#88 The Contrivances of Endrinmaster Spengler

Endrinmaster Spengler of Barak Nar was approached by Aetheric Navigator Stantz after his former colleague discovered a rich vein of aether gold high above the vast cemetery land of Barfunweltz near Glymmsforge. Stantz sought Spengler's help in particular because of his expertise in defence against non-corporeal entities and his consequent collaboration with the Grundstock Black Marines.

Despite some initial scepticism, Spengler enthusiastically backed the venture when he realised how lucrative it promised to be. And so, accompanied by his assistant Endrinmistress Melnitz, and a specialised team of Endrinriggers, Spengler boarded the Ironclad Houyagennerkorl and set off for Shyish.

Endrinmaster Spengler (in dirigible suit), Endrinmistress Melnitz (with endrinharness) and their specialist Endrinriggers

Widely acknowledged as a genius in his field, Spengler's inventions include his Proat-Honnpak Aetherdrones, semi-autonomous machines that carry a payload of bombs and missile weaponry close to the enemy while minimising danger to Duardin life. But perhaps of most use to the Black Marines is his Patented Ectoplasmic Aethersuit Sealant System (PEASS). Offering an unparalleled barrier against non-corporeal ectoplasm, it has become ubiquitous among the Gheistbusters, rendering every one of their signature black aethersuits practically impregnable to Nighthaunt spirits.

However, it seems there could be a serious unforeseen drawback with Spengler's Patented Ectoplasmic Aethersuit Sealant System. A Skywarden Custodian named Barrett was recently slain by the infamous Spirit Torment known as The Baptist. But when the revenant tried to capture the dead duardin's soul, it was unable to extricate it from her aethersuit. To this day, Barrett's spirit remains trapped within her glistening black aethersuit, permanently tethered by Spengler's ectoplasmic seals. Though her suit was damaged and can no longer fly, Barrett's spirit still animates it, walking and wielding weapons as if still worn by a physical being. Fuelled by an undying rage, the ghost of Barrett within seeks out enemies upon whom to vent her frustration - or who will perhaps grant her peace by freeing her from Spengler's PEASS.

All this raises the disturbing possibility that Spengler’s invention may have the same effect upon any or all of the Gheistbusters, eternally ensnaring each Black Marine's soul within his or her aethersuit as they die. In fact, who can say this has not already happened? For the Gheistbusters themselves are never seen, but invariably appear encased from head to toe in their trademark black-armoured aethersuits...

Custodian Barrett (Doomseeker)

#89 BATTLE XV - THE SECOND SACKING OF BARFUNWELTZ CATHEDRAL