Blood of Eden Memorandum for Record

"If a comrade is killed in battle, and their body is later seen walking around, they are not alive...They cannot be salvaged; they can only be avenged."

Blood of Eden Memorandum for Record is an appendix to Harrow the Ninth, released with the paperback edition on 21 September, 2021. Intended for internal use in the Edenite organization, the memo details basic BoE combat strategy and debunks House propaganda.

Introduction

The memorandum is to be disseminated at [REDACTED] to the Tartessus Wing, Merv Wing, and Suva Wing of BoE.

Contents

Unit-to-House Combat

When engaging with House forces, BoE has two objectives: (i) maximize long-term damage to House interests and resources, and (ii) minimize allied casualties. These objectives can be achieved through the following tactical approach:

1. Identify necromantic presence through all reconnaissance methods available. DO NOT ENGAGE with any House forces until this has been done.
2. If no necromancer is present, proceed with a normal tactical approach, but remain alert for possible necromantic reinforcement.
3. If only one necromancer is present, kill it or maim it with a headshot. Do not engage with other House personnel until the necromancer is incapacitated.
4. If multiple necromancers are present, proceed with extreme caution. If engagement is absolutely necessary, attempt to separate the necromancers from each other or attempt to engineer a massive simultaneous strike of an area via explosive devices.
5. Do not enter into extended combat engagement while a necromancer is present and active. Every casualty inflicted simply grants the necromancer additional power and intel.

Debunking Pro-House Martial Propaganda

The following information is intended to clarify necromantic abilities and has been verified by at least two different BoE personnel.

The idea  that necromancers will arrive swathed in black and attended to by skeletal servitors is completely false. Necromancers will be indistinguishable from other House soldiers and completely integrated into their units. Additionally, the rumors that necromancers can regenerate complete limbs or shoot a “death ray” of dark energy from their fingers for an instant kill both appear to be completely fictional.

Necromancers are not immortal and can be injured and killed. Though they cannot resurrect the dead, they can reanimate the corpses of both allies and enemies. Necromancers possess supernatural healing abilities, which they can apply to themselves and other people. Their power, however, is limited, and necromancers may retreat from combat due to injury or exhaustion, though they may tire more slowly than other combatants, as they gain energy from proximity to violent death.

Offensively, necromancers possess a wide range of possible attacks, including frequent use of organic matter as weaponry and a leeching ability that drains their targets of energy. Most dangerously, necromancers have what is known as a “death sense.” This occurs when a human dies and a nearby necromancer receives precise information about the circumstances of their death, including how they died, who killed them, and the killer’s exact location. The death sense creates a link between the gunman and the necromancer, through which it can kill or disable the gunman immediately.

Lyctors

Although Lyctors are few in number and rarely seen, they are remarkably dangerous and their capabilities far exceed a normal necromancer’s. Their supernatural abilities include immortality and near limitless power. If a Lyctor is encountered in combat, avoid it at all costs. Collect any possible intel about it and immediately report up the chain of command.