Conclave of Terra

The Council of Terra was the meeting of every high ranking commander and civil leader in the Imperium to determine the future of the Imperium. A year after the Vanishing of the Emperor, Malcador the Sigillite organised a conclave in 001.M31 for all of the Primarchs, members of the War Council and high ranking military and naval commanders from across the Imperium. Whilst meant to shore up the Imperium, the Conclave saw the opening of many cracks between Primarchs that would grow to sunder the Imperium.

## **The Issues**

The Conclave was convened to answer a series of questions vital to the survival of the Imperium.

* Should we choose a replacement Emperor?
* If not, should we choose a regent?
* If not a single regent, should we establish a permanent ruling body?
* Any strategic change in regards to the Great Crusade?
* Should a new office be created to oversee the Imperial military separate from the potential regent?
* Any major changes to Imperial law/structure beneath the highest political office?

## **Outline of the Event**

### **Before the Opening of the Conclave**

When the last member of the War Council arrived on the surface of the Throneworld, the long awaited event began. Around 2,000 individuals would now collectively decide the fate of, not only of the Imperium, but of the galaxy. Due to the vagaries of Warp travel, a great deal had already been discussed by earlier arrivals. As such, while Malcador attempted to present each member of the War Council with equal standing, it did not take long to deduce that it wasn’t the case. In fact, it was doubtful it could ever be the case. Malcador, while more of an administrator than a warrior, benefited greatly from his close relationship with the Emperor. The fact that he opened the conclave and managed its proceedings were both subtle signs of his authority.

### **The First Day**

After a year of reacting to the disaster of the Emperor's disappearance, the day had finally come for the War Council to pool their collective strength and intelligence to guide the Imperium moving forward. The opening act of the Terran Conclave appeared a good sign. Malcador reviewed efforts underway to find the Emperor with several spontaneous offers from the War Council to send additional support, especially among several of the Legions. A moment of silence was offered at the conclusion of this first step.

It was the next step that would break this momentum of unity.

The next question is one that had been debated, discussed, and dreaded behind closed doors of the Imperium's highest offices: who would lead? As a military body, the War Council naturally leaned towards a single, overarching commander. This assumption was smashed by the Primarch Koschei. It was he who declared only a ruling council, smaller and set apart from the War Council, could hope to match the Emperor's wisdom and ensure justice. This egalitarian motion swiftly gathered strength as numerous Primarchs, Army commanders, and the Fabricator-General of Mars supported the motion.

An entire day of arguing would not answer this question and resolve the divide. As the Conclave retired for the night, politics would come to the fore as the various powers and members sought to persuade the other throughout the night.

### **The Second Day**

Although those supporting a new council were emphatic in their belief, it would not be enough to sway the minds of others. When the Conclave convened the next day, Malcador declared only a regent would suffice in the Emperor's absence. The Imperium had been ruled by one man, and so shall it be. This satisfied the majority of the members, but this decision would plant a seed of dissent that would one day grow into disaster, two-fold.

Until that day, the next step would be to answer who would step into the Emperor's shadow.

In swift time, a number of candidates stood before the assembly. Araphel, Lord of the First and First-Found, stood tall yet unwilling. The Colossus may have desired the post, but he had voiced support for another brother who he believed would better serve the Imperium. The Ash-Blooded would not be swayed by the Colossus' reluctance and maintained his support for Araphel's ascension.

The undisputed leader of the Black Stars, Absalom Vaughn, too placed his own name before the Conclave. Although he cut a striking figure and possessed an imperious bearing, he did not enjoy an equally sterling reputation as his brothers. Where Theoderaf submitted himself out of a sense of duty, vainglory coloured Absalom's own efforts.

Theoderaf, the relentless warlord of the Red Eyes, declared himself as worthy as the Emperor's temporary successor. None could fault Theoderaf's devotion to the Emperor; for his zeal blazed greater than any of his brothers. It was this zeal that sown respect and discomfort in equal measure.

Finally, Alexandros Darshan VonSalim, Shield-Lord of the Halcyon Wardens, took his place among this august body at the recommendation of Araphel. Long a beloved figure among the populous, Alexandros was a more controversial figure among the War Council. A willingness to question Imperial dogma combined with a preference for words over combat made him a questionable choice to lead after the Emperor.

This one question consumed an entire day. Malcador surprised many by withholding his influence. This decision would be made by the Terran Conclave on its own terms. This caused no small amount of argument as the various members rallied around their champions. Adding an ominous note even in those early days, Koschei declared he would vote for no one. He would obey, but a council would best serve the Imperium, he insisted. As the unofficial leader of the council faction, he created a wave of like-minded members who would not involve themselves in this one choice.

The day would end with Alexandros ascending to the new post of High Regent. Promising to rise to the expectations of his peers, Alexandros accepted the will of the Terran Conclave.

Yet, the Conclave did not conclude there.

### **The Third Day**

Although he was High Regent, Alexandros made it clear he understood his position was temporary, and he was to step down the moment the Emperor was found. However, in an effort to craft unity in these troubled times, Alexandros declared he would open his ears to the Conclave and consider change and reform they spoke of.

It was an audacious move for one who acknowledged the temporal nature of his authority. The minority dissenting voices, however, were swallowed by the rest of the Conclave who fully realised the offer being given to them. Nothing had been promised, yet the possibility hovered before them. The more critical of them noted this gift was a shallow thing. Any change instituted by the new High Regent would ultimately have to survive the Emperor's return if it were to truly become a cornerstone of the Imperium. That in of itself placed limits that appeased the few dissenters, leaving only the most recalcitrant to voice their disapproval.

As on the first day, the first flexing of this process would be centred on a subject few would argue against. A task force would be created to search for the lost Emperor.

Some of the most vehement voices would argue that the Imperial war machine should dedicate half of its entire strength to this one task. Others saw little point from pulling combat units for intelligence operations they were not trained for. The eventual compromise issued by the new High Regent was that a full 10% of the Imperial military would be placed at the hands of a new command to find the Emperor.

No one is sure who first suggested a name for this new organisation, but the Reclamation Command would become its most well known name. At its head, Alexandros appointed Theoderaf, the most dedicated son of the Emperor, to lead this search.

Theoderaf gladly accepted this responsibility and was given three of his brothers as lieutenants. Absalom Vaughn of the Black Stars, Daito Ueyama of the World Shakers, and First Captain Mohammud al'Sayuf of the Shadow Warriors had each displayed zeal for finding the Emperor above their brothers, though not equal to Theoderaf's.

The third day of the Conclave would end on a note of unity.

### **The Fourth Day**

The day began with the Sigillite discarding his passivity. Although he acknowledged the new High Regent, Malcador insisted on the creation of a new ruling body to serve him. The War Council, despite its lengthy service as the Emperor's ruling advisors, was now spread too far and wide to be able to make the necessary bureaucratic decisions every empire required.

With Alexandros' blessing, the new Council of Terra would begin its service in a month after the Conclave's conclusion. Although a swift decision, it was not a light one. Both Malcador and Alexandros knew the War Council would not accept this decision without reservation. Although they were men of war, not of administration, they had been the highest elites save for the Emperor for two entire centuries.

Yet, the two political animals counted on Alexandros' momentum and the uncertainty of the Vanishing to overcome any short-lived protests from the War Council. To further smooth the transition, the High Regent made it an explicit point that the War Council would not be dissolved and to have one of his ears at all times.

The other Primarchs, however, required more. With many of them frustrated that one of their own had been raised above their station, they took the news that their positions of power would be reduced, in appearance if nothing else, with little satisfaction.

A compromise would end the day's struggles. A Primarch would sit on the new Council of Terra to explicitly represent his brothers' interests and act as a potential counter-weight to Alexandros' influence.

The theory was sound, but the choice was far from uniting. Koschei Kharkovic was undoubtedly as politically capable as Alexandros. Yet, his idealism was ever-present and was a point of contention among many of his brothers. However, as the unspoken leader of the Primarchs who had been against a regent, his elevation turned a political foe into an ally.

Thus, the fourth day ended.

### **The Fifth Day**

This day would herald a major victory for the masses whom history often ignored. Koschei Kharkovic, utilising the momentum of his new position and the quiet backing of Gustave and Niklaas, declared that without the Emperor's guiding wisdom, it was imperative the Imperium established a body of law to enshrine legal protections for the average citizen. The list of his proposed points was long and drew the intense ire of those who had more of a feudal bent in outlook. Additionally, the Imperium consisted of uncountable worlds with a dizzying array of governments, legal systems, and philosophies. The Emperor's rule had been relatively straightforward. Bow before the double-headed eagle, pay the tithe, and honor the Imperial Truth would satisfy the Emperor. What Koschei pushed for would change that relationship.

Scarcely had the Conclave begun debating this proposal when the Ash-Blooded, Lord Primarch of the Shadow Warriors, made his own move. He cared little for the masses and instead was focused on his sons. Long had the Legionaries been expected to live and die on behalf of the Imperium, but were barred from serving as its administrators and direct leaders. The Ash-Blooded called for an end to this ban and to open the Administratum to transhumans. This promptly threatened the Imperium's ruling elite from another flank. No longer did they have to contend with a curtailment against their possible rule from below, but now they could be directly challenged by beings who could easily live for centuries.

Not all Primarchs agreed with such an assessment. Kejene Teward Reiner, thought not to be interested in politics, stepped forward and argued gruffly that it was the Emperor’s will that the Primarchs remain generals and that government be left to mortals. He pointed to his own homeworld of the Cassian Commonwealth and called on all Primarchs to follow his example.

Debate was too soft a word to describe what followed. Words became missiles, rage grew, and several times open conflict nearly spilled out on the chamber floors. It is a testament to the High Regent and to the Sigillite that not only were they able to prevent violence and dissolution but ended the day with resolution.

By manipulating opponents into both supporting and limiting the proposals, Alexandros instituted a lesser version of both. Koschei's extensive reforms were cut down to a mere three, all of which were not legally binding on the Emperor himself. At the same time, the legionaries would be accepted into the Administratum, but could not become members of the new Council of Terra or High Regent. The compromise protected Imperial unity. But only for a time.

Thus, the fifth day ended.

### **The Sixth Day**

The sixth day of the Conclave would herald some of the worst tensions of the entire event. The day began with an ominous sign as the High Regent was noted to be quietly bracing himself for the day, despite no sign of the subject which would rend unity and harmony. The subtle foreshadowing bore fruit when Morrigar made his move. Throughout the entire week, the Lord of Mars had attempted to sway as much of the Conclave to his side and his positions. For the most part, he was treated with distant courtesy. Morrigar proved to be quite the exception. The Lord of the Riven took up Hal's banner and openly suggested the Mechanicum be treated as a true equal power to Terra. Since the early days of the Treaty of Olympus Mons, Mars has been perceived as steadily losing influence and authority with each new decade. Whether or not these perceptions were justified, Morrigar, and by extension Hal, hoped to fortify and strengthen the position of the Mechanicum.

As controversial as the proposal was, it took on new and devastating fire when Lukas of the Obsidian Guard offered complete opposition. According to him, Mars had too long been granted power it did not deserve. Specifically citing the Imperial Truth, he declared that the galaxy's largest theocracy deserved to be broken and made another cog of the Imperium proper.

Not a moment before the last word spilled from his lips, the political battle exploded. The entire day was spent between the two prevailing forces. The Conclave found itself broken in half between the two positions. Although few wholeheartedly supported Mars as did Morrigar, Hal could count on the support of pragmatic individuals who did not want to threaten supply lines or the delicate balance between the two empires. Equally, the opposition was formed by patriots and the opportunists who saw a glorious chance to rid themselves of, at best, an embarrassment or, at worst, a threat to the Imperium.

Both Malcador and the High Regent were forced to expend their entire efforts on preventing escalation as opposed to working toward resolution. Resolution eluded the Conclave, but civil war had been avoided.

Thus, the sixth day ended.

### **The Seventh Day**

It was hoped that a new day would bring a proper resolution to the previous day's political bloodbath. Instead, it grew worse.

Tenzin, Lord of the Monastic Ascendents, had spent the previous night carefully reviewing the new law admitting Astartes into the Administratum. Although it was a preliminary thing, it held much of what the final product would look like. Exploiting an opportunity the original lawmakers had not envisioned, Tenzin claimed himself as a member of the Legiones Astartes and, as such, could be admitted to the Administratum. No minor clerk position would satisfy, however. Tenzin sought nothing less than to be Master of a Segmentum.

Since Tenzin had spent much of the previous day arguing against the Mechanicum's position, Kelbor-Hal saw nothing more than another attempt to undermine Martian sovereignty. This led to a new dimension of yesterday's rancor. Once again, the bonds between the Conclave members threatened to snap, until Alexandros made his own move. In return for abandoning Lukas Keath's crusade against the Mechanicum, Alexandros would grant Tenzin the position he sought.

The bargain, made in a private session between the High Regent and Tenzin, crippled Keath's efforts to reduce the Mechanicum's standing. Even as Alexandros removed Tenzin from the furious argument, he countered Morrigar's attempts to expand the Mechanicum's reach. The High Regent, supported by the Sigillite, declared the Emperor had been satisfied by the previous arrangement, which meant the status quo would ensue.

It was a bitter end to the political battle. The Mechanicum's presence may not have been weakened outright, but Hal feared what Tenzin would do as the new Master of Segmentum Pacificus. Likewise, Lord Keath was frustrated by the loss of a potent opportunity to, as he saw it, finally enforce the Imperial Truth as it ought to be. Tenzin's own rise to prominence would alter the Imperium's make-up still further from what it had once been. New possibilities and new dangers were now open with no hope of closing them.

Thus, the seventh day ended.

### **The Eighth Day**

After the gruelling battles of the last several days, most sides had exhausted both will and capital. Seeking to bend the Conclave toward a more agreeable end, Absalom Vaughn expressed his desires. Since he had joined the Crusade, Absalom had brought scholars and artists from Skandra with him on his conquests, recording his deeds and relaying news of the victories of the Black Stars to Skandra and the wider Imperium. While these had met with scorn by Terran high society, Absalom now proposed that these artists and historians should be given official status as chroniclers of the Great Crusade.

This call was met with approval by several previously warring factions, as Koschei Kharkovic and Theoderaf both praised the suggestion and many less ideologically driven Primarchs such as Daito Ueyama voiced their support. Only the voices of the mysterious Lords of the Ist and XIVth, Araphel and Azus Bahmut, stood in opposition, stating that allowing civilians access to the Imperium’s battlefields would hamper the necessary violence that the Imperium still needed to make use of.

The order was then stymied. Not by open conflict. No, in the following debate, few dared to voice the true motives behind the Terran nobility’s resistance. Instead, many Conclave members requested private moments with either High Regent or Sigillite to 'request elaboration upon the discussed matter'. Behind courtly decorum, it soon became clear that quite a bit of opposition barred Lord Vaughn’s desire. The culture of Terra could not be allowed to be flooded by waves of penny-performers and historians with no proper training.

Most of the day was wasted as deliberations constantly were put on hold for these members to steal away their superior's time and privacy to declare their true feelings on the subject. In the end, the High Regent proposed that once the Imperium was in a more stable position, the Council of Terra would begin recruiting poets, journalists, imagists and writers into a shortlist of candidates. These would be known as remembrancers, to bear witness to the Imperium’s ultimate victory. Lord Vaughn grudgingly accepted the token effort.

### **The Ninth Day**

The final major matter to be brought forward would be done under the auspices of Tenzin. It was his desire that technology would be more freely shared from the tombs of Mars to benefit the average citizen.

It did not survive for very long. Tenzin had already spent much of his political strength to attain his position as administrator. Fabricator-General Hal's retribution was quick and unrelenting. He would not countenance any additional threats to the Mechanicum. In the brief discussion, it did not take long for Lukas Keath to take Tenzin's side, even as Morrigar returned to his post of supporting Mars. The rest of the Conclave, recalling the two brutal days of debates in regards to Mechanicum sovereignty, did not wish to undo whatever progress had been made. Even Koschei and his idealism could do little more than offer verbal encouragement but not actual effort to support this cause. Sensing a choice between a quick and light versus a long and costly defeat, the Lord of Ascendants wisely chose to abandon the cause before it could injure his position further. This, however, was not to be the end of his efforts along the lines of this ideological crusade, as the future would reveal.

The rest of the day was spent listening to minor suggestions and concepts, each weighed and decided upon in efficient fashion. To the relief of most attendees, no further discord would strike as the day came to a quiet conclusion.

Thus, the ninth day ended.

### **The Tenth Day**

As with all things that have a beginning, the Conclave of Terra would come to an end. No more reforms would be considered, the opportunity to transform the character of the Imperium was over. The final day would be spent consolidating and enacting the concepts and ideas brought forward at the start of the matter. Bickering, unfortunately, did not relent its petty hold, but none presented any serious threat to stability.

The official conclusion would be at a final banquet to celebrate the Imperium‘s survival and to shore up whatever unity was possible. Although the High Regent did his best, he could not wipe away the political scars inflicted during the Conclave. The Emperor's disappearance had unintentionally showcased the long, simmering divisions between the various powers and the players of the empire. It was now impossible not to know of the severe disagreements that divided brothers and supposed allies. Unofficially, the Conclave reached out with dying embers over a few weeks as Primarchs and lords attempted to wring out whatever advantage they could before departing for new duties and battles.

Although its nature had been temporary, both in character and effect, the Conclave of Terra would come to be defined as so much more. Even this day, the consequences and choices made there continue to reverberate and magnify with each new decade.

## **The Factions**

* **Malcador** - Although more concerned with the Emperor's absence, he will be a vocal voice for a proper bureaucratic system to replace the current ad hoc system. He himself does not want to become a regent, preferring to be the power behind the throne. However, if he cannot find a satisfactory replacement for the Emperor, he might reluctantly support a ruling council. Otherwise, he might feel he has to become regent to protect the Emperor's vision. Regardless, he supports the Great Crusade continuing as is.
* **Kelbor-Hal and the Mechanicum Supremacists** - This faction wants nothing less than to see Mars rise in prominence in the double-headed eagle empire. Unfortunately, they understand they have no hope of replacing the Emperor with Kelbor-Hal. Instead, they seek to prevent any one individual from replacing the Emperor, desiring a ruling council with Hal assured a position. Additionally, they want to re-open forbidden technological avenues and rewrite Imperial law to more favour the Mechanicum.
* **Lord Militant Elveen and the Human Supremacists** - Although accepting the Emperor's initial authority, this body wishes to replace the Primarchs and Malcador with mortal men, to shift power away from the immortals toward themselves. A number of dissenters and potential rebels hide within this faction. They would be happy with a ruling council that could weaken or outright exclude their political opponents. Should they come away unsatisfied from the Conclave, treachery will not be far behind.
* **The Torch-Bearers** - This faction has convinced themselves the Emperor will soon return. As such, they oppose any and all changes to the Imperium. Without the Emperor's guidance, they warn, only folly can ensue.
* **The Successors** - This faction believes it is necessary to appoint a regent to lead the Imperium until the Emperor's return. Outside of this one answer, their members range everywhere in regards to the Great Crusade's strategy and changes to Imperial law. This is one of the largest factions attending the Terran Conclave.
* **The Council-Men** - Believing no one individual, even a Primarch, could hope to match the Emperor's wisdom and power, this faction advocates the distribution of power among a group. This can range from simple, dual leadership all the way to turning each and every member of the War Council into a proper ruler. Many members of the Mechanicum can be found here who don't share Hal's zeal for Martian ascendancy.
* **The Consolidators** - While they could care less about who rules the Imperium, they are greatly concerned about the aims of the Great Crusade. They fear the loss of the Emperor's might might have crippled Imperial potential. They advocate all offensive operations be temporarily frozen to concentrate on holding the Imperium together through this time of transition.
* **The Crusaders** - Opposing the Consolidators, the Crusaders believed maintaining the Great Crusade's momentum was as important as it had ever been. They feared any pause would destroy humanity's one chance to make the galaxy safe for humanity. The loss of the Emperor was not crippling, they believed, since the Imperium could call upon the Primarchs to continue leading the war effort.

## **The Primarchs**

* *Araphel* - The First-Found claimed that as the eldest of the Primarchs, it was his right to become Regent and to continue leading the Great Crusade until the Emperor's return. It is with some irony that much of his priorities overlapped with Malcador's. However, the latter viewed Araphel as Regent with no small amount of apprehension.
* *Hectarion* - In Hectarion's view, the clear course of action was to divide up the Imperium amongst the Primarchs, with each ruling over their own territory, as was Mycenaean tradition. His own searches for the Emperor in 000-001.M31 put him ahead of the curve on the issue of the Emperor's return, and he did not fit into any one of the factions that were developing.
* *Absalom* - A controversial figure as ever, Absalom unsurprisingly argued for Regent and placed himself squarely in that position, as the natural choice he assured the others. He promised he would lead the Imperium to new greater heights for both crusade and empire. The Amber Prince also pledged to dedicate a large part of the Astartes and the resources of the Black Stars to the search for the lost Emperor, and was vehemently opposed to the idea of a Council leading the Imperium.
* *Theoderaf* - Theoderaf was primarily concerned with diverting units to find the Emperor. Until the Emperor's return, he did not care what temporarily held power, even offering himself as a regent. On the Great Crusade, the Primarch was split, believing it practical to freeze offensive operations but wishing to continue them. He is the head of the Torch-Bearers faction.
* *Alexandros* - Above all else, Alexandros' primary goal is to promote stability within the Imperium. Acutely aware of the weakness lurking beneath the surface, Alexandros does not care what form that stability comes in, so long as it does come.
* *The Ash-Blooded* - One of the rare voices advocating for a brand new emperor, the Ash-Blooded defended himself by warning that the Imperium had no means of knowing when (if) the Emperor would return. As such, it should prepare itself for the long-term instead of crafting a short-term plan. He was also one of the unapologetic supporters of the Legions. He believed it that the warriors who had sacrificed so much deserved to be more than a simple arm of the Imperial war machine. Finally, he feared the widespread chaos would allow further disturbances of the ethereal variety. He pushed for additional forces to contain what he deemed the 'psyker threat' and proposed additional restrictions upon pyskers of all stripes.
* *Tenzin* - Long known for his idealism, Tenzin would soon become a quick supporter of both Council and to benefit the citizens of the Imperium. He feared the consolidation of power into one individual and believed a ruling council would be more apt to command with wisdom. In regards to citizenship, Tenzin had always been personally disgusted by the Mechanicum’s stranglehold and stagnant ideals around technology. Many planets and peoples within the Imperium had been denied a chance to access and advance their technology It was this oversight he sought to fix.
* *Koschei* - Long having marked himself an idealist, Koschei was perhaps the loudest voice of change within the Imperium. While others aimed to increase their own power, Koschei led a push to limit the ad hoc aristocracy, declaring it necessary to enact reforms for the common people to enjoy. It was this viewpoint that led him to arguing against emperor and regent. The only acceptable alternative in his mind was a ruling council without permanent members. He was also a strong proponent to halting the Great Crusade until the New Order was properly established. It was these views that made him an ally to the Consolidators and, surprisingly, of the Human Supremacists & the Mechanicum Supremacists. He was one of the lead Primarchs of the Council-Men.
* *Lukas* - The fiery Primarch of the Obsidian Guard became one of the loudest members of the Crusaders. Any attempt to halt Crusade operations he viewed as a betrayal. To facilitate this, he proposed, the Primarchs with representatives of other Imperial Institutions, should form a council to chart the course of the Imperium. The number of Councilors should always be an odd number to avoid stalemates with abstaining prohibited. He also supported the proposals of Koschei and the Ash-Blooded, declaring that those who fought for the Imperium be they mortal or Astartes deserved a place in the Imperium they helped build. However it was when the matter of the Mechanicum's status came up that he spoke with the most passion, demanding to know how the Imperial Truth could take hold if the ones responsible for the vast majority of the Imperium;s industrial and manufacturing capability were allowed to worship the Emperor as a God. Lukas vehemently opposed Kelbor-Hal's request that Mars be acknowledged as Terra's equal and put to the floor a proposal that would outlaw the Cult of the Omnissiah and strip away the independence of Mars to make the Mechanicum into the Adeptus Mechanicus, a well and truly subservient entity to the golden throne on Terra.
* *Ezharion Kulas* -
* *Niklaas* - Never a political animal, the Lord of the Fire Keepers watched the proceedings with frustration but ultimately did not establish any stances other than declaring the importance of establishing Imperial Juris throughout the galaxy.
* *Aato* - Resentful of being pulled away from campaign, Aato refused any and all factions. Cursing the politicking before his eyes, he was a neutral force in the Terran Conclave.
* *Azus* - The Ghost of the Sands seeks to replace the Emperor with a single individual of transhuman nature. In regards to the Great Crusade, he is in favor of consolidation and cares little for Imperial law. To the surprise of Kelbor-Hal, Azus would soon become known as a friend to the Mechanicum.
* *Morrigar* - The Lord of the Fifteenth was a vitriolic opponent to investing any one individual with the power of emperor or even a shadow of it. He would become an ally of Kelbor-Hal to a degree as he supported granting the Mechanicum additional power and undoing restrictions on research. Finally, he too recommended the Great Crusade be halted to focus on the empire's interior.
* *Daito Ueyama* -
* *The Jade General* - More of an observer for the initial stages of the Terran Conclave, he did push his support toward a council. His real motives and goals remained a mystery, with only an unofficial meeting with Alexandros Darshan VonSalim belying his stated neutrality.
* *Kejene Teward Reiner -*
* *Gustave* - The consummate doctor, Gustave cared extremely little for the Conclave and even resented being pulled away from his work. His sole interest was in Koschei's popular reforms.