Dunrov Iron Corps

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### **Motto**

We are the gate to the Imperium that we will brace against the heretics! HOLD THIS LINE!

## Other information

### **Heavy Weapons**

"Hedeons Fist" unique artillery, heavy use of mounted autocannons, Lascannons, and Leman Russ artillery/tanks.

### **Special Weapons**

Modified "Stalwart" Kantrael-Pattern Lasgun, Long-Las, and Krak/Frag grenades.

## Commanders

### **Notable Commanders**

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The **1st Dunrov Iron Corps** are the Loyalist Astra Militarum regiments that hail from the inhospitable Ice Industrial Hive world of Dunrov in the eastern fringes of the Segmentum Tempestus, in the Chiros Sector. They are adept in seige warfare, and are widely regarded as one of the best defense regiments to exist in the Imperium. They fight alongside the Adeptus Astartes chapter *Ironvolk Knights*.

## History

Dunrov was originally a thriving Agri-World, settled in the 36th Millenium by colonists looking to escape the Age of Apostasy. However, nuclear meltdowns and rapid industrialization of the planet plunged it into a premature, polluted Ice Age. This catastrophic event forced most of the population into massive, subterranean Hive Cities, as the fauna and flora above either evolved into hyper aggressive abominations or went extinct. Corrosive snow blanketed the planet as devastating ice storms blasted the surfacet. As if to add insult to injury, a small Ork fleet from the Bad Moons clan found Dunrov, and launched an attack that was barely repelled.

The final attack from the Orks came nearly two millenia later, in the 40th Millenium. A much larger Ork fleet arrived to seize the planet, however, the Dunrov they had left was not the one they faced now. This Dunrov was armed to the teeth, and ready for war. The initial confrontation was fierce, but slowly, the Orks pushed further into the wastelands of Dunrov. The battle culminated at the battle of Hedeongrad, the capital and only above ground city. Dakka and gunfire raged through the streets, but this was where the Iron Corps began to make progress. Their defense tactics successfully repelled the invasion, and with their morale renewed and courage restored, they retook the planet from the Orks.

The Iron Corps are among the most stalwart fighting forces in the Imperium, and are widely known for, alongside the Death Korps of Krieg, their wars of attrition and seige tactics. Their artillery is nearly unrivaled, and their culture is one of grim endurance and war. Akin to those of Cadia and Catachan, Dunrovian children are taught to fire and assemble weapons from a very young age. By the time they are of age, at least half of the population will have joined either the PDF of the Iron Corps, with the rest joining the Industrial sector to feed the growing war machine. A Dunrov soldier faces a grim, short life, but they are willing to die for the glory of Lord Hedeon and their Emperor.

## Notable Campaigns/Events

* **The War of Purity** (Unknown Date, M37)- During the early ages of M37, an uprising erupted in the Stalishlem Hive, instigated by an unknown sect unhappy with the wealth inequality and injustice, and quickly takes over the city. The rebellion, calling themselves the Reborn Suns, quickly gained traction in the eyes of the people, and the planet soon erupted into all-out war. Conflict raged across the planet as artillery pounded either sides forces, but when the smoke cleared, the Reborn Suns had seized control of the planet and executed the previous government leaders.
* **The First Ork War** (981, M37)- During the aftermath of the civil war, a relatively small Ork fleet of the Bad Moons clan discovered Dunrov, and, after several days of debate amongst the Orks, it was decided to attack the small planet. Several volleys of ballistic weaponry were exchanged between the two sides, decimating several hives and destroying around half of the Ork ships. This battle moved to the ground, where it culminated in a decade-long seige of Nestigrad. Eventually, the hardened PDF managed to repel the Orks, who were obliterated with atmospheric thermo-nuclear weapons. The next several centuries were devoted to purging the planet of Ork spores.
* **The Crisis Era**(459, M38)- A planet-wide meltdown of nuclear power stations and rapid industrialization of Dunrov plunged it into a premature, radioactive Ice Age, which forced the population to abandon their former Hive Cities and retreat underground. Several major provinces lost contact and split off from the main body, further fragmenting Dunrov as widespread famine ravaged the local populations. However, in time, Dunrovians learned how to domesticate and grow the nutritious fungi and algae that grew deep in their subterranean caverns, thus leading them out of the Crisis Era and into the Perestroit Age.
* **The Perestroit Age**(345, M39)- As the Crisis Era came to an end and the catastrophes facing Dunrov began to settle, focus began on rebuilding the Dunrov that once was. It was during this age that the Reunification Conquests began, and Lord Hedeon was born.
* **The Reunification Conquests**(351,M39)- During the Crisis Era, Dunrovs people fragmented, due to loss of communications and civil wars, resulting in multiple warring nations and city-states. The Reunification Conquests were enacted by Lord Korol, the predeccessor of Lord Hedeon, in order to reunite Dunrov back under one banner. The conflict raged for for nearly two decades, in which multiple battles were fought in the new and unfamiliar climate of post-apocalypse Dunrov. Although heavy losses were inflicted upon Dunrovs forces, they managed to reunite all of the factions back under Dunrovs power, save for several small ones that managed to employ guerilla warfare effectively.

## Homeworld

The Dunrov Iron Corps hail from the Industrial Hive World of Dunrov, located in the Chiros Sector of the Segmentum Tempestus. It orbits the star Zvezda, a blue giant. Beneath the surface, Dunrovians live in massive, subterranean Hive Cities in order to escape the harsh climate and hyper-aggressive monsters that roam the surface above. The primary industry of Dunrov is its exports of valuable fuels and ores, even though the refining of said exports further destroys the environment. When the military of Dunrov needs to traverse the hostile surface, they use massive mobile fortresses, called Udaloy Kreposts.

### Indigenous Lifeforms

* **Ice Behemoth**- Massive, lumbering creatures that roam the mountains and rocky wastelands of Dunrov. They have incorporated ice into their physiology, allowing them to function without any kind of heat at all. While this process does make them extremely slow, it also makes them incredibly durable and strong.
* **Direwolves**- Pack creatures, Direwolves are large, hyper-aggressive, lupine creatures, that resemble ancient wolves. They stalk the mutated forests and plains of Dunrov, picking off less-fortunate creatures. It has been observed that a tenacious pack of Direwolves can even take down an Ice Behemoth
* **Zamorozit Wyverns-** Hostile, winged, and almost dragon-like. These small creatures travel in swarms, and generate heat through their constant flapping and swarms collective heat. They are able to photosynthesize through their membraneous wings, but have a taste for meat. They are a force to be reckoned with, but pale in comparision to the Moroz Dragon.

* **Moroz Dragon**- Moroz Dragons are a legendary sight, as they are extremely rare. Enormous creatures, they resemble dragons and are able to spew a liquid nitrogen concoction that freezes targets on contact. They are large enough to be able to pull an Ice Behemoth into the sky. They are typically a whitish/blue color, but some have been observed to be gray, or even pitch black.

### Hedeongrad

The capital of Dunrov, Hedeongrad is a massive fortress city that sits just below the peak of the planets largest mountain, Krepost Kamen. A truly massive city of rockcrete and steel, it stands on immense pillars and impenetrable walls above the inhospitable surface and vicious monsters of Dunrov. It features cleverly designed gun bunkers that ring the outer city, and massive artillery turrets that ring the innermost. Its layout is designed to be easily accessible to defense forces, as streets and pathways always lead to crucial areas. Streets and pathways are also reinforced with armored doors, which can be sealed shut to slow down an enemy force. It also incorporates a Void Shield, to protect from aerial bombardment. It is the only above-ground city on Dunrov, and thus is unique in its own right.

## Language

The Dunrovian language is one that is surprisingly similar to its predecessor of Russian, which can be traced back to Old Earth. Other elements of Old Earth Slavic languages can be found within the mix of Dunrov language, as well as complex sounds and grunts. It is widely regarded as one of the more difficult languages to learn in the Imperium.

## Regimental Organisation

### **Officer Ranks**

**Supreme Lord Commander**

**1st-Class Brigade Lord**

**Regiment Overseer**

**Battalion Overseer**

**Commissar**

**1st-Class Officer**

**2nd-Class Officer**

**3rd-Class Officer**

### **Specialist Formations**

* **Grenadier Battalion**
* **Heavy Gunner Battalion**

### **Line Ranks**

**Commissar**

**Sergeant**

**Corporal**

**Guardsmen**

## Ironborne

The commando elites of the Iron Corps, they are among the most effective fighting forces in the Imperium. Genetically-enhanced and trained rigorously in the frigid, post-apoctalyptic wastelands of Dunrov, only one out of every fifteen recruits survives the enhancement and training. Trained to be adept in nearly every weapon that exists, they also taught first-aid and mechanics, as well as operation of vehicles. They are skilled in sabotage and incursion, commonly used to disable enemy facilities and assassinate enemy leaders. On some occasions, they are used to support standard troops in battle.

## Equipment

### Standardized Equipment

* **Modified Kantrael-Pattern Lasgun**- Commonly used by the Cadian Shock Troops, these Kantrael Lasguns are outfitted for the gritty, smoke-filled environments that the Iron Corps usually fight in. They also incorporate a full-auto mode, as the Iron Corps fights incorporate more firepower than precision.
* **Flak Armor**- The preferred choice of body armor for the Imperial Guard, the Iron Corps outfit their troops with weather-resistant flak armor, as well as multiple pouches for storage.
* **Heavy Pack/Storage**- The Iron Corps are well-known as one of the most well-equipped regiments in the Imperial Guard, sporting an incredible carrying capacity. This carrying capacity is split between the large, multi-use packs that they carry on their backs, and the multiple satchels and pouches that they use. They also commonly incorporate a bandolier into their gear, which they use to store ammunition and, occasionally, heavy ammunition.
* **Insulated Gambeson**- Commonly used by the Iron Corps, this undersuit is a Gambeson that features insulation and breathability. This suit is the first layer of clothing, and is found beneath the flak armor.
* **Tactical Hammer**- A versatile tool utilized by the Iron Corps, the tactical hammer is an efficient melee weapon as well as a popular repair tool. A near-perfect blend of multiple functionalities, the tactical hammer is perfect tool for the Iron Corps, alongside the tactical shovel. All in all, a staple of the Dunrov Iron Corps and an incredibly useful tool.
* **Frag/Krak Grenades**- Standard issue for most Imperial Guard regiments, these explosives are widely implemented in warfare for their combustible properties to cause massive damage to enemy forces and vehicles. The Iron Corps utilize frag grenades to take out enemy forces, but also use krak grenades as small, anti-vehicle armaments.
* **Thermal Visor**- In the frigid environments of Dunrov, as well as the smoke-blasted, low-visibility environments the Iron Corps fight in, it is important to be able to see your enemy when the naked eye is unable to. Thats why thermal visors are a staple of the Iron Corps uniform. Utilized in low-visibility warfare, they are a dangerous tool that give an edge to the Iron Corps defenses and assaults.
* **Rebreather**- Thermal Visors may help you see in the smoke-filled, dust-blasted wars that you fight, but the rebreather helps you breathe in them. The Iron Corps standard gear always includes a rebreather of Dunrov design, which allows them to fight in the artillery-pounded, smoke-filled environments that would normally destroy ones lungs.

## Vehicles

* **Eschaton-class Heavy Mech**- Sporting twin Heavy Bolters and a Missile Array, this mech emphasizes a back-mounted artillery gun. Their squat stature and lumbering, deliberate movements restrict them to be utilized as mobile artillery instead of field combat mechs. They are akin to Dreadnoughts, although smaller in stature and size. This machine was barely approved by the Adeptus Mechanicus
* **Sentinel-** These lightweight, quick walkers easily traverse rocky terrain. Commonly sporting autocannons in the hands of the Dunrov Iron Corps, they are utilized as strike units, and also as recon scouts.

* **Leman Russ Tank-** This commonly used battle tank remains a staple of the Imperial Guards mechanical forces. Used for heavy forward assaults and also as close-ranged artillery, these tanks come crashing through the battlefield, decimating enemy forces.
* **Chimera-** Although not as widely used in the Iron Corps as compared to other regiments, the Chimera is still a major player in most battles.

## Recruitment/Training

Dunrov is a harsh world, ruled under an iron fist beneath a cruel government. Anything deemed unnecessary to the survival of Dunrov is eliminated, and thus, things like art and tourism are completely non-existent. Due to this, Dunrovians only have two paths for life when they are of age: They either join the Iron Corps, or work in the industrial sects.

The Iron Corps begin recruiting at the age of twenty-one, as opposed to the industrial sects minimum age of eighteen. Recruits are sent to the Dunrovian Iron Center, where they complete the infamous DMPA (Dunrov Military Performance Assessment). The assessment consists of a lengthy physical exam, consisting of several obstacle courses. After this, a psychological evaluation is conducted, in order to assess the mental state of the individual and see if they are fit for combat. Following this, several exams are held, covering basic tactics, combat mathematics, and weapon skills. Those with high/upper medium scores are sent forth into the Iron Corps, while those with medium to low scores are enlisted into the PDF. Those with extremely low scores, of 45% or lower, are sent to work in the Industrial sect for the rest of their life.

Basic training consists of constant drilling, followed by heavy physical labor and weapon preparation. After several months of this, troops are sorted into their specific specialist formations. Most will end up in the standard infantry, followed by the Heavy Gunner Corp and Grenadier Corp. The Sniper Corp follows these, as well as Artillery Corp. Officers and ranking figures are the highest form in the military hierarchy, and they control the vast majority of operations. Each of these Corps receive specialized training dedicated to their new skill-set.

## Fleet

One of the many branches of the Iron Corps, Dunrov Fleet Command maintains a sizable fleet of roughly 55 warships and cruisers, colloquially known as Battlefleet Ironside. Battlefleet Ironside is charged with presiding over the Dunrov subsector, and also to help patrol the whole of the Chiros Sector. It has seen action in the Damocles and Macharian crusades, as well as against several Ork fleets in M39 that attempted to make landfall at Dunrov.

## Tactics

The Dunrov Iron Corps specialize in siege and defense warfare, as well as wars of attrition, heavily utilizing artillery and bunkers.

## Notable Units

**1st Ironside Heavy Brigade-** Having proved themselves during the Macharian Crusade, the Ironside Heavy Brigade is a critically acclaimed mechanized force, making heavy use of tanks and mechs to support them on the ground. They are skilled at combined-arms warfare, performing admirably in unison with their machine, and are commonly used to support standard infantry battalions, typically in field battles.

**Krepost Stones Defense Brigade-** Specializing in siege defenses, the Krepost Stones Defense Brigade is the foremost choice as occupation garrisons, having proven themselves during both the Macharian and Damocles Crusades and both Ork Wars, as stalwart defenders. The Krepost Stones time in the spotlight came during the Damocles Crusade, as a key position was nearly overrun by the Tau, the Krepost Stones volunteered to hold the line in a suicidal attempt, in order to hold off the Tau until reinforcements arrived. This defense was successful, and the Tau were driven back, at the expense of 3/4 of the Krepost Stones, including their Brigade Lord.

**Direwolf Calvary Division-** A unique fighting force, the Direwolf Calvary Division utilize Direwolves as mounts, able to quickly overtake battlefields in a surprise show of shock and awe. Surprisingly effective, this division is commonly utilized for shock operations in terrain too harsh and unwieldy for mechanized or infantry excursion. Direwolf riders are typically taken from clansmen of the smaller, independent villages, as these clansmen have the ability to form some kind of psychic link with these Direwolves, which makes them highly versatile.

**25th Ironborne Squad-** Another critically acclaimed unit, the 25th Ironborne are a division of Ironborne commandos who rose to prominence during the 2nd Ork War, in which they covertly infiltrated a critical Ork base of operations and succeeded in disabling it, leading to the collapse of several Ork fronts. They proceeded on a string of sabotages and assasinations crucial to Dunrov's victory over the Orks. They are afforded the absolute best equipment available from the Imperium, and have proven to be a highly effective unit, coveted by their fellow Ironborne.

## Relations

### Allies

Dunrov is a planet of the Imperium of Man, and thus the Iron Corp fight in the Astra Militarum. Among their closest friends in the Imperial Guard, however, are the Vostroyan Firstborn, whom share similar hardships and accent.

### Enemies

The Dunrov Iron Corps fight against all enemies of the Imperium, but they have a special hatred for the Orks, whom had attacked their planet millenia ago and killed a third of the population. Their hatred of the Orks is so strong, in fact, that they will sometimes refuse to be left out of battles against Orks, throwing away their lives for the hope of taking several Ork ones.

## Quotes

"*Death to the first man to run, you cowards. FIGHT!*"
—Unknown Commisar to a division of low-morale guardsmen
"*If this is to be our end, so be it. Hold this line as long as you can, men. For the Emperor!*"
—Commisar Alexei Vitchnikov to his severely depleted regiment, just before they made their last stand.
"*Those heretics, by the time I draw my sword, I don't want to see them anymore.*"
—General Belitrov to his artillery division.