Ethereals | Dossier
Senorium, Speaker of the Father
"I never thought I would say this, but I preferred him when he was the Creator's Greatest Champion™."
- Anonymous ADVENT Officer
CODEX Transcript between Revelean and the Temperance.
[Revelean]: "Yes? You mentioned that you have a proposal for me."
[Temperance]: "I do. It concerns Senorium."
[R]: "The Warlock? Is that not the Creator's concern – or your own?"
[T]: "He has remained ignorant of his true potential for much of his life, brief as it has been. The call has always pulsed inside his mind, however. He now stands ready."
[R]: "Elaborate."
[T]: "Young Senorium has begun walking the path of the Bringer. The words which flow from previously incautious lips are now His. The child wishes to be remade."
[R]: "I suspect his body is quite sufficient as it is, birthed as it was in Paradise."
[T]: "Correct, master Revelean, but "sufficient" is a term which stifles opportunity. His form is conventional, sterile, and was designed as such to conform to the sensibilities of those who had not seen Paradise. Sensibilities which are slowly becoming irrelevant, due to circumstances we are both familiar with.
He was made to be malleable. He could be so much more."
[R]: "I am certain he could be. However, there is little point in doing so. I doubt the Imperator would be willing to permit you to…remodel him."
[T]: "His rebirth will not infringe upon the parameters set by the Imperator, I will personally see to such. Our Sculptors are more than capable of working within limitations, as is any true artist of the flesh, master Revelean. Consider, however, that freedom and limitations need not necessarily be interchangeable terms, else we fail to produce something worth the investment.
Something worthy of your purposes."
[R]: "It remains questionable."
[T]: "He would serve the Collective on Earth. Another psion of power to augment your extensive forces. No PRIEST would be able to withstand one birthed under His touch."
[R]: "Beijing begs to differ from that assessment."
[T]: "I will not deny that our current faithful struggle to stand against those who bear the mark of the Scourge of the Meek.
Perhaps consider, that such inability is borne of the shackles placed upon us. Prudent restraint on part of the Imperator, but if you wished it so, we could produce beings to aid you against the Sovereign and his pawns.
Harbinger Trask´s commissioned Godkiller is but one weapon in our portfolio. We have ensured it will be sufficient to satisfy all expectations."
[R]: "That proposal requires further consideration. However, do elaborate on what Senorium´s…reformation would consist of."
[T]: "The secrets of Willbearing, what you know as psionics, are known to us. You have lost two Ethereals who can manipulate the most base components of life. One who destroys, the other which mends. He can master both aspects of the discipline, and serve as a considerable force multiplier for your legions."
[R]: "Biopathy."
[T]: "That is how you define it, and it would only be one of the disciplines we would add to his arsenal. Engineered biology need not obey the standard of naturally occurring psions."
[R]: "It is dangerous for one such as him to know. He was a zealot; a tool."
[T]: "Tools have their uses, do they not?"
[R]: "Of course, but tools do not rebel against their masters. I am skeptical of utilizing a tool born of Paradise. You have not engendered trust."
[T]: "Our mistakes are well-known, and we desire to amend our wrongs. I do not mean to imply Senorium will be reborn in secrecy. I believe that you may wish to oversee the procedure as well. Let none say to the Imperator that we are hiding the truth."
[R]: "That is a…beginning. I will speak to the Imperator about your proposal. Send me additional details – and I will send our own requirements. If the Sculptors can work within the agreed constraints, perhaps it can be done."
[T]: "Of course, master Revelean. That is all we ask."
Runianarch Recording of Collective Invasion of Kampong Trach, Vietnam
CODEX Log ETH0299881 | Transcribed by CODEX Network
[Collective Forces approaching targeted town consist of Muton Soldiers, Muton Grenadiers, Runianarch Soldiers, Herald Armored Vehicles, and entities designated as Exalted. All Collective forces are under the direction of Collective Overseer SENORIUM, by directive of Harbinger Patricia Trask.]
[RUNIANARCH OFFICER]: "Defenses are minimal. We will be able to take control without significant opposition. The operation may not even require your support."
[SENORIUM]: "All who stand in defense of their ideal are worthy of attention. Tell me, who yet remains? Merely the soldiers?"
[RUNIANARCH OFFICER]: "Zararch reports indicate this. The civilian population was evacuated some time ago. Only the soldiers and militia remain."
[SENORIUM]: "They are exhausted, hungry, isolated, and fearful. Yet they hold on, as believers in the ideal of ADVENT. They will not let go, they cannot, for if they do, they have nothing left. Empty husks; followers of a heartless state which casts them aside."
[RUNIANARCH OFFICER]: "Sir?"
[SENORIUM]: "It is of no matter, honored Vitakarian. But you may order your people to stand down. It is unnecessary. These people are devoid of life and hope; they deserve our pity and love, not our weapons."
[RUNIANARCH OFFICER]: "They've spotted and killed some of our scouts."
[SENORIUM]: "Of course they did. Are you surprised? You can no more expect an animal to go against its nature than you can stop the stars from shining. So too it is with ADVENT. We face an enemy which sees only one outcome; which is conditioned to react on instinct. Let us not scare them further. Pull your people back, I will handle them."
[RUNIANARCH OFFICER]: "Are you certain?"
[SENORIUM]: "Of course. Have no fear. Today more of the Exalted will be welcomed into His embrace."
[Senorium begins walking to the rapidly established ADVENT trenches which are sparsely manned. Collective forces, with the exception of the Exalted, retreat, while the Bringerian units remain in place, observing. ADVENT begins opening fire on Senorium, which is stopped by a telekinetic field erected by a small movement of his index finger.]
[SENORIUM]: "There is no need to bear lead and steel on the table of the civilized. No need to bring the crudeness of war to a dialogue which crosses species and planets."
[The firing ceases, as most ADVENT soldiers manning the trench go still. The small number of PRIESTS distributed along the line grasp their heads, exertion visible from their posture.]
[SENORIUM]: "You are afraid. I can sense it. Its scent is as pungent as incense in this smoke-filled air. And how could you not be? How can we expect you to act in any other way, when we bring war to your small, isolated world? To your young, untested species? When we rain fire from the heavens upon your cities? When we take the young, the sick, and the elderly while you fight in bloodsoaked battlefields?"
[The ADVENT soldiers remain still, with multiple weapons falling to the ground as their grips relax. The small number of PRIESTS begin to scream as they fall to their knees. Vocalizations are emitted by the small number of psions, ranging from desperate calls of defiance to pleas of clemency aimed at Senorium.
The PRIESTS are ignored by the cloudy-eyed ADVENT soldiers, before they, too, cease their resistance.]
[SENORIUM]: "You do not want to die. This sole wish permeates your every moment. Family awaits back home. Lovers. Children. Brothers or sisters.
A friend you said goodbye to. A picture inside a wallet that you stare into every night.
The base necessities of a person, buried deep under layers and layers of broadcasts from your superiors. Morale boosting speeches.
But you are not soldiers. Not at heart. Not in being.
You are Human. You were not meant for this.
You fear death, because you love.
And that love will cease should the flame of your souls be extinguished.
It would have, your fears would have been proven correct by the realities of this conflict,
Had you not given yourselves to me, my friends."
[The entire ADVENT force manning the trenches begins to march in unison toward Senorium, who opens his arms in a Human welcome. With an unseen command, the Exalted cease observing, and approach the enthralled soldiers.
The Bringerian units throw themselves against the crowd of disarmed soldiers, with Senorium extending tendrils and tentacles from various revealed orifices throughout his body. The appendages penetrate the heads of the amassed Humans through various entryways, the most common being the eyes, nose, ears and mouths.
Senorium reserves his personal attention for the small group of PRIESTS, who form a line in front of him. Senorium grasps each with his hands, lifting them from the ground, positioning them close to his face. Senorium´s head separates into two horizontal parts, upper and lower lips marking the halves. A noticeably large, white tongue emerges from the space between, pushing down the throats of each PRIEST.
After receiving this treatment, one by one the PRIESTS begin to convulse on the ground. A moment passes as Senorium stares at their condition before they rise again. Their eyes emitting a violet glow.
A purple portal opens behind Senorium, from which Caretaker units emerge. They clothe the converted PRIESTS with black robes resembling their own, before taking them inside the portal.
The Exalted finish their task, standing in place as they await further commands from the Overseer. A large number of newly converted Exalted rise behind them.]
[SENORIUM]: "Come hither, honored Vitakarian. The battlefield is made silent. The drawing of viscera and ichor, unnecessary."
[The Runianarch Officer approaches Senorium slowly. He is silent, but his facial expression betrays clear revulsion and fear.]
[RUNIANARCH OFFICER]: "A-ADVENT has been….routed."
[SENORIUM]: "I did not lie to them, child."
[RUNIANARCH OFFICER]: "S-Sir?"
[SENORIUM]: "He does not kill."
[End of Recording]
ADVENT Military Report 2119
Event: Senorium Reappearance and Implications
Author: Commander Laura Christiaens
Recipients: Chancellor Saudia Vyandar; Chief of Lancer Operations Helion Weekes; Chief of ADVENT Engineering and Development Fang Mercado; Chief Diplomat Firdaus Hassan; Director of ADVENT Intelligence Ian Powell; the Commander of XCOM
Accompanying the latest wave of global attacks has been the resurgence of the alien identified as Senorium, who has received the mocking title of 'The Creator's Greatest Champion™' in reference to his noted gratuitous oration and self-importance. While he is clearly dangerous, he was on the lower end of threats to ADVENT forces, and was capable of being handled with XCOM or ADVENT units.
However, Senorium has undergone substantive changes since his last sighting, and appears to have taken a major role in the Collective's campaign in Southeast Asia. The goals of Senorium himself seem to be mixed, and it is not clear if he is operating with full authority from Collective leadership.
Despite this, he has been significantly enhanced, and poses an Ethereal-level threat to ADVENT. Details are below.
Last Sighting of Pre-Enhancement Senorium: The last known sighting of Senorium was during the Razing of D.C, when he accompanied the Battlemaster on his mission to the American capital. Following the detonation of the atmospheric nuke, he and the Battlemaster were temporarily separated, though reestablished contact prior to being rescued by Isomnum.
Both the Battlemaster and Senorium were noted as being in an extremely disadvantaged situation, and, between the two of them, Senorium was the weaker link. Were it not for Isomnum's rescue, it is very likely that both would have been captured or killed. The Warlock was dangerous, as all of the Creator's Chosen are, but was capable of being beaten.
Since this sighting, Senorium has remained elusive. Due to his connection to the Creator, and, through her, to the Bringer, it was suspected that Senorium (along with the elusive Assassin Occidera) had been suspended from operational support. The exception has been the Hunter, who has effectively been cut off from the Creator by choice, and aligned himself with the Battlemaster, though his own operations have similarly been minimal in recent months.
First Noted Resurgence: The Battle of Phnom Penh was the first confirmed instance where Senorium reappeared, though, in truth, it is likely that he had been active against smaller or undefended cities. We had previously lost all contact with several small cities in Vietnam and Cambodia for no clear reason, though we suspected they had suffered an overwhelming attack, and had no Gateway support to facilitate immediate reinforcement.
However, at the time, it was noted that this was atypical, as we are kept in contact with outnumbered garrisons or those facing imminent defeat. For one to completely go silent indicates orbital targeting or direct CODEX suppression, both of which have obvious signs they have taken place. Neither were present.
With what we know now, it is almost certain that these garrisons were targeted and converted by Senorium, who would have almost certainly been able to handle the minimal PRIEST defenses, as well as weaker and less-entrenched defenders. This is backed up by ADVENT Intelligence reports confirming that there are a large number of Bringer Exalted, as well as some Caretakers, which are accompanying standard Collective forces.
His appearance at Phnom Penh was the first time his identity could be confirmed, and the most recent display of his capabilities. Based on the footage acquired, as well as debriefs with several of the survivors, we can put together an accurate assessment of what we are now facing.
Mission and Operations: We believe that there are two objectives Senorium is pursuing.
The first is augmenting the Collective's Southeast Asian campaign, now that Patricia appears to be focused on the Korean theater. He is a massive force multiplier, and, based on the results he has brought for the Collective, this was a correct strategic decision, despite the drawbacks of employing an entity from Paradise.
We expect that he will assist in the capture of cities, territories, and other locations which the Collective deems strategically important, and augment allied Collective forces through telepathic protection. While we are uncertain if his skills are geared towards this kind of telepathy, he certainly has the capability.
The second objective is one that is not yet confirmed, though it is strongly implied from Senorium's actions in Phnom Penh. We believe he is not only seeking to assist the Collective's expansion, but also assimilate soldiers and civilians for the Bringer and add their minds to the Gestalt. This is supported by his monologue in Phnom Penh, showing he was more interested in conversion than outright destruction. If he were focused solely on conquest, he would not have bothered.
This potentially opens strategies for defense, but it is unclear whether this objective is one which the Collective is not aware of, or if they are aware, but do not consider it detrimental.
Implications on Strategy: Senorium's reappearance forces a reevaluation of our current defense strategy in Southeast Asia. Ethereals and Patricia require certain contingencies and strategies to counter them, and it is clear that Senorium will require a similar treatment.
Intelligence on Senorium's location and likely path is a priority, since, from this information, we may be able to better prepare our forces for encounters and provide them with the necessary support. The removal of Senorium by any means necessary is also authorized, though it is likely that – like the Ethereals – conventional assassination measures will have minimal effectiveness.
We will need to dedicate a significant number of unplanned resources to the defense of Southeast Asia, especially in territory deeper in the region, which is not as prepared for prolonged sieges or Ethereal-level combatants. It may be necessary to augment SE Asian Legions with European, Russian, and Chinese reinforcements.
Displayed Capabilities: While this should not constitute a complete recounting of the capabilities of Senorium due to limited encounters, it is a logical extrapolation, as well as some noted speculation, considering the abilities which have been displayed by other Bringer soldiers.
The first important note to make is that Senorium has had his psionic potential significantly increased. Previously, he would not have been able to affect an entire garrison, and now he appears able to do so with ease. We are unsure how this has been done, but considering that he is effectively an artificial creation, it is possible that his psionic potential could be further increased.
His telepathic capabilities have also been significantly expanded. They were able to easily overpower or penetrate the attempted defenses employed by the PRIESTs – who were able to protect themselves and prevent a complete takeover, but they reported that it seemed as though he was only using a fraction of his power and could have broken through if he focused on them.
If this was a display on the lower end of Senorium's capabilities, then it bodes ill for what he can do when he does not wish to hold back. His connection to the Gestalt also seems to have granted him some additional telepathic capabilities, as every survivor of the attack recounted that he had created illusions of family members, living and dead, recreated their voices, and had them directly appeal to their emotions. This was especially potent against soldiers who lost friends and family to the Bringer, especially in the Seoul Massacre and Beijing.
Beyond telepathy, Senorium displayed heightened telekinetic abilities, which were used to prevent the initial volley of gauss fire at his appearance. This was not displayed further, but we can reasonably extrapolate that he would pose a significant threat, were he to use his telekinesis more effectively.
Senorium previously displayed familiarity with Dynamo psionics, so it is unlikely that he has lost that capability, and he has likely gained mastery over disciplines he previously had little or no experience in.
His physical body has been significantly overhauled as well, bearing only a tangible resemblance to his original form, primarily in armor and pigmentation. Physically, he is much larger than before, both in height and girth, though this 'fat' appears to have a purpose, as it can separate into tentacles, which assist in the creation of new Exalted.
Despite the transparent skin, his body is even more durable than previously, judging from the unknown attack caused by the Hunter, which would, normally, annihilate anyone in the immediate vicinity, instead appearing to only slow him down (It is likely that he was able to protect himself somewhat through psionics, though this would only partially account for his survival). His regenerative properties seem to have been enhanced as well, though it may be possible that Senorium is now capable of employing biopathy (we are awaiting confirmation on this capability).
A final note is that his personality is far different than before. Previously, Senorium was arrogant, bombastic, and someone who was mocked for his grandiose self-importance. All of that is gone. His new incarnation was described as calm, charismatic, and persuasive, no longer shouting or chanting battle cries, instead speaking in reasonable tones, with undercurrents of telepathic persuasion.
It may be a mistake to say his zealous traits are gone – but they have been refined into something far more persuasive and dangerous.
Countermeasures and Mitigation Strategies: Ethereal-grade countermeasures and mitigation strategies will need to be employed to properly contain or terminate Senorium. This will involve Leviathan-class psions from the PRIEST Division and XCOM, with potential support from the Agents of T'Leth.
XCOM and the Pantheon are best suited for direct confrontation, as well as the Ethereals Aegis and Caelior. Telepathic protection is required for any confrontation with Senorium. The usage of MDU and SHIV units should also be considered, as they are immune to his telepathic influence, though they must be properly equipped to handle him.
The usage of ClF3 rounds, grenades, and rockets is approved to mitigate his regenerative capabilities, as well as limited nanoweapons. The employment of remote or self-detonating rounds to prevent telekinetic capture is also a necessity. ADVENT Special Forces will need to devote several task forces to acting as anti-Senorium snipers and be prepared for rapid deployment.
There is consideration being given to authorizing an Atomic Lance against Senorium. This hinges on his capability to teleport, and will be determined when this piece of information is known.
Notation – Phobos Project: While the majority of ADVENT forces who encountered Senorium succumbed to, or were otherwise paralyzed by his telepathy, there were several individuals who were able to resist for significantly longer, or even completely. While rare, it is known that there are some individuals who are capable of resisting some degree of telepathic suggestion, usually due to a nebulous 'willpower' usually brought on by personal experiences and strong emotions.
In this case, the individuals who were able to even slightly resist Senorium's telepathy had previous experience with, or strong emotions concerning the Bringer. Some had suffered personal tragedy at the hands of the Collective, and this was strong enough to overpower the commands. However, the ones who were most able to resist had personal history with the Bringer.
It is recommended that we explore the possibility of recruiting these individuals for the Phobos Project, which seeks to take advantage of individuals with innate resistance and condition them to enhance this natural skill. It should be noted that a number of these individuals were already marked as possible candidates, and this event has further validated the initial classification.
Additionally, it seems as though Senorium will be a fitting target to deploy the first wave of Phobos soldiers against. While they will not be fully immune, they will be able to resist far better than unprotected soldiers. Augmented with PRIESTs, they could be an effective bulwark against similar attacks.