71 90 35 81 79 39 20

Jev-30L features four distinct manipulators. It is 'handed' prominently in two of these manipulators: one on each side.

Equipment: Jev-30L carries two ion wands and an ionic scalpel. It carries two structural disruption charges (function as

melta-bombs). Jev-30L's structure incorporates an unknown field-armour weave (counts as AP5 on all locations and

affords two points of force-field protection). Its sensory capabilities act as a vox-caster ranging up to surface-orbit

power and also as infrascope implanted gunsights.

Abilities: Mechanoid, Nodular


12/33


13/33

THE EQUIPMENTOF INQUISITORREVIC

TOBARI RIGHT ARM

A magnificent copper and bronze bionic arm gained in the Khareshi

Expanse and of undisclosed origin. S80. Provides 50% Resistance to

haywire fields and similar. Counts as, essentially, an highly advanced

bionic arm. Typically concealed carefully so as to avoid awkward

questions, and when concealed is difficult to discern as bionic.Unconcealed it emits a low, but audible, whirring when in motion.

CALCULS COGITATOR IMPLAT

Part of a series of basic implants provided for the Auditor Apprentum

during their initial training and deployment. When collating and

interpreting numerical and statistical related complexities the character

gains a +10 Sg modifier for tests pertaining to such matters. An

example would be when calculating probable locations of hiding

places from a large set with attendant pros and cons or solving out

complex mathematical equations or cogitating formulae mentally.

DATASLATE

The data slate allows a character to access, upload and download datafrom a vast host of information repositories across the Imperium (this

ones a Kar Duniash pattern, so GMs should adjudicate on

compatibility) whilst allowing the user to make a variety of notes and

other similar actions.

STYLUS

A stylus is an unassuming instrument of the Imperium, and perhaps its

most widely used tool. The Adeptus Terra combine the Stylus and

Quill not to any small means. They facilitate the running of the

Imperium of Mankind with such devices. Primarily they allow a

greater dexterity when utilising data slates. Additionally they can be

used as set-quills to mark objects in a variety of inks and manners (e.g.

hidden ink etc.). To change ink type of the Stylus simply requires anaction. To mark an object requires one action and a Sagacity test. The

degree of success or failure of the test will account for how well the

marking was completed (or botched). GMs should apply modifiers

rather liberally, also allowing characters to concentrate (or

aim/think/consider) and such for similar bonuses (e.g. +10% to

Sg).

ARMOURED PLASMA COTAIERS

Stowed around the abdomen. When Abdomen is hit 5% chance one is

struck. AP9 and if it is penetrated the fuel cell is hit, treat as if failing a

risky action with a plasma weapon. This enhanced protection and

stowage means that they are more difficult to access when required,

and thus require an additional action to reload.

PHYLLOKKA SHIELD

A small discrete shield generator that fits snugly underneath garments

and armour mounted on either the chest or back (it makes no

difference) Demiurg technology, and therefore requires twice as many

actions to use as a standard force field generator. Uses archaeotech

rules. Powers used by the Phyllokkan Shield are Psychic Ward and

Psychic Shield. Combined difficulty rating is 20 but requires only one

test.

ANEXCERPTTHETESTIMOYOF

IQUISITOR REVICATTHE FORUMOF

ANSAMAS

The older man again approached the brass etched pulpit,ascending the stairs to inner sanctum. Hunched and frail

since his return to the Imperium, leaning on his cane, he

begun.

Long after I departed with Dregan and his Tarellian

band, I received word that my acquaintance within the

Thurm brotherhood, had successfully returned to its kin,

in the vicinity of Perdus Anomaly. Unfortunately the

Envoy had been unwilling to take me any further on myjourney to Condeh Khar, seemingly resistant to the

thought of travelling to the Expanse. If Im not

mistaken, it was as if the Envoy knew what awaited me,as if it were simply unwilling to divulge the horrors that

were known to the Envoys kind. The subject of the

Tobari was a troubled one, it would seem, and was the

Envoy unforthcoming except to wish me fortune,prosperity and wisdom in the endeavour that lay ahead.

As we journeyed, we were waylaid many times, once

only just escaping a confederation of alien pirates that

boarded as far as the command core of the Tarelliancarrack. Fortunately Dregans warriors retaliated with

sufficient swiftness to prevent the carrack from being

totally overrun. On the borders of Berelan Space weencountered the drifting hulks of a dozen smaller

starships that, according to Dregan, were left as a result

of an apocalyptic war between two of the minor racesfleets in the near area.

Soon we arrived at the Caredlio Portal, a gap in theobscuring dust clouds that border the Khareshi expanse.

There we allowed some of the crew to leave, through

their choice, and we continued north-eastward through

the portal. After seventeen months within the expanse,

we discovered on of the reputed hulk sites. An aeon old

graveyard, the twisted and stripped hulks spirallingthrough the void in the expanse, appearing derelict and

abandoned over the ages. The outline and compositions

of various fragments were of clear resemblance tostructures I had only witnessed scant months before

with the Envoy. It was then I realised, though the

suspicion had been building, that they, and probably theEnvoy, had been to expanse before. And that they had

departed, unwilling to return.

At that point, unknown to ourselves, that region of the

expanse was not dead and derilict. Deep within the

slowly arcing hulks energy signatures appeared, many.Within barely half a dozen minutes the expanse was

alive with signatures. The man winced momentarily,

recoiling from some distant memory it seemed.

He let his cane fall, grasping the rail, and steadying

himself. They took the ship, and the crew. I saw nomore of Dregan in all my voyages since. I will not say

how I escaped the expanse, suffice to say that it was at

extreme cost. A deep, distant whirring sounded fromthe mans covered arm, he raised it arm and pondered his

hand. I was compensated, and my objective achieved,

but I now know why the Envoy spoke with suchforeboding pessimism of the expanse. Truly, he was

wise beyond his years to be sceptical of that place. Until

such a time, as the Imperium is able to act in force to

quarantine the region, if even such a thing is now

possible, then I foremost speak for the immediate returnof all Imperial agents within the one hundred light yearof the locale.


14/33

741M41:

[Age 40] Dispatched as part of Departmento Munitorum force to

Agermakers Reach with multiple Imperial Guard Regimentsaboard a small convoy destined for reinforced cleansing andcolonisation of the xenos deathworld

744M41:Attains classification of Adept Auditor Tertian. With the arrival

of Inquisitor Helmra, the promising Auditor Revic is sequesteredas official liaison between Helmras staff and the Munitorum.Demonstrated skill at unravelling the extensive and intricatepaper trail left by the conspirators surrounding GeneralSommervrastels illicit trade and contact with multiple xenos

species led Auditor Revic to Inquisitor Helmras attentions. On

leaving the world of Agermakers Reach, Helmra ensuresAuditor Revic accompanies his staff as a crucial part of theInquisitors retinue as a Deductor, replacing his predecessor who

was left in the care of the Departmento Munitorum upon thedeathworld.

759M41:

For a period of five years prior Revic has held position as major-domo and head of Helmras holdings in the sparsely populated

Dencarra subsector. For a further twenty seven months Revicwas given steadily increasing independence from Helmra and

his retinue before being appointed Deductor and heir toHelmras infrastructure, including holdings on Kar Duniash

itself.

762M41:With the death of Helmra at the hands of Freeboota Boss Uzdregin an ambush at the Nakara VII orbital, a Recongregator

dominated conclave on the planet of Nakara VI proclaimed the

Interrogator-Deductor Armando Revic to be ordained Inquisitorimmediately. Within barely a week the dispatch is relayed toRevic on the world of Gathamors Ventracity concluding theincisive removal of the Heart of Pain cult, finally identified as

belonging to the Kabalite-Haemonculi Eldar. Infrastructurereports the procurement of the xenos artefact known simply as

The Brainwasher Harness.

Travelling immediately to the world of Nakara VI, Revicconvenes the remainder of the conclave opening full affiliationwith the Ordo Xenos, accepting to abide by ad adhere to theirdoctrine and tenets.

765M41:After a series of similar cults arise on argi- and mining worlds

across the Dencarra subsector, Inquisitor Revic finally makesheadway to return to the world of Gathamors Ventracity in an

effort to reacquire the Brainwasher Harness from the localmission of the Cult Mechanicus after the collapse of the safe-

warehouse used by Revics subordinates in the storage of thedevice. During transit the Inquisitors transport receives warningof the imminent approach of a Tyranid splinter fleet through thesurrounding subsectors. The Inquisitors transport is forced to

bypass the world of Gathamors Ventracity to escape the shadowin the warp in the nearest reaches of the subsector. Over thecourse of some dozen years the splinter fleet and an attendantswarm of no less than two dozen separate Ork Swkadrons

proceed to ravage the subsector, devastating the Imperialsstranglehold on the sector, and almost annihilating the

Inquisitors inherited infrastructure in the surroundingsubsectors.

After emergency deployment to the world of Varthe, Revicstenure as an Inquisitor was almost cut short by a sizeable OrkWaaagh mobilising on the world. Only the chance intervention

of a roving Mortifactors (Adeptus Astartes) Frigate, The

Quietus (Gladius Class) permitted the Inquisitor the escape

suitable to avoid a prolonged guerrilla war against the Orks.Utilising the astropathic choir of the Quietus to commune withImperial Officials across the sector, Revic stumbled upon the

first piece of a puzzle that would shape his being. Over twodozen varied reports had arisen of colossal starships spotted inthe fringes of several stars coronas. At least three reliable

reports accounted for vessels of similar patterns in the depths ofthe thickest asteroid fields after the passing of a TyranidVanguard force or one of the scattered Ork Skwadrons. In thedepths of space twelve distinct and verified cogitator readoutsclearly collaborated such readings, identifying vast artificial

structures active on the detectable fringes of the ships surveyors

on the outskirts of both the Casserval System and the deepspacesurrounding the subsector hub world of Nathaniels Lament.

777M41:Ending his tenure aboard the Quietus, and returning to KarDuniash after the vessel is ordered to amass with the remainder

of a Crusade fleet at Kar Duniash itself (at this Point Revic

appropriates the Master Crafted Plasma Pistol noted in hispossession from the ships Master, a Techmarine Kranallus

Londar as a token of solidarity). Revic spends the next fiveyears collating various reports, sightings, anecdotes and

consulting the vast librarium of Kar Duniash and its sisterForgeworld on vessels clearly identified now as belonging to the

reclusive race known as the Demiurg.

792M41:Revic assembles a host of staff, experts, pioneers andarchaeoxenan in an effort to probe the mysteries of the Demiurg.Known to the Imperium for millennia, direct contact and

conflict is documented only spuriously and unreliably. InquisitorRevics Mandate, supported both by the Monodominantorthodoxy and the shadowy Recongragators and a host of otherfactions both within the Inquisition, and within the various other

branches of Imperial Authority, was simply to investigate, tofollow leads and collate data. A single clipper (the Questran,

appropriated from Rogue Trader Ersal Dychan by the CultMechanicus) was forwarded for this duty, though a

sizeable and venerable retinue would accompany the Inquisitor.

799M41:For undisclosed reasons Inquisitor Revic abandoned the

Questran at the research outpost of Talasa Prime and proceededaboard the Dalyth IlFannor Messen Ysakk towards the TauEmpire alone, leaving his right hand Interrogator Cansusk Vranito await until his return.

810M41:

Revic returns to Talasa Prime aboard a Tarellian Carrack,rendezvousing with the now Inquisitor Vrani to seek passage to

the desolate world of Ansamas to convene a conclave regardingthe Khareshi Expanse.

811M41:Revic convenes the Forum of Ansamas for a period of just overtwo years. In the time over a hundred Inquisitors or theirdelegates convene for various reasons at various times. In the

Martinmas of 812 an unprecedented 19 Inquisitors are present atonce.

813M41:

Revic concludes the Forum of Ansamas and departs from his

infrastructure, seeking passage aboard the Cobra ClassDestroyer Corvus Parreleni under Inquisitor Arkham Konstandinto return to Kar Duniash.


15/33

CHAPTERIII: ON BATTLEFLEET GOTHIC

THE QUIRNOX SOUND

The Quirnox Sound of the Gothic Sector has been a feature of ill

repute in the Gothic Sector. Dating back to the early settlement of

the regions, the vast star-forming nebulae of the region held many

wonders. Unfortunately for venturing early humans, it became

evident they also bore disparate packets of ork menace. The

turbulence of the sound echoes not only through realspace wherein

augurs are confounded and the noise of the ionic and molecular

clouds are sufficient to trouble many vessels' protective shielding;

no the worry of the Quirnox Sound also translates into the

immaterium. Crossing the sound in warpspace has long been a

point of trivia for Navigators in the Gothic Sector, emerging into

the sound is more difficult. The currents and turbulent, labyrinthine

pathways of the warp make for easy passage across and beyond the

sound, but attempts to enter into it lead to no end of confusion and

complexity. The orks are capable within the Sound as they

proliferate almost entirely on numbers and the incomprehensible

providence of their blasphemous gods. The Eldar Corsairs are noted

to be competent in navigation of the secrets ways of the Sounds,

but their secrets are their own, to be shared at no yet known price.

Intermittent forays on the part of the Imperium permit a tentative

examination of the interior. Rogue planets, infantile stars and

ancient remnants proliferate within the waxing nebulae.

Cataclysmic astromantic events of the past are evident to those

concerned with such things, but the details are irrelevent to most

who stray this way. Imperial ships have encountered xenos and

void-fauna both within its depths. Hazy tales of

THE KHARESHI EXPANSE


THE TAU EMPIRE


THE CRADLEProvisional Portfolio (ref AdMech 345623/XE019)- Magos Meirus, Kar Duniash


Inquisitor Revic was awestruck. The Khareshi expanse wasa voyage he had never, in his most terrible fears, expected

to make, but this was the first step on this small path of

glorious Inquisitorial service. Gargantuan screeching brokeout and a whirring suddenly emanated within the domed

central chamber of the Envoys personal transport. Revichunkered down to the nearest pylon. Four of the sevencentral and hollow pillars were systematically moving in a

powerful piston-like motion. The great pillars stretched

from the complex console panels up towards the arcingroof of the room. Great plumes of steam-like vapours

poured from the access-way whilst the Envoy endeavoured

to maintain the careful balance it had achieved.

If it werent for the observed efficiency and skill with

which the Envoy had wielded the ship, Revic would nothave spared a second thought as to dismiss the entire vessel

as some unreliable relic of a failed experiment. As far as the

Envoy had deigned to divulge, they had already cleared Tau

space in the time it would have taken a far larger Navis

Nobilitae cutter to leave the system.

The Envoy had encouraged Revic to stay clear of the

consoles and panels until the ship attained its peak

operating equilibrium. Revic suspected that this hadoccurred almost exactly three dozen hours back and the

Envoy had found itself encapsulated in some other task. In

that time Revic had entertained his inquisitive andinvestigative nature by scouting the rest of the vessel. What

he had seen, he mused, would make enticing and dangerous

reading for his memoirs, if it wasnt the simple case thattheyd be censured immediately by his fellow Inquisitors,

even his supporters.

Alone, Revic now stood opposite the Envoy. Indeed, unless

Revic was entirely mistaken, only he and the Envoy were

the sole living beings on board, and the bulk of thatstatements risk was in his assertion that the Envoy was

itself alive within that seemingly all-encompassing

augmetative suit. The rest of the ship was tended to only bythe Envoy and what Revic gathered to be the Envoys own

mechanoid creations, no doubt of interest to the Librarii of

Kar Duniash who dabble in the pondering of AbominableIntelligence. The squat semi-humanoid suddenly motioned

towards the illuminated panel on the nearest pillars base-

console. Moving carefully across the deck grating Revicclosed on the panel. Observing the outline of a strangely

familiar starship, the Inquisitor was overcome with a new

sense of foreboding. An Ork cruiser and, by Revics own

calculus cogitator assisted projections, it was bearing down

on the Envoys starship, fast.


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DEMIURG SPECIAL RULES

DEMIURG ORDACE

Demiurg ordnance consists of largely reconfigured squadrons and networks of automated machines, though it is not

uncommon in engagements involving Demiurg to sight dedicated combat craft nestled amongst the swarms of

reconfigured mining craft housed within the cavernous dorsal silos. When the option is listed, commerce vessels may

launch either attack craft or torpedoes from a single weapon; not a combination of both.

Fighters 30cmBombers 20cm

Assault Boats 30cm

(Torpedo Bombers 20cm)

Demiurg ordnance is treated exactly as described in the Battlefleet Gothic Rulebook. Demiurg vessels may only be

outfitted with Specialist Torpedoes and Torpedo Bombers via the Specialist Macrotechnology Outfit refit.

LEADERSHIP

Demiurg vessels are highly automated and tend to be far more focused towards control and management than vessels of

other races.

Battleships start with Ld10, Cruisers with Ld9 and Escorts and Defences with Ld8.

1 Capital Ships and Defences reduce their leadership by 1 for every point of damage suffered.

No more leadership is lost when they reach Ld 5. In addition, bridge smashed critical results do notinflict leadership loss, but instead an extra point of damage.

2 Escort squadrons and reduce their leadership by 1 for each ship lost from the initial squadron.

SPECIAL ORDERS

Capital class Commerce Vessels may not use Come to new heading special orders due to their ponderous hull

structure.

As Commerce Vessels do not operate through a strict command hierarchy, they do not follow the same constraints as

other fleets for command checks. Should a Commerce Vessel fail a command check, it still counts as being on special

orders until its next turn for the purpose of enemy Ld bonuses and boarding. If one ship fails, the rest of the fleet may

still test.

SQUADROSDue to the apparent command structure, or lack thereof, within the Demiurg fleets, capital class Commerce Vessels may

never squadron with more than one other ship. Battleships may not squadron at all. Escort squadrons may never number

more than four escorts per squadron.

COMMERCE STATIOS

Demiurg forces often consist of significantly mobile interstellar stations, much akin to the waystations deployed by the

Tau. Typically these will be stations that defend part of the Demiurg operation in the region, minor storage facilities and

more often stations where would be traders, wanderers and diplomats are welcome to barter for the services and wares

of the Brotherhoods in the region.

They are purchased as part of the fleet allowance for Demiurg and are deployed aside the Demiurg fleet (though they

may elect to deploy as normal for planetary defences).

Commerce stations may move and turn in movement phase in any direction, subject to normal Demiurg rules, provided

that the station has a speed value.

Torpedoes launched from inside asteroid field are placed outside the field, but measure initial speed move from station

as normal, otherwise line of sight for weapons is unachievable within asteroid fields.

COMMERCE VESSELS

Commerce vessels ignore the adverse affects of blast markers. Instead, any blast marker which a Commerce Vessel

moves over is removed immediately this includes any in base contact with the vessel at the beginning of its turn. Blast

markers have no effect on the movement of the Commerce Vessels. This mechanism is tied very closely to the

mechanism which powers the Cutting Beam. For all intents and purposes, the cutting beam constitutes a Lance which

inflicts critical hits on a roll of 5 or 6 rather than 6 alone.

Commerce vessels are totally unaffected by solar flares, gas and dust clouds and radiation bursts. Do not place blast

markers in contact with them for celestial phenomena of any kind.


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DEMIURG COMMERCE VESSELS & STATIONS

CITADEL CLASS COMMERCE VESSEL

The Citadel class Commerce Vessel, on first reports within the Imperium was assumed to be a slightly varied

Stronghold, though after later encounter and consultation it indeed became apparent that it was no ordinary ship. Its

production output was staggering for a ship of such size, capable of outputting wave after wave of smaller craft in both

its defence and as its primary weapons. Aside this impressive mother ship styling, it boasted the typically Demiurg arrayof heavy weaponry, though noticeably less powerful than the Stronghold Class.

Though sighted by the Imperium only once, and only rumoured to the Tau, it is known through the obscure talk of

outlying systems that a handful exist across the expanses of the Galaxy. Seemingly not integral to any given venture by

a league of Demiurg, in the instances where they are known, they are often affiliated with a great many other Demiurg

vessels.

The inner workings of the Commerce Vessels are still unknown to most Imperial scholars, it is remarked that its

immense refinery and manufacturing capacity go unparalleled in this age by other known ships of similar displacement.

Indeed the closest similarities to its function are the Craftworlds of the Eldar, though it would be unfair to neglect the

connection to the extensive shipyards and space stations of other civilisations.

STRONHOLD CLASS COMMERCE VESSEL

The type classified as Stronghold class is fairly typical of Demiurg vessels, being very large, technologically advanced

and extremely well powered. Strongholds appear to act as factory/processor vessels and bases for a fleet of intersystem

asteroid mining pods, haulage flyers and prospector probes (it is theorized that many of these are automated). Typically,

lone strongholds have been encountered in the flare or mercurial zones of uninhabited star systems, hanging motionless

and prow-on to the star with a cloud of small craft busily hustling to and fro to exploit local resources. In most cases

these ships withdraw their craft and disengage if challenged but in some instances have inexplicably turned on their

attackers with surprising ferocity.

It is worthy of note that every known encounter between Demiurg and Ork vessels has resulted in combat, and that

renegade elements have often hired Demiurg vessels to fight as mercenaries in interplanetary and intersystem power

struggles. As warships, Demiurg vessels are slow but well defended, boasting considerable firepower at close ranges

and the capacity for launching mining craft reconfigured as attack craft and torpedoes. A notable trait of the Strongholdclass is its employment of an array of electromagnetic fields around its prow to scoop up interstellar hydrogen. This is

accelerated to the rear of the ship to provide motive power in a ram-jet effect but the complex shielding it requires

evidently produces numerous other benefits. This process is little understood by the Adeptus Mechancius and they

would dearly like to secure an intact Stronghold for investigation, but thus far the opportunity has eluded them.

BASTION CLASS COMMERCE VESSEL

The type classified as Stronghold class is fairly typical of Demiurg vessels, being very large, technologically advanced

and extremely well powered. Strongholds appear to act as factory/processor vessels and bases for a fleet of intersystem

asteroid mining pods, haulage flyers and prospector probes (it is theorized that many of these are automated). Typically,

lone strongholds have been encountered in the flare or mercurial zones of uninhabited star systems, hanging motionlessand prow-on to the star with a cloud of small craft busily hustling to and fro to exploit local resources. In most cases

these ships withdraw their craft and disengage if challenged but in some instances have inexplicably turned on their

attackers with surprising ferocity.

It is worthy of note that every known encounter between Demiurg and Ork vessels has resulted in combat, and that

renegade elements have often hired Demiurg vessels to fight as mercenaries in interplanetary and intersystem power

struggles. As warships, Demiurg vessels are slow but well defended, boasting considerable firepower at close ranges

and the capacity for launching mining craft reconfigured as attack craft and torpedoes. A notable trait of the Stronghold

class is its employment of an array of electromagnetic fields around its prow to scoop up interstellar hydrogen. This is

accelerated to the rear of the ship to provide motive power in a ram-jet effect but the complex shielding it requires

evidently produces numerous other benefits. This process is little understood by the Adeptus Mechancius and they

would dearly like to secure an intact Stronghold for investigation, but thus far the opportunity has eluded them.


18/33

GARRISON CLASS COMMERCE VESSEL

It should be noted that the Garrison Class is an incredibly rare, so much so that many Imperial, Fio and Kor scholars

and Admirals widely deny its existence, claiming it to be the product of mere fantasy and laxity on the fringes of their

respective societies. The use of this vessel is strikingly at odds with the methods of operation employed by most

Demiurg so far and as such opponents permission should be sought before using it in a game (or a

Campaign/Tournament organiser) as it provides a distinctly aggressive and some might say uncharacteristic approach

to the Demiurg fleet.

The Garrison Class Commerce Vessel is a rumoured reported vessel similar in hull structure to the Bastion Class

Commerce Vessel. The apparent difference between the two is the massive Ion Cannon Array mounted in place of the

standard utility silo. The nature of this is undetermined as yet, but it remains worryingly possible that this vessel is one

intended for combat. Whether its potential aim and even if it exists is to protect the interests of the Demiurg or of a

more sinister nature is unclear, but the plain aggressiveness illustrated in its operation is not in doubt.

Support for the alternative hypothesis proposed by the Adeptus Mechanicus is incredibly scarce. Though potentially

simply an exceedingly well armed and equipped mining vessel, perhaps more so than the Bastion Class, configured to

be a proficient mining vessel. Why the superiror Ion Cannon array is outfitted instead of an more complete cutting beam

formation is unclear. Indeed this, as well as the lack of supporting evidence for the alternate hypothesis detracts it

entirely and leaving the fear of an aggressive warship well founded.

Rumours of Imperial Convoys coming under attack from this class of vessel are incredibly rare, but persist. In eachinstance, the so called Garrison, and any attendant vessels intervened swiftly, intercepting the convoys before they could

reach the outermost planets of the system. As it seems against known operational methods for Demiurg to resort to such

petty piracy the implications are unclear at best. Ramifications of not only a willingness to claim territory but the

attendant ability to do so are a daunting prospect for the Imperium.

Encounters by the Tau have been significantly different, with only one reported sighting of such a vessel, and none

known to affiliate with the Empire. Whether this is through the lack of need for such a vessel in the relative security of

the Empire, or a simple and coincidental lack of presence is again unclear, though the possibility of increase in

militaristic moves of their allies is of discrete concern to the Tau. How they would react to the established Thurm or

SrryTok brotherhoods maintaining closer affiliations with those operating the Garrison class is an intriguing thought.

RAMPART CLASS COMMERCE VESSELA commonly encountered Demiurg vessel, or at least the most recurring reported hull pattern, amongst the merchant

fleets of the galaxy is the Rampart class Commerce Vessel. Though significantly heavier than the Buttress counterpart,

it is not deployed as often, seemingly serving better use for the Demiurg in smaller numbers. Though a capable vessel

by all Demiurg standards (theorised to include measures to allow for combat, production, deep space harvesting,

docking and resource transfer amongst other systems) it is most often found lying more eminently in space than other

Commerce Vessels, crucially acting, when the Demiurg see pertinent to do so, as a trading post and if reports are to be

believed, neutral ground for inter-xenos relations.

Witnessed far and wide by Rogue Traders, scout Squadron Captains, in a significant portion of systems across the

Ultima Segmentum with an increasing frequency, the ship has not been noted to remain in a combat zone for long

should it be unsupported, breaking to ensure safety for its cargos. It is not uncommon for the ship to be supported by a

host of attendant Buttress class Vessels too, seemingly shipping resources between the Rampart and their

destination/origin.

As with all Demiurg vessels it exhibits the clearly advanced technology, ranging from theorised ram-jet shielding on its

prow, high powered cutting beam and the indication of extensive automation prevalent in most of the Demiurg

Commerce Vessels

BUTTRESS CLASS COMMERCE VESSEL

Though far reaching, they tend to be closely associated to seemingly parental capital ships and are reported to house

little more than a scant handful of Demiurg on each ship. Whilst fitting the profile common to most other Demiurg

vessels, they seem to be entirely devoted to cargo hauling of various forms. It is thought that they have little to none of

the extensive factory, processing or manufacturing elements common to Demiurg Capital ships. From this it is

theorised by priests of the Cult Mechanicus that these smaller vessels are used to mine and harvest as roving foragers,

returning their cargos to larger vessels for further processing. Some records go so

The Demiurg v5

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