Inquisitorial Report to the High Lords of Terra
Subject: "Protectorate Chaos Marine Vanguard" – A Heretical Creation of Unprecedented Lethality
From: Inquisitor Maldran Vorth, Ordo Hereticus
To: The High Lords of Terra, Clearance Level Alpha Primus
Status: Supreme Threat to the Imperium and Greater Galaxy
Most Esteemed Lords of Terra,
I present to you a matter of utmost urgency and unparalleled danger: the rise of a heretical Chaos Space Marine created under the auspices of the Protectorate, a renegade state led by the infamous Black Commissioner Ciaphas Cain.
This Chaos Space Marine, referred to in intercepted Protectorate communiqués as "Magnus Corthal the Apex," is not merely a product of treachery but a lethal fusion of advanced genetic manipulation and the blessings of the Ruinous Powers, save for Nurgle. His existence represents a catastrophic escalation in the Imperium's war against Chaos, for he exhibits a unique combination of superhuman combat prowess, psychic stability, and strategic discipline—without the madness or corruption that typically plagues Chaos warriors.
Creation and Origin
Corthal was forged from an adult male subject as part of the Protectorate's grotesque experiments. Protected by Cain's regime, heretical cultists combined corrupted Imperial science with Warp-derived gifts granted by Khorne, Tzeentch, and Slaanesh.
Evidence suggests the project was designed to produce a "controlled predator" capable of serving as a symbol of the Protectorate's defiance and leading its forces in battle. His successful creation represents a terrifying breakthrough in Chaos-aligned experimentation.
Lethality of Magnus Corthal the Apex
1. Unprecedented Combat Prowess: Corthal's raw strength eclipses even the most seasoned loyalist Astartes. In close quarters, he has demonstrated the ability to crush Terminator armor with his bare hands. He wields a daemonic weapon known as the "Edge of Eternity," a blade imbued with Warp energy that severs not only flesh but also the very essence of a soul. This weapon has also nullified the abilities of Imperial psykers who encounter him.
2. Superior Tactical Intelligence: Tzeentch's gifts have granted him extraordinary foresight and strategic acumen, allowing him to predict and counter Imperial movements with chilling precision. Unlike most Chaos-aligned entities, Corthal exhibits no signs of the mental degradation, impulsiveness, or chaotic unpredictability commonly seen in servants of the Ruinous Powers. This stability makes him doubly dangerous, as he operates with a clarity and focus more akin to loyalist forces than typical Chaos Space Marines.
3. Exceptional Mobility and Reflexes: Slaanesh's influence has honed Corthal into an almost untouchable combatant. His speed and reflexes surpass even the Eldar, and his ability to anticipate attacks has rendered him nearly invulnerable in direct engagements.
4. Immunity to Conventional Psychological Warfare: His unshakable discipline and stability make morale-based attacks and even psychic influence ineffectual. He has resisted interrogation from Imperial psykers and emerged unshaken from encounters with Grey Knights.
5. Subjugation of Entire Battle Groups: Corthal has led the Protectorate's forces in multiple engagements, leaving entire regiments of the Astra Militarum annihilated or defected. His ability to rally Chaos cults and manipulate planetary populations into joining the Protectorate exacerbates his threat, turning even once-loyal planets into traitorous strongholds.
Threat to the Greater Galaxy
Magnus Corthal represents a heretical union of Chaos and Imperial order that the galaxy has never faced before. His stability, intelligence, and disciplined approach allow him to operate beyond the limitations of most Chaos champions. Unlike the typical insanity-driven leaders of Chaos warbands, Corthal is both predictable and methodical, making his campaigns against Imperial forces devastatingly effective.
Key Threat Factors: Protectorate Expansion: The Protectorate's military campaigns, under Corthal's leadership, are unrelenting. Worlds in the sub-sector of [REDACTED] have already fallen, with populations turned into fervent adherents of Cain's cause. Inspiration to Chaos: Corthal's stability and clarity may embolden other heretical factions to adopt similar methods, creating a new breed of Chaos champions who reject the self-destructive tendencies of traditional Chaos worship. Catalyst for Rebellion: Cain's leadership, combined with the symbol of Corthal's success, could inspire more planetary governors to defect, fracturing the Imperium further.
Recommendation
The survival of Magnus Corthal the Apex cannot be permitted. He represents a turning point in the war against Chaos, one that threatens to destabilize not only the Imperium but the entire galaxy. I recommend the following measures: Massive Military Intervention: The Adeptus Astartes, led by the Grey Knights, must spearhead an assault against the Protectorate before Corthal's influence spreads further. Purge of Protectorate Worlds: Exterminatus should be declared on any Protectorate-aligned worlds where his presence is confirmed. The loss of civilian populations is preferable to the alternative. High Alert on Potential Duplicates: The Mechanicus must monitor for signs of similar experiments in other sectors.
Corthal is not merely a Chaos Space Marine; he is a weapon, forged to exploit every vulnerability in the Imperium's defenses. His existence is a grim reminder that our enemies evolve. If we fail to act decisively, his influence will spread like wildfire, leaving ruin in its wake.
May the Emperor's Light guide us in purging this heresy.
By the Emperor's Will,
Inquisitor Maldran Vorth
Ordo Hereticus
Cain was once again reminded how he was surrounded by insane people.
He had been joking when he said he wanted the Protectorate to have its own marines. He barely managed to avoid showing his fear when he saw the marine for the first time. He once again entertained the thought of getting on a ship and running away from the insanity but concluded, given his luck, he would fall into the eye of terror and somehow become the leader of all chaos forces in the universe.
The only reasonable solution was to send the monster on lethal missions. The marine would be dead, the imperium would be happy hopefully not send a crusade after him and everything would for once turn out well for him.
Besides it was unlikely more such marines could be made anyway.