Ferrugo Pass: Tor Megiddo - part 16 - The Heart of the Machine

Alarms blared. Red warning lights flashed.

The Rustking was calling.

Anomaly Protocol rushed through decaying corridors: 

The Rustking was calling.

In the darkness within the Cauldron the invaders had cut their way into the Sanctum Mechanicus. 

The Rustking was calling.

In a hiss of steam and a burst of sparks, the gigantic Magos extracted himself from the command and control nodes and scuttled toward the ascensorium that could take him higher into the megalithic structure of the Tor. 

The Rustking was calling.

His attendants followed and fussed about him, trying to stabilise his failing systems, chanting the litany of repair and the benediction of the Omnissiah, anointing him with holy promethium. All their efforts were frustrated though, as the Rustking was ancient - he had ruled the Cauldron for years beyond count and those years were taking their toll now. He often paused, ticked and whirred immobile for a few seconds, then started moving again. His attendants exchanged worried glances and did their best to herd him toward the doors to the next chamber. 

He transmitted tacticopredictive engrams, instructions and orders continuously in pure ancient binharic cant.

The Rustking was calling.

+++

This mission was "Extraction", from Kill Team Commanders. I was the attacker and I used the Rustking as a Magos Dominus with a Volkite Blaster, an Omnissian Axe and a Macrostubber. He started the game with -1 wound and a Flesh Wound. Our objectives were simple: I had to keep him alive and Viktor had to kill him.

+++

The Purebred approached from two directions - splitting their numbers in order to increase the speed of their search for the Rustking.

Anomaly Protocol reached the door to the Rustking's location.

The Rustking was cycling through diagnostic engrams.

The Purebred got closer...

... and closer.

Anomaly Protocol rushed into the room and hurded the Rustking toward the door.

The Purebred tried a few doors and found empty rooms.

Daktov transmitted security codes and the Rustking eventually acknowledged.

The Purebred paused at a door - something was making noises beyond it!

Great Father Arun gave his final orders for the attack.

The Rustking turned and backed through the last door, his weapons came online and he (finally!) activated his defenses.

The first wave of the Purebred appeared round a corner and fired on the Para-Skitarii.

But they were in cover and ready for the attack!

Decima and Ruddle picked off Snapper and wounded Dez. Daktov shot Dez. Gudget took two hits but still managed to return fire with his plasma weapon.

The Rustking's arsenal of archeotech weapons burst into firey life: Larg was ripped to pieces!

With one wave of attackers neutralised the Para-Skitarii got ready for a second assault. Ruddle's omnispex detected them on the other side of the door. Gudget jumped the makeshift barricade and levelled his gun again. 

But the Rustking froze! His assistants and attendants pulled on his robes and shouted at him to move but he was totally unresponsive!

Daktov tried to lock the door...

But the Purebred forced it open.

And charged!

The Rustking, though imobile, was still a formidable target and his armour and bionic limbs withstood most of the damage the Purebred inflicted.

Arun's great chain-glaive glaced of the Rustking, metal screeching against metal.

Daktov blasted shot after shot at Kurk, but every one of his desperate volley missed!

The Purebread fired on Anomaly Protocol but the Para-Skitarii were well armoured and in cover and were unharmed.

Daktov charged!

Kurk charged Daktov, yash charged Gudget. The fight became a swirling chaotic mess.

Great Father Arun ignored everyone but the Rustking - smashing his bulk against the ancient Magos.

He found a weak spot in the Rustking's armour and drive his chain-glaive in deep...

The attendants panicked and fled. The Para-Skitarii were aghast! Was the king dead?!

+++

Against the odds, Viktor slaughtered the Rustking! Even though he had a 4 wounds and a 2+ save and could ignore the save penalty from -1AP weapons, I somehow managed to fail a lot of armour saves in Turn 4! Great Father Arun is an absolute beast now.

Viktor's side of this adventure is here.

Time for the monsters hidden in Anomaly Protocol's darkest dungeons to be unleashed!