The Mahl Radekh

**The Mahl Radekh 903rd**, an eminent and exceptional assemblage of superhuman militant prowess, constitutes a nefarious faction within the expansive framework of The United Aularite Sovereignty's Lükhyt Military. Their indomitable presence and influential role were markedly showcased during the epochal chronicles of the Reunification Wars of the AUS, an era whose ripples extended far beyond its confines.

Earning an enduring legacy, the Mahl Radekh 903rd etched their name into the annals of the Aularan Sovereignty with an amalgamation of fervent zeal, unparalleled combat proficiencies, and an unflinching embrace of tactics that resonated with sheer ruthlessness, cruelty, and cunning to attain the objectives entrusted upon them.

This distinguished force has garnered notoriety as consummate agents of efficiency, unyielding brutality, and an unrelenting demeanor bereft of mercy. The forge of their capabilities emerges from the crucible of unwavering discipline and arduous training. Prospective commandos undergoing an intensive regimen, enduring the most unforgiving of circumstances within the austere training camps nestled amid the frigid expanse of the Siberian landscapes on Orlock IV. This crucible of preparation evokes eerie parallels with the grim and somber backdrop of the notorious Gulag Worlds, creating an environment of hardship that tempers their mettle and forges their unshakable resolve.

Beyond their reputation as exemplars of unmitigated force, the Mahl Radekh 903rd extends their reach into the realms of *"peacekeeping,"* donning the mantle of enforcers tasked with maintaining stability and order across the vast tapestry of Sovereign space. Their deployments extend like tendrils into the interstices of the Aularan dominion, traversing especially between the Subdivisions of the Kahltehk Syndicate, a delicate dance that unfurls against the backdrop of scientific rivalries and intellectual conflicts, pitting them against antagonistic scientists and researchers. In these theatres of engagement, the Mahl Radekh 903rd stand as both bloody sentinels and cruel arbiters, their presence both a reassurance and a harbinger of resolute action.

## History

### Foundation

In the aftermath of the cataclysmic Aularan Age of Collapse, a dark chapter that unfolded amidst the tumultuous expanse of the Shattered Millennia in the 83rd Millennium, the desolate realms of Al'gahena Primus, Secundus, and Tertius stood as grim witnesses to the upheaval. Amidst these Death-Worlds, the Aelgeist soldiery of the Malsein Regiments, once stationed within the depths of the Al'gahena System, faced a fateful crossroads. Their choice, forged in the crucible of dire circumstances, would lead them down a path of conquest and assimilation.

In a world where the Aelgeist planet-states had been plunged into internecine strife, the Malsein Regiments, now adrift and wayward, took it upon themselves to conquer these fractious realms, absorbing them into their fold. Thus, through the harrowing crucible of scarlet wars that saw kin pitted against kin, a star-system spanning dominion emerged. This pocket empire, though born in the furnace of conflict, bore a loyalty that remained functionally aligned with the overarching authority of the Aularite Sovereignty.

Guided by one of the last surviving Generalobersts of the enduring Malsein Regiments, a transformation was wrought upon these fractured and battle-worn militant orders. This metamorphosis was enacted with unflinching brutality, culminating in the rebirth of the Malsein as the unrelenting Clades of the Mahl Radekh. This evolution was catalyzed, at least in part, by the influx of newly conscripted individuals, essential to replenishing the ranks decimated by loss. Moreover, a virulent contagion, mirroring the very affliction that had brought the Sovereignty to its knees, unleashed its grip upon Al'gahena Tertius, driving the dire need for adaptation and survival.

As time unfurled its tapestry, the discipline embraced by the Mahl Radekh would swell to staggering proportions, evolving into a ferocity that bordered on the preternatural. Their military dominion derived its supremacy from an almost uncanny savagery, honed through rigorous training, and nurtured within the crucible of an enigmatic, almost mystical camaraderie. In the twilight years of the Shattered Millennium, the Mahl Radekh had metamorphosed into an elite cadre, distinguished by their nimbleness of intellect, unyielding resilience, and an unapologetic ruthlessness. These orders, now fervently devoted to their commanders, quashed any semblance of questioning or doubt in the heat of battle.

In a bid to forestall the burgeoning of rival factions, forces outside the Mahl Radekh enclave were compelled to endure binding trials, grueling tests designed to ascertain their mettle and loyalty. These "opportunities," often manifesting as suicidal missions executed without hesitation, stood as the litmus test of allegiance. Yet, a significant number of worlds and peoples would willingly submit to the dominion of the Mahl Radekh, viewing their grim dominion as the ultimate bastion against both the horrors of the contagion and the looming specter of annihilation.

### The Battle of Corrin

The Mahl Radekh would grow to be known outside of the Al'gahena System and would begin serving under competing Warlords as mercenaries for hire. And in the waning years of the Shattered Millennium, the Palognite hired them as mercenaries during their campaigns of expansion, but this would be the undoing of the Palogne Empire.

After the wake of the Palogne conquest, the Mahl Radekh; in a crimson fury grasped the chance to leave the Al'gahena System to reach the Aularan Sovereignty. Using captured FTL capable ships, they seized and expanded their territories through the systems once held by House Palogne preparing "meteoric strikes" through the weakened territories of the Sovereignty.

The Landsraad saw them as a threat and anticipated them; the resulting conflict was the Battle of Corrin. It was a tactical victory but a strategic stalemate for the Mahl Radekh. The Landsraad urged them to negotiate or fight.

The Burseg Sheuset Ecevit thought that the Mahl Radekh might win an extended war but their empire would be a graveyard. He decided to compromise, and with the Treaty of Corrin became the first Padishah emperor, **Sheuset Costin I**. His family became the Imperial House Corrino, named after the planet Corrin.

Some recalcitrant Landsraad Houses such as House Jansine refused to sign the treaty; some independent planetary rulers denied they were bound by it.

### Empire

During the first years of his reign, expansionist campaigns consolidated Sheuset's power and channeled the battle-lust of his soldiers. Any kind of holdout who could not be persuaded to accept the new order, he invariably had to deal with the Mahl Radekh.

Jansine was a planet with thriving agriculture and light industry and was ready for a long defense expecting the "meteor strike" that had marked earlier Mahl Radekh campaigns. However Jansine suffered instead the "meteor shower," the infiltration of small numbers of troops across the face of the planet: within a few days, strategically placed guerrilla teams paralyzed communications and transportation, stormed military barracks, assassinated or captured high military and political leaders. The final assault on a demoralized and isolated Jansine capital left no defenders alive (this new tactic won the Order of Victory for its inventor, Wei Forald).

### Lishash Confederation

During the rebellion of 385 AG-388 AG the Lishash Confederation announced its formation with surprise attacks on Mahl Radekh forts and outposts within what was claimed as Confederation territory. LC forces achieved most of their primary objectives, but with high losses: the besieged Mahl Radekh launched sorties to bleed and tie down the attackers. Nevertheless, LC forces somehow managed to take a handful of Mahl Radekh officers alive (a feat unheard of)

The LC staff offered their captives as hostages, and Regent Henli I replied, "Let them drink blood." This cryptic answer was taken two ways by the captive Mahl Radekh. They attacked their captors barehanded and died to the attempt. The others tore out their throats with their fingernails.

Henli garnered a great fleet of Landsraad armies spearheaded by Mahl Radekh shock troops. The Mahl Radekh were to recapture the forts and outposts, the Landsraad troops to invade the LC planets. Henli adopted a policy of ruthless assaults followed by the razing of the captured territory and the Mahl Radekh retook their bastions with no prisoners.

They then attacked Lishash and its allies from widely separated directions with such speed and ferocity which routed the LC armies. Their major cities were burned, its rulers publicly executed, its citizens indiscriminately put to the sword, until Landsraad General Tomigh, returned to the Landsraad Council and disbanded his forces.

Soon after Henli was overthrown by usurper Saudir III. The next year he was also overthrown and murdered in a palace revolt by the Mahl Radekh who butchered his family. They also rescued the blinded ex-emperor, Wallach I, from his prison cell, and restored him to his former position. Wallach decided to use the penal colony of Al'gahena Secundus as an experimental laboratory.

Knowing that the prisoners would not survive if exposed to the depredations of the native tribes, he provided them with training in the most ruthless fighting techniques and weapons while shielded by Mahl Radekh troops (who were later withdrawn). This technique begun the use of the planet as the training center of the Mahl Radekh.

### Rise to power

In 445 AG Saudir IV organized a revolt of the provincial Mahl Radekh, and took the throne in a brief battle that deposed and exiled Sheuset II.

Bashar Feyd I, during a rupture within the Mahl Radekh, he was elected to the Imperial throne in 1027 AG. Rebel Mahl Radekh joined Demetrios IX Atreides and Paulos II Atreides who tried to organize a resistance to his rule.

Mahl Radekh Commander Harmhab murdered Emperor Basil III in 2391 AG and usurped the throne as Harmhab Menemtahe VI.

Atreus Atreides Atreides, a descendant of Estil I rallied the Mahl Radekh around his claims and mounted a coup d'état in early 4552 AG proclaiming himself emperor.

After the LC rebellion, armed revolt occurred only among civilizations far from the Imperium's center, mainly by those who never knew of the grand feudal order rather than by those who did not wish to partake of it.

The Landsraad generally welcomed the Mahl Radekh because they allowed the Great Houses to expand without disturbance from their rivals. Warfare among Landsraad members was strictly regulated by the Convention, enforced by the Mahl Radekh. So they expanded, to peripheral planets that sometimes did not know of the Imperium until told of it by an invasion force from a Great House. The campaigns of expansion tested the soldier-fanatics against many different circumstancies.

Similar expansion by the Corrinos became the relief-valve for the Mahl Radekh and kept them combatready, and sated the military desire for action on conquest instead of intrigue. It also brought economic benefits.

As the conquests added victory after victory to the list, the myth of their invincibility was created and the Imperium was widely perceived as the natural order: divine rulers supported by military supermen. As a result, their indomitability impressed itself on the Imperium.

Otto Aramsham founded the Final Force, an extremist group of disenchanted Mahl Radekh, which advocated a return to the spartan regimen of past glories. Some one hundred years later, (11099 AG-11103 AG) this group joined with Duncan Idaho in an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate the God Emperor.

## Upbringing and Training and benefits

Members of the Mahl Radekh are raised from a young age in a ferocious natural environment that sees almost half (6 out of every 13) of their number dead before the age of 11. Intense training gave them formidable swordsmanship and espionage abilities, and instilled a religious fervor that added to their mystique, as well as serving to make them even more loyal to the Sovereignty and Rei'kharch.

The fighting abilities of the Mahl Radekh became renowned through whispers throughout the shattered Sovereignty, but would become legendary in the wake of the Reunification Kreu'züg. And in the apex of their sway over the affairs of the Sovereignty, it would be said that their swordsmanship was comparable to that of the Rei'kharch’s own Venerable Elite.

The abilities of the Mahl Radekh would largely be attributed to the harsh environments and brutal discipline they were exposed to on the planets of the Al'gahena System.

Since the Fremen were exposed to much harsher environments and discipline than the Mahl Radekh, they were capable of developing into superior fighting machines when compared to Mahl Radekh.

Only the Fremen, raised in the fanatical warrior culture and merciless desert environment of Arrakis, were capable of matching the Mahl Radekh. Fremen typically scorned Harkonnen soldiers as cowardly and weak, but judged that the Mahl Radekh fought well, and even respected them to some degree.

## Personal Armament, Melee (short range)

* Flip-dart (see below)
* Kindjal
* Mahl Radekh knife
* Mahl Radekh sword
* Shigawire garrote
* Slip-tip

### Flip-dart

This small barb-like needle delivers potent drugs or poisons, upon penetrating the skin of the intended victim. It is so named for the protective "flip-cover" used to conceal the needle, and to protect its user from inadvertent harm. Flip-darts can be concealed within ornamented finger rings, fighting girdles, wrist bracers, or weapon sheaths.

## Personal Armament, Ranged

* Hunter-seeker (long range)
* Maula pistol (mid-to-long range)
* Stunner (short-to-long range)

### Needler Claw

The compact projectile device assumes the guise of a gauntlet, maintaining a stature of modest dimensions and subtle contours. Its design prioritizes discretion, rendering it a covert instrument capable of accommodating a select reserve of venom-laden darts within its specialized magazine. Known as "needler claws," these devices are imbued with an inherent capacity for inconspicuousness, facilitated by their featherlight composition and facile wearability. Their unobtrusive nature finds refuge beneath voluminous, elongated sleeves, where they lay concealed, poised to serve their lethal purpose.

Engaging the weapon necessitates a singular gesture—aligning the arm towards the intended mark and executing a subtle articulation of the hand. This seemingly unassuming movement triggers the intricate reflexive mechanism inherent to the apparatus, thereby instigating the projection of the dart along its calculated trajectory. In this manner, the act of flexing the hand metamorphoses into an unspoken command, ushering forth a lethal missile in response.

The tactical deployment of needler claws often adheres to a dual paradigm, with a proclivity for symmetrical balance evident in their pairing. This symmetry augments their effectiveness and grants practitioners the advantage of swift, successive strikes, culminating in a barrage of venomous ordnance.

### Havok Rifle

The Havok Rifle stands as a potent testament to the pinnacle of Tesla-based armament, its exclusive deployment firmly nestled within the esteemed arsenal of The 903rd Division Mahl Radekh. This remarkable firearm is engineered to discharge a torrential cascade of electric arcs, a symphony of energy that wields the potential to strike down not just a solitary adversary, but an assembly of foes, leveraging its unique design to its utmost advantage.

The rifle's electrifying volleys possess a remarkable property – the capacity to envelop multiple targets within their embrace. This capability, made manifest through the calculated orchestration of electric arcs, imbues the Havok Rifle with the ability to engage and neutralize more than one opponent in a single, breathtaking salvo.

Not content with mere human adversaries, the Havok Rifle extends its dominion to the realm of machines, exhibiting a distinct aptitude for rapid and efficient disassembly of robotic foes. The weapon's discharging electric torrents, like a tempest of energy harnessed by its wielder, spiral forth to engage mechanized adversaries, their circuits and components succumbing to the relentless fervor of the Havok Rifle's potent onslaught.

The rifle's operation is underpinned by an advanced targeting system that exhibits a level of autonomy bordering on the preternatural. In a feat of technological ingenuity, the Havok Rifle's firing mechanism is imbued with the power to instinctively identify and engage nearby adversaries. With an almost sentient intuition, the weapon zeroes in on potential threats, each electric arc a calculated strike directed towards an unsuspecting target, ensuring that no opportunity for devastation goes untapped.

## Appearance and Fighting Style

Mahl Radekh troops typically wear body-suits of grey-black and armor of Gun-Metal Silver whilst in combat. Though during covert campaigns or other operations wherein anonymity was key - they would bear civilian livery.

Many wore their hair long - an aberation of Aelgeist Norms, which was taken as a sign of arrogance by those who beheld them. They had a distinct combat style, which allowed them to be recognized easily.

When in close-quarter, hand-to-hand combat, if they found themselves surrounded, they would group into threes, and adopt a fighting stance with their backs to each other. They would carry weapons on their person that would be ingeniously concealed, such as shigawire in their hair, or a fake toe or two inserted with small stabbing weapons.

Mahl Radekh were also experts at covert operations, managing to conceal themselves among groups for extended periods of time before striking.

## Uniform

Uniforms were the personal property of the soldier who wore them, and were purchased by him. When offplanet, Mahl Radekh wore their uniforms at all times when in the public view.

The uniforms of the Mahl Radekh were differentiated only between officers and ranks, and not extensively. Specifications of rank, unit, and other matters being shown mainly by shoulder boards or patches.

The basic Mahl Radekh uniform consisted of:

* **Beret:** The beret was made of black velvet, and was worn with the soldier's Legionary symbol in front, and the rank symbol on either side. Officers had a silver cockade around the Legionary symbol.
* **Tunic:** The tunic was black, single-breasted, with a low, stand-up collar and five black fabric buttons. The gorget patches showed the Legionary insignia and were striped with silver for non-commissioned officers, and with gold for higher ranks. The shield belt was a part of the tunic, and could not be removed; here, the Legion's insignia was repeated once again on the control face of the shield's buckle. The soldier's sword scabbard also differed from his shield belt: the Mahl Radekh never made any rules whatsoever about the design of the scabbard, hence they were decorated in any way imaginable, according to the solider's desires (though usually bearing the regimental colors).
* **Shoulder Boards/Epaulettes:** They were detachable, and their background color was black (for standard units), gold (for Emperor's Guards), or red (for Guards); the design on the shoulder boards was the battle flag of the Legion to which the soldier belonged, bearing his rank insignia.
* **Breeches:** The black breeches were worn tucked into the boots, and had piping to match the background color on the shoulder boards, bordered with silver braid for officers.
* **Boots:** The high, glossy black boots had no buckles or snaps, and were made of leather.

## Appearance and Fighting Style

The troops of the Mahl Radekh typically wear uniforms and helmets of grey and black with gold trimming. Some of their members wore their hair long, which was taken as a sign of arrogance by those who beheld them. They had a distinct combat style, which allowed them to be recognized easily.

When in close-quarter, hand-to-hand combat, if they found themselves surrounded they would group into trios and adopt a triangular fighting stance with their backs to each other. They would carry weapons on their person that would be ingeniously concealed, such as shigawire in their hair or a fake toe or two inserted with small stabbing weapons. Mahl Radekh would also train to become experts at covert operations, managing to conceal themselves among groups for extended periods of time before striking.

## Skills and abilities

**Peak Human Condition**: B.J. has the physique and endurance of a near superhuman, and is shown to be durable enough to survive a grenade explosion at close range, strong enough break out of the metal restraints of an electric chair and dual wield large, heavy guns such as assault rifles or shotguns, as well as enduring a massive dosage of tranquilizer which (according to Bubi) is powerful enough to knock out an elephant. He also seems to be very resistant towards head injuries, as he survived getting knocked out by a Super soldier and by a falling rock in the Old Blood without any fatal injuries and survived getting punched by a Super Soldier in the New Order. B.J. is also surprisingly fast and agile for someone his size, being able to jump incredible distances, fit into tight spaces, and outmaneuver opponents and the environment. B.J. is in such excellent shape that age hasn't slowed him down one bit. This is notable in *The New Colossus*, where he takes on many soldiers while wheelchair bound, despite being heavily injured.

**Weapon Proficiency**: B.J. is skilled in the use of multiple types of weaponry. He can even aim accurately while dual wielding or even while wheelchair-bound. He is skilled in the use of knives and other melee weapons (including improvised weapons such as hatchets and pipes), able to throw a knife and hatchet at his enemies long range. He is also able to use grenades and other explosive weapons, including the use of nuclear bombs.

**Stealth**: B.J. is capable of sneaking up on enemies in order to kill them with high precision and skill. His stealth skills are so effective he can clear an entire room of opponents without being noticed, either through melee takedowns or using a pistol with a powerful silencer.

**Multilingualism**: In addition to his native English, B.J. learnt serviceable Polish and German during his military service, albeit with a strong southern accent that would make it impossible for him to pass as a native of either country. The in-game subtitles suggest B.J. has no trouble understanding the languages but has difficulty speaking them. He compensates by bluffing or remaining mute, enough to ostensibly satisfy the SS guards. However, both Rudi Jäger and Helga von Schabbs, both of whom speak perfect English with an American accent, detect this instantly and recognize B.J. is a spy.

**Vehicle proficiency:** B.J. has shown on occasions to be able to commandeer multiple types of vehicles without issue, such as submarines, trains and spacecraft, sometimes using them to kill enemies. His apparently instinctive use of Nazi spaceships (such as the Haunebu-V) is never explained.

### Da'at Yichud Power Suit

After Caroline's death by Irene Engel, B.J. wore the power suit to fight against the Nazis and keep himself moving from his critical injuries. He wears his clothing from *The New Order* (given to him by Roman Targonski) but spike holes go through it. He loses the armor after being captured by Engel in Mesquite.

* **Suit Manifestation:** Once the wearer wields the power suits, they can manifest various upper parts of the suit. B.J. shows himself to manifest the helmet and the hands of the suit through his usage in Manhattan and Roswell. A noticeable example is when he manifest his helmet before Super Spesh shot at him point blank at their first meeting. B.J. appears to dislike the hands and helmet of the suit, often seen without them in cutscenes (this is possibly because he states he can barely breathe).

* **Radiation Protection:** The most prominent feature according to Set, the suit can protect the wearer from any radiation level, allowing B.J. to enter the low-levels of Manhattan.

* **Enhanced Abilities:** The power suit enhances the wearer's strength and agility, allowing B.J. to hack soldiers and robots apart. His strength goes to picking up Super Spesh upon their first meeting in Manhattan. B.J. also learns how to a slam attack, going through crates despite causing noise or alerting enemies in the area.

* **Durability:** The power suit protected the wearer from gunfire, as B.J.'s helmet protected a point blank shot from Super Spesh. In addition, he survived being thrown from a train despite feeling some pain. The power suit grants B.J. 200 armor as a balance of B.J. having 50 health.

### Super Soldier Body

After Set Roth saves him from Irene's decapitation, BJ gains a new body of the latest generation of bio-engineering Super Soldier that had been stolen by Caroline from the Nazis some time ago to replace his old body. The body gives B.J. high metabolism and allows him to carry 100 health. This new body gains him three abilities from the contraptions. After 19 years, thanks to the body, he still fights well at the age of 69 and due to the new body he can still run and jump due to the body being a technically 19 year old’s body.