Marking the first prose appearance of Inquisitor Sabbathiel (who previously appeared in various comics from Titan), George Mann’s Black Library short story The Karsharat Abomination sees the inquisitor on the hunt for a renegade Mechanicus priest in possession of a dangerous weapon. Exploring an abandoned Ecclesiarchy outpost on the moon Karsharat, interrogator Bledheim wonders why Sabbathiel has included him in the group alongside her other, more militaristic, companions. As they get closer to the heart of the citadel, the specifics of what they face gradually become clearer, and Bledheim finds his mind being tested as much as his body.
This makes for an engaging, if brief, introduction to Sabbathiel and (at least some of) her retinue, shown from the interesting perspective of a character who’s very much a non-combatant, but views the warlike elements of the Inquisitorial remit with wary respect. The tone of the story should be familiar to anyone who’s read other Inquisition tales, but as the viewpoint character isn’t the inquisitor there’s a sense of obfuscation throughout – there’s clearly more to what’s going on than Bledheim understands. It’s quite a short story, and could perhaps have done with a sting in the tail to add a dash of extra excitement, but it’s enjoyable, characterful, and suggestive of interesting things to come with these characters.
Click this link to buy Inferno! Volume 4, which features this short story.