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Forces of Warmachine - Cephalyx PDF
Forces of Warmachine - Cephalyx PDF
2
A Mind is a terrible thing to lose
Faction Background Playing Cephalyx
Lurking deep below the earth, the dreaded and inscrutable Cephalyx armies have two distinct elements: the Cephalyx
beings called cephalyx tirelessly perform diabolical themselves and their mind slaves (the drudges and
experiments on their captives within blood-soaked monstrosities). With high STR and ARM values, the mind
laboratories. Masters of powerful psychic energies and slaves function as the muscle for the army, while the
advanced surgery, the cephalyx shape both the minds and Cephalyx function as the armys brain. They act as nodes of
bodies of lesser creatures to suit their sinister agenda. influence and power that radiate outward to their hapless
slaves. The armys duality extends to its operation on the
The society of these purely cerebral beings depends on a
table as well.
steady influx of living prisoners for use as experimental
test subjects and to become heavily modified laborers and Cephalyx leaders are all about control and manipulation.
warrior slaves within their vast underground hives. The Whether its a Mind Bender channeling spells through its
need for fresh flesh leads these alien beings to emerge for drudges, an Agitator empowering all nearby drudges and
raids against the people of the Iron Kingdoms. Innocent monstrosities to hit harder, or Exulon Thexus telekinetically
victims are hauled away and soon find themselves moving nearly every model on the table at once to clear charge
strapped to cold metal operating tables before receiving lanes, disrupt unit coherency, or redefine the control of scenario
the cruel surgical ministrations of their new masters. objectives, Cephalyx excel at influence and exploitation.
Once a subjects will has been cut away and the body altered The drudges and monstrosities, on the other hand, are the
and augmented through cephalomekthe cephalyxs factions tools. Whereas the Cephalyx deal in subtlety and
hybrid of surgery and engineeringa victim becomes dominance, the mind slaves embody raw force and brutality.
a wholly enslaved drudge. Some are selected for more They wield their strength in utter deference to their masters,
extensive procedures and are transformed into hulking often suffering damage in their place to keep the Cephalyx
monstrosities. These enslaved creatures are sent forth by war machine intact.
their masters to help capture their fellow countrymen,
Enslave lesser creatures to your indomitable will and lay
who will endure the same horrifying fate.
waste to those who would hinder your plans!
Table of Contents
A Battle of Wills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Model Entries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Will to Dominate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Painting Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Cephalyx Rules Model Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
& Theme Force. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
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3
A Battle of Wills
The Foundry of Astroseismology, Below Occupied Llael, 608 AR
The powerful pulsing heart fueling the Foundry of flesh could be exploited. He could increase muscle mass
Astroseismology was buried deep within the soil and rock and size to incredible proportions through electrical and
of Caen, deeper even than the halls and workshops to alchemical stimulation. He could fortify bone to be as
which it fed its energies. It occupied a massive expanded resilient as steel. He could augment reaction time through
cylindrical crevice that soared hundreds of feet above the manipulating and rerouting autonomic nervous systems.
foundry and plunged thousands of feet below it, into the He could rapidly grow and expand dermal thickness
very mantle of Caen. The monolithic tower formed a perfect and surface area to suit alterations in form while making
concentric circle within the wider chamber around it. Pale skin almost impervious. Finally and most importantly, he
blue light shone from various nodes and conduits upon the could restructure the brain and give such creatures a better
structures metallic surface, illuminating the darkness and purposefulfillment through autonomic obedience to the
pulsing to the rhythmic thrum of machinery. cephalyx. No more would the anxieties of a weak and only
partially sentient mind trouble them.
Exulon Thexus floated alone above a steel platform ringing
the titanic machine the Cyrissists called a nexus generator. The Cryxian necrotechs and necrosurgeons had some intimation
multiple lenses on the helm encasing his bulbous augmented of the energy potential of organic structures. Thexus had
brain glowed with their own light as he studied the machine watched them within their necrofactoriums beneath the
heart of the Cyrissist facility. Once, this place had frustrated Thornwood with amusement. Their necromancy was
Thexus, the enigma of its creation and the means by which it interesting but flawed. The true power was not within
functioned impenetrable even to his prodigious intellect. The rotted putrefaction but rather in living tissue, within
mechanisms of the Convergence had always confounded the the electrical firing of neurons, the endothermic heat of
cephalyx, as though fundamentally incompatible with their mitochondrial reactions, and the pumping of blood through
understanding of science. the cardiovascular system as it delivered precious fuel to
the organs. Death robbed flesh of its potential.
On numerous occasions cephalyx had driven the
Convergence from their machine lairs, seizing their power Thexus and his subordinates had been here for years,
generators to use for themselves. They did not know how repurposing the Cyrissist machines for their hive, which
such machines operated, but they had learned how to exploit was centered below the Thornwood. The few hundred
the flows of energy they produced. Yet every time, the humans and their warjacks far above were a mere annoyance
machines eventually failed and could not be restored. Thexus compared to the force Thexus could summon. But there
hoped to break this cycle, to re-create Convergence power was something else above, something on the fringes of
sources and make them his own. Others of his kind shunned his telepathic range that was elusive and yet familiar. It
such knowledge as tainted by Cyrissist methodologies, scratched at the periphery of his awareness.
but Thexus saw this as ignorance. He intended to give his
The mental voice of Overlord Crathos reached him.
hive access to nearly inexhaustible energy, which would
<<Request for direct contact, Exulon.>>
afford them the leverage and strength they needed to attain
unrivaled supremacy. If Thexus achieved this, his dominance Initiating contact with an exulon without permission was a
over the other exulons would be assured. potentially deadly breach in etiquette for the lower castes.
An offending cephalyx might have his mind instantly
Thexus let his attention return to the battle that raged above
obliterated for failing to show proper deference.
in the foundry complex. Such was his ability that he could
clearly discern the emotionally broadcast surface thoughts Thexus acknowledged the overlord with the briefest of
of the enemy. Fear, pain, anger, loss, bravery, sacrifice, thoughts, then lowered his mental barriers to allow the
deatheach was a note amid a cacophonous maelstrom, lesser cephalyx to reach into the outermost folds of his
one he found stimulating rather than overwhelming. mind. The two established a stronger information conduit.
Words were highly inefficient for any significant transfer
The humans fought to save their fellows from his grasp,
of information, and Crathos had much to share. Thexus
reacting to the survival instinct every living thing knew.
experienced a flood of the overlords recent memories.
Such creatures were pitiful in their unthinking resistance.
Each believed the illusion of free will, while true autonomy So Lucant returns to reclaim what he lost, Thexus thought. He
was impossible for such lesser minds. Though they now recognized what had been disturbing his telepathic
would never accept it, they were better off as drudges or sensesthe clockwork minds of the Convergence of
monstrosities within a hive, where their lives could at least Cyriss, led by one he had faced in battle before. They were
be useful, where the endless possibility in their malleable here in strength.
4
Nothing was more
antithetical to the cephalyx
than the Convergence,
yet Thexus had been
forced to scrutinize their
work over many years.
What he had discovered
was disquieting but also
tantalizing. Loathsome
as they might be, their
knowledge had to be
confronted, not avoided,
though he was alone
among the exulons in
believing this. Thexus
pondered for a moment,
listening to the mental
emanations from those
embattled above while
focusing his gaze on the
pulsing lights of the nexus
generator.
Even as a portion of
his mind remained
on those thoughts, he
turned the majority of
his attention to a small
cylinder sitting upon one
of the nearby consoles.
It, too, glowed with its
own light. Years ago that
light had mirrored the
soft blue luminance that
permeated this facility;
now it swirled with an
angry mixture of orange
and red.
5
A Battle of Wills
and given vivid detail by his sublime intellect. He moved eyes were fixed on the ceiling, and his mouth moved with
quickly, driven by an emotion he had not experienced for silent words. Thexus extended a slender tendril of his psyche
some time: excitement. toward the optifex and encountered a barrier of mathematical
theory repeated like a mantra or a prayer. The loop of dense
Thexus reached a passageway branching off the main tunnel
formulae served to shield the mans deeper thoughts.
and followed it until it ended in a small chamber. The prison
cell contained a low table fitted with manacles as well as an <<A strong will,>> Thexus noted.
assortment of racks along the walls that held surgical tools
<<Yes, Exulon,>> Crathos agreed. <<Shall I begin flesh
equally adaptable to inflicting pain as to performing other
mortification? I can weaken his defenses.>>
procedures. They were displayed as much for their unsettling
impact on the subject as for any pragmatic purpose, as Thexus felt a surge of irritation that Crathos assumed he
this chamber was utilized primarily for the extraction of needed to resort to such crude methods. The overlord felt
information from mortal minds. Thexus considered such his displeasure, experienced as a roiling mental storm
physical ministrations crude but acknowledged they had across the conduit between them. Crathos shrank back and
their uses. Scouring lesser minds telepathically frequently offered mental obeisance.
resulted in irreparable damage to them.
Thexus sent, <<If he will not bend, he shall break. Then I
A priority subject was currently bound to the table. can seize what I need from the fragments that remain.>>
Overlord Crathos floated at the head of the table next to a
He could have chosen to send the subjects brain to the
pair of drudges. The augmented slaves were not equipped
preservers, a caste that could carefully slice and disassemble
for combat. Instead their arms were fitted with more subtle
a mind to absorb its component pieces, but Thexus disdained
instruments: barbed pincers, hooked scalpel-like blades,
those lowly beings and their slow methods. He preferred to
and spiked rods designed for agonizing penetration. The
handle the matter himself.
various implements wielded by Crathos himself were
extended and ready over the subject. Thexus reached out again with several sharper and
stronger mental probes. The optifexs mind was strong,
Opening the communication conduit, Thexus sent,
his conditioning with the Convergence impressive, but
<<Crathos, I am here.>>
he was only human. The first probe was deflected, but
<<Exulon. The subject is ready.>> Crathos telepathic before the barrier recovered, three more daggers of mental
greeting carried the appropriate respectful deference. force thrust deeply through the priests outer mind, and
his defenses crumbled. A wave of terror and revulsion
Thexus floated to the foot of the table, his metal prostheses
rose within the optifex's mind and he writhed on the
moving forward in anticipation around the large oblong
table. With another part of his intellect, Thexus had the
metal encasement surrounding his skull. The bound human
drudges hold the man still. He burrowed deeper, picking
was an adult male with skin as pale as the attending
up bits of information about the optifex as he did. The
drudges. He was a member of the Convergence, most of
mans name: Hestus. Unimportant. His position: part of a
whom lived a subterranean existence as the cephalyx did.
minor directive within the Temple of the Prime Harmonic,
His body was strong, corded with muscle from years of
recently transferred to a newer priority facility. Intriguing.
labor hauling heavy equipment. That the Convergence
Thexus wormed deeper still, and then he heard the man
subjugated its members to menial work was but one of their
speak, giving voice to his torment for the first time.
many loathsome aspects.
Will not... The voice was a ragged whisper, and the
The cephalyx had fought the Convergence for centuries;
cords on the mans neck stood out with the strain of trying
Thexus and his hive had warred with them many times. Their
to fight off Thexus probing assault. Must not... Louder,
clockwork soldiers underwent an aberrant transformation
more desperate. He was hiding something, guarding it.
into machinery, which served to put their minds beyond
ordinary psychic manipulation. Fortunately it was a state Thexus calmly exerted more pressure, slowly bringing
they had to earn. The captive was an optifex, a priest. This additional tendrils of his towering intellect to bear against
was a high caste among them, but he was a junior member the inferior mind. He withheld his full psychic strength, as
and had not made the transition to a machine body. Most of it would be quite easy to erase the mans mind utterly. A
what the cephalyx had learned of the foe came from captives single stray surge of energy could sever delicate connections
like this. His living brain awaited their perusal, and Thexus between neurons. The optifex still fought, trying to force
hungered to add its energies to his own. Thexus out and keep something hidden. The attempt was
feeble and did nothing more than damage his own brain.
Crathos had removed the optifexs helmet, revealing a blunt-
Thexus could feel blood vessels rupturing, and he quickly
featured face beneath a shaven pate. The machine-priests
stemmed the bleeding while he simultaneously tapped into
6
the mans neurochemistry and released endorphins and
dopamine to calm his victim and make him more pliable.
He sent to the overlord, <<Prepare this one as a labor Thexus selectively revealed the knowledge he had gained.
drudge. All higher capacity is gone.>> In this condition, the The initial images were memories he had excised from the
subject would be useless for most experiments. captured optifex. He allowed his fellow exulons to review
the information from his mind, while at the same time
<<Exulon, may I ask what you found?>> Crathos asked.
using the mental connection with them to subtly probe
It was an impertinence, one Thexus might have used as their thoughts. He could feel the other exulons doing the
an excuse to slay or punish the overlord. But he found same to him and the others. A multitude of subtle mental
himself in a forgiving mood. Instead, he deigned to reply, tendrils knotted and extended between them, probing and
<<Opportunity.>> tangling in an unspoken skirmish war of mental influence,
7
A Battle of Wills
which was customary for these gatherings. Few among the the Cryxian alliance. Let me expend that strength for the
other exulons could match Thexus mental strength and advancement of the hive.>>
precision, and it caused him little strain to avert their probes
Thexus waited and monitored the ripples his proposal
while sending out his own.
caused within the assembly. Two of his less-astute rivals
Exulon Pyrexus was the first to be heard. <<The facility you immediately reversed themselves, seeing his proposal
have shown is impressive. But any attempt to claim it now as a way to weaken him. Reminding the assembly of his
would be foolish. It is too large, the Cyrissists too strongly current strength had been calculated to elicit this response.
fortified. The risks are too great. You would expend more The shrewder exulons, however, were wary. They saw
than you would gain. I reject this proposal outright.>> the calculated gamble for what it was. Thexus knew they
were trying to determine his broader gambit. Despite their
Thexus felt agreement from the other exulons, threatening
hesitation, a new rapidly interweaving structure of mental
an immediate shift toward consensus against him. In the
accord was falling into place. The other exulons continued
aggregate the others could overpower him, but as yet they
to debate in rapid exchanges of thought, but Thexus already
lacked shared conviction. He chose to display his strength.
knew the outcome: consensus, with his thoughts dominant.
Using the small footholds he had made while probing the
others minds, he weakened their defenses so his telepathic Those exulons Thexus considered true rivals betrayed their
voice could drown out theirs. <<We must take risks if we unease. He felt particular satisfaction at their suspicion he
are to reclaim and exceed what we once were. It is utterly had outmaneuvered them, though they could not see how.
false that we would expend more than we would gain. This He almost regretted that they could not apprehend the full
facility could increase our military strength tenfold.>> extent of his plans.
He would take the Cyrissist complex alone, and its spoils and
eventual production would be his to allocate. His plan was
Designed to melt steel, the
dangerous, but nothing of worth was gained without risk.
torchs flame reduced the
drudges exposed skin to ash,
revealing white bone beneath.
8
be perfect for staging his invading force. Once established, increased glycolysis utilizing xyreuan reservoir. Increase in
Thexus subordinates could overwhelm the sentries before performance over forty-five percent.
the Convergence could organize a proper defense. It was
Thexus carefully analyzed each organic and cephalomek
this knowledge that had convinced him victory was possible
system. He made slight adjustments through various
without the aid of the entire hive, whose numbers he would
customized pathways installed in each monstrosity,
otherwise have required.
ensuring peak performance.
Not for the first time since leaving the exulon assembly,
With one final blow the monstrosities smashed through
Thexus enjoyed the anticipation of the gamble he had made
the last earthen barrier and into the Convergence
in coming here. There was risk. Even if he was victorious
complex beyond. Thexus subordinate cephalyx pushed
in the short run, he could still face eventual defeat. Were
their drudges forward as one. They surged around the
he to lose too many resources, his position and influence
monstrosities, who stepped back to allow their smaller
among the assembly could be dangerously compromised. A
counterparts into the facility. Thexus heard the whir
remote facility like this would be manned almost entirely by
of drudge weaponry and mechanical shouts of alarm
clockwork soldiers and priests, with few living members.
ahead. Over these voices came the booming sounds of the
For the work he intended to do to convert this facility to
Cyrissists own tunneling equipment.
his use he needed a large supply of able drudges. He had
to rely on Cryx to provide these, lest he be forced to beg for Thexus watched through his connection with his
support from the other exulons, giving them access to his monstrosities. There were a number of clockwork vessels
hard-won reward. It was a precarious balance. within the room, most of them bearing little resemblance
to humans. Instead these vessels were designed for
Entire sections of his divided intellect were devoted to
subterranean construction work. The majority were large,
the planning of these future tasks, including calculating
squat, multi-legged entities that boasted an array of
odds, contingencies, and possibleif unlikelyscenarios.
demolition and construction tools upon multi-functional,
Other sections of his mind were occupied with cephalomek
geared arm arrays. Other clockwork beings were moving
projects still underway, which he had left in the hands of
debris at the behest of the engineers. Thexus recognized
capable subordinates but which he feared his rivals might
their frames from previous engagements with the
interfere with during his absence. There had been little
Convergence; they possessed the same warrior bodies as
else to occupy him over the many days of tunneling. That
the ones employed by combat units such as reciprocators
would soon end; the drudges were just minutes away from
and eradicators, but these were not presently armed for
breaching the outer walls of the Convergence complex.
combat. This matched the information he had wrested
He had the drudges at the front make way for a pair of from the optifex.
warden monstrosities, which brought their own strength
Even considering the drudges artificially enhanced skeletal
to bear on the wall. When his force broke through into
frames and musculature, the Convergence constructs
the facility, the monstrosities would be in place to quickly
towered over them, but the enemy was unprepared and
neutralize any Convergence workers. An early alarm would
significantly outnumbered. Thexus kept his monstrosities
be catastrophic.
in reserve, unwilling to risk damage to them with the real
Thexus thoughts flowed into the monstrosities brains conflict yet to come.
to activate adrenal glands and manipulate aggression
Thexus watched as several drudges engaged one of
responses. Through this connection Thexus felt thick
the engineers. Though the engineer lacked true combat
strands of artificially grown muscle flexing and straining
weapons, the construction tools upon its limbs were quite
and the heady rush of blood pumping through enhanced
capable of inflicting harm. It brought down a welding
vascular systems.
torch and swept a blue-white spear of flame at an incoming
As information flowed back through his link with the drudge. Designed to melt steel, the torchs flame reduced the
monstrosities, Thexus analyzed the data. drudges exposed skin to ash, revealing white bone beneath,
while the skin farther away bubbled and sloughed off.
Pulse 190. Increase levels of norepinephrine utilizing tyrosine
module. Lactic acid buildup significant. Reduction in performance The drudge was incapable of thoughts of self-preservation,
predicted as high as thirty percent. Increase vascular flow to and neural implants and synapse blockers rendered it
anterior and posterior arm and shoulder compartments. Release immune to pain. At its cephalyxs bidding, it pushed
additional stores of sarcolemma proteins to speed lactic acid forward, its right clamp closing upon the strut attaching
removal. Use Jihaxian bypass conduits to speed transit of blood the torch to the engineers multi-tool arm. Eliciting a
to heart for oxidization. Increase flow of epinephrine to promote squeal of protesting metal, the drudge bent the strut back
9
A Battle of Wills
to point harmlessly at the ceiling. With its other clamp, was comprised of an infinitude of interlocking geometrical
the drudge gripped one of the engineers crab-like legs, patterns whose motions were strangely hypnotic.
mangling an exposed gear joint. Other drudges swarmed
He felt the strange consciousness become aware of him and
over the larger engineer, drills, saws, and blades tearing
he recoiled. A lesser intellect might have failed to conceal
through its chromed steel and into the delicate clockwork
itself in that moment of vulnerability, but Thexus instantly
mechanisms beneath.
brought up his mental barriers and obfuscated his presence.
The scene was similar across the unfinished chamber, with He sensed the anomalous consciousness sweep through the
drudges dismantling the clockwork vessels with brutal complex.
efficiency. The engineering vessels put up considerable
It searches for me, Thexus thought. Interesting.
resistance, but they had been caught off guard and their
forms were not optimized for combat. Within minutes, only
piles of torn steel and smashed servos remained of them.
Thexus sent a mental command for his subordinates to
destroy the Cyrissists essence chambers, which served as The once-spotless chromed steel walls in the halls of the
their seats of reason. The manner in which the Convergence Foundry of Astroseismology were stained with sprays of
inhabited their clockwork vessels left their psyches as sterile arterial crimson and greasy brown hydraulic fluid. Drudge
and unfathomable as their loathsome metal bodies. Because corpsesbronze helmets smashed, bodies sliced open,
he could not touch or feed upon their minds, he took little bones splinteredwere a contrast to the crumpled steel
pleasure in their eradication, necessary as it was. and shattered gears of their clockwork foes. The whine of
With the chamber secured, Thexus moved into the saw blades and combat drills screeched through the halls,
Convergence foundry. His wardens remained in front, ready answered by the rhythmic click of machine gears and the
to shield their master from retaliation. Behind him came the buzzing of voltaic generators.
footfalls of more monstrosities, the rhythmic thumping of Cephalyx agitators focused their psyches to activate neural
their heavy tread amplified by the acoustics of the tunnel. implants in nearby drudges and monstrosities. Their
He also heard the harsh sound of steel scraping against invisible touch within the sympathetic nervous systems and
stone: the wreckers dragging their massive chain weapons amygdalae of their subjects released a rush of hormones
behind them. Though Thexus preferred the carnage the that pushed them far beyond their ordinary capabilities.
wreckers could inflict, he had brought only two, knowing In addition, the agitators touch opened the morpherus
they would likely have insufficient room to swing their gland, a cephalomek enhancement that dampened certain
devastating weapons in the complexs halls. He relied more neural pathways to make the drudges even more receptive
on the four subduers marching behind; their net launchers to fine-tuned mind slaver control. Each endured a sudden,
gave him considerable tactical flexibility. explosive adrenal release, creating a surge in muscular
The exulon set his army to their tasks. He had mapped out power that vastly augmented its fighting abilities.
several key objectives for his forces based on the layout he had Whipped into momentary frenzy, the drudges rushed
discerned in the dying mind of the optifex. Thexus paused the gleaming ranks of obstructors seeking to block their
and watched his forces pour into the pale blue corridors progress further into the facility. The riled drudges tore into
beyond the breach. He extended his consciousness, seeking the Convergence soldiers wall of mechanikally interlocked
others. He could sense them, even those trapped within their shields, using their own bulk and cephalomek weaponry
metal shells, but the facility had that familiar wrongness that to smash through the shields and the clockwork vessels
pervaded the Convergence. The emanations here were stale behind them. The heavy heads of teleflails whistled over
and unsavory. There were some few living minds, but even the broken shield wall to strike with bone-cracking thumps.
they seemed diminished, as their indoctrination created Despite the trauma, few drudges fell, their surgically
rigid and sterile mental patterns. enhanced bodies absorbing blows that would be fatal to less
As he sifted through the echoes of awareness above, a well-designed beings.
unique note piqued his curiosity. He sensed something no As the line of obstructors disintegrated, a chattering like
less stale and dead but strangely powerful. It reminded him that of a swarm of mechanikal insects filled the hall, and
of encountering Lich Lord Asphyxious, whose formidable a glittering silver cloud obscured the melee. Thousands of
intellect was trapped in bone and blackened iron. The entity intricately constructed steel clockwork mechanisms barely
he sensed now flared brightly, suggesting thoughts with larger than houseflies descended upon the drudges. Each
individuality and complexity beyond all others within the tiny construct was armed with a set of razor-sharp spring
facility. He focused on this, intrigued. The mental energy blades that chewed inexorably through anything in its path.
10
One such mechanism would pose little danger, but the his attention. Thexus felt a surge of curiosity. At nearly the
swarm of buzzing clockwork weapons reduced drudges to same moment, Thexus felt the Convergence warcasters
strips of bloody meat clinging to gnawed bone. reciprocal awareness of him. They shared a brief moment of
indirect mental contact.
Thexus commanded one of his wreckers forward, feeling
rising irritation at the Convergence resistance. Despite Pouring his energy into the connection, Thexus forced a
the monstrosities size, the wide hallway was easily able single focused thought at the Convergence warcaster, an
to fit two of the hulking organic constructs shoulder- image of the cephalyx assault forces combined with a
to-shoulder. Unfortunately, the size of the hallway also single message.
meant the Convergence was able to bring more of their
<<I am coming.>>
numbers to bear.
To Thexus surprise he felt a white-hot flare of indignation
Wanting to keep the enemy off-balance, Thexus summoned
from the Convergence warcaster, a burst of pure emotion
a blast of dark psychic energy, using the rapidly advancing
such as he rarely felt within the clockwork ranks, clear
wrecker as a conduit. The mental conjuration seared the
even across the distance that separated them. He watched
monstrosity, scoring its pale skin with black lines, before
through Overlord Moximortirs eyes as the warcaster
shooting a ball of crackling ebon force at the reductors, who
charged alongside two vectors he recognized as Ciphers.
were reloading their swarm projectors. The rending psychic
Their piston spikes punched through the drudges
power impacted them with a boom like thunder and rapidly
protecting Moximortir in explosions of crimson gore and
expanded, ripping apart multiple reductors.
viscera. Capitalizing on the opening, the warcaster pushed
Before the remaining Convergence soldiers could recover, past the remaining drudges, ignoring the blows flickering
the wrecker was upon them, its giant flails whirring through off his power field. Thexus heard Moximortirs desperate
the air and landing with staggering force. Clockwork mental command for his drudges to stop the advancing
vessels not crushed beneath its blows were sent flying. warcaster. Moximortir pushed forward his mechanikal
Their chromed bodies crashed into the walls of the complex prostheses in an attempt to shield himself, and with a
hard enough to buckle the steel plating before exploding in single sweep of his staff the Convergence leader shattered
a spray of gears and servos. them. The impact did not slow the fatal blow, and before
the mental connection with Moximortir faded to nothing,
Pulse 210. Muscle fatigue minimum. Lactic acid buildup within
Thexus heard the warcasters mechanical audio vox reply.
standard parameters. Norepinephrine and epinephrine levels at
peak. Physical trauma superficial. Thexus took a moment to No. I am coming for you.
search the wreckers mind for its creators imprint. Lexulus.
Admirable work.
Their piston spikes punched
The exulon signaled for his forces to press the advantage through the drudges
now that the wrecker had broken the Convergence line. He protecting Moximortir in
could sense the approach of further Cyrissist reinforcements.
explosions of crimson gore.
Taking advantage of the pause, Thexus extended his psyche
to contact his subordinate overlords who were overseeing
fighting elsewhere in the complex. The size of the facility Thexus remained motionless for several moments, lost in
strained even his considerable telepathic reach. contemplation over the last mental notes he had pulled
from Moximortir before the overlords destruction. The
Overlords Gravita and Hiraximor were making excellent
thoughts had carried an identityLucant. He considered
progress, and images of their successes flashed through
the name as he planned his next move. This Cyrissist was
Thexus awareness. Overlord Moximortir, however, was
intriguing, his mental aspect much more vibrant than any
clearly waging a losing battle. Thexus focused on his
clockwork being he had faced beforeand so much more
connection with the beleaguered overlord to get a better
vigorous when incited.
sense of the tactical situation.
The exulon looked at the corpse-littered hallway and
Images of the Convergence fighting machines called vectors
saw a pulsing essence chamber in the wreckage of a
appeared. A tall, intricately designed clockwork vessel with
clockwork soldiers metal form. The Mask of Cyriss that
spider-like legs stood beside the larger vectors, directing
marked the chamber had been rent and twisted, and only
their implacable assault. Thexus saw the projected thoughts
half the goddess face remained. Thexus reached out to
of this being manifest as intricate geometrical shapes
the consciousness inside the chamber. He could feel the
similar to those he had sensed upon entering the complex.
soldiers surface thoughts, but the deeper mind was dead
This was the powerful leader whose mind had first caught
11
A Battle of Wills
to his touch. There were no neural pathways to grasp, no Inverter, while a half-dozen lighter three-legged vectors
tingle of electrical current as synapses fired with living moved behind their larger counterparts.
thought. No invigorating pump of blood, no sympathetic
This was to be Lucants last stand. Thexus felt keen
nervous system to manipulate. The Cyrissists soul was little
anticipation as he observed the more numerous Convergence
more than a collection of preserved memories, a trapped
forces approach. While Thexus battlegroup boasted all eight
echo. Thexus race had mastered the domination of life over
of his hulking monstrosities, aside from those he had only a
millennia. Flesh was theirs to control and shape as they saw
handful of drudge units controlled by their cephalyx masters.
fit in pursuit of their ultimate goal, the transcendence of the
This confrontation would decide the fate of this facilityand
mind. What the Convergence of Cyriss offered was a false
very likely the fates of the two opposing leaders.
mirror of that goal, a form of undeath, little different from
the necromechanika of Cryx. Lucant raised his staff, which had so recently obliterated
Overlord Moximortir, and the glowing orb at its head
flashed three times in rapid succession. The front line
of heavy Convergence infantry broke into a charge, the
Thexus savored the human perforators arm-mounted javelin throwers firing at the
flavor of the Cyrissists cephalyx line. Thexus focused on the incoming projectiles,
righteous indignation. creating a barrier field of rippling force that slowed their
deadly trajectories as if the air had become a thick fluid.
The multiple thumps of a Ciphers hull-mounted cannons
sounded, but Thexus telekinetic emanations dulled the
Thexus turned his vast cognitive strength upon the essence
force of the blasts.
chamber, exploring it with his most powerful probes. He
could discern nothing useful, only meaningless flows He watched impassively as Mind Bender Utoxian urged
of turbulent energy, and the realization only fueled his his drudges toward the overwhelming Convergence force.
disgust. The pale blue glow intensified as he focused his Before the Cyrissist troopers closed the distance, steel
will into the chamber. He heard a disembodied scream, and iris apertures on three of the drudges helms opened and
the blue glow became a blinding bright white. The essence released bolts of invigoration. The bolts struck the front rank
chamber began to sizzle, and then glass shattered as the of drudges, accelerating their adrenal functions and motor
housing came apart, unable to contain the immense psychic neuron responses. They raced forward to meet the heavy
power poured into it. clockwork soldiers. Utilizing their temporarily augmented
physiology, the drudges delivered crushing blows against
Such loathsome beings. Thexus turned his attention away
the metallic frames of the Convergence soldiers, buckling
from the shattered essence chamber. He thought back to the
steel plating and obliterating the delicate servos beneath.
flash of emotion he had felt from the warcaster Lucant. But
Two of the forward perforators fell, sparks spitting from
perhaps some of them are worthy of study.
their crushed vessels, and the rest moved in to avenge their
fallen comrades.
12
steadily behind his small army, a contingent of guarding as he drew upon the full store of his psychic potential.
reciprocators clustered around his clockwork form. Tendrils of pure manifest will shot forth and wound around
the Convergence troops, their ambient light giving an
Thexus did not want Lucant to believe he was in full
otherworldly hue to the steel vessels. Thexus moved his
retreat; instead, he urged a measured withdrawal, luring
enemies as he desired, scattering their perfect formations,
the Convergence forces forward. He continued to spend the
sending their lines into chaos, andmost importantly
lives of his drudges, but each assault was only a shallow
separating Lucant from his forces.
cut to his enemy in exchange for a more telling blow in
return. His constant harrying kept the Convergence on the As one, the cephalyx forces charged, flashes of mind bender
attack, each minor triumph focusing their attention on their augmentations rippling through the ranks of the ambushing
impending victory. drudges. Thexus directed his monstrosities to attack,
driving them like a wedge between Lucant and his troops.
Finally, Thexus force fell back into a large chamber that
The exulon commanded one of his wardens to engage an
was a central hub for the facility. Overlord Hiraximor
Inverter whose meteor hammer was pulping drudges with
had directed him here when Thexus had conceived of his
each blow. As the warden brought its heavy clamps up to
plan to confront Lucant. Though most of his attention was
strike, the vector spun around and its macropummeler shot
focused on the battle, the exulon allowed a portion of his
forward with the loud ratcheting noise of a tightly wound
easily divided mind to appreciate and examine the colossal
gear being released. The warden was hit squarely in the
machinery at the center of the chamber. The machine was
chest and driven to the ground. Thexus observed the impact
a towering chromed-steel cylindrical construct. Softly
with particular fascination.
glowing conduits crisscrossed its surface and terminated
at larger glowing nodes before branching off once more Extensive trauma to the thoracic region. Ribs shattered, left lung
to reach from the ground to the impressively high ceiling. punctured, right lung burst. Severe internal bleeding. Corixian
Upon closer inspection, Thexus realized the cylinder was conduits destroyed, artificial adrenal reservoirs burst. Heartbeat
not one solid piece but comprised several sections, each erratic. Initiate endorphin flood to override tissue shock. Release
independently rotating to bring new conduit pathways adrenaline boosters. Combat efficiency restored by fifty percent.
in line upon the machines surface. He sensed immense High likelihood of specimen death. Specimen expendable.
conversions of energy from one state to another radiating
Exposed, the Inverter had no defense against the wreckers
through it. His hive would harness that power once this
retaliatory onslaught. The monstrosity stepped over
facility was his.
the crushed and bleeding form of its counterpart and
Thexus mentally commanded his forces to halt their retreat hammered blow after blow into the Convergence machine.
once the Cyrissists entered the chamber. Unable to resist, The repeated impacts stove in the vectors armor plating
he reached out. Though he could not penetrate Lucants and sent sparks, shattered clockwork components, and
metal-encased mind, the warcaster was projecting his machine oil flying in all directions. In moments, the Inverter
surface thoughts clearly. The geometrical patterns of was a pile of scrap.
his mental energy had become jagged and full of acute
Thexus sent a mental order, and his subduers fired their net
angles. Thexus savored the human flavor of the Cyrissists
launchers into the ranks of clockwork soldiers. The heavy
righteous indignation.
weighted nets knocked the clustered Convergence soldiers
<<I will wipe your stain from this world and the Maidens to the ground, making them easy prey for the onrushing
sight.>> drudges. The augmented slaves, spurred on by the abilities
of the mind benders and agitators, ripped apart their
<<You may have abandoned the flesh, but your strings
helpless foes.
are always mine to pull,>> Thexus replied. The minds of
ordinary mortals flinched from his telepathic voice as it The exulon turned his attention back to Lucant, who was
overloaded their nervous systems and burned their tissues, now surrounded by several drudges that struck at him
but he sensed no such discomfort from Lucant. with blades, saws, and drills. It was simply a matter of
time before Thexus held the warcasters essence chamber.
A shout went up from the Convergence line as they became
He would discover if this Cyrissists essence was indeed
aware of hundreds of drudges pouring in from the various
different from the others. He felt certain there had to be a
passageways that flanked the chamber. Thexus had kept
way to extract information from this foe.
these forces in reserve before their initial ingress into the
Convergence facility. After emitting so much psychic energy Thexus was filled
with a desire to consume the minds of his enemies, yet he
The first part of his trap sprung, Thexus prepared to close
was stymied by their machine state. His abyssal hunger was
it completely. Pulsing purple energy swirled about him
almost enough to compel him to reach out to his remaining
13
A Battle of Wills
cephalyx and rend their minds instead. With a start, Thexus blow impacting the outer casing of his cranial protections
noticed he had drifted closer to the warcaster in anticipation. sickened him, but he reminded himself that any such
He realized his mistake too late. damage could be regenerated if he survived. He continued
to put everything into his defenses. Lucant struck again,
Circles of blue runes connected by crackling electricity
resulting in another concussive burst of opposing energies
surrounded Lucant and then expanded to engulf the rest
that wreaked additional trauma to delicate tissues buried
of his forces. Thexus watched as blows from drudges and
beneath armor. Thexus calculated the odds and decided
monstrosities were deflected by the arcane protections
he must take a desperate risk. He drained his reserves,
Lucant had set in place. A pair of warded Galvanizers
dropping his defenses to deliver a telekinetic blow that
broke away from the swirling melee and rushed to aid
pushed Lucant away before the Convergence warcaster
the warcaster, their circular saws easily slashing through
could make the fatal thrust.
drudge limbs, necks, and torsos. Lucant charged toward
Thexus through the opening his Galvanizers created, his Thexus felt the crackle of energy and the hiss of wind
battle staff glowing with a crackling blue nimbus. Dread as Lucants strike missed by mere inches. Seizing the
gripped Thexus at the sudden turn of events, and he advantage, he fled from the warcaster while commanding
realized he had let his hubris expose him to this wild gambit the nearest monstrosity, a wrecker, to intercept the Cyrissist.
from his enemy. He was confronted by the stark reality of Lucants eyes blazed at Thexus as he retreated, and again
his own mortality. the Convergence leader's form was surrounded by the
changing patterns of his thoughts and emotions.
Other portions of his mind were actively analyzing and
evaluating possibilities. Thexus summoned all his will Thexus could sense Lucants desire to press the attack and
and poured it into his telekinetic defenses. Lucant reached finish his hated foe even though doing so would end him.
him an instant later. The Cyrissists energy-charged Survival instincts won out. With a final lingering glare,
weapon struck Thexus psychic barrier with a tremendous Lucant withdrew, directing his remaining forces into the
explosion of force. The exulon was distantly aware of dull, path of the onrushing monstrosity.
throbbing pain as the kinetic feedback from the staff lanced
through his neural networks. The notion of a physical
14
beyond. Though it was clearly contained within an essence
chamber, this vessel felt very different, the emotions robust,
almost alive. This Cyrissist was afraid.
<<The battle here has largely broken the Cyrissists
Another tremor jolted the facility, shaking dust loose from
resistance, Exulon,>> Hiraximor communicated. <<Your
far above them. Thexus had endured enough of Lucant
strategy of keeping the bulk of our forces hidden was
trying to kill him. The air about him began to crackle as his
masterful and perfectly executed.>>
outrage manifested as metaphysical energy. He reached into
Thexus did not respond to the overlords self-serving the receptive mind of the heavily damaged warden, seizing
praise. Though victory was indeed his, he had yet to shake control completely. It was slowly dying as both organic and
the thought of how close he had come to death. He had machine systems shut down.
eliminated the pain, but he could still sense the damage
Overriding any resistance to the physical strain, he forced the
he had endured, and he knew his mind was presently
tormented creature forward. It burst ahead, its overgrown
imperfect, damaged. It troubled him, and he was eager to
leg muscles propelling it toward the barrier at incredible
restore himself.
speed. Thexus did not let it waver even as tendons snapped
Hiraximor continued his report. <<There remains one zone from the strain and thick muscles tore away from reinforced
of resistance. Holdouts fight on within the lowest chamber. bone. He poured everything into the warden, distantly
They will soon be overcome.>> hearing the remnant of a conscious psyche trapped within
the monstrosity screaming as the creature barreled toward
Thexus had no real interest in this news. It was inevitable
the Convergence barricade. Thexus savored its mental
in operations like this that some pockets of contention
anguish, gathering it to himself.
endured. He was about to assign the matter to Hiraximors
capable oversight when a strong vibration reverberated Protean halberds tore into the wardens body, but even their
through the room, its epicenter the chromed steel tower that high-tensile steel shafts could not stem the monstrositys
dominated the chamber. momentum. The warden burst through the barricade with
a thunderous crash, sending several reciprocators hurtling
The vast machine began to emit a loud whine. The softly
to the ground. Before the monstrositys heart burst and its
glowing blue nodes and intricate conduits about it began to
brain shut down in death, Thexus took stock of the room.
shine with brighter intensity. Another tremor shook the earth,
followed by the sound of grinding gears. The tower began to It was a huge space dominated by a gargantuan construction
tremble, and several concave steel panels about three-quarters that appeared to be an even larger version of the machine in
of the way up spread open. With another deafening whine, the chamber where he had just fought Lucant. The machine
the extended steel panels began to rotate around the tower, towered above the central platform and descended below
each moving up and down in some complex sequence. The it. Thexus moved forward, using telekinetic force to push
glow of the machine deepened. Just as it reached a blinding the remaining reciprocators off the walkway that led to
intensity, a final supercharged pulse bathed the entire area in the platform around the tower. The reciprocators had
a blast of white light before quickly fading. been protecting a Convergence engineer cowering on the
platform behind them.
Thexus waited and watched; the machine continued to
function. Suddenly, the entire chamber was rocked by an Floating as he was, Thexus paid little attention to another
earth-wrenching tremor. The whine of energy accumulation tremor that caused the steel gantry to sway and twist with
from the tower began to build again. Thexus immediately screeches of protesting metal. He advanced directly toward
deduced what was occurring. the Convergence engineer in slender clockwork form.
<<The foe would see this facility destroyed to keep it from <<Lucant has left you to die?>> Thexus sent. He was
us,>> he sent to Hiraximor. <<Take me to this chamber surprised to realize this telepathic contact felt entirely
below. Now.>> dissimilar to his conversations with Lucant. The machine
divide was less distinct, and he felt he could intersect
Hiraximor bowed slightly in assent, then led Thexus and
with the mental patterns directly. It was almost akin to
his remaining monstrosities through the facility to the
contacting a living mind. Thexus tasted palpable fear from
lowest chamber. When they arrived, Thexus could see a
the engineer.
small contingent of reciprocators defending the barricaded
entrance. Several smaller clockwork servitors floated I am happy to sacrifice myself for the Great Work.
behind the Convergence soldiers, occasionally darting in Though the words were defiant, the conviction behind
to repair damage suffered by the defenders. Extending his them was fragile.
thoughts outward, Thexus sensed another consciousness
15
A Battle of Wills
Thexus drove tendrils of his will into the engineers mind. Eight Years Later (608 AR)
It was fascinating to make even the smallest of connections. Thexus floated toward the last control mechanism that
How is this possible? he thought, even as he tasked a different regulated power within the complex, a pair of monstrosities
portion of his intellect to analyze the situation. Thexus close by. In the intervening years he had learned much about
turned his primary attention to the control console on the the process Lucant had tried to employ against him so long
central machine. <<I do not believe you. I can feel your ago. He knew why the plot had failed. The Convergence
hesitancy, your fear. Your masters promised you eternal life. engineer had not gone far enough. He had sought to
Now you know that was a lie.>> localize the destruction rather than unleashing the full
seismic potential of the facilitys astroseismic converters.
Their connection grew stronger as Thexus words agitated
Perhaps Lucant had planned an effort to reclaim the facility,
the Cyrissist. Images flashed, memories from the engineers
or perhaps the Convergence had taken the half-measure
past. He was recently transitioned; barely a month had
in order to spare the nearby human population centers.
passed since he had moved his consciousness to his
Despite willingly discarding his human form, Lucant and
machine body. Thexus wormed his way through the weak
his ilk still seemed to value organic life, at least enough
connection, forcing the pathway wider. Despite the lack
to avoid excess collateral damage. This was reinforced to
of a physical brain, the mans thoughts still followed the
Thexus now after having witnessed from afar Lucants
echoes of his old flesh, not yet fully integrated with the
actions with the humans who sought to free their fellows
machine. It was as though his consciousness existed within
elsewhere in the complex.
a remembered approximation of a living brain.
Thexus paused for a moment and listened to the gibbering
This, together with his long studies of the Convergence,
madness of the engineer whose essence chamber pulsed in
gave Thexus the access he required. He latched on to the
swirling red and orange hues at his waist. The engineers
metaphysical neural pathways just as he would those made
thoughts had long ago become incoherent, but Thexus
of flesh and blood. For his purposes and at his level of psychic
understood all the same. <<Yes, he shall suffer for his earlier
ability, it did not matter that the constructions were just
mistake,>> he replied.
instinctual memories. To the engineers consciousness they
were real, and because of that they could be manipulated. As the final control room came into view, he felt the presence
Doing so was difficult, though, requiring Thexus to perform of several humans quickly approaching. They burst into the
delicate manipulations of trace energy flows. hall, two males and a female. A smoke-belching warjack
and the silvery form of a clockwork engineer followed
<<Tell me how to stop what Lucant put in motion, and I will
just behind them. One of the humans had a strange aura,
let you endure,>> Thexus sent.
and his consciousness was a fierce mote of white light that
No... Thexus could not penetrate. He had seen such defenses
before, though it had been a long time. He dismissed it as
But Thexus already had what he needed: an image of the
irrelevant and sent his monstrosities forward to deal with
control panel. He telekinetically manipulated the controls,
the interlopers so he might complete his task.
following the diagram pulled from the engineers mind.
Immediately the pulsing glow of the tower dimmed. <<Once more Lucant sends minions to do his work,>>
Thexus sent.
Thexus summoned Hiraximor. <<Destruction is averted.
Send word to the hive that this facility will be ready soon. He felt the tormented psyche of the engineer rage at the
Send out surveyors. Discover what raw materials this area mention of Lucant. He reached out and grasped the mind
offers.>> of one of the men who had arrived to stop him. The mans
thoughts roiled with tumultuous emotions. Easily, Thexus
<<What of the engineer?>> Hiraximor queried.
took control, and as he did he thought once more of Lucant
Thexus turned to regard the Cyrissist, but when he spoke buried beneath the crushing weight of his own facility.
it was to the overlord. <<Destroy his machine shell, but
Victory was eminently satisfying.
ensure his essence chamber remains intact. He and I have
much to discover together.>>
For more about the conclusion of this battle as seen from the other
side, read Through the Darkness: The Story of Machinations,
available for download at skullislandx.com.
16
Will to Dominate
History of the a breadth of knowledge that would shame the greatest
libraries of mankind. Yet for all their knowledge, preservers
Cephalyx are a low caste, obedient servants of the greater cephalyx.
Origins They are valued only when a leader has reason to plumb the
The great first city Urus was laid low not by war or plague, but by depths of their shared memories, which are an unbroken
the very hand of the Creator. His tempest of divine wrath was not chain stretching deep into the ancient past. Their oldest
directed at Urus alone but at all the land, from one horizon to the memories include words preserved in tomes or scrolls
other. The continent buckled beneath the fist of an angry god. The or inscribed on tablets before such crude methods of
seas boiled and churned as the sky was lit afire. All the prideful recordkeeping were abandoned.
were slaughtered, their prayers unanswered. The earth split open
Even preservers view their ancient origins with distaste.
to swallow them. The skies rained sheets of flame while the wind
The cephalyx deny any affinity to those debased and
roared in unending fury.
diminished beings, whose primitive capabilities made them
All that had been built was laid to ruin, yet the onslaught did little better than unthinking beasts. Cephalyx do not credit
not end. The Creator had decided to shatter his work like a potter these predecessors with reason, not as the term applies to
hurling a fresh-fired jug against the tiles. Those few who survived them now. The thoughts of these progenitors, such as they
knew the people of Urus were cursed, not merely abandoned but were, were ruled by emotion and superstition, bound by
shunned and forever marked. Most surrendered to despair and belief structures and self-imposed limitations the cephalyx
accepted this judgment. Some few persevered, though their very have long since rejected.
existence was blasphemy. They left their doomed city and fled
Five millennia ago, there were no cephalyx. They were yet
across the wastes. Knowing no ordinary shelter would protect
to emerge from a cataclysm that would eventually engender
them from the burning sky, they went underground, descending
a desire to reinvent the self. The cephalyx did not develop
into the darkness below. Never again would the people of Urus
or evolve; they were systematically self-created.
emerge. They spent their accursed lives entombed, becoming
wretched and depraved. They lurk there still. Cataclysm and the Descent
Fragment from The Fall of Urus The civilizations of western Immoren trace their origins to
the Menite city of Icthier and look to Cinot as their first great
Memories of the Preservers priest-king. It was he who received the Gifts of Menoth
No one in western Immoren knows the origins of the by which civilization was born. Yet Cinot had traveled to
cephalyx, those dreaded and enigmatic beings who emerge Icthier from the east, and his was not the first human city.
from their underground lairs to capture and enslave surface Other tribes had devoted themselves to the Creator of Man
dwellers. They float serenely above the ground, their faces and had built cities, including the greatest of them: Urus.
hidden behind masks fitted with sinister lenses. They unleash Built in southeastern Immoren amid a sheltered valley
terrifying mental powers to kill any who oppose them. Their surrounded by mountains, Urus thrived for centuries after
enslavement raids have given rise to countless legends. the departure of Cinot and his people.
Even among the cephalyx few know the facts of their ancient Not much is known of Urus, for this ancient civilization
origins, before they were even called cephalyx. They prize was lost and its ruins forgotten, buried beneath jungles on
knowledge, but they approach its acquisition pragmatically. what is now the Shattered Spine Islands. Four thousand six
Their intellectual pursuits are focused and all-consuming hundred years ago the continent of Immoren was sundered
but also narrowly delineated. Not all thought or lore is of by an unprecedented cataclysm, one that would change its
equal value. Most cephalyx focus on current anatomical shape forever. The tribes of man never knew its cause, but
and surgical knowledge, with no interest in history. They Cinots descendants called it the Time of the Burning Sky.
take tremendous pride in the transfiguration they have each The cataclysm cracked the continent to create the Abyss
undergone to unlock their mental potential. Each cephalyx and the Stormlands, while the tremors and quakes in the
is interested solely in his individual progression and cares southeast turned part of the fractured landmass into the
not for the species as a whole. Kinship and brotherhood are Shattered Spine Islands. A vast desert formed between the
foreign concepts to them. two halves of Immoren, and the east was consumed by
decades of supernatural storms.
A very small number of lorekeepers exist, who approach
the preservation of knowledge with zealous and absolute The hardiest and most resourceful survivors of Urus went
intensity. These so-called preservers archive the memories inland but could not endure the firestorms. Their way of
of their predecessors in their vast intellects; each holds life had ended, and they faced extinction. They sought
17
Will to Dominate
shelter in caves and tunnels, digging deep below Caen to was rarely a problem. As a result of their intense taboos, the
escape what they interpreted as divine wrath. They thought larger concern was ensuring the society did not diminish.
themselves cast out and accursed, unworthy of the faith of
Redemption from base existence was to be sought through
their ancestors, which had been left in the ashes of Urus.
mental reflection, as each citizen hoped to achieve harmony
In the harsh early decades of their subterranean existence, through acts of will. The luxury of purely mental pursuits
the refugees society and existence changed. Early turmoil was a particular privilege of the ruling elite, who sought
among the group led to bloodshed, which was followed to escape the concerns of physicality. Some went so far as
by rigid tyranny by those who enforced a tenuous peace. to adopt a custom of extreme asceticism. So long as they
Food scarcity prompted starvation and deprivation, which fulfilled their duty of governing their society and delivering
forced desperate solutions among the survivors. Those judgment against lawbreakers, the leadership could
who died became food for those who endured, even as this occasionally withdraw for lengthy stretches to meditate.
cannibalism was understood to be another unforgivable These individuals retreated to the darkness of the deepest
blasphemy. The need for food and water required brief caves, cut off from light, sound, and contact with anything
raids to the surface, although in time these people adapted beyond the cold stone beneath them. Attendants brought
to their environment and learned to sustain themselves on them water and food, which they often ignored. Their
new food sources found below. bodies withered as they ate and drank only enough to stave
off death, experiencing visions as they teetered on the brink.
A Transfigured Society
Cephalyx preservers remember even less from the Most of the early thinkers lived and died with their
transitional era after the refugees went underground and thoughts sealed in the vaults of their minds. In time a ritual
the struggle to survive took priority over recording events evolved whereby the oldest were required to pass on their
for future generations. What is known is that the post-Urus wisdom. Each was assigned a rememberer trained to retain
survivors underwent multiple stages of societal upheaval, and retrieve lore. These predecessors of cephalyx preservers
eventually developing a rigid caste-based society. This passed this accumulated lore to the next generation.
included draconian laws and punishments protecting Cephalyx view the superstitions of their ancient ancestors
access to the resources required for survival. as repugnant, but those early philosophers developed the
Shame over their supposedly accursed status led to several core idea that would lead them to transform themselves.
powerful taboos, such as a loathing for direct physical Time spent in isolated contemplation was the first step on
contact. This extended to a general disgust for all base a longer quest to refine the mind, a goal which would soon
necessities of life. These were viewed as reminders that the define the cephalyx.
flesh was a prison for an accursed soul. The lowest caste
The Seat of Reason
was held responsible for handling distasteful necessities,
Centuries of subterranean existence transformed the last
including disposal of the dead and of bodily waste. This
descendants of the people of Urus into a society utterly
caste was shunned by the others, treated as less than people.
distinct from its originating culture. The introspection
It became the custom to wear heavy black garments from of the ruling elite developed into exercises in logic and
head to toe, lest anyone inadvertently see skin or make applied learning through experimentationessentially,
physical contact. A variety of elaborate procedures were science. They sought to comprehend the world and its
created around the unwholesome necessity of reproduction. intrinsic properties and laws. From admiration for the
The concept of marriage had been abandoned soon after the ordered diligence of insects such as ants and termites,
cataclysm, and reproduction became a carefully regulated they referred to their hierarchical society as a hive, in
matter. The higher castes determined who would reproduce; which each caste had an assigned role and function. The
unapproved children were eliminated. highest caste, freed from drudgery, assumed the tasks of
leadership and philosophy.
The messy process of childbirth was overseen by specific
members of the lowest caste. Shrouded chambers and Some of these thinkers were absorbed with practical tasks
black veils ensured those who were pregnant could deliver such as innovating new techniques for excavating tunnels
children anonymously. Children were then isolated, raised or for mining essential minerals. Others developed the
by masked attendants who saw to each childs early means to breed and harvest new types of edible fungus
development and education until such time as it could and the myriad sunless plants required for sustenance.
conform to the standards of society and could labor in its Still others refined weapons for the hives soldiers to wield
assigned role. Population control was vital, as food was during raids against surface dwellers. The lowest caste of
often scarce and carefully rationed. In truth, overpopulation the society were slaves, individuals treated as property and
seen as too mentally deficient for higher work.
18
When not governing, the
ruling elite looked inward,
hoping to take the next step
in unshackling their minds
and achieving mental purity.
They sought to locate the
physical seat of reason and
thus reconcile the physical
and the mental, making
pure thought possible. They
believed the soul must dwell
within a tangible haven inside
the flesh. Finding this haven
became a priority.
19
Will to Dominate
achieve understanding only by performing their work on metal rods into the structure. This work necessitated a
living captives, whose reactions were required to apprehend growing mastery of metallurgy, alchemy, and physics as the
the brains functions. By this process they confirmed that greatest thinkers created specialized tools for transformative
here, at last, was the seat of reason. surgical theaters.
Careful and exacting examination of slices of numerous Unlocking the potential of the brain required sacrifice.
brains revealed patterns of beautiful, if bewildering, Surgeons needed to test and refine advanced techniques
complexity. They mapped the structures within the brain on living subjects. The burden of this experimentation
and began to comprehend how they worked together to fell mostly on the slave caste. It soon became apparent
give rise to higher thought. These explorations into the that this golden era of surgical experimentation had come
brain were undertaken with religious intensity, and some at a pricethe population of the subterranean society
among them were so enraptured by the tasks that they had dwindled, and repopulation measures had failed to
worked nonstop, so eager for subjects that they sacrificed adequately replace those lost for science. The demand for
their own slaves to study them. Some even opened their additional experimental subjects necessitated expeditions
own skulls to see the workings within. to the surface to capture a greater number and variety of
living specimens, preferably intelligent ones.
As understanding expanded, the upper caste deduced the
brain had secret and untapped potential and foresaw the Other great minds began to work on the problem of
means by which the apparent perfection of this organic facilitating reproduction without physical contact between
marvel could be improved. Dissection of countless brains the genders, a condition considered essential for cephalyx
had revealed a multiplicity of recursive patterns, like an society to endure in what they perceived was a higher
underlying code that if unlocked could change reality itself. state. It was vital that they find a way to increase their
Though cephalyx society had abandoned old beliefs, there numbers without emulating unthinking beasts. Although
remained a powerful imperative to escape the accursed these efforts did not meet with much initial success, in time
state of existence described by their ancestors. methods were innovated to conduct most of the biology
of reproduction in connected laboratory receptacles, using
The key to this freedom lay in augmenting the seat of
genetic material extracted from adult cephalyx.
reason by precise surgical manipulation, amplifying the
power of the mind. If successful, they would transcend This progress facilitated efforts to selectively breed the
the limits imposed by their Creator. They would become most intelligent members of the society, allowing the upper
both creator and created, shaping not only the brain but caste to serve as the foundation for future generations.
the soul itself. Visionaries among the philosopher-surgeons Experiments suggested a degree of diversity was required
foresaw the possibility, in some distant era, of transcending for the health of the species. For that reason, outstanding
the flesh entirely to exist as pure and unfettered thought. members of the lower castes were also screened and
This seemingly impossible goal would persist to become selected to contribute seed material. The notion of breeding
the ultimate ideal of those who would eventually call a deliberately docile and mentally subservient caste was
themselves cephalyx. considered but ultimately rejected due to this need for a
minimum threshold of diversity. It was important that
Cephalomek to Cephalyx the lower castes be included to prevent overreliance on
An era of advancement in scientific and metaphysical inbreeding among the upper castes.
understanding followed these early pioneers. Critical leaps
A natural outgrowth of this development was a major
in surgical technique coincided with breakthroughs in
change to the slave caste. Although the first drudges came
engineering. This work was the precursor to the science of
from among the cephalyxs own slaves, it became apparent
cephalomek, a field that would combine extensive surgical
that their society was best served by utilizing exclusively
alterations with mechanical elements. From the beginning this
captured outsiders in this capacity. As the use of drudges
science proved its usefulness when applied to the slave caste,
created from enslaved captives expanded, these entities
whose bodies were augmented by alchemical muscle-growth
increasingly took on the most unpleasant tasks. This
solutions and prosthetic replacements. It was discovered that
allowed the lowest caste to transition into a more valued
incisions to certain areas of the brain made slaves docile and
worker caste, one whose members could aspire toward
compliant. These slaves were the first drudges.
mental advancement. The once-rigid hierarchy of their
Initially crude alterations of the brain were eventually underground society evolved into a fiercely competitive
followed by more sophisticated techniques. New mental meritocracy based on evolving mental acumen. The
states were achieved by combining a number of these existence of mentally reduced drudges to perform menial
procedures, such as making smaller and more precise surgical labor allowed all cephalyx to exist on more equal footing.
cuts, bathing the brain in alchemical fluids, and inserting
20
Invention of Cephalomek these powers is seen as the beginning of the cephalyx
As cephalomek emerged as the primary science and themselves. From this point, the cephalyx no longer saw
obsession of this subterranean society, several strata of its themselves as human; they had arrived at the onset of
study emerged. Low cephalomek included the basics of a new species. The precise date of this achievement is
anatomy and the simplest surgeries, including the creation unknown, but it is thought to have transpired as early as
of modified drudges. The processes for these tasks became 2700BR according to the human calendar.
so familiar as to be performed as a learning exercise by the
young. The highest and most revered arts of cephalomek Powers of the Mind
involved direct examination and manipulation of the In a few short centuries the cephalyx developed their
brain, particularly when applied to members of their own fundamental psychic powers. They quickly abandoned
society. The cephalyx conducted these procedures with speech once they were able to converse telepathically. The
the greatest precision and care, knowing that they could cephalyx retained the equivalent of language and syntax
result in irreversible damage or even loss. Only the most for the ordered representation of their thoughts, but they
skilled and experienced surgeons were allowed to alter the could also communicate direct images, emotions, and
minds of valued citizens. Yet the imperative to achieve a complex cascading thoughts. Cephalyx learned to convey
breakthrough in intellectual capability was strong, and raw information more quickly and efficiently than spoken
volunteers were plentiful. language allowed.
Efforts to unlock the potential of the seat of reason Telepathy soon made writing unnecessary. The direct mental
eventually succeeded dramatically. Techniques refined transfer of information, aided by brain augmentations,
on captives were perfected and eventually applied to the resulted in nearly perfect recall. From the rememberer
upper echelon. Surgeons manipulated prosthetic blades tradition arose preservers, individuals dedicated to storing
and mirrors to open the cranium and work on the organ a vast array of information inside their minds. While every
beneath, making small structural changes and applying cephalyx has a prodigious memory, preservers undergo
carefully formulated growth serums. The cranium had to be surgical procedures to broaden information storage,
cut and reshaped to relieve the pressure of the expanding becoming dedicated telepathic archives accessible to hive
cerebellum. The fluids developed to augment brain growth leaders. The preserver tradition allowed nothing to be
were distilled from spinal and brain fluids extracted from forgotten, using telepathic transfer to pass stored memories
multiple donors, for them a lethal process. from each generation to the next.
A number of the first augmentative pioneers were driven Telekinetic power also became universal among the
mad by the process. Soon, however, others unlocked augmented cephalyx, allowing them to exert force through
previously unheard-of psychic powers. This breakthrough thought alone, thereby moving physical objects with their
would change everything. The ability to reliably replicate minds. This gave the cephalyx the long-desired power to
manipulate the world around them without resorting to
physical contact. It became the custom for cephalyx to float
above the floors of their chambers, no longer requiring the
MONSTROSITY SPINE laborious exertion of legs. Floating became so intuitive that
walking became inconceivable, a hardship left to lesser
beings such as the enslaved drudges. Smaller efforts of
telekinesis let cephalyx manipulate the finely crafted tools
kept on their persons, including diverse suites of surgical
implements. Soon, attached to each cephalyx was a rig
21
Will to Dominate
Most cephalyx learned techniques to shield themselves, The cephalyx faced a crisis as resource scarcity reached a
but these defenses could in turn be undermined by those critical level, a situation made worse by schisms between
strong or clever enough. A clash of wills became an the ruling exulons. As they refined their mental powers
unavoidable aspect of cephalyx interaction. Leadership these rulers increasingly found it difficult to reach
positions had traditionally been held by those deemed the consensus. Contests of wills escalated into feuds and lethal
greatest thinkers, but now the population had a tangible mental duels. These battles sometimes swept up an exulons
means to gauge mental power and to contest with one followers, disrupting entire regions of the hive.
another. Strength and intelligence became synonymous to
Eventually it became clear to the cephalyx that they would
cephalyx. A new hierarchy emerged with mentally puissant
need to relocate and divide. New hives were needed.
leaders called exulons seizing leadership, not by persuasion
The exulons broke the central hive into smaller groups
or manipulation, but by raw mental subjugation. To the
and allocated its resources and personnel among them,
exulons, all other cephalyx became potential pawns, while
then implemented a plan to replicate their society in new
outsiders were viewed as demonstrably inferior beings.
locations. The best surface raiders of the central hive became
From One Hive to Many scouts, undertaking expeditions to find ideal sites to settle.
The cephalyx began as a single self-contained, This exodus, not undertaken lightly, proved essential for
subterranean hive, one that was ignorant of the conditions long-term survival.
of the surface world. This attitude remained unchanged
New cephalyx hives were established below several
until raiding parties sent to acquire subjects discovered
mountain ranges and forests across western Immoren
scarcity. The location of the first cephalyx hive was quite
during what the surface dwellers refer to as the late Warlord
remote from population centers, as most human tribes
Era. These hives consolidated their strength and expanded
had emigrated toward more fertile regions to the west.
their subterranean networks well into the Thousand Cities
The few scattered tribes that remained were meager and
Era. The new thriving communities of mankind provided
impoverished, scratching out a difficult living amid an
arid and desolate region. an ample supply of easily captured subjects. Typically such
subjects could be seized without raising an alarm so long
22
as the cephalyx left no trace of their passage and attacked intelligence at the cost of creative insight. Furthermore, by far
small groups on the fringes. the greatest priority of cephalyx research and development
was the augmentation of psychic abilities that did not rely
An influx of surgically altered drudges provided martial
directly on greater intelligence but on some combination of
strength to the new hives, allowing them to defend
ambition, ego, and will.
themselves against organized retaliation. Even in the rare
instances such efforts were mustered, surface dwellers The Mortality Dilemma
proved reluctant to delve into cephalyx tunnels, a justifiable Another great work occupying countless cephalyx across
fear given the advantages the cephalyx possessed there. multiple hives was the ongoing battle against mortality.
By exercising caution and carefully selecting subjects to The ruling exulons knew the primary limit to individual
enslave, the cephalyx were able to grow stronger and advancement was the onset of disease, mental degradation,
prosper. The cephalyx carved out a place for themselves, and, inevitably, death. Seeking to solve this existential
driving away violent subterranean creatures like the dregg conundrum, many of the greatest cephalyx minds turned
and other perils. Generally the superior mental powers of from the study of the brain to a lower sciencestudying
the cephalyx allowed them to seize whatever tunnels they the other systems of the body, including the individual
required without enduring substantial losses. cell. Though such work carried less prestige, those set to
Subsequent hive divisions took place in the following this project knew their advances would be required for the
centuries, albeit slowly and infrequently. Population cephalyx to live long enough to make true breakthroughs in
controls exercised by each hive maintained stability. The higher thought.
impetus for a hive to divide in order to establish a new hive By slow turns over the centuries the cephalyx managed
was invariably a consequence of escalating battles over to eliminate or diminish several key factors contributing
supremacy between ruling exulons. to bodily degradation over time. The lifespan of cephalyx
Hives naturally evolved an ideal number of cephalyx began to lengthen, stretching beyond what most humans
occupying the strata of its various castes. Unbalancing these could hope to enjoy. Achieving progress beyond this
numbers usually provoked strife. Once too many mentally incremental lifespan increase proved difficult. Moreover,
powerful leaders became exulons, conflict was inevitable, the effort was quite expensive, both in resources and in
and only murder or schism would relieve the pressure. the alchemical and surgical effort required. It became clear
These periods of crisis were usually resolved by brief but that a hive would never be able to invest in multiplying
fierce battles among the leaders, with the losing exulon or the lifespans of its entire populace. The lower castes were
exulons extinguished. Most of a hive would be unaffected, as allowed to enjoy only the most rudimentary refinements,
members submitted to whichever leaders held dominance. while those who proved capable of prodigious mental
Beyond these occasional struggles, hive leaders focused on development and psychic power were given liberty not
their cephalomek experiments, working either individually only to expand their minds through cephalomek surgeries
or in research groups to refine their mastery of this science as but also to enjoy substantially greater longevity.
each sought continual improvement of their mental powers. This created a cycle slanted to the benefit of the exulons,
given that mental development was inherently a slow and
Reaching a Higher State gradual task. The gulf between the ruling exulons and the
Contact between hives was infrequent, generally involving lowest caste grew larger, even as the physical brains of the
spies seeking to keep abreast of the advances of the exulons expanded to allow for larger and more convoluted
nearest rivals. Strife occasionally erupted between these networks of dense nerve tissue. Longevity brought new
neighboring hives, usually over access to limited resources problems along with its rewards, as cephalyx in this state
or attempts to secure or safeguard cephalomek advances. discovered they required more than ordinary sustenance to
The rest of the time the various hives remained focused on empower their prodigious psychic abilities.
internal issues and advancing the projects of their exulons.
Psychic Hunger
Surgical and biological research remained a core value of all
Soon the most powerful cephalyx noted that engaging
cephalyx, although advancements were incremental rather
their mental powers against lesser minds provided a
than revolutionary for most of cephalyx history. Perhaps
rejuvenating effect. The very task of subjugating the will
as a result of their strict hierarchy and the overpowering
of others restored the mental reserves of the victor, as if he
dominance of the exulons, truly innovative and creative ideas
were feeding on their energies. Additionally, the physically
proved to be rare. Though they had fostered an environment
larger brains of the ranking exulons required regular
to advance individual intelligence, these efforts were
infusions of alchemical draughts drawn from the brains and
extremely focused, based on narrow criteria. One could argue
spinal fluids of subject creatures. Usually these needs were
that the cephalyx methodology had optimized analytical
23
Will to Dominate
met by a hive in the course of regular research, with the with their mentally augmented foes. Orgoth soldiers driven
most mentally robust specimens put aside for the exulons. to berserk rage by mystical rites proved to be resistant to
Still, in times of scarcity this could become a strain on the mental domination, and the drudge armies accumulated by
hive: yet another reason to limit the number of cephalyx in these hives were not enough to defend them. Several hives
the upper tiers of development. were destroyed in this period, while others were forced to
abandon outer holdings.
The most powerful exulons proved to be reliant on regularly
siphoning memories and mental energies from the brains Return to Normalcy
of lesser creatures. Done swiftly, this scoured the subjects The remaining hives learned to avoid direct contact with
mind and left an empty husk void of higher mental faculties, the governing Orgoth and to endure a dearth of research
useful only for conversion into the simplest drudges. The subjects. This was a hardship primarily on the exulons
eldest exulons demonstrated a hunger outstripping physical and other advanced cephalyx, many of whom perished
need, an addiction that could force them to take otherwise from infighting as their mental faculties diminished after
unacceptable risks to seek fresh minds to ravage. This was extended energy starvation. As the Occupation went on,
one reason cephalyx leaders sometimes ventured to the the Orgoth eventually gave the captive populations greater
surface world to engage in battles arguably better left to less liberty. This allowed the cephalyx to resume cautious
critical members of their hives. raiding. The situation improved tremendously with the
onset of the Rebellion, when chaos and struggles among
The Lean Centuries
the surface dwellers offered ample opportunities to capture
By and large cephalyx hives have been able to conduct their
entire populations of peripheral villages uncontested.
work and prosper regardless of events on the surface, but
some calamities shook the continent deeply enough for This resurgence in the capacity for widespread
even them to feel. The Orgoth Occupation that ravaged the experimentation also marked one of the greatest advances
surface kingdoms had a tremendous impact on the cephalyx in cephalyx longevity. Approximately fifty years before
and represented to them the first time their subterranean the Rebellion armies succeeded in casting out the Orgoth,
existence was seriously threatened by surface dwellers. It several cephalyx hives made parallel breakthroughs in
took some time before the cephalyx even recognized the cell longevity. These breakthroughs were discovered
nature of this threat, but by the end of the Occupation and replicated across the scattered hives. This involved a
they were as relieved as any other inhabitants of western variety of complex alchemical treatments that significantly
Immoren to see the foreign tyrants vanish. diminished degradation from aging and allowed stable
cell growth in tissues that would ordinarily have become
The most significant impact of the Orgoth was a sudden
cancerous. Related treatments augmented the regrowth of
difficulty in harvesting subjects. This was a result of efforts by
nerve tissues in even the eldest cephalyx. Some benefits
the invaders to enslave the surface population. Particularly
were easily applicable to the lower castes, but the most
during the early centuries of the Occupation, thousands of
dramatic applications were reserved for the exulons.
Immorese were killed in warfare, and thereafter additional
thousands were chained and shipped overseas. Those A Clockwork Enemy
who remained were kept in heavily guarded slave camps The hives anticipated a rise in
watched over by vigilant Orgoth soldiers. During these their fortunes in the wake of the
years cephalyx hives found it almost impossible to conduct Orgoth Occupation, particularly
surface raids. Making the situation even worse, the Orgoth given the advances in longevity.
created numerous passages and chambers beneath their These predictions were undermined
structures, sometimes digging deep to establish tombs or by the emergence of a new threat
torture chambers. Several times, Orgoth builders discovered that revealed itself in the early 300s and escalated in the
the periphery tunnels of a hive during these excavations, following centuries: the Convergence of Cyriss. Members
resulting in bloody conflict. of this machine cult possessed an affinity for underground
A number of hives felt pushed to desperate measures, facilities, often preferring locations proximate to major
including undertaking ill-conceived efforts to destroy the cephalyx hives. Unlike the subterranean rivals the cephalyx
local Orgoth and seize their slave populations by force. had encountered before, the Convergence proved to be
Though these campaigns were sometimes successful in the entirely capable of waging organized warfare underground,
short term, Orgoth retaliation was fierce and effective. The wielding effective weapons and utilizing advanced tactics.
invaders had no fear of following the cephalyx into their Mere proximity and territoriality would have ensured
tunnels and possessed a number of mystical techniques and bitter enmity between these two groups regardless of other
weapons that enabled them to fight on nearly equal terms considerations. It quickly became apparent, however, that this
24
As clashes between the Convergence and the cephalyx
Cephalyx Lifespans and Health grew more frequent and the cephalyx learned more of this
adversary, they discovered disquieting similarities. The
Cephalyx have yet to fully exploit their breakthroughs Convergences achievement in transcending the physical
in longevity, but great strides were achieved around 450 was not dissimilar to the cephalyx goal of becoming
years ago. Even members of the lowest caste who remain creatures of pure mind. Indeed, cephalyx leaders faced
in that echelon their entire lives can expect to live at least the disturbing notion that the essence chambers the
two hundred years. Overlords and top researchers such as Convergence had so quickly innovated might be a means to
cognifexes receive additional treatments, allowing them to successful transformation into a purer mental state. Among
enjoy lifespans as long as three or four centuries. Exulons the great cephalyx thinkers it was deduced that the insights
receive the most extensive rejuvenating conditioning. No Convergence worshipers had received from their Goddess
exulon treated since the creation of the Iron Kingdoms has of Patterns and through astronomy were similar to concepts
died of natural causes. It is predicted that exulons can expect cephalyx ancestors developed after dissecting the brain.
lifespans upward of six to seven centuries. Such lifespans
are longer than any sentient species in western Immoren, Complicating the understanding of this enemy was the fact
including the long-lived Nyss. that clockwork minds seemed to be strangely impervious
to psychic emanations. Probing the thoughts or motivations
The state of cephalyx medical understanding makes them
of the Convergence proved to be a challenge facilitated
essentially immune to diseases so long as they have access
only by capturing living members of the organization, who
to the resources of a hive. However, cephalyx bodies are
were rarely risked in battle. Greater familiarity and study
relatively frail and delicate, easily damaged by forceful
earned at considerable cost across decades of conflict
trauma. Physically weakened by atrophy of the limbs and
allowed the cephalyx to better understand this foe and their
a reduction of muscle mass and bone density, they rely
antithetical ideology.
heavily on telekinetics to protect themselves from harm.
Despite this, they are capable of recovering from extremely It was eventually deduced that the Convergence represented
severe injuries so long as they are quickly tended to by a a bizarre and corrupted variant of cephalyx core beliefs,
sufficiently capable cephalyx. Cephalyx resilience after a group driven astray by superstitions encouraged by a
injury is entirely reliant on swift and comprehensive manipulative and malevolent divinity. If there were an
medical intervention. intelligence and will to be found among natures universal
Through deliberate modifications as a result of strong taboos, laws and the principles of mathematics, it was an aberration,
cephalyx corpses do not retain integrity after death unless an invidious entity that defiled the purity of sentient
subjected to alchemical substances known only to them. As thought. Strengthening this conclusion was the finding that
soon as a cephalyx experiences brain death, the body begins the clockwork entities of the Convergence did not, so far as
to break down, quickly becoming a gelatinous pool of liquids the cephalyx were concerned, possess true free will, but only
and proteins. For this reason, no outsider has successfully a convincing facsimile. Such clockwork beings had, in fact,
dissected a cephalyx. In a hive, the lowest caste deals with been enslaved by the goddess they worshiped, becoming its
corpses. Cephalyx corpses are often preserved long enough extensions on Caen.
for the brain to be dissected and examined before the body
is allowed to disintegrate. The resulting fluids are distributed The exulons of several hives declared that complete
to nourish food-producing fungi and other essential plants. freedom of the mind would be negated should the divine
Machine parts from the deceased are recycled and reused. entity called Cyriss manifest on Caen. The exulons
predicted the Convergence would never succeed in their
goal, given that it would require an impossible degree
enemy was more than simply a rival for resources or access to of coordinated global effort. Nonetheless, they agreed
tunnels. To the cephalyx, the clockwork forms of the worshipers that the cephalyx should undermine and oppose the
of Cyriss represented a strange and revolting aberration, one Convergence at every opportunity.
similar to but far more abhorrent than the animated corpses
employed by surface necromancers. Necromancy was a No effort was made to organize multiple hives against this
repugnant practice relying on the putrefying forces of death enemy, as hives are inherently self-motivated and self-
and decay, but its powers arose from the organic and were involved, led by exulons who safeguard their autonomy.
therefore comprehensible. The constructs of Cyriss were Rather, each hive has dealt with this foe as they have
something else altogether, an utter rejection of biology. The encountered it. Many hives have conducted operations
leaders of the cephalyx found this concept both fascinating and to eradicate nearby Convergence populations when they
loathsome, particularly since in some respects Convergence have sufficient resources to do so, including infiltrating and
goals seemed to parallel their own. taking over Convergence facilities when possible.
25
Will to Dominate
Such victories have had the added benefit of affording the territory. The hive was already in a particularly weak and
cephalyx access to powerful energy generators, which they vulnerable position when Cryxians began to infiltrate the
have sometimes exploited to run their own machinery. Thornwood in 586AR. It soon became apparent that Cryx
While the cephalyx have their own biological power sources, sought to establish its own subterranean presence in the area
Convergence power sources provided a greater and steadier and would become a severe and unavoidable threat.
supply of energy. The cephalyx do not fully understand
The initial consensus among the exulons was to abandon the
Convergence technology, and there are numerous barriers
hives holdings and either relocate or allow itself to be absorbed
to reverse engineering this machinerynot least, a strong
by a stronger hive. One exulon, a powerful figure named
distaste for all Convergence techniques. The cephalyx are
Thexus, offered an alternative. He had received unexpected
willing to ignore their disgust, however, in the interest of
contact from the Cryxian leadership expressing interest in a
seizing these power generators.
nonviolent solution that could be mutually beneficial. The
Several Convergence facilities have fallen to the cephalyx consensus went against Thexus; the other hive leaders were
over the decades, enabling the cephalyx to create highly unwilling to enter into communication with outsiders.
efficient surgical theaters for such purposes as automated
A largely secret struggle swiftly followed. No sooner had
drudge creation. Where these facilities are retained for
the other exulons denied his motion than Thexus isolated
a sufficient length of time, the cephalyx can efficiently
and eliminated the strongest of his conservative rivals.
convert hundreds or even thousands of captives into battle-
Before the remainder could organize to retaliate, he called
ready drudges. Generally a hive cannot hold such a facility
for another assembly and calmly presented his proposal
indefinitely. Eventually generators fail beyond repair or the
again. This time he achieved consensus and the hive
Convergence musters a sufficient military force to dislodge
entered into an alliance with Cryx. Exulon Thexus spoke
the cephalyx. Hives seek to exploit these windfalls to the
for his hive, while Iron Lich Asphyxious spoke for Lich
best of their ability and then retreat to consolidate acquired
Lord Thalassina of Cryx.
resources. There has been no systematic or cohesive effort
by either side to exterminate the other, but deadly conflict In the ensuing negotiations, Thexus hive acquired a
between them has been frequent. promise that in any of its military engagements in the region
Cryx would set aside a percentage of defeated enemies to be
Recent events have seen a marked rise in activity among
turned over alive to the cephalyx. In return, the hive would
the Convergence, and the cephalyx are aware that this
assist Cryx to create an extensive underground complex
enemy has entered a new phase in their long-term plans.
whose chambers would in some regions overlap with the
This threat has prompted the hives to gather additional
cephalyxs. The two agreed to coexist in these places and
forces and stand ready for conflict. Most hives are unwilling
to share labor and technology toward the fabrication of
to take aggressive measures, instead preparing against
weapons for both. Furthermore, the two forces agreed
Convergence forces invading their territories.
to mutual defense and limited joint military endeavors,
An Unconventional though force allocations would be decided by the leaders
Alliance on either side on a case-by-case basis.
The fortunes of individual hives rise
While some of Thexus rivals were uncertain about
and fall over time, a fact that is natural
entering into such a close relationship with a foreign
and unavoidable. Several decades ago,
power, the alliance quickly proved its value. Thexus hive
however, the misfortunes of a once-
received an unprecedented influx of slaves, allowing them
powerful hive led to unprecedented
to restore their supply of drudges and monstrosities. This
developments. The central hub of this particular hive was
gained in momentum as wars on the surface escalated. In
situated below the Thornwood, with peripheral tunnels
less than a decade the hives military strength exceeded
and facilities stretching as far as the Llaelese Mountains,
any previous numbers.
southeastern Khador, and eastern Ord. This Thornwood
hive experienced significant setbacks in the mid 500s AR, The arrangement has had its downside; joint efforts with
losing a substantial portion of its strength as well as several Cryx have incurred a high number of casualties among the
of its leading exulons. lower castes and a not-insignificant number of casualties
among the lower leadership tier. Yet in the aggregate there
There was no single cause for this decline but rather a
is no question the alliance has reinvigorated the Thornwood
sequence of disasters both small and large. These included a
hive and allowed it to become uniquely formidable.
particularly costly conflict with a dregg infestation in the 550s,
Casualties have been efficiently replaced, and losses have
followed by several defeats at the hands of the Convergence
not put an undue burden on the hive.
of Cyriss, which had been expanding bases into the hives
26
Increased military strength has already proven fortuitous, supremacy among leading exulons. A stronger hive might
as seen in recently escalating engagements with the seek to absorb a weaker one during such a conflict, as a desire
Convergence of Cyriss in northern Llael. Exulon Thexus was to dominate and control is endemic to cephalyx culture.
able to seize a major facility from the Convergence in 600AR
The interactions and politics of the cephalyx are difficult to
and exploit its power generators to expedite the conversion
understand for outsiders, who often cannot comprehend
of a large number of drudges. Though the Convergence
their motivations. Yet each ruling cephalyx is a highly
recently regained this facility, Thexus is satisfied that he
intelligent being who has lived for hundreds of years and
accomplished his goals during its occupation. Furthermore,
absorbed countless lesser minds while augmenting his own.
he acquired additional military assets and vital intelligence
Their actions are ultimately rational, if frequently enigmatic.
that may prove invaluable in future conflicts.
Life in the Hive
Cephalyx Society There is no question that cephalyx are a distinct species.
Although cephalyx are spread across dozens of hives deep Outsiders view them as alien beings, and this attitude is
below the surface of Immoren, each shares an identical not without basis. Even such exotic races as the skorne
hierarchy, and its members are divided into similar have more in common with western Immorens human
roles. Hives are self-contained and autonomous, akin to kingdoms than do the cephalyx. Referring to their city-
independent city-states, quite willing to compete with one states as hives is particularly apt, as the cephalyx are as
another for resources and even sometimes warring with efficient, organized, and methodical as the most complex
one another. social insects.
There is limited direct communication or contact between Regardless of their roles, individual cephalyx spend the
hives, and what exists is usually a prelude to violence. vast majority of their conscious hours laboring at the
That said, the breakthroughs of one hive usually filter tasks set before them with apparently tireless diligence
to the rest over time. Each hive is keenly interested in and focused attention. The way they approach their work
cephalomek developments and will go to great lengths to would be considered obsessive by human standards. This
acquire them. Through spies and the mental domination is an essential aspect of cephalyx nature, instilled in them
of captives, discoveries eventually pass to the wider culturally and also arising from traits deliberately selected
cephalyx. There have also been rare occasions when for through countless generations.
the exulons of rival hives have temporarily put aside
Cephalyx require brief regular periods of inactivity akin to
disagreements to act in concert, such as to confront a
sleep, although this is not based on a diurnal cycle. They
large intruding Convergence force.
are able to return to full consciousness very swiftly. Most
Though frequently at odds with one another, the cephalyx do cephalyx retreat to a secure place for this cycle. A resting
possess a shared identity. In circumstances where they unite cephalyx is surrounded by guardians such as drudges, and
against a mutual threat, there is inevitably competition for their mental barriers remain active even in this state.
27
Will to Dominate
28
Cephalyx society is rigid, and required functions must Hive Caste Tiers
be filled, but individuals are not locked into a single role A hive comprises myriad roles, but many include cephalyx
indefinitely. It is intrinsic to cephalyx society that those who are essentially equivalent in status. These tiers are
with sufficient mental acumen and power can rise. Younger not formally named structures within the hierarchy, but
cephalyx are slated to the lowest castes and must spend the strata of a hive are well understood by members.
years performing basic supervisory tasks or rote functions Though placement in a role or caste is initially assigned,
their superiors would consider demeaning. In the course the most important aspect of a cephalyxs changing status
of such work, cephalyx refine their initially rudimentary is his mental advancement and power. Only leaders with
mental powers and learn cephalomek, starting with the sufficient mental strength to dominate subordinates remain
most basic and crude of surgical techniques. Eventually in those positions. Individuals who have exceeded the
those who prove their skill might be entrusted with more ability of a superior to control them will invariably rise in
challenging tasks and perhaps elevated to a different role, station unless that rise is opposed by hive leaders.
while newer cephalyx occupy their former position.
In cases where a rising member of a hive cannot be
Advancement typically requires lengthy labor and focused placed in a useful role and where his mental power and
self-improvement. There are significant barriers to further ambition disrupts the goals of the leadership caste, a
advancement at each level of the hierarchy. These may struggle of wills inevitably ensues. Those who remain
require a cephalyx to undergo surgical augmentation defiant when they are confronted by higher-caste cephalyx
to expand his brain and unlock new powers. Such invariably provoke a deadly contest of psychic power.
opportunities must be earned, and not every cephalyx This is the cephalyx equivalent to law enforcement; open
responds to cephalomek augmentation identically. Some of defiance is dealt with swiftly and irrevocably. Dissent and
these procedures carry a risk of death or madness, and a disagreement within a hive are not allowed at any level
cephalyx who is unable to perform a useful role for the hive below exulon. Even among exulons, extended periods in
after surgery is eliminated. Over centuries, a cephalyx who which consensus cannot be achieved will result in violent
successfully advances multiple times can become a very conflict until the minority is defeated.
different entity, transformed both physically and mentally.
Hive Infrastructure Tier
Some brains are more responsive to expansion, although
The lowest castes of a hive are those involved in overseeing
most can be improved by several orders of magnitude over
fundamental infrastructure and maintenance. The tasks
a cephalyxs lengthy lifespan. Generally the hives leaders
they supervise include growing food crops, managing
must authorize augmentative procedures, though some
waste elimination (including handling the dead), expanding
cephalyx seek them without approval. There are always
and repairing a hives tunnel network, constructing new
more cephalyx eager for augmentation and advancement
laboratories or living areas, and overseeing reproduction
than there is actual need for them, and in any hive there is
centers. Many of these duties are given to the youngest
a limited number of experts capable of performing the most
cephalyx or those at the lowest end of mental advancement,
advanced of brain surgeries. The vast majority of cephalyx
including older cephalyx who have failed to augment
are incapable of successful self-augmentation and therefore
their minds or who damaged their brains via accidents or
must rely on their seniors in order to advance. Casualties in
mistakes during augmentation procedures.
times of strife can be useful to disrupt stagnation in a hives
hierarchy and open chances for advancement. These basic tasks are vital to a hive, and it is expected that
they be attended to with exacting diligence. The lowest-
Cephalyx are still individuals, each more suited to certain
status members of the leadership caste are assigned to
tasks than others. Mid-tier cephalyx who are particularly
supervise cephalyx in these roles. Their only hope of
adept at a given field may find themselves mired at that
advancement is demonstrating superlative performance
level until they can impress superiors or demonstrate
both theirs and their subordinates.
unusual initiative. Similarly, many cephalyx are unsuitable
for leadership roles, even after an extended lifetime. No true cephalyx, even among the lowest and most
They may find satisfaction in experimental research and junior members, ever engages in physical or menial labor.
seek advancement purely for cerebral reasons without Physical tasks are instead performed by enslaved drudges
a compulsion to dominate their peers. Such evolved or monstrosities, which are supervised and controlled by
specialists can advance far in a hive and assume essential cephalyx of the lowest caste. One essential function of low-
positions. Each hive includes a small number of senior caste cephalyx is to acquire, modify, and direct drudges that
cephalyx who are afforded special considerations by the can perform this work. Mastering the surgical creation of such
exulons and who answer only to them. Such cephalyx have drudges is therefore one of the first things a young cephalyx
considerable status but might not possess any authority must learn to do, a first step in the long process of mastering
outside their field of specialization.
29
Will to Dominate
cephalomek. With aptitude and decades of practice, these Priority Operations Tier
cephalyx might move from hacking into prisoners in dark, The majority of hive members exist at this tier, which
squalid rooms to performing advanced cephalomek on includes most castes of mature cephalyx involved in
cephalyx brains in pristine laboratories and surgical suites, ongoing projects of interest to the exulons, including
but only if they can advance beyond the lowest caste. research. Most cephalyx spend the majority of their active
time practicing cephalomek. This can include engaging
Drudges are employed for all manner of menial tasks,
in surgical procedures to innovate new drudges, refining
including excavating tunnels, carrying equipment,
techniques for creating better monstrosities, assisting in
harvesting food, and serving as disposable weapons for
procedures related to mental augmentation, or conducting
hive defense. Monstrosities are more valued resources than
cephalomek experiments. All of these activities rely on a
drudges, requiring more effort to create and maintain, and
steady influx of captured experimental subjects, some of
thus they are present in much smaller numbers in a hive.
whom might survive to be subjected to a multitude of
However, they can also be employed for menial labor,
successive procedures.
typically for tasks requiring their prodigious strength.
This is a very broad tier but includes the work deemed the
Several highly specialized roles exist within this lowest caste.
most important ongoing efforts of a hive. This tier has many
Reproduction centers, for example, represent a relatively
strata of status, and most cephalyx spend their lives moving
advanced function that is low in status. Those assigned to
slowly from one to another of these layers. A cephalyx
oversee reproduction are invariably older cephalyx who
can shift from one project to the next before petitioning
have not risen in stature within the hive. Most techniques
for the right to conduct research of their own choosing.
practiced here are simple and represent basic cephalomek,
Cephalyx such as mind benders, agitators, dominators,
although those who practice these sciences know there are
and particularly experienced mind slavers are examples
unique challenges and difficulties to hive reproduction.
of cephalyx at this tier, which also includes fleshforgers,
Exulons often place cephalyx noted for high reliability but
reprocessors, and oppressors.
low ambition in this role.
The lowest strata within this tier involve work on relatively
Perhaps the most mysterious and loathed caste of cephalyx
basic or low cephalomek. The simplest tasks such as rote
are the preservers, a minority of highly specialized and
drudge creation or drudge modification are lower-caste
advanced cephalyx whose sole task is the acquisition and
activities; although common and necessary, these types of
storage of knowledge. All preservers have undergone
surgery are seen as akin to butchery and carry little esteem.
substantial cranial adjustments and improvements,
Other projects involve theoretical and experimental tasks
although along lines entirely different from those of other
such as innovating new ways to condition or fabricate
castes. Preservers are among the lowest caste of cephalyx
drudges, experimenting with different alchemical or
because they regularly violate taboos against direct contact
surgical methods of domination and restraint, and so on.
with flesh. They interact directly with brain matter and
possess specialized appendages and related tools that allow Monstrosity fabrication is a more advanced task and carries
them to interface with living brains as well as to section and proportionately greater status, although practitioners are
shave brains of the deceased for detailed absorption. Many still working with well-established cephalomek techniques.
cephalyx can telepathically probe the consciousness of lesser The most esteemed cephalyx in this field are those seeking
beings and strip memories, but for the majority this is an to develop new and more advanced types of monstrosities
inexact and unreliable process. The most powerful cephalyx or to push the bounds of what is attainable within the limits
are likely to damage lesser minds before recovering useful of the creatures physical frames.
information. Preservers are far more adroit at extracting
The highest-status tasks in this tier involve work on the
such information.
brain, in particular the enhancement of cephalyx intelligence
Though captive subjects with unusual minds or and psychic powers. Such work is jealously guarded
information might be delivered to the preservers so their and usually conducted by only the greatest masters of
brains can be sectioned for absorption, preservers focus cephalomek. Though it is sometimes done, cephalyx of this
mainly on accumulating and maintaining lore generated tier find it difficult to attempt to augment their own brains
by the cephalyx themselves. Research leaders in particular without the approval of their superiors. Although the desire
are required to regularly transmit their findings to the for self-improvement often fuels a cephalyxs ambition to
preservers. Additionally, members of this caste are join the leadership caste, it is not uncommon for highly
sometimes contacted by leaders who wish to telepathically skilled cephalyx to devote a lifetime of work to augmenting
access their memory archives, usually to acquire detailed exulons, never once themselves benefiting from the results
lore on rare or specialized cephalomek procedures. of their research.
30
A hive allows for only a small number of extremely advanced of hive leadership and are held responsible for all failures of
cephalyx to rise beyond the oversight of overlords, most the cephalyx under their charge.
notably cognifexes and mechanifexes. Cognifexes are among
Overlords are in continual competition with one another
the most intelligent and mentally powerful of cephalomek
and are frequently reassigned as performance is evaluated.
practitioners who have not assumed the responsibility of
They are usually organized into trios, each member seeking
governing an aspect of the hive. They are autonomous in
dominance over his peers. This is thought to refine ambition
running advanced research projects, sometimes collating
and ensure that the strongest minds excel. It also prepares
the findings of multiple facilities. Mechanifexes occupy a
overlords for the mental clashes they will face at the higher
similar niche, with a focus on mechanical applications.
levels. Dominance within an overlord trio may periodically
While cephalyx are primarily obsessed with surgical tasks,
change, but experienced overlords settle into more stable
their laboratories require an array of mechanical, chemical,
groupings, with one clearly dominant. It is crucial that any
biological, and psychic power sources to run complex
internal competition among overlords not interfere with
machinery, all of which must be fabricated to exacting
vital projects. Overlords who forget this face harsh reprisals
standards and maintained. Mechanifexes are capable of
by hive leaders, potentially including immediate execution.
advanced cephalomek and wield an array of psychic powers
but also possess specialized lore in machine systems. Akulon Occupying an intermediary leadership caste are
akulons, who serve the exulons by regulating multiple
Cephalyx at the highest level of this tier have limited direct
teams of overlords. They are expected to pay detailed
authority, yet they exercise considerable influence through
attention to the day-to-day tasks under their purview so as
the overlords regulating their projects. Knowing these
to free the exulons for higher thought. An exulon might be
individuals answer to a higher authority, overlords make
served by one to four akulons, so there are very few in most
every effort to facilitate their work and eliminate anything
hives. Every akulon serves a specific exulon to whom he is
that would interfere.
tightly bound by psychic compulsions.
31
Will to Dominate
rivals. Exulons have an enhanced ability to control segments of the hive require exulons to work in concert.
monstrosities and drudges in battle and can augment Without consensus, higher-caste subordinates may interpret
multiple allies at once through their telepathic powers. The efforts to enforce coordination as hostile overtures.
cost for these abilities is a persistent hunger for the energies
Meetings between exulons to achieve consensus are tense
of intelligent minds. This craving exists among other upper-
and potentially deadly. Matters are debated in a way that
caste cephalyx but is strongest among the most powerful
employs raw telepathic will, and arguments between
exulons, who must regularly feast on mental energies to
exulons are invisible battles, conducted by way of telepathic
maintain their power.
probes, mental assaults, and psychic deflections. Consensus
Members of this tier do not work well together: most hives may arise naturally but more often requires mental battery
can maintain equilibrium only under the direction of a small and pressure, with the winning side forcing the losing side to
group of exulons, and some hives are governed by a single acquiesce. Victory in psychic debates usually goes to the most
exulon for this reason. Exulons are loathe to allow others to numerous side, but not always. The strongest minds with
join their ranks, and the rise of a new exulon is most often the greatest conviction win consensus if they can succeed in
a matter of individual initiative by a veteran akulon or eroding oppositional resistance. An exulons status among
silexus, usually requiring secret efforts at self-augmentation his peers can quickly rise or fall amid these meetings.
and breaking loyalty conditioning. A mind at this level has
reached an evolved state that can no longer endure external Military of the Cephalyx
domination. Therefore, exulons are not promoted but rather The cephalyx have not created specific castes or roles to
begrudgingly acknowledged. This transition is dangerous, handle hive defense; the concept of a military is foreign to
as standing exulons may prefer to destroy someone them. Instead, nearly every member of a hive is expected
aspiring to join their ranks unless persuaded of a benefit to to contribute to hive defense and to obey orders regarding
themselves and the hive. aggressive actions conducted beyond the hive. No caste is
exempt from this obligation, though in practice some, such
Among hives with more than one exulon, the idea of
as the preservers, rarely participate.
consensus is an essential part of internal politics. Each
exulon is allowed and expected to run private projects, The same leadership roles by which a hive is governed come
but major actions involving the coordinated effort of large into play in defensive or aggressive actions. Most often the
32
Most cephalyx are battle-ready without additional training
Cephalyx Warcasters or preparation, able and willing to make use of their mental
powers and their surgical expertise and tools if need be.
Some cephalyx have the ability to directly control multiple With knowledge of anatomy, cephalyx can quickly and
monstrosities and wield formidable powers that can transform efficiently kill other living things, requiring nothing more
a battlefield. Their telekinetic abilities can deflect incoming than a small slice to a major artery. Some castes, however,
weaponry as efficiently as any power field. Such individuals are more specifically oriented toward hive defense. All
can fight on par with Iron Kingdoms warcasters, though the mind slavers are expected to maintain a roster of battle-
cephalyx themselves do not consider them warcasters. Such ready drudges to serve as the most numerous of a hives
powers are unlocked by the augmentation of the cephalyx soldiery. Drudges usually employed for other tasks can be
brain; they are not rooted in an unpredictable and rare very quickly outfitted for battle.
inborn talent, nor do these cephalyx leaders have an affinity
for cortexes or mechanika. The ability to telepathically Agitators serve a hive by seeing to the disposition of
control and direct monstrosities is an extension of the mental monstrosities, ensuring they are delivered as required and
abilities of these upper-caste cephalyx, not dissimilar from augmenting them in battle. Dominators serve a special role
controlling drudges. predicated on enslaving highly skilled outsiders. Besides
providing reconnaissance, access to these non-cephalyx
Cephalyx do not technically cast spells or wield magic, though
gives a hive an arsenal of unusual tactics. A dominator can
the psychic powers they manifest function similarly and can
be similarly affected or disrupted. What appear to be spells use the slaves in myriad ways, including sending dominated
employed by individuals such as Exulon Thexus are rather a troops to blend in with the enemy to discern their plans.
manifestation of formidable and versatile psychic abilities. Cephalyx prefer to engage with small to medium-sized
For this reason, when cephalyx unleash these powers there is forces. Most cephalyx raids are comprised of a relatively
no manifestation of spell runes, only a sickly purple radiance. small number of cephalyx supported by a larger number
of drudges and a few monstrosities striking against poorly
defended periphery human and Rhulic communities.
overlords are tasked to lead, to regulate lesser cephalyx
Stronger hives can muster entire armies, however, though
and ensure victory. In these engagements the overlords fear
they rarely do so. One of the greatest strengths of the
disappointing the exulons more than they fear the efforts
cephalyx in these engagements is internal cohesion and
of the enemy. Cephalyx are prone to underestimating their
instantaneous communication, facilitated by telepathic
enemies, all of whom they view as inferior beings, but
orders. The fact that drudges are directly controlled means
experienced cephalyx understand that even lesser beings
they are capable of perfect, silent coordination.
can be dangerous.
The cephalyx are not a militarily regimented society, and
Regardless of caste or role, cephalyx are loathe to place
disparate elements sometimes engage enemies in a less
themselves directly in harms way unless forced to do so
ordered manner. This can put them at a disadvantage
by the mental compulsion of a superior. The preferred
against disciplined foes like the Convergence or the elite
cephalyx approach is to make heavy use of drudges and
troops of kingdom armies. The cephalyx are most effective
monstrosities as an expendable resource to spend against
when able to ambush or strike from a position of surprise,
their adversaries. Yet inevitably in battle some cephalyx
applying their mental powers and using raw psychological
may fall. Cephalyx are self-centered in this regard, little
shock to demoralize the enemy. They prefer to strike quickly
fazed by the deaths of their peers. Higher castes are quite
and overwhelmingly and withdraw back to a hive; they are
callous toward the necessity of expending members of
not as well suited for protracted engagements.
lower castes. Even as a mind slaver views a drudge as a
useful but disposable military asset, an overlord views the However, a hive fighting to defend its core assets can be
mind slaver in the same way. truly formidable and intractable. Supported by powerful
ruling cephalyx and able to rely on their surgical theaters, the
That said, the leadership castes keep an accurate accounting
cephalyx can prove extremely resilient. When fighting close
of a hives population and know the difficulties and costs of
to the hive, cephalyx send their injured back to be treated
replacing key personnel. Cephalyx pragmatism ensures they
and then returned to battle, essentially eliminating non-fatal
will risk vital hive resources only if the goal is of sufficient
casualties and giving the impression of far greater numbers
importance. Ranking cephalyx will not hesitate to retreat
than they actually possess.
and surrender ground if necessary and are untroubled by
human concepts like honor, pride, and duty. Any cephalyx
seen fighting to the death in battle is invariably one who has
been mentally compelled to do so by his superiors.
33
Cephalyx Rules & Theme Force
Cephalyx
Warcasters Monstrosity Damage Key
Cephalyx warcasters do not control battlegroups of
On a monstrositys damage grid, the following letters
warjacks. Instead they control forces of surgically altered,
represent the monstrositys systems:
mechanically enhanced giants colloquially known as
monstrosities. B: Brain
L: Left arm weapons system
Cephalyx Warcaster R: Right arm weapons system
Special Rules H: Head weapons system
Cephalyx warcasters can control only monstrosities and M: Movement
cannot control warjacks. A Cephalyx warcaster can allocate A monstrosity with a crippled brain (B system) loses
focus points to monstrosities in his battlegroup as if they any focus points on it and cannot be allocated focus
were warjacks. A Cephalyx warcasters warjack points can points. It cannot spend focus points for any reason.
be used on monstrosities even though they are not warjacks. Monstrosities with crippled left arms, right arms, heads,
or movement suffer the same penalties as warjacks do
In addition to their other special rules as warcasters,
(see WARMACHINE: Prime MkII).
Cephalyx warcasters have the following special rule:
Healing
At any time during its activation, this model can spend focus Brain
points to heal damage a monstrosity in its battlegroup that is This model can be allocated focus. This model can have no
in its control area has suffered. For each focus point spent this more than 3 focus points at any time as a result of allocation.
way, remove 1 damage point. This limit does not apply to focus gained by means other
than allocation.
Monstrosities Unless otherwise stated, this model can spend focus only
Monstrosities are classified according to base size: a light
during its activation.
monstrosity has a medium base (40mm), and a heavy
monstrosity has a large base (50mm). Even though it is Focus: Additional Attack
assigned to a specific battlegroup, each monstrosity is an This model can spend focus to make additional melee or
independent model. ranged attacks as part of its combat action. It can make one
additional attack for each focus point spent.
Monstrosity
Special Rules Focus: Boost
Monstrosities are not warjacks and do not have a cortex. This model can spend 1 focus point to boost any of its attack
Monstrosities can be controlled only by Cephalyx warcasters. rolls or damage rolls during its activation. Add an extra die
to the boosted roll. Boosting must be declared before rolling
Monstrosities are living models.
any dice for the roll.
Monstrosities are so utterly dominated by their Cephalyx
Focus: Shake
masters that they lack even the rudimentary capacity for
free will required to form bonds. During your Control Phase after allocating focus, if this model
is knocked down it can spend 1 focus point to stand up.
Additionally, monstrosities have the following special rules:
During your Control Phase after allocating focus, if this
Damage Grid model is stationary it can spend 1 focus point to cause the
Monstrosities have damage grids like warjacks. stationary status to expire.
34
non-crippled weapon with the Open Fist weapon quality puppet masters
can make headlock/weapon lock and throw power attacks. Army Composition
Monstrosities with two non-crippled weapons with the An army constructed under the Puppet Masters contract
Open Fist weapon quality can make double-hand throw can include Cephalyx models/units. Additionally, the
power attacks. army can include up to one non-Cephalyx Mercenary
unit if that unit includes a Cephalyx DominatorUA.
Cephalyx Warcaster
Destruction
Increase the FA of Cephalyx Mind Slaver & Drudge
If a Cephalyx warcaster is destroyed or removed from the
units by+1.
table, the monstrosities in his battlegroup become inert like
warjacks and can be reactivated like warjacks. Increase the FA of Cephalyx Overlord units by+1.
Exulon Thexus
Will of Darkness
Tier 1 Tier 3
Requirements: The army can include only the models Requirements: The army includes four or more units.
listed above.
Benefit: Add a Cephalyx Agitator solo to the army free of
Benefit: Cephalyx Overlords become FAU. Additionally, cost. This solo does not count toward FA restrictions.
the army can include up to one non-Cephalyx Mercenary
unit if that unit includes a Cephalyx DominatorUA. Tier 4
Requirements: The army includes two or more Cephalyx
Tier 2 Overlord units.
Requirements: The army includes one or more Cephalyx
Benefit: Increase the FA of Cephalyx Dominators
Mind Slaver & Drudge units.
by1. The army can include up to one additional non-
Benefit: Cephalyx Mind Slaver & Drudge units gain Cephalyx Mercenary unit if that unit includes a Cephalyx
Ambush. (You can choose not to deploy a unit with Ambush DominatorUA.
at the start of the game. If it is not deployed normally, you
can put it into play at the end of any of your Control Phases
after your first turn. When you do, choose any table edge
except the back of your opponents deployment zone. Place
the unit with Ambush within 3 of the chosen table edge.)
Permission is hereby granted to create reproductions of this entry for personal, non-commercial use only.
35
Exulon Thexus
Mercenary Cephalyx Warcaster
A mind which will not bend will be shattered.
Exulon Thexus
36
37
Subduer
Mercenary Cephalyx Heavy Monstrosity
We require new flesh. Our greatest living tools will bring it to us.
Fleshforger Lexulus
SUBDUER
SUBDUER Tactical Tip
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Eyeless Sight Catch Any distance means as much as necessary, not any
5 10 5 4 10 17
Net Launcher distance the player chooses.
Net Launcher Catch If this weapon
RNG ROF AOE POW directly hits an enemy
L 6 1 3 model with an equal or eyelessly tracks those trying to slip beyond the grasp of its
Impaling Blade smaller base, immediately masters, following their movements silently from behind its
POW P+S after the attack is resolved solid helmet. Its massive net launcher allows it to capture
R 6 16 the model directly hit can
these victims from a distance. When fired, the weighted net
be pushed any distance
DAMAGE directly toward this model. slices through the air to envelop targets in a mesh of taut
1 2 3 4 5 6 After the model directly steel and drag them screaming back to their fate. Captives
hit is moved, this model the cephalyx deem suitable for experimentation are secured,
can make one normal
while those found wanting are efficiently eliminated with a
melee attack against it.
After resolving this melee single, whistling slash of the subduers bladed arm.
attack, this model can make
additional melee attacks
during its combat action.
L L M B R R Quake On a direct hit
L M M B B R against an enemy model,
all models hit are knocked
down.
Field Allowance U
Point Cost 7
Large Base Massive insensate
creations that tower
over humans, monstrosities are masterfully crafted
fusions of meat, bone, and metal. Chosen from those
who have fallen into the clutches of the cephalyx, the
subjects doomed to undergo the grueling process
of transformation are selected for their physical
stamina and mental malleability. These
procedures, which represent an investment
of weeks of work, are among the most
complex surgeries the cephalyx perform
on outsiders. Organs are cut free from
flesh and bathed in alchemical growth
solutions before being reintroduced to
a radically expanded body cavity. Flesh
is pumped with alchemical mixtures
that foster rapid tissue development
and increased bone mass and density.
The final monstrosity is several times
the mass of the original subject, its skin
and bones toughened to endure extreme
punishment. Sensory organs are carved
away and the monstrositys brain attuned to
a psycho-spectrum, allowing it to perceive its
surroundings free of the limitations of the flesh.
38
Warden
Mercenary Cephalyx Heavy Monstrosity
The weapons of our enemies are inconsequential as long as our protectors stand.
Agitator Hrekon
Head Plate
Buckler
Hard Head This model can
add this weapons POW to
its head-butt and slam power
attack damage rolls.
Mecha FIst
Open Fist
39
Wrecker
Mercenary Cephalyx Heavy Monstrosity
Such purity of purpose is a sight to behold, repugnant as its form might be.
Axis, the Harmonic Enforcer
WRECKER
WRECKER Tactical Tips
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Eyeless Sight Beat Back The attacking model can advance even if the enemy
5 10 5 4 10 17
Ball & Chain model is destroyed by the attack.
Ball & Chain Reach Chain Attack: Bloodbath A model with a crippled weapon
POW P+S
Beat Back Immediately system cannot use it to make chain attacks or special attacks,
L 7 17
after a normal attack with including power attacks.
Ball & Chain this weapon is resolved
POW P+S during this models
R 7 17 When a straightforward application of brute force is needed,
combat action, the enemy
model hit can be pushed the cephalyx turn to the wrecker, a monstrosity created to
DAMAGE topple fortifications and mow through ranks of the toughest
1 directly away from the
1 2 3 4 5 6 attacking model. After the resistance an enemy can offer. Wreckers are purpose-built
enemy model is pushed,
to deal punishing blows and do it well, especially when
the attacking model can
advance up to 1. buttressed by an agitator.
Chain Attack: Bloodbath Whipping its two flail-like limbs at high speed, a wrecker
If this model hits the same carves through massed enemies and rips through the hulls
target with both its initial
attacks with this weapon, of heavy warjacks. Everything within reach is flattened and
L L M B R R
after resolving the attacks torn apart by the cruel weapons it swings. Whirling blades
L M M B B R it can immediately make are mounted in the reinforced heads of its flails, magnifying
one melee attack with this the damage dealt with each strike. The ear-splitting, high-
Field Allowance U weapon against each model
in its LOS that is in this pitched shriek the blades produce when carving through
Point Cost 7
weapons melee range. heavy armor is enough to send weak-willed soldiers
Large Base
Chain Weapon This running, and the sight of a comrade crushed and ripped
attack ignores the Buckler asunder by them causes even the stouthearted to tremble.
and Shield weapon qualities and Shield Wall.
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Cephalyx Mind Bender & Drudges
Mercenary Unit
The mind is a weapon. Thought is sharper than any blade, more explosive than any ordnance.
Mind Bender Glaxosk
DRUDGE GRUNTs
Eyeless Sight
Fearless
Tough
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Cephalyx Mind Slaver & Drudges
Cryx Ally Unit
We are one mind with countless appendages.
Mind Slaver Virex
Mind Slaver
Selective This unit can be Tactical Tips
included only in Mercenary
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD
Contract armies that list Reanimation Because the boxed model is removed from play
5 6 6 4 14 13 9 before being destroyed, it does not generate a soul or corpse token.
Cephalyx as possible
Prosthetic Blades members. Mind Slaver Because this model is an Officer, when it is
POW P+S destroyed it does not replace a grunt in its unit. Instead choose a
5 11 Mind Slaver Drudge Grunt to become the unit commander.
Fearless
Drudge Grunts
SPD STR MAT RAT DEF ARM CMD Officer
5 8 5 2 11 15 4 with Cryx, the cephalyx have had countless opportunities to
Pathfinder
refine their drudges functionality against diverse foes. Their
Drudge Weapons Anatomical Precision
POW P+S frequent battlefield presence means mind slavers have a high
When this models melee
5 13
damage roll fails to exceed
mortality rate, but they are given the freedom to perform
Officers Damage 5 the ARM of the living field experiments and thereby improve their rudimentary
Field Allowance 2 model hit, that model cephalomek. Those who survive may gain sufficient expertise
Slaver & 5 Drudge Grunts 4 suffers 1 damage point. to serve their hive in more advanced capacities.
Slaver & 9 Drudge Grunts 6 Granted: Combined Melee
Small Base Attack While this model
is in play, models in its
unit gain Combined Melee
Attack .
Reanimation When this model boxes a living enemy warrior
model with a melee attack, add one Grunt to this unit and then
remove the boxed model from play. The Grunt must be placed
in formation and within 3 of this model. The Grunt cannot
activate this turn.
Sacrificial Pawn [Drudge Grunt] When this model is directly
hit by an enemy ranged attack, you can choose to have one
friendly, non-incorporeal Drudge Grunt model within 3 of this
model directly hit instead. That model is automatically hit and
suffers all damage and effects.
Drudge Grunts
Eyeless Sight
Fearless
Tough
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Cephalyx Overlords
Cryx Ally Unit
When beset by other horrors, a man can take comfort knowing his mind is inviolate.
The cephalyx strip even this away.
Enumerator Hyle Bryant
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Cephalyx Dominator
Mercenary Unit Attachment
When the mercenaries turned on us it wasnt treachery. I saw in their eyes they were unable
to stop themselves. Their bodies were no longer their own.
Trencher Captain Maywell
DOMINATOR
Officer
Pathfinder
Anatomical Precision When this models melee
damage roll fails to exceed the ARM of the living
model hit, that model suffers 1 damage point.
Granted: Fearless While this model is in play,
models in its unit gain Fearless .
Granted: Tough While this model is in play, models
in its unit gain Tough .
Linchpin When this model is destroyed or removed from
play, other models in this unit lose Fearless for one round and
immediately flee.
Ranking Officer This model is a Ranking Officer. While this
model is in play, models in its unit are Mercenary Cephalyx
models instead of Mercenary models.
Sacrificial Pawn [model in this unit] When this model is
directly hit by an enemy ranged attack, you can choose to have
one friendly, non-incorporeal model in this unit within 3 of this
model directly hit instead. That model is automatically hit and
suffers all damage and effects.
What the cephalyx covet, they will claim. When the hive
becomes aware of individuals with exceptional talents they
desire, shadowy figures called dominators emerge from
beneath the earth to enthrall them. A dominator subdues
its subject from a distance, skillfully peeling back any
resistance like a surgeon laying open a chest cavity, until it
can overpower the mind and hold it in bondage. Abducted
into surgical complexes, these subjects endure a masterfully
subtle application of cephalomek that preserves their inborn
talents and outward appearance while utterly binding them
to the dominators will.
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Cephalyx Agitator
Mercenary Solo
There is something to savor in the horror that floods their feeble minds as I force them
to turn upon one another.
Agitator Helixor
45
Painting Guide
Glowing Eyes
Step 1) Use Carnal Pink to paint the eye and to sketch in the
light cast around the eyes edges.
Carnal Pink
Murderous Magenta
Red Ink
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1 2
3 4
Cephalyx Black
Step 1) Start by mixing equal parts Coal Black, Exile Blue,
and Sanguine Base. You will use this mixture for the next
three steps as well, so prepare a little more than you will
need for this first step alone. Blend this mixture onto the
robes, leaving the overhanging areas and deeper recesses
primer black.
Frostbite
47
Painting Guide
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9
Bruised Flesh
Step 1) Basecoat the skin with a mixture of Ryn Flesh and Step 8) Add Menoth White Highlight to the mixture from
Cryx Bane Highlight. step 7 and use this to apply sparing highlights to the flesh.
Step 2) Apply shading with a mixture of Sanguine Highlight Step 9) Apply a final glaze of Midlund Flesh with a drop
and Traitor Green. of mixing medium added. Cover the skin areas thinly and
evenly, making sure the glaze does not pool in the recesses.
Step 3) Add Thornwood Green to the mixture from step 2
and use this to create deep shadows on the flesh.
Ryn Flesh Exile Blue
Step 4) Make a glaze of Exile Blue and use it to tint the areas
where the flesh would be bruised by plugs, screws, and other Cryx Bane Beaten Purple
modifications. Highlight
Trollblood
Step 5) Tint the raised veins in the skin using a glaze of Sanguine Highlight
Sanguine Highlight. Highlight
Menoth White
Step 6) Add finer vein lines to the smooth areas of flesh by Traitor Green Highlight
painting them freehand using Beaten Purple.
Thornwood Green Midlund Flesh
Step 7) Blend translucent highlights onto the flesh with a
mixture of Ryn Flesh, Trollblood Highlight, and Menoth
White Highlight.
48
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12
Cephalyx Metals
Dull Brass
Step 1) Basecoat the brass areas with Brass Balls, making
certain the paint covers the surface completely.
Black Iron
Step 5) Apply a basecoat of Pig Iron.
49
Model Gallery
exulon Thexus
Mercenary Cephalyx Warcaster
50
Warden
Mercenary Cephalyx Heavy Monstrosity
Subduer
Mercenary Cephalyx Heavy Monstrosity
Wrecker
Mercenary Cephalyx Heavy Monstrosity
51
Cephalyx Mind Slaver & Drudges
Cryx Ally Unit
52
Cephalyx Mind Bender & Drudges
Mercenary Unit
Cephalyx overlords
Cryx Ally Unit
53