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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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The '''Grendal-machine''' is the name of a device created by the [[Imperium]]'s [[Inquisition]]'s [[Ordo Xenos]] division and was named after [[Inquisitor]] [[Derteg Grendal]]. Parts of the machine included not only [[Tyranid]] DNA but components of [[Eldar]] creation which was necessary in forming a psychic amplication system. It was the result of a programme initiated by [[Inquisitor Lord]] [[Brutius Parthon]] in order to create an anti-Tyranid weapon.<sup>1</sup>
The unique construction of the device meant that it held a direct connection to the Tyranid [[Hive Mind]] for being an example of technology that made use of [[Xeno]] aspects in the design. It resembles a simple chair with Tyranid material that created an organic bond with its occupant thus creating a symbiotic union with the two. With this working in conjunction with the psychic amplifiers of Eldar design, the machine is able to boost the psychic potential of its host to incredible levels. Thus, it serves as a weapon against the Tyranids by creating a disruptive signal that attacks the Hive Mind where it severs synaptic nodes and causes confusion within the swarm by using its own relay system. As such, the weapon assault the Hive Mind from within its own organic command structure. It also had a secondary unwanted side effect which was that it served as a psychic beacon to the Tyranids and attracted their ravenous forces.<sup>1</sup>
The machine was the result of an Imperium weapon programme developed by Lord Parthon sometime after first contact was made with the Tyranids when the [[Ultramarines]] defeated the alien hordes at [[Ichar IV]]. Seeing the destructive power of the [[Hive Fleets]], Parthon created a research facility under his oversight on the planet [[Herodian IV]] which was staffed by members of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]]. Shortly after this event, Lord Parthon encountered the fleeing and wounded [[Craftworld]] known as [[Iyanden]] which was located in the [[Ultima Segmentum]] where he struck a deal with the native Eldar. In exchange for their aid in developing a powerful weapon against the Tyranids, he would not reveal the location of their Craftworld to the [[Imperial Navy]]. The Eldar agreed to this arrangement and Lord Parthon began assembling the necessary components for his weapon.<sup>1</sup>
This weapon remained fixed at its location until a small Tyranid splinter fleet from [[Hive Fleet Kraken]] emerged and attacked the planet Herodian IV. The defending Imperial forces signalled for the aid of the [[Mantis Warriors]] who quickly moved to protect the world from the [[Xeno]] threat. However, they were overwhelmed and managed to make a hasty retreat to the research facility on the world. There, [[Librarian]] [[Shaidan]] uncovered the Grendal-machine and learnt it was a weapon whereupon he activated for use against the Tyranids. At first, the alien invaders fell back and were slowly being culled by Imperium forces but shortly afterwards, the Tyranids attacked with renewed strength. Not only that, they seemed to possess knowledge of the [[Codex Astartes]] and other Imperial tactics which the Xenos used to plant traps that massacred any military force that stood against them. Unknown to anyone at the time, this was actually the result of the Grendal-machine's activation as Inquisitor Derteg Grendal's mind was broadcasted all his knowledge as well as secrets. This in turn was received by the Hive Mind which used it to benefit its forces on the planet.<sup>1</sup>
In order to secure the weapon, Lord Parthon dispatched his protege - the Inquisitor [[Kalpysia]] in order to secure the weapon. To that end, she copted the aid of the [[Deathwatch]] under the command of [[Captain]] [[Quirion Octavius]]. Masking her mission, Kalpysia claimed that the location of the secret research facility was the brood nest of a Tyranid [[Hive Tyrant]]. After the first failed sortie, the [[Kill-team]] managed to reach the surface of the planet and penetrated into surface where they researched the abandoned Mechanicus base. Once inside, the Deathwatch [[Adeptus Astartes]] learnt of the Grendal-machine which Inquisitor Kalpysia insisted of saving. During the attempted recover, the device bonded with Kalpysia and turned her against the Deathwatch until she was blasted out of a [[Thunderhawk]] along with the machine which was detonated remotely thus killing her as well as the construct. Captain Octavius did not report the find of the Grendal-machine and simply reported back to Inquisitor Parthon that the destruction of the Hive Tyrant was achieved though the Inquistor Lord later ordered an [[Exterminatus]] on Heirodian IV in order to wipe out any further evidence of his activities on the planet.<sup>1</sup>
: ''The device is not officially named in the novel and is simply referred to in the text as the Grendal-machine.''
