Valkyries

**Introduction:** In the expansive and post-apocalyptic universe of Thousand Clockwork Hells on Mars, the Valkyries stand as a unique and formidable military faction. Comprising both Tsenechi and auxiliary forces, they possess advanced technology and engage in vehicular warfare, setting them apart from other Tsenechi. This wiki article provides an in-depth exploration of the Valkyries, their mission, leadership, and unique fighting style.

**Composition and Purpose:** The Valkyries represent a diverse force on Mars, with 70% of their troops being Tsenechi from their own faction and the remaining 30% consisting of auxiliaries from the Scions, Alephons, and even Human Settlements. Unlike other Tsenechi factions, the Valkyries prioritize vehicular combat and artillery over hand-to-hand combat, as they do not adhere to the Tsenechi Code of Honor. Their primary objective is to combat the Cosmist military, particularly the Soviet government that views all Tsenechi as obstacles to human settlement on Mars.

**Conflict with the Cosmists:** The Valkyries serve as an offensive military force, rarely defending settlements from Cosmist attacks. Instead, they force the Cosmists, who focus on offense, into defensive battles. The war with the Cosmists began during the early days of the Great Schism when the Valkyrie Archons declared their opposition to further Cosmist incursion on Mars. They initiated a campaign of liberation and the establishment of Free Cities, each led by city councils.

**Archons and Leadership:** The three Archons leading the Valkyries are Armaros, Zaqiel, and Jomjael. These Archons have been at the helm since the days of the Cataclysm and were specifically created as military leaders. However, their leadership style is not autocratic; they act as pragmatic generals within a volunteer force. Many of their troops originate from their respective legions.

**Military Focus and Dedication:** Every aspect of Valkyrie society centers around the military. Settlements double as military bases, and factories are dedicated to arms manufacturing. Despite their smaller size compared to the Cosmist military, the Valkyries achieve combat parity through their unwavering dedication to the army. They lack satellites and an air force, relying entirely on ground forces.

**Political Role and Brokering Peace:** The Valkyries enjoy support from various Tsenechi factions and non-Cosmist human cities due to their success in battling the Cosmists. They are considered the military of a free Mars, putting them in a unique political position. The Valkyries broker peace deals and truces between warring cities and mediate between the Scions and Alephons, often facilitating prisoner exchanges. They actively work to ensure that no faction on Mars becomes too weakened by conflict to continue supporting them.

**Unique Valkyrie Society:** The Valkyries are a warrior society known for their distinctive features, including long flowing hair and the use of Norse symbols. Their combat style combines advanced firearms with forged swords. Valkyries always fight in pairs, referred to as "brothers." No Valkyrie ever fights alone; they are expected to save their fallen brother or perish alongside them. Brotherhood is marked by shared Norse markings on their metal skin.