026102.M41: Abhid Defense Report

Farseer ji Handr'an walked into the chamber and took his seat among the rest of the Elder Seer Council. Exhaling, he issued his report.

"We were outgunned and out-manned. Our concentrated firepower was highly effective, but it was insufficient to stem the green tide's advancement. It was almost as though they sought death, running defiantly through the city, falling to our shuriken, laser, and missile fire, yet uncaring about their losses. Perhaps we, as Eldar, cannot understand this mindset, as our numbers are so few. We must realize that the Orks care little for life, their's or their enemies. They will march headfirst into gunfire, taking losses unflinchingly, toward their ultimate goal of carnage -- the brutal hand-to-hand melee in which they excel."

"However," Farseer By'ko interrupted, "their long-range fire support approaches that of the Tau. This was most unexpected in Abhid. These Orks do not have the skill of the Tau, though their vast numbers and powerful shells result in similar damage. Our numbers are so few that any losses taken from their supporting fire makes surviving in melee nearly impossible."

Ipsissimus Kae'an's thunderous voice shook the chamber, "Against the Tau, we push through their withering fire and destroy them in close combat. Will such a strategy work against these newfound ranged foes?"

"No, Great Farseer," replied Ji Handr'an. "These green-skins exceed our close combat skill. A single Ork is nearly the match of a single Striking Scorpion. Yet our elite special forces travel in squads not to exceed 10, while their squads are three times larger. And even their base infantry unit is capable of harming our mighty Wraithlords. Our Guardians are no match for them, nor are our Dire Avengers, though their shuriken fire is effective at shredding them at range. "

"What of the leadership we sent to Abhid?" asked Jae Caidr.

By'ko replied, "We suffered greatly, yet experienced some luck. Ui'nech and Ya'trek, who led the plaza assault force of Dire Avengers and Scorpions, were mobbed by the vile creatures. Sadly, Ya'trek was lost, though Ui'nech was able to escape. He is hurt, but is mending quickly. It appears his shimmershield ultimately saved his life. We thought we had lost Alisti, who was ambushed by that creature Snikrot and his kommandos, but on retreat, a Vyper gunner who had stopped to save Alisti's waystone noticed that Alisti was badly wounded, though still breathing. He is currently receiving medical care and is in stable condition. Sol'Tor escaped unharmed after dispatching one of the enemy's leaders, and both Ji Handr'an and I were unharmed. The Reapers were never in danger."

"What of the Gamma Striking Scorpion temple? How is it coping with the loss of Ya'trek?" asked Farseer Ha-Nad Ead.

"Word from Sol'Tor is that a promising Scorpion has already come forth to don the armor of the Exarch," answered Marshal By'ko. "We will investigate further."