This story is currently only available within Inferno! Volume Three.
Matt Smith’s short story City of Blood is a Necromunda-esque tale of fast-paced underhive action in the 41st millennium, just not set on Necromunda. In the labyrinthine slums beneath Obergard Secundus, Jesca Veil – deserter, formerly of the 151st Hadran Rifles – has made a deal to get herself off-world. If she’s to see the deal through and make it to safety, however, she’ll have to contend with not just the untrustworthy nature of her shady contact but also the vengeful presence of the Officio Prefectus and the many and varied dangers lurking in the darkness of the underhive.
Despite being a 40k story in name, the influence of Necromunda here is clear in not just the twisty confines of this particular underhive but also the gritty, pulpy feel of the story and its sharp, snarky dialogue. It works well with the rapid pace of the narrative, and if there’s not a huge amount of character development – at least, not until a fair way through – that’s not really an issue as there’s plenty to enjoy watching Jesca and her surly contact Heizer getting themselves in and out of trouble. As a mixture of grubby Necromunda-esque foundations and 40k-style stakes, it’s an unashamed slice of breakneck fun.
