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The Mechanicum is running out of time to retrieve an irreplaceable artefact from Kotir-8 before it’s completely overrun by Tyranids. The Skitarii will retrieve that the Cipher at all costs. And I mean all costs.
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I personally really enjoy reading from a Skitarii’s point of view. Cold, analytical, ruthless, with just enough real emotion to make you care. It’s a fine balance and it takes an even finer writer to maintain it, this story does dance a touch too close to the sun at one or two points but all in all I think it’s really great.
POV aside the story itself was very interesting. As a Horus Heresy enthusiast, I don’t often listen to stories with Tyranids in them. There’s something strangely awe inspiring about the inexorable living tide of the Tyranids that I think makes for a really compelling battle.
We also get to see Skitarii interacting with tired homesick people, and not in your typical, robitical, socially awkward way, but in a way that rings true. I mean after all, when the chips are down, and the Tyranids are at your door, they’re all soldiers and they all want the same thing… right?
As a final note, the Mechanicum are going after irreplaceable artefacts all the time and this story had the potential to feel like it was just another day in the life of a Skitarii. But the scenario and brief lore that we’re given about this artefact was clever, and quite effective at making it feel interesting and like a unique story.
If you’re not a fan of the Ad Mech, you may find this story frustrating as it is from the POV of a Skitarii. But if you like them, or don’t mind them, I’d say you should give this story a look. I’ve listened to it multiple times and it hasn’t gotten old yet.
The Emperor Protects