Monastic Ascendants

Monastic Ascendants armorial with Legion Iconography

Monastic Ascendant Red Bar Veteran

### Observed Strategic Tendencies

Guerilla Warfare, Electronic Infiltration & Denial Warfare, Denial Operations, Inter-Agency Diplomacy

### Colours

Light/Dark Grey, Light/Dark Orange, Gold

*"In the principles of Ganden, a being that has ascended to achieve harmony within themselves and with the galaxy, although free of will, always returns to the base human level and will continue to work for the benefit of all other human beings until such time that each one is similarly liberated. It is then the Monastic Ascendants path to guide themselves and all of Mankind into a brighter future for all."*

**-Lhaki 17th Company Gauss Scholar, Sect of Lineage**

Lauded as a legion of contemplative thought and efficient action, the VIIth Legion **Monastic Ascendants** have chose to take on the duty of constantly self-improving and encouraging all those around them to better themselves, human and transhuman alike, for the sake of building a harmonious Imperium in the name of the Emperor.

Renowned for their prowess with the machine as much as their ability to adapt on the battlefield, their extensive use of electronic warfare and guerrilla tactics on the battlefield has been the deciding factor in toppling many a regime during the many Compliance actions of the Great Crusade. Choosing to bleed an enemy dry through any means, be they infiltration of their cogitator systems to subversion of the local populace through information manipulation and rhetoric, many a false God or Emperor has had the rug pulled swiftly out from under him before the final Monastic assault looms on the horizon. Once this necessary ground work has been accomplished, the Legion will appear in all it's might with a choice; join the Imperial cause and fight to bring about harmony for all. Or die, and have their bones act as yet another reminder that humanity itself has many flaws it will have to overcome before His vision of a perfect future for all can truly be reached.

Working in tandem with near every Imperial Office in the empire's hierarchy, the Monastic Ascendants intend to use their knowledge as both legionary and philosopher to help guide those elements of the Imperium, understanding the need to be able to adapt to political and logistical matters should the time ever come where their duty as warriors is finished. To this end an extensive network of VIIth Legion Astartes are spread across the galaxy, embedded with other Legion, in Segmentum capitals, and even Sol and Terra itself to liaise with these disparate factions. To their credit this has worked wonders with elements of both the Imperial Army, Munitorum and even the Administratum for some of their technological efforts to help expedite elements of their work as well as the battlefield augmentation of mortal units with transhuman commanders. This does mean that as a result of their particular ideologies, they have clashed with the Mechanicum on more than one occasion, a tradition that seems to have started since the Legion's inception from those recruited of Albia, and kept going until this day.

Despite this particularly costly disagreement with the Magos of Mars, the VIIth Legion has managed to establish itself as a Legion of both learned scholars and leaders as much as warriors and great commanders of men. As the Nexhisattva has tasked them in their duty to destroy all that would stand in the way of a better human galaxy, so shall they understand the galaxy and the people they fight for.

## **Origins & History**

### **A Great Lord**

The Conclave of Terra would prove to be a turning point for the Monastic Ascendants, a turning point created by Tenzin. Using his influence to lever the newly crowned High Regent Alexandros, Tenzin pushed the ruling that Astartes could take on administrative positions to gain one for himself and chose one that matched his status and skills: the governor of Segmentum Pacificus. Gaining this position lifted the Monastic Ascendants into an entirely new situation and changed their priorities overnight. The Ascendants’ ambition, already substantial, was fanned as they catalogued their new demesne, as such a large base of power could grant them the ultimate freedom to pursue their technological studies. This power did not go without resistance, as the Mechanicum was gravely concerned by Tenzin’s new position and the Forge Worlds of Pacificus bristled at the prospect of being forced to cooperate with Tenzin.

Knowing that time was of the essence, the Monastic Ascendants utilised all of their intelligence skills to accumulate information and informants from across the important institutions within the Segmentum. While there was much support for the new governor, many rebellions against the Imperium remained active since the Vanishing and many people were unsure about how the Ascendants would react. Along with aid from the Sky Reavers, the Monastic Ascendants fought to suppress these rebellions as Tenzin visited all of the Forge Worlds in the Segmentum to alleviate their fears. These both proved harder to accept than he or the Ascendants had hoped, as only slow progress was made. Greater success came from the relations with the Imperial Army and Administratum, as the Monastic Ascendants’ presence helped restore many of the supply lines that had been severed by the chaos of the Vanishing. Though the rebellions were finally crushed, the Sect of Artifice pieced together that these rebellions were secretly supplied by elements of the Mechanicum, set on undermining the Ascendants’ administration.

The Monastic Ascendants attempted to institute large-scale reforms to the segmentum in 005.M31, the result of years of planning and Tenzin’s proof of the benefits of Astartes government. On the world of Rukarr, surrounded by the representatives from the various departmentos and administrations, Tenzin announced a number of reforms spearheaded by the Monastic Ascendants in the name of improving the lives of the civilians of Pacificus. New trade routes would be established covering almost the entire segmentum, supported by astartes and imperial navy forces as they forge new paths of commerce seeking to connect hundreds of systems. In addition, new military academies and stronghold worlds were to be established as centralised hubs of governance acting as subsidiaries, training the future generations of governors and commanders in conjunction with the Ascendants. Finally, following in the steps of his brother Ezharion, Tenzin announced a new governing body for the segmentum, the Pacifican Dominion Council, where representatives from every major department, Forge Worlds and sector would meet and decide new policies for Pacificus and coordinate with the Council of Terra.

## **Legion Homeworld**

And old world having made the journey through the Long Night like so many others, the mountainous world of Ganden has calmly carried on through the millennia. Though covered in vast mountain ranges the world does have extensive lowlands and several seas, they are however, inaccessible. At some point in it's long history, a fog seeped over the world, settling into it's lower regions. While the cause is as of yet unknown it proves itself deadly to all living things, suffocating the life from them should they enter. It is because of this fog then that an exodus to the mountain plateaus forced the then population to abandon their old, glittering cities to carve a new life, leaving the spire-tops to only ever be seen again.

As the millennia went on the people of Ganden adapted to their new lifestyle, working the rougher ground, raising livestock and building new cities out of the rock of the mountains themselves. These initially disparate and desperate survivors connected with one another over time, creating the winding paths of the Great Roads.

As the millennia have worn on and society having regressed somewhat from its previous technological heights, the inhabitants recovered a measure of their former glory. Building small, but numerous settlements throughout the lands they lived a simplistic lifestyle.

Once brought into the Imperial fold the world was changed very little, specifically on the orders of the VIIth primarch. The culture and way of life Ganden had provided would be improved in certain areas, industry, medical technology and the like, but as the same people's that had raised their Lord, he too would raise them to better themselves while retaining their identity from the voracious monster that was Imperial society.

## **Legion Beliefs**

### **Meditation with the Machine**

The greatest element of a Monastic Ascendant's time within the Legion is his ever growing connection with the machine, learning to become one with it in mind and body over his superhuman lifetime. Starting out as a group when in the initiate stage, Astartes are asked to link together, partially for safety and partially to help ease them into the particularly cold mind of a machine. This procedure has been refined from initial experiments of single initiates who were left mostly brain-dead after linking with machine-minds. Eventually a marine learns to commune with all manner of technology he interacts with on a daily basis, meditating with it to understand it's humours and inner workings better, forming a kind of symbiosis with it.

The base idea of machine-spirits is one refuted by Tenzin and his teachings, much to the Mechanicum's chagrin. Through their own experiences they have understood that the machine-minds that reside within most complex machinery are fragmentary forms of life unto themselves. These remnants of 'great lamas past' are conversed with if possible, picked apart, unravelled or locked away if not. To the Monastic Ascendants, these pieces of technology are not only a link to the past, but hope to all of humanity, representing a future where all are enlightened through mutual understanding.

### **Initiate Implants**

As an extra element of the legionary's induction into being a fully-fledged Astartes, they are fitted with basic implants that allow them to commune with the machine properly and prepare them for the future. These are usually added through initial surgery on an initiate to allow their bodies to integrate or later on once they have finished their physical growth.

#### Cranial Circuitry

Cranial circuitry is a series of linked processors, implants, and cortical circuits that enhances mental capacities. Most sit within housing bolted onto the skull, whilst others nestle within the brain itself. Implanted early on during the third round of implantation surgery alongside the Catalepsean node in the skull, allowing for limited communication with the machine when linked in sequence. Later on in a marine's life it is used as the framework upon which other implants will be able to communicate with their brain.

#### Cyber Mantle

The Cyber-mantle is a framework of metal, wires, and impulse transmitters bolted onto the spine and lower ribcage. As the initiate has reached physical maturity, this mantle acts as a sub-dermal anchorage point upon which many other implants can be attached and linked in sequence with one another. As a fully-matured body is needed before implantation of this array of connections, it is attached during the final surgery alongside the black carapace, so that both can be linked together.

#### Mind Impulse Unit

These devices, also known as sense-links, allow the owner to directly interface with a machine or technological device. MIU's see ubiquitous use among the Monastic Ascendants Legion as it allows an individual to properly interface and meditate with machines. A basic MIU implant involves a single spinal or cortex connector which is implanted in conjunction with the Cyber Mantle in the final phase of an initiates training.

### **Transcendent Virtues**

While on Ganden itself, the transcendent virtues were goals that could be achieved by members of the monk's society through acts of great bravery, sacrifice or meditation. Since then they have evolved when being adopted by the Legion itself. Where before monks would be allowed to weave specific coloured patterns into their robes upon attaining such virtues, astartes now weave microwire and metal into their flesh, achieving harmony between the two.

When an astartes attains a ‘Transcendent Virtue’ either through actions or meditation with the machine, specific cybernetics are integrated into a legionary's body to augment it or replace functions entirely. While there are a loose set of rules as to how a marine achieves each of these virtues, their actions are put forward by others to be reviewed accordingly by a Gauss Scholar before any relevant implants are given. As these new machines are implanted they are linked through microwire and the cyber mantle already placed within their bodies. Electoo tattoos are also common, signifying those achievements gained, they are placed underneath the skin to link augments together with flesh. While this function is mostly cosmetic, several marines have taken to using it to display their recent thoughts and feelings while meditating with the machine. For the purpose of maintaining secrecy however, they can be turned off at will. The list of the major virtues and their associated augments may vary, but are generally as follows.

#### Dana Paramita

Through achieving 'Dana Paramita' or the virtue of ‘generosity’ a marine has a set of Electro Inductors implanted within the entirety of his arms, allowing him to siphon off energy from machinery and power sources and store it. Conversely they can emit stored energy, either as a basic energy attack (given the right combat implant) or to power machinery from his own internal power.

While there are many in the Legion who receive such a gift it is particularly prevalent amongst those of the Legion's Gauss Scholars and senior marine ranks as they have shown particular generosity towards their allies both mortal and post-human over their long lifetimes.

#### Sila Paramita

The 'Sila Paramita' denotes morality in a legionary's duties both on and off the battlefield. The Signum Link is a useful tool that allows a marine to link their the auto-senses and input feeds of a squad or several squads into networked whole. While astartes officers normally have access to some information feeds from their troops they pale in comparison to the sheer magnitude of information and ease of access provided by the Signum Link.

This is a virtue often gained by officer candidates before they are given a command position, though it isn't a prerequisite. Mostly it is seen as a sign of reliability for those troops under them. Not exclusive to officers however, the virtue has also been achieved by other marines, usually sergeants and veterans. Allowing them to connect the squad as a whole, monitor the battle-space and communicate quickly with other Signum Links.

#### Virya Paramita

Marines who have shown particular diligence and effort above and beyond their duties are said to have achieved 'Virya Paramita', the virtue of energy. Upon achieving this goal they can have an array of potentia-wafers and kinetic generators implanted through their body, linked up to a central Chakra Potentia Reservoir. With the energy built up through normal bodily movement the Reservoir can be constantly topped up with energy and fed into other systems such as augments, integrated weaponry or even a marine's power-armour. Though less efficient than the power generator packs of astartes armour, a fully charged Chakra Potentia can power a suit of power armour for 48 hours if necessary.

Whereas some of the Paramita are particularly hard to achieve the Virya is considered slightly easier by comparison due to the inherent nature of Monastic Ascendants marines, who are particularly determined already. As a result many of the Legion's members have Chakra Reservoirs, potentia-wafers or kinetic generators as a part of their system of augments.

#### Dhyana Paramita

Exertion of the mind or body in a singular and challenging task or contemplation is once again very common amongst the trans-human legionaries. To achieve the 'Dhyana Paramita' then, is to show a strength of purpose and will worthy of accolades in any other Legion. By showing this level of focus a marine would be given an Augur Array implant giving him the ability to inspect any number of chemical and biological materials in great detail or maximum situational awareness.

One of the rare examples of openly displayed cybernetic implantation amongst the Virtues, the Augur Array is implanted as a small box on the rear of the skull. Adornments or customized sensor tines, usually arranged as a wreath made of wires. The array does serve well, with some able to link together to for a powerful albeit limited sensor array.

A rarer sight amongst the Legion, the actions required to qualify for such a boon are carefully considered before being submitted to the Gauss Scholars for review. Marines that have shown such focus have helped turn the tides of battle, or quieted vicious machine-spirits with their digital-chants. Some have even been judged worthy after their deaths, receiving instead a adamantium crown of circuitry to signify their strength.

#### Prajna Paramita

The mental and tactical ability to understand situations innately and navigate the many hazards between a marine and his intended goal perfectly, is a skill that has to be honed over centuries of diplomacy or war-making. To have insight necessary to mould a situation to benefit the most people possible is a rare skill, and one rightfully understood and rewarded by the Monastic Ascendants. The Prajna Paramita, or Virtue of Insight, is a recognition of this ability and allows a marine to further increase their efficiency when calculating and considering how best to serve the Legion and Mankind as a whole.

To help in their increased responsibility, the marine receives a Calculus-Logi implant to exponentially increase the information available to them. Whether implanted within the chest or brain, the cybernetic is a shrunken cogitator array with crystalline wafers, to help better store and access vast amounts of information at will. Whether negotiating trade deals or assessing an enemy's strength the Logi can have swathes of data accessible in the blink of an eye. Though it is a particularly hard task, some have been known to fill the capacity of the logi, choosing to be masters in their own right of a particular field. Other recipients choose to have the wafers regularly purged, choosing to only take on data relevant to any one task at hand.

Despite the obvious link to the Legion's own Sect of Insight, which itself focuses on the philosophy and mental development of the Legion, there are a number of marines from various Sects who achieved Prajna Paramita. There are however, the most famous examples of those who have become virtuous, most of which are veterans of the Sect of Insight such as it's Lama, Braytak Isolah.

#### Ksanti Paramita

In keeping with the ability to understand others perspectives, the Ksanti Paramita is a virtue that denotes one's ability to come to terms with their situation, and endure even the worst that the galaxy has to throw at them.

Acceptance, adaptation and endurance are all major factors within any marine's life, no matter the Legion. To show that one has control over themselves to the point of being able to shrug off catastrophic damage, or implicitly grasp another's viewpoint no matter how radical it might seem, is to be as water. The ability to move and flow with the push and pull of the galaxy's many tides and survive and adapt is a major feat.

A unique cybernetic compared to the rest of those awarded as part of achieving a Paramita, the Cuirass of Forbearance. Upon placement within the marine, it serves as a monitor and support for their already formidable internal organs. Specifically the heart and lungs are protected by the large armoured metal covering implanted in the chest and supported by a system of pumps and enclosed medical systems. This allows both sets of major organs to work even after their wearer has experienced catastrophic damage to their person allowing them to fight for significantly longer than even astartes-normal .

The only downside is that such a large and comprehensive system requires constant maintenance and energy to keep functioning properly. This limits those recipients majors, if they do not already have a Chakra Potentia Reservoir implantation, they must remain connected to their power-armour generator at all times. This however, is seen as a negligible tradeoff to those who have received such a boon.

## **Legion Gene-Seed**

Extensive testing has proven that the VIIth Legion's gene-seed has adapted to their Primarch's genetic material in several odd ways. The Catalepsean Node in particular is doubled in size compared to legionary standards, resulting in an expanded ability to shut down specific parts of the brain to allow them to rest. This has been capitalised on thanks to the Legion's tendency to meditate for extended periods of time while conversing with the machine.

Conversely the Omophagea appears to suffer thanks to the Catalepsean Node's overgrowth, resulting in a lack or complete loss all together of the abilities granted. At most it has been reported that individuals experience vague flashes of memory so fleeting as to be impossible to understand.

## **Legion Organisation & Structure**

### **Sects**

Upon initially joining the Legion, a marine is put into the sect of lineage before any other sect to learn about the Legion, it's customs and rights and of it's overall goal to bring harmony to mankind through the lens of technology. While the sects system is a group with a stated spiritual and philosophical ends, they also act as military sub-factions within the Legion, with all the sects supporting one another by assigning troops and assets to a particular campaign. As such a large portion of marines spend their lives entirely within the Sect of Lineage, with others choosing to move onto the other sects within the Legion.

#### Sect of Lineage

**Leader -** Jinpa Sorth.

**Focus -** With the most marines at their command, the Sect of Lineage seeks out all methods to help prolong the Legion and humanity as a whole. Charged with this sacred task, the study of warfare and healing are held paramount above all. The guerrilla tactics first used by Tenzin and the monks of Ganden have since been adapted and refined, turning into the adaptive system of Legion structure it is today.

In keeping with the entire Legion's doctrine, they act as small cells of marines filled with a variety of specialists and support elements. Knowing how to study their enemies and react to the probing attacks of gunfire and sabotage, looking to whittle them down, ready to be smashed by the final strike.

As healers the Apothecaries choose to study the various forms of humanity, astartes and mortal alike, to hone their skills accordingly. Their task also sees them lead disaster relief efforts of stricken worlds, as well as researching methods by which they can help humankind at large achieve harmony through technology as their Primarch has.

**Strength -** As the largest Sect in the Legion, Lineage commands over 110,000~ marines within their ranks.

#### Sect of Insight

**Leader -** Braytak Isolah. As the overall Lama of the Insight Sect Braytak has been with Tenzin since his days as at the northern Temples of Ganden, teaching the boy and others like him in their ways. Now ascended to transhumanism, Braytak helps guide his new students within the Legion through their development into a selfless bastion for humankind.

**Focus -** Dedicated to the paths of enlightenment through meditation with the machine and through uplifting their fellow humans, the Sect of Insight represent both the philosophical and moral heart of the Legion. Instilling knowledge, ideals and duty into those young and old within the Legion they are a pillar of it's identity, helping those both internal and external come to understand the need to support one another as a species.

While in charge of the Librarius arm of the Legion this is a lesser branch as those VIIth Legion marines have generally had little inclination towards their particular skills.

Partially in charge of the education and training of Gauss Scholars, the Sect shares this duty with the Sect of Structure, helping to mould the Legions unique form of specialist who is not only adept at working with technology, but with the moral guidance as well.

**Strength -** As the spiritual guides of the Legion they are the smallest known sect at 20,000~ marines in their order.

#### Sect of Structure

**Leader -** Dorje

**Focus -** The beating heart of the Legion's technological spirit, ever since it's days as the Thunder Knights the mechanical branch of the VIIth has been a well trained device capable of great work. With the Monastic Ascendant's armoury's breadth a fair amount of manpower is required to maintain, supply and pilot such equipment. Part of the reason why it is the second-largest Sect within the Legion.

Much like their brethren within the Sect of Lineage, the Structure Sect likes to have it's marines operate in groups, specifically units of 2 or 3 depending on the vehicle, as a measure of safety, with one person being able to cover the other. This level of redundancy is said to be part of the reason their armouries remain so well-stocked despite frequent Mechanicum interference.

Working as both infantry in their Legion's trademark guerrilla warfare and as part of the armoured hammer-strike when an enemy is sufficiently weakened they are an adaptable and industrious lot.

For their part in the training of the Gauss Scholars extensive testing is done through both direct work and less-well-known testing methods to properly assess their ability and compatibility with the various mechanical problems they may face at any time.

**Strength -** The second largest Sect, Structure helps keep the entire Legion maintained with it's 60,000~ marines.

### **Hidden Sects**

Made up of a number of legionaries of specific talent or disposition, the hidden sects of the Monastic Ascendants are specifically built up as the hidden blade of the Legion, whether mental or real. As a being of supreme understanding Tenzin aknowledges that as all humans do, there are some ugly and nasty threats that can only be taken on by equally ugly and nasty methods. This is the reason for the two following sect's smaller headcount compared to their open brothers, as they must be singular of will to complete these strange deeds and condemn themselves for the good of humanity as a whole.

#### Sect of Artifice

**Leader -** Turhesh. Overall Lama of the Sect of Artifice, Turhesh's position is a secretive one, carrying out his Primarch's wishes to keep tabs on the multifaceted aspects of the Imperium. As Lama he reports directly to the Primarch much of the time, remaining unknown to the majority of the Legion as he and those under him carry out their surveillance. Acting as commander of the many undercover operations the Sect undertakes, he maintains absolute secrecy over their works from the Legion and Imperium at large.

**Focus -** The Legion employs a highly secretive cabal of tech-infiltrators that are sent ahead of Monastic Ascendant forces as pathfinders to spread chaos and disarray within enemy formations, or to infiltrate any allied factions such as the Mechanicum or other Legions to gather intel or allow smooth operations between the two.

Known only to the other Sect Lama's and the Primarch, this covert unit is focused on gathering as much intelligence as possible, on enemies and allies for use in battle-calculations as well as to acquire appropriate knowledge on routines, hidden technology and plans others might be making.

This group will consist of those marines who are suited for deep undercover work, and be expected to operate for months or years at a time alone or in small teams to complete an objective. Given some of the best technology, both from Imperial armouries and those artefacts found in Ganden’s superstructures, they carry out their task in complete secrecy for the betterment of their Legion and humanity.

**Strength -** The Artifice Sect comprise a minutely small number of astartes compared to the Legion as a whole, only having 5000~ within their ranks.

#### Sect of Prosperity

**Leader -** Yangtso

**Focus -** A sect entirely focused on the acquisition, study and development of technology, those marines within it's ranks are composed of more forward-thinking marines who will be able to turn technology to their whim.

While the mainstay of the this group's marines are composed of Gauss Scholars and reside on Ganden studying the mysterious superstructure hidden below the planet's surface, many members are marines with an equally voracious appetite for knowledge. The only part of the Sect's operations that are conducted beyond Ganden itself are the field-testers given special permission to assess a technology's worthiness against their enemies.

Several great strides have been made by the sect since the start of the Monastic Ascendant's joining the crusade, but they have remained relatively mundane, pertaining to logistical devices rather than weapons of war.

**Strength -** As another secretive part of the Legion, the Prosperity sect maintains a lower profile, in keeping with their brothers in the Sect of Artifice. They maintain 10,000~ marines overall.

### **Trainees**

Around 3000 trainee's are in various stages of their Ngondo Initio at any point. This is to maintain the Legion's healthy numbers, over-recruiting to more than make up for lost brothers in battle by order of Jinpa Sorth.

### **Company Structure**

Each company contains 12 Matrices each at as well as a significant armoury and motor pool to support operations. At the head of the Company is a Command Matrix, specifically made up of Harma-Synched Officers, Communications Specialists, Gauss Scholars, Apothecaries and Champions to guide the company as a whole.

The other 11 Matrices are made up of an adaptable group of marines of various roles and skills that allow them to take on a variety of threats as a singular unit and easily fit into a larger battlefield role when working with other squads.

Overseen by the Gauss Scholars is the Company’s pool of arms, armour and vehicles that can be assigned as necessary. The normal squad layout and the Legion at large mainly lean towards infantry-based combat but still use armoured vehicles and armoured assaults on occasion. This usually results in squads being assigned a specific vehicle (and crew) or dreadnought to support each other, whether that be to hunt down enemy vehicles or ambush an enemy with significantly more firepower supporting them.

### **Matrix Structure**

Squads or 'Matrixes' are made up of 12 individual marines with a variety of weapons and gear at their disposal. They represent a microcosm of the Legion as a whole with a central ‘commander’, usually a veteran sergeant or officer who has achieved Harma-Synch, maintaining control within the squad command-link and guides them. Two marines dedicated to scouting/sniping/spotting roles. Four marines tasked with heavy weaponry or demolitions and the final 5 marines with either tactical or assault loadouts and gear to fill the necessary of battlefield role.

### **Specialists**

#### Red Bars

Born from the old-guard of the Legion, the Red Bars are a group of veteran marksmen of the Legion who've proven themselves masters of long-range combat whether it be assassination or sending the enemy into disarray with lightning quick ambushes.

## **Legion Armoury**

### **Legion Weaponry**

#### 'Seran' Pattern Mortar

As with most mortar systems throughout human history, the one employed by the Monastic Ascendants is at it's base 2 tubes that, when fed ammunition, could output significant firepower. The details of the design however, are where the VIIth Legion had turn the Iron Revenants design to their own purpose.

#### Scythe Sniper Autocannon

The pinnacle of long-range, anti-personnel weaponry of the Legion, the Scythe is a holdover design from those days when they were cutting a path into the galaxy without their primogenitor. With a variety of ammunition and extreme range and penetration capability, it has been at the hands of many a Monastic Ascendant that despots, warlords and tyrants have met their unforseen end.

### **Legion Wargear**

#### Heavy Arm-Assist

Adopted as a method of improving weight distribution among Devastators, the HAA evolved into a cornerstone of heavy weapons gear within the VIIth Legion.

#### Cameleoline Cloak

A large sheet of cameleoline fabric that has been turned into a covering large enough for marines in full plate, the cloak allows them to blend into environments to better observe and execute their enemies through decisive strikes

#### Cresting Sun Disc

A powerful and versatile shield generator created through mysterious means, the Monastics creation seemingly absorbs energy weapons fire thrown at them and spits it back out with double the ferocity. Keeping veterans and command staff alike protected by shimmering halos of light, the required augmentation to fully utilise it is significant, but well worth it.

#### Modular Weapon System

Created as an experiment of the Sect of Structure to explore the adaptability of standardised Imperial designs, it went through multiple iterations and was developed alongside several other projects before the current iterations were made and released alongside the Legacy Pattern 2nd Generation Dreadnought.

##### **Mk25 MRS (Modular Rifle System)**

As the modular chassis upon which the Legacy's most formidable weapons are mounted, this set of grips, locks and targeting equipment form the reliable basis for many an interred marine's weaponry.

##### **Mk14 MPS (Modular Pistol System)**

A smaller version of the Mk25, the Mk14 is more akin to the integrated systems of the Legacy's cousin designs, with pairs of twin-linked weaponry or other heavy weapons capable of being wielded in each hand.

### Samding Pagmo Helm

A specialised helm for Monastic commanders, the Samding Pagmo is a gift for commanders who have shown great promise and foresight in strategic planning and battlefield control.

### **Legion Vehicle Pool**

#### 'Heavens-Fall' Mortar Vehicle

A mobile and versatile support vehicle, the Heavens-Fall is a heavy mortar platform made to harass and destroy the enemy from a distance before repositioning themselves to avoid any effective counter-attack.

#### 'Legacy' Pattern 2nd Generation Dreadnought

Born from the tense relationship with Mars reaching a breaking point, the Legacy is a new Pattern created by the minds of the VIIth Legion to fill the glaring hole in their armoury. Standing taller, tougher and more adaptable than their Martian cousin designs, causing consternation amongst their the Red Adepts and fear within those xenos unlucky enough to stand against them.

## **Notable Monastic Ascendants**

* **Tenzin -** Primarch of the Monastic Ascendants
* **Jinpa Sorth** – Sect of Lineage Lama
* **Braytak Isolah** – Sect of Insight Lama, Equerry to the Primarch, Shepherd of the Nexihsattva
* **Dorje** – Sect of Structure Lama
* **Turhesh** - Sect of Artifice Lama
* **Yangtso** – Sect of Prosperity Lama
* **Legacy Dreadnought Palden** - Interred Legionary, Sect of Structure

## **Legion Fleet**

* Gloriana Class - ***Finality of Self***
* Retaliator Class Grand Cruiser – ***The Column of Spring***

## **Legion Relics**

***Dkarporian Spear*** - A mysterious launcher weapon that surfaced in the early days of the Monastic Ascendants restructuring under Tenzin, the Dkaporian Spear is a weapon of singular focus and devastation.

## **Legion Appearance**

The standard Monastic Ascendant armour scheme is rather simple, with the majority being unpainted ceramite grey with gold trimming and orange accents. While there are more ostentatious colour schemes and uniforms within the Ascendants hierarchy, they tend to leave that for formal occasions. The majority of their armour is left the unpainted ceramite grey or covered with environment appropriate colour to better blend in.

## **Notable Quotes**

*"'The truth of the humanity is that we are, all of us, frail, but that frailty breeds the deepest courage.' the Nexihsattva teaches us that as human and transhuman alike may lack in certain aspects of ourselves, but it is by facing these impairments and rising above them that we can face any challenge presented to us. To outsiders we may seem to be a contemplative and laborious lot by nature, bound in our recitals and moral musings. Be not afraid then friends, for all our mental rigours are simply our way of trying to be the best we can, to carve a path to a better future for all those who follow in our bloody shadow. Soon too it will be your turn, to look to your fellow man, help him to his feet and challenge himself to look inward, until all of humanity is standing tall, their fears and doubts banished, to courageously step into the future."*

**-Gen La 127th Company Lama, Sect of Insight, addressing the recently liberated peoples of Melchior**