recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Threat of Censure

“You meant to humiliate me, but instead you have only strengthened my resolve and position.” Lukas growled as he stalked from one end of the strategium to the next.

Alexandros sighed from where he stood and responded in a conciliatory tone, “That was not my intention.”

“I don’t care whether it was or wasn’t, it is the message your decision sent. You value the good graces of Kelbor-Hal and thus the support of Mars over mine and my legion’s.”

“That’s not true,” Alexandros started but was interrupted.

“It isn’t? Really? Explain to me how your actions could indicate anything else.”

“Ever since Father disappeared the Imperium’s situation has deteriorated, we need Mars and the Mechanicum if we are to keep our fleets operational, our armies supplied, and Mechanicum troops in the field. Now is not the time to provoke them but you have done just that, first with your experiments and now by allying yourself with Atar-Median. Why can you not see how petulant and short-sighted you sound?”

“Why can’t you see how callous you have become? You are no longer the brother I once knew, you have changed into something I do not recognize or trust. When I supported your ascension to the regency it was because I believed you alone amongst us could bear the burden, I am beginning to think that belief was wrong.” And with that Lukas turned on his heel and strode out of the room.
Seporai

Morrigar (Primogenitor)

The **Seporai** are a small group of The Riven who remained loyal to the Imperium throughout the Five Ruins. They began as the 546th Battle-Company (the 6th company of the 54th battle-chapter), known for their skill at infiltrating an enemy's defences and using targeted attacks, assassinations, and sabotage to disrupt the enemy and pave the way for the rest of the Riven to assault. The Seporai, under Lieutenant Revoc Ardains, was sent to Terra in 005.M30 as the Riven's part of the homeworld's ceremonial guard. It is impossible to speculate if Morrigar wished for the combat-hardened, veteran unit near the centre of power to pose as a knife in the back once the Riven began their treacherous assault, but if so he did not get as he wished. Upon the first Ruin as communications tangled and Imperial forces began to look at each other as possible enemies, the Seporai followed the Regent's request and attempted to contact Skiirad to determine the Riven's intentions. They received nothing but silence for over a year and Lieutenant Ardains personally contacted the Regent to warn him of his gene-sire's possible ill will.

The Seporai were sent to Malcador by Alexandros and psychically scourged for months to prove their loyalty. When the half-company of survivors emerged from their ordeal, their loyalty was unquestioned and their desire to serve the Regent undiminished. They renounced their oaths of fealty to Morrigar and scrubbed their armour of the green-and-bronze of the Riven, taking oaths to the Regent and Malcador and the slate-grey colours of unpainted ceramite. The Seporai rose as an order of infiltrators, assassins, and saboteurs working with Malcador to rid the Imperium of traitors and abominations, a dark counterpoint to the noble Halcyon Wardens of the Regent himself.
Stefan Gaar

A native of Talanis and currently Margrave of the 8th Domen, **Stefan Gaar** ranks among the most illustrious and celebrated members of the IIIrd.

The second born of the Duke of Talanis and successor to the title, Gaar was destined for a bright future since birth however his path to greatness was cut short when his paternal uncle poisoned his father and claimed the title for himself. Driven away from the palace and forced to live as a street urchin at just eight years of age, the young Stefan was forced to fend for himself. Picking up various ways to defend himself against the threats of the slums such as gang members, robbers and the occasional crazed vagrant, and combining with his sharp wit, Stefan rose to become a figure both feared and respected in the Talanis underground scene and formed his own biker gang, responsible for multiple robberies, drug trafficking and various other crimes. Eventually, his track record caught the eye of the Legion, which sent their agents to recruit him, an opportunity which Stefan seized willingly.

Excelling in his trials using the same skills that allowed him to ascend to a gang lord, he was met with a pleasant surprise when he was called to duel another aspirant, who he realised was the son of the uncle that had slain his father and ruined his life. He cut down his cousin with satisfaction the likes of which he had never felt before, and went on to become a fully fledged Astartes. Over the years Gaar earned the trust of his superiors through his hard work and skills, ascending the ranks of the Legion to become an Ochranic Cavalier and soon after joining the ranks of the Gaistar, where his superior skills with a Jetbike saw him rise to a leadership position. In combat, he rides his modified Jetbike and strikes at enemies with the Monkrast lance, a terrifyingly large and devastating weapon that makes use of the Jetbike's momentum to pierce enemies through.
Obrie Vrahovia

The first and second Spoločnosť of the first Kapitola of the Godslayers consist of those Vybraných of the Legion who have proven their worth to their Gene-sire, Koschei Kharkovic, and have been presented the honour as serving as his personal guard.

While predominantly consisting of veteran Astartes, it is not unheard of for the Lord of the Eighth to raise a Bitka Brat to the hallowed ranks of the **Obrie Vrahovia** as a reward from some great deed, or feat of bravery, with at least two of the esteemed Radkyňa having never formally risen above the rank of Brat Seržant. Armed with the finest gear the Legion can provide, and having unfettered access to the entirety of the Legion’s arsenal, the Obrie Vrahovia can most often be seen wielding their Imposing Ripper Glaives, and adorned in venerable Cataphractii Terminator Armour.

In war, the Obrie Vrahovia remain, at all times, at the Primarch’s side, safeguarding him from whatever harm they can. In battle, they move almost in tandem with their Lord, displaying a level of synergy rarely seen, even among the legions. So in tune are the Obrie Vrahovia to the mood of the Godslayer, that it is said that oftentimes the first indication of Dreamer’s ire will be the sound of Ripper Glaives roaring into life.

## **Unit Composition**

* 4 Obrie Vrahovia Terminators
* 1 Obrie Vrahovia Seržant

## **Wargear**

* Cataphractii Terminator Armour
* Ripper Glaive
* Combi-Bolter
Walls of Faith

Niklaas stood, motionless, on the bridge of the venerable vessel. The mortals chewing their stations were hushed, muted, working in eerie synchronicity and quiet. All were wary of disturbing the demi-God in their midst, surveying proceedings with a faint scowl and critical eyes.

For all intents and purposes, Niklaas seemed to be inspecting the bridge and its crew. However, with the gifts that come with being a Primarch, Niklaas already knew that his crew were well disciplined, and running a tight ship. No, Niklaas had come here to brood.

*Father's wishes were explicit. And now Tenzin defies them.* The thought came, unbidden to Niklaas’ mind, a faint trickle of cold anger spreading through his veins. *And now, my other brothers will seek to make gains.*

An unbidden doubt, nagged 0 the usually stoic Primarch’s mind. It reminded him of something. Home. When the villagers and towns would venture out of the walls during the day, like vultures, scavenging all they could, preparing to fight in the night.

*Of course, my brothers are doing the same. Taking the opportunity in front of them to rebuild, and increase their Legions. We face many threats.* Niklaas showed no outward sign of his turmoil.

The bulk of his Terminator Armour, humming ferociously, slowly spun to face the door. He spoke not a word to the mortals, some of whom scurried to avoid finding themselves in the giant's path. Still scowling, Niklaas stomped his way through the corridors, avoiding the salutes from those he passed.

*But something is off. Something doesn't feel right.* Niklaas could almost feel the prickling of his skin, the sensation that warned him of many a witch’s presence.

*Of course it doesn't, Father is missing.* Still the doubt wasn't dispelled by the argument. *I won’t be swayed. My Father's will shall be done. I will not be claiming a sector. But…*

Niklaas thought back to his earlier orders, and hoped they were the right ones. The Fire Keepers Legion would start to reinforce the local systems around his home planet. The system itself was already a veritable fortress, but it would not necessarily be enough. The Legion will build more, across a wider area. They would make the entire sub-sector a safe-haven. Come what may, the Fire Keepers would have their fortresses to defend.
Satyraes XII

**Satyraes XII** is a minor Forge World in Segmentum Ultima, and is the base for the Titan Legion *Legio Defensor*. A feral world originally covered in dense forests and serving as the base for the Mechanicum since the Age of Strife, by the time of the Great Crusade the forests were mostly gone and Legio Defensor stood posed for action.

Discovered by the Red Eyes, Satyraes reconnected with the Mechanicum proper, and throughout the Great Crusade continued to maintain Legio Defensor and restock its maniples. Theoderaf made sure that the remaining forests of the world remained untouched.
Xei'An

**Xei'An** was a Forge World closely linked to the Warriors of Peace. Its ruling synod sided with The Jade General in the Five Ruins, repudiating their oaths to the Emperor at the end.

## **History**

The Forge World of Xei'An is located in a star-system neighbouring Han, the homeworld of the Warriors of Peace. The two worlds share a similar cultural heritage, and it is speculated by Imperial scholars that they were once part of the same empire, before humanity was plunged into the darkness of the Old Night. In the latter years of the Great Crusade, the forges of Xei'An produced the vast majority of arms, armour, and war machines for the XVII Legion. But the true measure of their alliance was their synergy on the battlefield. Both approached war like a science, and any enemies who stood before them would soon fall victim to the art of cold, calculated warfare.
Saphrax Agila

**Saphrax Agila** is the Captain of the Fifth Chapter of the Red Eyes Legion. He would rise above the infamy of his legion to be rebranded as the Chapter Master of the loyalist Dawn Sentinels.

## **Background**

Saphrax started as an unremarkable recruit from Certus Minor, recruited around 20 years after Theoderaf was discovered and Certus was integrated into the Imperium. His early service was marked by his great record in the legion’s fighting pits, showing promise in close combat that won him a little fame. He would perform a reckless charge into the ranks of the Rangdan during the Second Rangdan Xenocide in order to rescue a trapped pocked of Iron Revenants, an action that saw him promoted yet also served as a troubling sign of his rashness. Saphrax would continue his rise up the legion, becoming a regular sparring mate of Athanius Eurex.

## **Personality**

Saphrax is a rather unsociable Red Eye, preferring his own company and not looking to make friends. The main way to earn his respect is to face him in the fighting pits, as he values honourable behaviour very highly. He has been known to withdraw his Chapter quickly from compliances, citing the Emperor’s wish for quick compliances but really to avoid serving alongside other legions for any longer than necessary.

## **Wargear**

* **Artificer Armour**
* **Divine Wrath and Dawnbreaker** - A set of duelling swords
* **Bolt Pistol**
* **Frag & Krak Grenades**
Jingdaolu

Though there are five Paths within the Warriors of Peace Legion that any Warrior may join, there is a sixth, that one cannot simply choose to join. The **Jingdaolu**, ‘The Still Path’ is a way of life for its members, those who have dedicated themselves fully to divorcing themselves of their emotions to reach enlightenment. Warriors who wish to join the Jingdaolu are required to first prove their willingness to follow this way of life, marking those chosen to wear the grey of the Jingdaolu as a step above the rest of the life. A Warrior can choose to give up his rank and any honours in order to devote himself to the teachings of their Primarch and the monastic order of the Jingdaolu from Han, beginning their journey.

The Iron Monks are a subset of the Jingdaolu, whose within the Path whose martial prowess and pariah nature make them a deadly combat force when led by Guro Saion Kai. The Iron Monks technically exist as a warrior class of the Han monasteries rather than a part of the Legion itself, yet it is highly respected by the Legion as a whole. Upon becoming a Monk, there is no re-joining the Legion, unless the Jade General or one of the other Generals personally orders it.

## **Notable Members**

* **Guro Saion Kai** - Leader
* **Qua Feng**
* **He Zexi** (Former)
* **Xiang Xiang** (Former)
* **Gong Heng** (Former)
* **Fang Hui**
* **Fan Ming**
* **Fan Wuying**
Siege Hammer

Each Siege Hammer is an artificer-wrought weapon so large and heavy that it can only be used with two hands even by Terminators.

### Effects

A single blow from a Siege Hammer can turn an unaugmented human into so much red paste or send a Rhino flying a dozen meters through the air

### Source

Obsidian Guard Techmarines

**Siege Hammers** are close combat weapons unique to the Obsidian Guard and produced solely by that legion for its own use. They are oversized Thunder Hammers with a commensurately large increase in power that require two hands to wield properly. More than an excessively deadly weapon they are also status symbols, granted to Obsidian Guard Astartes for performing great deeds by the Primarch Lukas Keath himself in a ceremony either on Feuerstadt or the *Herald of Judgement.*
Rangdan Xenocides

The **Rangdan Xenocides** were a series of extermination campaigns waged by Imperial forces against the pernicious Rangdan xenos. Beginning in the 860s, these raged for approximately three decades until the threat was apparently stymied, but the Rangdan were merely dormant. The Fourth Xenocide saw the nightmare renewed and raged with the greatest intensity of all, until the last of the Rangdan were put to the sword.

## **The Xenocides**

* **The First Rangdan Xenocide** - The first contact betweeh the Imperium and the Rangdan. Led by Hectarion Mycenor, the Imperium won a major victory and the Rangdan were seemingly defeated.
* **The Second Rangdan Xenocide** - Several decades later, the Rangdan struck back at an unprepared Imperium. Held at bay by the Iron Revenants and Shadow Warriors, the arrival of the Emperor with reinforcements turned the tide.
* **The Third Rangdan Xenocide** - The most gruelling of the Xenocides, when the Rangdan attacked once more with more strength than ever, the Emperor unleashed his most brutal legions. It would take 5 legions and billions of Imperial Army troops, but the xenos were purged from Imperial space.
* **The Fourth Rangdan Xenocide** - As the Fourth Ruin began, the world of Rangda in the far north of the galaxy was discovered. Though the Rangdan fought back fiercely, the Warriors of Peace were able to drive them back and exterminate their homeworld, ending the threat once and for all.
Sedna Campaign

III Legion

V Legion

XIV Legion

XVII Legion

XX Legion

[REDACTED]

The **Sedna Campaign** was an early campaign of the Great Crusade fought in 803.M30.

This campaign represented the final battle to liberate the outer regions of the Sol System from the grip of unknown aliens who had preyed upon humanity's home star system during the chaos of Old Night.

Eight entire Space Marine Legions were deployed against the xenos who controlled the "false world" of Sedna at the very outer reaches of the Sol System, beyond the orbit of Pluto. These legions were the Ist, IInd, IIIrd, Vth, XIVth, XVIIth, XXth and [REDACTED] Legions (later known as the Iron Revenants, Crimson Lions, Black Stars, Halcyon Wardens, Dune Serpents, Warriors of Peace, Alabaster Order).

The alien foe was destroyed by them through the use of unknown psychic means. In the aftermath, Sedna fell into silence and was lost to Imperial knowledge.

## Sources

* *The Horus Heresy Book Eight: Malevolence* (Forge World Series) by Neil Wylie and Anuj Malhotra, pg. 12
Cuchuláin Ua'Mycenor

**Cuchuláin Ua'Mycenor** was an Astartes from the Crimson Lions legion and the Commander of Hectarion Mycenor's *Brod*, the Primarch's personal bodyguard, during the period of the Halcyon Age and Five Ruins.

## **History**

Born the fourth son of King Uriach Ua'Mycenor of the Sakseath tribe, Cuchuláin was trained in war by the very best tutors that could be found from the time he could walk. It rapidly became apparent that Cuchuláin had a natural aptitude for warfare and already in his early adolescance he was reaping a fearsome tally of rival tribe's menfolk as part of his father's *Brod*. It was during these days that he earned the name "Thunderfist" as he was unusually strong for his age and during a battle with raiders of the Berogi tribe he swung his blade so hard it clove right through his enemy's shoulder to become stuck in his rib cage.

Watching the young prince in battle from a distance was a member of the *Cneassai*. After watching him for nearly a year, the Alauros decided that he would make a fine recruit for the Crimson Lions legion and brought the young prince to Mount Æsgard. There, he underwent the usual trials alongside his fellow recruits, excelling in nearly every task they were set. When the time of his blooding came, he returned with the corpse of a marsh hound after just two days in Mycenae's wilderness.

As was the custom with members of Clan Mycenor, upon being elevated to the ranks of the Crimson Lions Cuchuláin was raised to Hectarion's *Brod*. There he fought at the side of Hectarion Mycenor wielding his two- handed thunder hammer *Stone Breaker*. He fought in Hectarion's *Brod* for almost a century before finally, on the night of the Allfather in the year 000.M31 he was raised to command of Hectarion's *Brod*, a position left vacant following the losses of the Vanishing.
Spearhead Megabolter

The Spearhead Megabolter is a devastating and rapid-firing weapon used in conjunction with the technology of the Monastic Ascendants Legion. Mostly known for it's 'rifle' variant used by the Legacy Pattern 2nd Generation Dreadnought, it can lay down thundering hails of megabolter rounds onto enemies, outright destroying infantry and shredding light and medium vehicles. A distant cousin to the Imperial Army's Avenger Megabolter, the 4 barrels of the Spearhead have been known to even knock aircraft out of the sky by Legacy pattern veterans. Having proven itself against the monstrous Barghesi in the South-West of Pacificus, they have a track-record of making sure all but the most heavily armoured enemies are annihilated. While it has only been used with the Mk25 MRS as of the middle of the Great Crusade, it is no doubt that it will be adapted to other platforms given time and the continued ingenuity of the VIIth.
Scourger Firebrand

A most volatile weapon, the Scourger Firebrand is a heavy flame weapon created by the Monastic Ascendants and in use by several legions by the end of the Great Crusade. As a pair of flame projectors with a sizeable projection chamber and fuel tank, the Scourger is a little lacking in it's base design. As is, it has been calibrated to project promethium out at ranges beyond normal flame weapons -but thanks to this- firing in a much tighter cone and uses more fuel as a result. To help counter this problem a leaf was take from some of the other weapons systems developed for the Modular Weapon System as the projectors were mounted on a rotating column. With both projectors spinning and the high pressure of the projection, they manage to spread themselves out in a wider arc more akin to their handheld and vehicle-mounted counterparts. While the fuel consumption proves to be a problem it has been lauded amongst those marines interred in Legacy Dreadnoughts that the sheer volume of promethium fired easily allows them to put up flame curtains to help defend a position. It has been decided as a result that the weapon's performance is satisfactory, and has been corroborated by those Legions that have chosen to adopt it into their service.
Taivelia Falcons

The **Taivelia Falcons** are a unique unit within the Sky Reavers legion. For a legion as fast as the Sky Reavers, there was always a paradox of both needing heavy support and not wishing to be slowed down by the traditional heavy armour of legions or the Imperial Army. The Taivelia Falcons were an invention of Aato Väyrynen to provide a solution for this: Tactical Support Squads with jet packs to allow for them to keep up with the legion.

## **Unit Composition**

* 4 Taivelia Falcons
* 1 Taivelia Talon
The Burdening

The final barrier for a Začínajúci of the Godslayers seeking elevation to full Bitka Brat is a ritual test known as **The Burdening**. This test, which is usually conducted in the Hall of the Remembered on Zbruch, or in the Great Hall of any Godslayers ship, is overseen by the Veliteľ in command, though junior Veliteľ can oversee the test if needed. Occasionally the Lord of the Eighth himself will oversee a Burdening, if he is available.

The test involves the Začínajúci walking the length of the hall adorned in an unpowered suit of Astartes plate, and carrying a heavy, two handed chain-sword. In order to complete the test, the Začínajúci must walk the length of the hall without faltering. Nor can the blade he carries be allowed to dip. Additionally, he must repeat the core beliefs of the Eighth Legion loud enough to be heard by all present.

If the Začínajúci can reach the officiating Godslayer without incident, they are elevated to the rank of Bitka Brat, and are allowed to take the Oath of the Godslayer. If they fail they are returned to the Lovec Čata to resume training. A Začínajúci can repeat the test as many times as they like, but must wait a full standard Zbruchian year before they try again after failing.
Tobiah Stolar

**Tobiah Stolar** is the Equerry of the Black Stars Legion to Absalom Vaughn. Tobiah was the scion of the noble house of Stolar and a long-time friend and advisor to Absalom. In their youth on Skandra Prima, Absalom and Tobiah were inseparable, bound by strong friendship and respect. The two young men were trained together in the kingdom's military academy and Tobiah, gifted with a keen intellect and a talent for organisation, swiftly rose up the ranks of the Skandran military, becoming one of the youngest high commanders at the age of 34. It was with him that Absalom orchestrated the counter-invasion to Antire and Fyressy following the joint attack the two planets unleashed on Skandra. After Absalom joined the Emperor in the Great Crusade, he didn't forget about his trusted companion and elected to ascend him to an Astartes through a specialised operation, given that Tobiah was too old to undergo the standard procedure. Now one of the Emperor's Angels of Death, Margrave Tobiah Stolar acts as the Amber Prince's equerry as well as his voice in the legion when the Prince is absent. An administrator and strategist rather than warrior, Stolar prefers commanding his troops from his command center. When he takes to the field, he does not follow his friend and master's close range fighting style due to his body not being as powerful as that of other Astartes. Instead, armed with a custom sniper rifle, he prefers to snipe foes from a comfortable range, never allowing them to reach him in close range.
Skandra Prima

A small planet located at the southeastern reaches of Segmentum Ultima, **Skandra Prima** is a world of vast plains, crystal blue seas and grant cities teeming with life. Its climate is mild and pleasant, as if the planet is locked in eternal, sunlit spring, lit upon by the Maega, the twin stars of the system. It is from this gem among the stars that Absalom Vaughn hails, and he rules over it as King of Skandra, taking great pride in the edenic beauty of his world and the happiness of his people. The fertile, verdant valleys of the planet form the basis of a strong agriculture which serves as the steady foundation for Skandra's economy. Small, picturesque villages are scattered through the countryside, populated by farmers and villagers. Meanwhile, the cities, majestic and alluring, are packed with buildings of remarkable architectural beauty, serving as both homes and shops of the middle and upper classes. The commercial districts and markets are perpetually filled with the lively buzz of people going along their business. The wealthier districts are home to the wealthier members of society as well as the nobility, and adorned with palatial manors and splendid estates. For all the aforementioned reasons, it should come as no surprise that Skandra Prima has earned the classification of Paradise world in Imperial records, and constitutes a popular attraction for the Imperial elite.

After the world was ravaged by the war against Antire and Fyressy, Absalom oversaw the rebuilding effort and ensured that the planet would be restored to its previous glory and even improved, seeing it as his debt and obligation to his people. His dedication to this noble cause, his great attention to the needs of his subjects as well as his valiant leadership during the world have earned him the wholehearted love of his people, and a dedication that few other Primarchs enjoy from their people. As such, the bond between the Black Stars and the Skandrans is much deeper than other Legions', and Legionaries are allowed to walk the cities they are garrisoned in and freely socialise with the crowds, who treat them with respect and reverence reserved only for the upper ranks of nobility.
Thandrian Sons

Discovered late in the Great Crusade, the planet of Thandros was a wasteland, and had little to offer the Imperium except one resource - manpower. The inhabitants of Thandros were hardy, warlike and relatively advanced, producing a variant pattern of lasguns. When they joined the Imperial Army, they formed well-disciplined, attrition specialist units that relished being thrown into the harshest of campaigns.

They got their wish on their first campaign, taking part in the Third Rangdan Xenocide, where they proved their tenacity and iron will in bloody engagements. From then on, they were the first choice for any campaign where high casualties were predicted.

## **Notable Members**

* **Marshal Adelar Tauber** - Adelar Tauber started life as most people on Thandros did, barely having enough to survive. Being born into the underclasses, the only “career” option for Adelar was the army, as the Imperium is always in need of more recruits from Thandros. He joined up as soon as he was old enough, and like thousands of others he entered service into the Thandrian Sons. He served without real distinction in the regiment, his only real achievement being to stay alive through multiple campaigns. As such, he is one of the most experienced in the regiment, which is what led to his elevation to Marshall. Marshal Tauber is known for his dourness and strict discipline, the embodiment of the philosophy of the Thandrian Sons. Other commanders from different regiments view his willingness to engage in high casualty warfare distasteful, but his men expect nothing less.

## **Notable Campaigns**

* Rangdan Xenocides
* The Dead of Ashkhelon

## **Regiment Appearance**

### **Regimental Colours**

The uniform of the Thandrian Sons is rather grim and faded through years of warfare, with the original colours being a blue-grey and a faded, light green.

### **Regimental Badge**

The badge of the regiment is a set of Golden Wings, on a blue-grey background.
Taskmaster Zhen

It is said that the only thing a Warrior of Peace fears is **Taskmaster Zhen**. One of the oldest members of the Warriors of Peace legion, Zhen has personally overseen the ascendance of thousands of initiates, and is infamous for his gruelling methods of training, even by Astartes standards. Yet the mark of a Warrior trained by Zhen is easy to discern: they are possessed of a cold discipline, and under his watch, will not be found wanting.
The Blood-Seekers

Gregory read the orders with calm patience. A century and a half of life had taught him that much. His Chief Tribune, Stefan, stood at his side. Gregory's grey eyes finished the last bit of text. “We are heading for the outer edges of Ultima. It looks like we will be maintaining our offensive stance, after all.“

Stefan, a stout marine, nodded heartedly. “Someone has to.”

“Indeed,“ Gregory affirmed as he passed the datapad to Stefan. As for himself, he clasped his hands behind his back as he surveyed the bridge. The Fifth Brigade boasted a legacy that only the original four could surpass. A legacy that Gregory had done his best to uphold and to honour. The Crimson Crusaders, as they were known, contained the largest portion of Terran legionaries outside of Irvin Ruel's First Brigade. Such a simple fact, yet one that had no doubt influenced the Crusader's tendency toward aggression and assault operations. At least, compared to the rest of the Wardens.

His eyes studied the stars beneath his midnight coloured hair. With so many brigades being rerouted to holding and defensive operations, Gregory could not deny a fierce sense of satisfaction for avoiding that fate. Perhaps the brigade would celebrate tonight with their traditional meal of raw meat.

His mouth watered as the idea gained traction.

An Astartes could consume many substances lethal to a normal human, but raw meat would not have been considered a favourite meal for any space marine. The Crusaders were an exception since it had originally begun as a habit to maintain the Omophagea. Then came that one incident on Volska where he and his officer cadre had explicitly eaten raw flesh in front of their enemies. The Volkan Confederacy had been flirting with either defiance or submission to the Imperium at the time. After that messy meal, with blood dripping down Gregory's chin, the Volkans had chosen submission.

It also contributed to their nickname as the Crimson Crusaders.
Welustite

Following their fall to Slaanesh and their total descent into excess, debauchery and rampant hedonism, the Black Stars have pushed the boundaries of thrill and sensation, seeking ever more intense experiences to stimulate their twisted senses and sate their perverted appetites. This imperative of theirs has led many Stars to the creation and sampling of potent narcotics. One such attempt led to the creation of a drug named **Welustite**, which rose to great prominence within the Legion.

The creation of welustite is both chemical and psychic in nature, and involves a particularly grim procedure; for welustite is made of the condensed sensations and emotions of human slaves, collected through special rituals and materialised as a narcotic. The drug may be administered nasally, orally or intravenously, and its effects vary based on the emotions harvested and used in a particular batch. For example, there is welustite that is meant to give the user feelings of utmost euphoria, feeling his heart and soul with heavenly happiness. Such batches are created by filling the minds of slaves with illusions of a happy, free life, where their every wish is fulfilled and they are surrounded by their loved ones, living in a dreamlike utopia. Others use welustite created using feelings of intense hatred and inhuman rage, which renders it a very effective stimulant and combat drug, as it leads the users into a state of berserk rage. Others, more depraved still, prefer their poison to wrack them with the most terrible pain known to the soul of any being, harvested from slaves who have been tortured relentlessly for years and left to ferment in the howling vortices of souls being torn apart by the Dark Prince's warpspawn.

Welustite however does not only serve as a recreational drug for the Legion, but also as an invaluable export and tool. Due to its highly addictive nature and the dire withdrawal symptoms it causes, anyone who uses it can rarely resist its seduction and is obsessively driven to acquire more, with no heed for anything except the next high, the next burst of sensations; Many a mighty Chaos Lord has pledged servitude to the IIIrd after sampling even a miniscule amount of the substance, and the drug has even been used as a tool to corrupt planets or entire systems, as the Black Stars set up drug trafficking cults that acquire wealth, power and a clientele including many powerful members of the nobility and political elite. Millions rise up in a frenzy fuelled by hedonism and addiction, serving every whim of their cruel providers so they maintain a steady supply of the substance they love more than even themselves. The success of welustite has caused the envy of many rival warbands and even some of the Chaos Legion, and there are hundreds who have tried to replicate its effects with grim and often deadly results.
Yrjö Niemelä

**Yrjö Niemelä** is the Chief Librarian of the Sky Reavers at the time of the Ruins, having served for decades by the start of the First Ruin. A practitioner of Biomancy, which is unusual amongst the higher ranked Librarians in the Reavers, Yrjö found a particular use of his skills that aided in his aerial skills.

## **History**

Yrjö is a recruit from Maaparatiisi, from a wealthy middle class family that were well known merchants on the planet. Yrjö was recruited after winning one of the many youth races that were held on the world, and he ascended into the ranks of the Reavers rapidly. He proved himself a skilled flyer and assault marine, able to withstand G forces that even his brothers could not. It was soon revealed that this was a result of his psychic gifts, as his aptitude for Biomancy allowed his body to endure more than the average Astartes. Yrjö was placed into the Sixteenth Wing, where all of the legion’s psykers were trained by the librarius, and his skills grew.

### **The Breaking**

Yrjö would find himself in command of a small number of ships and vessels that were resupplying on a refuelling station on the edge of the Keld'abe System.

## **The Vatammi**

Whenever Yrjö Niemelä ventures into battle, he is accompanied by his honour guard, the Vatammi. Drawn from relatively new recruits to the Sixteenth Wing, Yrjö purposefully selects hot-heads and thrill seekers who need to be tempered in the fires of battle to gain control over their impulses. The upside to this is that the Vatammi are lightning fast, able to be held in reserve until the perfect moment and then take out a single target and withdraw before the enemy even realise they had entered the battlefield.

The Vatammi, as fledgling battle psykers, are also trained by Yrjö to control their abilities, and as such use their powers sparingly. A member of the Vatammi could come from any discipline, but even combined they are no match for Yrjö’s psychic prowess. To keep up with Yrjö, each member is equipped with a Jump Pack and a Force Weapon, serving as a flying rocket guided by Yrjö.

## **Personality**

Yrjö is a jovial if weary individual, known for his warm smile yet tired eyes. His calm and tired exterior belies his killer instinct that all Astartes hold, able to harness his powers at a moment’s notice and his customised Force Halberd has taken the lives of countless foes.
Zayth Regiments

The **Zayth Regiments** are an eclectic mix of regiments, who comprise the core of the Imperial Army forces under the command of the Warriors of Peace. Based on both the Warriors’ own style of warfare and the General’s observations of the many Imperial Army forces he had commanded, the Zayth regiments were designed to be the template of a new standard Imperial force. Their effectiveness would be tested several times during the Ruins.

## **History**

Zayth, a War World in the Koronus Expanse, was chosen by the Jade General as the perfect Imperial Army recruitment world. As such, in 007.M31 a new governor was appointed by the General with orders to begin the recruitment of new Imperial Army regiments.

### **Notable Campaigns**

* Waaagh! Skrak
* Yellow Helm Rebellion
* Defence against the Dark Empire of the Khrave
* Fourth Rangdan Xenocide
* Fifth Ruin

## **Regimental Organisation**

Each regiment is composed of 3000 men and women and led by a colonel, which is subdivided into three 1000 troop strong companies led by a captain. The companies can serve well as a fighting unit in its own right, with individual companies commonly split off to achieve distinct objectives pertaining to a regiment’s overall mission. These companies are again divided into ten 100 man platoons, though the exact term used varies by type of company. The vehicle companies and regiments are divided into squadrons, and artillery companies are divided into batteries. Each platoon, squadron, or battery is typically commanded by a Lieutenant, the most junior of officers.

## **Regimental Wargear**

The Zayth Regiments use standard wargear for an Imperial Army regiment, with Auxilia Rifles and Lascarbines being the standard weapon for infantry squads. Boltguns and Lasrifles are rather rare, as any available bolters are needed for the legions and the Lasrifles are needed for the Solar Auxilia.
Scalpel of Choice

The **Scalpel of Choice** was one of the unique training rituals for aspirants of the Alabaster Order legion. The value sought after by the Twentieth Legion among their recruits was vision. Martial skill, courage, discipline, while having their place, were placed secondary to the ability of the Legionary of the Twentieth to understand and to execute what Gustave believed to be the singular mission of his Legion: the preservation of Humanity. Every marine needed to understand that the battlefield was a mere physical barrier to what the true destiny of the Astartes was. That a Legionary's life was valued in only the lives of humanity could be saved. Only those who could adopt this creed within their spirit would be granted the opportunity to join their ranks.

Undoubtedly, this emphasis on what might be labelled as the strategic objective is what allowed Gustave to produce an unusual number of transhuman doctors and medics. While intelligence was not presented as the same obstacle as vision was, there was a natural tendency for the Alabaster Order to seek out individuals who possessed the necessary mental aptitude to strengthen the apothecary corps. It was rumoured that one reason the Twentieth Legion could compensate for its exacting recruitment protocols was the liberal use of its own medical specialties to find the young men who had the genetic components to produce a proper Astartes. Officially, the Alabaster Order denied any secret genetic testing methods not approved by the Mechanicum's Biologis wing and simply had a particularly stable gene-seed strain.

The difference in intelligence potential could often determine in which segment a new Legionary would serve. The higher the intelligence rating, the more likely the recruit would be encouraged to join the Alabaster Order. The less gifted recruits would often be relegated to the more militant Brotherhood wing of the Legion. Another important distinction would be attitude. Some recruits, for however bright they may be, could not accept the less martial Alabaster Order. Likewise, those who wanted to serve as best as they could in protecting humanity were given some role in the Order.

Ultimately, though, a recruit did have the final say in their destination. The Twentieth Legion was loathe to force a decision upon a recruit who had resolved upon one Legion branch or the other. So long as they were ready to heal or die on the behalf of their parent species, Gustave was satisfied.
Strix Missile Pod

The answer to the question of 'how many missiles is *too* much?' the Strix missile pod is a by-product of the project that created the Sahaquiel, who, while not creating the aircraft, instead made a weapon capable of tearing hordes of smaller flyers and craft from the sky in one volley.

## **Design**

Built in containers with row after row of missiles, the Strix is a relatively simple weapon when viewed from the outside. With well over several dozen small missiles loaded into them they are able to be mounted on a number of hardpoints on aircraft or in the case of the Talaria and Sahaquiel, two can be fitted within a single internal missile bay. They are primarliy armed with either high-explosive warheads, flakk warheads or a mixture of the two for use against air targets. To limit both ammo expenditure and as to not overwhelm the pilot with the sheer amount of firepower that might possibly damage himself, they are mainly fired in volleys that use up around a quarter of the box at a time.

The real power, however, lies within the pods themselves. Within each pod are several small cogitator units that link up to the aircraft' own machine-spirit, giving it a boost in it's capabilities. It is this boost that allows the missiles to target up to a dozen enemies per volley and be able to hit them reliably, with the accuracy only going up the more pods are connected. Mainly for use as an air-to-air weapon the Strix can be used against ground targets but it's accuracy is diminished somewhat. This is due to the cogitator-minds penchant of becoming confused with sensor returns from a variety of objects detected on the ground.

The significant issue with such large pods is a large increase in weight and a lack of heavy anti-air firepower. It is for this reason that the Strix is seldomly used alone as a pilot and the maintenance crews would make sure to account for enemy capabilities when assigning weapons. All the Strix missiles in the world might have no effect when the enemy is too heavily armoured to be damaged by them, or they could prove too manoeuvrable for the pilot should he be laden down with half a dozen missile pods slowing his speed considerably.
War for Ghaslakh

The **War for Ghaslakh** was a two-year long conflict during the Halcyon Age between the Dune Serpents Legion and numerous Imperial Army elements against the Orks of the Ghaslakh Xenohold led by Ozdrozz. Located beyond the edge of Segmentum Ultima, Waaagh! Ozdrozz was discovered by part of the Dune Serpents forces crusading in the Eastern Fringes.

## **Events**

### The First Contact

Following the success of the campaign against Craftworld Ursidhe-Ka, the Dune Serpents spread out into many different fleets and headed north into the Eastern Fringes. Imperial Army forces and Rogue Trader fleets joined in the campaign, with many worlds within the region that would become known as Ultramar scouted. The Dune Serpents focused on the finding of threats rather than peaceful worlds, leaving those to the Imperial Army to bring into compliance.

One of the most northerly Dune Serpents fleets, pushing ahead of the main force, translated in-system and discovered a large Ork fleet above the world of Caneri. The lighter Bashas of the Ork fleet immediately rushed towards the Serpents, which the small Serpents fleet was able to disable and even destroy some before the commander, Rasbarkin Al-Eazimin ben Alrrabeshr, had sent an astropathic message to the rest of the Eastern Horde and then withdrew. With the Ork fleet bearing down on the much smaller Serpents fleet, the Serpents managed to weave out of the encircling Orks and escaped after surviving a few losses.

As the Ork fleet moved to follow the path of the smaller fleet, several other Serpents fleets respond to the threat, striking the fleet from behind and its flanks as they arrive and aiming to draw the Ork fleet apart. While small numbers of Ork vessels were drawn away from the main fleet, the armada pushed forward and threatened the nearly compliant world of Golsoria. As the Orks approached the world, Azus arrived in the *Scimitar Fang* with a flotilla, and the Dune Serpents attacked from all sides. The Orks, finally able to get to grips with an enemy, rushed out in all directions to meet the Serpents. Azus drew the Ork fleet open, and then cut into the gap to the heart of the Ork fleet. A single grand cruiser, the *Djinn Host,* headed straight for the largest Ork ship, and waves of boarding parties attacked. This single grand cruiser proved no match for the Orks, and was annihilated just after the boarding torpedoes were launched. Unbeknownst to the Orks, Azus led a Sharitat Al'Azus Saboteur Squad into the Ork ship and assassinated the Ork Warboss. The Ork fleet began to break apart as the individual vessels began making their own decisions, and the Dune Serpents began picking them off. The *Scimitar Fang* cut through the Ork remnants and Azus returned to his flagship.
Athenoi Terminators

A Halcyon Wardens elite member of the Athenoi, arrayed in the Legion's finest Tartaros pattern Terminator Armour and armed with a deadly power spear and Guardian-pattern Storm Shield.

## Unit

### Equipment

Tartaros Power Armour, Guardian-Pattern Storm Shield, Power Weapon

### Tactics

Shock Assault, Shield-Wall Spearhead Tactics

**Athenoi Terminator Squads** are a Terminator-armoured elite unit utilised exclusively by the Halcyon Wardens Legion. These warriors are selected from the most stalwart, dedicated and formidable warriors of the entirety of the Vth Legion, making up the appointed bodyguards of their Primarch Alexandros himself. Arrayed in the finest Tartaros pattern Terminator Armour and equipped with master-crafted power weapons, they are the bane of their foes, striking at the heart of the enemy as a vanguard spearhead against which few enemies can stand.

## **Background**

Drawn from the most accomplished and valorous warriors in the Order of the Shield, the Athenoi were the principal Terminator elite of the Vth Legion. Clad in the finest Tartaros warplate and armed with storm shields, they symbolised their Primarch's devotion to safeguarding humanity, unerringly deployed where the fighting was thickest. Other notable Terminator units existed within the Halcyon Wardens, but the Athenoi were the most esteemed, selected for their discipline and idealism as much as their undoubted prowess.

As well as anchoring their Legion's shield walls, the Athenoi were a nigh-unstoppable force when the order was given to advance, their advanced armour making them capable of deceptively quick counter-attacks and charges. Thus the Warmaster himself usually took the field with several companies, and his dedicated Kavachoi bodyguard cadre were themselves part of the Athenoi.

## **Unit Composition**

* **1 Nikanor**
* **4-9 Athenoi Terminators**

## **Wargear**

* **Tartaros-Pattern Terminator Armour**
* **Guardian-Pattern Storm Shield** - The first prototype of its kind was invented by the Shield-Lord himself after being allowed to study the Custodians’ own Praesidium Shield. To better match the raw numbers of a Legion compared to the Custodians' few, sacrifices were made in alloy selection, relying more heavily on standard ceramite, and a smaller, on-board field generator. The result was a shield that could boast of deflecting lascannon fire while only requiring a fraction of time and expense to construct. By the time of the Insurrection, the storm shield had become a mark of status among the Halcyon Wardens and would prove potent tools of wars against the Traitor Legions.
* **Power Weapon**

### Optional Wargear

Any Athenoi Terminator may exchange their power weapon for one of the following:

* **Power Fist**
* **Chainfist**
* **Thunder Hammer**

Any Athenoi may upgrade their melee weapon to be Master-Crafted.

## **Dedicated Transport**

An Athenoi Terminator Squad numbering five warriors may select a Land Raider Phobos or a Land Raider Proteus as a dedicated transport. If the squad numbers ten or less, they may select a Spartan Assault Tank instead.