Wolf King Spoilers and Discussion

[Marshal Rohr]

Summary in tags

 

 

 

 

I

The Wolves are trapped in the Alaxxes Nebula, a cloud of ammoniac gasses that are corrosive enough to overload void shields and detonate fuel lines in vessels if left in the cloud long enough. Within the cloud are ‘caverns’ and ‘tunnels’ of space as the cloud shifts from multiple gravity wells. The Wolves had fought the Alpha Legion in open void and been forced to withdraw (Scars), using the nebula as cover. The fleet hadn’t been able to repair itself after Prospero, and several missions afterwards hunting down Thousand Sons outposts on their fief worlds. The Alpha Legion has pursued the Wolves into the Nebula and the story begins with a description of the naval engagement. Lord Gunn is in command, after making the case to stand and fight to the Primarch. When the Alpha Legion draws in the wolves launch a successful boarding action against the Alpha Legion vanguard, crippling and disabling many of the first line. The Alpha Legion, playing the Wolves strengths had used the vanguard as a diversion, stripping the ships down to skeleton crews, allowing the second line of heavier vessels to fire through their own ships blunting the Wolves initiative. The Wolves realize they are already understrength and disengage, pulling back farther into the nebula knowing that if they cannot overwhelm the Alpha Legion with speed they wont be able to outmaneuver them in the confines of the cloud or win a battle of attrition against the Alpha Legion’s superior numbers.

 

 

II

Russ is contemplating runes and wondering what his next course of action will be while his commanders wonder why he has withdrawn. He is having a crisis of conscious, thinking Magnus dead and lamenting the destruction of Prospero. He rails against being duped by Horus, and thinks back to his life on Fenris before the coming of the Emperor. He never felt he belonged on Fenris, and much like the other Primarchs, had difficulty coming to terms with exactly what he was. He remembers little of his creation and coming to Fenris, and he felt his life on Fenris was some kind of sham, reminiscing about how easy it was for him to kill and lead. After the Emperor arrived he was told of his purpose slowly, kept in isolation until he understood its true meaning. He was to be the Emperor’s weapon of last resort, and at one point offered to abandon Fenris because “[Fenris] is too wild for life – it will never support the armies [the Emperor] deserves”. The Emperor wanted the Wolves to come from Fenris and declined the offer, and Russ embraced Fenrisian culture and distanced himself from the other Primarchs. He knows in his heart the Wolves were made different for a purpose.* In his own analysis he feels they were created to be a failsafe against the fall of the Imperium, to avenge it should it be overthrown. He has Bjorn brought to him from the battle, because he sees Bjorn as the embodiment of embracing Fenrisian culture in a way the Legion had not before, to become what Russ estimates they were meant to be. During the conversation, Lord Gunn teleports to take command of the flagship until Russ returns with Bjorn and allows Gunn to stand his ground and cover the Wolves’ Fleet’s escape.

 

*It is revealed later in the story the Wolves tally of victories have been retconned from being comparable to Horus, to relatively few. However, each action was said to have been shocking in its brutality without comparison.

 

 

III

Gunn sacrifices himself and his ship to destroy the Delta, an Alpha Legion capital ship. The Fleet continues on until it reaches a dead end, and prepare for a final stand, but a Dark Angels Star Fort and attendant fleet arrive to drive the Alpha Legion off. In part one and two, several sections detail a lone, unnamed operative hacking into the Wolves’ records, and it is revealed he is a Lutherite Dark Angel, attempting to discover the VI Legion’s loyalty. During the Wolves’ final stand, Russ engages Alpharius (disguised as a Terminator) allowing the operative to send a signal to the Dark Angels confirming the Wolves as loyal. After the Alpha Legion retreats, Russ meets with the Dark Angels commander, Althalos aboard the Star Fort. Luther had been raising new chapters of Dark Angels and sending them out to garrison outposts across the galaxy. Alaxxes with the 6^th, and had been deployed 59 years prior to the events of the story. Althalos states the Dark Angels have swollen to a size larger than any time in the legions previous history, and the Dark Angels have a clear distinction between themselves and the Angel’s traveling with the Lion (humorously illustrated when Russ makes ready for the honor duel and Althalos has no idea what the hell he is doing). The operative is openly disrespectful when referring the Lion, because he has no attachment to him. Oddly enough, the Lutherites display the Dark Angels green on parts of their armor. Russ and Althalos pledge an alliance, the Dark Angels providing resources and equipment to refit and rearm the Wolves’ Fleet. Russ departs for Terra (to be seen in Vengeful Spirit), and Bjorn is commanded to oversee the Legion’s resupply efforts. Russ has become confident in his purpose again, and speaks to Bjorn about how the Legion will need to change its mindset to defeat the traitors.

 

 

I'll answer any questions in greater depth.

[Emperor's Furor]

I ordered the hard copy but the only thing I want to know is if the Dark Angels show up?

[Marshal Rohr]

Yes. With some info that will help your army.

[Emperor's Furor]

Thank you thank you thank you!

[DarKnight]

Much appreciated Marshal. You feel the overall story of the Heresy and the Wolves has been enriched in any appreciable way? And are these Lutherite Angels loyal to the Imperium and not the Lion? How does the duel between Russ and Alpharius go? How sure are we this is really Alpharius?

[DuskRaider]

Summary in tags

 

 

 

 

I

The Wolves are trapped in the Alaxxes Nebula, a cloud of ammoniac gasses that are corrosive enough to overload void shields and detonate fuel lines in vessels if left in the cloud long enough. Within the cloud are ‘caverns’ and ‘tunnels’ of space as the cloud shifts from multiple gravity wells. The Wolves had fought the Alpha Legion in open void and been forced to withdraw (Scars), using the nebula as cover. The fleet hadn’t been able to repair itself after Prospero, and several missions afterwards hunting down Thousand Sons outposts on their fief worlds. The Alpha Legion has pursued the Wolves into the Nebula and the story begins with a description of the naval engagement. Lord Gunn is in command, after making the case to stand and fight to the Primarch. When the Alpha Legion draws in the wolves launch a successful boarding action against the Alpha Legion vanguard, crippling and disabling many of the first line. The Alpha Legion, playing the Wolves strengths had used the vanguard as a diversion, stripping the ships down to skeleton crews, allowing the second line of heavier vessels to fire through their own ships blunting the Wolves initiative. The Wolves realize they are already understrength and disengage, pulling back farther into the nebula knowing that if they cannot overwhelm the Alpha Legion with speed they wont be able to outmaneuver them in the confines of the cloud or win a battle of attrition against the Alpha Legion’s superior numbers.

 

 

II

Russ is contemplating runes and wondering what his next course of action will be while his commanders wonder why he has withdrawn. He is having a crisis of conscious, thinking Magnus dead and lamenting the destruction of Prospero. He rails against being duped by Horus, and thinks back to his life on Fenris before the coming of the Emperor. He never felt he belonged on Fenris, and much like the other Primarchs, had difficulty coming to terms with exactly what he was. He remembers little of his creation and coming to Fenris, and he felt his life on Fenris was some kind of sham, reminiscing about how easy it was for him to kill and lead. After the Emperor arrived he was told of his purpose slowly, kept in isolation until he understood its true meaning. He was to be the Emperor’s weapon of last resort, and at one point offered to abandon Fenris because “[Fenris] is too wild for life – it will never support the armies [the Emperor] deserves”. The Emperor wanted the Wolves to come from Fenris and declined the offer, and Russ embraced Fenrisian culture and distanced himself from the other Primarchs. He knows in his heart the Wolves were made different for a purpose.* In his own analysis he feels they were created to be a failsafe against the fall of the Imperium, to avenge it should it be overthrown. He has Bjorn brought to him from the battle, because he sees Bjorn as the embodiment of embracing Fenrisian culture in a way the Legion had not before, to become what Russ estimates they were meant to be. During the conversation, Lord Gunn teleports to take command of the flagship until Russ returns with Bjorn and allows Gunn to stand his ground and cover the Wolves’ Fleet’s escape.

 

*It is revealed later in the story the Wolves tally of victories have been retconned from being comparable to Horus, to relatively few. However, each action was said to have been shocking in its brutality without comparison.

 

 

III

Gunn sacrifices himself and his ship to destroy the Delta, an Alpha Legion capital ship. The Fleet continues on until it reaches a dead end, and prepare for a final stand, but a Dark Angels Star Fort and attendant fleet arrive to drive the Alpha Legion off. In part one and two, several sections detail a lone, unnamed operative hacking into the Wolves’ records, and it is revealed he is a Lutherite Dark Angel, attempting to discover the VI Legion’s loyalty. During the Wolves’ final stand, Russ engages Alpharius (disguised as a Terminator) allowing the operative to send a signal to the Dark Angels confirming the Wolves as loyal. After the Alpha Legion retreats, Russ meets with the Dark Angels commander, Althalos aboard the Star Fort. Luther had been raising new chapters of Dark Angels and sending them out to garrison outposts across the galaxy. Alaxxes with the 6^th, and had been deployed 59 years prior to the events of the story. Althalos states the Dark Angels have swollen to a size larger than any time in the legions previous history, and the Dark Angels have a clear distinction between themselves and the Angel’s traveling with the Lion (humorously illustrated when Russ makes ready for the honor duel and Althalos has no idea what the hell he is doing). The operative is openly disrespectful when referring the Lion, because he has no attachment to him. Oddly enough, the Lutherites display the Dark Angels green on parts of their armor. Russ and Althalos pledge an alliance, the Dark Angels providing resources and equipment to refit and rearm the Wolves’ Fleet. Russ departs for Terra (to be seen in Vengeful Spirit), and Bjorn is commanded to oversee the Legion’s resupply efforts. Russ has become confident in his purpose again, and speaks to Bjorn about how the Legion will need to change its mindset to defeat the traitors.

 

 

I'll answer any questions in greater depth.

 

 

 

So what happens with the duel between Alpharius and Russ? Obviously Primarch battles are a big deal, any juicy details? It seems like Alpharius purposefully assisted the Wolves with allowing the signal to be sent, any insight?

 

[depthcharge12]

Oooooh DA star fort.....

 

....Depthcharge likey.

[Marshal Rohr]

Much appreciated Marshal. You feel the overall story of the Heresy and the Wolves has been enriched in any appreciable way? 

 

Definitely, the story goes into detail about Russ' view of psychic powers and the way the Wolves' practice them, which can only be beneficial to the Rune Priest breaking the edict arguments. It was also great to see Russ throw away the 'Executioner' attitude as a self-estimation that never was truly the case. 

 

 

 

And are these Lutherite Angels loyal to the Imperium and not the Lion?

 

It seems like it, because they only joined the battle once they were sure of the Wolves loyalties.

 

 

How does the duel between Russ and Alpharius go? How sure are we this is really Alpharius?

 

It is short, and I'm pretty sure it's Alpharius because he has the Pale Spear.

 

 

Also, fun side note. Russ specifically says Guilliman hated Alpharius. 

[Arkangilos]

Quote

And are these Lutherite Angels loyal to the Imperium and not the Lion?

 

It seems like it, because they only joined the battle once they were sure of the Wolves loyalties.

 

New plot twist: Both factions of Dark Angels were loyal to the Imperium? :O

[Marshal Rohr]

 

Summary in tags

 

 

 

 

I

The Wolves are trapped in the Alaxxes Nebula, a cloud of ammoniac gasses that are corrosive enough to overload void shields and detonate fuel lines in vessels if left in the cloud long enough. Within the cloud are ‘caverns’ and ‘tunnels’ of space as the cloud shifts from multiple gravity wells. The Wolves had fought the Alpha Legion in open void and been forced to withdraw (Scars), using the nebula as cover. The fleet hadn’t been able to repair itself after Prospero, and several missions afterwards hunting down Thousand Sons outposts on their fief worlds. The Alpha Legion has pursued the Wolves into the Nebula and the story begins with a description of the naval engagement. Lord Gunn is in command, after making the case to stand and fight to the Primarch. When the Alpha Legion draws in the wolves launch a successful boarding action against the Alpha Legion vanguard, crippling and disabling many of the first line. The Alpha Legion, playing the Wolves strengths had used the vanguard as a diversion, stripping the ships down to skeleton crews, allowing the second line of heavier vessels to fire through their own ships blunting the Wolves initiative. The Wolves realize they are already understrength and disengage, pulling back farther into the nebula knowing that if they cannot overwhelm the Alpha Legion with speed they wont be able to outmaneuver them in the confines of the cloud or win a battle of attrition against the Alpha Legion’s superior numbers.

 

 

II

Russ is contemplating runes and wondering what his next course of action will be while his commanders wonder why he has withdrawn. He is having a crisis of conscious, thinking Magnus dead and lamenting the destruction of Prospero. He rails against being duped by Horus, and thinks back to his life on Fenris before the coming of the Emperor. He never felt he belonged on Fenris, and much like the other Primarchs, had difficulty coming to terms with exactly what he was. He remembers little of his creation and coming to Fenris, and he felt his life on Fenris was some kind of sham, reminiscing about how easy it was for him to kill and lead. After the Emperor arrived he was told of his purpose slowly, kept in isolation until he understood its true meaning. He was to be the Emperor’s weapon of last resort, and at one point offered to abandon Fenris because “[Fenris] is too wild for life – it will never support the armies [the Emperor] deserves”. The Emperor wanted the Wolves to come from Fenris and declined the offer, and Russ embraced Fenrisian culture and distanced himself from the other Primarchs. He knows in his heart the Wolves were made different for a purpose.* In his own analysis he feels they were created to be a failsafe against the fall of the Imperium, to avenge it should it be overthrown. He has Bjorn brought to him from the battle, because he sees Bjorn as the embodiment of embracing Fenrisian culture in a way the Legion had not before, to become what Russ estimates they were meant to be. During the conversation, Lord Gunn teleports to take command of the flagship until Russ returns with Bjorn and allows Gunn to stand his ground and cover the Wolves’ Fleet’s escape.

 

*It is revealed later in the story the Wolves tally of victories have been retconned from being comparable to Horus, to relatively few. However, each action was said to have been shocking in its brutality without comparison.

 

 

III

Gunn sacrifices himself and his ship to destroy the Delta, an Alpha Legion capital ship. The Fleet continues on until it reaches a dead end, and prepare for a final stand, but a Dark Angels Star Fort and attendant fleet arrive to drive the Alpha Legion off. In part one and two, several sections detail a lone, unnamed operative hacking into the Wolves’ records, and it is revealed he is a Lutherite Dark Angel, attempting to discover the VI Legion’s loyalty. During the Wolves’ final stand, Russ engages Alpharius (disguised as a Terminator) allowing the operative to send a signal to the Dark Angels confirming the Wolves as loyal. After the Alpha Legion retreats, Russ meets with the Dark Angels commander, Althalos aboard the Star Fort. Luther had been raising new chapters of Dark Angels and sending them out to garrison outposts across the galaxy. Alaxxes with the 6^th, and had been deployed 59 years prior to the events of the story. Althalos states the Dark Angels have swollen to a size larger than any time in the legions previous history, and the Dark Angels have a clear distinction between themselves and the Angel’s traveling with the Lion (humorously illustrated when Russ makes ready for the honor duel and Althalos has no idea what the hell he is doing). The operative is openly disrespectful when referring the Lion, because he has no attachment to him. Oddly enough, the Lutherites display the Dark Angels green on parts of their armor. Russ and Althalos pledge an alliance, the Dark Angels providing resources and equipment to refit and rearm the Wolves’ Fleet. Russ departs for Terra (to be seen in Vengeful Spirit), and Bjorn is commanded to oversee the Legion’s resupply efforts. Russ has become confident in his purpose again, and speaks to Bjorn about how the Legion will need to change its mindset to defeat the traitors.

 

 

I'll answer any questions in greater depth.

 

 

 

So what happens with the duel between Alpharius and Russ? Obviously Primarch battles are a big deal, any juicy details? It seems like Alpharius purposefully assisted the Wolves with allowing the signal to be sent, any insight?

 

 

 

Russ senses Alpharius' presence and demands he face him, at which point the Alpha Legionaries part ranks to allow him through. Russ begins to charge at Alpharius when the Star Fort and Dark Angels Fleet appear before they can land blows. They stare at each other for a minute and Alpharius nods at Russ before teleporting away. 

[Marshal Rohr]

Quote

And are these Lutherite Angels loyal to the Imperium and not the Lion?

It seems like it, because they only joined the battle once they were sure of the Wolves loyalties.

New plot twist: Both factions of Dark Angels were loyal to the Imperium?

I'm not sure. These guys definitely seem to be, but they haven't been to Caliban in nearly 60 years. I imagine these Lutherite outposts will be the basis of the Fallen hunted down by the chapter post-sundering of Caliban.

[DarKnight]

 

 

Summary in tags

 

 

 

 

 

I

The Wolves are trapped in the Alaxxes Nebula, a cloud of ammoniac gasses that are corrosive enough to overload void shields and detonate fuel lines in vessels if left in the cloud long enough. Within the cloud are ‘caverns’ and ‘tunnels’ of space as the cloud shifts from multiple gravity wells. The Wolves had fought the Alpha Legion in open void and been forced to withdraw (Scars), using the nebula as cover. The fleet hadn’t been able to repair itself after Prospero, and several missions afterwards hunting down Thousand Sons outposts on their fief worlds. The Alpha Legion has pursued the Wolves into the Nebula and the story begins with a description of the naval engagement. Lord Gunn is in command, after making the case to stand and fight to the Primarch. When the Alpha Legion draws in the wolves launch a successful boarding action against the Alpha Legion vanguard, crippling and disabling many of the first line. The Alpha Legion, playing the Wolves strengths had used the vanguard as a diversion, stripping the ships down to skeleton crews, allowing the second line of heavier vessels to fire through their own ships blunting the Wolves initiative. The Wolves realize they are already understrength and disengage, pulling back farther into the nebula knowing that if they cannot overwhelm the Alpha Legion with speed they wont be able to outmaneuver them in the confines of the cloud or win a battle of attrition against the Alpha Legion’s superior numbers.

II

Russ is contemplating runes and wondering what his next course of action will be while his commanders wonder why he has withdrawn. He is having a crisis of conscious, thinking Magnus dead and lamenting the destruction of Prospero. He rails against being duped by Horus, and thinks back to his life on Fenris before the coming of the Emperor. He never felt he belonged on Fenris, and much like the other Primarchs, had difficulty coming to terms with exactly what he was. He remembers little of his creation and coming to Fenris, and he felt his life on Fenris was some kind of sham, reminiscing about how easy it was for him to kill and lead. After the Emperor arrived he was told of his purpose slowly, kept in isolation until he understood its true meaning. He was to be the Emperor’s weapon of last resort, and at one point offered to abandon Fenris because “[Fenris] is too wild for life – it will never support the armies [the Emperor] deserves”. The Emperor wanted the Wolves to come from Fenris and declined the offer, and Russ embraced Fenrisian culture and distanced himself from the other Primarchs. He knows in his heart the Wolves were made different for a purpose.* In his own analysis he feels they were created to be a failsafe against the fall of the Imperium, to avenge it should it be overthrown. He has Bjorn brought to him from the battle, because he sees Bjorn as the embodiment of embracing Fenrisian culture in a way the Legion had not before, to become what Russ estimates they were meant to be. During the conversation, Lord Gunn teleports to take command of the flagship until Russ returns with Bjorn and allows Gunn to stand his ground and cover the Wolves’ Fleet’s escape.

*It is revealed later in the story the Wolves tally of victories have been retconned from being comparable to Horus, to relatively few. However, each action was said to have been shocking in its brutality without comparison.

III

Gunn sacrifices himself and his ship to destroy the Delta, an Alpha Legion capital ship. The Fleet continues on until it reaches a dead end, and prepare for a final stand, but a Dark Angels Star Fort and attendant fleet arrive to drive the Alpha Legion off. In part one and two, several sections detail a lone, unnamed operative hacking into the Wolves’ records, and it is revealed he is a Lutherite Dark Angel, attempting to discover the VI Legion’s loyalty. During the Wolves’ final stand, Russ engages Alpharius (disguised as a Terminator) allowing the operative to send a signal to the Dark Angels confirming the Wolves as loyal. After the Alpha Legion retreats, Russ meets with the Dark Angels commander, Althalos aboard the Star Fort. Luther had been raising new chapters of Dark Angels and sending them out to garrison outposts across the galaxy. Alaxxes with the 6^th, and had been deployed 59 years prior to the events of the story. Althalos states the Dark Angels have swollen to a size larger than any time in the legions previous history, and the Dark Angels have a clear distinction between themselves and the Angel’s traveling with the Lion (humorously illustrated when Russ makes ready for the honor duel and Althalos has no idea what the hell he is doing). The operative is openly disrespectful when referring the Lion, because he has no attachment to him. Oddly enough, the Lutherites display the Dark Angels green on parts of their armor. Russ and Althalos pledge an alliance, the Dark Angels providing resources and equipment to refit and rearm the Wolves’ Fleet. Russ departs for Terra (to be seen in Vengeful Spirit), and Bjorn is commanded to oversee the Legion’s resupply efforts. Russ has become confident in his purpose again, and speaks to Bjorn about how the Legion will need to change its mindset to defeat the traitors.

 

I'll answer any questions in greater depth.

 

So what happens with the duel between Alpharius and Russ? Obviously Primarch battles are a big deal, any juicy details? It seems like Alpharius purposefully assisted the Wolves with allowing the signal to be sent, any insight?

 

Russ senses Alpharius' presence and demands he face him, at which point the Alpha Legionaries part ranks to allow him through. Russ begins to charge at Alpharius when the Star Fort and Dark Angels Fleet appear before they can land blows. They stare at each other for a minute and Alpharius nods at Russ before teleporting aeway.

Is this supposed to be a deal like Russ' canine senses can smell and recognize the true Alpharius or some innate, latently psychic ability that one primarch can sense another? IMO no way the AL can infiltrate a legion right under the very eye of their primarch. (Looking at you Deliverance Lost)

[b1soul]

I feel that Wraight has similtaneously added depth to both the DA and the SW...

 

 

About these Lutherite DA, they'lk likely denounce Luther when they discover his corruption. They seem to be under the impression that Luther is loyal to the Imperium and merely opposes the Lion?

[Marshal Rohr]

 

 

 

Summary in tags

 

 

 

 

I

The Wolves are trapped in the Alaxxes Nebula, a cloud of ammoniac gasses that are corrosive enough to overload void shields and detonate fuel lines in vessels if left in the cloud long enough. Within the cloud are ‘caverns’ and ‘tunnels’ of space as the cloud shifts from multiple gravity wells. The Wolves had fought the Alpha Legion in open void and been forced to withdraw (Scars), using the nebula as cover. The fleet hadn’t been able to repair itself after Prospero, and several missions afterwards hunting down Thousand Sons outposts on their fief worlds. The Alpha Legion has pursued the Wolves into the Nebula and the story begins with a description of the naval engagement. Lord Gunn is in command, after making the case to stand and fight to the Primarch. When the Alpha Legion draws in the wolves launch a successful boarding action against the Alpha Legion vanguard, crippling and disabling many of the first line. The Alpha Legion, playing the Wolves strengths had used the vanguard as a diversion, stripping the ships down to skeleton crews, allowing the second line of heavier vessels to fire through their own ships blunting the Wolves initiative. The Wolves realize they are already understrength and disengage, pulling back farther into the nebula knowing that if they cannot overwhelm the Alpha Legion with speed they wont be able to outmaneuver them in the confines of the cloud or win a battle of attrition against the Alpha Legion’s superior numbers.

II

Russ is contemplating runes and wondering what his next course of action will be while his commanders wonder why he has withdrawn. He is having a crisis of conscious, thinking Magnus dead and lamenting the destruction of Prospero. He rails against being duped by Horus, and thinks back to his life on Fenris before the coming of the Emperor. He never felt he belonged on Fenris, and much like the other Primarchs, had difficulty coming to terms with exactly what he was. He remembers little of his creation and coming to Fenris, and he felt his life on Fenris was some kind of sham, reminiscing about how easy it was for him to kill and lead. After the Emperor arrived he was told of his purpose slowly, kept in isolation until he understood its true meaning. He was to be the Emperor’s weapon of last resort, and at one point offered to abandon Fenris because “[Fenris] is too wild for life – it will never support the armies [the Emperor] deserves”. The Emperor wanted the Wolves to come from Fenris and declined the offer, and Russ embraced Fenrisian culture and distanced himself from the other Primarchs. He knows in his heart the Wolves were made different for a purpose.* In his own analysis he feels they were created to be a failsafe against the fall of the Imperium, to avenge it should it be overthrown. He has Bjorn brought to him from the battle, because he sees Bjorn as the embodiment of embracing Fenrisian culture in a way the Legion had not before, to become what Russ estimates they were meant to be. During the conversation, Lord Gunn teleports to take command of the flagship until Russ returns with Bjorn and allows Gunn to stand his ground and cover the Wolves’ Fleet’s escape.

*It is revealed later in the story the Wolves tally of victories have been retconned from being comparable to Horus, to relatively few. However, each action was said to have been shocking in its brutality without comparison.

III

Gunn sacrifices himself and his ship to destroy the Delta, an Alpha Legion capital ship. The Fleet continues on until it reaches a dead end, and prepare for a final stand, but a Dark Angels Star Fort and attendant fleet arrive to drive the Alpha Legion off. In part one and two, several sections detail a lone, unnamed operative hacking into the Wolves’ records, and it is revealed he is a Lutherite Dark Angel, attempting to discover the VI Legion’s loyalty. During the Wolves’ final stand, Russ engages Alpharius (disguised as a Terminator) allowing the operative to send a signal to the Dark Angels confirming the Wolves as loyal. After the Alpha Legion retreats, Russ meets with the Dark Angels commander, Althalos aboard the Star Fort. Luther had been raising new chapters of Dark Angels and sending them out to garrison outposts across the galaxy. Alaxxes with the 6^th, and had been deployed 59 years prior to the events of the story. Althalos states the Dark Angels have swollen to a size larger than any time in the legions previous history, and the Dark Angels have a clear distinction between themselves and the Angel’s traveling with the Lion (humorously illustrated when Russ makes ready for the honor duel and Althalos has no idea what the hell he is doing). The operative is openly disrespectful when referring the Lion, because he has no attachment to him. Oddly enough, the Lutherites display the Dark Angels green on parts of their armor. Russ and Althalos pledge an alliance, the Dark Angels providing resources and equipment to refit and rearm the Wolves’ Fleet. Russ departs for Terra (to be seen in Vengeful Spirit), and Bjorn is commanded to oversee the Legion’s resupply efforts. Russ has become confident in his purpose again, and speaks to Bjorn about how the Legion will need to change its mindset to defeat the traitors.

 

I'll answer any questions in greater depth.

 

So what happens with the duel between Alpharius and Russ? Obviously Primarch battles are a big deal, any juicy details? It seems like Alpharius purposefully assisted the Wolves with allowing the signal to be sent, any insight?

Russ senses Alpharius' presence and demands he face him, at which point the Alpha Legionaries part ranks to allow him through. Russ begins to charge at Alpharius when the Star Fort and Dark Angels Fleet appear before they can land blows. They stare at each other for a minute and Alpharius nods at Russ before teleporting aeway.

Is this supposed to be a deal like Russ' canine senses can smell and recognize the true Alpharius or some innate, latently psychic ability that one primarch can sense another? IMO no way the AL can infiltrate a legion right under the very eye of their primarch. (Looking at you Deliverance Lost)

 

 

I think he just knows he is there to finish the Wolves off. In context, the Alpha has appeared and is bearing down on the Hrafnkel(sp?) when the Terminators teleport in. It doesn't specifically state why, other than just a feeling. So less Darth Vader detecting Luke, and more Han Solo knowing the old man and kid smuggling droids were gonna be bad news. 

I feel that Wraight has similtaneously added depth to both the DA and the SW...

 

 

About these Lutherite DA, they'lk likely denounce Luther when they discover his corruption. They seem to be under the impression that Luther is loyal to the Imperium and merely opposes the Lion?

 

I don't think they have ever met the Lion. It seems like they were recruited after the Lion had left Luther behind. 

[1ncarnadine]

 

I'm not sure. These guys definitely seem to be, but they haven't been to Caliban in nearly 60 years. I imagine these Lutherite outposts will be the basis of the Fallen hunted down by the chapter post-sundering of Caliban.

 

 

Just finished. Yeah, that's my thought, they really have no idea what's going on at all. Had to loot the Hrafnkel's records to even know Prospero was a thing.

 

 

Russ senses Alpharius' presence and demands he face him, at which point the Alpha Legionaries part ranks to allow him through. Russ begins to charge at Alpharius when the Star Fort and Dark Angels Fleet appear before they can land blows. They stare at each other for a minute and Alpharius nods at Russ before teleporting aeway.

Is this supposed to be a deal like Russ' canine senses can smell and recognize the true Alpharius or some innate, latently psychic ability that one primarch can sense another? IMO no way the AL can infiltrate a legion right under the very eye of their primarch. (Looking at you Deliverance Lost)

 

 

I thought he just spotted him through the throng of bodies? Like Russ is just yelling for a while and then there's that momentary gap in the Alpha Legion's lines where he spots an aloof Terminator with the pale spear and he's like "oh, duh." But I think this book implies Russ has some amount of latent psyker potential as well (but most of the primarchs actually have some connection to the warp, it's hard to tell in this).

 

edit: I should note, it doesn't really call out the pale spear specifically, just that he has a long power weapon with a strange glow.

[Marshal Rohr]

It described the emerald glow that made me connect it to the spear. 

 

 

 

Sidenote: Also, the Wolves are pissed at the Scars for abandoning them to the Alpha Legion, to the point Gunn wonders if they are loyal or not. 

[Phoebus]

Sigh.

 

In what way does it help the larger plot for Lutherite Dark Angels to save the Space Wolves? To begin with, the whole point of Luther being on Caliban was to push out reinforcements to the Legion - not to set up garrisons in vicinity of obscure nebula. Additionally, Luther was still singing the praises of the Lion (however saddened he might have been by his exile) at the time that he would have sent Althalos, so there is no point in him or his subordinates being disdainful of their primarch. 

 

Beyond that, this twist takes away the chance to set up a connection for one of the few Dark Angels-Space Wolves storylines, which was the two Legions joining forces to race back to Terra and thwart Horus. Sure, it's not time for that yet, but an arrival by Corswain, Belath, or even the Lion would have gone some way in setting up that plot angle.

 

I guess I'll have to read to see if this twist makes more sense in context. For right now, color me frustrated.

[Marshal Rohr]

Sigh.

 

In what way does it help the larger plot for Lutherite Dark Angels to save the Space Wolves? To begin with, the whole point of Luther being on Caliban was to push out reinforcements to the Legion - not to set up garrisons in vicinity of obscure nebula. Additionally, Luther was still singing the praises of the Lion (however saddened he might have been by his exile) at the time that he would have sent Althalos, so there is no point in him or his subordinates being disdainful of their primarch. 

 

Beyond that, this twist takes away the chance to set up a connection for one of the few Dark Angels-Space Wolves storylines, which was the two Legions joining forces to race back to Terra and thwart Horus. Sure, it's not time for that yet, but an arrival by Corswain, Belath, or even the Lion would have gone some way in setting up that plot angle.

 

I guess I'll have to read to see if this twist makes more sense in context. For right now, color me frustrated.

 

Phoebus, meet Althalos, Russ' Dark Angel ally who he leaves his fleet with to repair before setting off together to race to Terra. 

 

It's probably going to be these guys and the Wolves showing up at the same time as Guilliman and the Lion that makes Horus drop his shields or something. 

[1ncarnadine]

It described the emerald glow that made me connect it to the spear. 

 

 

 

Sidenote: Also, the Wolves are pissed at the Scars for abandoning them to the Alpha Legion, to the point Gunn wonders if they are loyal or not. 

 

Yup. The green glow from the implied Necron connection?

 

Love that the Scars aren't totally in the clear yet, not that it'll take long to be resolved in the future. And the real reason the Dark Angels are so ashamed of themselves having a schism post-Heresy is getting more complex, which is potentically cool. Really, this book has a lot of good lore for being a limited edition...

 

Can I also add, this book is very quotable for how short it is. Some of my favorites in tags:

 

 

“Bjorn looked up at him, and the vice around his hearts did not ease. ‘This place hates us,’ he said. ‘It will crush us before the end.’

‘The whole galaxy hates us,’ said Russ, grinning with an edge of abandon. ‘Always has. If we wish to live, we must spite it a little further.”

 

 

“We were fated to meet here, lord commander. When the record of this war comes to be written, they will say that the destiny of Caliban was set on this day.” -Russ to Althalos

 

 

 

 

I guess I'll have to read to see if this twist makes more sense in context. For right now, color me frustrated.

 

Hopefully. Nothing seemed too batty to me but I'm not always the most discerning. 

[DarKnight]

Really appreciate you guys contributing with spoilers and answering our questions. Now I read the excerpt BL put out which describes the nebula the Wolves went to hide in and the advantage/superiority of ships the AL had over them. Dare I say it, the AL just plain out maneuvered the Wolves instead of resorting to cheap trickery? Amazing. Also, did we learn much about Gunnar Gunnhilt before his demise? Did his sacrifice actually make sense from a tactical standpoint or just squeezed in there for forced emotional resonance? Was the reason of green armor of the Angels described?

[Marshal Rohr]

Oh yes. His sacrifice blocked off the tunnel the Wolves were escaping thru, and gave them space to get ahead of the AL. 

 

Also took down a capital vessel. 

[1ncarnadine]

Was the reason of green armor of the Angels described?

 

It seems to be a link to Caliban's culture, Calibanites, and/or Luther. What that implies as to why the 40k DA are green is hard to say.

 

More thoughts on the DA: Someone mentioned that Luther wasn't super bitter at the point when these guys were sent out. I don't think he made them that way in their inception, they merely became that way apart from Luther and the Lion, just from being isolated for so long. Remember, the Alaxxes garrison has never met their primarch, or possibly any primarch, and don't get what the big deal is until Russ comes in and slaps Althalos on the shoulder bro-style.

[Jarl Kjaran Coldheart]

 Dare I say it, the AL just plain out maneuvered the Wolves instead of resorting to cheap trickery? Amazing. 

 

I would agree this is a fair statement, but some consideration has to be taken into account here, such as:

 

-The Wolves are acknowledged as not being exceptionally talented in void warfare. They see naval ships as a means to get into face to face conflict, and have no true love of it. Bjorn admits this has to be corrected

-the AL fleet massively outnumbers the Wolves. like to a stupid degree

-the Wolf fleet, and the Wolves themselves, are worn down and still reeling from Prospero. They are hardly at fighting strength. The AL are fresh, unencumbered and going for the kill.

 

WLK

[Marshal Loss]

Fantastic book. I am not a Space Wolf fan. They have always been one of my least favourite Legions/Chapters, but I think Chris Wraight hit the nail on the head in this novella. He added depth to their character, a little weakness, without making the mistake that some other authors have made, and that many people complain about: the impression that the wolves are simply better than everybody else. I like them a lot more after this novella than before. Wolf King really reinforces what makes them unique as a Legion without taking it too far.

 

My favourite quote:

 

 

 

 

He could have gone back then. He could have taken command again, wresting it from Gunn, who only knew how to fight the old wars and whose soul was already half-dragged into the cold grip of Morkai. The others would have welcomed it. Their eyes would have shone again, for the Wolf King would be back among them, and surely he would have answers, and the pattern of war would swing around again, and the Wolves would go back to being the masters of their own fate, to being the feared, the killers.

 

They had been those things for so long: telling the stories to one another, building the psychology of invincibility, taking on the mantle of the exceptional. It had shielded them, for a time. What they believed, they had become. For a while, they had lived up to the impossible, and he had let them, sharing in the glory, watching as the galaxy learned terror from them.

 

This should be a mandatory read for anybody who complains about the Space Wolves being the 'Emperor's Executioners'. I thought the Alpha Legion were fittingly insidious without being comical too, which is also a pleasant change.

[1ncarnadine]

Fantastic book. I am not a Space Wolf fan. They have always been one of my least favourite Legions/Chapters, but I think Chris Wraight hit the nail on the head in this novella. He added depth to their character, a little weakness, without making the mistake that some other authors have made, and that many people complain about: the impression that the wolves are simply better than everybody else. I like them a lot more after this novella than before. Wolf King really reinforces what makes them unique as a Legion without taking it too far.

 

My favourite quote:

 

 

 

 

He could have gone back then. He could have taken command again, wresting it from Gunn, who only knew how to fight the old wars and whose soul was already half-dragged into the cold grip of Morkai. The others would have welcomed it. Their eyes would have shone again, for the Wolf King would be back among them, and surely he would have answers, and the pattern of war would swing around again, and the Wolves would go back to being the masters of their own fate, to being the feared, the killers.

 

They had been those things for so long: telling the stories to one another, building the psychology of invincibility, taking on the mantle of the exceptional. It had shielded them, for a time. What they believed, they had become. For a while, they had lived up to the impossible, and he had let them, sharing in the glory, watching as the galaxy learned terror from them.

 

This should be a mandatory read for anybody who complains about the Space Wolves being the 'Emperor's Executioners'. I thought the Alpha Legion were fittingly insidious without being comical too, which is also a pleasant change.

 

I almost feel like this book was specifically addressed to some of the arguments about the Wolves I've seen on a few boards this year. Wraight has so far proven to be a very "fair" writer, in that he looks at each legion he's including in his writing and treats each with respect. Daemonology coming out after Vengeful Spirit's odd handling of Mortarion is another good example of him acting as BL's damage control. It's kind of interesting.

 

Some will argue against this with the Scars because of the asian accent stuff, so it's a YMMV thing.