Kaphikas Kane

Also known as ***Lord Anvil*** and master of ***The Coven of Truth.*** Born on the feudal world of Arc, Kaphilas was picked together with Joanna to participate in the First Culling. Although a strong competitor he always came second to Joanna and where she received praise for her actions he was left in the shadows.

A very competent commander and skilled warrior, Kaphikas is one of the most seasoned veterans of the Marsh Lions Chapter. His character is defined by pride but also envy, blinding his devout loyalty to the Emperor.

## History

### The Reclaimation Years

Kaphikas was placed in the 2nd Company along with his culled brothers and sisters where he served as an Assault marine during the Prospus Pacification. He fought with distinction, proving his worth as a leader and rose to the rank of Sergeant. Leading his squad in an assault on the hive citys Sector Spirum he struck down the planetary governor, ending the Prospus Pacification.

He was reassigned to the new 3rd Company, becoming the leader of its Veteran Vanguard Squad. During The Reclaimation of Coraspect Diablo he was a part of the first wave to reach the surface. Sustaining heavy casualties the 3rd Company was cut off from the rest of the Chapter, forcing them to survive on their own in the toxic wasteland. When the relief force finally reached the company Kaphikas was one of the few survivors.

He oversaw the 5th Culling on Paros Delta to bolster the 3rd Company ranks before returning to battle over Sistec Prime, putting his expertise of defensive and offensive maneuvers on display. He fought with his own personal "Anvil guard", serving as the anvil to the hammer, holding firm no matter what the enemy threw against him.

When his Company Captain fell, Kaphikas Kane was promoted to Captain of the 3rd Company.

### Prospus Campaign

When Chapter Master Baraquel fell, some argued that Kaphikas Kane was the one destined to take the role of Chapter Master, being the only Company Captain of the First Culling still alive. Instead he was sidelined as Joanna snagged his destiny from his grasp by becoming the new Chapter Master.

### Becoming Lord Kane

His envy grew ever stronger, fueled by his ambitions so much so that he was approached by an agent of Tzeentch, Deucovese Garral. Garral had taken the shape of the Penal World Warden of Paros Delta and spun Kaphikas in a web of lies and truths during Kaphikas oversight of the 20th Culling, revealing to him the true heritage of the Marsh Lion Chapter. Kaphikas, first reluctant to face this newfound knowledge, almost struck Garral down where he stood but instead withdrew to his vessel in orbit. Consulting with his friend, the Apothecary Ada’du Oortal they agreed to test the truth behind Garrals words.

The truth shook Kaphikas Kanes beliefs and devotion to the God Emperor to its very core, but as he travelled down to the surface of Paros Delta once more Deucovese Garral was waiting for him. Garral once again pulled the strings of lies attached to the captains mind, convincing him that Joanna Romelia and Baraquel Ganymal had known this all along and was using the Chapter to perform the evil deeds of Chaos. Kaphikas believing he alone could redeem the chapter in the eyes of the Emperor swore to bring an end to Joanna, once and for all. Kaphikas Kane, now fully under the influence of the very powers he hated so much took control over the Penal Legions of Paros Delta and gathered his potential allies in secret, the same brothers and sisters that once had supported his claim as Chapter Master when Baraquel fell. When provided with the overwhelming evidence of the Chapters heretical origin they fell to his cause and swore allegiance to him, all but one, Captain Herrir von Bolt of the 5th Company. When Herrir von Bolt left for his vessel he warned his second in command, Lieutenant Seleia Grimm, of Kaphikas plan. Kaphikas intercepted fragments of his transmission and opened fire on von Bolts ship, but he was too late. Even though Herrir von Bolt stood no chance and quickly perished in his Thunderhawk, the Strike Cruiser “Steel Fang” commanded by Seleia Grimm managed to escape, warning Joanne of Kaphikas treason.

### Second Battle of Sistec Prime

He raced to the planet of Sistec Prime, arriving only hours before Joannas fleet. After destroying the few PDF Gunboats in orbit he released the Penal Legions to capture the Forgeworld and as Joannas fleet dropped out of the warp they were immediately fired upon, the battle had begun.

Joanna quickly deployed the 1st, 2nd and 4th Companies to the surface of Sistec Prime to aid the hopelessly outmatched PDF forces. Kaphikas and his 3rd company supported by renegades of the 5th Company made landfall in drop-pods in key areas, breaking key defensive locations one by one.

Kaphikas Kane and Joanna fought a duel in the Rust Fields of Sistec Prime, stopping him from capturing and destroying a vital Planetary Void Shield Generator but almost losing her life in the process. As Kaphikas flagship “Liberator Claws” was destroyed in orbit he was forced to withdraw from the planet, unable to secure the kill. The Penal Legions, some commanded by veterans of the Prospus Campaign managed to perform an orderly retreat even though they were hard pressed by the Marsh Lions, thus keeping much of their fighting capabilities.