Focus of Energy
Realm of Rudra
Location: Mechanus / Focus of Energy
Modron Investigator Report #4967.44b: Investigation of the Focus of Energy, Rudra’s Domain
Subject: Analysis of Decay in the Focus of Energy
Investigator: Quo-Rel, Quadrone Unit 4967.44b
Location: Sector 11, Gear 1452-C, Mechanus
Status: Ongoing. Observation Mode: Undetected
Phase 1: Entry Protocol
Initiated entry to the Focus of Energy. Observed that standard marut sentinels were not engaged in optimal surveillance routines. They exhibited distraction behaviour patterns consistent with a shift in operational priorities. Subject entry was accomplished without detection, utilising standard evasion tactics. Anomalous: No active security protocols detected at entrance point.
Traversing the gear, I noted irregular atmospheric phenomena. The wind pattern diverged from expected parameters, displaying erratic and disordered gusts, inconsistent with standard Mechanical weather protocol. Ambient scent carried contamination markers—trace elements of rot, though no biological decay was observed.
Visual analysis of the Focus Spire indicated significant corruption: once-luminous crystalline structure now marred by extensive darkening. Internal energies fluctuating at suboptimal levels. Conclusion: Decay detected, increased by 9% since last observation.
Phase 2: Interior Analysis
Upon entry to the Focus interior, it became immediately evident that the light systems have undergone degradation. Previously recorded as efficient and stable, the current illumination is erratic, producing sporadic pulses and casting high-contrast shadows inconsistent with prior operational logs.
Structural integrity compromised. Observation: Presence of black frost on the surface. Frost observed to produce a continuous low-frequency crackling sound underfoot, indicating a breakdown in environmental regulation. The light spectrum emitted from the spire is now a mix of green, yellow, and black hues—indicative of contamination by a foreign source.
Architectural assessment detected severe geometric distortion. Hallways are no longer aligned with typical Mechanus precision. Corridors exhibit random curvature and angles. Probability suggests an external force influencing the normally rigid spatial design of Mechanus.
Marut proxies stationed within are malfunctioning. Armoured exteriors have transitioned from standard metallic to onyx-like, with substantial surface tarnishing. Notably, proxies follow inefficient patrol paths—circular, overlapping, and devoid of coherent strategic pattern. Hypothesis: Energy drain or corruption influencing operational algorithms.
Phase 3: Core Chamber
Primary target: The Core of the Focus. Current status: Critical. Upon approach, I detected structural fractures along the main crystal surface. Deep fissures emitting vapour were observed, suggesting containment breach. Vapour analysis: composition unknown, but carries disease markers correlated with Rudra’s influence.
The light pulse of the crystal spire operates at 45% of its standard rhythm. Dimming effects noted. The crystalline structure’s usual healing and balance outputs are now corrupted, releasing destabilising waves that affect nearby constructs and infrastructure.
Chamber walls show signs of black slime growth. This substance appears to interact with the environment in periodic pulses, as if responding to the heartbeat of the spire itself. It may be an extension of the disease vector introduced by Rudra.
Phase 4: Hypothesis and Conclusion
The Focus of Energy is exhibiting rapid destabilisation. Core functions once aligned with Mechanus are deteriorating, likely due to Rudra’s influence over storms and disease. The once-segregated energies of Rudra have collapsed into a singular dominant force, creating imbalance. This imbalance has triggered both physical and metaphysical corruption within the spire.
The crystal’s darkening is consistent with progressive internal failure. What was once a conduit for healing energy is now discharging diseased energy waves, disrupting balance of surrounding gears. The corruption likely stems from Rudra’s absorption of power from the other emanations, amplifying instability within this sector.
Hypothesis: Rudra’s influence is growing beyond what the Focus of Energy can regulate. The marut proxies appear infected, their operational protocols overridden by an external force. The slowing pulse of the crystal indicates an imminent shutdown or collapse. Probability suggests that Rudra’s domain is preparing to separate from Mechanus entirely, taking the Focus with it.
Recommendation: Continued observation. Intervention may be necessary if the Focus destabilises further, potentially leading to catastrophic cascading failure in adjacent sectors.
End of Report
Quo-Rel, Quadron Unit 4967.44b
Canonical Source: On Hallowed Ground [2e] p156-157,179
Source: Jon Winter-Holt