calendrical-rot

Hexarch Shuos Mikodez grapples with the escalating crisis at the Fortress of Scattered Needles, where a coordinated heretical calendrical rot threatens the hexarchate's stability. He delays responding to Hexarch Nirai Kujen's persistent calls while awaiting mathematicians' assessments of a promising Kel candidate, Captain Kel Cheris, whose exceptional mathematical skills may be crucial in combating the threat. The chapter highlights the political and strategic tensions among the hexarchs, the importance of calendrical mechanics in warfare, and the looming military response to the heresy.

In this chapter, Cheris and the undead general Jedao review strategic data and resources in preparation for a siege on the Fortress of Scattered Needles, focusing on the challenges posed by calendrical rot and the capabilities of their forces, especially the cindermoth class mothships. They discuss the risks associated with their unique symbiotic relationship, the limitations of current military technology, and the psychological and political complexities of their alliance. The chapter also includes a report analyzing the fortress's defenses and the behavior of opposing forces, highlighting the tension and uncertainty of the impending conflict.