The Scouring of Ahntiok VII- 3rd Edition 40k Setting.

Ok, the story thus far...


AHNTIOK VII

The arid desert world of Ahntiok VII lies at the fringes of the Ultima Segmentum, beset by the dual dangers of the fading power of the Astronomicon, and its proximity to the Maelstrom.


Despite this, the planet maintains a strong presence of the Ecclesiarchy, due to the remains of a long-forgotten Imperial enclave having been discovered on the planet. Among the ruins and buried remnants, important relics thought to date to the Great Crusade and relating to the Emperor himself were unearthed. Although much of value was quickly spirited back to Holy Terra or Mars, soon pilgrims, preachers and other zealous followers of the Imperial Cult were flocking to the planet, anxious to see for themselves even such remaining stones and debris that may have been touched by the Emperor's hand.


In an effort to control the deluge, and ensure the proper veneration of such items did not descend into foul idolatry, the Adeptus Ministoroum set up shrines and cathedrals on the planet. Enormous transmitters were erected to counteract the fading power of the Astronomican and the effects of the Maelstrom, ensuring a constant broadcast of Imperial hymns, psalms and other devotionals could be picked up by the pilgrim fleets and other ships entering the system. To ensure the safety of these treasures, the sisters of the Adeptus Sororitas established a presence on the planet, as did the Adeptus Arbites, in order that any who sought to profit by removing items without proper sanction felt the full wrath of Imperial justice.


In this way, the day to day running of the planet continued for centuries. Until the broadcasts from Ahntiok VII stopped. Instead, the Ecclesiarchy began to experience strange reports from passing ships that instead of soothing Imperial hymnals, their vox-receptors were instead beset by hideous screeching and unclean speech. Reports and correspondence from Ahntiok stopped abruptly.


Something was clearly amiss, and following consultation with the Inquisition, the unusual step of dispatching two Inquisitors from different Orders was taken; Inquisitor Dayn’aa Mulleigh of the Ordo Hereticus, joined by Inquisitor Vulf Skuldr of the Ordo Malleus. On the surface, a statement of joint intent and solidarity, in light of the fact that it was believed that given the strong presence of Battle Sisters and Arbites on the world, something more sinister than base heretics were responsible; but in truth, neither Order trusted the other to investigate the matter properly or with true understanding of the threat...


Within days, the Inquisitors reported that they were about to make planetfall, confirming that they too had their senses assailed by heretical ramblings on approach, and they would report further in due course. This was the last that was heard from them.


After much soul-searching, argument and delay, the Ecclesiarchal Lords elected to send for assistance, beseeching any Imperial forces near the Ahntiok System to immediately make their way to the seventh world, and investigate in strength...


ENTER THE ASTRAL PALADINS

The Emperor's light was upon the clerics, as at that time, the Space Marines of the Astral Paladins chapter were approaching the system, with the Battle Barge Armoured Saint, and the Strike Cruisers Steadfast Pilgrim and Blind Guardian answering the call. These ships contained elements of the chapter's first and second Conrois, lead by the Chapter Master himself, returning from the recent Palpatine Crusade against a foul heretic who had set himself up as a petty emperor. As such, they were accompanied by Imperial Guard forces of the Loamspyre XXVI, Hobaart Carabiners and a small force of Storm Troopers from the Magellan Dragoons.


The Astartes decreed they would make immediate landings on Ahntiok VII, to be joined by the Guardsmen as soon as they could make good their landing orbiters.

Whatever fate had overtaken the planet, it was about to meet the adamantium clad fury of the Emperor's avenging sons...

Cheers, Jonathan, I shall try not to disappoint!