By the Will of the Machine God

Research Macro: 13
Research Micro: 70
Research Gellar: 58

On the chamber stood Admiral-Regent Hestus Koval of the Basilikon Astra, observing the display with a restrained expression. As the faction tasked with void fleet operations and orbital defense, Koval's eyes were trained for potential applications that could protect Mars' fortified vessels and orbital stations.

Turning to Magos Vehlaris-00302, Koval spoke. "And this… if these warded Gellar-Fields were applied to station hubs or anchor points in volatile systems, this could sustain Hive-sized safe zones. With such protection, our fleet could create stable landfall zones on distant planets. Are you confident this field would resist focused warp fluctuations?"

Vehlaris nodded. "Initial trials indicate successful stability against warp-based incursions and disturbances over sustained periods. Applied to Basilikon Astra's void ports, these fields could be used to secure stable transport and supply lines even in hostile regions of space."

Koval's fingers tightened around his staff, the implications taking root. "With this scale of warding, we could establish and hold key stations for supply routes, ensuring continuity even in contested or warp-tainted regions. Our fleets would find reinforcement and safety, Hive by Hive, as they bring the light of the Machine God into chaos-infested sectors."

Vehlaris' bionics flashed in acknowledgment. "Precisely, Regent. In concert with your fleets, these wards could stabilize war-torn territories and safeguard the Machine God's works wherever they are needed."


The hall of the Ephemeralis Astra Castellum was filled with a quiet, anticipatory hum as Magos Majoris Iomede-35 presented the newest doctrines before representatives of allied Mechanicum factions. Flanking her were diagrams of enhanced armor configurations, psychically insulated constructs, and sleek neural interfaces, each designed to elevate the Magi Ætheric's combat effectiveness and psychic resilience.

"We have restructured our approach to combat against warp threats," Iomede began, her voice amplified by the vox-relays. "These protocols integrate our PsyTech advancements into the direct training and fortification of every operative. Integrated Combat and PsyTech Readiness will not only safeguard us but will make each of our warriors a sentinel against the Empyrean."

Among the observers, murmurs of approval flickered through the ranks. Magos Seleron of the Legio Cybernetica leaned forward, optics whirring as they assessed the new combat schematics.

"This doctrine is adaptive," Seleron remarked. "Our Battle-Automata could benefit from its layering of mental warding within close combat operations, reducing vulnerability to psyflame and chaos disruptions." He paused, his gaze fixed on the schematics. "The integration of Psychic Resilience will do more than protect— it will bolster us against sudden, high-stress warp incidents."

Magos Majoris Vehlaris-00302 continued from Iomede's side, "And with each operation, psychic resilience training will become second nature. Magi and warriors alike will carry the Machine God's ward in their minds and souls, withstanding psychological attacks as readily as physical ones."

The Explorator representative, Magos Liraek, spoke up. "The practical applications are broad. During expeditions, combatants could defend sensitive relics without fear of taint, and operatives will be prepared for the unknown."

"Indeed," Iomede replied. "Each operative will undergo rites of fortification, equipping both mind and machine with resilience. This doctrine will create cohesion among combatants, a seamless integration of PsyTech in everyday battle operations."

Vehlaris nodded in agreement, adding, "With each drill, each restructured training, they become an extension of the Machine God's will. A conduit of mind and metal, prepared to confront the Immaterium."

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You Have 3 [Three] Actions.
[ ] [General] Expand the Castellum
The Ephemeralis Astra Castellum, already a beacon of knowledge and defense, can evolve into an even greater citadel of power and discovery.

[ ] [General] Forge Alliances (Who?)
Now that our faction has the respect of Mars' other Tech-Priests, the opportunity to forge alliances with influential Mechanicum factions presents itself.

[ ] [Military] Redesigning the Doctrines
This updated doctrine ensures their forces are adaptive, vigilant, and spiritually fortified, merging human ingenuity with warded automation to confront and conquer even the darkest horrors of the Empyrean.

[ ] [Military] Exploratory Missions Support
Onwards. For Humanity. To reclaim what was lost. To purge the Darkness of the Long Night. For the Machine God. We March.

[ ] [Research] Enhance the Wards' Capabilities
Currently, the Wards are powerful, but they are also fragile and limited in scope. Further research could yield advancements in durability, range, and flexibility.

[ ] [Research] The Question of the Machine Soul
The Wards, as they stand, protect the spiritual aspect of the sacred Machine that reside within the vast array of Mechanicum technology. With the Magi Ætheric possessing this groundbreaking ability, the potential for greater communion with the Machine Spirit becomes tantalizingly within reach.

[ ] [Research] Develop New Warp-Related Technologies
The Warp Drive and Gellar Field are merely the first steps in the exploitation of Warp energies. With the Ephemeralis Astra Castellum built, the Magi Ætheric can now seek to develop new machines, perhaps even ships, that interact directly with the Warp in novel ways within a... safe-ish environment.