Ruadhán O'Sullivan

"Brothers and sisters, we are not merely soldiers of the Emperor, but we are the living embodiment of his will. We are the sword and the shield of humanity, the protectors of the innocent and the defenders of the righteous. Let us march forward with courage and determination, knowing that with each step we take, we bring hope to those who have none and strike fear into the hearts of our enemies. We are the Coillesh Sciathin, and we will prevail!"
Raphael O'Sullivan is the Luminarch of the XIth Legion - the Viridian Order. Raphael was widely regarded as one of the most beloved and accomplished generals in the Emperor's vast retinue. His reputation was built on a combination of biological genius, tactical acumen, and a unique ability to inspire those around him to acts of greatness. 
Despite his many triumphs on the battlefield, however, Raphael remained a deeply introspective and contemplative individual. He was constantly wrestling with the dual nature of his existence, torn between the primal instincts of his genetic heritage and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and understanding of the human condition.
For Raphael, this was a constant struggle, and one that often left him feeling isolated and alone, even in the midst of the frenzied chaos of battle. Yet despite these internal conflicts, he remained steadfast in his devotion to the Emperor and the Imperium, driven by a deep-seated belief in the greater good and the boundless potential of humanity.
== History ==
=== Homeworld ===
Inisfáil, akin to many of Humanity's ancient bastions, emerged as a captivating realm of wild magnificence, yet it bore the scars of a tumultuous past during the Nightmarish Ages of the Long Dark. The enigmatic origins of the Inisfáelian people, an ancient saga veiled in history's mist, whispered their secrets through generations. The lore spoke of a lineage intertwined with a lost prison ship, a vessel cast ashore upon the planet's surface during the grim emergence of the Long Dark. An era when survival was a distant dream, the land deemed inhospitable. Yet, with an unyielding spirit, the Inisfáil populace defied despair, crafting walled havens, fortresses of hope that shielded against predatory beasts prowling the vast, continent-spanning forests.
Stripped of advanced technology, the tribes revered the scarce technological relics of their heritage for two reasons: their immense power, unmatched by primitive devices, and their untouched nature, free from the taint of the witch. The Void's sinister touch tainted many a weapon on Inisfáil, a realm plagued by malicious psycasts in covens that blighted the land. The Witch King, an enigmatic leader of these dark forces, cast a shadow over the tribes, their torment a grim constant.
Yet, amidst echoes of danger, the culture of Inisfáil endured, a testament to human ingenuity and resilience in defiance of turmoil. In their veins coursed the blood of survivalists, skilled in hunting, farming, and navigating their formidable homeland. Settled havens emerged as triumphs of engineering, fortified by towering walls of stone and metal, stalwart guardians against the relentless march of time and the lurking unknown. Once composed of marooned criminals, - would have had no choice but to focus all their knowledge and efforts towards the preservation and maintenance of their fragile civilization. Despite the harsh and unforgiving circumstances that they found themselves in, they were able to succeed in this difficult task. However, their success came at a great cost, as their lives were devoid of any real comfort or luxury.
Stretching across Inisfáil's inland domains, tribes took refuge within fortress-like cities, each fortified with walls both stalwart and towering. Vigilant watchmen patrolled ramparts, muskets and pikes in hand, vigilant against lurking threats. In daylight, they held adversaries at bay, convoys venturing forth with caution. But with nightfall, the Witch King's reign began, and darkness enveloped Inisfáil in a shroud of foreboding.
One of the key factors that helped to keep internal conflicts in check among the once criminalized Inisfáelian peoples was the harsh punishment of exile that was meted out to capital offenders. Those who committed crimes within the settlements were banished to the wild-forests of Inisfáil, where they were left to fend for themselves without any support or protection - an edict that has been upheld in the following millennia. This fear of being exiled served as a powerful deterrent and helped to keep the peace within the settlements.
Expeditions for Inisfáil's secrets hidden since before the peoples marooning were not taken lightly. They required meticulous planning and preparation, and even then, the risks were great. The woodlands were vast and treacherously filled with all manner of beasts and plants that were beyond the study of even Inisfáils best researchers. Yet, the allure of lost knowledge and technology from before the Long Dark was too great for some to resist.
These intact research facilities were rumored to contain the secrets of the ancients, the key to unlocking a better way of life in a world shrouded in darkness. But the truth was far more sinister. The creatures that inhabited these woods were not to be trifled with, and many who dared to venture into the deep reaches never returned. Those who did often spoke of monstrous creatures that could only be described as the stuff of nightmares.
Adventurers who ventured into the heart of the High-Growth unveiled stories of trees that aspired ever higher, yearning for the heavens—an eternal dance between life and light. Yet, as they delved deeper, darkness thickened, a paradox where the canopy concealed, and lurking beasts grew ever more formidable. In this realm, ungulate species ascended to titanic heights, their antlers curving into grotesque weaponry, sculpting the very fabric of the forest into a realm of both awe and dread.
Despite the dangers, the people of Inisfáil persisted in their expeditions, hoping to find something that could bring them hope in their bleak existence. However, with each failed attempt, their resources dwindled, and their hope faded. The once-fertile land was barren, and the population struggled to eke out an existence. The people were plagued by hunger, disease, and despair in their once saft holdouts, and even the hardiest among them began to lose faith.
In the end, the expeditions became rare, almost nonexistent. The people of Inisfáil had lost the will to fight, and the land had reclaimed what was once lost. The ancient research facilities remained hidden, the mysteries of the Long Dark were left to be shrouded by the underdark.
Day and night upon Inisfáil followed a unique cadence, stretching far beyond Terra's cycles. Additionally, its orbital dynamics ushered in a 'Black Night' for a third of the year. An expanse of debris, remnants of a cosmic battle from the Long Dark, intermittently veiled the sun for months, chaos and half-functioning shielding enigmatic companions. Unpredictable, its approach heralded by dappling light, triggering a panicked retreat to cities. During this period, tribes faced constant siege. Void-fueled monstrosities tore through walls, sorcerers beguiled sentries, and shadows stalked, heedless of barriers. The night, both cloak and weapon, ruled.
In response, tribes cast out psionically inclined children into the forests, a desperate defense against the Witch King's grasp. Yet, his whispers defied distance, binding the outcasts to his malevolent will. An unending cycle ensued, fueled by generations of survivors, perhaps even ancient cults. Some claimed the curse arrived from the stars, citing bizarre artifacts revered by cults. In this world of turmoil, Raphael was born, a testament to the resilience of a people molded by the crucible of adversity.
=== Youth ===
The Emperor's Gene-Laboratory was a place of great mystery and power, hidden deep beneath the Imperial Grand Palace on Terra. Here, the greatest scientific minds on Terra worked tirelessly to forge new technologies and warriors and unlock the secrets of the human form. And it was here, in this hallowed chamber, that the Luminarchs were created. 
The Luminarchs were a special breed of beings, created by the Emperor himself and his acolytes to serve as his most trusted advisors and generals to his Imperial Armies. Each Luminarch a gestalt well spring of power, made up of years of tireless work. Imbued with incredible strength, intelligence, and psychic potential, making them nearly unstoppable in the crucible of war and invaluable to the Emperor's plans.
The entity that'd become Raphael was one of these embryonic beings - created from the fusion of countless years of gene-craft and psychic arcana within the Emperor's Laboratory - He and his brethren were created with a specific purpose in mind, to serve the Emperor and protect the empire from all threats, both foreign and domestic as they led his armies. However, something went wrong before the Emperor's work could be completed, and the Luminarchs were stolen from their gestation capsules by unknown forces before they could be properly trained and prepared for their duties.
Inna a brilliant young Inisfáelian woman with a passion for science, Her father - Declan O'Sullivan, one of the leading scientists who sought out a way to stave off the resource collapse of his civilization and possibly one of Inisfáil most brilliant minds had recognized her talent early on. And She quickly became his most trusted assistant, helping him with all of his experiments and research projects. However, when she suddenly became pregnant with Raphael, things became much more complicated.
Unlike the other Luminarchal mothers, who immediately went into hiding to protect themselves and their unborn children almost by an unseen and compulsive instinct, Inna was unable to do so. Her father required her presence in the laboratory, and she could not simply disappear without raising suspicion. So she continued to work alongside her father, even as Raphael grew and developed inside her womb.
Within mere days Inna's pregnancy progressed heavily, and Declan became increasingly concerned. The accelerated development of the Luminarch was putting a strain on his daughter's body, and she was experiencing all kinds of strange symptoms. Her body temperature rose to dangerous levels, and she began to experience intense pain and discomfort.
Despite these challenges, Inna persevered, determined to see the pregnancy through to the end. She underwent countless ultrasounds and medical tests in the days that followed, all while continuing to assist her father in his work. And finally, after almost a day and a half of labor, Raphael was born.
The birth was an ordeal, with Inna struggling to deliver the now fully-formed newborn Luminarch. But when Raphael finally emerged from the womb, it was clear that he was something truly special. He could be stronger, faster, and more intelligent than any human being, and his power and potential were almost limitless.
Declan O'Sullivan, in a most unusual display of superstition guided by his wife, Áine O'Sullivan, a simpler woman when compared to her husband and daughter. She saw the birth of her grandson, a child born purely of a mother as an omen of future fertility and as such future prosperity. And her belief somewhat compelled her husband and daughter to take the infant Luminarch as a good omen of sorts. But aside from anything else, Raphael had become a new factor that would surely change the equation in some way. Just how much he would do so, no one could imagine.
=== The Veridians Rise ===
Under the watchful eyes of his mentors, Raphael's rapid growth and exponential stature stirred a mixture of fear and awe. Many viewed him as a potential creation of the dreaded Witch King, while others regarded him with a clinical, almost scientific curiosity, including his own parents. They saw him not just as a symbol of physical prowess, but also as a strategic asset capable of fortifying their people's survival. Amid this complex perspective, Raphael grappled with an internal turmoil, finding solace in his Grandmother's kindness.
As his comprehension outpaced Inisfáil's leading masters, he diligently sought to unravel his unique gifts and translate his insights into action. The world's high gravity had endowed its inhabitants with denser bones and increased muscle mass compared to baseline humanity. These adaptations positioned them well for Raphael's improvements aimed at enhancing their senses and physical capabilities. Initial surgeries, derived from his own physiology, yielded limited yet significant successes. However, Raphael's ambitions delved into more intricate work, beyond the limits of Inisfáil's technological confines. To break these limitations, he set his sights on the long-forgotten facilities within the world forest.
Before plunging into the forest's depths, Raphael engineered methods to reinforce the city's walls. When breaches occurred, he led the charge against attackers, personally aiding in repairs. While most adhered to a binary day-night cycle, Raphael worked and researched across both periods, demonstrating his unique connection to time. His research carried risks, including encounters with the very monsters he sought to comprehend. Nevertheless, his determination and resourcefulness triumphed. Each discovery fortified him and his companions, equipping them to face the trials ahead.
Amidst this transformative journey, Raphael ascended to become the leader of Terstadt's defense forces. The renowned Black-Sentinels and Dawn-Shields of Terstadt recognized his prowess and leadership. The city's defenses benefited from his tactical acumen during breaches, while his vigilance and innovation, even in the darkest of nights, stood resolute.
Despite facing relentless challenges in the wild forests, Raphael's expeditions into the unknown grew bolder and more successful. As his skills sharpened, he navigated treacherous landscapes and subdued formidable creatures. Ultimately, he claimed leadership over the defense forces and earned the title of Witch's Bane.
His resolve remained unyielding, even as dissent festered within the city. Some questioned his leadership, doubting his ability to surpass collective efforts. In response, Raphael chose a different path, departing the city without confrontation. Under the cover of dawn, he ventured beyond the city's confines, carrying out a mission of profound purpose.
As dawn had risen over the city, he had given the guards of the Western Gate orders to let him pass. They complied without word. None in the city would set out after him for of late a mutant beast they called 'Cernunnos’ had plagued them during night and day, slaughtering any who dared set foot beyond the walls. Yet as dusk stole across the woods and the watch fires were set alight sentries spied Raphael approaching the Northern Gate. Behind him he dragged a corpse three times his size, its mottled hide torn and slicked with bale-blood - pierced by a steel shafted spear driven clean through its misshapen skull, and in his hand was a cargo of nigh unfindable anti-psychic ore. This was the first sign that Raphael would retake Inisfáil from the witches, and the next morning Raphael was declared to be their leader. 
Upon his return Raphael first commandment was that no witch would be cast forth from the city. Instead each and every one would suffer execution. Terstadt would provide no more monsters to prey upon its peoples. And his second act was to take the black ore and the antlers of the felled Cernunnos to his personal forge as he spent two weeks of intermittent toil. During this time the cities besiegers roused their hate once more and began again to assail its walls. In the night the Veridian and his Huntsmen blunted such assaults and in the day flames were seen billowing from his forge. Then one night when night stalkers had emerged within the city Raphael burst out of his forge wielding a great war ax of polished ivory and glistening night. Where mundane weapons proved useless his ax struck them low, dispersing them into mist that burnt away as light fell upon them. The surviving bale-kin fled.
The war ax, Ceruunnos’ Fall, would serve Raphael into the Great Crusade and beyond. Yet for now it would slay a god. Again he announced his intention to leave the cities confines. He spoke clearly of intentions to find and slay the Witch King. From another this was insanity. Indeed, it was perilously near to the fall of the next Black Night. 
His only assurance to the tribe was that a broken vessel was useless to the Witch King. Raphael would be gone for nearly a month. During this time they forged many weapons of the Beast Hunter's design. Caches of blasting powder and steam powered mining contraptions were cautiously repaired for their Lord’s return. The next Black Night fell and at first they despaired. Yet even as the woods raged with witchfire and was pierced by the cries of the damned, no assault came. The few intruders were battle weakened and seemed almost to be seeking refuge. They were met with fire. They nearly greeted their Lord that way also. He had knocked upon the gate thrice, and the sentries could not believe that the shadows were not deceiving them. It took witnesses warded by Raphael's tokens to convince the sentries that he was who he appeared to be. Rather than be enraged their actions Steel Prince praised the wardens vigilance. By now the city folk knew that the Witches were warring amongst themselves. Raphael now confirmed their hopes. The Witch King was slain.
As they waited out the dark night the tribe continued with the preparations that were now overseen personally by the Witch’s Bane. At First Light he led contingents out of the city in daytime hunts for both the hidden lairs of the horrors and the lost archeotech bases. Where these were found blasting powder was brought to blow them open and leave their inhabitants in sunlight. These beings were lethal in nature and such forays cost the tribesmen, but the witches were weakened by their strife. 
Their hard-won victories brought them ever closer to their ultimate goals. And as Raphael and his team returned from each successful mission, they brought back not only valuable knowledge and artifacts but also a sense of hope and possibility that had been sorely lacking in Inisfáil for far too long. For the first time in living memory the mortals of Inisfáil struck back at their tormentors. Raphael did not pick his targets without care, instead seeking to clear corridors to where other cities might stand. Soon they witnessed smoke upon the horizon.
The Rorsellen tribe was astounded by the mortal army before their gates, and more so at the figure leading it. A witch's spawn, some claimed, who had managed to enthrall an entire city. They would not even let his voice be heard. It took time and many dead horrors before the leaders of tribe Rorsellen consented to accept his aid in fortifying against the void tainted that attacked the cities coastal border. After the work's completion they attacked Rorsellen from the forest direct only once and it ended in massacre for the foul beasts. Satisfied, the Rorsellens swore to follow the Steel Prince.
Not all cities bowed however. Some fought Raphael out of fear or pride. Others were enthralled by witches and their cities themselves became lairs for the damned. Such holdings were costly to take but more costly to leave, for they served as seats of power and rallying points for the Witch King’s surviving lieutenants. By the time Raphael and his armies had swept the continent clean of voidspawn and the only foes left had fled beyond Raphael’s wrath into the Ever-Forests, the Witch's Bane had twelve tribes under his control that would expand until all the old cities were retaken.
Over time, Raphael's work paid off, and the settlements that had long been hemmed in by the forest began to expand outward, unmolested by the forces of the Witch-King. They built new structures, cultivated new crops, and welcomed new residents. Despite peace neither the Steel Prince nor his followers forgot the ancient threat: the constant culls of born psycasts served as a constant reminder. Such was the state of affairs when a Demigod bearing eyes of flame came to Inisfáil.
By the time the Imperial Harbingers arrived, they found a world transformed under Raphael's guidance. The people of Inisfáil were thriving, and their future looked brighter than it had in millennia.
== Reunion ==
"I stand before you as a Father, not a lord nor ruler. For though I may have been chosen to lead you, it is through our collective strength and unity that we shall endure. We are The Viridian Order, bound by duty, honor, and brotherhood. Let us face the trials ahead with courage and conviction, for we are the Emperor's chosen warriors, and our destiny lies in the stars."
-Quote taken from Raphaels meeting, and subsequent renaming of the Twilight Hatchets to the Viridian OrderOn meeting with Metatronous Godwin, Raphael felt true kinship with another being for the first time, and to his own surprise had to struggle to restrain his emotions. After inquiring diligently about the Stellar Imperium he asked for a meeting with his father and Legion commanders, at which he subsequently swore allegiance and pledged himself to the Emperors Great Crusade. He would be mentored by Metatronous, Mikha'el and Borakhutai during this period, though he was closest to Metatronous
In keeping with Raphael's aims, Inisfáil became both a recruitment world and a hub of research into ways in which the Angelus might make war more effectively. The settlements thrived and became cities, and the cities further expanded, fed by Imperial resources, and the forested research bases salvaged and restored. The one pristine base Raphael had located, which had served as his personal laboratorium, grew to an artificer armatorium. And over the years it played a small but significant role in the development of technologies such as Dreadnought armor, as well as the Viridian’s signature warp-blades.
The great dangers of combat against the forest titans of Inisfáil, in which a crippling blow could spell a hastened death, had left Raphael with a relentless urge to avoid any unnecessary injuries or losses. Consequently, he was troubled by what he saw as the wasteful practices of the Moonlight Hatchet's warriors, but also wary of forcing change on them. Seeking political advice from Metatronous, he built up support among the officers of the Legion, identifying aspects of their culture and methods which could provide a foundation for his vision. Fortunately in Cordyn he found an indispensable ally, and quickly gained an understanding of the men he was to command.
Those close to the Luminarch at this time said his demeanor was that of an inmate released from prison. Raphael would in time make his way to Terra, but for now he occupied himself with improving his homeworld and the Legion he had assumed command of. He apprenticed himself to some of the most accomplished of his brothers, learning what it took to lead the Emperor’s armies.
Raphael took the Hatchet’s emphasis on personal excellence and turned it to his own purposes, aiming to create a Legion that would serve mankind more effectively. Instead of prioritizing elaborate, dramatic kills, the XIth began to prize clean victories. At the same time, Raphael encouraged a more compassionate attitude toward the common soldier and an appreciation for what a unified force could achieve, reserving particular praise for the Legion’s apothecaries. Traditionally viewed with some disdain by their comrades, Raphael cast their expertise in a new light; always seeking ways to understand and bring down an enemy as well as to support their brothers, they were potentially the most lethal men in the Legion.
These changing attitudes were borne out both by a surge of Angelus seeking to learn the apothecary’s methods and more cohesive unit tactics during the XIth's battles. Some within the Legion resisted the changes, and continued to perform remarkable feats of arms, but were increasingly overshadowed by the "new" XIth Legion. As both Inisfáelian and Terran recruits embraced their Luminarch’s ways, the old guard shrank in numbers but eventually found a niche within a new order. Most visibly, Cordyn’s elite assault cadre remained and kept their black pearl armor, while the rest of the Legion adopted the white that usually marked a Legion’s medicae, along with verdant green and trimmed with arterial red.
Raphael applied his analytical skills to finding ways in which his sons could support and learn from their fellow Legions. Sometimes these efforts met with hostility from his brothers, but others responded with gratitude and respect, especially for the Angelus lives that the men of the XIth worked diligently to save. This gave rise to a new name for the Legion: The Viridian Order.
== Personalty ==
Raphael was a man who carried himself with a sense of poise and control, his every move calculated and precise. He possessed a sharp wit and a clever mind, and was not afraid to use these tools to his advantage. But despite his often serious demeanor, those who knew him well could see a twinkle in his eye that hinted at a hidden sense of humor, a mischievous side that he kept carefully hidden from most.
In his dealings with others, Raphael was careful and considered, never one to rush headlong into conflict or disagreement. He understood the value of diplomacy and tact, and he knew that it was often better to avoid confrontation altogether than to engage in a battle of wills. He was a master at reading people, at understanding their motivations and desires, and he used this knowledge to his advantage in negotiations and discussions.
While Raphael was a strong leader and commanded great respect from those under his command, he was not one to micromanage or impose his will on others. Instead, he placed a great deal of trust in his lieutenants, allowing them considerable freedom to speak their minds and make decisions on their own. This approach fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among his subordinates, and helped to create a culture of collaboration and shared decision-making within his Legion.
Raphael's leadership style was effective, and his subordinates held him in high regard. They respected his intelligence and strategic vision, and appreciated his willingness to listen and consider their opinions. Together, they were able to achieve great success, and under Raphael's guidance, their Legion grew stronger and more capable with each passing day.
== Wargear ==
* Ceruunnos’ Fall: Raphaels favored War-Ax, no less a weapon of great beauty and lethality. It is a Force-Ax, a prince even amongst its kind, its edge made with the antlers of the Ancient Forest Beast which gave the weapon its name; a legendary menace slain by Raphael himself before the Luminarchs rediscovery upon Inisfáil. Its murderous edge was further amplified by a disruption field generator - which was a masterwork in its own right - so that a well-placed blow could split the armored plate of a even a main-line battle tank.
* Warp Axes: While Raphael would create a range of firearms for his own use, he much preferred to carry a brace of throwing axes into combat. Known among his people as the ‘Sundering Wind’, they are each equipped with teleport units which return them to him without fail.
* Archeotech Plasmor Pistol: The Archeotech Plasmor Pistol gifted to Raphael by the Emperor was a weapon of incredible power and sophistication, the likes of which had not been seen in the galaxy for millennia. The pistol was crafted by the finest artificers of the Jovian Mechanicum, using long-forgotten techniques and materials that had been lost to the Imperium for countless generations. The weapon's sleek, elegant design belied its deadly nature, for it was capable of unleashing a devastating stream of superheated plasma at its target, incinerating even the toughest of armor and obliterating anything in its path.
* Coillesh Sciathin: Based upon the armor fashioned for Raphael on Inisfáil, the Coillesh Sciathin would integrate ancient Terran power armor technology with the utilitarianism and archeotech that had protected Raphael against the worst hazards of his homeworlds Forests. Raphael had never satisfied with his raiment, and it was continuously overhauled to endure the ravages of the Universe.
Category:Character
Category:Luminarch
Category:Imperium