Kasrkin - History: The Cadian Shock Troops are already known throughout the Imperium as a highly-skilled and disciplined force, so the ranks of the Kasrkin are truly amongst the best of the best in the Astra Militarum. Many potential recruits for the Kasrkin were chosen at a young age when they were still serving as Whiteshields (new recruits) in the Cadian Planetary Defence Forces within the Cadian Youth Army.Those who are chosen must first prove themselves in the Cadian Shock Troops and become hardened veterans before they are guided to the Kasrkin. Punishing regimes of additional training in the harshest warzones tempers each Kasrkin into a hardened fighter who is capable of facing the horrors of battle in the 41st Millennium.To serve in the Kasrkin is a great honour, for they are amongst the finest troops in the Imperium. However, much is expected of such warriors -- the Kasrkin are constantly placed in the fiercest fighting, sent into battle against deadly foes, and relied upon to act above and beyond the call of duty in the Emperor's name. The roll of valour for the Kasrkin is long and well-respected, for they are warriors of exceptional courage. Many times, the tide of battle has been turned by the precise firepower and iron discipline of the Kasrkin.Kasrkin are highly trained in the use of numerous heavy weapons, and are entrusted with special wargear of high quality and rare craftsmanship such as their Hellguns and Hotshot Lasguns, which are much more powerful versions of the normal Lasgun used by regular Guardsmen. They wear Carapace Armor and helmets sealed for hazardous environments. This armour also deflects and absorbs incoming projectiles far better than standard Astra Militarum Flak Armour.Kasrkin are also given minor biological modifications, increasing their resilience while allowing them to move quickly despite their heavier gear. Kasrkin sergeants often wield rare and powerful wargear more commonly used by Astra Militarum officers, such as Power Swords and hot-shot Laspistols. The Kasrkin can carry special weapons suited to their assault role on the battlefield and exceptional marksmanship, including Plasma Guns, Meltaguns, Grenade Launchers, and Flamers.True to their nature as Grenadiers, the Kasrkin carry both Frag Grenades and Krak Grenades and are extensively trained in the use of these weapons. Some chroniclers amongst the Tactica Imperialis have recorded a number of difficult firefights in the Kasrkin's history that were resolved by the creative application of grenades.Even when Kasrkin troopers are not equipped with their full panoply of war, they are still instantly recognisable. Aside from their heavily-muscled physiques, they all bear the brand of the Caducades sea eagle on their necks, marking them out as members of the Cadian elite. The Kasrkin also have a distinct ethos of duty and honour that is impressive for members of the Astra Militarum, who are usually far more interested simply in staying alive.Whereas the standard Storm Trooper is looked down upon by many different regiments of Imperial Guardsmen for their elite status, the Kasrkin are looked upon with great favour among the standard regiments of Cadian Shock Troops.After generation upon generation of conflict against the terrors of the Warp and the mortal champions of the Ruinous Powers, the Kasrkin have become extremely regimented in their thinking, and regard the strict culture of lost Cadia as a critical mental defence against such horrors.They are the ultimate warriors of the Astra Militarum who fought against the forces of Chaos, having led the charge in the failed defence of Cadia from the forces of Abaddon's 13th Black Crusade in ca. 999.M41. To be a Kasrkin is to hold a position of honour, and all Cadians recognise this truth and the role they played in defending their lost world.