Kazarin Aradas

Ancient pict file of Kazarin Ardas in his war gear. Wielding his Terranic Greatsword known as Duty.

## Character

### **Language(s)**

High Gothic, Low Gothic, language of Caliban

### **Allegiance**

Foretoken, either Luther or Lion (currently unknown)

## Physical Description

### **Height**

8'10

"*All hands to battle stations! We will either win this damn engagement or wound them so badly we will make them regret even seeing us! Come on!*"
—Kazarin Ardas during a void engagement with a chaos warband.
**Kazarin Ardas** was a Terra-Born Company Master turned Deathwing Companion of the Dark Angels Legion of Space Marines. He is now considered one of the most dangerous and enigmatic Fallen Angels that are still running around in the 42nd Millennium. Once, one of Merir Astelan's Company Masters and a close friend; he now takes a commanding role in the Foretoken as the Unseen Captain of the Blade of Beithe. Though, where his loyalties lie are dubious at best, he has shown to be a ruthless and honourable commander who has an eye for victory. ***Whatever it may cost***.

## History

### Terran Years/Pre-Discovery

Kazarin Aradas was a member of the Dark Angels Space Marine Legion before the discovery of their Primarch Lion El'Jonson upon Caliban. Kazarin would be born on Terra; hailing from the Sibran Steppes much like his future commander and once friend Merir Astelan. When the Emperor of Mankind revealed himself and His purpose during the Unification Wars, his people immediately jumped to His cause without so much as a shred of hesitation. Kazarin, like many of the Steppes's people, would be amongst those to be chosen to become one of the first Astartes of the 1st Legion. From childhood, Kazarin was always a secretive child though was always more then willing to throw himself into the line of fire for those that he cared for.

During the Great Crusade, Kazarin would rise to become the leader of one of the Companies under his friend, Merir Astelan. Here, he would be ruthless in refining the technique of war by his side, pushing his men ever further to victory. Though not much of his furious deeds would be recorded during this time of conquest, one thing was certain when you were put under Kazarin's command: You would find either death or glory. He would expect nothing less from the warriors of mankind. Anything less would be an insult to their given purpose. Though his loyalty would remain firmly steadfast with his brothers and his purpose, to fight ruthlessly in the Emperor's name and to make sure the 1st Legion survived. No matter the cost.

He stood on the bridge of *Spear of Truth*, and celebrated alongside his brothers when they discovered their lost primarch on the planet of Caliban. Though many believed that such a discovery was a brilliant thing and would be the start of their true ascent into the legion they were meant to be; Kazarin couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that it simply wouldn't end well for members of their legion. He kept his mouth sealed, not wanting to cause unrest and mistrust amongst his brothers. He has sorely regretted the decision since.

### Post Discovery

Kazarin's years between the Lion's discovery on Caliban and the end of the Horus Heresy are unfortunately completely unrecorded or have been lost to the sands of time (likely by his own design). Though there are small fragments and shadows of rumours that still survive to the 42nd Millennium. A few things are known for certain however; he continued to serve underneath Astelan with an unwavering loyalty, he was placed as as a veteran of the Deathwing, he lost his right hand during this time (with it being replaced with a finely crafted bionic one soon after) and was placed into the newly formed Deathwing Companions for his bloodied efforts. It is also highly likely it was during this time that he slew a beast of Caliban, a wolf like creature which at what one time would have been hunted by the Knights of Lupus of Old Caliban, which he now wears as a cloak as an homage to his new homeworld.

### Exile on Caliban and The Fall

Like many of his Terran born brothers, he would be relegated to garrison duty upon their home world of Caliban following Astelan's botched compliance of Byzanthis due to Belath's fool hardiness. Like many of his brothers, including his commander Astelan, he felt incredibly bitter at simply being left on Caliban to rot. Though he said nothing about it and simply threw himself into his new duties of training the newest aspirants of the Legion. After all, there were always new aspirants to train into the skills of the Dark Angels that he was now so intrinsically linked with.

When Astelan swore loyalty to Sar Luther, Kazarin would do the same in a sign of trust to his friend. He had followed Astelan through countless battlefields, and he saw this as no different. Though he held no love for Luther, and tolerated (and begrudgingly respected) the man beyond anything else. His loyalty was to his brothers and the emperor at large; and the Lion, in his eyes, had denied them their purpose. He had let them rot, rather then gain victory and glory in the Emperor's name. At that, he was bitter.

So he would stand by Astelan as the purges occurred and sold out those who would go against Luther. And when the purge of Belath's forces occured, Kazarin was the one who lead the spearhead attack upon his battle barge. With that task, he was ruthless in his vengeance, his embittered revenge would see him through the bloody boarding action. It would be in the chaotic fighting that followed that Kazarin would earn his title of *The Harbinger* as well as *The Omen*; as wherever he would go death, would soon follow at his heels. And when Zahariel gave the order that Belath was to be killed; Kazarin more then happily followed that order.

### Destruction of Caliban

*Important Note: The following info comes from Astelan during his interrogation by Interrogator Chaplains, info from such a source should be considered dubious at best.*

Though not much is known about the fall of Caliban, especially about Kazarin's actions during this time, what is known is keenly established (no thanks to Astelan's capture and interrogation by the Interrogator Chaplains). Though if these things are actually true or a fabrication on behalf of Astelan is not clear. Kazarin (at least according to Merir) would serve as Astelan's unbreakable blade, as any companion would. He watched the planetary defence guns thundered their shots through the sky and into the fleet above; doing nothing to stop the shots (I am Alpharius, *this is a lie*). Any who dared harm Astelan would have to go through Aradas, and none were able to pass his companion. He also stood by when Astelan ordered the Planetary Defences to fire upon Lion's forces, remaining in grim silence as the order was given and watching as the guns thundered overhead. He did everything in his powers to protect those he saw worthy of his protection, including both Terran and Calbanite, as Lion's reply came down in a furious barrage of returning fire. Through everything, Aradas would stand by his friend and Terran brothers, until the very surface of the world they stood on cracked.

The last time anyone saw of the omen would be when Kazarin took a bolter shot intended for a squadron of Terran veterans while attempting to fight off an assault squad that was intended for them. This would happen as all members of the Fallen Angels would be dragged through the Warp and scattered through time and space itself.

### Post Heresy

Not much is known of what happened to Kazarin after the years of the heresy; though one thing is known for sure. Kazarin did survive his injuries and has been sighted in his armour on multiple occasions since M36. He has since fought on both the side of Imperials and Renegades (seemingly as a mercenary or a sell sword of some kind). And though the Dark Angels have tried to capture him on multiple occasions, he seems to be constantly able to give them the slip. Often killing those sent after him with relative ease before making his escape. The amount of enemies that he has slain is innumerable, and the amount of Dark Angels he has killed over the millennia is unknown. What is known however, is that every single team that has been sent after him has failed spectacularly. Only causing his many trophies to grow in number.

One event has been recorded however, and it was his last known interaction with Merir after he escaped The Rock in late M41. It seems when Merir and his compatriots planned to create the supposed "Death Angels", he called Kazarin back to his side through unknown means. The two would have conversation within Merir's quarters. It would be unknown about what. Only that Kazarin stormed out in a silent fury; any who heard about what it was about, met a grisly fate.

### Joining the Foretoken

Kazarin would seek to join the Foretoken at some unknown point in time though likely in either late M40 or early M41. Like all seeking aspirants, he was presented with the task of killing the Chimera. The chimera, a native creature on the planet, was considered it's apex predator and to kill such a beast was a feat that even the superhuman Astartes struggled if not out right failed to do. However, the Harbinger was not off put by it's bloody reputation and still stepped forwards to put himself forth. He would simply take to the challenge with a single nod, venturing out onto the planet with both of his swords in hand.

He wouldn't be heard for several days on end, and many believed that the old man had perished on his hunt. Life in the Foretoken continued as normal until Kazarin returned. With the head of the Chimera in hand and a leather string of it's claws hanging from his pauldron. He slammed the head of the creature into the desk of Da'tha Armos and declared that his hunt was over. He was accepted into the Foretoken without question after that. He has served without a word of complaint, and with his previous experience as a company master, was quickly elected to become an Unseen Captain. Though his loyalties are still hard to discern, what is known is he hasn't betrayed the Foretoken just yet.

### Return of the Lion

*Important Note: For the events of the Foretoken RP, the following events are considered to having not yet past due to the time that it is set. However, it is considered canonical to the character and their story.*

Upon one dark and stormy night in the Crimson Heart, one of the Chaos Astartes serving in the Foretoken would make an alarming discovery. They would find the 1st Captain of the Unseen Blade was missing from his office and they would search for the man up and down, only to find out something more alarming. A good chunk of the renegade Fallen of the Warband had also seemingly disappeared without seemingly anyone realising. Hell, even some of those without Dark Angel history had seemingly disappeared also. Even with Opaca Unus's help, the Fallen Angels had seemingly disappeared entirely from the Crimson Heart. Some believed it to be a mass sacrifice of the non-believers, while others just said the heart and all it's spirits had taken them all.

Though only one person knew the truth, Askelitan Dyas, the Opaca Unus himself would know the truth in a twisted sense of irony. Askelitan would catch the former Deathwing Companion, alongside his cadre of fellow Fallen, just before they left the planet and seemingly the system. The two would confront one another, talking for a few long minutes before some sort of decision was made. Kazarin would drop the head of the Chimera he had slew so long ago onto the ground before he crushed it under power armoured boot. Grinding the trophy that had defined him for so long into dust. The rest of the Fallen would do the same or similar, following their new leader's example in forever discarding their Foretoken loyalties. For no more were they servants to the Sovereign, but rather warriors on their own path with destiny. Then Askelitan would see them off, watching on as they left the planet with stealth ships and not even raising the alarm. By the time anyone noticed that anything was even off, they were long since gone. Having ventured into the dark of the space above, with their location unknown to everyone but themselves.

Kazarin and his small Fallen Warband would make their way to a place unknown to everyone but themselves. Along the way, fighting alongside Imperial forces against everything from chaos to xenos foes. Fighting as they did during the Great Crusade, as heralds of hope of a new dawn in a dying and dark universe that threatened to swallow them whole. They would fight, slaying the enemies of mankind before quickly disappearing before anyone could ask who they were. Before any Dark Angel could hear wind of their feats and immediately go chasing after them. Such acts would draw many wayward Fallen and Renegades into their crew; growing their ranks to a small though significant number.

Eventually, they finally made their way back to their Primarch. Lion El'Jonson, Primarch of the 1st Legion, was alive, awake and walking amongst his sons once more in 42nd Millennium. This slowly growing band of fallen, renegades and makeshift heroes would eventually name themselves the Band of the Pale Lion. They would slowly make their way to Sable where the Lion and his own band of Fallen were engaged in combat with the chaos warband known as the Thousand Eyes. Though too late to assist with the fighting on the planet itself, the Band of the Pale Lion would assist in the void combat above the butchered planet. Smashing aside the warband's fleet with a brutality and pragmatism that only the 1st could bring to bare. With the declaration that the Warband's leader Seraphax was dead; his remaining warband would attempt to flee the system wholesale. The Pale Lion and its crew would hound and ultimately cripple the remaining forces, rendering them a non-entity and barely a threat. With their course of action completed, they came planet side and finally met with their primarch.

Kazarin Ardas, for the first time in a long time, would kneel. He knelt and re-swore fealty once more to his legion, to his primarch, the Emperor and the Imperium at large. He had seen the decay for the Imperium he had fought for and he had seen all the horrors of Chaos that they could offer him; and he chose the light once more. His warband would follow suit, even those not originally from the 1st would swear loyalty to the Lion. As one of the first Fallen Angels to arrive at Lion's side, they would be welcomed with open arms.

Once more Kazarin and his brothers, led astray as they were, rejoined the 1st beside their Primarch. Becoming some of the very first of Lion's Risen. They would venture alongside their primarch with a sense of pride, acting as part of Lion's vanguard in most engagments.

## Appearance

Kazarian is a 8'10 firstborn Astartes with greying blonde hair and bright green eyes. His skin is tanned after long centuries on the run and is lined with both scars and lines of age. His hair is shoulder length and is most often tied back into a bun as well as a neatly cut short beard. However, he is strongly built as any Deathwing marine should be and has a few tattoos on his body. Particularly:

* The Original Deathwing symbol tattooed on his right shoulder
* The Old Terran symbol of the first legion

He also has a master-crafted bionic right hand, replacing the one that he lost in service to the Dark Angels so long ago. It is engraved with Calibanite names of previous heroes and even a Fenrisian name. Though where it comes from is completely unknown.

In power armour, Kazarin is armoured in the black and red expected of any member of the Fallen and the winged helmet to match. He wears an Artificer Suit of power armour based off the mark 4 armour, as many of the Deathwing Companions did. He does have an Imperial Aquila carved into his left vambrace, though who it's oath was for is completely unknown though it is suspected it was for Merir. He has survived many a deathblow for his charge (most often Merir though he has saved others) and so has his armour is painted in the bone white to honour his sacrifice. Particularly his head and left arm have been painted bone white in his honour. Altered on top of previous modifications is the of silencing his armour; preventing him from being heard as he moved from location to location.

It also now has the wolf-like creature's pelt draped on top of the red cloak (and also covering the chain mail under that) that he wears. The inside of his cloak is embroidered simply in white thread though is slightly ripped and torn from the many years on the run. Much of his armour is decorated with ancient battle honours that he had earned while fighting in the Great Crusade. His two swords are holstered onto his back and on top of that most often his shield while his bolter remains slung on his right side. He often carries a multitude of trophies on his armour as well, often from slain foes that he has put down by his blade or bolter.

These trophies include:

* An imperial Rosarius, taken from an Interrogator Chaplain of the Dark Angels Chapter. The chaplain was slew by his blade, and his accompanying squad cut down.
* The bleached skull of an ork warboss who he beat in single combat
* A shattered piece of an Iron Halo of a Dark Apostle, unknown how he came across such a relic.
* A necklace of Tyranid fangs
* The winged Helmet of another Fallen, likely fallen to Chaotic influence and slain by Aradas
* A charm with the Iconography of the Astral Claws/Red Corsairs, specifically the Tyrant's Claw.

## Personality

Kazarin is a secretive and quiet character, preferring to watch and see what is going to happen before he makes his move. He carries a hauntingly calm presence when he arrives, and is stern as they come though uncannily fair when he deals out his orders and punishments. He is a cold and calculating figure who's eyes speak of a veteran who has witnessed countless wars and come out to live another day. He is filled with ancient knowledge and often says a few line of such knowledge during meetings an brings an otherwise rowdy war room into complete silence by his words.

As is expected with a member of the 1st Legion; he is incredibly honourable but can be pragmatic when he sees fit; as well as being a bit callous/blunt with his words. Though he remains respectful to all that he interacts, it is clear that he trusts no one but other fallen members of his legion. And even then, he keeps them at arms length in the caution that they may betray him in the end. It wouldn't be the first time that a fallen brother nearly sold him out to the Dark Angels and it likely won't be the last.

Though there have been a select few, mostly members who likely served during the Great Crusade alongside him, who have earned his full trust. Succeeding where even members of his own legion have failed horrifically. Those who have gained this trust with him see a much more friendly side of him, if such a thing can be said for an Astartes cast out by his own legion. While his silence remains, his actions speak much louder then words. Often going out of his way to protect them or make sure that they are still functioning. However, to earn his trust is in essence is to earn his true voice. To find out the man behind the helmet and the cowl.

In terms of his attitudes to chaos, he keeps a very Iron Warriors's mindset. He sees chaos as a tool, a means to an end and nothing more. He views chaos corruption amongst his number with disgust, seeing it as a crutch that covers one's weakness. Though he holds a very small appreciation of the power it can bring to a failing theatre of war, he is otherwise disgusted by the over-indulgence that many chaos space marines partake in. If a situation is so dire, he is more then willing to slay these over-indulgent cousins if they become more a liability then an asset.

## Abilities and Traits

Kazarin holds all the mastery of both swordplay and marksmanship that can only be expected of a Terran member of the 1st Legion. It is known that he has duelled many of Dark Angels who have been sent after him and straight up slay them without an inch of hesitation. This is not to mention the numerous other foes that he has killed during his time of the Great Crusade and after. With each swing of his blade, an enemy of his shall fall to the ground deceased. He only does what is needed to win a fight, refusing to indulge in flourishes.

His marksmanship is also nothing to laugh at either, as it is not unheard of from him to take pot shots at enemies from such a distance that they seem impossible. Only for it to hit home and dropped the foe without a hitch. Though he admittedly struggles with laying down suppressing fire, though he can do so if needed. Though he is no scion of the 3rd Legion, his skills are still nothing to scoff at and he is extremely dangerous as seen with the numerous Dark Angels' champions that he has laid low.

Despite Kazarin's quiet nature, he is a fearsome and experienced commander. Having been a Company Master during the opening years of the Great Crusade; the man is a veteran commander who has centuries of experience under his belt. He is most well known for being able to utterly destroy his enemies with ruthless efficiency. Though he does attempt to keep the astartes under his command alive; he isn't exactly broken up about it if one dies under his command. Rather he continues forward with a grim purpose, for victory is worth it's price. No matter what that price maybe.

## Mutations

Kazarin takes great care in checking for mutations on his person that he sees as debilitating or corrupting, though he is yet to find one that he considers as such. He has proven surprisingly resistant to mutation, having only suffered one such radical mutation. Such a mutation was to his eyes, turning his irises into a bright green (so much so that they can be seen in a dark room if he is not wearing his helmet). After the mutation, he found out that could perform small feats of telekinesis and foresight. However, he is often haunted by the screaming dying voices of Caliban as it broke apart underneath their feet. Even after using these powers for even short amounts of time.

## Equipment

### Armour

* Artificer Armour - In the black and red expected of any member of the Fallen and the winged helmet to match, he does have an Imperial Aquila carved into his left vambrace though who it was for is completely unknown. Altered on top of previous modifications is his use of silencing the armour; preventing him from being heard as he moved from location to location. It also now has the wolf-like creature's pelt draped on top of the red cloak (and also covering the chain mail under that) that he wears.
* Cytheron Pattern Aegis - Carried now most often on his back.

### Used Weapons

* Terranic Greatsword - Known as **Duty**, The Harbinger wielded this blade ever since his ascension to an Astartes of the 1st Legion. He is most often seen wielding it against all forms of enemies and is accepted to likely be his favoured melee weapon of choice though it hasn't stopped him from using other such weapons. He does have a habit with both melee weapons, to tie them to his wrists with chains if he has the time to do so.
* Calibanite Warblade - Known as **Home**, this weapon was presented to him by Luther upon his brothers's and his own arrival onto Caliban to represent his joining of their brotherhood. A well made blade, though it has had his history irrevocably tarnished with what happened on Caliban, it has continued to serve him well. Though it is not his favoured melee weapon, it is inscribed with ancient scripture from old Terra *"Non mi snvdare senza ragione. Non m'impvgnare senza valore." (Do not unsheathe me without reason. Do not wield me without valor.*.
* Tigrus Pattern Bolter - Known as **Absolution**, Kazarin has wielded this weapon since he became an Astartes. It is an old weapon, from the times where the Imperium of man was simply a man's dream, but it has served him well. It has a shoulder strap used to hold it when Kazarian is using his shield or dual wielding his swords. It is also covered in little tokens and alterations from him to make it easier for him to use or identify it as his. Though most do not dare to get up close with such a relic.
* Phobos Pattern Bolt Pistol - Known as **Bane**, Kazarin has carried this weapon for many long years since his induction into the 1st Legion. It has served him incredibly well and has gotten him out of many a sticky situation. It is often his most favoured ranged weapon, especially when he is using one of his swords. It is often kept on his right side, and in plain view to all those who would wish to attempt to duel with this member of the first.
* Plasma Pistol - Known as **Deliverance**, A weapon that he has more recently claimed from his early days as a fallen. He obtained the weapon after a frantic battle with an Interrogator Chaplain who was sent after him, driving his Terranic Greatsword through the man's chest without hesitation. He took the plasma pistol from the chaplain and found it good enough to serve as his other secondary weapon. This one, in contrast to Bane, is hidden and out of sight being most often being holstered on his lower back. Many a fight has been won with the surprise draw of such a weapon.
* Frag Grenades
* Krak Grenades

### Chimera Trophy

Kazarin took the head of the Chimera he slew after tracking it down and then cutting it down to side. He also took four of the creature's claws and tied them onto a rope which he now hangs from his pauldron.

## Relations

### Friends/Allies

* Foretoken
* Fallen

(Following the return of the Lion)

* The Imperium
* The Lion

### Rivals/Enemies

* Most of the imperium
* Dark Angels
* Xenos

(Following the return of the Lion)

* Chaos

## Quotes

### By: Kazarin Aradas

"*Come, you supposed sons of Caliban, come and let me test my blades with yours.*"
—Kazarin taunting a pursing Dark Angels's champion into a duel with him.
"*If you know what is good for you, you will keep out of my sword's reach. Lest you wish to greet your god early.*"
—Kazarin warning Seth-het about his "friendly" behaviour around him.
"*My hunt is over, now keep your end of the deal.*"
—Kazarin speaking to the leader of the Foretoken Da'tha Armos after he returned from his Chimera hunt.
"*Do not quote to me scriptures, son of Lorgar, it'll do you no good here. Stand up and fight, or you will die kneeling!*"
—Kazarin commanding a Word Bearer Legionary to fight while they are under siege in an imperial chapel.
"*Who am I? I am a monument to all of your sins and failures, son of Lion. Every failure and secrets of Lion's and yours, I am a monument to. Now let me send you to him.*"
—Kazarin speaking to a member of the Disciples of Caliban who cornered him in the bunker of a planetary governer.
"*I have heard it said by your primarch that we only gain wisdom through suffering. And tonight, Night Lord, **I intend to make you very, very wise.***"
—Kazarin responding to a Night Lord Captain he has just beaten in single combat, but refuses to yield.
"*And do you insist we stay here? Surrounded by mad men and creatures that we can barely call human that have been twisted by powers beyond our comprehension? I'm not waiting to become a lunatic or some abomination twisted by the damned warp. We're between hot flames and sinking tar and I'm going to take my chances with the flames. What about you? What are you going to choose, Destroyer Ramian?*"
—Kazarin asking Destoyer Agiel Ramian during their escape of the Crimson Heart.
"*In all my years of exile, I have not forgotten my oaths. I may have forsaken them, but I have not forgotten them. I couldn't even if I wanted to but my oaths to the Imperium and the Emperor I have not forgotten. And so I reswear them to you, my primarch. I swear to you that I will fight by your side as you see fit, I will serve you loyally as I have served the Imperium. For upon this blade, I will fight and die in your name, in the Emperor's name and for the Imperium that we have forsaken. For now and for always, my primarch.*"
—Kazarin Ardas, reswearing his oaths of loyalty to the Lion.
"'**"**
—
### About: Kazarin Aradas

"*So mysterious...... so enigmatic........ so delicious. I wish to learn more of this man.... yet he keeps me at a tempting distance. So.... scintillating.*"
—Iron Master Seth-Het Ramses on the Fallen Unseen Captain.
"*Well, results take time and such time is very limited and I'd appreciate it if you'd get off my back, stop your mindless disrespect for my talent and leave me to my work! Is that too much of a Tall Order for you or would you like stand here and give me more advice in something that isn't whacking people with a sword, something you know so little of sir?*"
—Black Butcher Thaddeus upon being questioned by the Unseen Captain why he is taking so long on a project.
"*I respect you, Ardas. You have not succumbed to the mutations of Chaos, and have survived this long in this galaxy. I believe one day I could even call you my brother*"
—Mikael Arbis while in conversation with Kazarin.
"'**"**
—