Red Talons

Pre-Heresy Red Talons armourial with Legion Iconography

Sarlock (Revenant) Kaltak, 23rd Arlok

In the past, the **Red Talons**, (or the Maghk Kor in their language), were perhaps one of the more eccentric Legions of the Legiones Astartes to come from the Black Halo. Known to be reclusive and cold, the Red Talons do not deal in human emotions or the weakness of flesh but rather in cold calculations and the strength of metal. With cold indifference, they decimate enemy battlelines with calculated firing solutions and remove limbs with precise blade strikes while at the same time shrugging off otherwise lethal blows with their physiology that is augmented by bionics often to a point where they are more machine than human. The reason being, many have suggested, is the Legion’s surprising loathing, or fear, of dying; compounded by their low numbers due to a fatal genetic defect that means replacing casualties is difficult.

Even with their Primarch’s discovery, this flaw did not disappear; meaning desperate measures had to be taken. Perhaps there is a reason for the Red Talon’s secrecy; for they harbour dark secrets within their silent ranks that would surely see them undone if ever discovered. The most glaring questions being: why do so many Legionaries reemerge after being reported as slain? And why are their ships so hot?

Due to their small numbers, the Red Talons do not readily engage in open warfare but rather divide their numbers over a wide area to attack their foes from anywhere: preferring sudden drop assaults and fast armoured vehicles to strike and fade without warning. Augmenting their bodies with bionics and servo-weaponry to increase their survival and lethality, the Red Talons prove an unstoppable tide of steel and wrath.

Ultimately, the secrecy of the Red Talons would come to haunt the Imperium for they revealed their true allegiance on Mars. Chaos. They ravaged the Red Planet, pillaging its Forge Cities of technology, until they were finally stopped by the Star Dragons and Salga was slain by Qin Rh-Huang. Unfortunately, the traitors escaped to the outskirts of the Eye of Terror with their Primarch's corpse and hoard of technology where they reside still, creating blasphemous machinery and conducting horrific experiments to accelerate the demise of the Imperium and to attain true immortality. Today, they are infamous and hated amongst the other legions.

## History

### Black Knights

The Black Halo is the formation of ten Legions, consisting of Legions XXI through XXX, which are responsible for providing tactical support to the first 20 as well as guarding and maintaining Mankind's most endangered zones. These Legions consist of the Emperor's most fearsome, grim and unorthodox marines. Those who are part of the Black Halo are referred to as 'Black Knights'. However, like the first twenty Primarchs, the new ten Primarchs were scattered across the Galaxy; resulting in the Legions forming their own identities for a time. The 23rd Legion's, the Bulwark, function was to be a workhorse Legion; filling gaps in defenses and battle lines in support of their fellow Legions. However, the Bulwark was quickly undone by a fatal flaw.

Perhaps due to the rush in their creation, or through other means, the Bulwark's gene seed was unstable. So unstable that implantation had a 70% mortality rate; making it nigh impossible for the Bulwark to replace losses, let alone fulfill their function. To even avoid extinction, the Bulwark did everything they could to maximize survivability. Alas, they only barely kept them alive. All the Legion could do, was hope their Primarch would be find soon.

They did not have to wait long.

### Virin Darik

Hel was a world that should have blown apart ages ago. Yet, either by some miracle or the careless designs of some decadent power, the cold world was literally held together by metal pillars and causeways that prevented Hel from shattering long after it's core froze solid. Furthermore, there somehow were still people eking out a miserable life. Enclaves of people travelling the ruined world in constant wars for dwindling resources and warmth. It had been this way for untold years. The only thing that changed was when a meteor fell from the sky: and someone emerged from it.

His name was Salga Karbrae and he woke up in the middle of a war.

Multiple scavenger clans descended upon the meteor to loot its ores. However, what they found was a metal pod with a baby inside it. Trouble was they only realised this when a shot was fired. And so Karbrae earned his first scar. It would not be his last.

At first Karbrae was taken by the victorious clan as a servant. However he grew up quickly, becoming a giant in months, and then left of his own volition. No one could stop him. And so Karbrae walked the world and learned from it; in his travels he attracted followers who knew they had a good chance of survival if they stuck with him, though Karbrae could care less for them. He scarred his body fighting through raiders, ancient machinery and untold horrors. He burned his body working angry forges and insane sciences. As he learned, he discarded his humanity in both mind and body. He augmented his already superhuman physic with bionics and metal to the point that he hid his disfigured face behind a mask of metal and saw the world through eyes that returned data streams and reports. People became data to him. Just means to an end where any sacrifice had to be made just to live another day. Eventually Karbrae calculated that uniting the clans and pooling their resources together was the only logical way to keep alive. So he did that and built his citadel above the dead core of Hel. In that core was a vault; only Karbrae would enter it though he often took people with him; only he returned. In there were dark secrets best left forgotten; but Karbrae wanted it all. So he learned more and lost more of his humanity.

Then the Emperor came. Karbrae did not calculate that.

The Emperor spoke with Karbrae. The cold unfeeling mind revealed the truth of the Emperor to Karbrae and thus they spoke as equals. Although no one knows what they spoke of; it is clear Karbrae calculated that joining the Imperium would make survival high.

### The Primarch returns

When Karbrae returned to his Legion; he found them on their last legs. With his genetic material the Legion was able to restore their gene seed though the flaw would not go away. No matter how much Karbrae experimented; even opening the bodies of his own sons to find a solution, he could not fix the problem. Eventually, he became desperate and returned to Hel. He opened the vault and turned the Keys of Hel.

In a decade, the Bulwark was no more. In their place stood the silent cybernetic Astartes of the Red Talons. Though their numbers remained small by Legion standards, they bolstered their size with Mechanicum assets and their own menials.

## Legion Homeworld

The Red Talons' homeworld is the dead planet of Hel. Orbiting a dying star, the world is literally held apart by metal built around its solidified, frozen, core and its inhabitants live a miserable life as they try to survive the brutal days. After the events of the Heresy, the Red Talons personally saw to the destruction of Hel; tearing apart their own homeworld to secure the Vault of Hel and transport it into the Eye of Terror.

The Red Talons relocated to the Hel-Forge of Torlanaka from where they conduct their experiments and crafting of terrible engines. The tomb of Salga Karbrae is located in the highest of the Tek-Citadels above the Vaults of Hel.

## Legion Organisation

The Red Talons are divided into 30 "Arloks" (Helish for Clans) consisting of roughly 2,000 Legionaries each. The first five Arloks are considered the elite of the Legion.

### Ranks

#### Officer Ranks

* **Gyr'Garak -** Gyr'Garaks are the commanders of the Arloks; master logicians and strategists who can formulate battle plans in seconds and modulate them as the battle rages on. While the two groups are often meant to be apart; it is common for Technomancers to also take this rank.
* **Gar'Darik -** Gar'Darik's are the captains of the Cadres within an Arlok; there are four Captains in each Arlok; commanding at least 500 marines. The Gar'Dariks act more as instruments of the Gyr'Garak's will and rarely disobey any order.
* **Gor'Slaka -** Gor'Slakas are sergeants.

#### Line Ranks

* **Sarlock -** Officially Sarlocks do not exist in the annals of the Red Talons, for were the outsiders to know it could spell their doom. Inside the Legion, the Sarlocks, or Revenants, are the walking corpses of marines slain in battle and resurrected through augmentic reconstruction via the mysterious use of the Keys of Hel. These silent revenants advance on their foe with silent intent; soaking up mortal wounds with little reaction before unleashing their own firepower on a terrified enemy. Any Sarlock that falls in battle is simply taken back to the forges where they are rebuilt and sent out into battle again. Despite this horrifying state; the Red Talons Sarlocks as a state to attain; never dying and never tiring.
* **Darosk -** Darosks are Veteran marines; specialising as the elite of the Arloks as well as comprising the first five Arloks. As expected; these heavily augmented warriors have access to the finest wargear; such as Terminator armour.
* **Slaka -** Slaka is the term for common rank Legionaries.

#### Specialist Ranks

* **Harokly -** Due to the Red Talons obsession for bionics, it is little wonder their Apothecaries became so skilled at combining the two arts together. When their Primarch was returned to them; this became solidified in the form of the Harokly; or better known as Technomancers; Apothecaries and, eventually, Chaplains merged into one role to suit the need of the Legion. Becoming the healers of the Legion in spirit and body the Technomancers play a vital part: taking the ruined bodies of marines and restoring them with metal limbs and steel organs. Other times they reclaim the bodies of the slain and restore them in secret and blasphemous rituals that sees dead marines walk once more through cybernetic resurrection as the Sarlocks. In battle, the Harokly lead the Revenants into battle; guiding the undead marines to purpose while hordes of servitors aid them in vehicle, and marine repairs. Outside of war, the Harokly see to the mental and physical wellbeing of their Legionaries, be them alive or... less than.

* **Killasc -** Although the Keys of Hel have saved the Red Talons from the Red Talons with the promise of cybernetic resurrection; the process is not perfect. Sometimes, the resurrected Legionaries come out *wrong*; the pain of death remains until it drives them feral. These Killascs, or Ghouls, are simply used as cannon fodder to throw the enemy into disorientation before the main force swoops in. Disturbingly; these insane marines somehow develop a cannibalistic tendency and eat their flesh of the fallen in order to recycle the weak flesh for a better purpose. Even more disturbingly; should no foe be present then the Ghouls fall on their own.
* **Golzak Virin-** The Golzak Virin are a mysterious circle within the Legion. These "Forge Tyrants" rule over the forges that produce much of the Red Talons' equipment and warriors. Because of their position, standing just under the Primarch himself in the Hierarchy; their authority is nigh absolute. Of this circle, Kralnon Malak is the leading member whilst being under Salga Karbrae.

### Glis

Slakas are split into three groups referred to as a "Glis": Takaglis, Salaglis, and Dagaglis. These Glises are the alternate form of Tactical Designations for the Legion. Takaglis are the Tactical Legionaries, Salagis are the Assault Legionaries and the Dagaglis are the heavy support Legionaries. Due to their low numbers and effeciency, each Legionary is trained in all three Glises and are able to switch between the roles as needed.

### Mechanicum Assets

Despite to their Primarch's technological background, it is surprising the Red Talons actually have a cold relation with the Mechanicum as the Legion's secretive nature means there is little chance for the Tech Priests of Mars to get a foothold beyond standard interactions. Even so, many Forge Worlds, of an unorthodox position, have forged some ties with the mysterious Red Talons; devoting Skitarii and servitors to the Legion in exchange for aid in the recovery of artefacts without the judging eyes of Mars.

However, there is belief amongst the Mechanicum and outsiders that some maniples, and even whole Forge Worlds, hold an odd sort of loyalty to the Legion that is higher than that to Mars. No answer has come to this question; especially when tech priests with outspoken critisicm to the Red Talons mysteriously change their tune.

### Menials

To further augment their combat strength; the Red Talons routinely use their own serfs as cannon fodder and diversion units to soak up enemy fire while the Astartes attack from elsewhere. Menials are frequently augmented with bionics to grant some level of protection in battle; though obviously it is a minor raise.

## Legion Combat Doctrine

To be facing the Red Talons is to be against death. The Red Talons may be a small Legion but the firepower they have at their disposal rivals that of the bigger Legions.

## Legion Gene Seed

For reasons unknown, the gene seed of the Red Talons is exceptionally unstable, with a 70% mortality rate in the implantation process and a high chance of mutation. The only reason the 23rd even survived was because of a large aspirant intake and larger gene banks than usual due to the assumption the planned Workhorse Legion would work as intended. However, the gene seed was surprisingly acceptive of even wide-scale bionics with an almost 0% chance of rejection. Therefore, the Red Talons replaced any mutated organs and limbs with bionics as well as augmenting their survivability and combat effectiveness to ensure ill-afforded losses were reduced.

The extreme hatred the Red Talons hold for the weaknesses of the flesh is believed to gloss over an underlying psychological fear of their physical form. As a Red Talons Space Marine matures, that hatred and fear grows ever stronger, resulting in more extreme mechanisations of the Astartes' body. Doubtless that the origin of this fear is the gene flaw that crippled the Red Talons numbers for a long time. It would seem the flaw is rendered moot by the extreme bionic replacements.

When Salga Karbrae was united with his Legion, his arrival help lessen the effects of the gene flaw but could not undo it. Therefore he turned to the forbidden tech-vaults of Hel to find solutions. Whether he knew that by turning the Keys of Hel would damn his Legion or not none can say but the result was a success and he found his answer.

After the events of the Raid on Mars, the Red Talons' gene seed has largely remained free of warp taint thanks to efforts undertaken by Kralnon Malak, but it was subjected to intense genetic experimentation to the point that it is nigh unrecognizable from its original base.

## Notable Members

* **Salga Karbrae**

* **Kralnon Malak** - Kralnon Malak is the First Captain and Arch-Technomancer of the Red Talons. The Red Talons' quest for immortality goes far back to the Legion's roots as the Bulwark, yet there are none who embody it more so than Kralnon Malak. One of the first sons of Hel to be recruited, Malak quickly found himself as one of the establishing members of the Harokly and the highest member of the Golzak Virin, second only to Salga Karbrae himself. So close were they that it is said Karbrae personally saw to the resurrection of Malak after his demise; using him as the test subject of the Keys of Hel. So blessed was he that Malak would never experience true death or demotion to the Sarlocks; continually becoming more and more machine as his tally of deaths climbed. Eventually there was little flesh remaining and Malak was placed into the chassis of the Leviathan Dreadnought; upon which he augmented and outfitted while retaining his sanity and mind. When Karbrae was slain on Mars it was Malak who led the recovery of his corpse and fled with it to their new daemon-forge of Torlanaka. Malak is now the de-facto leader of the Red Talons; ascending to a daemonic form that merged flesh and metal together, and leads the Legion on their bigger campaigns when he is not overseeing the construction of blasphemous technologies or leading raids on Imperial Forge Worlds or Necron Tomb Worlds. However his biggest project is the resurrection of Salga Karbrae, for Malak refuses to give up on the one man who never gave up on him. And some whisper he's getting closer to success.

## Legion Appearance

### Pre-Heresy Legion Colours

The Red Talons primarily wear arterial red coloured power armour. When worn, the Aquila or Imperialis worn on the plastron (chest guard) is silver in colour. A black coloured, open-faced squad specialty symbol is stenciled on the right armorial inset, indicating a Legionary's assigned squad specialty (Devastator, Destroyer, Assault, Tactical, Veteran or Command). A unique black coloured clan symbol is painted upon one of their poleyns, indicating a Legionary's assigned 'Arlok' (or clan).

### Pre-Heresy Legion Badge

The Red Talons' Legion badge takes the form of a red coloured stylised talon within a black roundel, centered on a field of red.