Beprotx Campaign Story

The green glow of the hologram of the world the *Emperor’s Oblivion* was orbiting filled the room, the Jade General studying it intently in silence. He took in all of the data in an instant, already beginning to formulate a strategy. Theoderaf stood on the other side of the table, allowing his new brother time to think whilst studying him. His brother gave nothing away, standing completely still and his face an unreadable mask. After ten more seconds, the General spoke.

“Based on these communications, the use of the Terran Warriors of Peace to spearhead the diplomatic operation makes the most strategic sense.” Mao Shi, standing slightly behind the General, pressed his fist to his chest. The fur trim on his new midnight blue armour ruffled with the motion.

Theoderaf nodded. “If that mission fails, my fleet and the Red Eyes will be prepared to commence our propaganda campaign. I shall go down with you to the surface with my Decapitation Squad so that they are in position for if diplomacy fails.” Both Primarchs left the room, followed by their retinues.

Mao Shi clenched his fists as the Storm Eagle descended towards Beprotx, trying not to show outwardly his discomfort in front of his Primarch. The General disapproved of such shows of emotion, preferring his detachedness and setting a new standard for the legion. Mao had to stop himself from checking the readings from the Storm Eagle to not appear too nervous. He knew his brothers would be feeling the same, but none wished to let their father down, especially with this being a chance for the old Imperial Light to show its effectiveness and reputation.

“Coming in to land, my lord.” Came a voice over the vox. The Jade General moved for the first time, gracefully standing without needing to brace himself and ready to disembark. The Storm Eagle landed with a rush of air, Mao managing to not move with the turbulence. The door slid open and the Terrans piled out in two lines, keeping perfect synchronicity, their training allowing them a degree of coordination that was the envy of the other legions. The General merely looked on without giving away any hint of his thoughts, following the lines out as they formed a box around their Primarch. The Red Eyes’ Storm Eagle had landed at the same time, Mao catching sight of the shining gold armour out of the corner of his eye. The two groups of Astartes started walking forward, towards a group of finely-dressed officials who were looking nervous even from this distance. Mao hoped that the presence of Theoderaf would not hamper negotiations too much, but it also gave them a great advantage so Mao and the Warriors would simply need to tread carefully. The two bodyguards met, marching together with both Primarchs now walking together in the centre. They soon arrived at the officials, who bowed in front of the Astartes. Not a single Astartes moved in response. The officials rose awkwardly, one of them stepping forward.

“Greetings, our fellow humans from the stars. We here at the Beprotxian Empire welcome you to our world. We are glad to welcome you as our honoured guests.”

Mao paid attention to every word, considering why each one was chosen to work out the thoughts and intentions of the officials. Their accents were thick, the words slurring together in an almost unintelligible string of a sentence. Mao’s several days of intense studying of their language were really being put to the test. He stepped forward himself.

“Hail, Beprotx. We are the representatives of the Imperium of Man, and are searching across the galaxy to reunite humanity. We are overjoyed to have found you, there is much for us to discuss. Thank you for your hospitality.” The delegation seemed to calm at his words, their obvious fears of an immediate attack allayed. The delegation approached the group and began leading them towards the palace.

*The General moved like none of his brothers, flowing through the crowd like a leaf on the wind. Theoderaf marvelled at his precision and mobility, as the General crippled any who sought to attack him, each strike incapacitating an opponent before they could even swing. Theoderaf ran at full speed towards him, identifying a large armoured brute the size of a dreadnought charging towards the General. Theoderaf swung back as he ran and let loose with Psyche Cleaver just as the General ducked. The axe cleaved straight through the brute, sending the body parts flying as Theoderaf kept his momentum charging forward. In less than a minute the whole street was cleared of enemies, their bodies covering the road and piled up against buildings.*

“I am told that this is the finest wine in all of the Imperium.” Theoderaf poured two glasses, handing one to the General. “But they say that in every system you visit.” Theoderaf laughed at his own joke, the General smiled politely but rather stiffly. He took the glass from Theoderaf, studied it and then took a sip. The General took the time to study Theoderaf’s study, noting the many books and scrolls that surprised him. Front and centre was a large portrait of the Emperor, which while it naturally failed to capture his presence it did have artistic merit the General could admire. Theoderaf sat down in his chair, and the General turned his attention back to him. “Now tell me, brother, what happened inside the city? What did you find?”

“I found the king of the world in a sealed chamber pulsing with power,  and we slayed him and his bodyguard. I felt the taint of psychic powers as soon as we arrived, my very being is repelled by it. All because of the source of all evil and disorder in the galaxy, psykers.”

Theoderaf took a sip of his drink. “Psykers? How so?”

The General closed his eyes and took a breath.

“The leaders of the Beprotx were the ones to animate the populace to such violence and feral rage.”

Theoderaf nodded, “During my campaigns during the Great Crusade, I and the Red Eyes have encountered many who sought to use their psychic gifts to defy us. They were all crushed.”

The General near snorted in derision. “*Gifts*.”

Theoderaf put his drink down. “You do not believe them to be gifts?” For a second Theoderaf thought that the General would say no more, but then he began.

“Psychic power corrupts all it touches, bringing madness and suffering whenever it goes. One who draws deep from the Immaterium is as one who drinks poisoned water, for while it may quench your thirst it shall kill them from the inside. This I saw on Han, the mutations and madness.” Theoderaf could feel the disgust and anger of the General, so he knew that the General truly believed what he said. “It is my mission to destroy this corruption. The inhabitants of Beprotx were drenched in psychic power, and it was their downfall.”

“But the Emperor and many of our brother Primarchs use their psychic abilities for good, they are not the crazed sorcerers we have seen misusing their powers.”

“Well I am not so sure about Magnus.” muttered the General.

“Careful, General” growled Theoderaf, “All of our brothers have a role designed by the Emperor, Magnus included. The Emperor surely you agree is not some mad psyker polluted by his power?”

The General reluctantly inclined his head. “True, the Emperor is wise enough to know not to draw too deeply, but most psykers do not know where the limits are, and are arrogant enough to risk their own destruction.”

Theoderaf leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. “I must admit that I have my doubts about the reliability of psychic abilities. And their misuse by *some* of our brothers.”

The General finished his drink, his composure having returned. He placed his glass back on Theoderaf’s desk, and rose. “It is about time I return to my flagship. Thank you for your hospitality, Theoderaf. We brought the campaign to a satisfactory conclusion.” From any other Primarch that would have been an insult, but Theoderaf judged that the General viewed that as a compliment. Theoderaf rose and bowed to the General.

“Well done on your recent compliances, I hope to see you soon, brother.” The General bowed back, and left the study.