Knight-Tyrants Legion

> “Winnan oþþe Sweltan. Conquer or Die.” -- Knight-Tyrant Creed
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## History

### Carduelic Days

The 10th Legion found themselves embroiled in the Battle of the Eclipsed Nebula. This battle was a part of a larger campaign to safeguard a vital cosmic waypoint known as the Eclipsed Nebula, a region of space that held strategic importance due to its proximity to various cosmic gateways and rifts. The Eclipsed Nebula was coveted by both the Cosmic Knights and a dark race of necromancers known as the Krudrol seeking control over its potential for interdimensional travel and cosmic energy manipulation. As such, it became a focal point of conflict, with the forces of darkness and light converging to determine its fate. The battle was marked by intense cosmic phenomena, including shifting gravitational fields and fluctuating energy flows that created an environment of instability. The forces of the Krudrol sought to establish a foothold within the nebula and manipulate its energies for their sinister purposes. Opposing them were the Cosmic Knights, who aimed to protect the nebula from falling into the hands of darkness. Young Perses Khan of the 10th Legion was assigned to a small strike force tasked with infiltrating a Krudrol space station within the nebula. Their objective was to disable the station's energy reactors, which were being exploited by the Krudrol to amplify their power and summon phantoms to serve them. The battle within the space station was fierce and chaotic. The station's corridors echoed with the clash of cosmic energies as both sides fought for control. Perses Khan's combat skills were put to the test as he engaged in close-quarters combat against corrupted zombies and Krudrol. Despite the challenges, the Cosmic Knights managed to breach the station's defenses and reach the heart of the reactor chamber. With precision and determination, they disabled the reactors, disrupting the flow of energy to the Krudrol's forces. This action weakened the enemy's hold on the Eclipsed Nebula and provided the larger Cosmic Knight fleet an opportunity to counterattack. The Battle of the Eclipsed Nebula served as a crucible for Perses Khan, allowing him to demonstrate his combat prowess, adaptability, and dedication to the cause of light.

### Nikita Gorechild

In the years during the Astral Crusade, as the fleets of the Cosmic Knights first pushed beyond the boundaries of the Pendragon Galaxy and into black sea of space, Knight-King Arthur's armies would encounter battlefields to shake the sanity of mortal men. Of these fel and terrible places, few were more loathsome than the world of Sanguine Prime. The first expeditions to Sanguine Prime were to vanish without a trace, four full regiments of the Argusian Squireguard swallowed up and gone. In response, the Knight-King took his Kingsguard Legion to seek out whatever beasts might lurk there. Running ahead of the expeditionary fleets of the Kingsguard, three companies of the then unnamed 10th Legion were dispatched to Sanguine Prime. The world was a scarlet wasteland of irradiated sands inhabited by an ancient empire of ruthless Human mutants and ruled by a bitter aristocracy. It was here that Knight-King Arthur discovered his son Nikita Gorechild, leading a mighty war and in war against the aristocrats.

Knight-King Arthur Caecus had been secretly observing Nikita's actions and battles from space for several months. He watched with a sense of pride as Nikita led his newly freed slaves in a courageous fight against the oppressive forces of tyranny. However, as the impending battle on Barbarian's Ridge approached, Arthur realized that despite Nikita's incredible strength as both a warrior and a leader, he was facing certain death. Faced with the prospect of losing his own son to a battle on a remote and insignificant planet soon to be integrated into the Knight-Kingdom of Argus, Arthur found this outcome utterly unacceptable. To prevent this tragic loss, Arthur took decisive action. He brought his flagship down into low orbit over the planet, positioning it for intervention. Using the advanced teleportation capabilities of the Cosmic Knights, Nikita was forcibly teleported from the surface against his will, plucking him from the midst of the battlefield and away from the impending conflict.

In the aftermath of being forcefully teleported from the battlefield by his father, Nikita was consumed by anger and frustration. He confronted Knight-King Arthur Caecus, demanding to know why Arthur had not intervened to save the lives of his fellow rebels and companions who were left behind on the planet. In response, Arthur explained that those who perished were not individuals of knightly qualities, implying that they did not possess the virtues and ideals upheld by the Cosmic Knights. Arthur hoped that in time, Nikita would come to understand the reasoning behind his actions and the greater context in which they were made. However, Nikita was unwilling to listen to his father's justifications. He even found the offer of commanding a legion of the Cosmic Knights to be an insult, rejecting the honor outright. During this heated exchange, Nikita's anger boiled over, and he lashed out in an impulsive act of violence. He struck Myrddin, a renowned ancient wizard and advisor to Arthur, with tremendous force, sending him flying through the air for about 20 feet. Despite being a normal-sized man, Myrddin remarkably survived the assault and managed to regain his footing. His resilience displayed an extraordinary physical durability that surpassed that of ordinary mortals. Additionally, Myrddin showcased his formidable arcane abilities, using magic to retrieve his fallen staff and bring it swiftly back into his hand.

After their confrontational exchange, Arthur chose to take a different approach to communicate with his son, Nikita. He ordered his guards to step aside and issued Nikita a challenge that would test both their strengths and convictions. The Knight-King of Argus and the Gladiator-King engaged in an intense and grueling bare-handed fight throughout the night within the vast hold of Arthur's massive star fortress. The battle raged on as the stars above and the planet below bore witness to their struggle. As the sun began to rise over the planet, the battle came to an end. The challenge had served to demonstrate Arthur's willingness to personally endure hardship and shed his own blood, rather than merely demanding it of his subjects. On the other hand, Nikita's endurance and resilience during the extended fight proved that he was truly his father's son, embodying the same tenacity and strength that Arthur possessed. Despite the honor inherent in the challenge's terms, Nikita's deep-seated animosity and resentment toward Arthur persisted. The experience did little to change his feelings towards the Cosmic Knights and his father, as his hate and lack of respect for them remained largely intact.

Nikita's anger and bitterness toward the Cosmic Knights were further fueled by what he perceived as their treacherous act of "rescuing" him. He believed that their intervention was a betrayal of his fellow gladiators who had fought alongside him in their rebellion. Once aboard Knight-King Arthur's flagship, *The Lion's March*, Nikita was confined to the cargo hold, a captive of the same people he resented. The leaders and officers of the Cosmic Knights, hoping to reason with Nikita and change his perspective, decided to enter the hold and have a conversation with him. However, Nikita's rage was overwhelming, and he attacked each of them, killing them one by one. Amid the blood-soaked aftermath of his deadly rampage, only Perses Khan, a high-ranking officer, remained as one of the few surviving commanders of his rank. Despite the ominous scene and the looming threat Nikita posed, Perses Khan entered the chamber with an unwavering demeanor, demonstrating his courage and determination. The confrontation between Nikita and Perses Khan escalated into a brutal and intense hand-to-hand combat. Both warriors clashed, their strength and fury driving them in a ferocious struggle. The battle took place in a grim environment stained with the blood of fallen comrades, highlighting the high stakes and deep emotions underlying their clash.

Perses Khan, bound by his oath to not fight against his Prince even in the face of provocation or orders, chose not to resist as Nikita mercilessly attacked him. The brutal assault left Perses Khan severely battered and broken, testing his resilience and resolve to the utmost. The battle he fought within himself was perhaps the most challenging he had ever faced—struggling against his own body's urge to succumb to pain, his training that urged him to defend himself, and his very identity that compelled him to bow to his Prince's authority. Despite the physical and emotional turmoil he endured, Perses Khan fought a different kind of battle—a battle of willpower and defiance. Though he found himself defeated and lying on the ground, he refused to yield or beg for mercy. Instead, he used his words to recount his experiences, speaking of the battles he had fought, the Cosmic Knights he had served alongside, and the nature of the Knight-King himself. Through his display of unwavering courage and defiance, Perses Khan managed to reach something within Nikita. Nikita, in that moment, stayed his hand as he listened to Perses Khan's words. The defiant officer's sincerity and bravery made Nikita pause and reconsider his views about the Cosmic Knights. He realized that they were not the dishonorable and worthless warriors he had perceived them to be. This encounter marked a turning point for Nikita, as he began to see the individuals behind the titles and affiliations, and started to question his preconceived notions about the Cosmic Knights.

Perses Khan's calm bravery during his confrontation with Nikita earned the Prince's respect. Through their conversation, Perses Khan managed to shift Nikita's perspective on the role of a leader within the Cosmic Knights. He conveyed that being in command of a Legion of Cosmic Knights wasn't a form of submission, but rather a source of immense power and freedom that would allow Nikita to wield his strength across the galaxies in a never-ending pursuit of glorious battle. During their discussions, Perses Khan established a connection with Nikita by highlighting the similarities between the rituals of Nikita's gladiators and the traditions of the Cosmic Knights. Despite Perses Khan not being a particularly patient or eloquent speaker, his actions on the battlefield often spoke louder than words. He would fight alongside Nikita with a fierce determination, eliminating any threats that managed to evade Nikita's blade. However, his role in guiding Nikita's decisions and offering wisdom was often overshadowed by their joint engagement in combat. In the presence of Nikita's overwhelming force, Perses Khan's behavior began to change. He became more aggressive and impulsive, traits that he had previously kept in check. These tendencies rose to the surface as he fought alongside Nikita, and the weight of his role as a mentor gave way to the thrill of battle. This transformation within Perses Khan demonstrated how the influence of Nikita and the chaotic nature of war could shape even the most disciplined individuals.

### Bloodletting of Sanguine Prime

After the departure of Arthur, Nikita, and the Kingsguard Legion, the 10th Legion under Perses Khan was charged with bringing Sanguine Prime into compliance with the Knight-Kingdom of Argus. In the opening stage of the 10th Legion's war on Sanguine Prime, they came upon little organized resistance, freely conquering territory, and for months the 10th Legion ravaged Sanguine Prime before news reached the Scarlet Aristocracy, who swore an oath to eradicate the invaders. Under their command was an army of warrior-slaves whose numbers were beyond count and over which they held a power of such terror that they would throw themselves to their death rather than face the freakish horrors which their sorcerers might unleash. Much to the uncomfortability of the Cosmic Knights, Humans were extinct on Sanguine Prime, completely overcome by the Vladigoth race of vampiric mutants. The 10th Legion initially took to calling the Sanguinites "Vampires". As the war continued, the resistance they met from indigenous forces increased until the 10th Legion was drawn into full scale battle. Initially, they easily quashed any bands of mutant savages making strikes against the edges of their line, but quickly these became an unending deluge of bodies which threatened to overwhelm and encircle the remains of the three companies. The 10th Legion girded themselves to repel the tide of mutants, whose weapons were capable of rending steel and whose numbers set the earth trembling at their approach.

Though the 10th Legion fought doggedly, killing scores of enemies for each Cosmic Knight lost, the sheer numbers of the foe began to force them back. Attempting to regroup, the three companies of the I0th Legion formed a spearhead as per Perses Khan's order, in an attempt to break through the mutants and reach the distant banner poles that signified the position of the horde's brutish commanders. As the tip of the Legion formation threatened to reach the encampment of the enemy command, the horrors of Malices were unleashed. Reality rippled and tore as the Sanguinite sorcerers brought forth horrors beyond description, reaping a hideous toll of casualties amongst the Cosmic Knights and mutant horde indiscriminately, turning the tide of the battle. Incapable of combating such a threat, the 10th Legion warriors were forced to quit the field of battle or be utterly destroyed, a choice that might have doomed other more honor-bound Legions, but not the pragmatic 10th Legion under Verses Khan. The Cosmic Knights turned and hacked a red path through the throng with toothless axes, broken blades and the cracked pieces of their own fallen comrades' armor.

The strength of almost two companies was lost in that monumental battle, and those Cosmic Knights who escaped were forced to question how they could survive and endure without reinforcement or resupply. The staggering degree of losses suffered created the need to reorganize Legion resources among little more than 380 remaining Knights, speaking to the utilitarian and consequentialist nature of the psyche of the early 10th Legion. Reformed in the crucible of war, far from the path of the Astral Crusade, those orphaned Cosmic Knights of the 10th Legion recommenced their campaign at a more considered pace; making squad-based shock assaults against enemy encampments before withdrawing to avoid organized reprisals. The campaign soon stagnated into a pattern of thrust and counterthrust, a war fought on the back foot to bleed the foe while hugely outnumbered.

This war, which became known as the "Bloodletting of Sanguine Prime," continued unbroken for 12 standard years. The 10th Legion, piece by piece, broke the armies of the scarlet world in bloody close quarters actions, and refused to be drawn into a full-scale engagement. In the early years of this conflict, accepting the desperation of their predicament and bereft of resupply, the 10th Legion were forced to take practical measures to survive. Raids against Sanguinite settlements on the northern continent became matters of domination, not destruction. Those creatures which could be of use were press-ganged into the service of the Legion. Testament to the hardiness and desperation of the 10th Legion, even these ghastly and vampiric beings were considered suitable candidates for the Legion, their children otherwise bred to be little more than meat-stock for their techno-barbarian overlords. Furthermore, the knighted Sanguinites encouraged the Cosmic Knights of the 10th Legion to join their foe in cannibalism of the dead for sustenance, benefitting the Legion and denying the foe in equal measure while forsaking the Chivalrous Code. These practices allowed the 10th to replenish its numbers and continue without contact with the wider Knight-Kingdom greatly beyond the capability of any other Cosmic Knight Legion. Undertaking this strategy, the 10th Legion steadily took ground from the Scarlet Aristocracy, diminishing both their armies and food supply in the process, while taking that material into themselves with which to rebuild the strength of the Legion.

In the twelfth year after planetfall, the final confrontation of the campaign was all but inevitable. The Scarlet Aristocracy, suffering from years of starvation and surrounded in their palace by a replenished force of almost 100,000 Cosmic Knights-- most of which being Sanguinite recruits-- attempted once more to unleash their dark sorcery. The massed veterans of the 10th Legion made directed strikes against the warlocks, the sheer numbers brought to bear by the 10th overcoming the Aristocracy's feeble defenses. With their sorcerers dead and palace captured, the remaining Aristocrats attempted to flee in a spacecraft, rising from the surface in a cascade of scrap and broken corpses, only to meet a squadron of Cosmic Knight warships bearing the heraldry of the 10th Legion in orbit, their lives ended under the Cosmic Knights' guns. The Knight-Kingdom had finally come to reclaim its warriors, expecting to find a world brought to compliance. The 10th Legion assembled as a drop ship from the fleet descended. Out of it emerged Nikita Gorechild, having finished his training. The imposing Gladiator-King set foot on his home world for the first time in over a decade. He silently looked upon the 10th Legion and the battlefield surrounding them. Nikita was a legend to the Sanguinites, a legend that spread throughout the 10th Legion over the course of the Bloodletting of Sanguine Prime, to the point where even the veteran Human Knights knew and respected him. The 10th Legion hailed the Gladiator-King, the Gorechild, and declared their allegiance to him.

### Second Founding

Following his return from Carduel and the clashes with his father, Nikita wasted no time in reshaping his forces to match his new personality: cold, ruthless, and intent on preparing for war. Under his command, the 10th Legion was rebranded as the "Knight-Tyrants Legion." Nikita's authority within the Legion was substantial, and he exercised a level of autonomy unusual for a newly anointed Prince. With his changed demeanor, he refocused the Legion's purpose and methods. The efforts to convert former blood-arenas into more peaceful habitats were halted as Nikita sought to utilize these spaces for a darker purpose. Instead of enlightenment, he aimed to train his forces in a more brutal and unforgiving manner than ever before. Under Nikita's reformation, the training and discipline that the Knight-Tyrant Legion underwent became much more intense and extreme. Conflict became the sole arbiter of worthiness, with training methods extending far beyond the basics. Live combat, actual weapons, fighting pits, and gladiatorial clashes formed the core of their training. Nikita's philosophy was to transform his warriors into brutal and efficient killers, reflecting his own persona. Every member of the Legion bore physical scars as a testament to the lessons they had learned in the harsh environment of volcanic sands and heated battles. Nikita's uncompromising approach allowed only the strongest to survive, while those who faltered were swiftly removed from the ranks. The Knight-Tyrant Legion's transformation mirrored Nikita's own journey from a former gladiator to a leader with a distinct and unyielding vision for his warriors.

With a profound mixture of hatred and nostalgia for Sanguine Prime, Nikita ordered the obliteration of the Crimson Palace through orbital bombardment. This symbolic act was his way of erasing the place that held his traumatic memories while also asserting his dominance over the world he despised. The remnants of the palace were then interred, and atop the buried ruins, Nikita commanded the construction of a new seat of power - his own palace. The scale and grandeur of Nikita's Palace left even Knight-King Arthur awed and terrified. Built entirely from black titanium and silver, the palace embodied both dread and beauty, shadow and splendor. The central structure was reminiscent of a Sanguinite ziggurat, its base solid and wide, tapering up to a towering central tower that reached high into the planet's low atmosphere. The rest of the palace sprawled extensively around this central keep, forming a massive complex designed to sustain its operations. The palace's imposing black towers, constructed from titanium, pierced the sky, with some reaching cloud-level, creating a sense of foreboding. The exterior was adorned with monstrous gargoyles, embodying an eerie and fearsome aesthetic. Defensive weaponry was strategically positioned around the fortress, standing ready to repel any potential threat. Nikita's palace stood as a testament to his authority, a symbol of his might and dominance over Sanguine Prime, transforming a place of personal pain into a citadel of power and dread.

Nikita's leadership style is a product of his traumatic past, his thirst for power, and his experience as a gladiator. Nikita's Knight-Tyrant Legion undergoes intense and unrelenting training. He employs methods far more rigorous than the traditional training of the Cosmic Knights, exposing his warriors to combat situations that simulate real-life battles. The goal is to make his warriors more effective killers and prepare them for the harshest conditions they might face in the universe. Nikita holds high expectations for his followers. He demands nothing less than excellence, punishing failure with severity. This uncompromising stance stems from his own experiences in the gladiator pits, where only the strongest and most skilled survived. He believes that weakness must be eradicated for the survival of his Legion. Nikita's reputation as a fearsome warrior and leader precedes him. His terrifying combat prowess and readiness to inflict punishment on those who disappoint him breed both fear and loyalty among his followers. Many respect him out of necessity, as his merciless nature ensures that failure is not an option. Nikita leads from the frontlines, showing his warriors that he is not above the dangers he sends them into. His own combat skill and prowess inspire his followers, and he believes that earning respect through action is essential for effective leadership. While Nikita's methods might seem harsh, he values the camaraderie and brotherhood among his warriors. The challenges he puts them through forge bonds of mutual reliance and trust. This sense of unity strengthens their cohesion in battle. Nikita is willing to adapt to new situations and make pragmatic decisions. While he holds certain values from his time as a gladiator, he's not bound by dogma. This flexibility allows him to make tough choices for the survival and success of his Legion. Nikita's leadership style often clashes with the traditional values and principles of the Cosmic Knights. His emphasis on brutality, strength, and ruthless efficiency runs counter to the chivalric code and honor that the Order upholds. This tension fuels his conflict with Knight-King Arthur and some of the Cosmic Knights. Nikita's leadership is driven by his desire for power and conquest. He seeks to build a formidable force that can dominate the universe and reshape it according to his own vision. His palace on Sanguine Prime, as well as his Knight-Tyrant Legion, reflects this ambition.

### Reunification of Blood

Nikita Gorechild, standing as Sanguine Prime's new autarch since the days of Samarkan Gûl, embarked on a mission to unearth the planet's rich history and knowledge. He ordered the construction of an extensive library-museum within his dark palace, a place dedicated to preserving and cataloging Sanguine Prime's past, including its history, the diverse flora and fauna, and the many events that had shaped the Blood-World. This repository of knowledge would become a central hub for scholarly pursuits and a testament to the Gladiator-King's commitment to understanding and honoring his planet's heritage. Within the walls of this grand institution, Nikita delved into the annals of Sanguine Prime's past. He studied the arrival of the first Carduelic settlers, the brutal Blood War, the glories of the Sanguinite Empire, and the tumultuous Age of Warlords. This comprehensive exploration of the planet's history not only broadened Nikita's understanding but also influenced his decision-making and tactics as a ruler. He drew inspiration from the greatest leaders and warlords of Sanguine Prime's bygone eras, using their legacies to shape his vision for the planet's future. Contrary to common belief, the Age of Warlords extended beyond the borders of Sanguine Prime alone. It encompassed the entirety of the Sanguine Star System, including its 16 planets and their numerous moons. These celestial bodies, once part of the vast Sanguinite Empire, had since become divided among warlords who ruled in isolation, their knowledge of the cosmos obscured by the passage of time. Nikita recognized the untapped potential of these forgotten worlds and sought to reunify the Sanguine Star System under his rule. In Nikita's vision, the Sanguinite Empire, which had once harbored aspirations of universal conquest, would rise again. As the Overlord of Sanguine Prime, he saw himself as the catalyst for this resurgence, determined to reclaim the lost glory of his people and expand their dominion across the cosmos. This ambitious goal was shared with those who followed him, including Perses Khan and the formidable Knight-Tyrants Legion, as they embarked on a path to shape the future of the Sanguine Star System.

### The Dread Crusade

The Dread Crusade marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Knight-Tyrants, serving as their maiden military campaign under the command of Nikita Gorechild. This series of strategic conquests encompassed four distinct stages, each with its own unique challenges and outcomes, reshaping the cosmic landscape under the brutal dominance of the Legion. The campaign commenced with "The Fall of Mordros Prime," a once-thriving world that succumbed to the unrelenting might of the Knight-Tyrants. The planet's defenses crumbled before the Legion's ruthless assault, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. Mordros Prime's strategic significance played a crucial role in its conquest, transforming it into a vital staging point for the Knight-Tyrants' subsequent campaigns. The planetary fall underscored the Legion's raw power and the effectiveness of their combat tactics. "The Subjugation of Varkar IV" followed, revealing the psychological impact of the Knight-Tyrants' fearsome reputation. Varkar IV, known for its resilient resistance, swiftly surrendered to the Legion's brutality and ferocity. The leaders' recognition of the Legion's merciless methods prompted a swift capitulation, highlighting the aura of terror that preceded the Knight-Tyrants and their ability to break even the most stubborn opposition. In "The Siege of Carthas IX," the Knight-Tyrants demonstrated their mastery of siege warfare and unyielding assault. The heavily fortified stronghold of a rival faction faced an unremitting siege that ultimately led to its fall. This stage showcased the Legion's strategic acumen and their unwavering resolve in the face of even the most formidable defenses. Carthas IX's defeat solidified the Knight-Tyrants' reputation as masters of relentless conflict. The concluding stage, "The Purge of Hereticus IX," exemplified the Legion's zealous commitment to eradicating heretical elements. On a planet plagued by heretical cults and insurrectionists, the Knight-Tyrants executed a merciless campaign of cleansing. Their brutal tactics and unyielding pursuit of dominance left no room for dissent, ultimately establishing their unassailable control over a world previously marked by defiance. The Dread Crusade, with its stages of conquest and dominance, encapsulated the Knight-Tyrants' rise to power under Nikita Gorechild's leadership. It showcased their ability to crush resistance, wield fear as a weapon, and impose their vision of cosmic order through calculated brutality. This campaign left an indelible mark on the cosmic tapestry, solidifying the Knight-Tyrants' reputation as a force to be feared and respected across the stars.

#### The Fall of Mordos Prime

The Fall of Mordros Prime marked a grim chapter in the history of the cosmos, as the indomitable Knight-Tyrants Legion set their sights on this once-prosperous world. Mordros Prime, known for its bustling cities, verdant landscapes, and advanced technology, had flourished as a hub of trade, culture, and innovation. However, its fate took a drastic turn as the Knight-Tyrants' insatiable thirst for conquest led them to this strategic gem. As the Knight-Tyrants' fleet descended upon Mordros Prime, their ominous presence cast a shadow over the planet's bustling metropolises and tranquil countryside. The skies that were once filled with airships and starcraft now bore the dark silhouettes of warships and assault vessels. The inhabitants of Mordros Prime, unprepared for the savagery about to be unleashed, were thrust into a maelstrom of chaos and destruction. The Knight-Tyrants, known for their brutal and unorthodox tactics, commenced their assault with a calculated ruthlessness. They quickly disabled the planet's communications and defenses, leaving the population vulnerable and isolated. As the inhabitants tuned in to their comm channels, they were greeted not with the usual transmissions of commerce and harmony, but with the cacophony of screams and terror. The Knight-Tyrants' broadcasts were a prelude to the horrors that were about to unfold. With their preparations complete, the Knight-Tyrants launched a series of shockingly brutal ambushes and assaults across Mordros Prime. Their warriors, clad in ebon armor adorned with trophies of defeated foes, swept through cities and settlements like an unstoppable force of nature. The tactics they employed were meant to sow chaos and panic among the population, as the Knight-Tyrants believed that fear could be as effective a weapon as any blade. One particularly terrifying tactic that the Knight-Tyrants employed was a Psionic scream of unprecedented magnitude. This fifteen-second-long onslaught ruptured unprotected eardrums, leaving victims incapacitated, hunched over in agony. Exploiting this moment of vulnerability, the Knight-Tyrants unleashed their wrath upon the helpless population. The screams of the injured and dying mingled with the relentless assault, creating a symphony of terror that echoed across the planet. Amidst the chaos, the once-proud defenders of Mordros Prime found themselves overwhelmed by the relentless ferocity of the Knight-Tyrants. The planet's armies, ill-prepared for the unconventional warfare tactics of their foes, struggled to mount an effective resistance. The Knight-Tyrants exploited weaknesses in the planet's defenses, launching brutal attacks on key strategic points. The fall of Mordros Prime was inevitable. Despite the valiant efforts of its defenders, the Knight-Tyrants' ruthless and unrelenting assault proved too much to bear. City after city fell to the relentless advance of the ebon-clad warriors. The devastation left in their wake was a grim testament to their determination and brutality. In the aftermath, Mordros Prime was left scarred and shattered. Once-thriving cities lay in ruins, and the once-prosperous landscapes were tainted by the bloodshed and horrors of war. The strategic importance of the planet, recognized by the Knight-Tyrants, solidified their victory as they secured a vital staging point for their future campaigns of conquest.

#### The Subjugation of Varkar IV

The Subjugation of Varkar IV stands as a poignant testament to the power of fear and the ruthlessness of the Knight-Tyrants Legion. Varkar IV, a world renowned for its tenacious rebellious factions and a history of strong resistance against previous invaders, faced a foe unlike any other when the Knight-Tyrants set their sights upon it. As the Knight-Tyrants' formidable fleet descended upon Varkar IV, the planet's inhabitants were all too aware of the ruthless reputation that preceded their arrival. Tales of their brutal tactics, merciless onslaughts, and unorthodox methods had spread like wildfire across the cosmos. The very name "Knight-Tyrants" had become synonymous with terror, and it was this fear that cast a pall over the planet even before the first shot was fired. Unlike many previous invaders, the Knight-Tyrants did not engage in a prolonged and drawn-out campaign. They knew that their legend alone was often more effective than any lengthy siege. The very mention of their name sent shivers down the spines of Varkar IV's leaders and inhabitants, and it was this psychological warfare that paved the way for their swift surrender. The Knight-Tyrants' first move was to shut down the planet's communications, cutting off any means of rallying the populace or coordinating resistance. Then, they began their merciless assault on key strategic points and centers of power. Their tactics were brutal and unrelenting, designed to strike fear into the hearts of all who dared oppose them. One of the most chilling aspects of the Subjugation of Varkar IV was the Knight-Tyrants' broadcast strategy. As they systematically overran the planet's defenses, they utilized their mastery over communication networks to broadcast horrifying messages and screams across the airwaves. The very sounds of terror echoed through the homes and hearts of the planet's inhabitants, leaving them paralyzed with fear. Realizing the futility of resisting an enemy that seemed almost supernatural in its brutality, Varkar IV's leaders eventually made the difficult decision to surrender. The once-resilient factions that had fiercely resisted previous invaders now bowed to the Knight-Tyrants' might. The psychological toll of their reputation, coupled with the devastating reality of their assault, left the leaders with no other choice. The aftermath of the Subjugation of Varkar IV was marked by a combination of despair and submission. The Knight-Tyrants had achieved their victory with a minimal display of force, relying on the power of fear to achieve their goals. The planet's rebellious spirit had been broken, and its once-defiant factions now found themselves under the oppressive rule of the Knight-Tyrants.

#### The Siege of Carthas IX

The Siege of Carthas IX stands as a testament to the Knight-Tyrants' mastery of siege warfare and their unwavering determination to achieve their goals. Carthas IX, a heavily fortified stronghold of a rival faction, found itself facing an enemy that was unyielding in its assault and relentless in its pursuit of victory. Carthas IX was known throughout the sector as an impregnable bastion, its defenses designed to withstand even the most determined of attackers. The planet's intricate network of fortifications, fortified bunkers, and advanced defensive technologies had repelled numerous invaders in the past. However, when the Knight-Tyrants turned their attention to Carthas IX, they presented a challenge unlike any the planet had ever faced. The Knight-Tyrants' fleet descended upon Carthas IX, encircling the planet and cutting off any potential means of reinforcement or escape. From the outset, it was clear that this would not be an ordinary siege. The Knight-Tyrants were not content with a prolonged and attritional battle; they sought to break the planet's defenses swiftly and decisively. The Knight-Tyrants employed a combination of tactics that showcased their strategic acumen. Their mastery of siege warfare became evident as they systematically targeted and disabled key defensive emplacements, gradually weakening the planet's formidable defenses. Their knowledge of the enemy's vulnerabilities allowed them to exploit weaknesses in the fortifications and breach heavily guarded positions. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Siege of Carthas IX was the Knight-Tyrants' unrelenting assault. They attacked with a ferocity and determination that seemed unending, using a combination of ground forces, armored vehicles, and aerial bombardment to create chaos within the enemy ranks. The defenders of Carthas IX found themselves facing wave after wave of relentless attacks, never allowing them a moment of respite. As the siege raged on, the Knight-Tyrants demonstrated their unbreakable resolve. Despite facing heavy resistance, the relentless onslaught continued unabated. The Knight-Tyrants' soldiers displayed a willingness to sacrifice themselves for victory, a testament to their unwavering loyalty to their leader and their cause. Over time, the planet's defenses began to crumble under the weight of the Knight-Tyrants' assault. Bunkers that had once seemed impenetrable now lay in ruins, and the fortifications that had held firm for generations were breached one by one. The Knight-Tyrants' mastery of siege warfare and their unrelenting determination had brought them closer to victory. Ultimately, the fortress world of Carthas IX fell to the Knight-Tyrants. Their strategic prowess, combined with their unwavering resolve and relentless assault, proved to be more than the planet's defenses could withstand. The victory at Carthas IX showcased the Knight-Tyrants' ability to overcome even the most formidable of challenges through a combination of calculated strategy, unbreakable determination, and an unyielding desire for conquest.

#### The Purge of Hereticus IX

The Purge of Hereticus IX stands as a chilling testament to the Knight-Tyrants' unyielding determination to root out heretical elements and establish their absolute dominance over worlds plagued by defiance. Hereticus IX, a world enshrouded in the shadow of heretical cults and insurrectionist movements, became the target of the Knight-Tyrants' wrath due to its perceived violation of cosmic order and rebellion against their vision of supremacy. The heretical cults that had taken root on Hereticus IX were a thorn in the side of galactic stability, challenging the established order and sowing discord among the populace. The insurrectionists' acts of defiance and their rejection of the established authorities aligned them against the Knight-Tyrants' creed, which demanded unwavering obedience and submission to their dominion. The Knight-Tyrants' campaign on Hereticus IX was characterized by its ruthless efficiency and unrelenting pursuit of their objective. The Legion's mastery of brutal tactics and their fearsome reputation struck terror into the hearts of those who dared oppose them. Their arrival was preceded by a broadcast of hideous messages and screams, designed to strike fear into the hearts of the heretical cults and insurrectionists. The merciless nature of the campaign was evident in the Knight-Tyrants' approach to eradicating the heretical elements. They executed precision strikes, targeting key strongholds and leadership nodes of the cults with a calculated ferocity. Shockingly brutal ambushes and swift assaults shattered the opposition's resolve, leaving them vulnerable to the overwhelming might of the Knight-Tyrants. As the campaign unfolded, the Knight-Tyrants' mastery of siege warfare and their unyielding assault gradually brought the insurrectionists to their knees. The once-defiant factions found themselves unable to withstand the relentless onslaught of the Legion. The Knight-Tyrants' tactics left little room for mercy, and they showed no hesitation in purging every trace of heresy from the planet. The culmination of the Purge of Hereticus IX was the establishment of the Knight-Tyrants' dominance over the planet. Through sheer force and their zealous commitment to their cause, they stamped out the heretical cults and quelled the insurrectionist movements. The planet, once plagued by defiance, now bore the mark of their conquest. The Purge of Hereticus IX underscored the Knight-Tyrants' unswerving dedication to their vision of supremacy and their ruthless pursuit of order. The eradication of heretical elements and the establishment of their dominance served as a clear message to all who would challenge their authority. It showcased the lengths to which the Knight-Tyrants were willing to go to ensure their absolute control over worlds that dared defy their cosmic order.

### The Abhartach Crusade

The Abhartach Sector was under the dominion of Hive Abhartach, which was controlled by the Skorpid Swarm. The sector's heart was composed of a group of twelve planets, once inhabited by humans, that had been subjugated and assimilated by the Skorpid forces before their discovery by the Cosmic Knights. The Skorpid Swarm was centered on their homeworld, Abhartach Prime. In response to the Skorpid threat, the Cosmic Knights initiated a strategic offensive. The Kingsguard and Chimera Legions, bolstered by the Squireguard, launched an attack on the peripheral planets within the Abhartach System. This maneuver was intended as a diversion to lure the main Skorpid forces away from Abhartach Prime. The ruse was effective, drawing a significant portion of the Skorpid's bio-ships to defend the attacked outer planets, which left their central planet, Abhartach Prime, relatively unprotected. With the Skorpid forces diverted by the feigned attacks, the main body of the Cosmic Knight forces, led by the fearsome warriors of the Knight-Tyrants Legion, had an opportunity to strike directly at Abhartach Prime. The vulnerability of the central planet allowed the Cosmic Knights to mount a powerful assault, aimed at eliminating the Skorpid threat and liberating the enslaved planets of the sector.

The attack force was a formidable assembly, comprising the entirety of the Knight-Tyrants Legion, which numbered over 2 million soldiers of the Squireguard, and one hundred Galahads, advanced war machines. As the invasion unfolded, the Cosmic Knights were also joined by human slaves who had been liberated from the Skorpid's captivity, further swelling their ranks. The leader of this combined force was the Knight-King himself, Nikita Gorechild. Although specific details about his role in the operation remain undisclosed, it is known that he played a significant part. The Skorpid defending forces are relatively obscure, with only limited information available about their composition. However, it is known that they greatly outnumbered the invading Cosmic Knight troops, maintaining a numerical advantage of approximately 30 to 1. Despite the overwhelming odds, Nikita Gorechild and his Knight-Tyrants Legion executed a strategic approach. They bypassed the massive Skorpid masses and focused their efforts on the key figures of the enemy's leadership. The primary objective was to eliminate the Mindweaver and the Skorpid Cacophons who formed the command coterie, aiming to destabilize the enemy forces and deprive them of guidance and direction. To initiate the attack, the Cosmic Knights utilized Drop Pods and heavy gunships, deploying heavily armored Argusian vehicles into the conflict zone. Their forces engaged the outer defenses of the Skorpid Hive on Abhartach. Nikita then utilized teleportation to reach the highest point of the primary mound, where he was joined by the elite 1st Company of the Knight-Tyrants, the Knight-Paladins.

As the Skorpid horde hastily rushed back to defend their Hive's central chamber, most of the Knight-Paladins were engaged in holding off this oncoming threat. In the meantime, Nikita Gorechild embarked on a daring mission alongside a select group of his finest soldiers, numbering only ten individuals. Their objective was to make their way down through the depths of the Hive Abhartach to confront the Skorpid Mindweaver, the powerful psychic entity at the core of the Skorpid Swarm's command structure. Upon reaching the heart of the Hive, Nikita and his companions entered a massive chamber where the Skorpid Mindweaver was situated, protected by a formidable contingent of forty of the largest Skorpid Guardians. Undeterred by the odds stacked against them, Nikita immediately plunged into combat. Utilizing the enhanced claws of his Power Armor, he engaged the enemy in close-quarters combat, tearing through the Guardians with a ferocity that defined his formidable reputation. As the battle raged on, the Knight-Tyrants Legion troopers refrained from firing into the chaotic melee to avoid accidentally harming their leader. Instead, they joined the fray using their own close-combat weapons, combining their efforts to eliminate the Skorpid Guardians surrounding the Mindweaver. Nikita's relentless assault eventually brought him face-to-face with the Mindweaver itself, a massive, brain-like Skorpid entity that represented the core of the Hive's psychic power. In a final and brutal confrontation, Nikita removed his helmet and wielded it as an improvised bludgeon, striking the creature repeatedly until it was defeated. This act of raw determination and physical prowess resulted in the death of the Skorpid Mindweaver.

As Nikita's intense battle with the Skorpid Mindweaver reached its climax, the dying psychic entity managed to summon forth a previously unknown and formidable creature: a Huskarl Guardian, a massive insectoid being endowed with potent psionic abilities. Towering over its surroundings, this monstrous creature posed a significant threat, possessing both size and powerful psychic capabilities. Undeterred by the odds and the unexpected appearance of this new adversary, Nikita engaged the Huskarl Guardian in a fierce duel. The battle raged within the confines of the Hive itself, resulting in a destructive clash that tore through the structure. During the confrontation, Nikita's relentless combat prowess proved effective, allowing him to progressively dismantle the Huskarl Guardian's chitinous armor and wings. The creature attempted to strike Nikita down with its powerful mandibles, but Nikita's skillful blade work enabled him to sever the mandibles from the creature's maw. As the duel escalated, Nikita's determination and combat prowess became evident. Ultimately, he managed to overpower the Huskarl Guardian and raise the immense creature above his head. Carrying the defeated monstrosity, Nikita ascended to the pinnacle of the Hive's structure. With a powerful heave, he cast the Huskarl Guardian from the heights, watching it plummet to the ground below, where it met a grisly end upon impact, marking the final downfall of Hive Abhartach. When Nikita Gorechild returned to the throne chamber after the battle's conclusion, he discovered a scene of carnage. All the Knight-Tyrants and Skorpid Guardians had been slain, except for one lone survivor: Perses Khan, the gore-covered Knight-Commander of the Knight-Tyrants. Standing amidst a mound of broken Skorpid bodies, Perses Khan stood as a testament to the ferocity and tenacity of the battle that had unfolded within the Hive Abhartach.

The demise of the Skorpid Mindweaver, the central figure that held the Skorpid forces together, had a profound impact on the Hive Abhartach and its armies. Deprived of their leader's guidance and control, the Skorpid forces descended into chaos and internal strife, a common occurrence among their kind. The absence of a unifying authority triggered infighting and disarray among the Skorpid ranks, further destabilizing their defense of Abhartach Prime. Seizing upon this opportunity, the combined might of the Knight-Tyrants Legion, the Squireguard soldiers, and the Galahads led by Nikita Gorechild and supported by the liberated human slaves pressed their advantage. The Skorpid forces, divided and without coherent leadership, found themselves trapped between the relentless onslaught of the Cosmic Knights from one side and their disarrayed kin from the other. As the battle raged on, the Knight-Tyrants exploited the Skorpid's internal conflicts to their fullest advantage. With the death of the Mindweaver, the Hive Abhartach began to self-destruct, likely due to the collapse of the psychic network that held it together. The disintegration of the Hive only added to the chaos, creating further challenges for the Skorpid's attempts to mount a defense. The outcome of this multifaceted assault was a swift and decisive victory for the Cosmic Knights. The combined efforts of the Cosmic Knights and the collapse of the Skorpid forces resulted in a massacre. The surviving Skorpid, both those who were not directly engaged in combat and those who managed to escape the battlefield, faced a grim fate. They were pursued relentlessly across multiple star systems by the vengeful forces of the Cosmic Knights. Ultimately, the battle for Abhartach Prime marked a turning point that shattered the Skorpid Swarm's dominance over the sector. The death of their leader, the ensuing internal conflicts, and the overwhelming might of the Cosmic Knights led to the downfall of the Skorpid forces in the Abhartach Sector, culminating in their defeat and the dismantling of their once-mighty Hive.

### The Knight-Tyrant Controversy

Each Knight-Tyrant campaign was undertaken with a cold fury that stood them apart from the other Cosmic-Knight Legions; a quiet, brooding hunger for blood and death that was as terrifying as it was effective. Once committed to battle, the Knight-Tyrants did not relent, did not retreat, and they could not be stopped. They fought until the enemy was utterly destroyed and paid no heed to the thought of mercy or the need to build an empire rather than a graveyard. The Knight-Tyrants  Legion served Nikita Gorechild as an inferno serves a general upon the battlefield; they did not just conquer but sometimes ravaged as well, growing and growing as they went, a weapon that could not be directed or controlled except by Nikita alone. Even in their earliest days they were among the largest of the Legions and when they made war it was like the sudden arrival of a tsunami, sweeping away the opposition in a flurry of brutal assaults. They found themselves deployed to the most dangerous war zones of Argusian-Space, to those accursed regions ravaged by brutal radiation and hostile alien despots; places where only the most twisted and debased breeds of alien bastions stood in opposition to the Cosmic Knights. In the wastelands that existed outside of history's spotlight they held the line, alone and unnoticed while the other Legions drove home their grand crusades. The bloody-handed Sanguinites plied their knives without rest to keep the Legion at fighting strength in even the most hellish war zones. Even as their ranks swelled, the dark rumors that followed them grew as well, for the Sanguinite legacy had endowed them with other, darker, gifts. These gifts were also to grant them a new epithet among the rank and file of the Cosmic Knight armies, the "Bloodthirsters." For in the wake of each battle, the imposing forms of the Knight-Tyrants  Legion haunted the field of battle long after the fighting had ceased, seeking out the finest among the fallen and feasting upon their flesh and blood.

Since its second founding and heraldry on Sanguine Prime at the end of The Bloodletting, the Knight-Tyrants Legion had operated in the most extreme battlefield conditions and necessity had forced upon them a number of practices that might otherwise be seen as monstrous. One among these, fostered by the the conditions under which they fought on Sanguine Prime paired with the embracing of Sanguinite culture, was the consumption of fallen captains by their followers in order to preserve their hard-won skills and experience. As a mark of honor as well as practicality, it also became accepted that Squire-Tyrants took the names of those whose skills they absorbed, and lieutenants would assume the names of their captains. Such was the resemblance of each member of the Knight-Tyrants to their flawless brothers that most outsiders failed to notice this subtle brand of immortality. Over time and battles past count, this practice became an honored tradition of the Sons of the Gorechild. Yet as much as the visceral ritual bound those of the Knight-Tyrants  Legion to each other, it forced them away from most of their brethren among the other Legions. Many of the victories fought to bring unity to the cosmos were marred by the sight of blood-smeared ebon warriors stalking the fallen and wounded champions of the enemy across fields choked with corpses, though few among their detractors realized the purpose of this grim fixation. For through the genetic evolution that had transformed the Sanguinite Humans into Vladigoth, the Knight-Tyrants  Legion were capable of stealing their enemy's power from them, genetically absorbing their knowledge and skill and making them their own through the use of their arguably mutant-vampiric nature. All that was required was the consumption of the foe's bodily tissues. Some companies even began to incorporate the secret bloody rituals of the Legion into their doctrines of battle, tearing apart the enemy on the battlefield or indulging in bloody feasts to break enemy morale and set panic in their ranks. As individuals armies became unable to continue to prosecute war, they were also rendered to feed the Knight-Tyrants, whether through literal consumption or to allow the Squire-Tyrants, to use their flesh as part of the process of creating newly-christened Knight-Tyrant warriors. Civilizations unfortunate enough to be preyed upon by the Knight-Tyrants came to see the Legion as the devils of their myths, stealing their children and feasting upon corpses in a manner more barbaric than their greatest nightmares. Scattered, native population feared that their own magics had unleashed the "Knight-Tyrants of Sanguine Prime," speaking of them in hushed tones as the force of their own undoing.

The historical records of the Knight-Kingdom of Argus documented a significant shift in the behavior of various star systems upon detecting the approach of the Knight-Tyrants' fleet. These texts revealed that entire star systems, rather than facing the wrath of the Knight-Tyrants, chose to surrender outright when they learned of the Legion's imminent arrival. The gruesome legend of the Sons of the Gorechild had become so notorious and chilling that the mere thought of opposing them was enough to drive worlds to surrender without resistance. The Knight-Tyrants' name alone struck fear into the hearts of those who heard it, a testament to the dread that their violent exploits had sown across the universe. However, with this legend also came disturbing stories of atrocity and indiscriminate annihilation. The Knight-Tyrants were known for their brutal methods, their willingness to use extreme violence to achieve their objectives, and their reputation for wanton destruction. These tales of their actions spread alongside their fame, causing unease and concern even within the ranks of the Cosmic Knights themselves. The Council of the Lions, the highest authority within the Knight-Kingdom of Argus led by Arthur, was not immune to these concerns. While the Knight-Tyrants' successes were undeniable, their methods and the scale of devastation they left in their wake led to debates and discussions within the council. The balance between achieving victory and upholding the ideals of honor, justice, and the preservation of life became a topic of contention. The Knight-Tyrants' legacy, as both feared conquerors and ruthless warriors, left a complex legacy that reverberated throughout the Knight-Kingdom of Argus and beyond.

The Knight-Tyrants’ use of Painbringers-- massive and deadly shotguns fueled by Obsidian Aether that were constructed by the Dwarves on the planet of Blackstone specifically for the Knight-Tyrants-- as their primary firearms in warfare was seen by many as a violation of interstellar agreements aimed at establishing rules and limitations in warfare to protect both combatants and civilians. The conventions sought to regulate the methods and means of warfare, and the use of Painbringers was often considered to be outside the acceptable limits of these regulations. Painbringers fired multiple Obsidian Aether-filled pellets, also known as shot, in a spread pattern. At close range, this spread pattern could cause extensive damage to the body, resulting in severe wounds and injuries. Soldiers hit by Painbringer pellets could suffer from shattered bones, torn flesh, and massive tissue damage. The spread of Painbringer pellets could lead to extensive and disfiguring injuries. The pellets could create irregular wounds with jagged edges, causing grotesque injuries and mutilation. Limbs could be mangled and torn, leading to traumatic amputations. Painbringer injuries often caused uncontrolled bleeding due to the damage inflicted on blood vessels, arteries, and veins. The severity of bleeding could lead to shock, rapid blood loss, and even death if not promptly treated. The injuries caused by Painbringers were often extremely painful, causing intense suffering for the wounded soldiers. The lack of effective pain management during wartime could make the experience even more excruciating. Survivors of Painbringer injuries often faced long-term physical disabilities, including limb loss, permanent disfigurement, and chronic pain. The injuries could impact their quality of life for years to come. Witnessing or experiencing the devastating effects of Painbringer injuries could have a profound psychological impact on soldiers and civilians alike. The gruesome nature of these injuries contributed to the psychological trauma of warfare. Treating Painbringer wounds was challenging due to the extent of damage and the risk of infection. The limited medical resources and facilities available in the battlefield environment added to the difficulties of providing adequate and timely medical care. Some argued that Painbringers were unsporting and unfair weapons in warfare. They were often seen as weapons that required less accuracy and skill compared to rifles, as their spread of pellets made hitting targets at close range easier. This perception clashed with the idea of honorable combat and skill-based warfare.

A dangerous and unsightly weapon to be unsheathed only in dire need and then quickly hidden away again, the Knight-Tyrants Legion found themselves often in the company of those Legions less favored by the Court of Lions. With the savage Baelwolves Legion under Knight-Commander Kjotve Vánagandr, they found a bitter kinship, though it was rare to see these Legions gathered together. Few among the mighty and renowned welcomed their presence on the eve of battle, for the stench of death and madness was ever on them. So, the Knight-Tyrants Legion slipped further into isolation and infamy. It became home to a strange mixture of Knightly doctrine and crimson ritual, its ranks and formations riddled with warrior-cults and bloody prophets of war, the superstitions of a hundred worlds given power by the nature of their transformation and left to fester on the worst battlefields of the Astral Crusade. Worse, the appearance of these blood-soaked warlords, tall, dark, and striking-- perhaps even more so when caked in the gore of the battlefield-- often set those they brought into the Knight-Kingdom of Argus to their worship, lest they anger the black devils that had come. It was a slide towards madness that would potentially see the end of the Legion. For were it not abated, it would become a worse danger to the Cosmic Knights than the monsters it was made to hunt.

The seeds of this destruction were already sown, with many watching the Legion and its commanders, already distrustful of the Sons of the Gorechild and its blood-soaked killers. The Knight-Tyrants were sanctioned by Knight-Lord Moghraine Ironwolf of the Green Hounds Legion for its actions during a particularly harrowing conquest, where the Knight-Tyrants  Legion's warriors took to killing and consuming prisoners on the walls of the fortress to demoralize the enemy, as well as to secure intelligence. While the Cosmic Knights brought grievance against the Legion after reports were filed that mortally wounded soldiers of the Green Hounds Legion had been slaughtered and drained of their blood by the Knight-Tyrants  Legion rather than left to the mercy of the enemy during the retreat from another world. Such brutal necessities seemed of little concern to the Knight-Tyrants  Legion, but the animosity towards the Knight-Tyrants grew within the Cosmic Knights, becoming well-known to all. In the face of this, the Legion turned more and more to its own macabre methods to win battles, prizing victory more highly than the respect of their peers. Bitter pride in what they saw as the jealousy of others sustained them, but also served to drag them further into disrepute. The Knight-Tyrants Legion stood upon a knife's edge. They were still a necessary, bloody piece of the Knight-King's plan to unify the cosmos, yet that conquest would not last forever and eventually the Knight-Tyrants  would become more of a burden in the new golden age built by the Cosmic Knights than a blessing. A reckoning approached for the Knight-Tyrants Legion. They would either be born anew, changed and not lessened as they had been before, or they would be ended and expunged from history.

In the aftermath of their battles, the Knight-Tyrants adhered to a grim tradition of collecting trophies from their defeated foes. The severed heads, teeth, and ribs of fallen enemies were taken as grim mementos and affixed to their armor. This gruesome display served as both a testament to their victories and a chilling reminder of the fate that awaited those who dared to oppose them. The addition of spikes to their already imposing ebon armor further enhanced their terrifying appearance. Ultimately, the tactics and customs of the Knight-Tyrants were a deliberate defiance of the Cosmic Knights' creed. By embracing fear as a weapon and employing ruthless tactics that contradicted the order's noble ideals, the Knight-Tyrants established themselves as a force that operated on the fringes of acceptability within the Cosmic Knights' community. Their methods, characterized by psychological manipulation, brutal ambushes, and macabre displays, reflected an unwavering commitment to achieving victory at any cost, even if it meant diverging from the established norms of their order.

### The Cosmic Knights and the Anell Ascendancy

The first encounter between Knight-King Arthur and the Cosmic Knights of the Knight-Kingdom of Argus and the Anell Ascendancy was a momentous event that shaped the course of their interstellar relations. It occurred on the outskirts of the Caelum Expanse, a region known for its turbulent conflicts and diverse factions vying for dominance. The Cosmic Knights, led by their Knight-King Arthur, were on a mission to establish their influence and maintain order within the Caelum Expanse. Their reputation preceded them as a stalwart force that upheld justice and cosmic harmony. Their arrival in the expanse had garnered a mixture of anticipation, curiosity, and trepidation among the various factions inhabiting the region. On the other side, the Anell Ascendancy, under the leadership of Orosarch Kael Tor Vorez, held a dominant position within the Caelum Expanse. Their mastery of Arcane abilities and advanced technology had solidified their supremacy, and their society was characterized by a structured caste system and strict adherence to their cultural values. The Ascendancy's leadership was aware of the Cosmic Knights' presence and saw their arrival as an opportunity to engage with another powerful entity. When the two forces finally encountered each other, it was a moment charged with tension and intrigue. The Cosmic Knights' fleet, a symbol of order and unity, faced off against the formidable vessels of the Anell Ascendancy, adorned with intricate designs and resonating with Arcane energy. Both sides assessed each other with caution, their leaders prepared to engage in a diplomatic exchange that could define their future interactions. As the delegations from both sides met, the initial reactions were a mixture of curiosity and wariness. The Orosarch, known for his keen insight into the Arcane and his diplomatic prowess, engaged in a measured conversation with Knight-King Arthur. Their exchange touched on matters of cosmic balance, the preservation of order, and the unique attributes that defined their respective societies. The Cosmic Knights, with their unwavering commitment to justice and their determination to protect the innocent, found common ground with the Oros' emphasis on harmony and their mastery of Arcane abilities. However, their differences were also apparent, particularly in the Oros' strict caste system and the Cosmic Knights' more egalitarian approach to leadership and governance. As the conversation progressed, Knight-King Arthur and the Orosarch recognized the potential for cooperation. They saw an opportunity to collaborate in maintaining stability within the Caelum Expanse, balancing their distinct strengths and abilities. Mutual respect emerged from the encounter, leading to the establishment of a formal alliance between the Knight-Kingdom of Argus and the Anell Ascendancy. The initial encounter between Knight-King Arthur and the Cosmic Knights and the Orosarch and the Anell Ascendancy marked a pivotal moment of understanding and cooperation. It set the stage for joint efforts to quell conflicts within the Caelum Expanse and maintain a delicate balance between the Cosmic Knights' ideals of justice and the Oros' principles of harmony. As they joined forces, their unique strengths and perspectives combined to create a force that stood as a beacon of stability in a region marked by turbulence.

For decades, the Knight-Kingdom of Argus and the Anell Ascendancy maintained a cooperative alliance within the Caelum Expanse. Their combined efforts had successfully stabilized the region, curbing conflicts and ensuring a semblance of order. The partnership was built upon mutual respect, shared ideals of justice and harmony, and the recognition of each other's unique strengths. As time passed, the relationship between the two factions deepened, and the Oros within the Anell Ascendancy grew increasingly interested in the values and principles upheld by the Cosmic Knights and the Knight-Kingdom of Argus. The concept of unity and inclusiveness advocated by Knight-King Arthur resonated with the Orosarch Kael Tor Vorez and his people. The Oros, while possessing their own advanced society and Arcane mastery, found themselves drawn to the Knight-Kingdom's philosophy of cooperation, where different species and cultures worked together for the greater good. The idea of integration into the Knight-Kingdom of Argus and the Cosmic Knights gradually gained traction within the Anell Ascendancy. The Orosarch, Kael Tor Vorez, saw the potential benefits of a unified force that transcended individual factions. Such a unity could further the cause of cosmic harmony and elevate the Anell Ascendancy's status on a broader scale. Political discussions between Knight-King Arthur and Orosarch Kael Tor Vorez were characterized by depth, respect, and the exchange of ideas. The two leaders recognized the importance of approaching this topic with sensitivity and a shared vision for the future. Both leaders held a deep commitment to the values they upheld, making the negotiations a complex and intricate process. In these discussions, Kael Tor Vorez expressed the Anell Ascendancy's aspirations to become part of the Knight-Kingdom of Argus and the Cosmic Knights. He outlined the benefits of a unified force, where the Oros' Arcane abilities and advanced technology could complement the Cosmic Knights' sense of justice and order. He emphasized the potential to expand their influence, foster collaboration, and create a stronger alliance that could serve as a beacon of stability in the broader galaxy. Knight-King Arthur, while receptive to the idea, also raised points of consideration. He acknowledged the Oros' unique culture and Arcane mastery, as well as their hierarchical caste system. Arthur sought to find a balance between preserving the Oros' identity while integrating them into the Knight-Kingdom's structure. Throughout the discussions, both leaders recognized the need to address potential challenges and concerns. They explored avenues to ensure that the Oros could maintain their cultural values while adhering to the broader principles of the Knight-Kingdom. Kael Tor Vorez expressed his people's willingness to adapt and find common ground, while Arthur assured him that the Knight-Kingdom valued diversity and inclusivity. Ultimately, after months of diplomatic talks, both sides reached a consensus. The Anell Ascendancy, with its Oros citizens, would join the Knight-Kingdom of Argus and the Cosmic Knights as an integral part of their alliance.

### The Oros and the Knight-Tyrants

Nikita Gorechild and the Knight-Tyrants held deep reservations and skepticism about the Oros Conclave's integration into the Court of Lions and the broader Cosmic Knights. Their opposition stemmed from their distinct beliefs, practices, and the Knight-Tyrants' unwavering commitment to their own brutal and aggressive methods of warfare and dominance. The Knight-Tyrants were notorious for their ruthless tactics, brutal conquests, and fearsome reputation. Their ideology emphasized dominance, fear, and the utilization of terror as a strategic weapon. The Knight-Tyrants believed that their unique approach was necessary to maintain their strength and ensure victory in their campaigns. This approach stood in stark contrast to the Oros Conclave's values of harmony, balance, and spiritual enlightenment, which guided their decisions and actions. Nikita Gorechild, as the leader of the Knight-Tyrants, saw the Oros as potential disruptors of their established way of operating. The Oros' emphasis on emotional control, preservation of memories, and spiritual guidance clashed with the Knight-Tyrants' unapologetic brutality and dominance. Nikita and his Legion feared that the introduction of the Oros' philosophy and tactics might undermine their effectiveness and weaken their grip on power. Furthermore, the Knight-Tyrants' legacy was built on their own terms and methods, often fueled by their leader's personal transformation and desire for dominance. They saw themselves as a force to be feared, and their tactics were honed to maximize that fear. The prospect of incorporating the Oros' values of balance and cooperation was viewed as a direct contradiction to the Knight-Tyrants' core principles. As discussions arose about the Oros joining the Cosmic Knights peacefully, Nikita and the Knight-Tyrants vehemently opposed the idea. They feared that the Oros' presence might dilute their influence, challenge their authority, and undermine their identity as a fearsome and brutal force. To the Knight-Tyrants, cooperation and compromise were signs of weakness, and they believed that any deviation from their established methods could lead to the downfall of their power.

In the weeks leading up to the official annexation of the Anell Ascendancy into the Cosmic Knights, tensions escalated as the Anell Ascendancy made a demand that would put them at odds with the Knight-Tyrants. This demand revolved around the return of over 213,000 worlds that had been conquered by the Knight-Tyrants, but were once under the control of the Oros before being lost. The demand from the Anell Ascendancy was driven by their strong connection to these lost worlds. These planets held cultural and historical significance to the Oros, and the Ascendancy leadership was determined to reclaim them as part of their integration into the Cosmic Knights. They saw the return of these worlds as a symbolic act that would solidify their place within the broader alliance and honor their history. However, the demand faced immediate resistance from Nikita Gorechild and the Knight-Tyrants. Having conquered these worlds through their brutal tactics and aggressive methods, the Knight-Tyrants were unwilling to relinquish their hard-won territories. These worlds represented the fruits of their labor, and they saw them as essential to maintaining their power, reputation, and influence within the Cosmic Knights. The clash between the Anell Ascendancy's demand and the Knight-Tyrants' unwillingness to comply created a significant dilemma within the Court of Lions and the leadership of the Cosmic Knights. On one side were the Oros, advocating for a return to balance and cooperation, and on the other side were the Knight-Tyrants, fiercely guarding their conquests and their identity as a ruthless force. The weeks leading up to the annexation were marked by intense negotiations, heated debates, and power struggles. The issue highlighted the fundamental ideological differences between the two factions and the challenges of integrating such diverse groups into a single alliance. The Anell Ascendancy believed that returning the lost worlds was crucial for unity and harmony, while the Knight-Tyrants viewed the demand as a threat to their power and legacy.

In the face of the escalating conflict between the Anell Ascendancy and the Knight-Tyrants over the return of conquered worlds, the Court of Lions found themselves in a position to mediate and make a crucial decision. After careful deliberation and consideration of the values held by the Cosmic Knights, the Court ultimately sided with the Oros and their demand for the return of the lost worlds. This decision was based on the Court's commitment to unity, harmony, and the greater well-being of the alliance as a whole. As tensions reached their peak, a pivotal moment unfolded when Orosarch Kael Tor Vorez directly addressed Nikita Gorechild, hoping to appeal to his sense of reason and understanding. In his heartfelt and passionate speech, Kael spoke about the importance of coexistence and establishing harmony within the cosmos. He emphasized the need to move beyond past conflicts and animosities, and to work together for a future that was marked by unity and mutual respect. Kael's speech also openly condemned the brutal actions and methods that the Knight-Tyrants had employed in their campaigns. He urged Nikita to recognize the suffering they had caused and to embrace a different path that valued cooperation and the greater good. Kael's words were filled with genuine concern for the well-being of all beings within the alliance, and he hoped to touch Nikita's heart with his message of peace. However, Nikita's response was far from what Kael had hoped for. He listened to Kael's address with a sense of skepticism and a deep-rooted conviction in the Knight-Tyrants' ways. To him, Kael's words came across as idealistic and disconnected from the harsh realities of the universe. He perceived Kael as an old man blinded by his visions of peace and security, unable to comprehend the true nature of power and survival. In response to Kael's address, Nikita gave a simple and direct response:

> "Our destiny is to fight, and only the bravest do not refuse it. I am the tip of the sword, raised against surrender. A thousand times I have found my limit, and still I press further. I fight until the blood takes the blade from my grasp, until I can only crawl. And even then, you will not defeat me, even then, I will spit in your face! I will carve my scars into the heavens. The beyond can have me when I am done.”
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With those words, Nikita made it clear that he remained steadfast in his commitment to the Knight-Tyrants' way of life, regardless of the Court's decision. After delivering this response, Nikita and Perses Khan left the Carduelic Palace, signaling their departure from the discussions and their return to Sanguine Prime.