The Awakening on Ferrosiun Prime and the Garmenes Incident: 10–11.024M42

As the conflicts in the Rifts of Hecate continued to escalate in 024M42, the re-emerging Necron threat revealed itself as a destabilising force in the region. Though overshadowed by the larger struggles between the Imperium, the Alliance, and Hive Fleet Poseidon, the Necron activity across several worlds began to disrupt even the best-laid plans of all factions, sowing chaos in the already tumultuous warzones.

The Ferrosiun Prime Device

Ferrosiun Prime, an ork-dominated world in the Rifts, had long been a contested planet, rich in both strategic value and ancient ruins. The orks had claimed the planet for their own, fortifying it with crude but effective fortresses and war machines. Beneath the surface, however, lay dormant Necron machinery, likely a relic of the planet’s forgotten past as part of the Necron dynasties.

In 10.024M42, a small ork kill team—likely under orders from a particularly ambitious warboss—attempted to sabotage a mysterious Necron apparatus they had discovered during their excavations. The orks, while uncharacteristically focused, underestimated the power of the Necrons guarding the site. The Necron defenders, perhaps aware of the orks’ intentions, activated the ancient machinery, unleashing devastating seismic and energy pulses that obliterated several nearby ork fortifications. Though the orks regrouped and reinforced their positions, the activation of the device established Necron control over a significant swath of Ferrosiun Prime.

The destruction of the ork strongholds created a power vacuum on the planet, with Necron forces steadily increasing their presence. The fate of the planet’s surface was thrown into question, as neither the orks nor other factions appeared capable of challenging the awakened Necrons.

The Garmenes Incident

Meanwhile, in the Rifts of Hecate’s eastern limit, the Tau Empire had established a research base at Garmenes, a frontier world where archaeological finds hinted at ancient xenos civilisations. The base served as a hub for the Tau’s diplomatic and military operations in the region, and in 11.024M42, it received an unusual delegation from the Federacy.

This delegation, comprised of Federal scientists and engineers supported by Votann Kin warriors, sought Tau collaboration to explore and exploit the Necron tombs beneath the planet’s surface. The Kin, known for their technical acumen and battle-hardened infantry, were well-equipped for such an expedition, and the Tau saw an opportunity to deepen their alliance with the Federacy while expanding their understanding of Necron technology.

However, the tomb on Garmenes was no dormant relic. Upon breaching its outer chambers, the Votann and Federal team inadvertently activated its defenses. The Necron constructs within awoke swiftly, cutting off the intruders’ retreat. Despite the formidable capabilities of the Kin warriors, the Necrons overwhelmed them with relentless precision. Reports indicate that Necron Deathmarks and Flayed Ones, supported by Canoptek constructs, systematically hunted down and destroyed the Votann forces within the tomb’s confines.

The Tau, unwilling to risk their own troops against such a relentless foe, declared the tomb off-limits and withdrew their personnel from the area, leaving the Necron site undisturbed. The Federacy’s losses were significant, and relations between the two allies were strained as the Kin accused the Tau of underestimating the danger.

Conclusion

By late 11.024M42, the Necrons had reasserted their presence in the Rifts of Hecate, not as major participants in the larger conflict but as a disruptive force capable of derailing the plans of their would-be usurpers. On Ferrosiun Prime, the orks found themselves forced to adapt to the sudden loss of key strongholds, while on Garmenes, the Federacy and Tau were reminded of the peril inherent in disturbing Necron tombs.