Black Book - Insurrection (PUBLISHED)

[Demus Ragnok]

Enforcers should be a neutral third party.

 

Custodes get my vote for the job.

 

Just me.

[Slips]

Sisters of Silence?

[simison]

Sisters of Silence are anti-Psyker and shouldn't be used like this. The Custodes are a better choice given their role in canon verse with the Word Bearers.

[Skalpynock]

Dissolution of the Asklepian order, reduction of the apothecarion, perhaps by scattering a part of its effective to other legions? Custodes sent to enforce the decision, as I don't think any Astartes would be neutral enough. Vizenko, disgraced, simply disappears from history after that point, even his primarch unaware of his whereabouts (something I won't explore, but if anyone wants to, feel free). Meanwhile the legion, eager to prove its worth and see its honor restored in the eyes of the Imperium, goes on to reclaim a sector of the galaxy that had long been avoided, judged too dangerous for any single legion to conquer. Massive losses ensue, in part explaining why such a legion has "only" 160 000 legionaries at the start of the Insurrection, and giving them a nice late-crusade exemplary battle. So close to 200 000, and they failed.

[Nomus Sardauk]

Hmm, I like the idea of Vizenko just vanishing in the aftermath, you could leave it as an unexplained mystery, or maybe he's found dead centuries later, or maybe Vizenko re-surfaces at some point post-insurrection, like a loyalist Fabius Bile?

[simison]

As the one who officially stood in judgement, Vizenko was immediately stripped of his rank and forbidden from his crafts. Never again would he use his expertise in science for either war or peace. The Askepian Order was to be henceforth disbanded for all of time. Furthermore, the Warbringer's Apothecarion was to be reduced to a third of its size, its members given the choice to simply return to line duty or to continue in their medical duties but scattered amongst the other legions. To ensure compliance to the Emperor's will, the Adeptus Custodes would personally oversee the enforcement of the Emperor's decree. As for Kozja Darzalas, the Emperor reserved no legal sanction but publicly declared his disappointment of his son, a humiliation that no other Primarch had yet to suffer. The last act of the Vizenko Prosecution came from Kozja, who swore he would obey the Emperor's commandments and restore his and his legion's honor forthwith. 

 

[Now, it is obvious that some Primarchs are more highly regarded than others, and whispers of Alexos' torture speak from dark corners, but am I right in that no one has been officially called a disappointment by the Emperor?]

[simison]

Drunk with victory, some of the more extreme elements of the Purity faction demanded that the other legions who had defended the Warbringers be investigated as well. Who knew what secrets the Drowned kept or what monstrosities the Eagle Warriors had created? Despite their volume, the Emperor refused them. His new decree stood, and the Warbringers were now an example of the Emperor's judgement. He would not begin a witch hunt without credible evidence of wrongdoing, lest he taint the Imperium's ideals. This would be the last public act of the Emperor before his return to the secrecy of Terra. 

 

With the Emperor's departure, the other attendees of Baal gradually went their separate ways, the radioactive world returning to its past existence as a recruitment world after its brief spotlight in history. The Custodians began execution of their new directive and soon squads of these golden-armoured warriors deployed to each of the Warbringer fleets, while the Administratum enacted the Emperor's new ban on genetics. Given the choice to surrender their medicae skills or to be banished from the legion, many Warbringer apothecaries chose banishment, most hoping to redeem their legion's dishonor in the eyes of their cousins, while others could not bare to part with a skill that had taken decades to master. Among the other legions, these exiles would meet a variety of receptions. A few legions outright refused their service, such as the Dune Serpents and the Crimson Lions. Others granted them entry and would endure suspicion and many attempts at correcting flaws in their thinking as it often occurred in the Scions Hospitaller, Stygian Jackels, and the Iron Bear legions. Many who served along the Halcyon Wardens, the Void Eagles, and the Grave Stalkers were treated with respect and allowed to carry on their duties without pressure. Lastly, the contingent of Warbringers who served alongside the likes of the Berserkers and the Warriors of Peace would find kindred spirits who shared their vexation.

[simison]

As to their parent legion, mere days after the Warbringers were declared of achieving compliance, Kozja announced the legion would invade the Htohtos-Goy Sector. Occupying the sector was a cruel and malevolent xeno race known as the Soladnit. For over a decade, these vile aliens had beaten back three separate Imperial incursions wielding hideous powers that threaten both mind and body. Located a distance from more important targets and given the hostility of its defenders, it had been deemed a tertiary objective and would meet its final fate some time in the future when the Imperium had the resources to spare. That future was put to an end upon Kozja's oath. It would be there the Warbringers would exterminate this virulent threat to humanity and restore their honor. His sons did not fail him as he led them into a campaign that took four years and costed the lives of thousands of Warbringers before Kozja slew the last of the Soladnit. 

 

The last concern to be accounted for was the infamous Vizenko himself. A persona non grata even within his home legion, Vizenko acquired a ship a few days after the Prosecution. With minimal crew, it entered the Warp, its last report purposely mangled when command inquired of its destination.

 

It was never seen again. 

 

[skal, feel free to change the names and times as you want since this will be one of the Warbringers' exemplary battles.]

[simison]

The Vizenko Prosecution

 

 

The Path of Destiny

 

During the brief interim period when Alexandros was settling into his new role as Warmaster, but the Emperor had not returned to Terra, the Emperor sought to resolve a growing conflict that threatened Imperial Unity. From the beginning, the Great Crusade sought to cleanse humanity of the foul mutations that had infected it. The pure human form was to be restored to its rightful place as as the reigning ideal for what was or was not human. Abhumans, with some exceptions, were terminated to preserve the genetic purity that was Mankind's birthright. Yet, a challenge grew against this foundational aspect of the Imperium. 

 

A call began that merely returning to past roots was short-sighted. Why restore when one could improve? Perhaps it was inevitable when one remembers the elites' infatuation with juvenat treatments, the Mechanicum's endless attempts at mechanical immortality, and even the creation of the space marines that showed what power could be coaxed from within humanity's genome. The loudest and strongest voices for this dissent came from five of the Emperor's sons: Kozja Darzalas, Alexos Travier, Raktra Akarro, Sorrowsworn Morro, and the Jade General.

 

While some proclaimed the untapped potential of humanity as the underlying reason for gene-manipulation, the Jade General's outspoken support was to eliminate what he classified as the greatest threat to Mankind's survival. The menace he sought to cure was the psykers. Counting the times that a single witch had unleashed terrible disasters on the mundane citizen, the Jade General proposed that it was in the Imperium's best interest to gradually defeat it in a plan that spanned centuries. The key to peace was the creation of pariahs. The Jade General wished to create sustainable pariah populations on every planet, nullifying the damage a rogue psyker could inflict. In time, he foresaw all of humanity becoming pariahs, removing the threat of warpcraft for all time, while humanity developed another method of interstellar travel. Order and peace was what motivated the Jade General and his experiments. 

 

[Hesh’s Piece on Pariahs]

 

Given the nature of the Drowned's preferred battlefield, it was perhaps natural for Morro to seek ways that would enhance his sons performance. Because no matter how well a man swims beneath the waves, what technology he employs to compensate, a man is a creature that was never born to be one with the water. Yet, it is there that the Drowned have always fought, in order to cleanse the galaxy's oceans of the Imperium's enemies. So it was that Morro added his voice to those that called for genetic manipulation. The public measures he proposed were minor in detail, but many suspected that once given the permission he sought, Morro would corrupt the purity of the human form to truly give his sons an edge within the oceans' depths, far out of sight of proper supervision.

Alexos' brash calls for more marines had led him to develop unsanctioned procedures to accelerate the growth of his legion. Always walking the fine line between obedience and disobedience, few were surprised to see the Emperor's son loudly proclaiming the need for more space marines to continue pushing the Great Crusade's lines ever outward. While careful not to challenge the Emperor's decrees outright, Alexos could often be heard explaining that there were other paths to augment the Imperium's military forces without waiting for geneseed implantation. Despite the source of these arguments, many Imperial Army commanders would quietly agree that more space marines would be a boon to the Imperium. 

While agreeing in principle with the temperamental Jade General, Raktra approached the debate with far more venom-filled energy. He too wished to eliminate weakness, but he cared not for humanity. Instead, he envisioned his sons carrying the ability to see into the human body with naked eyes alone. The purpose was simple: locate an enemy's weakness and exploit it. Technology could break down, Raktra argued, but if he and his sons could detect with their senses, the enemies of the Imperium would meet death in rapid order. At the same time, Raktra wanted to purge his own of the weaknesses they carried. They would see their own weaknesses for themselves and eliminate them, presenting a more powerful legion than ever. 

Although he too pursued the same goals of his brothers, it was Kozja who rose above them to become the symbol for their cause. He saw the diversity of the eighteen legions and saw it as a hinderence to the Emperor's work. It would be better, Kozja reasoned, if the space marines resembled a cohesive whole instead of eighteen shards. To that end, he studied the geneseeds of his brothers' legions and set out to create a marine that encapsulated the strengths of all the legions in one. He was the one who earned the greatest acclaim, it was he who would stand in judgement when the Emperor set his sights on this divisive issue. 

 

A Conspiracy Uncovered

 

Yet, it was not Kozja who would come under prosecution. That dubious honor laid with Vizenko, the Atrifos of the Asklepians, a brotherhood of Legion apothecaries, human gene-wrights, and members of the Ordo Biologis created by the Primarch Kozja to fulfill his vision of the ultimate legion. As the Atrifos, Vizenko was the highest officer in this consortium and often served as Kozja's Equerry in Warbringer matters. Possessing a brilliant mind and an unshakable will, Vizenko pushed the Asklepians to accomplish their mission with single-minded zeal. A key requirement was the collection of other legion gene-seeds to analyze and unlock the secrets within. It was in pursuit of this goal that he would reveal the true extent of the ninth legion's experimentation. For no matter how noble the goal was, what Kozja hoped to accomplish was contrary to the will of the Emperor and a violation of the other legions' security and privacy.

 

The infamous individual responsible for exposing the Warbringers was Alauros Ragnarval, Dryos of Clan Senoni. Like Vizenko, Ragnarval harboured a focus on his legion gene-seed and was working hard on the matter when Vizenko approached him, seeing a kindred spirit. Alas, Vizenko made a terrible miscalculation. The similarities between the two marines' research was only superficial, for Ragnarval sought to cure his legion's gene-seed of its defects, whereas Vizenko intended a much greater change. Vizenko presented his case to Ragnarval who became enraged at what Vizenko's was attempting. The meeting turned violent when Ragnarval attacked the venerable Warbringer, scarring him. Vizenko's life was spared when other Crimson Lions saved him from their enraged kin. Yet, the damage was done, the truth revealed. 

 

This revelation would spark heated debate across the Imperium. Was the human race denying itself a necessary step in its own evolution toward dominance? Or was this the path of damnation covered in shallow promises? To restore the peace, the Emperor declared that he would judge Vizenko and summoned the errant Warbringer to his court. It was on the radiated moon of Baal where this trial would take place. At the Emperor's behest, the Primarch Niklaas would construct a magnificent coliseum, protected from the radiated wastes by powerful shield generators. It was here the matter of gene manipulation would be put to rest. When the decree arrived on the command deck of the Restored Glory, Kozja Darzalas declared that he would represent his son as his legal counsel. While Kozja was pledging to defend, one of his brothers was assuming the role of prosecutor.

 

Dear'dd was renowned for his wondrous weapons of war and for his large stature even among his brothers. Though he often sought to strengthen the ties of brotherhood among the sons of the Emperor, this was a controversy he possessed powerful feelings over. When Malcador asked him to serve the Imperium as prosecutor in this fateful trial, he accepted without a second thought. It was not without criticism did Dear'dd take his rightful place in the coliseum. Many of his detractors argued that his support of extensive use of bionics disqualified him. Dear'dd countered that there was a vast difference between the mechanical nature of what he supported versus the genetic foundation espoused by the Warbringers. Regardless of the arguments, Daer'dd would serve. Nor would he be the only Primarch present. Although ostensibly a trial, a variety of 'witnesses' would be given the chance to express their own views. Pionus, Azus, Jade, and Morro would all travel to this momentous trial. Joined them were other famed and powerful individuals across the spectrum of Imperial power. 

 

Though there was a restriction on who could attend, its stands could not contain the multitude that came from the four corners of the galaxy. Members of the War Council, Mechanicum Adepts, Imperial commanders, gene-smiths, and countless others would take their seats, listening to every word over vox networks, and be given an opportunity to speak, if desired. The Emperor presided above them all from his loge, while Malcador would take his place on the trial floor. From opposing stands, Kozja and Dear'dd faced each other, Vizenko now relegated to a minor role. 

 

Trial of an Astartes

 

The actors assembled and the stage set, the Prosecution began with Daer'dd's opening statements. Claiming he felt no ill will to his errant brother, Daer'dd declared that rampant genetic manipulation would inevitably ruin humanity. The end result would be uncontrolled mutation destroying Mankind from within. It was this apocalyptic future that Daer'dd sought to prevent with his passionate plea. As was his right, Kozja was given a chance to speak. He argued that Daer'dd's views were needlessly alarmist. Instead of unleashing a potential disaster, Kozja foresaw a humanity freed from its shackles of biological limitations. Disease, infirmity, and even age would bow before genetic mastery. The primarchs finished, the first of the witnesses was called. Magos CH4-RL3-S Dah'arwin would be the first to testify, warning that unless humanity was willing to evolve in this hostile galaxy, they were doomed to eventual extinction. 

 

On and on, it went as witness after witness claimed a chance to voice their opinion. It was the Emperor's intention the affair be conducted coolly on a foundation of respect and logic. Yet, the longer the trial continued, the more inflamed passions became. Representatives from Knight Houses Ohrlaac and Atreis nearly came to blows when Sir Alsahr Orhlacc took the opportunity to insult House Atreis for 'being blinded by their own ignorance'. Sir Auctellar Ballador Servantes took the lead in House Atreis' defense and the two sides were on the verge of charging each other before the Custodians forcefully put an end to it. 

 

Not even the vaunted Astartes were immune from bickering. Watcher Eazir Azdira'h had spoken a scant few words before a challenge erupted from the stands. Charging down toward the Dune Serpent was Prost Wilhelm, the Still-Shepherd, one of Raktra's sons. The nature of the conflict resided not with the contentious topic of debate, but rather a previous encounter between the two space marine officers. Wilhelm claimed Azdira'h's testimony was worthless since the transhuman was without honor evident by cowardly tactics used during the Almutahar campaign. Azdira'h allowed the Still-Shepherd to finish before Azdira’h continued his testimony. This incensed the Berserker who demanded a duel to satisfy his honor, drawing his weapon. In a moment, the Berserker froze as he drowned beneath the Emperor's gaze. With a flick of his hand, the Emperor summoned two Custodians who dragged Wilhelm away from the stand. 

 

On the third day, as the time of the Emperor's judgement neared, it would be the Drowned who would be recorded to presenting the last apologia for the cause of genetic mastery. Yet, the Primarch Morro was absent, mired in a campaign against the brutish Orks and had sent two of his sons, Boræo and Hennasohn, to represent him. They repeated their gene-sire's words, emphasizing the real consequence of such archaic beliefs measured in the lives of fallen Drowned lost to the strange beasts of the galaxy's oceans. Their plea was answered by none other than the Jackel himself. Although the Primarch was one of the few to enjoy a close friendship with the infamous Raktra, on this matter, his will was clear. Willym proclaimed the desires of his brother Kozja and his supporters to be one of deviancy that sought to twist and mutate what was wholesome and good, comparing gene-manipulation to foul Warp sorcery, a comparison Kozja took offense to. 

 

The Emperor's Verdict

 

Yet, Kozja would not be given a chance to counter the Jackel's words. For when the Jackel had retaken his place among the stands, the Emperor stood. He began with benevolent praise for both sides of the divide who only desired to enhance Mankind's righteous place as masters of the galaxy, to the voices who had argued for their respective sides, and to Kozja for his scientific prowess. Unfortunately, the Emperor declared, while Kozja's intentions were laudable, he had overstepped himself. It was with purpose the Emperor had crafted twenty different siblings instead of a litter of vignituplets. The Emperor decided that the matter of genetic manipulation had proven too great of a temptation. Therefore, he issued a ban that until he return from his mission on noble Terra, the entire field of genetic modification was forbidden, except for the mildest of efforts in medical application. Upon his return, he assured that the matter would be re-opened for debate. Finally, Vizenko, Kozja, and the whole of the Warbringer legion would be punished for their guilt. 

 

As the one who officially stood in judgement, Vizenko was immediately stripped of his rank and forbidden from his crafts. Never again would he use his expertise in science for either war or peace. The Askepian Order was to be henceforth disbanded for all of time. Furthermore, the Warbringer's Apothecarion was to be reduced to a third of its size, its members given the choice to simply return to line duty or to continue in their medical duties but scattered amongst the other legions. To ensure compliance to the Emperor's will, the Adeptus Custodes would personally oversee the enforcement of the Emperor's decree. As for Kozja Darzalas, the Emperor reserved no legal sanction but publicly declared his disappointment of his son, a humiliation that no other Primarch had yet to suffer. The last act of the Vizenko Prosecution came from Kozja, who swore he would obey the Emperor's commandments and restore his and his legion's honor forthwith. 

 

Drunk with victory, some of the more extreme elements of the Purity faction demanded that the other legions who had defended the Warbringers be investigated as well. Who knew what secrets the Drowned kept or what monstrosities the Eagle Warriors had created? Despite their volume, the Emperor refused them. His new decree stood, and the Warbringers were now an example of the Emperor's judgement. He would not begin a witch hunt without credible evidence of wrongdoing, lest he taint the Imperium's ideals. This would be the last public act of the Emperor before his return to the secrecy of Terra. 

 

Aftermath

 

With the Emperor's departure, the other attendees of Baal gradually went their separate ways, the radioactive world returning to its past existence as a recruitment world after its brief spotlight in history. The Custodians began execution of their new directive and soon squads of these golden-armoured warriors deployed to each of the Warbringer fleets, while the Administratum enacted the Emperor's new ban on genetics. Given the choice to surrender their medicae skills or to be banished from the legion, many Warbringer apothecaries chose banishment, most hoping to redeem their legion's dishonor in the eyes of their cousins, while others could not bare to part with a skill that had taken decades to master. Among the other legions, these exiles would meet a variety of receptions. A few legions outright refused their service, such as the Dune Serpents and the Crimson Lions. Others granted them entry and would endure suspicion and many attempts at correcting flaws in their thinking as it often occurred in the Scions Hospitaller, Stygian Jackels, and the Iron Bear legions. Many who served along the Halcyon Wardens, the Void Eagles, and the Grave Stalkers were treated with respect and allowed to carry on their duties without pressure. Lastly, the contingent of Warbringers who served alongside the likes of the Berserkers and the Warriors of Peace would find kindred spirits who shared their vexation.

 

As to their parent legion, mere days after the Warbringers were declared of achieving compliance, Kozja announced the legion would invade the Htohtos-Goy Sector. Occupying the sector was a cruel and malevolent xeno race known as the Soladnit. For over a decade, these vile aliens had beaten back three separate Imperial incursions wielding hideous powers that threaten both mind and body. Located a distance from more important targets and given the hostility of its defenders, it had been deemed a tertiary objective and would meet its final fate some time in the future when the Imperium had the resources to spare. That future was put to an end upon Kozja's oath. It would be there the Warbringers would exterminate this virulent threat to humanity and restore their honor. His sons did not fail him as he led them into a campaign that took four years and costed the lives of thousands of Warbringers before Kozja slew the last of the Soladnit. 

 

The last concern to be accounted for was the infamous Vizenko himself. A persona non grata even within his home legion, Vizenko acquired a ship a few days after the Prosecution. With minimal crew, it entered the Warp, its last report purposely mangled when command inquired of its destination.

 

It was never seen again. 

 

 

[i can't believe I was ever worried about this not being long enough of a chapter. Or that it was spread out over 10 pages. Anyway, could Sigi or someone check for British spelling? And perhaps a 'Yet' counter? My other questions on this page stand: any other Primarch publicly humiliated & do you want any changes Skal? And we need a chapter quote. Besides that, I proclaim the first draft of the Prosecution chapter done!]

[Big Bad Squig]

I feel like Morro might have been subject to some form of humiliation due to his treatment of the people on his homeworld, but I can't remember for sure - nor is he my character.  And, on the 'yet' front, you have a 1 : 365.25 ratio between 'yet' and other words, so I think you're fine 

[Sigismund229]

1st part checked

The Vizenko Prosecution

 

The Path of Destiny

 

During the brief interim period when Alexandros was settling into his new role as Warmaster and the Emperor had not returned to Terra, the Emperor sought to resolve a growing conflict that threatened Imperial Unity. From the beginning, the Great Crusade had sought to cleanse humanity of the foul mutations that had infected it. The pure human form was to be restored to its rightful place as as the reigning ideal for what was or was not human. Abhumans, with some exceptions, were terminated to preserve the genetic purity that was Mankind's birthright. Yet, a challenge grew against this foundational aspect of the Imperium.

 

A call began that merely returning to past roots was short-sighted. Why restore when one could improve? Perhaps it was inevitable when one remembers the elites' infatuation with juvenat treatments, the Mechanicum's endless attempts at mechanical immortality, and even the creation of the space marines that showed what power could be coaxed from within humanity's genome. The loudest and strongest voices for this dissent came from five of the Emperor's sons: Kozja Darzalas, Alexos Travier, Raktra Akarro, Sorrowsworn Morro, and the Jade General.

 

While some proclaimed the untapped potential of humanity as the underlying reason for gene-manipulation, the Jade General's outspoken support was to eliminate what he classified as the greatest threat to Mankind's survival. The menace he sought to cure was the psykers. Counting the times that a single witch had unleashed terrible disasters on the innocent citizen, the Jade General proposed that it was in the Imperium's best interest to gradually defeat it in a plan that spanned centuries. The key to peace was the creation of pariahs. The Jade General wished to create sustainable pariah populations on every planet, nullifying the damage a rogue psyker could inflict. In time, he foresaw all of humanity becoming pariahs, removing the threat of warpcraft for all time, while humanity developed another method of interstellar travel. Order and peace was what motivated the Jade General and his experiments.

 

[Hesh’s Piece on Pariahs]

 

Given the nature of the Drowned's preferred battlefield, it was perhaps natural for Morro to seek ways that would enhance his sons performance, because no matter how well a man swims beneath the waves, what technology he employs to compensate, a man is a creature that was never born to be one with the water. Yet, it is there that the Drowned have always fought, in order to cleanse the galaxy's oceans of the Imperium's enemies. So it was that Morro added his voice to those that called for genetic manipulation. The public measures he proposed were minor in detail, but many suspected that once given the permission he sought, Morro would corrupt the purity of the human form to truly give his sons an edge within the oceans' depths, far out of sight of proper supervision.

 

Alexos' brash calls for more marines had led him to develop unsanctioned procedures to accelerate the growth of his legion. Always walking the fine line between obedience and disobedience, few were surprised to see the Emperor's son loudly proclaiming the need for more space marines to continue pushing the Great Crusade's lines ever outward. While careful not to challenge the Emperor's decrees outright, Alexos could often be heard explaining that there were other paths to augment the Imperium's military forces without waiting for geneseed implantation. Despite the source of these arguments, many Imperial Army commanders would quietly agree that more space marines would be a boon to the Imperium.

 

While agreeing in principle with the temperamental Jade General, Raktra approached the debate with far more venom-filled energy. He too wished to eliminate weakness, but he cared not for humanity. Instead, he envisioned his sons carrying the ability to see into the human body with naked eyes alone. The purpose was simple: locate an enemy's weakness and exploit it. Technology could break down, Raktra argued, but if he and his sons could detect with their senses, the enemies of the Imperium would fall in rapid succession. At the same time, Raktra wanted to purge his own of the weaknesses they carried. They would see their own weaknesses for themselves and eliminate them, presenting a more powerful legion than ever.

 

Although he too pursued the goals of his brothers, it was Kozja who rose above them to become the symbol for their cause. He saw the diversity of the eighteen legions and saw it as a hinderance to the Emperor's work. It would be better, Kozja reasoned, if the space marines resembled a cohesive body instead of eighteen shards. To that end, he studied the geneseeds of his brothers' legions and set out to create a marine that encapsulated the strengths of all the legions in one. He was the one who earned the greatest acclaim and it was he who would stand in judgement when the Emperor set his sights on this divisive issue.

 

A Conspiracy Uncovered

 

Yet, it was not Kozja who would come under prosecution. That dubious honour lay with Vizenko, the Atrifos of the Asklepians, a brotherhood of Legion apothecaries, human gene-wrights, and members of the Ordo Biologis created by the Primarch Kozja to fulfill his vision of the ultimate legion. As the Atrifos, Vizenko was the highest officer in this consortium and often served as Kozja's Equerry in Warbringer matters. Possessing a brilliant mind and an unshakable will, Vizenko pushed the Asklepians to accomplish their mission with single-minded zeal. A key requirement was the collection of other legion gene-seeds to analyze and unlock the secrets within. It was in pursuit of this goal that he would reveal the true extent of the ninth legion's experimentation. For no matter how noble the goal was, what Kozja hoped to accomplish was contrary to the will of the Emperor and a violation of the other legion's security and privacy.

 

The infamous individual responsible for exposing the Warbringers was Alauros Ragnarval, Dryos of Clan Senoni. Like Vizenko, Ragnarval harboured a focus on his legion gene-seed and was working hard on the matter when Vizenko approached him, seeing a kindred spirit. Alas, Vizenko made a terrible miscalculation. The similarities between the two marines' research were only superficial, for Ragnarval sought to cure his legion's gene-seed of its defects, whereas Vizenko intended a much greater change. Vizenko presented his case to Ragnarval who became enraged at what Vizenko's was attempting. The meeting turned violent when Ragnarval attacked the venerable Warbringer, scarring him. Vizenko's life was spared when other Crimson Lions saved him from their enraged kin. Yet, the damage was done, the truth revealed.

 

This revelation would spark heated debate across the Imperium. Was the human race denying itself a necessary step in its own evolution toward dominance? Or was this the path of damnation covered in shallow promises? To restore the peace, the Emperor declared that he would judge Vizenko and summoned the errant Warbringer to his court. It was on the iradiated moon of Baal where this trial would take place. At the Emperor's behest, the Primarch Niklaas would construct a magnificent coliseum, protected from the iradiated wastes by powerful shield generators. It was here the matter of gene manipulation would be put to rest. When the decree arrived on the command deck of the Restored Glory, Kozja Darzalas declared that he would represent his son as his legal counsel. While Kozja was pledging to defend, one of his brothers was assuming the role of prosecutor.

 

Dear'dd was renowned for his wondrous weapons of war and for his large stature even among his brothers. Though he often sought to strengthen the ties of brotherhood among the sons of

[Sigismund229]

2nd part

Often sought to strengthen the ties of brotherhood among the sons of the Emperor, this was a controversy he had powerful feelings on. When Malcador asked him to serve the Imperium as prosecutor in this fateful trial, he accepted without a second thought. It was not without criticism that Dear'dd took his rightful place in the coliseum. Many of his detractors argued that his support of extensive use of bionics disqualified him. Dear'dd countered that there was a vast difference between the mechanical nature of what he supported versus the genetic foundation espoused by the Warbringers. Regardless of the arguments, Daer'dd would serve. Nor would he be the only Primarch present. Although ostensibly a trial, a variety of 'witnesses' would be given the chance to express their own views. Pionus, Azus, Jade, and Morro would all travel to this momentous trial. Joined them were other famed and powerful individuals across the spectrum of Imperial power.

 

Though there was a restriction on who could attend, its stands could not contain the multitudes that came from the four corners of the galaxy. Members of the War Council, Mechanicum Adepts, Imperial commanders, gene-smiths, and countless others would take their seats, listening to every word over vox networks, and be given an opportunity to speak, if they desired. The Emperor presided above them all from his loge, while Malcador would take his place on the trial floor. From opposing stands, Kozja and Dear'dd faced each other, Vizenko now relegated to a minor role.

 

Trial of an Astartes

 

The actors assembled and the stage set, the Prosecution began with Daer'dd's opening statements. Claiming he felt no ill will toward his errant brother, Daer'dd declared that rampant genetic manipulation would inevitably ruin humanity. The end result would be uncontrolled mutation destroying Mankind from within. It was this apocalyptic future that Daer'dd sought to prevent with his passionate plea. As was his right, Kozja was given a chance to speak. He argued that Daer'dd's views were needlessly alarmist. Instead of unleashing a potential disaster, Kozja foresaw a humanity freed from its shackles of biological limitations. Disease, infirmity, and even age would bow before genetic mastery. The primarchs finished, the first of the witnesses was called. Magos CH4-RL3-S Dah'arwin would be the first to testify, warning that unless humanity was willing to evolve in this hostile galaxy, they were doomed to eventual extinction.

 

On and on, it went as witness after witness claimed a chance to voice their opinion. It was the Emperor's intention the affair be conducted cooly on a foundation of respect and logic. Yet, the longer the trial continued, the more inflamed passions became. Representatives from Knightly Houses Ohrlaac and Atreis nearly came to blows when Sir Alsahr Orhlacc took the opportunity to insult House Atreis for 'being blinded by their own ignorance'. Sir Auctellar Ballador Servantes took the lead in House Atreis' defense and the two sides were on the verge of charging each other before the Custodians forcefully put an end to it.

 

Not even the vaunted Astartes were immune to bickering. Watcher Eazir Azdira'h had spoken a scant few words before a challenge erupted from the stands. Charging down toward the Dune Serpent was Prost Wilhelm, the Still-Shepherd, one of Raktra's sons. The nature of the conflict resided not with the contentious topic of debate, but rather a previous encounter between the two space marine officers. Wilhelm claimed Azdira'h's testimony was worthless since the transhuman was without honour evident by cowardly tactics used during the Almutahar campaign. Azdira'h allowed the Still-Shepherd to finish before Azdira’h continued his testimony. This incensed the Berserker who demanded a duel to satisfy his honour, drawing his weapon. In a moment, the Berserker froze as he drowned beneath the Emperor's gaze. With a flick of his hand, the Emperor summoned two Custodians who dragged Wilhelm away from the stand.

 

On the third day, as the time of the Emperor's judgement neared, it would be the Drowned who would be recorded to present the last apologia for the cause of genetic mastery. Yet, the Primarch Morro was absent, mired in a campaign against the brutish Orks and had sent two of his sons, Boræo and Hennasohn, to represent him. They repeated their gene-sire's words, emphasizing the real consequence of such archaic beliefs measured in the lives of fallen Drowned lost to the strange beasts of the galaxy's oceans. Their plea was answered by none other than the Jackel himself. Although the Primarch was one of the few to enjoy a close friendship with the infamous Raktra, on this matter, his will was clear. Willym proclaimed the desires of his brother Kozja and his supporters to be one of deviancy that sought to twist and mutate what was wholesome and good, comparing gene-manipulation to foul Warp sorcery, a comparison Kozja took offense to.

 

The Emperor's Verdict

 

Yet, Kozja would not be given a chance to counter the Jackel's words. For when the Jackel had retaken his place among the stands, the Emperor stood. He began with benevolent praise for both sides of the divide who only desired to enhance Mankind's righteous place as masters of the galaxy, to the voices who had argued for their respective sides, and to Kozja for his scientific prowess. Unfortunately, the Emperor declared, while Kozja's intentions were laudable, he had overstepped himself. It was with purpose the Emperor had crafted twenty different siblings instead of a litter of vignituplets. The Emperor decided that the matter of genetic manipulation had proven too great of a temptation. Therefore, he issued a ban that until he return from his mission on noble Terra, the entire field of genetic modification was forbidden, except for the mildest of efforts in medical application. Upon his return, he assured that the matter would be re-opened for debate. Finally, Vizenko, Kozja, and the whole of the Warbringer legion would be punished for their guilt.

 

As the one who officially stood in judgement, Vizenko was immediately stripped of his rank and forbidden from his crafts. Never again would he use his expertise in science for either war or peace. The Asklepian Order was to be henceforth disbanded for all of time. Furthermore, the Warbringer's Apothecarion was to be reduced to a third of its size, its members given the choice to simply return to line duty or to continue in their medical duties but scattered amongst the other legions. To ensure compliance to the Emperor's will,

[Sigismund229]

the Adeptus Custodes would personally oversee the enforcement of the Emperor's decree. As for Kozja Darzalas, the Emperor reserved no legal sanction but publicly declared his disappointment in his son, a humiliation that no other Primarch had yet to suffer. The last act of the Vizenko Prosecution came from Kozja, who swore he would obey the Emperor's commandments and restore his and his legion's honour forthwith.

 

Drunk with victory, some of the more extreme elements of the Purity faction demanded that the other legions who had defended the Warbringers be investigated as well. Who knew what secrets the Drowned kept or what monstrosities the Eagle Warriors had created? Despite their volume, the Emperor refused them. His new decree stood, and the Warbringers were now an example of the Emperor's judgement. He would not begin a witch hunt without credible evidence of wrongdoing, lest he taint the Imperium's ideals. This would be the last public act of the Emperor before his return to the secrecy of Terra.

 

Aftermath

 

With the Emperor's departure, the other attendees of Baal gradually went their separate ways, the radioactive world returning to its past existence as a recruitment world after its brief spotlight in history. The Custodians began execution of their new directive and soon squads of these golden-armoured warriors deployed to each of the Warbringer fleet while the Administratum enacted the Emperor's new ban on genetics. Given the choice to surrender their medicae skills or to be banished from the legion, many Warbringer apothecaries chose banishment, most hoping to redeem their legion's honour in the eyes of their cousins, while others could not bear to part with a skill that had taken decades to master. Among the other legions, these exiles would meet a variety of receptions. A few legions outright refused their service, such as the Dune Serpents and the Crimson Lions. Others granted them entry and would endure suspicion and many attempts at correcting flaws in their thinking as often occurred in the Scions Hospitaller, Stygian Jackels, and the Iron Bear legions. Many who served along the Halcyon Wardens, the Void Eagles, and the Grave Stalkers were treated with respect and allowed to carry on their duties without pressure. Lastly, the contingent of Warbringers who served alongside the likes of the Berserkers and the Warriors of Peace would find kindred spirits who shared their vexation.

 

As to their parent legion, mere days after the Warbringers were declared of achieving compliance, Kozja announced the legion would invade the Htohtos-Goy Sector. Occupying the sector was a cruel and malevolent xeno race known as the Soladnit. For over a decade, these vile aliens had beaten back three separate Imperial incursions wielding hideous powers that threaten both mind and body. Located a distance from more important targets and given the hostility of its defenders, it had been deemed a tertiary objective and would meet its final fate some time in the future when the Imperium had the resources to spare. That future was put to an end upon Kozja's oath. It would be there the Warbringers would exterminate this virulent threat to humanity and restore their honour. His sons did not fail him as he led them into a campaign that took four years and costed the lives of thousands of Warbringers before Kozja slew the last of the Soladnit.

 

The last concern to be accounted for was the infamous Vizenko himself. A persona non grata even within his home legion, Vizenko acquired a ship a few days after the Prosecution. With minimal crew, it entered the Warp, its last report purposely mangled when command inquired of its destination.

 

It was never seen again.

[simison]

I feel like Morro might have been subject to some form of humiliation due to his treatment of the people on his homeworld, but I can't remember for sure - nor is he my character.  And, on the 'yet' front, you have a 1 : 365.25 ratio between 'yet' and other words, so I think you're fine 

 

I vaguely remembered that, but the Emperor wasn't responsible for that. So, I think tentatively I'm in the clear on that point. 

 

Thanks Sigi! All that leaves is Skal's approval on Kozja's redemption crusade. With that done, I'm going to write up a couple of red sections. After that, my focus will turn onto our book's first campaign. 

[Raktra]

This has been quite an enjoyable read. I like how this is all shaping up.

 

Is it bad that I actually prefer the more tangible horror of our universe to the (already rather handsome) canon setting?

[simison]

Space Marine Legions extant at the time of the Icarion Insurrection

Numeral                     Common Name                     Primarch

I                             Lightning Bearers              Icarion Stormborn

II                               Space Wolves                    Leman Russ

III                            Crimson Lions                 Hectarion Mycenor

IV                              Void Eagles                        Yuchau

V                           Halcyon Wardens              Alexandros VonSalim

VI                               Iron Bear                      Daer'dd Niimkiika 

VII                         Berserkers of Uran                 Raktra Akarro

VIII                            Godslayers                    Koschei Kharkovic

IX                             Warbringers                      Kozja Darzalas

X                              Fire Keepers                         Niklaas

XI                            Thousand Sons                     Magnus

XII                          Wardens of Light                  Gwalchavad

XIII                          Eagle Warriors                    Alexos Travier

XIV                           Dune Serpents                   Azus Bahmut

XV                            Grave Stalkers                    K'awil Pakal

XVI                           The Drowned                 Sorrowsworn Morro 

XVII                        Warriors of Peace               The Jade General

XVIII                         Stygian Jackals                  Willym Jackel

XIX                          Scions Hospitalier                Pionus Santor

XX                           Ghost Walkers                       Coch'ise

[simison]

That's one red section down. And Grifft, I do want just a line through our lost legions as opposed to how FW blots theirs out since we know their names. 

 

I had two other red sections planned. One was to explore oceanic warfare and why two legions specialized in it. The other was to touch upon the paradox of the Emperor creating Pariah sons, not necessarily explain it but to comment on it. I planned on writing them myself but thought it better that I offer someone else a chance to author these two pieces, while I start on the Madrigal Purge.

 

Any takers?

This has been quite an enjoyable read. I like how this is all shaping up.

 

Is it bad that I actually prefer the more tangible horror of our universe to the (already rather handsome) canon setting?

 

Upon rereading, I realize that I don't know what you're saying Raktra. Help me out?

[Chief Captain Redd]

 

 

This has been quite an enjoyable read. I like how this is all shaping up.

 

Is it bad that I actually prefer the more tangible horror of our universe to the (already rather handsome) canon setting?

Upon rereading, I realize that I don't know what you're saying Raktra. Help me out?

In the BotL verse we've added enemies, Orks and Eldar are just as dangerous and lovecraftian horrors unrealized before are amongst the stars. Our Legions are more dangerous and more divided in nature. The Drowned are flesh craft nightmares, but the Iron Bears are iron wrought juggernauts. Our worst nightmares don't need to play out in the shadows because they already walk amongst men. Or at least that's how I interpreted it.

[Raktra]

What I mean is that I love the official version of the Horus Heresy. The way Chaos is represented at the time and the war of the Primarchs are my favourite things from 40k, but to me after you get past the "grr, blood, skulls, dying things" of the setting, the dark grittiness it prides itself on is kind of flimsy. Whereas you look at ours, and things to me feel far more sinister. Body horror really squicks me out, and the fact that we've got almost whole legions warping themselves willingly rather than the small clutches of Fabius Bile's mates is good crack.

And as Redd said, our Legions have greater division to them. Aside from one or two canonical Legions, it's a bit black and white during the HH, whereas with ours I find it's a lot more grey.

[Demus Ragnok]

18 legions of grey. That's....disturbing on sooooo many levels.

[Raktra]

Just think how dark it gets when you mix Morro's tentacles with Raktra's chains.

[Hesh Kadesh]

 

 

2nd part

Often sought to strengthen the ties of brotherhood among the sons of the Emperor, this was a controversy he had powerful feelings on. When Malcador asked him to serve the Imperium as prosecutor in this fateful trial, he accepted without a second thought. It was not without criticism that Dear'dd took his rightful place in the coliseum. Many of his detractors argued that his support of extensive use of bionics disqualified him. Dear'dd countered that there was a vast difference between the mechanical nature of what he supported versus the genetic foundation espoused by the Warbringers. Regardless of the arguments, Daer'dd would serve. Nor would he be the only Primarch present. Although ostensibly a trial, a variety of 'witnesses' would be given the chance to express their own views. Pionus, Azus, Jade, and Morro would all travel to this momentous trial. Joined them were other famed and powerful individuals across the spectrum of Imperial power.

 

Only "error" here, is that I can see Morro is included as having gone to the counsel, but then been limited by a campaign - instead, he purposefully stayed away after being warned by Belakor, and sent his two most well respected generals instead from both backgrounds as a terran and an Styxian member of the legion. Might be worth replacing Morro with "representatives of the Sorrowsworn" or "Morro's ambassadors etc".

 

If you're looking for words to replace yet; nevertheless, hitherto, prior, notwithstanding, nonetheless, additionally, furthermore, eventually etc.

[simison]

 

 

This has been quite an enjoyable read. I like how this is all shaping up.

 

Is it bad that I actually prefer the more tangible horror of our universe to the (already rather handsome) canon setting?

Upon rereading, I realize that I don't know what you're saying Raktra. Help me out?

In the BotL verse we've added enemies, Orks and Eldar are just as dangerous and lovecraftian horrors unrealized before are amongst the stars. Our Legions are more dangerous and more divided in nature. The Drowned are flesh craft nightmares, but the Iron Bears are iron wrought juggernauts. Our worst nightmares don't need to play out in the shadows because they already walk amongst men. Or at least that's how I interpreted it.

 

 

Interesting thoughts. How are our legions more dangerous? Also, I find it hilariously ironic that you mentioned Lovecraft right after I snuck in two references from Cthulhu Mythos. 

 

What I mean is that I love the official version of the Horus Heresy. The way Chaos is represented at the time and the war of the Primarchs are my favourite things from 40k, but to me after you get past the "grr, blood, skulls, dying things" of the setting, the dark grittiness it prides itself on is kind of flimsy. Whereas you look at ours, and things to me feel far more sinister. Body horror really squicks me out, and the fact that we've got almost whole legions warping themselves willingly rather than the small clutches of Fabius Bile's mates is good crack.

And as Redd said, our Legions have greater division to them. Aside from one or two canonical Legions, it's a bit black and white during the HH, whereas with ours I find it's a lot more grey.

 

The whole gene-heresy seems to have fit right up your alley then. And I do like how we have more variance among our legions. It feels more like a real war to have more than two factions trying to kill the other.

 

18 legions of grey. That's....disturbing on sooooo many levels.

 

I will throw a boot at you if you continue this train of thought.

 

Just think how dark it gets when you mix Morro's tentacles with Raktra's chains.

 

*Throws a boot at Raktra's head*

 

 

2nd part

Although ostensibly a trial, a variety of 'witnesses' would be given the chance to express their own views. Pionus, Azus, Jade, and Morro would all travel to this momentous trial. Joined them were other famed and powerful individuals across the spectrum of Imperial power.

 

Only "error" here, is that I can see Morro is included as having gone to the counsel, but then been limited by a campaign - instead, he purposefully stayed away after being warned by Belakor, and sent his two most well respected generals instead from both backgrounds as a terran and an Styxian member of the legion. Might be worth replacing Morro with "representatives of the Sorrowsworn" or "Morro's ambassadors etc".

 

 

I think it better to replace Morro with Jackel since the emphasis is on Primarchs, and Willym deserves a mention before his moment. Flows better with the structure, too.

 

 

Finally, Skal, I was thinking on the chapter quote and became enamored with the idea of Yuchau giving the quote. In-story, he offers a unique perspective as a neutral party but has brothers on both sides of the debate. From a meta perspective, it's a nice in-joke to have a quote from Yuchau since Kozja is the focus of the chapter and you've created both of these primarchs. The quote itself doesn't have to be anything incredibly inspirational, could just be an observation.

[Chief Captain Redd]

It's kind of hard to pinpoint, but it just feels like in the BotLverse our legions masquerade less as Heroes and Knights and embrace the brutality of war. The Bears, Lions, and Wolves all embraced that totemic, brutal, animalistic nature (and chain axes) and are still seen as heroes, because it feels more needed. Where as in the Cannonverse they might be outliers. Not to mention the Drowned or Berserkers. But that's just my opinion.

[MikhalLeNoir]

Yeah, the noble heroes are here on the short side;)