The Renegade Legion

[simison]

[sure, why not?]

 

"Typhon."

 

The Death Guard turned with a sneer hidden beneath his helmet as Irvin Ruel, Chapter Master of the Halcyon Wardens, approached with a handful of marines. Below them, the extermination campaign continued as the natives hurled themselves against the legion lines. Despite being outnumbered four-to-one, the natives were being slaughtered as bolt shells tore through them. Warden companies were deployed on the flanks, while the Death Guard advanced through the center, an arrangement insisted on by Typhon to gain more glory for his legion and to appease the softer Wardens.

 

What complaint does he have now? Eschewing titles, Typhon replied, "Make it quick, Warden."

 

"I've received intelligence that you've sent several squads on a secret deployment that is not benefit to the Imperium. I demand to know why you have done so and what purpose is this mission?"

 

Typhon's eyes swung past the Chapter Master and glared at the marine wearing the psyker hood behind him. "Legion business. Stay out of it," he grumbled as he sought to shield his thoughts.

 

The psyker's eyes widen, and Typhon knew one of his secrets were revealed. Which one, he didn't know, but he couldn't take any chances. They were located behind the battle lines, and he knew he had one opportunity to destroy this leak before it spread. Hefting his scythe, he muttered into his squad's vox, "Kill them." His men, hand-picked by Typhon, obeyed as they raised their bolters.

 

With a surprised snarl, Irvin charged straight at Typhon as his own squad reacted.

[Augustus]

Great portrayal of Typhon!

 

Irvin came off as a little...Haughty. I forget how the Legion views the death guard.

[simison]

Ah, glad I hit close to the mark. And I'm not surprised that Irvin came off as a little haughty. He's very....set in his ways. 

 

In general, most of the other legions didn't look favorably on the Death Guard for their use of dishonorable weaponry (the radiation-biological weaponry) with a few exceptions. 

 

EDIT: also, I've hit the 400 mark, woo!

[simison]

Typhon's Power - Rolled Dominate, but went with Shriek

 

Ruel wins the first roll, advances and his martian rays bounce of Typhon's terminator armor, who passes his Blind test.

 

Typhon tests Shriek out and rolls a 14. Ruel saves 2, but that leaves him on his last wound. Feeling confident, Typhon drops a Chem-Bombardment on his fellow Terran, which gets on target. Then fails to wound. Typhon then fails his charge. 

 

Ruel gets in Typhon's face before shooting and laugh as Typhon fails 1 save (but passes Blind test). The auto hit fails to wound (that's how Deflagrate works, right?) before Ruel charges, while dodging Typhon's chem-hand-flamer. Hammer of Wrath fails to wound the Reaper claws come out. Typhon feels the claws swipe off another wound before he promptly misses 3 out of 4 attacks before Ruel saves the last.

 

The rad grenade wears off, but Typhon holds off Ruel's offensive before having the same trouble. 

 

Ruel wishes his claws were AP 2 as they bounce off Typhon again. Typhon wishes he could chop off Ruel's Iron Halo, which makes all of its saves yet again.

 

Again, Typhon's termie armor blocks the Reaper Claws. This time, the Iron Halo fails.

 

 

[Okay, I really need to get out of Primarch mode and get used to the fact that not everyone has AP2 weapons. I'm not going to throw Ruel at anymore termie characters because that's not what he's for....actually, I probably should include all artificer characters too. So, I'm not sure who's next...]

[Raktra]

Sevatar and Loken are power-armoured.

[simison]

Ostensibly, Alexandros changed little upon assuming command of the legion. Only those with narrow views would believe this. Beneath the official titles, Alexandros made large reforms to elevate the legion to his ideals after three campaigns with the legion as they are. After the successful conclusion of the Erkling campaign, change came to the legion. The legion was organized into eleven cohorts divided into three hundred companies.

 

The first four cohorts were dedicated to expanding the Imperium's borders. Comprising the largest cohorts, the Wardens greatest warriors were found in their ranks. If a Warden only felt at home on the battlefield, his place was here. Over time, each of these cohorts exhibited an affinity for one particular aspect of war. The I^st Cohort became famous for within this cohort the Myrmidon made their names known. Any Warden who chose to master the shield would eventually find their way here. While the II^nd Cohort steadily became the masters of armored tactics. Prefects of all kinds were welcomed here, and it was this cohort that closely matched its Terran roots. Mirroring the Librarian Atman that led them, the III^rd Cohort gathered a large following of the Warden psykers who could learn from their superiors as they mastered their esoteric abilities. If an enemy xenos race resisted the Imperium with warpcraft, the III^rd Cohort was well-suited to putting an end to such magicks. The IV^th Cohort was the most flexible. Master of none, no predisposition gave them the ability to field against any enemy and gain victory.

[simison]

We interrupt this current series of updates to bring some news. I think I already mentioned this, but my 40k rival/mentor had offered to buy me a unit and I was thinking about a TAC squad. Well, the idea died away due to euro prices, but recently came back to life.

 

Next month, I'll be getting a MK3 Breacher squad! My first II legion unit. Now I need to figure out how I'm going to paint those shields...

[simison]

"There's a survivor."

 

Irvin glanced at his commander, the Primarch Alexandros. Against the backdrop of this dead world once known as Isstvan III, the small group of Wardens stood as pillars of irritating color that rivaled their brothers in the third legion. "My lord? This planet has suffered not one, but two bombardments. Nothing is alive on this world. I stand by my position that we should've traveled straight to the fifth planet. According to your visions, we have less than five hours before the next engagement."

 

The Seer's eyes swept over the landscape. "There is intelligence to be found here, but you are correct that we must not be overly delayed." He pointed west of them. "Over there, you'll find the survivor. One kilometer. Irvin, I want you to personally handle this, while I conduct my reconnaissance."

 

With a mental sigh, Irvin bowed. "As you will, my lord." He gestured to his squad before they marched toward their new objective. Eight-hundred meters later, a surprise found them. From beneath the feet of the squad, the earth erupted as a being in power armor attacked them. Before Irvin finished his first order, two of his veterans were incapacitated. Once again cursing his disbelief, Irvin shouted, "Stand down, we are here to help!"

 

The figure paused, and Irvin could make out the remains of Luna Wolf livery, another surprise in of itself. His hesitance quickly died as he resumed his attack, coming straight at Irvin.

[simison]

Organization Subsection #1 - The Warrior Lodges

 

While there are similarities between the Warden lodges and the later ones established by the Word Bearers, the differences are significant. One of his first acts as legion commander was to establish a recreational hall on most Warden warships. Given the nature of a space marine, many commented on the usual decree. Within these halls were various partitions, equipment, and supplies to offer a wide variety of activities should one chose. One hall may feature a variety of esoteric obstacle courses to challenge the body, while another offered an extensive library to illuminate the mind, typically dictated by the vessel's marine commander. Most lodges offered food, while the better stock lodges could produce delicacies that far outmatched a ship's standard fare.

 

What truly separated these lodges from their latter cousins were there transparency. Not only were these lodges made known to the general populace, any solider or warrior who fought for the Imperium was welcomed to take part, whether they be transhuman, human, or abhuman. Rank was to be left at the entrance and mutual respect enforced between those gathered. Violations both within and without (such as a soldier forgetting to address a superior accordingly due to time spent within the lodge) could result in loss of lodge privileges, while serious offenses could lead to general bans. The Imperium's military forces had various reactions to this unique aspect of the II^nd legion. From utter disdain (Death Guard, World Eaters, Iron Hands, etc) to mild bewilderment (Mechanicum, Ultramarines, Luna Wolves, etc) to enthusiastic support (White Scars, Thousand Sons, Imperial Army, etc.) With the Wardens' records expunged, the warrior lodges were tainted with a dark reputation, which would further be ruined the Horus Heresy.

[Augustus]

I hope the survivor is Saul. I also like the "transfer to the 11th" it's similar to the Luna Wolves "I feel the ship upon me" line. Good stuff!

[simison]

I'm sorry I'm not updating nearly as often as I used to, but I'm being hammered in RL by financial issues, by a pretty hard physical injury, and car troubles. For the last couple of weeks, something major has gone wrong in some way, and I'm exhausted by it all even as I throw myself back into the fray. I'm praying that things will take a turn soon and pretending I'm an honorary member of the Death Guard in the meantime. Just wanted to put this out here.

[Raktra]

No need to apologise to us, we're just internet schmucks. Take whatever time you need.

[simison]

[sorry Augustus, it's not Saul though he is one of my favorite characters.]

 

Loken wins the first roll. Advances and fires, which bounces off Irvin's armor. 

 

Irvin has much better luck as his volkite charger inflicts 2 wounds on the crazed Luna Wolf, but Loken does pass his Blind test. Yet, Irvin fails his charge.

 

Loken still can't hurt Irvin with his bolt pistol and decides to work off some of his anger by rolling a 12 for a 1' charge, smashing into Irvin. Too angry, most of Loken's swings go wide, but the only one that does go through is a Murderous Strike! An invul save of 6 keeps Irvin in the fight to counter, yet he must have been rattled because every single one of his attacks misses. Even with a master-crafted weapon.

 

Irvin takes a wound as he attempts to disarm Loken, and succeeds at knocking off Loken's last wound. 

 

Fighting such a talented warrior was a trial. Fighting said warrior while restraining his lethality was a much harder challenge. Despite being covered in dirt and grime, the Luna Wolf fought with a ferocity that would've brought pride to his legion. An opening came when Loken went for a stab and, reacting with incredible speed, Irvin caught the blade between his claws. With a jerk, he disarmed his opponent as he kicked high, his boot cracking into his opponent's skull. "Stay down." 

 

Loken snarled as he wiped blood off his face before he feinted right...

 

Nope, I didn't forget Born Survivor. Rolling a 2 is enough to resurrect the Luna Wolf who gets a free shot and another charge at the surprised Irvin. The bolt shell missed but not the charge. Another Murderous Strike comes but Irvin's Iron Halo protects him. Unfortunately, it doesn't stop Loken from inflicting another wound on the Warden Chapter Master, leaving them both on their last legs. At least, until Irvin retaliates sending four wounds Loken's wave, who saves all but down.

 

"I said, stay down!" Irvin declared as he disarmed his opponent again, this time throwing the blade far away. That wasn't enough to deter the Luna Wolf as he charged again. Aiming carefully, Irvin waited for his opponent to lunge and rewarded him as one of the Reaper claws pierced through Loken's abdomen, avoiding any critical organs. As his opponent reeled, Irvin smashed his helmeted head into Loken's bare one and the former captain finally relinquished. Irvin pushed the man off his claws before he commanded, "Apothecary, see to his wounds. Vritz, send a message to our Lord. We've found his survivor."

[Slips]

I kinda want to see him face Sigismund anyways :P

[simison]

Ok, here you go.

 

"Hey, Sigismund, wanna fight?"

 

"Sure!" 

 

Stab! "Owwwww! I am of the defeated. Bleh."

 

Sigismund scratches head. "Not much of a fight."

[Slips]

Hahahaha

 

Well played!

 

Still, don't discount RNGesus lending a hand :p

[simison]

I don't doubt that. I doubt RNGesus would give three miracles in a row.

[simison]

The V^th, VI^th, VII^th, & VIII^th Cohorts emphasized maintaining the Imperium's growing borders whether through force or words. While their numbers matched the first four, in reality, these legions were the most dispersed as their numbers were spread throughout the entire Imperium. The V^th Cohort was the official designation for all Wardens who were deployed alongside their brother legions. Operating as specialists, squads, or companies, their mission was to fulfill a needed support role and to foster ties with their battle brothers. Although one of the least glorious duties, legionnaires of the VI^th Cohort were devoted to garrison roles, acting as a safeguard against insurrection or raiding xenos. At times monotonous, these Wardens were often the public face to the Imperium and, as such, were prepared to lend their services to the local authorities as deemed necessary. While the VI^th Cohort was the typical Warden a commoner might interact with, it was the Wardens of the VII^th whom the upper echelons of society would deal with. For of all Wardens, these were the ones dedicated to diplomatic missions and reminding newly compliant worlds of their loyalty to the Imperium. If words or peacekeeping efforts failed, the VIII^th Cohort was charged with ending rebellions and secessions. Specializing against their fellow Man, the existence of the VIII^th was regarded as a necessary evil by their Primarch and were often subjected to his special scrutiny, for good or ill.

 

The IX^th cohort was reserved for legionnaires who were deemed unfit for duty. Reasons were diverse, ranging from medical to punitive. Thus, any assignment to the XI^th was a duty that any Warden sought to be as short as possible. Although the 'last' cohort, the X^th Cohort was given a mission of great honor, defending the Delos system. While combat was improbable, it was one of the few postings that Alexandros himself would grant and was one of the few ways for a Warden to be guaranteed a chance to meet with their noble gene-sire. The XI^th legion was an honorary legion whose roll-calls encompassed all who had died. To "transfer to the eleventh" became a common metaphor for death within the legion.

[simison]

Loken delivered another violent blow to the training dummy. It had been a few days since he had awoken on the Elpis, his sanity restored to him by none other than the Primarch Alexandros. The Shield-Lord had explained the situation to Loken before requesting that the former Son of Horus reveal all he knew about the Traitors' as recompense for the Primarch's services. Loken had agreed and afterwards was given his own quarters and nearly unlimited access to the ship, despite his history.

 

Uncomfortable around the Wardens, Loken had begun a private training regimen to regain his lost edge. The isolation had also given him more time to digest the changes overwhelming the Imperium. Is there going to be nothing left of our work? He pondered as he finished another sword maneuver only a hint left of his weakness.

 

For the first time in three days, someone intruded as they entered the sparring room. Loken glanced and saw it was none other than Chapter Master Ruel. "My lord," Loken greeted as he saluted.

 

Ruel returned the salute with a hesitance. "It's been some time since the Imperial salute was seen among our ranks," he explained.

 

Loken answered with a nod. The existence of the Halcyon Wardens had been another mystery plaguing his mind. One he hadn't broached with any of his lost cousins.

 

"Regardless, I am here to make you an offer on my lord's behalf. Tomorrow, the legion will be deploying against the Traitor's. My Primarch is willing to offer you a place if you so desire."

 

"Where?" The question shot out of Loken's mouth before he could stop it.

 

"Isstvan V. My lord has predicted a great battle will take place there, one that could potentially end this rebellion before it has truly begun. You've been offered a place by his side where you will be able to offer any possible tactical or strategic advice possible." Ruel glanced at the dummy. "I have personally recommended against this. With the possibility of combat, the Strategos needs the finest warriors protecting him, and you are not who you once were."

 

The analysis stung more than it should, and Loken could feel his choler rising. "From what little I recall, I nearly defeated you after months of surviving on Isstvan III."

 

Ruel looked at him before walking over and picking a pair of training claws. "If you feel so strongly about it, then I offer a rematch. Defeat me, and I will change my recommendation. If I defeat you, I will carry out my current recommendation and add that you should remain on the bridge."

[Praefectus Invictus]

Sounds good, but just a minor error (I think-not sure if it was intentional) in 3rd last paragraph, 3rd line. it says "I personally recommended this" which doesn't seem to fit the context. Otherwise I can't wait to see Garviel carve up Ruel .

[simison]

*headdesk* Against, against! Against this! How can I have the word in my mind's eye and still have it sneak away from me? I blame Alpharius.

 

Thank you, Sanguinata. There's a reason why even the best writers need an editor.

[simison]

Irvin wins the first roll and promptly embarrasses himself by rolling snake eyes to shoot.

Loken's bolt bounces off Irvin before Loken barely makes the charge. On the first swing, Loken manages a perfect six out of six hits which end up as 2 normal wounds and 1 Instant Death. Irvin rolls 4,6, and a 1....with the 1 being for the instant death. Duel over.

[ ...remember kids, don't piss off Loken.]

The Warden Chapter Master idly waited as the Luna Wolf charged towards him. He's as slow as an initiate. Clearly, he needs more time in recovery, he noted as he blocked the first blow. The second blow aggravated him with its sluggishness, and Irvin quickly formulated a counter-attack that would end this duel in two moves. Then he noticed a blur approaching his head. Wait, wha-? was his last thought before the blur smashed into his temple.

....he stumbled towards consciousness as he heard Loken and a new voice converse above him.

"Wolf, is this how the XVI^th Legion trains? Any harder, and you've smashed his head open!"

As Irvin's eyes open, he found a legion apothecary attending to him. Loken stood to the side with an expression of half-panic, half-concern. "My lord, do you know where you?"

"The sparring chamber," Irvin growled as he pushed away. Pain had found a nice home within his cranium and was determined to live there. He ignored it as he stood.

"My lord, I ask your forgiven-" Loken said.

"Enough, I am returning to my quarters," Irvin interrupted before marching out, ignoring the pain and them. A short while later, he was at his quarters and the first thing he did was sit at his desk, cupping his head. Before anything could happen, he felt a presence. A presence filled with mirth. Father.

Alex burst out laughing across the telepathic link. "Oh, my son, ha ha ha, did you not think I was without reason when I made my offer?"

[Praefectus Invictus]

Yay, Loken carved up Ruel. SOH for the win!

 

On a side note, having a word slip from you happens to the best of us, so no worries.

[simison]

Beneath the familiar military structure of the legion was a sophisticated ranking system surrounding the concept of dharma or Paths of arete. According to the vision of their primarch, each space marine was more than a warrior. Each was a man in their own regard and as such were encouraged to apply themselves to disciplines that had either indirect or no impact on the battlefield. With such a broad definition, options were nearly limitless from artistry to engineering to one known instance of trophy-hunting. While participation was encouraged, no Warden was forced to choose a dharma with the most famous example being Alexandros' right-hand general, Irvin Ruel. Although not the only primarch to encourage other talents within his legion, Alexandros was known as the most supportive and emphasized the connections that could be created between his sons and general humanity. Wardens who devoted themselves to their dharmas were supported with the most advanced students typically becoming Chaplains. And Wardens were not limited to a single dharma but may choose as many as they had the time for.

[simison]

Compared to the utter chaos that had been Isstvan V, the silence of the sparring chamber seemed unnatural. Although, after seeing elements of the Emperor's Children, Loken was forced to revise his definition of unnatural.

 

Less than a week ago, Lord Alexandros had committed his legion against Horus in the riskiest way possible. Knowing that a Loyalist army was less than three hours away, the Halcyon Wardens were ordered to make the first move. Despite being purged from the Imperium, exile had not been as debilitating as supposed and in the decades since, the Wardens had increased their numbers to over three hundred thousand (though how they had accomplished this had been kept from Loken). Thus, Loken could only imagine Horus' surprise when a legion long thought lost not only appeared but abruptly deployed right in front of his defense lines. Yet, surprise and the number of Wardens didn't change the fact that they were outnumbered. Worse, if Ferrus decided Alexandros was a threat, they would be surrounded by enemies.

 

Loken assumed it was only because of Alexandros' foresight that he knew he wouldn't be bereft of allies. Unsure what the Loyalists would do, Horus had ordered his forces to remain where they were and open fire before the Wardens hammered into Fulgrim's legion. Loken could still see the destruction as the II^nd Legion hurried into assault, the clash of dark purple against light purple, and the bizarre weapons wielded by the III^rd Legion. To Loken's disgust, he had found Lucius, scarred and twisted, and ensured he did not live long past Isstvan III. His victory, though personally satisfying, couldn't stop the horrendous casualties inflicted upon the Wardens.

 

That changed in a single moment. Not only had the Loyalist legions arrive to reinforce them, but, on an apparent whim, the Emperor's Children had switched allegiances, enforced by their Primarch and Alexandros. In that moment, Horus' center went from holding strong to the brink of collapse as his army was nearly divided into three. It had appeared that Horus' rebellion would fall before the end of the day. Unfortunately, it was not to be. As the Traitors' legions were cut down, Alexandros had revealed a betrayal awaited them in the form of the second wave of 'loyalists'. Confirmed by Fulgrim, Horus was spared as the true loyalists made an emergency retreat from the system, barely avoiding the arrival of the four fresh legions.

 

Which led to this point. Loken was still without a true home and the rebellion would continue. A quiet sigh emanated from him before he began his training regimen. Scarcely a minute into it, Irvin entered. Loken paused before asking the question that echoed throughout the II^nd Legion. "Will he live?"

 

Irvin's harsh glare was the answer. During the last moves of Isstvan V, Horus had vented his rage when he had found Alexandros. Although the Seer was an accomplished duelist, Horus was a god of war and had suffered critical injuries. Were it not for Fulgrim's last-minute intervention, there was no doubt that Alexandros would've been slain. "I...require a distraction," Irvin declared. "I request a rematch."

 

Loken studied the Warden Chapter Master before nodding.