Scythes of Lazarus

"Say what you like about the Eighth Legion. They are an ilk of mean ugly bastards but a tenacious lot. But there's no one else I'd rather have by my side in a war of attrition, and almost anyone else I'd rather have against me."
: —Borakhutai Shogun, Luminarch of The Astral Marauders Imperial Legion, after the compliance of Nosis 3-58, during the Great Crusade
The Scythes of Lazarus, also titled as the "Death Wardens" the "Drottinn Murinall" the "Leper Scions of Ritter" or simply as "Lazarists," are one of the Imperial Legions borne in the Waning Years of The Terran Unification Wars, whose Legion number has long become a byword for resilience and an unshakable courage, and whose warriors serve to protect humanity against itself and its own corruption on more than a hundred worlds within the Stellar Imperium, and at whose hands scores of xenos races have met their destruction. The Scythes of Lazarus have continuously fought tirelessly against this most vile of threats: inhuman, unrecognizable and soulless monsters of the dark - the very stuff of human nightmares.
When the VIIIth Legion were first raised upon Terra by the Emperor during The Primaris Founding, its Marines were titled the Twilight Harbingers. Yet after the VIIIth Legion was reunited with its Luminarch Drotti Selwyn Jaegar on the world of Ritter, he renamed the Legion the Scythes of Lazarus.
== Origins and History ==
The God Emperor of Man sought to unite all of humanity under one banner following the strife of the Age of the Long Dark, and end inter-human conflict across the galaxy. Once united, the Emperor intended to begin the next stage of His great plan to ensure human domination of the Milky Way Galaxy, which He judged to be necessary if humanity was to survive the never-ceasing threats to its existence embodied by Chaos, the myriad of xenos races and its own fragile human nature. 
In time, when the Emperor's eye first began to fall beyond Old Terra, He began to raise new armies to fight in His Great Crusade. He drew these new troops in part from the forces that had already unified Terra during the Terran Unification Wars of the late 90th Millennium. To carry out the Great Crusade and reunite all the scattered colony worlds of Mankind beneath the single banner of the Imperium Dominus, the Emperor created the genetically-enhanced superhuman warriors known as the Imperial Marine Legions. These forces would serve as the spear-tip of His Great Crusade that began in 940.M91, bringing the light of Imperial Truth and enforcing Imperial Compliance with the new regime on every human world encountered.
=== The Bringers of Twilight ===
The origins of the Twilight Harbingers can be found during the Terran Unification Wars. The base human stock for the majority of the first Luminairies Legions to be raised came from Terra, and in the case of the VIIIth Legion the main bulk of the gene-recruits used were drawn from the ancient and warlike clans of Old Ursholia, situated in the northeastern continent of Europa, where what once had been the ancient nation-state of Russia. Indeed such was the suitability of there peoples for induction into the ranks of the Imperial Marines that recruits were drawn also to fill the ranks of the XIVth and Vth Legions, The Frostwind Hounds and The Askari Blacks, respectively, although to a lesser degree than the VIII Legion which was by blood and culture shaped by the the Urshite warlords and Techno-barbarian as well as the hand of the Emperor.
The recruitment of the sons of Ursholia served a twofold purpose; firstly, and most importantly, it drew off the cream of whole generations of strength from a prominent Terran realm, now friend and ally to the Burgeoning Imperium but never fully trusted. For Old Ursholia, towering amid the northern wilderness, had once been a true rival of the Emperor for control of the destiny of Mankind. By recruiting their brightest and best into the Legiones and the other growing Imperial organizations marked for war amid the stars, the Emperor ensured they could never threaten the Unification from within. Secondly, it subsumed into the Emperor's forces all the martial traditions and bloodlines that had for centuries held much of Terra under their cruel grasp and had eventually overcome the Norden ‘Erikan Conclaves under the rule of its Cruel Psionic Kings. Such a breed of relentless warlords and soldier-scientists was an invaluable resource that the Emperor was loathe to waste.
By the time the Unification Wars had begun, the warlord clans of Old Ursholia had thrown off the tyranny of the last descendants of the Witch King, and did not readily bend their knee to the Emperor, for they refused to have another master in the Witches place. Instead the Ursholians met the Emperor's regiments of Proto-Imperial Troopers with their own battalions of steam-belching proto-Walkers and heavily armored Ironhide soldiers. In battle after battle, the forces of the Unification were held in check, although at a shattering cost for the Ursholians, who would not give in despite the Imperial onslaught. Impressed with the martial temper of the Ursholians' and their indomitable courage, the Emperor called for a ceasefire and sought victory over the warlord clans through peaceful negotiations, understanding that to crush them by force alone would entail a grinding war of attrition that would only serve to decimate His own forces and gain Him naught but a handful of ashes as a prize of war.
The Emperor pursued peace despite the protestations of His counselors and generals. Going before them, it is said, unarmed and clothed in white and crimson, the Emperor spoke to the warlords' parliament and laid before them His vision of a future Mankind reunited and ascendant, of tyrants toppled and nightmares slain. He offered them glory amongst the stars and most importantly, redemption for many hundreds of years of kin-slaying and bloodshed. To the shock of many, the warlords of Old Ursholia accepted the Emperor's vision. In doing so, the Ursholian clans became among the Unification's most zealous supporters, although still untrusted by many, lending their warriors and secrets long kept up for the Emperor's eyes alone. But most importantly for the future of humanity, the kingdoms of Ursholia sacrificed their sons and daughters to become some of the first Imperial Marines.
The VIII Legion quickly developed in the use of tactics and methods of warfare that their Ironhide forebears would have found utterly familiar, matched with a stoic temperament and gene-crafted aptitude which few doubted had been the Emperor's design all along. Operating in the role of heavy infantry, the Luminairies of the VIII Legion were experts at survival and endurance, and quickly gained a reputation among the other newly-forged Legions as relentless and disciplined fighters. In defense they were stubborn and indefatigable, able to stand unwaveringly against the heaviest fire and hold their position against all comers to the last living body and Arc shell if needed. In attack they systematically destroyed a given target, crashing upon an enemy in wave after wave of armored bodies, excelling in close range fire-fights and bloody attrition. Their umbral and unadorned Power Armor began to carry the symbols of rank and decoration, now modified that once formed the armorial imagery of the Ironhides of Old Ursholia.
As the VIII Legion fought in the last days of Terran Unification and the first battles of the Great Crusade off-world, they were given the epithet of the 'Twilight Harbingers' by those they fought and took it for their own. This name was a consequence of their use of the ancient Ursholia tactic of conducting major ground attacks at the dead of night when the shift of light confused an enemy's watch, and the setting darkness would shadow an advance across open ground. Such was the reputation the VIII Legion garnered, in fact, that foes given an ultimatum of attack by the Harbingers would often waver in their resolve, their soldiers panicking and deserting their bastions or throwing down their arms and fleeing at the coming of darkness rather than face the Luminairies. As relentless as they were in attack, the Twilight Harbingers were known to be honorable opponents as well, who would hold to bargains struck for early surrender and honor symbols of truce. When such terms lapsed, however, and the die was cast for destruction, it was just as widely known that nothing would stay the Twilight Harbingers' hand. Such honorable terms only extended to human foes worthy to be brought into the fold of Imperial Compliance, however; to the degenerate, the mutant and the alien, no such mercy was given.
So the Twilight Harbingers continued this course over the next eight standard decades as they fought on unwavering in the service of the Great Crusade. Still fatherless during this time as other Imperial Marine Legions gained their long-lost Luminarchs until only a handful remained to be discovered, this "orphan" status further bred a self-reliance and a quiet, stubborn pride in the Twilight Harbingers' self-forged character, and the martial triumphs of the VIII Legion were many and enviable. Their reunification with their Luminarch, when it finally came, was a joyous event that many had long hoped for. Recognizing the sacrifice of his sons, the Drottinns influence fell upon the legion like a shadow, and the Twilight Harbingers were soon broken down and remade in the Pale Rider's image, thus, the VIII Legion became the resolute and unforgiving Scythes of Lazarus.
== Notable Campaigns ==
== Legion Organization and Structure ==
=== Legion Command Hierarchy ===
When Luminarch Selwyn assumed command of the VIIIth Legion, despite initial apprehensions from the Sol-Born veterans of the original Twilight Harbingers, he swiftly molded the Rittean-born VIIIth Legionaries into a unified force under his unyielding command. As the Spear, Shield, and Hammer of the Feurstelle Principate's expansion, as well as the Heralds of the Stellar Imperium's conquest, the Scythes of Lazarus born of Ritter stood distinguished among the Imperial Marine Legions for their singular cohesion and purpose, embodying a unity of spirit and mission unparalleled.
Under Selwyn's directive, the Rittean VIIIth Legion was reorganized into twenty "Greater Companies," a departure from the standard organizational structures mandated during the era of the Great Crusade. This restructuring ensured that each Greater Company was significantly larger and more formidable, reflecting Selwyn's vision of strength through unity and disciplined cohesion. Obedience and adherence to the chain-of-command were sacrosanct principles within the Scythes of Lazarus, flowing through the Legion's veins like lifeblood.
Within the Legion, hierarchy and command were meticulously defined: Legionaries executed the will of their sergeants, who in turn followed the directives of their captains, all ultimately serving under the unwavering leadership of their commanders, and they under the will of their Luminarch. This hierarchical clarity minimized unnecessary bureaucracy and heraldry, fostering a streamlined and efficient operational ethos that emphasized action over ostentation. Formal ranks and divisions were few within the Rittean-born VIIIth Legion, reserved primarily for specialized technical roles where flexibility in organizational structure was necessary. Each member of the Legion understood their role and responsibilities, guided by a deep-seated understanding of their place in the Legion's hierarchy and the tasks entrusted to their comrades.
All Rittean-Born Scythes of Lazarus conformed to Selwyn's decree without rancor or dissent, and rivalries and internal strife were observed by outsiders to be few, particularly in comparison to more notably fractious and clannish Legions such as the Legio Corvorum Mortis, The Askari Blacks, Scarlet Lions and Frostwind Hounds. When an officer died in battle, his successor stepped into his place swiftly and decisively without need for orders or discussion, and so the Legion's chain-of-command was seamless even in the face of the heaviest losses, contributing to the Scythes of Lazarus's reputation for endurance in war.
==== The Great Companies ====
The VIIIth Legion's Great Companies were organized as follows:
===== The First Great Company =====
Known as the Erster Körpa, the Elite Army of the First Company was led directly by Selwyn himself. This elite force, comprising 120,000 veteran Marines, served as the cornerstone of the Legion. The First Company was supported by its own formidable Armada, consisting of five Dominion-Class Ships and ten Power-Class Ships, with the Legion Flagship, the Relentless Death, at its helm. To maintain the strength and elite status of the First Company, Selwyn often selected individual troops and entire squads from the 2nd to 15th Great Companies who demonstrated exceptional skill in battle. On rare occasions, even exceptionally talented Young-Initiates from the 16th to 20th Scout Companies were inducted.
===== The 2nd through 15th Great Companies =====
Mirroring the structure and independence of the First Company, each of the 2-15th companies maintained a strength of approximately 80,000 to 100,000 Marines and possessed their own self-sustained fleet and auxiliary assets. The First Captains of these companies, known as the Kleiner Drottinn, or simply the Kleiners, were considered equals under the First Company, ensuring that no single captain or company held any actual seniority over another.
===== The 16th through 20th Great Companies =====
The Legion's 16th to 20th Greater Companies, titled the Neu-Sohn Companies, functioned as the Legion's Scout and Garrison forces, with the bulk of which being stationed within the Legion's Fuerstelle Territories. These companies had specific roles within and outside of Fuerstellen Space:
* The 19th Company, acting as a military police and elite garrison force, patrolled the Fuerstellen Void-Lanes, ever vigilant against raiders, pirates, and criminals. They were fielded by the Neunzehnter Körpikh Garrison Fleet, led by the Legion's secondary flagship, the Renewed Hope.
* The 20th Company, known as the Zwanzigster Körpa and referred to as the ZK-Polizei by the Ritteans of the Fuerstellen Worlds and Colonies, served as both a police force and an active garrison body. They also played a crucial role in recruiting new members for the VIIIth Legion. The 20th Company was the largest of the Neu-Sohn Companies as it often numbered 200,000 active personnel. Though as it was a temporary assignment for many Marines, it often fluctuated drastically from a scant 20,000 Marines to 400,000 as the needs of the Legion's Crusading Companies dictated.
* The 16th to 18th Greater Companies acted as a Legion Auxiliary scout force within the theaters of the Great Crusade. Elements of these companies were often interspersed throughout the Crusading Greater Companies, excluding even that of the First. These young Marines fought alongside their elder Battle-Brothers across the Imperium's battlefields as a form of tutelage and internship. Eventually, they would join the company they were assigned to or another company based on their temperament and personality, becoming fully-fledged Battle-Brothers ready to embark on their lives as Imperial Marines.
The comprehensive structure of the VIIIth Legion ensured that each company was both self-sufficient and integral to the Legion's overall might. The Erster Körpa set the standard of excellence, while the other companies maintained the Legion's versatility and reach. The Neu-Sohn Companies, with their specialized roles, provided essential support both in peacetime and during the Great Crusade, ensuring the Legion remained a formidable force within the Imperium.
=== Specialist Formations ===
* Pride of Tyber - The Pride of Tyber are an elite cadre of specially selected Battle-Brothers from the VIIIth Legion who served as Luminarch Selwyn's mute bodyguards during the Great Crusade. Great secrecy surrounds this elite cadre, whose numbers were chosen from amongst the standard ranks of the Scythes of Lazarus Legion from Marines who had been singled out and personally selected by their Luminarch for their bravery and valor. Once chosen, the selected Battle-Brother would give up his former life as a common rank-and-file Marine and swear binding oaths of secrecy. A member of the Pride of Tyber would be listed as killed in action to allay any suspicions as to their true identity, and he would forever conceal his face by always wearing an enclosed helmet, mask or hood. The identity of each member of the Pride was known only to Selwyn himself, even in the event of their death. The Pride wore Artificer-crafted and slimmed down Dreadnought Armor of the highest quality, presenting a foreboding appearance with their barrel-chested appearance and like their Luminarch, wielding large Tyberous-Pattern war scythes called Shroud-Reapers. It was the Pride's sacred duty to never stray more than fifty-five paces from Selwyn, with two of the Pride of Tyber's warriors customarily escorted the Luminarch at any given time, though there may have been more hidden in the shadows. These stoic warriors' presence was quite intimidating, as they stood uniformly at attention at all times, as still as statues. But in battle the Pride of Tyber would prove equally frightening, for whatever the odds, they always moved inexorably towards their target, almost as if they were automated killing machines.
* Death Warden Dreadnought Squad - Originally used as an informal name for the variously armed battalions of Scythes of Lazarus Dreadnoughts of Khoron Zurroathe's company carried into battle aboard the unique Battleship Terminus Est, the term "Umbral Wardens" also eventually became synonymous both within the Scythes of Lazarus Legion and beyond it, specifically for the alchemical weapon-equipped Dreadnoughts unique to the Scythes of Lazarus. Alone among the Legiones Imperialis, the Scythes of Lazarus made free and frequent use of alchemical weapons such as the crawling horror of Phosphite, inimically lethal Cullgene gas and flesh-eating Vasgotox fluid as a matter of course, and outfitted specialized units in modified patterns of Tactical Dreadnought Chassis Armor to disperse it accordingly. Where the Umbral Warden Dreadnought Squads walked, they brought a lingering, ugly death to whatever and whoever crossed their paths.
* Destroyer Squads - Considered dishonorable by some of the Imperial Marine Legions who made little use of them or eschewed them altogether, Destroyers were equipped with and expert in the use of otherwise proscribed and forbidden weaponry. Alongside certain factions of the ancient Mechanicum, only Destroyer cadres had the license to use these weapons in the forces of the Imperium by the Emperor's command. Rad-weapons, bio-alchem munitions and the burning horror of Phosphite were a necessary evil, although the effectiveness of their relic-weapons in cracking especially difficult enemy defenses could not be denied.
== Recruitment ==
=== The Scythes of Lazarus ===
The Scythes of Lazarus Legion, born on the death-world of Ritter, have forged a legendary reputation for their resilience in the face of attrition rates that would daunt even the mightiest of warriors. Throughout the Great Crusade, few legions surpassed their proportional sacrifice, with only the Warhounds of Anatelikós, Imperial Harbingers, and Iron Asha'karii Legions ever being able to record higher losses in pursuit of the Imperium's conquest and expansion.
The moons of the Dark-Triad and the entire Tellus-System, along with the expanded Fuerstelle Stellar-Principia, effectively transformed over a few short Terran years through a series of strategic policies into a vast factory dedicated to producing new recruits for the Scythes of Lazarus Legion. With the VIIIth Legion restricted to recruiting solely from Rittean-born stock, its other sources of recruitment—once more diverse—dwindled significantly due to relentless combat losses and a more stringent recruitment pool. However, despite his reluctance to use bloodstock from sources other than native Ritteans, Selwyn conceded to allow the Sol-Born Twilight Scythes to continue their own induction procedures, ensuring the Legion's battle readiness met his exacting standards.
Rittean natives, often considered 'feral' by the wider Imperium, proved exceptionally suited for the Marine conversion process into Scythes of Lazarus. Their innate resilience and adaptation to the harsh conditions of the Tyberian Moons made recruitment efforts more effective. So as the population of the Dark-Triad moons and their orbital colonies grew denser, a systematic approach to recruitment emerged, intertwined with customary population culling's designed to prevent overpopulation and support interstellar colonization efforts within the Fuerstelle Stellar-Principia.
To manage overpopulation across the region, mandatory annual trials were instituted. These trials served dual purposes: they thinned the population and selected individuals for either the ranks of the Scythes of Lazarus or the colonist efforts aimed at establishing new extraplanetary Rittean colonies. Only the strongest, smartest, most durable, and most dedicated individuals were chosen through these grueling trials. Those who endured the arduous culling and tested into the recruitment pool of the VIIIth Legion faced the True-Trials of the Legion, a series of transformative challenges designed to prepare them for the transhuman conversion process necessary to become Imperial Marines.
This rigorous selection process ensured that only the most exceptional candidates underwent the transformation into Scythes of Lazarus. It reinforced the Legion's reputation for producing highly resilient and formidable warriors, well-suited to the demands of their harsh environment and the broader needs of the Stellar Imperium. The symbiotic relationship between the Rittean population and the VIIIth Legion recruitment efforts also strengthened the bond between Selwyn’s forces and their homeworld, fostering a deep sense of loyalty and duty among the new generations of Marines who rose from the Tyberian Moons.
==== The Time of Trial ====
The Time of Trial commences once those chosen for induction into the Legion are brought into the Legion Palace-Monasteries built upon the Dark-Triad moons: Garrauw's Remembrance on Ritter, Garrioss Dominant on Edler, and Dhunkler Sprossah on Freiherr. Here, harsh games and tournaments unfold, pitting the young contenders against the dual challenges of the hostile lunar landscapes and their peers. Arenas adorned with statues of Rittean heroes and champions set the stage for these contests, creating an environment steeped in history and valor.
Before the trials, candidates are celebrated in the Black-Belts of the Triad’s nations. For three sets of three days, they are exalted by the people of the kingdoms, villages, and nations. This period of revelry offers the young men a final opportunity for celebration before facing the First Time of Trial.
The first three days are marked by feasts and festivities. Candidates partake in hearty meals and drink, reveling in the songs and stories of Rittean myth and history. These days are filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the communal joy of their people.
The second set of three days involves rigorous inspections and blessings. Doctors and priests conduct final checks to ensure the candidates are of strong bodies and even stronger wills. Incense fills the air, and salted oils are rubbed on the young men, while prayers to the gods echo through the streets. These rituals are meant to prepare their bodies and spirits for the challenges ahead.
The third and final set of three days is a time of mourning and solemnity. Aware that many boys will not survive the First Trial, their communities mourn them preemptively. Candidates’ heads are shaved according to their desires, with many choosing to go bald. On the last day, as the sun sets, they are marked with black-scorched salts rubbed along their eyes and painted with ceremonial death paint, signifying their readiness to face whatever comes in the trials.
As the sun dips low, heralds upon pale steeds ride through the streets, announcing the commencement of the Time of Trial—a tradition steeped in history more than necessity. Each boy is provided with a simple navigator to mark their current location and the destination of the "Place of Challenge," along with a modest silver blade.
The first trial requires the candidates to reach this Place of Challenge by any means necessary within five days. This journey often spans hundreds of miles and tests the endurance, resourcefulness, and courage of each participant. The hazardous fogs, dense forests, and perilous cliffs of the Rittean moons create a treacherous path. Candidates must navigate these dangers, leaping from great heights using crude hang-gliders to cross yawning gaps in the terrain.
Throughout their journey, they must evade the deadly predators that inhabit these wild lands. Fogstalkers, with their eerie stealth; Stonewyrms, massive serpentine creatures camouflaged against rocky outcrops; and Valleyclaw Scorpions, whose venomous stingers can end a life in moments, all pose significant threats. The combination of natural hazards and predators serves to eliminate the weaker contenders, leaving only the truly exceptional and brave to reach the Place of Challenge.
Upon arrival, the surviving candidates are greeted by the imposing sight of the Legion Palace-Monasteries. These grand structures, with their stone facades adorned with statues of Rittean heroes and champions, symbolize the ultimate goal of their arduous journey. The arenas within these monasteries will soon become the stage for the next, even more grueling trials, where candidates will face tests of strength, skill, and willpower. Here, under the watchful eyes of their forebears' stone gazes, the boys' journey to becoming Scythes of Lazarus truly begins.
Aspirants who successfully reach the monasteries within the designated five days are dutifully accepted by Legion serfs. They are taken into the black walls of the fortress, where they are fed and their wounds attended to. Those who fail to arrive in time are left outside, a stark reminder of the high stakes and unforgiving nature of the trials. Inside the Palace-Monastery, the successful candidates are paraded before the Legion members. This procession leads them to the Aspirant Barracks, where they witness for the first time the unhelmed faces of their future brother Marines. The sight of these seasoned warriors, scarred and battle-hardened, serves as both an inspiration and a daunting reminder of the path that lies ahead.
The Legionnaires, embodying the ideal of the Scythes of Lazarus, silently observe the newcomers. Their presence a living testament to the trials and tribulations that await the aspirants. As the candidates settle into the barracks, the gravity of their undertaking becomes even more palpable. The walls around them are filled with the echoes of past victories and the memories of those who did not survive the journey.
In the days to years that follow, the candidates undergo a series of rigorous trials designed to push them to their limits. These challenges test not only their physical prowess but also their mental fortitude and strategic acumen. Each trial is more demanding than the last, ensuring that only the most capable and resilient will progress. Through these trials, the aspirants begin to form bonds of camaraderie and brotherhood, essential for their future roles as Scythes of Lazarus. The journey is long and arduous, but with each passing day, they move one step closer to becoming the elite warriors of the VIIIth Legion, ready to face the perils of the galaxy under the command of their Luminarch.
===== Gen-1-3 Helix Implantation - Era Angelus Implantation =====
The Era Angelus style of implanting new Inheritance-Helix organs, from The Primaris Founding to the onset of the Era Luminous, had evolved into a highly ritualistic practice over the years. And had taken on a near-religious significance within the Imperial Marine Legions. This had been no different with the VIIIth Legion both Pre and Post-Selwynian Integration, as in this Era Angelus approach, the organs derived from the A-gen Progenium Cluster were meticulously cultured in vitro before being implanted within the Aspirants through either surgery or injection. The process involved carefully nurturing and growing these organs outside the body to ensure their optimal development and functionality.
However, there were cases where the implantation process required a different approach. Some Inheritance-Helix organs necessitated the injection of Immature Progenoid Cell-Clusters directly into the Aspirant's body. This method allowed the clusters to integrate and utilize the individual's own physiological processes, ultimately developing into fully functional organs. Despite the generally successful implantation procedures, there were instances where further operations became necessary for certain Imperial Marines. These additional surgeries were required to address imbalances caused by poor initial implantation procedures or the Aspirant's body struggling to adapt to the hormonal and physical changes initiated by the implants.
The expedited nature of these implantation surgeries was a result of the massive scale on which the Angelus Legions were being rapidly built. The Legion Apothecarion Temples had to perform these procedures in a highly efficient and almost assembly-line fashion to accommodate the exponential growth of the million-strong Imperial Legions. 
===== Gen-4.5 Helix Implantation and Activation - Era Luminous Implantation =====
The Era Luminous heralded a revolutionary approach to the integration of new Inheritance-Helix organs, marking a significant departure from traditional methods. This era was characterized by the integration of the Morphogenic Engine into the Inheritance-Helix, a development that revolutionized the transformation process for the Scythes of Lazarus Legion. One of the most striking features of this innovation was its ability to foster the growth of Luminaire organs internally within an Aspirant, eliminating the need for external cultivation and subsequent surgical implantation. This remarkable transformation was made possible through the implementation of semi-sentient nano-bioswarms, skillfully manipulating genetic stem cells and harnessing the forces of bio-generation.
Upon the implantation of the Inheritance-Helix, the Morphogenic Engine springs into action under the watchful gaze of the Legion's Apothecarion. Carefully monitored, the Aspirants are guided through a state of prolonged morphogenic and biological evolution. The Engine takes root within the intricate systems of their bodies, marking the commencement of a remarkable transformation. Unlike the previous methods employed for the Era-Angelus Marines and the Prototypical I'cartes, where organs were grown externally and later surgically implanted, the Morphogenic Engine, aided by semi-sentient nano-bioswarm cells (SSnB-Cells), orchestrates the growth of organs internally.
The inner workings of the Morphogenic Engine remain shrouded in mystery, with only the Luminarchs Kahorere Wetekina Tereiti Kua and Ruadhán O'Sullivan being fully privy to its true secrets. While the exact mechanisms elude full understanding, confidential documents safeguarded by the vigilant Apothecarion Sects of the Legions offer glimpses into its operation. What can be discerned is that the Engine, utilizing its SSnB-Cells, seizes control of an Aspirant's viral DNA during the process of cellular differentiation. Through selective alterations to specific segments of the human genome, based on the intricate designs of the Genetic Template made in the image of the Luminarchs and their Legions, the Engine endeavors to replicate their essence.
As these "infected" cells undergo division and transformation in accordance with their modified genetic blueprint, the Aspirant embarks on a years-long journey of biomechanic processes. New organs take shape, old ones are rebuilt, and bones and soft tissues undergo a painful metamorphosis into a state of superhuman perfection.
Regrettably, the agonizing nature of this protracted process, coupled with the immense strain it places on the Aspirant's body and mind, leads to a significant mortality rate among those chosen to undergo the transformation. Despite precautions taken, the loss of Aspirants during this arduous journey has always been an unfortunate reality in the creation of the Imperium's superhuman warriors.
For the Aspirants of the VIIIth Legion, the transformation process begins upon their ascension to the rank of Neophyte. At this stage, the Inheritance-Helix is implanted within their chest. Following the surgery and implantation, they partake in a ritual where they drink from the Chalicides of Leprous, administered by the Legion's Saubähns. These cups contain a viral nano-bioswarm catalyst, laced with toxins and poisons, to initiate their transformation into transhuman Luminaires through the activation of the Engine.
After consuming the catalyst, the Aspirants are placed within mighty pale sarcophagi deep within the Halls of Lazarus hidden upon the Verwüsten Moons. During the coursing presence of the bioswarm within the Aspirant's body, the pale sarcophagi, filled with ambient biofluid, become their temporary abode. Within this encapsulated environment, the Aspirant's Helix is activated by a mix of bioswarms propagating through their bodies and the poisons that send their nervous systems into overdrive. This prompts the Engine to generate and propagate the precursor bio-streams. These bio-streams are then assembled by the Aspirant's own cells, forming bio-factories capable of nurturing the growth of the requisite organs, transforming them into Luminaires.
The transformative process is grueling, with many Aspirants succumbing to the strain. Yet, those who endure emerge with incredible physical changes, gaining swift growth, muscle mass, and additional internal organs. They are bestowed with strange dreams as the essence of the Luminarch permeates their souls through the Inheritance-Helix. Comfort is an alien concept within the Luminous transformation process. Excruciating pain becomes an ever-present companion as Aspirants endure years of intense and pervasive growing pains within their sarcophagi, sculpted by the Morphogenic Engine into Imperial Marines. This anguish intertwines with the multitude of changes transpiring within their internal organic framework, painting a vivid portrait of the formidable trials they must withstand.
After emerging from the sarcophagi, the Aspirants stand tall, strong, and superhumanly powerful, resembling their ghastly forebears. They are now Scythes of Lazarus Initiates, having completed the final stage of becoming full Lazarists. Subsequently, they will now serve in the Legion's 16-20th Greater Companies, with the 19th and 20th often acting as a Military-Police and an elite garrison force within Fuerstelle Space, whilst the 16-18th Greater Companies act as a scout force within the theaters of the Great Crusade. Eventually, they join one of the other companies as fully-fledged Battle-Brothers, prepared to embark on their lives as Imperial Marines. The transformation from mere mortal to formidable Luminaire complete, they march onward to fulfill their destiny in service of the Imperium.
=== The Twilight Scythes ===
The recruitment procedures of the VIIIth Legion Segregationists, known as the Twilight Scythes, are meticulously designed to preserve what they perceive as the "pure" strain of the Legion's Inheritance-Helix Pre-Rittean Integration and the Founding of Selwyn. These procedures are distinct from those of the Rittean-born Marines of the Scythes of Lazarus, predominately reflecting their Sol-born origins and the Traditions that were developed before their Reunion with their Luminarch along with their staunch adherence to these same traditional methods.
Recruitment into the Twilight Scythes begins with stringent selection criteria aimed at identifying Baseliner(BSL) candidates who could epitomize the Legion's ideals of strength, discipline, and loyalty. With candidates be required to meet a set list of prerequisite criteria. First of being that prospective recruits must be born of Baseline bloodstock, with candidates being required to demonstrate a lineage free from significant non-BSL genetic influence, ensuring continuity with the Legion's original Inheritance-Helix.
Recruitment begins with the identification of potential candidates from Baseliner populations across the Imperium. Candidates must meet stringent genetic, physical, and psychological criteria set forth by the Twilight Scythes' Apothecarion and overseen by their senior officers. Genealogical records are meticulously reviewed to ensure candidates meet the purity standards established by the Legion.
Prospective candidates undergo initial screening tests to assess their physical fitness, mental resilience, and genetic compatibility with the Legion's Inheritance-Helix. This includes rigorous physical examinations, psychological evaluations, and genetic profiling conducted by trained Twilight Scythe Apothecaries and Chaplains. Candidates must demonstrate unwavering loyalty to the Imperium and a deep commitment to the ideals upheld by the Twilight Scythes. Their dedication to the Legion's traditions and doctrines is rigorously tested during this phase.
Successful candidates proceed to the induction trials, which take place at designated training facilities or fortress-monasteries maintained by the Twilight Scythes across the Stellar Imperium. These trials are designed to evaluate the candidates' combat skills, tactical acumen, and ability to endure physical and mental hardship. Trials often include simulated combat scenarios, survival exercises in harsh environments, and tests of leadership under stress. Candidates are evaluated on their adaptability, decisiveness, and teamwork throughout the trials.
Candidates who excel in the induction trials are selected for final implantation into the Inheritance-Helix of the VIIIth Legion. This involves a solemn ceremony overseen by senior officers and the Legion's Apothecarion. Prior to implantation, candidates undergo a period of spiritual preparation and purification, guided by the Twilight Scythe Chaplaincy. They are taught the ancient rites and traditions of the Legion stemming from the Years of the Unification Wars of Terra, preparing them mentally and spiritually for the transformative process ahead. The implantation itself is conducted with utmost precision and solemnity, marking the formal entry of the candidate into the ranks of the Twilight Scythes. The Inheritance-Helix is integrated into the candidate's physiology, beginning their journey towards becoming a transhuman Luminaire.
Newly implanted Neophytes are placed under the tutelage of experienced Battle-Brothers within the Twilight Scythes. They undergo rigorous training in combat tactics, weapon proficiency, and the unique doctrines upheld by the Legion. Indoctrination into the traditions and beliefs of the Twilight Scythes is a crucial aspect of their training. Neophytes are taught the history of the Legion, the valor of their ancestors, and the importance of upholding purity in their genetic lineage. Training extends beyond combat skills to include studies in Imperial history, xenos lore, and the principles of loyalty and honor. Neophytes are instilled with a deep sense of duty to the Imperium and the eternal vigilance required to protect humanity from its myriad threats.
Upon completing their training and proving themselves in battle, Neophytes are elevated to the rank of Battle-Brother within the Twilight Scythes. This promotion signifies their full acceptance into the ranks of the Imperial Marines and the completion of their transformation into transhuman warriors. Battle-Brothers of the Twilight Scythes take their place among the elite forces of the Stellar Imperium, serving with honor and distinction across the stars.
== Legion Combat Doctrine ==
In the annals of history, the VIIIth Legion, once known as the Twilight Harbingers, earned their moniker through their cunning strategy of attacking under the cover of darkness. With their slate blue Power Armor adorned with crimson right arms and shoulder plates, they symbolically displayed the Emperor's relentless red right hand, striking fear into the hearts of their foes. Many adversaries would surrender at the mere sight of the setting sun, knowing the merciless wrath that awaited them in the dark.
Under the visionary leadership of Selwyn, the Legion transformed into the Scythes of Lazarus, united under a singular purpose. The new doctrine eschewed fanciful maneuvers, instead relying on sheer relentlessness to secure victory. Their weapons, though unadorned, functioned flawlessly, while their warriors stood unyielding, waiting for enemy assaults to falter before delivering crushing counterattacks. In the face of any challenge, the Scythes of Lazarus exhibited unparalleled resilience and endurance, overcoming obstacles that even their brilliant leader could not compensate for.
Rooted in Selwyn's experiences on a world riddled with treacherous mountainous terrain, the Scythes became masters of infantry warfare, favoring the primacy of the foot soldier. Each Imperial Marine was well-versed in various infantry disciplines, making them versatile and adaptable to any role or environment.
Among the Legions, the Scythes of Lazarus were renowned for their relentless and feared reputation. It was not solely due to their prowess in battle, but also their unwavering commitment to victory at any cost. They were willing to endure any hardship and accept any loss to ensure eventual triumph. Specializing in entrenched and attritional warfare, they possessed formations like "The Death Shroud," a devastatingly slow-moving and methodical assault column designed for urban and shattered landscape warfare. In such attacks, the Scythes of Lazarus left no quarter, earning their name akin to the reaper's scythe - little escaped their merciless assault.
=== Bale Weapons ===
As the Scythes of Lazarus, under the leadership of Selwyn, ventured forth to conquer new worlds during the Great Crusade, they became known for their extensive use of alchemical and radiation weaponry, setting them apart from their fellow Imperial Legions. While some Legions upheld a strict code of honor, refraining from the use of toxic gas, burning Phosphite, and contaminated rad-shells, the Scythes of Lazarus had no qualms in employing such devastating weapons to crush their enemies. In fact, Selwyn himself was a master in the use of these instruments of mass destruction, and his unyielding pursuit of victory knew no bounds when facing any foe that threatened humanity.
The Legionaries of the Scythes of Lazarus possessed an inherent resilience to toxins and poisons, enabling them to excel in warzones afflicted by the most hellish and lethal conditions - be they atomic, biological, or chemical in nature. In these environments, where most warriors would falter, the Scythes thrived, becoming the harbingers of doom for their adversaries.
The Imperium's Great Crusade was undertaken with the objective of conquering worlds, not destroying them unless there was no alternative. However, in warzones already rendered hopelessly contaminated and unsuitable for human life, the usual caveats and protocols restricting the use of contaminated weapons did not always apply. In these desolate wastelands, the Scythes of Lazarus were unleashed to bring swift and relentless devastation upon the enemy, harnessing the full power of their deadly arsenal.
The Scythes of Lazarus' willingness to wield such destructive forces further darkened their reputation among their fellow Battle-Brothers. While some might have seen these methods as crossing a moral boundary, the Scythes saw them as necessary means to secure victory and protect humanity. Their unyielding dedication to the cause of the Imperium knew no limits, and their mastery of alchemical and radiation weaponry became a testament to their relentless pursuit of triumph.
=== Mists of Valthun ===
Amidst the destruction and devastation the Scythes of Lazarus wrought in battle, there existed a man of balance and rebirth. This individual, inspired by an ancient Agrarian God, sought to harness the forces of Arcane technology to bring about renewal and restoration.
The Valthunite Harnesses, so named after the revered Agrarian deity, were a marvel of Archeotech Agri-Generation, and their enigmatic Schematics were discovered on the very soil of Ritter. These remarkable devices held the power to generate a potent miasma of Agrokinetic vapors, enveloping their bearers and transforming the desolate aftermath of war into a scene of vibrant life. In an instant, what was once an irradiated battlefield could be transformed into a lush and thriving grassland, with verdant forests rising from the very ashes of war.
The Mists of Valthun, emanating from the Harnesses, possessed the extraordinary ability to consume radiation, harnessing the corrupting properties of this destructive force for a far nobler purpose. In a display of alchemical mastery, the Harnesses converted the very essence of radiation into a force for renewal. The toxic residues left by devastating weapons and warfare were now harnessed to fuel the restoration of life, and the scars of battle were transformed into fertile grounds for growth.
== Notable Scythes of Lazarus ==
=== Rittean-Born ===
* Drotti Selwyn Jaegar - Also known as the Lord Drottinn, or the Pale Rider, or Barren Prince, and Scarred Lazarean, he is the Lord and Father of the Scythes of Lazarus Imperial Legion.
* Haldora Jaegar - The adoptive Daughter of Selwyn,
* Khoron Zurroathe - The First Captain of the Second Great Company, and trusted friend of the Luminarch Selwyn during the Great Crusade, a Scythe of Lazarus since the days of Ritter. Also a powerful psyker.
* Lord Jhörghast Dekhan - The Captain of the 3rd Great Company of the VIIIth Legion.
* Commander Ujon Zurral - The Captain of the 5th Great Company of the VIII Legion.
* Khorath -
=== Sol-Born ===
* Garross Dipetrik -
* Crysoch Grulgech -
* Tarak Mortu -
== Legion Fleet ==
* Relentless Death (Throne-class Battleship) - One of the Twin Flagships of the Scythes of Lazarus, a massive Throne-class Battleship, adorned with ancient runes and symbols of renewal.
* Renewed Hope (Throne-class Battleship) - One of the Twin Flagships of the Scythes of Lazarus, a massive Throne-class Battleship, adorned with ancient runes and symbols of renewal.
* Indomitable Will (Capital Ship, Unknown Class)
* Blade of Valthun (Capital Ship, Unknown Class)
* Moritatis Oculis (Capital Ship, Unknown Class)
* Specter of Death (Capital Ship, Unknown Class)
* Stalwart (Capital Ship, Unknown Class)
* Undying (Capital Ship, Unknown Class)
* Reaper's Shroud (Vengeance-class Grand Cruiser)
* Dread (Battle Barge)
* Fourth Horseman (Battle Barge)
* Stalwart (Battle Barge)
== Homeworld ==
=== Ritter - A Poisoned Cradle ===
Tyber-0A4, or simply known as Ritter, is a notorious Death World, stands as the largest among the Seven Moons orbiting the poison-wreathed gas titan Tyberous. This titan planet orbits closely to its scarlet-dimmed sun, nestled deep within the treacherous territories of the southern Proxima Obscurus. The Tyberian Moons, as these satellites are collectively known, are shrouded in thick, miasmic atmospheres laden with toxic saline chemicals, a grim consequence of their proximity to the brine-poisoned Tyberous.
The environmental conditions on these moons are exceptionally harsh. The most virulent salt-mires frequently ascend from Tyberous, infiltrating the Lunar Orbital Zones and transforming the moons into realms of perpetual gloom. This toxic miasma creates a dismal ambiance, casting a pall over the lunar landscape and rendering sunlight scarce. The winters on these Moons are particularly brutal. As during these long, harsh seasons, entire regions are often plunged into an unbroken, starless night. The already dim light from the scarlet sun is further obscured, leaving the surface in near-total darkness. These winters are often heralded by short, shadowy days that provide little respite from the omnipresent darkness.
Many of the Tyberian Moons can be classified into two primary categories: Dead Worlds and Death Worlds. The four Desolate Dead-Worlds—Tyber-0A1-3, and 0A7—known to the Ritteans as the Verwüsten Moons, each individually known as Heinrus, Görin, Ohrma, and Alther, respectively, are utterly incapable of sustaining human life. Their environments are so hostile and barren that they remain uninhabitable. However, these moons are known to contain dense mineral deposits, attracting numerous miners to the satellite colonies orbiting these moons. From these colonies, miners venture to the subterranean mines below, braving the harsh conditions to extract valuable resources.
In contrast, the Death Worlds of Tyber-0A4, 0A5, and 0A6—referred to by the Ritteans as the Schwarze Brüder, or in Argothic as the Dark Brothers—are known individually as Ritter, Edler, and Freiherr. These moons each possess atmospheres that are breathable by Ritteans, but only at the lowest planetary elevations. These elevations are characterized by flat, fertile moors covered in deep halophyte forests that choke the equatorial river valley basins, nestled among the jagged, stony mountains that spine the moons. Due to their proximity to the gas titan Tyberous, the hydrospheres of the Dark Brothers retain a significantly higher saline content compared to many other human-habitable worlds. As a result, the so-called "freshwater" lakes and rivers in the equatorial zones are comparable to the oceans of Terra-like planets. Conversely, the "saltwater" Petty-Oceans of the northern and southern basins are more akin to poisonous salt-mires, perpetually shrouded in toxic saline fogs rather than true oceans.
These petty oceans are surrounded by ecological dead zones, desolate wastelands where only the hardiest of species can survive. The wasteland basins are characterized by harsh and unforgiving environments, often devoid of life, with extreme conditions that make survival impossible for many native Tyberian organisms. These barren expanses serve as a stark reminder of the hostile nature of these moons, presenting an insurmountable challenge for any form of colonization or habitation.
In contrast, the verdant equatorial valleys of the Dark Brothers provide a beacon of hope amidst the surrounding desolation. These belts of isolated life grace each of the moons, known as Black-Belts among the Ritteans, they teem with hardy flora and fauna uniquely adapted to the harsh lunar conditions. These habitable areas thrive on flat moors and within deep, forest-choked valley basins nestled among the jagged, stony mountains that define the moons’ landscapes.
The flora within these valleys exhibits exceptional resilience, having evolved to endure fluctuating temperatures and scarce water sources. These plants have developed mechanisms to thrive in the toxic environments, creating lush, dense forests that stand in stark contrast to the barren expanses beyond. The fauna of the Dark Brothers is equally tenacious, with species possessing specialized adaptations that enable them to navigate and survive in this precarious ecosystem. These valleys become sanctuaries where life not only exists but flourishes against all odds. The flat moors, though sparse, offer additional pockets of life where human settlement is possible. Here, small communities can eke out an existence, relying on the fertile land for agriculture and the surrounding forests for resources. The jagged mountains, rising with their steep, rocky inclines, provide natural barriers that shield these valleys from the worst effects of the toxic miasma prevalent at higher elevations. This geological feature creates isolated pockets of survivable conditions amidst an otherwise inhospitable lunar environment. Living upon the Tyberian Moons is no easy feat. With the constant threat of the toxic miasma, combined with the harsh winters that plunge the land into darkness, makes survival a daily struggle. Yet, within the protected valleys and moors, communities have learned to adapt and endure. They harness the limited resources available, relying on the dense forests for sustenance and the relative shelter of the valley basins to shield them from the deadly environment beyond.
Given this context, it was inevitable that the catastrophic onset of the Long Dark, which fractured humanity's once-golden empire, would have a devastating impact on the already harsh environmental conditions of the Tyberian moons. These moons, where humanity had struggled to eke out even a basic survival, swiftly regressed the remnants of the original Tyberian Mining Colonies to a state resembling a Pseudo-Feudal iteration of the era predating Humanity's Solar Expansion. The Ritteans who inhabited the Tyberian Moons would manage to maintain tenuous Interlunar Travel and Communication despite the chaos. This was achieved through the meticulous upkeep of their Rift-Net—a network crucial for intermoon communication and trade. Additionally, they utilized Low-Scale world jump-ships, which enabled them to navigate the treacherous void between the moons, albeit with considerable difficulty and risk.
== Legion Beliefs ==
The beliefs of the Scythes of Lazarus echoed those of their Luminarch. As at the heart of their core beliefs is the unshakable determination that Mankind should be free of oppression and terror. Such freedom could only be won by destroying those that would shackle and devour humanity. This battle for the future of Mankind was one that could only be achieved through the endurance of any hardship, no matter how horrible. The liberation of humanity justified the ultimate use of any means. The Scythes of Lazarus' faith in inner strength, iron will and unshakable resolution in the face of hardship led to what some of their detractors believe to be a culture of an overweening sense of pride, arrogance and an utter contempt for those they deemed inferior.
=== Sauvheren ===
Indeed, though the Scythes of Lazarus may seem austere and unadorned in their battle-plate, their Rittean heritage instills in them a deep sense of personal grooming known as Sauvheren. This aspect of their identity stands in stark contrast to the perception of the public, who often see them only in their enclosed power armor, their faces hidden behind imposing helmets. But beyond the armored façade, the Scythes of Lazarus uphold their traditions of personal grooming as a crucial aspect of their brotherhood and unity. With individual Marine's often taking great Pride in the upkeep of both their Wargear and their personal appearances, often matching if not even exceeding those seen in more 'gaudy' Legions such as The Bulls Palatine and The Errant Sons of Ademar.
=== Cult of Personality ===
The arrival of the Luminarch within the ranks of the VIIIth Legion during the era of the Great Crusade heralded a transformative period for the Twilight Harbingers, amplifying and augmenting their inherent characteristics to unprecedented levels while shedding aspects of their established nature. Selwyn brought with him a razor-sharp intelligence and a penchant for organizational simplicity and efficiency, traits that reshaped the operational framework of the Legion.
One of the most profound changes was the cultivation of an unparalleled devotion and loyalty among Rittean-born Marines towards Selwyn. Many viewed him not just as a commander, but as a near-divine savior. This fervent loyalty to their Luminarch became a defining trait of the VIIIth Legion, setting them apart from their counterparts in other Legions. Selwyn's ability to inspire such loyalty was rooted in his leadership style, which blended strategic acumen with charismatic authority. His presence instilled a sense of purpose and unity among the Lazarists, driving them to achieve feats that seemed unattainable.
==== The Twilight Scythes ====
The schism within the VIIIth Legion, starkly divided along genetic lines, set it apart from other Legions like the Sons of the Morning, whose Luminarch's lineage was more easily accepted as "human" by the wider Imperial populace. So for the Twilight Harbingers, under Selwyn's leadership, the perception of being descended from Rittean stock marked them as near-abhuman in the eyes of many within the Imperium.
This perception fractured the Legion deeply. On one side stood the Sol Veterans of the original Twilight Harbingers, warriors who traced their lineage back to the years of the Terran Unification Wars and the Sol Reclamation. These veterans were born from the human populations of the Sol System and initially forged through the use of the VIIIth Legion's original Inheritance-Helix. The Ancient Helix-Template forged by the Emperor himself upon Old Terra, and embodying traditions and values rooted in their Terran origins.
On the other side were the new generations of VIIIth Legionaries, born during the Great Crusade from Rittean gene-stock. These Marines were imbued with the Legion's new Inheritance-Helix, whose genotype was derived from samples taken directly from Selwyn himself. This genetic heritage not only altered their physical attributes but also shaped their cultural identity and allegiance to Selwyn as their Luminarch.
The divide between these two groups was not merely genetic but also ideological and cultural. The Sol Veterans maintained their allegiance to the traditions and values of the original Twilight Harbingers, while the Rittean-born Marines embraced Selwyn's vision and leadership, seeing him as their savior and guiding light. This division threatened to tear the Legion apart, as each faction vied for dominance and recognition within the broader Imperium.
Despite these internal tensions, Selwyn's influence and leadership were pivotal in maintaining a semblance of unity within the VIIIth Legion. His strategic brilliance and ability to inspire loyalty bridged some of the gaps between the factions, ensuring that the Legion continued to serve the Imperium effectively during the turbulent times of the Great Crusade. Yet, the rift between the Sol Veterans and the Rittean-born Marines remained a persistent challenge, shaping the Legion's identity and its place within the wider narrative of the Imperium.
Despite the infusion of Rittean genetics into the ranks of the VIIIth Legion, tensions between the Sol-Born veterans and the Rittean-born Marines persisted unabated. To the Sol-Born, the Rittean-born were viewed with disdain, seen as aberrations that compromised the purity of the Legion's original genetic heritage. This perception created a palpable divide within the Legion, leading to a de facto segregation where Sol-Born veterans kept themselves separate from their Rittean counterparts.
In response to these internal dynamics, the Sol-Born veterans took proactive measures. They continued to recruit and train candidates independently, focusing on preserving what they considered the "pure" strain of the VIIIth Legion's Inheritance-Helices. This involved maintaining their own protocols for genetic propagation and implantation within their ranks, ensuring the continuation of their genetic lineage untainted by Rittean influences.
Throughout these developments, Selwyn exercised a delicate balance of leadership. While permitting the Sol-Born autonomy in their practices, he steadfastly asserted his ultimate command over the entire Legion, including the Twilight Scythes. This arrangement was essential in preserving overall cohesion within the Legion while navigating the complex cultural and genetic divisions that had crystallized over time.
Despite their differences, both factions within the VIIIth Legion shared a common goal: serving the Imperium under Selwyn's guidance. His strategic acumen and unwavering leadership provided a unifying force that tempered internal conflicts and kept the Legion focused on its mission during the tumultuous era of the Great Crusade. Yet, the rift between Sol-Born veterans and Rittean-born Marines remained a persistent challenge, influencing the Legion's identity and its interactions within the broader Imperium.
=== Battle Damage ===
In the ranks of the Scythes of Lazarus, the trappings of rank held little significance, except in situations where battlefield recognition was essential. Honor badges or other insignias commemorating acts of valor were of little importance to these hardened Imperial Marines. Instead, the Scythes of Lazarus found their appreciation for symbolic decoration in the marks of battle etched upon their armor. Whether it be the scars left by an enemy's blade or the impact of a deadly projectile, these battle-worn signs adorned their armor with pride. Even the corrosive stains from enduring toxic environments were embraced, for they served as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Scythes of Lazarus.
As long as the integrity of the armor plate remained intact, such damage was left mostly untouched, becoming a living canvas that spoke of their invincibility. These scars told a story of battles fought and hardships endured, painting a vivid picture of their unmatched resilience. The grim appearance of their armor, etched with the tales of countless confrontations, only deepened the enigmatic aura surrounding the VIIIth Legion during the era of the Great Crusade. As in a Legion that cared little for ostentation, the Scythes of Lazarus found their pride in the silent testaments of their armor. With each mark and scratch, they proclaimed to the galaxy that nothing could break their unyielding resolve. The dark reputation of the Scythes of Lazarus spread among their fellow Legions, a silent reminder of their formidable might and their unshakeable determination to carve a path through the stars in the name of the Imperium.
=== The Cups ===
In the hallowed halls of the Scythes of Lazarus, the chosen few would be distinguished by the watchful gaze of a Commanding Officer or the esteemed Luminarch himself. This rare honor entailed an invitation to partake in a unique and celebrated ritual - the sharing of a celebratory drink. The reputation of the Scythes as beings immune to toxins, poisons, and contagions of deadly lethality made this tradition all the more significant.
The ceremony commenced as a set of ornate goblets awaited the chosen Battle-Brother. These vessels would soon be filled with dark liquids, a potent concoction of dangerous agents that would challenge even the hardiest of constitutions. The mere scent of the poisonous brew was enough to make their senses rebel, their Devourer and Vefictus organs stirring in response. Yet, to decline the cup would be perceived as both a display of weakness as well as a sign of rebuke against their Primogenitor and Gene-Father - an unthinkable act for a Scythe of Lazarus.
The mixture within the goblets blended a myriad of deadly elements, many taken from their very Homeworld of Ritter - agent magenta nerve bane, sword beetle venom, Stonewyrm venom, Fogstalker pheromones, and other enigmatic compounds. The cups themselves were a symbol of Selwyn's own making, and on every battlefield graced by the presence of the Pale Father, he would select a warrior or a group of warriors to share in the ritual. The warriors would bravely drink the potent distillate, defying death itself, and emerging unscathed, their bond to the Legion further fortified. While some within the Legion may frown upon this tradition, Selwyn recognized the significance of such honors and citations. For in the crucible of battle, warriors needed to know the extent of their value. Praise and recognition from one's peers held tremendous power in sustaining the unwavering spirit of even the most steadfast warrior. The tradition of "The Cups" served as a testament to the indomitable strength of the Legion and embodied the unbreakable bond shared among its brethren.
=== Daravek ===
In the hallowed halls of the Scythes of Lazarus, the sacred traditions of Daravek, encompassing both Charity and Hospitality, are upheld as pillars of their identity and unity. These cherished beliefs, rooted in the Rittean heritage of the Legion, embody the essence of selflessness and compassion, forging unbreakable bonds among the brethren. Daravek teaches the Scythes to view each member of the Imperium as a cherished part of their extended family, their Murinall. As they stand united in their unyielding quest for the Imperium's cause, they are bound by an unwavering commitment to support and care for one another. In the face of adversity, each Lazarist is reminded of their shared hardships, knowing that the burdens they carry are eased through the collective strength of their kin.
The practice of Daravek is not confined to the sanctuary of their fortress-monastery or the solitude of their campaigns. It extends beyond, reaching out to those they encounter on their path, be they allies or strangers. The Scythes of Lazarus exemplify the spirit of Charity by giving generously to those in need, sharing their resources and protection, even in the most inhospitable of environments. Hospitality, another integral facet of Daravek, finds its place in the hearts of the Scythes as they open their arms to those who seek solace within their ranks. No matter the origins or backgrounds of individuals who come under their care, the Scythes offer warm beds and resolute protection. 
== Legion Inheritance-Helix ==
=== Pre-Jaegarist Unification Gene-Stock ===
The Legionaries of the VIIIth Legion have always epitomized a hardy and resilient aspect of human nature. Originating from Sol, these Marines were forged with an unyielding stoicism and gene-crafted prowess reminiscent of their lineage from the Ironside warriors of the Ural Tsarinate and the clans and kingdoms of Western Europa. Unlike their brethren born on Ritter, the Sol-originated Marines of the VIIIth Legion shared more similarities in appearance, temperament, and cultural background with their counterparts in other Legions.
Sol-born veterans of the VIIIth Legion typically lacked the gaunt and shadowed eye quality seen in their Rittean-born Luminarch and other Rittean brethren. This distinction in appearance and anatomical structure was a natural consequence of their Terran origins, where environmental factors and genetic heritage shaped their physical traits differently than those born and bred on Ritter. But along with that, the Sol-Originating marines were notably more Shorter and stout than the Rittean-born, though again this can be excused through ethnic differences.
=== Post-Jaegarist Unification Gene-Stock ===
After Selwyn's integration into the Legion, the Medicae swiftly undertook the task of sample collection to develop the new generation of VIIIth Legion Gene-Stock. This ambitious effort resulted in what Sol-born marines derisively referred to as the "Jaegerist-Helix" or the "Selwynian Mockery," though none would ever speak this in public. This particular Inheritance-Helix Genotype, would ascertain that only Rittean-born males or those with significant Rittean ancestry (at least 60%), were proved to be viable and effective for induction into the next generations of the VIIIth Legion.
However, candidates from Sol and other Imperial worlds faced devastating consequences post-implantation. As nearly all of these candidates succumbed to gruesome internal injuries and morphogenic decay upon implantation of the Jaegerist-Helix, leaving only one survivor out of the original 20,000 candidates who achieved full Marine status. This stark contrast in outcomes underscored the unique genetic adaptability and compatibility of Rittean-born individuals with the specific genetic enhancements developed under Selwyn's influence. The "Jaegerist-Helix," while highly effective in Rittean-born individuals, posed severe risks and incompatibilities for those lacking sufficient Rittean genetic heritage. 
The same event was notably absent when Ritteans underwent implantation with the so-called Jaegerist-Helix. Unlike candidates from other worlds, Ritteans showed remarkable resilience and compatibility with the genetic enhancements, leading to a different outcome. This success led to a strategic decision within the VIIIth Legion: recruitment would henceforth focus exclusively on the peoples of Ritter and the Tyberian Moons. 
The infusion of Rittean genetics into the Legion's Inheritance-Helix from these populations significantly enhanced the Legion's resistance to contagions and toxins. This adaptation marked a turning point, elevating the Scythes of Lazarus Legion to unprecedented levels of resilience. Their enhanced genetic makeup underscored their unique adaptability, enabling them to endure the harshest conditions and combat scenarios across the Imperium. This development solidified the Legion as an elite force renowned for its ability to thrive in environments that would overwhelm less adapted warriors.
== Legion Relics ==
== Legion Appearance ==
=== Legion Colors ===
The Original VIIIth Legion, just like the rest of the Silver-Legions during the years of the Terran Unification Wars, wore
As the Twilight Harbingers, the VIIIth Legion's armor was an unbroken matte blue and black, save for a few murky-silver colored markings. The Sol-born Twilight Scythes have retained this scheme well, only
After their Luminarch Selwyn Jaegar took command of the VIIIth Legion, the newly redubbed Scythes of Lazarus began wearing their ceramic plate in a dull ivory-grey, save for the entire right vambrace, gauntlet and shoulder plate (sometimes both) were painted a deep red, which signified the VIIIth Legion's status as the "scarlet hand" of the Imperium's strength.
=== Legion Badge ===
*
As the Twilight Harbingers, the VIII Legion's badge was a white skull halved, with a rising black moon on the other side, centered on a field of deep blue. This icon symbolized the VIII Legion's original given epithet of the 'Twilight Harbingers', a consequence of their use of the ancient tactic of conducting major ground attacks in the dead of night. Once the Twilight Harbingers were unleashed upon their foes, nothing would stay the Legion's hand.
After the Legion was reunited with its Luminarch Selwyn the newly renamed Scythes of Lazarus' badge was changed to that of a green Maltese Cross atop a pair of crossed ivory scythes on a field of black. The shoulder plates of Scythes of Lazarus Power Armor depict the Legion badge, with design colors dependent on their rank and role within the Legion.
The Cross depicted on the shoulder plates of the Scythes of Lazarus somewhat mirrors the emblems of the Knights Hospitaller of the ancient Christian Crusades during the early 2nd Millennium.
=== Tactical Markings and Heraldry ===
Scythes of Lazarus Helm Variations - The use of vertical helmet stripes to denote seniority is believed to have originated with the Legion's re-organization as the Scythes of Lazarus, and became common as a mark of veterancy and tactical command.
Scythes of Lazarus Legion Armor - Battle damage that did not compromise a Legionary's Power Armor system was retained as a mark of honor by Scythes of Lazarus Marines.
== Notable Quotes ==
=== By the Legion ===
=== About the Legion ===
Category:Imperium
Category:Imperial Legions