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+++INTRODUCTION+++ The Crusade of Spite was a retroactively declared Black Templars crusade spanning the years 912 to 927M41. It began as an one-hundred-and-fifty Astartes strong force that by ill-fate became stranded in the Matteus Subsector. Under the leadership of Marshal Tornelius Farro, the crusade included many engagements across the subsector, and all were effortlessly resolved by their intervention. Though the Black Templars were greatly dissatisfied with these mundane conflicts, the emergence of a greater threat would restore their exuberance. Entrenched Black Templars engage greenskins on Black Jewel (917M41) +++A TURBULENT ARRIVAL+++ The Black Templars fleet comprised the Strike Cruisers Emperor’s Chosen and Faith and Fire, as well as five escort frigates. Spread between the two cruisers were fighting companies Holy Hammer and Sacred Shield. The fleet had departed the Redstone System (on the rim-ward side of the Eye of Terror) for the long trek to the Eastern Fringe. Unfortunately, their fleet was caught in a warp storm en route, forcing them back to realspace. It was fortuitous for the Space Marines that they re-emerged within Imperial borders, just outside the Matteus Epsilon System. The local Imperial facilities provided assistance to the ravaged starships, where the extent of the damage was elucidated. Two frigates were destroyed, the Faith and Fire’s Navigator was killed, and all Astropaths were lost to the madness of the Immaterium. At least a decade of repairs and replacement psykers were required until the fleet could continue its journey. Without the chapter-sanctioned Astropaths, Marshal Farro had no means of communication with the High Marshal. For now, they were stranded in the Matteus Subsector. +++SIXTEEN YEARS OF SPITE+++ Duty is not always glorious, rarely so in fact. Measure your deeds not by its glory, but by your service to Him. - Chaplain Aurigorus, during a sermon to Black Templars prior to the Second Quell of Asoka. Despite the damage to their ships, the Black Templars fighting companies suffered no losses. To maintain the vigour of his battle-brothers, Marshal Farro offered the services of his knights to the local Imperial worlds, many of which were dealing with persistent xeno and heretical incursions. With the bulk of the fleet moored in the Matteus Epsilon system, the Emperor’s Chosen alone would translate to the other star systems to render assistance to the Imperial settlements. Holy Hammer and Sacred Shield redistributed their forces as needed between them to intervene in the myriad conflicts in the Subsector. A Whirlwind battery prepares to bombard rebel positions on Asoka (920M41) As no crusade was officially declared by their High Marshal, no battle-brother was bestowed the mantle of Emperor’s Champion. +++THE ARENAS OF CONFLICT+++ There were several arenas of battle for the Black Templars during their tenure in the Matteus Subsector. The five major arenas are detailed below: The Heresy on Dakota Minor (913M41) An unchecked heretic cult results in several companies of DMDC turning from the Imperium. Lord-Governor Hastings Freeman requests the Space Marines obliterate them, to avoid further defections and to maintain his authority. The Denial in Sartoria’s orbit (916M41) The Emperor’s Chosen joined with the Matteus Battlegroup to intercept a Steel Reaver fleet inbound for Sartoria. Thanks to the tenacity and expertise of the Black Templars, the Steel Reavers were denied their invasion pan and forced to retreat. Land Speeder Squadron "Storm of Piety" outflanks the Ork horde on Black Jewel (917M41) The Cleanse on Black Jewel (917-918M41) A persistent Ork infestation had again exploded to unmanageable levels. With the Asokan Rifles stretched thin, the Templars lay waste to the xeno holdouts via a combination of orbital bombardment and skimmer raids. The Quells on Asoka (914M41, 920M41) The various agri-worker guilds on Asoka conglomerated and sparked an continent-wide uprising. Lord-Governess Yvonne Lawson twice petitioned the black knights to eradicate the agri-worker holdouts, to which they obliged with great zeal. The Purge on MagaII (924-925M41) A warband of Orks had taken root in the cavernous world of Matteus Gamma II (“Magall”), despite the thin atmosphere. It would take sixteen months for the Black Templars to fully purge the vast network of greenskins. Assault Squad "Pious Decimators" outflank an Ork armour column on Magall (925M41) +++AFTERMATH+++ ”Exterminate the xenos filth, then return to us. The crusade of spite is over, brother. Lead the Barbed Gate Crusade to glory.” - High Marshal Kordhel’s astropathic message to Marshal Farro (927M41) The sixteen-year ordeal was grating for Marshal Farro, who was eager to move on from the system and its minor invasions, insurrections and infestations. He longed for a true challenge and triumph over the enemies of Man, as well as the long overdue reunion with the chapter. The Marshal’s prayers would be answered in 927M41: the invasion of Barbed Gate by Splinter Fleet Zahhak, coinciding with the arrival of sanctioned Astropaths for his fleet. Farro communed with the High Marshal Kordhel, whom decreed the start of a new crusade against the Tyranid menace. A decree taken by the Marshal Farro and his battle-brothers with renewed faith and enthusiasm. Marshal Farro, charging alongside his battle-brothers on Barbed Gate (927M41) +++END ARTICLE+++

+++ INTRODUCTION +++ The Defence of Dakota Minor was a series of conflicts in 884M41, that saw the Imperium defending the Matteus Subsector’s primary food provider against invaders. With only a token battlefleet and planetary defence force to protect it, Dakota Minor was expected to fall to the invaders in less than three months. Fortunately, intervention by local Astra Militarum regiments and the Adeptus Astartes saw the invasion quelled and the planet secured for the Imperium. The first theatre of conflict was the defence of the city Dakota Primus, against the opportunistic and nimble Ork Waaagh! ChoppaTide. Imperial forces counter-assault a rabble of Orks after they breached the outer defences of Dakota Primus. +++ ORK INVASION OF DAKOTA MINOR +++ It is unknown why Waaagh! ChoppaTide showed such interest in the fecund world of Dakota Minor. As a minor civilised world with significant foodstuff production (albeit far lower than a true Agri-World), it is suspected they were simply enthusiastic about the food supplies on the planet, as well as seeing a good opportunity to engage in the “sport” of war. An Ork Stormboy charges head-on into a squad of DMDC guardsmen. The Warning: Day minus 13 Local astropathic choirs intercepted the Ork psychic missives detailing an intent to “pillage a food-stuffed world”. The planet's Lord-Governor, Hastings Freeman, was convinced of the threat and ordered a Sector-wide astropathic alarm calling for assistance. The Navis Imperialis forces were the first to arrive in orbit ten days later. The Matteus Delta Battlegroup (a detachment of Battlefleet Agripinna) formed a defensive perimeter in anticipation of Ork arrivals from the expected Mandeville points. Meanwhile, the Asokan Rifles and Sartorian Rangers regiments of the Astra Militarum declared their intent to aid in the defence, but would take several weeks to arrive. For now, the only surface defenders were the Dakota Minor Defence Corps (DMDC). The Incursion: Day Zero The Ork scrap-fleet of Waaagh! ChoppaTide approached Dakota Minor from the blind side of the parent gas giant, triggering the planet’s orbital alarms. The Matteus Delta Battlegroup were forced to quickly redeploy their battleships in attempt to intercept the Ork fleet. Physical map of Dakota Primus and surrounding regions, with force deployments and movements in the first few days of the Ork invasion (884M41). The Orks seized the advantage and charged past the meagre Imperial defences, making planetfall via their Roks. Landing in the Adatok Wastelands, they assembled their tribes and scrap columns, and advanced on the human settlements. A small contingent of Orks marched north-east towards the hydroponic hive 2-Xi, but would be promptly interdicted by the stationed DMDC regiments. The bulk of the Ork Waaagh! headed south towards Dakota Primus. The remaining Ork kroozers and gunboats continued to engage the Imperials in orbit. Despite preparing for a head-on engagement, the Imperial fleet were instead drawn into a series of hit-and-run maneouvres that lasted eighty days before a victor was determined. The Amassing: Day 2 to 8 The bulk of the Orks rallied for eight days in the Adatok Wastelands, just at the outskirts of Dakota Primus. Their leader, Warboss Gruzka Koptadrilla, was intent on building their strength before committing to an all-out assault on the hive. Imperial forces, equally unconfident, prepared their defences in anticipation of an assault. Many skirmishes, artillery barrages and air raids occured between the armies in the interim, but were inconsequential. An Ork fighter-bomber begins a strafing run on the outer defences of Dakota Primus It was on the eighth day that the Lord-Governor’s astropathic pleas were responded to by an unexpected ally: the Salamanders chapter of the Adeptus Astartes. The DMDC high command were excited by this development, and could not help but spread the word: the Emperor's Angels were coming. +++ SIEGE OF DAKOTA PRIMUS BEGINS +++ Lookie there at all da grub deez ‘umies have for us! Mount up, lads! Da mighty feast awaits us! - Warboss Gruzka Koptadrilla, addressing his tribes before setting out to Dakota Primus. Aboard his "kustom deff-kopta", Warboss Gruzka Koptadrilla warcry marked the start of the Dakota Primus siege. Squadrons of rotorcraft, scrap-vehicles, and jetpack-equipped warriors hurled themselves at the scrambling Imperial defences. Siege of the North Wall: Day 9 to 12 The Ork assault began on the north defensive wall of Dakota Primus. As Ork artillery pummeled the wall sections and emplacements, a combination of hit-and-run attacks by skimmers and foot-slogging warriors wittled away at the defenders. The DMDC forces did their best to hold them off for three days, but were eventually overwhelmed. The lack of experience and armaments made it impossible for the Imperials to hold back the tenacious invaders. The North Wall Breached: Day 12 to 15 The northern gate was breached on the twelfth day, giving the Orks free access to the city centre via St Celestine's Highway. Having exposed the weakness in the Imperial’s defences, Warboss Koptadrilla convoyed his forces through the highway and deeper into the hive. The invading forces of Waaagh! ChoppaTide charge forward into the hive of Dakota Primus along St Celestine’s Highway With the promise of "His Angels' intervention" yet to come to fruition, morale amongst the DMDC was shattered. Commanders struggle to rally their forces, resulting in disordered fighting withdrawals deeper into the hive. Strategic estimates were re-evaluated to five days until Dakota Primus fell to the Orks. Unbeknownst to the people of Dakota Minor, divine intervention was not far away… +++ ARTICLE CONTINUES IN PART II +++

+++ INTRODUCTION +++ The Defence of Dakota Minor was a series of conflicts in 884M41, that saw the Imperium defending the Matteus Subsector’s primary food provider against invaders. With only a token battlefleet and planetary defence force to protect it, Dakota Minor was expected to fall to the invaders in less than three months. Fortunately, intervention by local Astra Militarum regiments and the Adeptus Astartes saw the invasion quelled and the planet secured for the Imperium. The first theatre of conflict was the defence of the city Dakota Primus, culminating with the last stand in the city's centre known as the Bastion. The "Forge Brethren" (Salamanders 5th Company, 5th Tactical Squad) hold ground against an Ork onslaught, as the DMDC soldiers continue their withdrawal. +++ THE LAST STAND AT THE BASTION +++ Despite the assistance of the Salamanders, the Imperials could not stop the numerous Orks' advance through the city. What had worked against the Orks was the narrowing of passages and blockage of easy-access routes toward the city centre, preventing their vehicles from going further. Driven by impatience and the chase of the good fight, the greenskins contently abandoned their vehicles and proceeded on foot. Ork invaders proceed on foot through the narrowed passages towards the Bastion, leaving their scrap-vehicles behind. The Bastion - Day 54 to 63 The Imperial forces rallied at the Bastion, the heart of Dakota Primus. They prepared for what would be the Ork's final assault, knowing that defeat would ensure Ork control of the city. Imperial elements were positioned at key points in or around the Bastion: defending infrastructure, guarding cilivian shelters or establishing kill-zones in alleyways. The Salamanders continued to distribute their forces amongst the Imperial forces, sometimes only one per DMDC platoon or at most a non-contiguous combat squad. Salamanders and DMDC forces defend the entrance to civilian shelter "N5". The first few days saw numerous skirmishes and probing attacks against the Imperial defences. Slowly but surely the defenders were wittled down, either slain at their posts or forced to withdraw in a staggered manner. Even the Adeptus Astartes were overwhelmed by the onslaught; their genetic enhancements were no matter for the Ork's weight of numbers. As such, they too joined the DMDC soldiers in their withdrawal. Little did the Imperials know that the Orks had in fact exhausted the bulk of their own forces attempting to penetrate the city. Realising that they had overextended themselves, the Warboss fled the city with his deffkopta fleet to rearm and rally the remaining Orks at their Rok landing site. Thousands of overly excited Orks and gretchin were left behind, with nowhere left to go but forward. The Final Stand - Day 64 The Emperor and His Angels are watching. Let none of us be found wanting! For Dakota Minor! For the Emperor! - Lord-Governor Hastings Freeman addressing the DMDC soldiers on the Bastion’s paraphets. By the sixty-fourth day, the Imperial defenders were pushed to the base of the Bastion's centre spire. The Salamanders had lost few of their own, but the DMDC's casualties were significant and few remained to defend the spire. To make up the shortfall, Lord-Governor Freeman ordered the various labour guilds and unions to be pressed into service. Thousand of Imperial citizens who had spend their entire life as farmers, labourers and fertiliser producers took up lasguns in defence of their world. Able men and women of the Agri-Labour League (left, centre) and the AmSul Cooks (right), needed to take up arms against the final Ork push. With gleeful abandon, the Orks launched their assault knowing it would be their last great fight. The Salamanders were conditioned for the assault, but with boltguns and flamers running empty they struggled to hold the enemy back. The DMDC soldiers and citizen militia fought back with lasgun and bayonet, but man-to-Ork they were still inferior fighters. In short time, the Imperials were engulfed by greenskins; even the Lord-Goveror and the DMDC command staff were surrounded. Captain R'Keth and Lord-Governor Freeman, along with the remaining Imperial defenders, make their last stand at the Bastion. It was then that intervention of another kind arrived on Dakota Minor. On the same day, reinforcements hailing from the Asokan Rifles and Sartorian Rangers had arrived in orbit. Tens of thousands of soldiers grav-chuted into the city to support the beleaguered defenders of Dakota Primus. The jubilant Orks were undeterred, but still were bested by the superior and freshly supplied firepower. With the battle now tilted in the other direction, the Imperials began coordinated efforts to push the Orks out of the city centre, and continue on to sweep the outer hive districts and destroy any remaining Ork presence. It would take another one-hundred-and-thirty days before the city was declared "Ork-free". +++ AFTERMATH AND LEGACY +++ The reprieve provided by the Sartorian Rangers and Asokan Rifles allowed the remaining defenders to rally and push the Orks out of the city and back into the Adatok Wastelands. Captain R'Keth convened with the human leadership and emphasised the need to maintain momentum to ensure the Orks' total defeat. With their combined might, the Imperial forces began their counter-attack to destroy the xenos invaders and stop the invasion. By the end of the war, it was estimated that thirty-seven percent of the city was destroyed or damaged; it would take six decades until it was rebuild to its original state. The battle of Dakota Primus would become a integral part of the city's culture. The Imperial victory imbued a newfound pride and confidence in the local populace, and created many tales of heroism, defiance and His Angels' interventions. Most notably, pict-recordings of Lord-Governor Freeman combating the Orks would be used for propaganda profusely for decades to come. One of many propaganda posters featuring Lord-Governor Freeman during the battle for Dakota Primus. +++ ARTICLE CONTINUES IN PART IV +++

+++ INTRODUCTION +++ The Matteus Delta system contains the more fertile and hospitable worlds of the Matteus Subsector. The seat of subsector governance and authority is situated here, and much of the foodstuffs and local labour is sourced from the worlds. The system would see its share of turmoil during "The Strifes" but would survive relatively unscathed until late M41. Visualisation of the Matteus Delta star system, showing the three key planets and satellite, and their relative orbital positions. Star System Data (as of 884M41): Segmentum: Obscurus Sector: Agripinaa Subsector: Matteus Star: Matteus Delta (yellow star) Major Celestial Objects/Phenomena: - Matteus Delta I (dead world) - Asoka (civilised world) - Dakota (gas giant); parent of: - Dakota Minor (civilised world) - 14 satellites (dead worlds/asteroids) System Governance: Lord-Governess: Yvonne Lawson Ruling House/Family: Lawson Guild Loyalty: Imperium of Man (Imperial Cult) Capital World: Asoka System Military (as of 884M41) System Defence Forces: - Asokan Rifles - SD Corps: - 120 infantry, armour and support divisions (approx. 450 thousand soldiers) Navis Imperialis: - Battlefleet Agripinaa - Matteus Delta Battlegroup - Dictator-class Cruiser "Triumph of Ragnar" - 3 Dauntless-class Frigates - 6 Cobra-class Frigates +++ MATTEUS DELTA I - DEAD WORLD +++ Matteus Delta I is a Dead World too close to the system's star for large-scale habitation. Its crust is rich in rare minerals; various high concentration deposits are mined and processed by the Adeptus Mechanicus, and then exported from the Subsector for further processing and use on various Forge Worlds. Matteus Delta I. Planetary Data (as of 884M41): Satellites: None Planet Classification: Dead World Population: 4 thousand humans, estimated 17 thousand servitors Imperial Tithe Grade: Solutio Extremis First Colony Established: 099M40 Orbital Radius: 5.20 x 107 km (semi-major axis) Period: 72 days (0.20 Terran years) Rotation: Tidally locked (1:1) Physics: Low-iron/silicate composition, high-iron ferronickel core Radius: 2221 km (0.35 × Terra) Gravity: 4.01 m/s2 (0.41 × Terra) Atmosphere: Trace Planetary Governance: Lord-Viceroy: Lord-Commander Federick Toron (to Asokan Lord-Governess) Capital City/Hive: n/a Planet Military (as of 884M41) Planetary Defence Forces: - Asokan Rifles - PD Corps: -2 infantry divisions, 2 support divisions (approx. 1200 soldiers) Navis Imperialis: - Orbital minefields +++ DAKOTA MINOR - BREAD BASKET TO THE SUBSECTOR +++ Dakota Minor is the largest of fifteen satellites orbiting the orange gas giant Dakota, and is the only hospitable one. It is the greatest supplier of foodstuffs to the Matteus Subsector, and contains several megafarms and food processing plants. Their output is far lower than a true Agri-World, but are still substantial to feed the Subsector populace and satisfy the Imperial Tithe. It also has the third highest population of all the worlds within the Subsector, and a substantial portion of labour is sourced from this world as part of its Imperial tithe (along with its foodstuffs exports). It's capital, Dakota Primus, is home to near forty-six percent of the world's human population. The remaining population is spread across hundreds of smaller settlements, farms and processing plants. The city is best known as the highest exporter of human labour to the Subsector, attributed to its high population growth. Coincidentally, it is also the largest consumer of food and water of all the cities within the Matteus Subsector. Dakota Primus was a prominent battleground during the Ork invasion in 884M41, which was successfully repelled by Imperial forces. Dakota Minor. Planetary Data (as of 884M41): Satellite of: Dakota (gas giant; one of 15 satellites total) Planet Classification: Civilised World Population: 188 million humans Imperial Tithe Grade: Exactus Tertius First Colony Established: 194M39 Orbital Radius: 1.07 x 106 km relative to parent; Dakota's orbit: 2.11 x 108 km Period: 30 days (0.08 Terran years) relative to parent; Dakota’s period: 540 days (1.48 Terran years) Rotation: 18.6 hours (0.78 Terran days) Physics: Iron/silicate/-magnesium composition, ferronickel core Radius: 7744 km (1.22 × Terra) Gravity: 9.34 m/s2 (0.95 × Terra) Hydrosphere: 76% water, 16% ice Atmosphere: Standard oxidising (23% oxygen) Planetary Governance: Lord-Governor: Hastings Freeman Ruling House/Family: House Freeman Loyalty: Imperium of Man (Imperial Cult) Capital City/Hive: Dakota Primus Planet Military (as of 884M41): Planetary Defence Forces: - Dakota Minor Defence Corps: - 100 infantry, armour and support regiments (approx. 200 thousand soldiers) - 20 air wings (9 thousand airmen) Navis Imperialis: - Orbital defence systems, including void docks, turrets and minefields +++ ASOKA - SEAT OF SUBSECTOR GOVERNANCE +++ The first Imperial pilgrims and pioneers to the Subsector colonised Asoka in 170M39, following the cartography of Rogue Trader Terrence Matteus. Originally a rich and fertile world, its foodstuff production once exceeded Dakota Minor's. However, overpopulation and depletion of nutrients greatly reduced its agricultural output and viabilty in recent centuries. As of late M41, it has diversified its production to support the wider Subsector and to satisfy the Imperial Tithe. As the most established world of the Subsector, it naturally became the seat of governance for the Subsector. Seventy-five percent of its population lives in the Subsector's prominent hive city, Sabre Hive. With the highest population of all the Subsector's worlds, Asoka contributes a substantial number of conscripts to the Astra Militarum and human labour to the wider Imperium. It is also the headquarters for the Asokan Rifles, which acts as both a Planetary Defence Force for Asoka and as a Subsector Defence Force for Matteus. Asoka. Planetary Data (as of 884M41): Satellites: None Planet Classification: Civilised World Population: 520 million humans Imperial Tithe Grade: Exactus Tertius First Colony Established: 170M39 Orbital Radius: 1.41 x 108 km Period: 301 days (0.82 Terran years) Rotation: 38.9 hours (1.63 Terran days) Physics: Iron/silicate/magnesium composition, ferronickel core Radius: 4327 km (0.68 × Terra) Gravity: 8.36 m/s2 (0.85 × Terra) Hydrosphere: 61% water, 11% ice Atmosphere: Standard oxidising (22% oxygen) Planetary Governance: Lord-Governess: Yvonne Lawson Ruling House/Family: Lawson Guild Loyalty: Imperium of Man (Imperial Cult) Capital City/Hive: Sabre Hive Planet Military (as of 884M41) Planetary Defence Forces: - Asokan Rifles - PD Corps: - 185 infantry, armour and support regiments (approx. 382 thousand soldiers) - 28 air wings (12 thousand airmen) Navis Imperialis: - Orbital defence systems, including void docks, turrets and minefields +++ END ARTICLE +++

Hello, I am completely new to the forums so feel free to tell me if this isn't the right place, if vauge concepts aren't allowed or this section is only for "realistic" (in terms of established lore) content. I know this is peak fanfiction/possibly cringe and primarchs will never breed but pretending they could for a second I was curious about this idea: After reading a post about Dorns angry interaction with Nathanial Garro informing him of the heresy and seeing someone online point out how primarchs develop rapidly without (according to that poster) time to "grow up" I got the idea of half primarch children essentially being slower growing more well adjusted primarchs. I'm picturing they would grow (both physically and mentally) at the same rate of a normal human being and it would just continue after a baseline would reach adulthood with them essentially being normal until age 21 and slowly developing into "full primarchs" the years after. Thus allowing them to grow up normally and be much more grounded and well adjusted. Not to mention having non-awful parents who could slowly ease them into whatever psychic potential they may have (I don't think they would get put on the black ships). Perhaps being docile to a fault as well, with some in-universe characters wondering if it was programmed in for the purposes of protecting humanity after the crusade or something, but that was more for the irony of Dorn having a kid who looks exactly like him and is the biggest possible doormat who would willingly agree with people in arguments where he knows is right just to get them to stop talking while his father is TOO stubborn. Also, in terms of height would the genes be "proportional" to the parents? Like, if one of the smaller primarchs impregnated a tall human woman could the kid be taller than the primarch father (or at least taller than whatever is normal for a half primarch) due inheriting the "tall" genes from the mother, despite the tall human obviously still be smaller than a small primarch?

Introduction: Kill Team Rapier was a Deathwatch strike team formed in 920M41, originally stationed in the Jericho Reach. The team was led by Watch Sergeant Alyxander, with Veterans Auranis, Gorlin, Validus, Lucena and Rarai'an under his command. As of 925M41, Kill Team Rapier had a short yet eventful operational history that has taken them from the Jericho Reach to the Agripinaa Sector, striking down heretics and Xenos that threaten the Imperium's holdings. Kill Team Rapier assembled. Kill Team Rapier’s first assignment was during the siege of Hargotta in 920M41 to locate and identify the heretic Astartes commanders of the Stigmartus warband. Despite their success the Imperium crusade forces abandoned the siege, much to the chagrin of the Kill Team. Shortly after, they made an ally of Ordo Xenos Inquisitor Jemini Malethann, who sought to utilise them for his own projects. It was the offer Kill Team Rapier needed to get away from the strife and politics of the Jericho Reach. Watch-Sergeant Alyxander and Veteran Auranis face off against an Ork mob. After accepting Malethann's offer, Kill Team Rapier soon found themselves stationed out in Segmentum Obscurus, under the Inquisitor's command. Using their experience in fighting heretics, their knowledge of Xenos, as well as their newfound brotherhood, they quickly set about tracking down an Ork Waaagh! plaguing the innermost sectors of Segmentum Obscurus. Their search would eventually embroil them into the seemingly unending conflict between Waaagh! Brassjaw and the Steel Reavers in 925M41. Current Members: Kill Team Rapier is a six-strong strike team comprised of the following members: Watch-Sergeant Alyxander Chapter: Black Templars Chapter Initiation: 882M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Initiate of Fighting Company “Bohemond’s Brothers”, post-Crusade of Vice. Deathwatch Initiation: 914M41 Alyxander is the sergeant of Kill Team Rapier. He is a Black Templar initiate who was crusading with his fighting company, “Bohemond’s Brothers”, across the northern stretches of the Segmentum Ultima. Before joining the Deathwatch in 912M41, his company was part of the Crusade of Vice fighting against Orks in the Tamahl sector. An advising Inquisitor took interest in Alyxander when she witnessed him slay an Ork Warboss with a broken power sword. Alyxander was honoured to join the Deathwatch, but was unprepared for the radical nature of the Inquisition, particularly their dealings with Xenos and their technology. He has become disenchanted with his assignment as the Inquisition's methodology often clashed with Alyxander's faith. Now, he is simply content with the opportunities given to him to purge the various aliens, mutants and heretics across the galaxy. He and Auranis have a strong bond, one built up from their decade of service together. Watch-Sergeant Alyxander Veteran Auranis Chapter: Crimson Fists Chapter Initiation: 875M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Sergeant of 5th Company 9th Devastator Squad. Deathwatch Initiation: 912M41 Auranis is the squad gunner of Kill Team Rapier. Hailing from the Crimson Fists chapter, he joined the Deathwatch in 912M41. Before the Deathwatch, he was Sergeant of the 9th Devastator Squad, 5th Company. He and his squad earned battle honours during an encounter with a Drukhari raiding party in the Loki Sector in 907M41, where they destroyed an entire Venom squadron. The Chapter Master of the Crimson Fists recommended him to the Deathwatch, and though Auranis was pensive he accepted their offer without complaint. He has not regretted his decision since, and he takes great pride in his duties and assignment with the Deathwatch. He and Alyxander have a strong bond, one built up from their decade of service together. Veteran Auranis Veteran Validus Chapter: Raven Guard Chapter Initiation: 850M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Tactical Marine of 7th Company 2nd Tactical Squad. Deathwatch Initiation: 912M41 Validus is the sharpshooter of Kill Team Rapier. He hails from the Raven Guard chapter, and was initiated into the Deathwatch in 890M41. He was a member of the 4th Company 2nd Tactical Squad, and during this time he was nearly killed in battle by an Ork Meganob. He was in suspended animation for six weeks before returning to service, being reassigned to the 7th Company, which would not see battle for several months. Validus lamented his defeat in his last battle, and his “demotion” to the reserve companies. Naturally, he seized the opportunity to join the Deathwatch when they sent their recruiters to the Raven Guard’s chapter keep. He successfully impressed the Deathwatch emissaries with his exceptional marksmanship and quick manoeuvring. Despite his withdrawn and brooding personality, he has a newfound pride and purpose as a member of Kill Team Rapier. Veteran Validus Veteran Rarai’an Chapter: Mortifactors Chapter Initiation: 801M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Tactical Marine of 7th Company 1st Tactical Squad. Deathwatch Initiation: 885M41 Rarai’an is the specialist of Kill Team Rapier, skilled in Astartes medicae and mechanics. He is the oldest member of the Kill Team Rapier, having joined the Deathwatch in 880M41. He was a veteran Astartes of the Mortifactors, where at separate times was an novice apothecary and apprentice techmarine. His desire to learn as many new skills as possible made him a prime candidate for secondment to the Deathwatch, which Rarai’an saw as a great opportunity for himself and to honour the chapter. Rarai’an is studious and insightful, and strives to master every skill an Astartes may learn. Despite his seniority among his Deathwatch squad mates, he shies away from command positions. He prefers to take on an advisory role, which can be frustrating for his superiors and intimidating to younger Deathwatch Astartes. Nevertheless, he has found a place in Kill Team Rapier, who appreciate his knowledge and wisdom. Veteran Rarai'an Veteran Gorlin Chapter: Flesh Tearers Chapter Initiation: 895M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Assault Marine of 3rd Company 7th Assault Squad. Deathwatch Initiation: 921M41 Gorlin is the close combat specialist of Kill Team Rapier. He is a young Astartes hailing from the Flesh Tearer’s 3rd Company, 7th Assault Squad. He was headhunted by Inquisitor Malethann after witnessing his savage yet controlled ferocity in combat against heretics, during one of the Inquisition’s many “observations” of the errant chapter. He was initiated to the Deathwatch in 921M41, joining Kill Team Rapier as his first assignment. Gorlin considers himself a master of blades, and relishes new opportunities to fight and kill new opponents. He is ambitious and aggressive, as befits one who hails from the Flesh Tearers chapter. This has often caused friction with his squad, who need to constantly remind him of his duty and the mission at hand. They have learnt to tolerate his bloodlust and acknowledge his mastery with a chainsword. Veteran Gorlin Veteran Lucena Chapter: Howling Griffons Chapter Initiation: 859M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Tactical Marine of 2nd Company 1st Tactical Squad. Deathwatch Initiation: 901M41 Lucena is second-in-command of Kill Team Rapier and serves as the Astartes advisor for Inquisitor Malethann. He hails from the Howling Griffons 2nd Company, and was offered to the Deathwatch as a tribute; Lucena took it as an honour to serve the Deathwatch on behalf of his chapter. Inquisitor Malethann was impressed by his leadership skills and strong loyalty to the Emperor, and sought to employ him as an advisor and bodyguard for his operations. He was initiated to the Deathwatch in 901M41, but would not join Kill Team Rapier until 921M41. Lucena is a charismatic and ambitious Astartes, and is very confident in his abilities and leadership skills. This has made him an effective leader among many Imperium officers, but can be aggravating for his fellow Kill Team members. Despite his seniority, he is still seen as a new member to Rapier, and does not share the same bonds of brotherhood as the others. Veteran Lucena

Introduction: The Matteus Subsector is nestled in a violet nebula in the coreward parts of the Segmentum Obscurus, lying galactic north of Terra and galactic east of Agripinaa. The subsector has predominately been under Imperium reign as of 998M41, with some heretical and xenos elements laying claim to the more out-of-reach areas at various points in time. The subsector was first mapped by Rogue Trader Terrance Matteus in 600M38, and named it after his House. Adeptus Mechanicus Explorator Fleet Tetra-Xi 779 were dispatched some three-hundred years later to explore and prospect the subsector. Over fifty years, they identified and surveyed a total of five star systems, 68 distinct planetary bodies and a wealth of precious minerals ripe for exploitation. Rogue Trader Terrance Matteus Imperial pilgrims and pioneers arrived in the Subsector in 170M39, beginning their colonisation in Matteus Delta on most fertile and hospitable world of Asoka. Over the next two millenia, the Imperium would expand across the other stat systems, establishing new colonies and mining operations. By the end of the 41st Millenium, many threats (xenos and heretical) had endangered the subsector and the Imperium’s hold of it. These times of conflict and danger have become categorised collectively by Imperial scholars as “The Strifes”. Subsector Matteus star map, with co-ordinates of contained star systems and orientation markers. Matteus Alpha System: The Matteus Alpha system is the largest star system in the Matteus Subsector, with eleven planets orbiting a red giant. It’s most notable feature is the Pentet, a cluster of five planets that share the same orbit and are slowly tearing each other apart. It is also the most secluded from the other systems, which made it a vulnerable target to raiders. In 804M41, the system became the stronghold for the Steel Reavers warband. Matteus Beta System: The Matteus Beta system was infamous described by the Adeptus Mechanicus Explorators as “incredibly unremarkable". Once the Explorator fleet completed surveys of the system's three planets they immediately moved on, leaving a token observation post for further monitoring. Matteus Gamma System: The Matteus Gamma system is the mining and processing hub of the Subsector. The Civilised World of Sartoria extracts and refines precious minerals and metals for export to Agripinaa as part of its Imperial Tithe. This alone has made Matteus Gamma an attractive target for xenos and renegage warbands in M41. Matteus Delta System: The Matteus Delta system contains the more fertile and hospitable worlds of the subsector. Much of the foodstuffs and local labour is sourced from the worlds in Matteus Delta. The Civilised World of Asoka is the most populated world and the seat of governance for the entire subsector. Matteus Epsilon System: The Matteus Epsilon system lies at the spinward side of the subsector. It acts as a waypoint for all Imperial traffic to the other systems, and the worlds within cater to this large yearly influx. Most of these ships are either destined for or returning from Agripinaa, hauling raw materials, foodstuffs and/or labour. Matteus Zeta: Matteus Zeta is a planetless blue supergiant with no other astronomical features, lingering to the galactic south-east of the subsector. It is believed to be a rogue star, and is predicted to drift coreward outside the bounds of the subsector in the next two millenia. It is most visible from Matteus Gamma; its inhabitants consider it's presence in the sky a sign of good fortune. Matteus Iota: Matteus Iota is a failed star nestled deep within the Lavender Veil to the galactic north of the subsector. Explorators have attempted to send surveying teams to the planet, but none have returned and are presumed dead. The Lavender Veil: The Lavender Veil is a cluster of violet-coloured diffuse nebulae that stretches for 50 light years across the subsector. The nebulae partly splits Matteus Alpha and Beta from the other systems. The latent psychic energy within the nebula limits Warp travel in and out of the subsector to the galactic-east, via Matteus Epsilon. It also inhibits any attempt to explore within the nebula; there have been many attempts but none have survived the journey. The discovery of Matteus Iota was the only success over the last three millenia.