IL I - The Harbingers (thread 2)

[MikhalLeNoir]

LordCaldera reappeared with a new ChoomMarine

[bluntblade]

Excellent

[simison]

To aid the telepathic Lightning Bearer, Icarion assigned Sentinel Susanoo Empyon to provide divination support. This is where the controversy entered. Although technically the two Sentinels stood at the same rank, it was well understood that as commander of the First Company, Susanoo was tacitly above Antru, who belonged to Fifth Company. Many had assumed that the choice had been a form of punishment for the aggressive Susanoo for some undisclosed violation. Susanoo himself made no comment on the command structure and Antru never pressed the issue. 

[simison]

Athrawes - sounds like Enthrall-is. ...which is kinda ironic when you think about it. I was so off. 

 

Icarion - sounds like I-care-ion, I had always though it was I-car-ion.

[TheBlindPrimarch]

To aid the telepathic Lightning Bearer, Icarion assigned Sentinel Susanoo Empyon to provide divination support. This is where the controversy entered. Although technically the two Sentinels stood at the same rank, it was well understood that as ....

 

Okay, interruption. BlindPrimarch, while I was looking for which company Susanoo commanded, I found the answer to the Equerry. In a single line from a PM, Athrawes did tell me that Raiden is Icarion's Equerry. 

 

Ah, thank you Sim, guess it's a good thing I haven't finished that part yet, going to have to rewrite that whole section lol.

[simison]

Sorry for misleading you.

[TheBlindPrimarch]

It's all good, the stand in wasn't all that fleshed out anyway.

[simison]

While not particularly cordial, the two Sentinels began drawing up battle plans to exterminate these opportunistic raiders. Early scans had been unable to reliably provide detailed information due to incredibly high amounts of radioactivity surrounding the Rak'gol planet. What was known was that there were three orbital stations surrounding the planet in addition to an unknown number of capital ships. If the planet was to be cleansed, the three stations had to be eliminated. Consulting with Sentinel Empyon, Sentinel Ri-an determined to divide his task force into four battalion-strength detachments. Both Sentinels would lead one, while the two other commanding officers were Captains Todo and Sasaki. The three battalions would approach each battle station to disable weapon defences, eliminate Rak'gol warships, and rescue potential survivors. Susanoo's battalion and ships would remain in reserve to reinforce as needed. Additionally, Susanoo was placed in charge of the fleet's heaviest warships, which would deal the killing blow against the orbital stations once the prior objectives were accomplished. 

[simison]

When Sentinel Ri-an gave the order, the Lightning Bearers invaded. Relying heavily on the predictions of Susanoo and the more orthodox Lightning Bearers, the warships of the First made their approach. As they neared, attempts were continually made to scan the void structures to glean more accurate information. All such attempts proved fruitless. The sheer amount of radiation exhibited by the Rak'gol vessels created thick 'clouds' of heat that the auspices could not penetrate. Soon that same atomic energy was turned upon the approaching Imperial warships as crude beams of nuclear fire struck out from the orbital stations. Howler cannons and Roarer beams added to the defensive deluge, cracking apart Lighting Bearer vessels through sheer amount of fire. Although worthy librarians in their own right, the Praxis contingents died as easily as any Space Marine when explosions ripped through the decks or when sucked out into the cold void of space. Eager to close the distance to allow the psykers a chance to practice their warcraft, Sentinel Ri-an ordered full speed. 

[simison]

The moment the ships came into range, hundreds of boarding torpedoes launched. Thousands of Lightning Bearers landed and fought their way into the installations. Although the high radiation levels should have killed any unprotected human, it had been documented that the Rak'gol did take human prisoners, suggesting that they were preserved in some manner. It was recorded that Sentinel Empyon informed his superior that there were human prisoners within the orbital stations along with detailed instructions to reach them, apparent proof of his divinations. However, he had also warned that the slightest deviation from his instructions would ensure that no Space Marine would be able to exit the superstructure before the radiation eventually overwhelmed their armour seals. Confident in his brothers' capabilities, Antru had proceeded with the assault. 

[simison]

What happened next is debated to this day. What is known is that none of the legionnaires who boarded the orbital stations survived their insertion. The Purge of Conota was recorded as the worst military disaster ever suffered by the Lightning Bearers. Susanoo waited until five minutes after the point where it was estimated the power armour's radiation protection would fail before he began bombarding the stations, one after the other. Extra care was taken to ensure that none of the stations fell out of orbit onto the planet, Conota Prime, for it was a world rich in beauty and resources. Why the Rak'gol never stepped one claw on the planet remains a mystery. Once the Rak'gol fleet and stations were neutralized, Icarion convened the Council of Sentinels to review the debacle and ensured nothing like it occur again. Of particular debate was how responsible was Sentinels Empyon and Sentinel Ri-an were. Some pointed to Susanoo's advice as the primary instigator, others argued that Antru had been too reckless, and a few argued that both bared equal blame. It was the last group Icarion ultimately sided with, though he emphasized that he respected Antru's desire to save the Imperial captives as quickly as possible. Susanoo was officially censured but suffered no other consequence.

[simison]

One final mystery has perplexed remembrancers who have studied the incident. In the immediate aftermath of the battle, a Lightning Bearer patrol ship discovered a Rak'gol escape pod from the largest of the orbital stations, the same one which Antru died upon. Within the pod was a Rak'gol Carver, young and lightly injured. Upon seeing the Lightning Bearer warriors, the Rak'gol held up a piece of adamanitum, proclaiming in a dull voice, "Warn the Emperor!" Before the lead Lightning Bearer could respond to this most unexpected surprise, the xeno appeared to rouse itself. It promptly dropped the adamantium and attacked, dying in a moment before it could do harm. As confounding was the Carver's behavior, the adamantium proved to be worse. The metal piece was extremely weathered and had suffered recent damage, perhaps during the Carver's escape. Yet, marred as it was, portions of an emblem and a word or name could still be seen. A bald human head starred to the left with the Greek letter 'Sigma' stamped on its side. Beneath the symbol were these letters: "SU--RA-N--". The piece was tested and determined to be over eight millennia old, adding another riddle. All efforts to search the Rak'gol wreckage for more pieces such as this have failed. Attempts to substantiate the account with Sentinel Empyon and his company have also failed as the Sentinel refuses to be reminded of the blunder. 

[simison]

Exemplary Battles

 

 

Not only were the Harbingers the First Legion, but many had believed that they had been first among the legions. No other legion could boast more battle honours than the First. No other legion could claim to be larger. Finally, no other legion could assert that the Emperor had preferred another. For among all of the legions, it was the Lightning Bearers who the Emperor chose again and again to be his favoured weapon of war. It was thus that the Emperor's choice of Alexandros for Warmaster became all the more confusing given the preferential treatment Icarion and his sons had earned and enjoyed. Given the sheer volume of their victories, it is not the place in this tome to record all of them. Rather, the following three incidents give perhaps the purest views into the nature of the I^st.

 

Silencing of the Eternal Dirge

 

From the darkness of Old Night came the Cult of Rapture, a society of human blood mages and gene-grotesques who reveled in the ritualized slaughter of millions. Over centuries the Cult subjugated the southern Polar Region of Terra enslaving entire generations of that once prosperous region. The Cult was comprised of more than the petty tyrants all too common across Terra at that time. They were instead, an organized religion, exulting the abhorrent mutations of the Psyker and worshiping dark and ancient false gods. Each day, hundreds of innocents were sacrificed to feed the bottomless hunger of their warlocks, creating in the process a great psychic malignancy afflicting the region known as the Eternal Dirge, a reality-bending affront to the natural order of the universe, both twisting the perception of those enslaved and guiding those who abased themselves to the abhorrent cult. Wherever the Cult’s grotesques were lead by the Dirge, a grisly pogrom was enacted to cull hundreds in order to strengthen their enclave and sustain the song which fueled them.

 

Until the coming of the Emperor.

 

As unity slowly began to encompass Terra, the Emperor turned his attention to the Crystal Fortress of the Cult, the diseased seat of the ritualized power. Every effort of the Emperor’s mortal soldiers and gene-crafted thunder warriors to pacify the polar region had met with disaster. More often than not, entire armies were enthralled by the Dirge and turned back to cruelly assail their fellows.

 

The Emperor had foreseen the perils of warpcraft as a threat to his designs and turned to his 1^st Legion for the region's deliverance. While all Space Marines had been crafted to serve as the Emperor’s greatest warriors, the I^st Legion had been created with a further specialization in mind. To combat the malignancy of rogue Psykers and the repugnancy of warpcraft, the Emperor had looked to create warriors in his own image, the wider Legiones Astartes were all meant to reflect aspects of the Emperor, to become embodiments of his might, the I^st Legion, however, had been crafted at the genetic level to reflect a shard of the Emperor's psychic might.

 

While it is true that many Legions contained warriors proficient in the use of psychic powers, indeed some legions where psychic power was relatively common place, no Legion shared the innate and widespread psychic proficiency that became manifest within the First. This genetic propensity towards unlocking humanities psychic potential was further expanded by the Emperor's focused efforts to recruit children with noteworthy and controlled psychic talents into the I^st Legion.

 

At the time, the nascent legion comprised of five chapters, and five chapters would be deployed by the Emperor's command to eliminate this metaphysical threat. 

 

To counter the cult's ability to enthrall its enemies, each Lightning Bearer was given a jewel to wear. Called a tama, these spherical crystals were constructed from a rare kind of rose quartz that was naturally sensitive to the Warp's touch. Any Lightning Bearer who failed to resist the Dirge, their tama would darken with corruption. Additionally, the day before the planned invasion was entirely spent in meditation, honing their mental defenses to perfection.

 

The First Legion attacked. Overconfident in the Eternal Dirge's ability to corrupt their enemies, the six Divines neglected their defenses. Instead of amassing their might to overwhelm the invaders, they sent only small mobs led by psykers of lesser power and favor within the cult. These forces were merely to slow down the Lightning Bearers' advance long enough for the song to take hold of their souls. Although zealous in their twisted faith, the cultists died quickly in these skirmishes, while their psykers found themselves outmatched by the psychic strength of the First. 

 

With battlefield casualties light, Korvost Sahaal, Legion Master of the First, focused his attention on the spiritual fortitude of his marines. While there was no escaping the Eternal Dirge's music, most of the Lightning Bearers resisted its insidious effects. The few who were threatened by its touch were quickly evacuated outside of the Dirge's range to recover and to reinforce the legion later. Thus, three days passed in this manner as the Emperor's chosen legion steadily made their way to the cult's capital, their casualties negligible. It was only on the fourth day that the Divines truly became alert to the blade approaching their throats.

 

Enraged by the Lightning Bearers' perseverance, the Divines gathered their strength and plotted to crush the legionnaires between a dual flanking attack with two Divines leading the assaults. 

 

It was then that the First Legion revealed their hidden weapon: divination. While able to perform most of the psychic disciplines, even in this early era, the First's battle-psykers naturally gravitated to sight beyond sight, perhaps an early indication of Icarion's nature. Before the Divines had planned their retribution, Sahaal was already aware of their course. To counter the approaching cultic assault, Sahaal completely went against standard military doctrine and divided his heavily-outnumbered force into three smaller detachments. 

 

The Northern strike force under Captain Zso Ise would counter the Divine known as Fastus. Divine Fastus was an arrogant man who advanced his forces without care, already dreaming of his newest victory over the Emperor's forces. Captain Ise set up a series of brilliant ambushes that crippled the cult army, even though the legionnaires were outnumbered over 100-to-1. The enemy army further suffered as Fastus enacted cruel executions of his own officer corps, blaming them for his failures. 

 

To the South, Captain Steban Tasater would challenge Divine Gula's army. Unlike the haughty Fastus, Gula chose a more cautious approach, wary of the legion's progress. Since ambushes would be ineffective against a more aware enemy commander, Tasater unleashed a series of daring raids, targeting the cult's psyker contingent. Although losing a third of his number, Captain Tasater paralyzed Gula's army as the Divine foolishly held position, trying in vain to discern the next attack.

 

Finally, Sahaal took the smallest command. Loading his few squads into his only Warhawk Class Stormbird, Sahaal made his most dangerous move: an aerial assault against the Crystal Fortress. Never dreaming of an attack comprised of so little, the remaining Divines were caught completely off-guard when the lone stormbird entered their air space. With surprised secured by the First Legion, Sahaal opened fire on the Divines' level of the fortress, clearing a landing zone before he and his legionnaires stormed the palace. Unable to rally more cultists to their side, the four Divines and their bodyguards died quickly.

 

The physical head of the cult dead, Sahaal turned his attention to his true target: the Dirge. Standing at the source, the Dirge played havoc with Sahaal's warriors as the first ones began to succumb to its power. With not enough time to safely evacuate, Sahaal was forced to execute each warrior that failed to maintain their mental defences, even as he sought to end the Dirge itself. The legionnaires had brought a small supply of meltabombs and attached these weapons to the fortress' load-bearing pillars. All the while, the small strike force shrinking as Astartes were overwhelmed by the corruption of the Dirge. When the last meltabomb was deployed, Sahaal gathered his survivors and returned to the Warhawk pattern stormbird. Only when they were safely above ground did Sahaal detonated the charges. 

 

Catastrophic explosions ripped through the Crystal Fortress, causing it to collapse into itself. As the dust settled, the infernal Dirge was finally silenced. All across the continent, the cult died in chaos as men and women were freed from its evil and resisted the diehard cultists. The twin armies of Divine Fastus and Divine Gula disintegrated when the Dirge stopped, both Divines savagely murdered by their own men before the two armies scattered to the four winds. Returning to his legion with only nine marines, Korvost Sahaal was hailed as the Imperium's first hero to hearken from the Legiones Astartes. 

 

Compliance of Argos Rho-4

 

At the height of the Great Crusade, the Lightning Bearers enjoyed unrivaled popularity and support among the legions. Although they were welcome sight to see on any battlefield, it did not prevent the Legion from having its own idiosyncrasies that puzzled other parties that could also uncomfortably bear some resemblance to mysticism. One such strange strand among the Lightning Bearers were the Volta of the Blue Shield. 

 

Any Space Marine who has the distinction of wearing terminator plate can be quite intimidating to the average human as the already giant body of a legionnaire gains twice its weight and size in a tank the shape of a man. The Volta go one step further by having no lenses or 'eyes' on their helmets. For every member of the Volta is blind. This is not some gene-seed anomaly but a direct result of their training. The Volta undergo intense psychic training in the arts of foresight that eventually lead to a final trial where they are ritually blinded. This ritual is to further strengthen their powers at divination by sacrificing their mundane sight for the supernatural. While not a few have criticized this practice as smelling of bald superstition, none can deny the Volta's effectiveness in war. 

 

This was demonstrated without fail in the Compliance of Argos Rho-4. 

 

Discovered by infamous rogue trader Intana Yones, the Argos Rho system was rich in resources and habitable planets. All initial scans suggested the system was quite the find, and the Administratum quickly drew up plans to have the system claimed and colonized in the name of the Emperor. However, when an Imperial Auxilia scout ship, the War Hound, approached the fourth planet in the system for in-depth scanning, all contact promptly vanished. A second scout ship detected the wreckage at the edge of the system and requested additional orders. 

 

To the auxilia's surprise, an answer came to them a mere minute after their communication. The Wayfarer, a Lighting Bearer destroyer, translated in-system. Commanding the vessel was the venerable Asizaga. Before the Auxilia could give a full report, the Volta member ordered their ship to prepare for departure, warning that an attack was imminent. While confused, the Auxilia obeyed the Space Marine's orders. As the two began their voyage into the Warp, a number of sleek warships appeared and attempted to intercept. The enemy vessels were quickly identified as Eldar warships, who failed to enter weapon ranges before the Imperial ships made their escape. This would merely be the opening move as Asizaga explained that a Lightning Bearer expeditionary fleet was already in-transit and that the Auxilia's services were no longer required for the upcoming campaign. The captain of the Auxilia ship, the Viper, inquired that if the First Legion was aware that Argos Rho system was occupied, why were Imperial scout ships allowed to conduct their survey. Asizaga claimed that the destruction of the War Hound had been hitsuzen. 

 

Among the Volta of the Blue Shield, the future is assumed to be malleable except for certain events in time. No matter what the Volta may will or do, these special moments will come to pass, regardless of their efforts. This concept is what the Volta call hitsuzen. Thus Asizaga, though aware of the doom befalling the War Hound, believed this was one event beyond his ability to manipulate. 

 

With this moment passed, not even a day transpired before the 21^st Expeditionary Fleet entered the system. A fast but furious conflict occurred as the local Eldar navy attempted to throw back the invaders. Yet, for all of the arcane powers brought to bear in that race's stead, they were unable to overcome neither the might of the Imperial ships or the blind guidance Asizaga and his Volta brothers offered. The sleek Eldar vessels quickly succumbed before the Expeditionary fleet. However, while this had avenged the Imperial dead, the planets remained unsurveyed and probably occupied or guarded by Eldar ground forces. 

 

When consulted, the Volta affirmed this suspicion before identifying four Webway portals located on the fourth planet, dubbed AR-4 for the campaign. While two of the four Webway portals were located above ground and candidates for orbital bombardment, the remaining two were subterranean and would require a ground assault. Additionally, the Eldar forces would deploy in defense of the portals with heavy casualties expected to ensue. Despite the forewarning, the Lightning Bearers would not shirk in their duty to the Imperium. While the warships of the 21^st would begin the bombardments to destroy the first two sites, the Lighting Bearers were split into two detachments. The first detachment comprised the majority of the Space Marines present. The second detachment was composed solely of the Volta contingent and those whose talents were deemed sufficient to perform a rudimentary 'Battle-Scry'. 

 

Leading a maniple-sized element towards their target, Asizaga added an additional high-priority target that was to be destroyed on sight: illumination devices. When the unit reached the entrance to the cave system on the surface, the Volta took the lead, counting on their terminator armour to open the wave for their brethren. It was quickly determined that the Eldar had specifically chosen this location for the labyrinthine tunnel system for an additional defense against would-be saboteurs. It proved useless against the Lightning Bearers as the Volta expertly navigated the criss-crossing pathways toward their objective. 

 

Deprived of their first layer of defense, skirmishes broke out among the various branches of the cave system as Eldar warriors, clad in green and white, would launch brief ambushes against the Lightning Bearers. A routine was quickly established. The Eldar would attack, firing an initial volley as they illuminated the area. Most of the bladed discs would harmlessly bounce off of the forward Cataphractii units. Here and there, one lucky strike would pierce adamantium and force fields or wound a rear Lightning Bearer in power armou, but these were rare. In turn, the Volta, utilizing their Battle-Scry, would return fire, destroying the sources of light with perfect accuracy. As darkness reclaimed the battle zone, the Eldar warriors would attempt to retreat but suffered as the Volta turned Volkite chargers upon their running forms. 

 

Thus, for every casualty the Lightning Bearers suffered, the Eldar paid with dozens of lives. Never were the Eldar able to stop the Volta's advance. Finally, the Eldar appear to give up their fruitless charges not long before the task force entered into a large chamber. It was here that the separate squads of the First Legion rejoined into one force. Asizaga informed his subordinates that their objective lay in the next cave beyond the one where they now stood. It was here that the Eldar would make their last gamble. 

 

Before marching to their final objective, Asizaga shifted the formation so that the Volta occupied the rear and the flanks while the standard Lightning Bearers were positioned to the fore. It was only after every legionnaire was in their exact designated position did Asizaga order the detachment to move forward. As the Lighting Bearers crossed the chamber's halfway point, Asizaga ordered the Volta to hold position while the other Lightning Bearers were to sprint toward the objective. Long used to the Volta's mysterious ways, the Lighting Bearers obeyed without question. Meanwhile, the Volta faced outwards toward the cave and opened fire. Where the Martian rays struck, camouflaged Eldar bodies peeled off the rocky walls as the Volta secured first blood. The ambusher now the ambushed, more Eldar warriors in dark green and brown attacked from the shadows. 

 

The Volta held their ground as the nimble xenos closed the distance, steadily reducing the enemy numbers with precision fire. Unfortunately, unlike the previous warriors, these Eldar wore heavier armour capable of deflecting the volkite's rays. As such, the Volta were unable to slay the xenos before the two forces were joined in close combat. The Eldar struck first and hard as they opened fire with mandiblasters. Although weak in firepower, the sheer number of attacks overwhelmed two of the Volta who's Battle-Scrying was not enough to avoid the lethal blows. 

 

The Eldars' victory was short-lived. While their unique chainblades allowed them to strike with the strength of an Astartes, they lacked the penetrating power to reliably cut through Cataphractii armour. While no Volta carried a blade, they proved they had no need of them. Blind warriors blocked blows with the reinforced barrels of their Volkites, opened fire at point-blank range, and, when all else failed, simply bludgeoned the weaker Eldar to death. 

 

No short battle, it dragged on as the Eldars' skill balanced out with the Volta's thick defenses, leading to a battle of attrition as one side attempted to exhaust the other. As the minutes ticked by, it would be the Eldar who would fail. With muscles burning from exertion, the Eldars' intricate finesse gradually slackened, whereas the Volta's adamantium continued its metallic resistance. The final blow came when the other Lightning Bearers returned from destroying the Webway portal. With no hope of escape and attacked on the flanks, the remaining Eldar warriors died. 

 

Triumphant, Asizaga led his legionnaires back to the service. They were informed that the other portals had been destroyed. The planet belonged to the Imperium. Imperial colonists quickly came to the system, and Asizaga, as the battlefield commander, appointed a new Imperial governor. Before rejoining the Imperial Crusade, Asizaga left one final warning: that the caves where he and his brothers died were to be ignored, lest one tempt Death. It would only be during the Insurrection would Asizaga's words would reveal the hidden truth.

 

The Coming Storm

 

As has been noted in other tomes, when the Insurrection broke the Imperium, few forces were not split in some way. In the case of the Harbingers, that split was a small one with only a few Lightning Bearers retaining their loyalty to the Emperor on the Day of Revelation. For once Icarion had chosen his course, he would work hard to ensure the loyalty of his own legion when he finally declared his intentions to the galaxy. It is only through perusing past battle records and piecing together the evidence that it is now know that the greatest potential resistance to Icarion's ambitions laid with the Praxis. While they certainly served Icarion well, these Lightning Bearers who had retained their ways from as early as the Unification Wars remembered that their oaths were sworn ultimately to the Emperor and not their Primarch. Realizing this, Icarion deemed the Praxis necessary for extermination. This extermination would take place over a thousand battlefields as these venerable warriors would find themselves cut off from support or ambushed in dark hallways. 

 

The most significant purge would occur during the Extermination of the Conota System. Within this system was the largest colony of Rak'gol discovered during the Great Crusade with a few xenobiologists theorizing that it may very well be their home system. It fell to Icarion to cleanse this region of space of the nightmarish xenos. The Stormborn quickly assembled a force from the nearest expeditionary fleets for this task. It was assumed that the decision was left to chance, but records show that each fleet contained a large contingent of Praxis and were following recent orders from their Primarch ensuring that they were the nearest at the time of the Rak'gol discovery. What did arouse a few questions was Icarion's choice for operational commander. 

 

Sentinel Antru Ri-an was as old as the legion itself. Calculating with a will forged of adamantium, Sentinel Ri-an had fought across a thousand battlefields and undoubtedly had the experience. Yet, he was more infamous for his independent streak, one of the few Sentinels to openly challenge his Primarch on several decisions. Furthermore, as a member of the Praxis, he was a powerful psyker but he knew no divination. Instead, he had devoted his centuries to mastering all forms of telepathy to the point where it was rumored that he was able to force an enemy to do his bidding so long as he said a certain phrase. It was a powerful tool against renegade humans, Orks, and other humanoid races; it was unknown if it would have any effect on the Rak'gol. Still, when the order came, Sentinel Ri-an did not hesitate and accepted command. 

 

To aid the telepathic Lightning Bearer, Icarion assigned Sentinel Susanoo Empyon to provide divination support. This is where the controversy entered. Although technically the two Sentinels stood at the same rank, it was well understood that as commander of the First Company, Susanoo was tacitly above Antru, who belonged to Fifth Company. Many had assumed that the choice had been a form of punishment for the aggressive Susanoo for some undisclosed violation. Susanoo himself made no comment on the command structure and Antru never pressed the issue. 

 

While not particularly cordial, the two Sentinels began drawing up battle plans to exterminate these opportunistic raiders. Early scans had been unable to reliably provide detailed information due to incredibly high amounts of radioactivity surrounding the Rak'gol planet. What was known was that there were three orbital stations surrounding the planet in addition to an unknown number of capital ships. If the planet was to be cleansed, the three stations had to be eliminated. Consulting with Sentinel Empyon, Sentinel Ri-an determined to divide his task force into four battalion-strength detachments. Both Sentinels would lead one, while the two other commanding officers were Captains Todo and Sasaki. The three battalions would approach each battle station to disable weapon defences, eliminate Rak'gol warships, and rescue potential survivors. Susanoo's battalion and ships would remain in reserve to reinforce as needed. Additionally, Susanoo was placed in charge of the fleet's heaviest warships, which would deal the killing blow against the orbital stations once the prior objectives were accomplished. 

 

When Sentinel Ri-an gave the order, the Lightning Bearers invaded. Relying heavily on the predictions of Susanoo and the more orthodox Lightning Bearers, the warships of the First made their approach. As they neared, attempts were continually made to scan the void structures to glean more accurate information. All such attempts proved fruitless. The sheer amount of radiation exhibited by the Rak'gol vessels created thick 'clouds' of heat that the auspices could not penetrate. Soon that same atomic energy was turned upon the approaching Imperial warships as crude beams of nuclear fire struck out from the orbital stations. Howler cannons and Roarer beams added to the defensive deluge, cracking apart Lighting Bearer vessels through sheer amount of fire. Although worthy librarians in their own right, the Praxis contingents died as easily as any Space Marine when explosions ripped through the decks or when sucked out into the cold void of space. Eager to close the distance to allow the psykers a chance to practice their warcraft, Sentinel Ri-an ordered full speed. 

 

The moment the ships came into range, hundreds of boarding torpedoes launched. Thousands of Lightning Bearers landed and fought their way into the installations. Although the high radiation levels should have killed any unprotected human, it had been documented that the Rak'gol did take human prisoners, suggesting that they were preserved in some manner. It was recorded that Sentinel Empyon informed his superior that there were human prisoners within the orbital stations along with detailed instructions to reach them, apparent proof of his divinations. However, he had also warned that the slightest deviation from his instructions would ensure that no Space Marine would be able to exit the superstructure before the radiation eventually overwhelmed their armour seals. Confident in his brothers' capabilities, Antru had proceeded with the assault. 

 

What happened next is debated to this day. What is known is that none of the legionnaires who boarded the orbital stations survived their insertion. The Purge of Conota was recorded as the worst military disaster ever suffered by the Lightning Bearers. Susanoo waited until five minutes after the point where it was estimated the power armour's radiation protection would fail before he began bombarding the stations, one after the other. Extra care was taken to ensure that none of the stations fell out of orbit onto the planet, Conota Prime, for it was a world rich in beauty and resources. Why the Rak'gol never stepped one claw on the planet remains a mystery. Once the Rak'gol fleet and stations were neutralized, Icarion convened the Council of Sentinels to review the debacle and ensured nothing like it occur again. Of particular debate was how responsible was Sentinels Empyon and Sentinel Ri-an were. Some pointed to Susanoo's advice as the primary instigator, others argued that Antru had been too reckless, and a few argued that both bared equal blame. It was the last group Icarion ultimately sided with, though he emphasized that he respected Antru's desire to save the Imperial captives as quickly as possible. Susanoo was officially censured but suffered no other consequence.

 

One final mystery has perplexed remembrancers who have studied the incident. In the immediate aftermath of the battle, a Lightning Bearer patrol ship discovered a Rak'gol escape pod from the largest of the orbital stations, the same one which Antru died upon. Within the pod was a Rak'gol Carver, young and lightly injured. Upon seeing the Lightning Bearer warriors, the Rak'gol held up a piece of adamanitum, proclaiming in a dull voice, "Warn the Emperor!" Before the lead Lightning Bearer could respond to this most unexpected surprise, the xeno appeared to rouse itself. It promptly dropped the adamantium and attacked, dying in a moment before it could do harm. As confounding was the Carver's behavior, the adamantium proved to be worse. The metal piece was extremely weathered and had suffered recent damage, perhaps during the Carver's escape. Yet, marred as it was, portions of an emblem and a word or name could still be seen. A bald human head starred to the left with the Greek letter 'Sigma' stamped on its side. Beneath the symbol were these letters: "SU--RA-N--". The piece was tested and determined to be over eight millennia old, adding another riddle. All efforts to search the Rak'gol wreckage for more pieces such as this have failed. Attempts to substantiate the account with Sentinel Empyon and his company have also failed as the Sentinel refuses to be reminded of the blunder. 

 

 

[i've finished the rough draft, but now I'm afraid that they are way too long. Can someone confirm that?]

[Nomus Sardauk]

One final mystery has perplexed remembrancers who have studied the incident. In the immediate aftermath of the battle, a Lightning Bearer patrol ship discovered a Rak'gol escape pod from the largest of the orbital stations, the same one which Antru died upon. Within the pod was a Rak'gol Carver, young and lightly injured. Upon seeing the Lightning Bearer warriors, the Rak'gol held up a piece of adamanitum, proclaiming in a dull voice, "Warn the Emperor!" Before the lead Lightning Bearer could respond to this most unexpected surprise, the xeno appeared to rouse itself. It promptly dropped the adamantium and attacked, dying in a moment before it could do harm. As confounding was the Carver's behavior, the adamantium proved to be worse. The metal piece was extremely weathered and had suffered recent damage, perhaps during the Carver's escape. Yet, marred as it was, portions of an emblem and a word or name could still be seen. A bald human head starred to the left with the Greek letter 'Sigma' stamped on its side. Beneath the symbol were these letters: "SU--RA-N--". The piece was tested and determined to be over eight millennia old, adding another riddle. All efforts to search the Rak'gol wreckage for more pieces such as this have failed. Attempts to substantiate the account with Sentinel Empyon and his company have also failed as the Sentinel refuses to be reminded of the blunder.

 

I sense time-space shenanigans. <.<

[Skalpynock]

Wat.

[simison]

What, what?

[bluntblade]

http://s1106.photobucket.com/user/pinchegato323/media/SOUTH%20PARK/tumblr_li0sydr9ox1qgd17ro1_400.gif.html

 

I approve

[simison]

While I wait on that editing run, I've spoken with Athrawes about going over the Harbinger rules. Basically, little has changed except for the Legion Tactics. He wants to replace Brotherhood of Psykers with something else since not even the Thousand Sons get it as a legion. I'll keep in touch with him on that point, but I'm also going to start on the rest of the Harbinger rules and such. It is my goal that the Harbingers are done by the end of March. That would just leave the Drowned.

[~Drakzilla~]

Muniza, Hand of Terra, Representative of the Lightning Bearers Legion

http://i.imgur.com/uy1F2BO.jpg

[simison]

Love the picture, Drak.

 

Time for some progress. Banner for the Legion tactics page:

 

"Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent's fate."

- Ancient Military Strategist M(-1)
 

EDIT: Some quick revisions to current descriptions.

 

Legion description

"...are masters of precognitive warfare..."

 

Destined Assault RoW

"...using the precognitive talents of the Legion[']s..."

 

"...joined, killed Battle-Scriers could pinpoint..."

 

"...in essence dentifying the precise fulcrum..."

 

Oni Spectre Squad Banner

As one of the largest Celestial Orders, the Oni of the Red Path share their name with one of the specific units deployed by the Harbingers. These aggressive warriors emulate the nature of ancient demons as they fight their way through the battlefield. When it comes to their form of battle-scrying, the Oni believe the future is ever fluid and changing. Thus, it is their philosophy that a powerful will can direct the waters of fate as he wills. Thus, the Oni are superlative blade masters, whose unique gift of Battle-Scrying allows them move with a preternatural grace and swiftness in the heat battle that is said to be almost hypnotic. Equipped with a prototype Teleportation Device designed by Icarion himself, the Oni are able to perform short distance “warp shunts” using their psychic prowess to tunnel their way through warpspace traveling from point to point on a battlefield, making them a highly skilled and mobile assault unit among the Legion.

[simison]

Volta Terminator Squad

These ritually-blinded Astartes are able to foresee the swing of a blade or the trajectory of ordinance through Battle-scrying. So talented are they at avoiding the blows of enemies and pinpointing their own, the Volta  forsake close combat weapons entirely; choosing instead to march to war bearing a pair of arcane weapons from the I Legion armories as they march forward in terminator plate. Though blind, these psychic gunslingers aim is nevertheless eerily accurate.  Because of this, Volta are naturally drawn to the fulcrum of a combat zone, to the exact moment where one crucial decision or blow can swing the tide of victory. For it is their philosophy that the future is only somewhat malleable, some events are locked and can only be reacted to. 

 

Though their role on the battlefields of the Great Crusade as elite troops and bodyguards are valuable, it is as a councilor that the Volta truly shine. Many a compliance has been rescued from disaster by the well-timed advice from these mystic advisors.

[simison]

Raiden Athrawes

Titles: Equerry of the Stormlord

 

Sentinel of the 9^th Company, Raiden Athrawes was once seen as one of the brightest stars of the Great Crusade. Charismatic and talented, he served his legion in three separate capacities. In addition to commanding the 9^th, he served as Icarion's Equerry. This role allowed the legionnaire to personally observe the highest political workings of the Great Crusade as he observed Lords and Primarchs directing the great beast. Finally, wielding the famed Lightning, Raiden was considered the highest master within the Oni of the Red Path, both for his unprecedented skill and great power as a psyker. 

 

As a Harbinger, Raiden would become one of the Imperium's greatest nightmares. As in the Great Crusade, Raiden displayed traits of both warrior and leader. The famed swordsman would lead countless charges against the Imperium defences at the head of the Oni. When Icarion established himself as emperor, Raiden ascended to become one of Icarion's most able politicians as he wielded much influence over the Council of Sentinels. Only a few of the Traitor Primarchs would be able to outperform and rival Raiden's authority. A few secretly whispered that, were Icarion ever to fall, it would be Raiden who would step into his place. 

[simison]

Icarion Banner

 

I believed in my Father's vision, a glorious dream where Humanity flew among the stars in peace and harmony. I imagined that myself and my brothers would fly with them, serving as protectors and guides, much as my Father has done for millennia. 

 

I was a fool.

 

Only an agonizing plunge into the abyss awaits my brothers and our sons.

 

- Icarion Anasem, the Stormlord

[bluntblade]

The Bears/Berserkers/Bearwrs take is finally lurching towards completed draft status, and I have a couple of bits I'd like to have looked at.

 

The Lightning Bearers were, naturally, immaculate, arrayed behind their master. The pale silver of their warplate glinted softly in the gloom of the void and the shadows cast by harsh spotlights. Ellan noted an unusual number of volkites; a reminder that the I Legion had sallied forth even before Unification, and taken to the stars in the days when it was possible to equip every Legionary with that lethal technology. They were held loosely, but not casually, the Lightning Bearers’ poise suggesting just the right degree of vigilance.

 

But for all their poise, each warrior of the First was a pale shadow beside their Primarch. Ellan felt her pulse quicken to a thump in her chest. This was the warlord she had learned to idolise above all others as a child, as had five previous generations of Temeters. On Qarith Prime and Terra she had seen him from across halls and arenas and thought herself lucky for that. But here, in the role he was born to, his presence was more potent than she had dared to imagine.

 

His armour was a seamless meld of Martian tech-genius with the ethereal designs of Madrigal, a testament to the bounty Icarion had reaped for his people in the subterranean vaults of his homeworld. Its elegance never once undermined its martial nature. Daer'dd, she thought, might move with a grace that seemed impossible for his size, but Icarion’s poise went beyond even that. This, she guessed, was a product of his clairvoyance, a perfect economy and elegance of movement that strained at the bounds of what mortals could understand. At the same time, there was a severity to it, quite different to what she had seen of the Warmaster. Alexandros wore his elevated status lightly; Icarion inhabited his.

 

The difference between the two brothers was heghtened further by Icarion’s almost androgynous appearance. When compared against Daer'dd, Ellan wondered if he even needed to pick up a razor. Despite his size and obvious strength, he was sinuous, with the kind of beauty that so many ladies of Terra, despite the vast sums they spent on their looks, would kill for.

 

He retinue shared that grace for the most part, and almost all had the unusually youthful appearance that Icarion’s gene-seed gave them. There were few chainswords, but plenty of vibro-katana - weapons typically wielded by Legionaries from Madrigal in place of inelegant chainblades. Power weapons, without exception, conformed to the curving designs of Bushidan heritage.

 

"It would be appreciated if you would look upon me and not the remembrancers, brother.” Icarion’s voice was somehow harder than Ellan had imagined it, even though it carried the suggestion of something quite ethereal. “History has to be made before they can record it, after all.” His tone was difficult to gauge - was there reproach in there, directed at Raktra? Was his phrasing to deflect attention from what had just happened and stop Daer'dd from taking issue with the Ashen King’s conduct?

 

Icarion was hard to read, just as she had heard others say about the Emperor. That made sense, she supposed; people still spoke about him as the closest to the Master of Mankind and his psychic powers were well-known. The aura of power about him was refined where Raktra’s was raw, echoed by the elegance of his movements. He was now at the centre of the group, and had moved so smoothly that she had trouble remember him placing himself there.

 

Now he started to outline his scheme and what was waiting for them at the end of their journey, but Ellan was watching the faces around her as much as she was listening to the words. Something about the expressions she saw was odd, and it took her a few minutes to guess what it was. Different individuals seemed to respond to Icarion’s words in subtly - or at times, not so subtly - different ways. She was at a loss to explain it until something Cass had said drifted into her mind.

 

He had been describing how it felt to stand in the Emperor’s presence, and an oddly disconcerting feeling that came afterwards. “I have always found myself questioning whether He truly spoke. Did His lips part and air stir, so that I could hear His words? Or -” he raised a hand to his temple “- did His words only sound here, and my brain not quite register the difference?”

 

Perhaps Icarion spoke the same way. Perhaps the words one person heard were not quite the same as those another heard, the sum of what Icarion expressed being too much for the mortal or even transhuman mind to fully interpret. Perhaps it was even intentional on the Stormlord’s part, tailoring his words to what each member of the audience needed or wished to hear from him. If that was so, then Icarion’s brilliance went beyond anything she could imagine. Which was at once wondrous, and unsettling in the way Cass seemed to have experienced.

 

In her reverie, she missed much of what was being said, and the end of the meeting came unexpectedly to her, while no one else showed any surprise. The commanders of the three Legions set off for their transports and the Warp passage to come.

[simison]

Actually, Blunt, were you asking for my take or waiting for Athrawes' reply?

 

Regardless, I spoke with Athrawes this week. He's play-testing Harbinger rules and should have some tweaks ready in the coming weeks. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like we'll finish the Harbingers entirely before April. That said, he did okay the banners, so all of the fluff for the Harbingers as they currently is done.