Luminarch

> "They shall be my Sons, and within them will one day live the hopes of a prosperous universe, and a grateful Humanity. Theirs will be the strength to prevail impossible odds, not only when victory is within sight, not only when success is in reach, but even when it seems truly unattainable, when doom settles like an indomitable shroud. In these times of vile darkness, my ever so Noble children will stand the tallest and shine the brightest of all." -Attributed to the God Emperor.
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The **Luminarchs**, otherwise known as the **"Imperial Demi-Gods"**, or much more simply as the "Imperial Royals", by some scholars, or as the **"Archangels"** by the followers of The Divinitus Stellar Imperialis, or the **"Ravima'lákh"** by the Seraphim are the 20 and later 30 Statuesque Sons, and Daughters of The Deus Imperator, Lord of Mankind, and Emperor to The Stellar Imperium. The glorious leaders of the million-strong Imperial War-Hosts. Magnificent, superhuman beings, and the crowning achievement of the Emperor's genetic sciences, and arcane mastery. They are Humanity elevated into the realm of divinity.

Once Intended to be the immortal superhuman generals and proconsuls of his Imperium they would’ve commanded the Imperial War-Hosts in the Emperors Eternal Crusade. Designed to be the perfect generals, warriors and statesmen; made larger, stronger, faster, and smarter than any mortal could ever hope to be. And possessing potent charisma and capable of heroic martial prowess, untouchable by disease, and infallible to the ravages of time and the petty failings of lesser Men.

Each embodied an aspect of Humanity and War; one was the greatest strategist ever known, another the personification of the terror of war, a third the master of the psychic arts, a fourth the greatest practitioner of the arts of siege-craft, and so on. The Luminarchs had been the Emperor's answer to reclaiming all the once lost worlds of Mankind, and welcoming them into His new Imperium.

The Emperor intended to raise His children to be the best military commanders and political leaders in Human history. They would bring the Imperial Dictatum to the rest of the Human-settled galaxy in their father's name, serving as His generals and proconsuls.

But all had been denied when the gestalt superhuman children were spirited away through the Void from the gene-laboratories of the Emperor's Dark Vaults. A massive localized Void rift had been created within the secured dark vaults of the God Emperor's own palace, deep under Terra where the Luminarchs had been gestating.

The gestation pods containing the Emperor's unborn children had been emptied, their contents scattered through the Void to human colony planets long since lost to Mankind during the Long Dark. The Fetal children were ferried through the Void, their physical forms psychically implanted into the wombs of un-pregnant Human mothers across the Materium to be raised upon hostile human worlds still caught in the ravages of the Long Dark.

## History

### The Prometheus Project

During the tumultuous era of the late 88th millennium, amidst the Terran Unification Wars, the ambitious Prometheus Project was initiated—a vast scientific endeavor aimed at creating the extraordinary beings known as the Luminarchs. The Emperor, in conjunction with the Alpha Biotech Research Branch of His Imperial Biotechnical Division, delved into the depths of the enigmatic Dark Vaults beneath the Imperial Palace to embark on this ambitious undertaking.

The precise methods employed by the Emperor to fashion 20 distinct superhuman genomes, using His own ancient and esoteric genetic code as the foundation, remain shrouded in mystery, even to present-day Imperial science. However, it is known that a two-stage process was involved in their creation. Initially, the Emperor extracted a subset of His own DNA, serving as the primordial matrix for a pure and undifferentiated gene-stock template. Subsequently, this pristine Luminarch gene-stock underwent further differentiation, resulting in the emergence of 30 distinct genetic templates that would form the genomes of each individual Luminarch.

Imperial savants and scholars, in their perpetual pursuit of understanding, speculate that the creation of the Luminarchs involved more than mere physical manipulation of genetics. It is postulated that the Emperor harnessed a plethora of arcane techniques derived from psychic sorcery, drawing upon the esoteric knowledge of the Void. These mystic arts were employed to shape and imbue the Luminarchs with their extraordinary abilities and unearthly charisma, bestowing upon them a captivating presence that transcended the boundaries of mortal perception.

However, the true extent and intricacies of these arcane practices and their interplay with genetic manipulation remain elusive, residing within the realm of conjecture and speculation, waiting to be unveiled by future discoveries or the whispered secrets of forgotten lore.

### Cruel Gene Failures

Indeed, in the early stages of the Emperor's experimentation and manipulation of His ancient gene-stock, the initial results were far from the awe-inspiring beings that would eventually emerge as the Luminarchs. These early creations were grotesque and repulsive, destined to forever remain hidden from the radiant light of Sol. They were the unfortunate byproducts of genetic failures, shaped by the divine blood coursing through their malformed forms, twisted and forced into unnatural strength and size.

These creatures, born of the Emperor's ancient gene-stock, suffered from profound physical and mental deformities. Some were plagued by crippling disabilities, their bodies and minds broken beyond repair. Others bore the burden of twisted strength, their malformed bodies imbued with grotesque power. Some were afflicted with organs misplaced outside their misshapen frames, while others had mouths that defied nature's design. Abominations with an excess of limbs were not uncommon either. Conversely, there were those whose genius minds were encased within ruined shells, their intellectual brilliance trapped within the confines of destroyed bodies. And there were those whose minds, filled with malevolence and cunning, were reserved for future machinations.

Yet, after years of relentless experimentation and refinement upon these failed demi-gods, a pivotal moment arrived—a breakthrough in the Emperor's grand design. From the crucible of countless failures, a being was finally born, heralding a new chapter in the Emperor's creation of the Luminarchs.

### Gazardiel the Enfeebled Princling

In the case of Gazardiel, born feeble in body and fragile in mind compared to their later kin, they served as a pivotal catalyst for the future of their kindred. The Emperor, through testing and vivisection of Gazardiel's fragile form, gained valuable insights and learned from His initial mistakes, paving the way for the pursuit of mortal perfection.

Through meticulous experimentation, the Emperor embarked on the fabrication of biologically perfected organs, crafting bodies that would remain untouched by the ravages of disease and aging, while also being enveloped in resilient and formidable musculature. The goal was to imbue the Luminarchs with unrivaled superiority in all aspects of their physiology: circulatory, metabolic, muscular, skeletal, genetic, and neurological.

Devoting several decades to the pursuit of a perfected human mind, the Emperor sought to create a cognitive powerhouse capable of absorbing vast amounts of information and data. The minds of the Luminarchs were meticulously crafted to possess the capacity to comprehend and digest this wealth of knowledge at extraordinary speeds, transcending the limitations of ordinary human cognition. The result was a cognitive architecture capable of processing information with blistering efficiency, enabling the Luminarchs to become unparalleled repositories of wisdom and strategic insight.

Thus, through the early trials and the subsequent refinement of Gazardiel's feeble form, the Emperor gained invaluable knowledge and set in motion the path towards creating the ultimate beings known as the Luminarchs.

### The Scattering of The Light

The creation of the 20 embryonic children by the Emperor was met with great anticipation and hope. However, the joyous occasion was abruptly shattered when a localized Void rift was formed within the secure depths of the Emperor's Dark Vaults. Through this rift, the gestation pods containing the unborn Luminarchs were shattered and the embryonic Godlings were spirited away, sent hurtling through the unfathomable expanse of the Void to distant human colony planets lost during the Long Dark.

Upon landing on their inherited worlds, the physical forms of the demi-god children underwent a transformative process, psionically inseminated into the mortal wombs of human mothers. These children were then left to be raised in the harsh environments of these hostile human worlds, still ravaged by the effects of the Long Dark.

Despite this devastating setback, the Emperor, ever adaptable, swiftly devised an alternative solution. Utilizing the remaining genetic samples from each of His lost children, He crafted the initial version of the Angelus Progenium, initially referred to as the Proginae Cells, which would later become recognized as the first Generation Inheritance-Helix. These cells, when implanted within the chests of mortal adolescent humans, bestowed upon them many of the physical and mental attributes possessed by each Luminarch.

The Emperor designated His bravest, strongest, and most exceptional human warriors to receive these superhuman forging organs, intending for them to stand as His stalwart companions and the vanguard of the Great Crusade. Thus, the Imperial Legions were born, known as the Angelus Marines, who would serve as the spearhead in the Emperor's Crusade to reconquer the galaxy in the name of humanity under His command.

Although an Angelus warrior could only palely replicate the abilities of their gene-sire, the technique of implanting humans with the additional organ allowed for a form of "mass-production." Whereas the creation of the Emperor's 20 superhuman sons had taken centuries, millions of Angelus Marines could now be engineered and trained within a single Terran decade. This accelerated process ensured a greater number of superhuman warriors to serve the Emperor's cause, bolstering the ranks of the Imperial Legions and fueling the momentum of the Great Crusade.

### Rediscovery of The Luminarchs

As the interstellar Human empire expanded throughout the Great Crusade, the Emperor harnessed His extraordinary gifts of foresight and precognition, coupled with the psychic bond forged between the Luminarchs and their Throne Ships, intrinsic to them before their births. Through this symbiotic connection, He skillfully traced the paths of His wayward children, scattered across the vastness of the galaxy, with the ultimate aim of reuniting them with their respective Imperial Legions.

Each Luminarch held the dual role of Atriarch and Mentor to their Legion, embodying the essence and character of their respective Legions. They served as the wellspring of inspiration, the guiding force behind their Legion's temperament and strategic inclinations. In the Luminarchs, each Legion found the embodiment of their own perfected ideals of warfare.

The triumphant return of the Luminarchs to their Legions marked the pinnacle of the Emperor's Great Crusade. Thousands, and later hundreds of thousands, of once-independent human-settled worlds were brought under "Imperial Compliance" through the concerted efforts of these reunited Luminarchs and their Imperial Legions.

Like the legendary warriors of ancient Terran mythology, the Luminarchs strode onto the battlefields of the galaxy, their power and influence irresistible. Their very presence commanded awe and respect, instilling unwavering loyalty and inspiring unwavering dedication among their legions.

However, despite their expressed superiority and apparent immortality, the Luminarchs were not immune to the flaws inherent in their human nature. They too exhibited traits that have plagued mankind since its inception—jealousy and arrogance, a propensity for fierce competition, and a willingness to harbor grudges against one another and even against their father, the Emperor.

Yet, it was precisely this intrinsic humanity, with all its imperfections, that rendered these demi-gods as the ultimate leaders of mankind during the early era of conquest and unity. Their relatability and shared human experiences allowed them to connect with their legions on a profound level. They understood the trials and tribulations of the human condition, and it was through this shared empathy that they could effectively guide and lead their legions towards a brighter future.

### Order of Rediscovery of The Luminarchs

The following is a definitive list of the order in which the Luminarchs had been rediscovered by either the Emperor of Mankind or fellow Luminarchs during the Great Crusade starting in early. 980.M91 with the rediscovery of Llucerian the First Born and First found.

*Please bear in mind that there is a stark difference in time between when a Luminarch would be officially rediscovered, and when they were officially introduced to the wider Imperium, or when the Luminarch would've took command of his/her Legion.*

## Powers and Abilities

### Luminarch Physiology

Analogous to comparing a mere flickering candle to the blinding radiance of the sun, the Luminarchs transcend the realm of ordinary superhuman abilities and ascend to the pinnacle as quintessential superhumans. Both their minds and bodies exist on a plane so removed from the human baseline that mortal medics and scientists become virtually inept when attempting to comprehend their intricate physiology.

Picture, if you will, children naively endeavoring to repair a logic engine that has plummeted from the depths of space. Just as these youngsters cannot grasp even a fraction of the Luminarch's boundless capabilities or comprehend the vast array of functions they possess, so too are mortals unable to fathom the extent of their post-human potential.

In every aspect of their being, from circulatory and metabolic systems to muscular and skeletal structures, from their genetic makeup to their neurological prowess, the Luminarchs reign supreme. Even when compared to the heavily modified transhuman luminaires and their bestowed biological gifts, the Luminarchs surpass and overshadow any conceivable physical feats that humanity could ever hope to achieve.

Their capacity to perform at peak efficiency, even in the direst and most protracted of circumstances, is nothing short of astonishing. Witnessed toiling at the height of their capabilities, even after weeks of arduous campaigns and scant rest, the Luminarchs possess redundant organs that would serve as the very blueprint for the extensively augmented luminaries of later Crusade eras.

#### Supernatural Intellect

The brilliance of the Luminarchs extends beyond their physical prowess, encompassing their unnaturally heightened intellect. Each of these extraordinary beings has showcased the remarkable ability to effortlessly grasp and fluently communicate in multiple human and xenos languages, often concurrently. Some have even shown that their intellectual capacity is such that they possess the aptitude to single-handedly oversee entire legions, alongside their mortal auxilia, with remarkable proficiency.

Moreover, the Luminarchs have delved into the vast depths of knowledge, comprehending the intricacies of space travel and other technological marvels with unparalleled mastery. Their understanding surpasses mere comprehension; they have actively sought to improve upon these advancements, refining and perfecting them to even greater heights.

#### Superior Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The awe-inspiring agility and swiftness of the Luminarchs defy logic and belie their formidable stature. They possess an uncanny speed that borders on the divine, allowing them to move with lightning-like quickness. Their motions are so fluid and seamless that it almost becomes an ostentatious display of their extraordinary capabilities.

This incredible speed not only grants them the ability to outpace their adversaries but also endows them with unparalleled reflexes. The Luminarchs possess an almost preternatural talent for anticipating, analyzing, and effortlessly discerning the movements and attack patterns of their opponents. It is as if they possess a heightened perception that enables them to see through the veil of combat, predicting and countering their foes' every move with precision and finesse.

#### Regenerative Metabolism

To ensure their endurance in periods of severe scarcity, the Luminarchs and their descendant gene-sires have been meticulously engineered to possess pseudo-biomechanical stomachs. These remarkable organs possess an extraordinary capacity, enabling them to store enough food to sustain the Luminarchs for extended periods, even up to several months. Furthermore, the Luminarchs possess an exceptional ability to consume vast amounts of mass in a remarkably short span of time.

In fact, their consumption capabilities may extend beyond conventional limits, as their bodies possess the uncanny ability to rapidly break down food at an accelerated rate. This swift metabolism allows them to convert the consumed food into highly condensed and calorie-dense deposits, efficiently utilizing every morsel and creating space for additional intake. It is worth noting that their bodies possess an inherent versatility, as they can transform almost any consumable substance into a bio-substance colloquially referred to as "Arch-Cells" within the ranks of the Imperial Legions. These remarkable Arch-Cells possess the extraordinary capacity to transform into and produce the necessary body mass required for general maintenance and sustenance.