Frontline Dispatch 20
Who Commands the Plague?
By J. Harland, Embedded Correspondent

One of the most persistent myths among frontline soldiers is that the Plague is little more than a mindless horde. After months spent observing the conflict along the frontier, I can report that nothing could be further from the truth. While much of the infected mass appears chaotic, intelligence gathered from recent engagements suggests a sophisticated command structure exists within the Plague. Understanding it may be the key to surviving future battles.

Stage 3A Command

The most commonly encountered battlefield leaders are the creatures classified as Stage 3A Command organisms. These monsters are frequently observed directing groups of mutants and infected troops during assaults. Unlike lesser Plague creatures, they demonstrate tactical awareness, coordinating attacks, exploiting weaknesses, and redirecting forces as conditions change.

Several Enforcer officers have reported situations where seemingly disorganised assaults suddenly became focused and effective following the arrival of a Stage 3A commander. While not strategic thinkers in the conventional sense, they appear capable of exercising local battlefield control and greatly increase the effectiveness of nearby infected forces.

The Stage 3A Command is the only Plague faction command element that can be mounted in a vehicle. Only the “Mule” transport can be used.

Corruption

Above the battlefield commanders stand the beings known as Corruptions. Rarely seen directly, they are believed to act as regional coordinators for major Plague operations. Reports consistently describe them remaining behind the front lines while directing large numbers of infected organisms over considerable distances.

What makes the Corruption particularly dangerous is its apparent ability to influence both minds and bodies. Areas under its control often experience accelerated mutation, increased aggression among infected troops, and a disturbing degree of coordination across wide sectors. Intelligence analysts increasingly believe that many major Plague offensives are orchestrated through these creatures.

Compared with the 32mm Deadzone model

Stage 1A Lord

At the top of the hierarchy stand the terrifying entities known as Stage 1A Lords. Encounters remain exceptionally rare, largely because few witnesses survive them. These beings are regarded as the highest expression of the Plague’s evolution, possessing intelligence, strategic awareness, and power far beyond anything encountered elsewhere within the infection.

Military records attribute the fall of several colonies directly to the presence of a Stage 1A Lord. Entire campaigns have reportedly been redirected by their intervention. Unlike lesser commanders, these creatures do not simply lead battles. They shape wars. Where a Stage 1A Lord appears, every indication suggests the Plague is pursuing objectives extending far beyond the immediate battlefield.

Compared with the 32mm Deadzone model

Taken together, these three command levels reveal an uncomfortable truth. The Plague is not merely an infection spreading across the stars. It is an organised enemy capable of learning, adapting, and coordinating its forces with alarming effectiveness. The infected masses that soldiers encounter on the battlefield may be terrifying, but it is the intelligence guiding them that should cause the greatest concern.

This is J. Harland, signing off from the frontier. Stay safe, and we’ll bring you the next report from wherever the war takes us.