IL IV - Red Eyes

[TrajantheGreat]

Hello everyone, this is the first of our new legions, the Blood God's chosen! Enjoy.

 

 

The Red Eyes

 

Numeration: The IVth Legion

 

Primogenitor: Theoderaf

 

Cognomen (Prior): Golden Brothers

 

Observed Strategic Tendencies: Psychological Warfare, Terror Tactics, Intense Propaganda Campaigns followed by Teleport Assaults

 

Noteworthy Domains: Certus Minor (Homeworld), Aumet

Allegiance: Traitoris Perdita - Khorne

 

Symbol and Colours: A Circle ringed by jagged claws; Gold and Red with Black faceplates

 

Inspiration: Visigoths and Ostrogoths

 

Tactics:

The Red Eyes will start by blocking all communications on the planet and sending fake reports to sow confusion and hinder organising resistance. Once the blockade is complete, the Legion will use the hijacked communications to send Imperial propaganda to the inhabitants every moment of every day for several weeks, promising the glory of the Imperium or utter destruction. Throughout this period, supplies will be destroyed and intense reconnaissance will be done until the entire planet’s government and military structures are understood. Then, once preparations are complete, the Legion will begin The Cleansing, where the legion will descend onto the planet en masse, slaughtering all officials and soldiers and any civilians that resist.

 

Personality of the Legion:

The Red Eyes are the most fanatic followers and enforcers of the Emperor in the Imperium, and treat his word as gospel. The legion seeks to restore the Imperium to its full glory, and will do whatever is necessary to do it. They are generally admired for their effectiveness by other legions, but their fanaticism puts off many. When they get into combat, they let their rage take over and will slaughter any enemy that gets in front of them, but they never let their anger come out until that point.

 

Geneseed:

The Red Eyes are named after their main genetic flaw – their red isises. When in battle or angry, their whole eyes glow red with increasing intensity. Their helmets are designed to allow the glow to come through, looking like their eye lens are burning in order to strike fear into their enemies and friends alike.

Edited February 25, 2020 by TrajantheGreat

[TrajantheGreat]

Homeworld

Certus Minor - Cemetry World

 

Certus Minor is located in the Praga sub-sector in the Obscurus Segmentum, very close to the Segmentum Solar. Certus Minor is covered in towers, steeples and spires, with the capital city is Obsequa City, which is a tiny hive city. The most numerous cults of the world centre around death, and the inhabitants have a huge veneration for the dead. The lone exception is Obsequa City, the origin place of the Cult of the Thunder King. The main buildings in the city are basilicas and cathedrals, huge stone monuments that are ornately decorated. In the largest cathedral sits a stain-glass window depicting the Thunder King’s arrival on Certus Minor, commissioned by Theoderaf years before the Emperor arrived due to the visions of the priests.

[TrajantheGreat]

View on the wider Imperium:

The Red Eyes have a complicated relationship with civilians in conflicts, as they will use extreme tactics to conquer a world, but do so as to minimise the conflict and bring about immediate compliance. They pride themselves on the effectiveness of their compliances, boasting a string of total compliances that few legions can match.

Before the Shattering they are very cautious of psykers, having a small Librarius due to them seeing the Emperor's psychic power as a sign of his divinity. Once the Shattering occurs, they hate psykers with a passion, viewing psychic powers as the cause of their defeat and an insidious force that corrupts all those who use it.

They are the Emperor’s enforcers of it throughout the Imperium, completely believing in their own interpretation of the Imperial Truth. Some within the Imperium and other legions have criticised their beliefs as hypocritical, but none have dared raise this in front of the Red Eyes or Theoderaf.

 

Mechanicum:

The Red Eyes hate the cult of the Omnissiah, as they hate all religions and view the Mechanicum as not abiding by the Imperial Truth. They do not openly attack them though, as they honour the Emperor's treaty with Mars.

 

The Imperial Army:

The sight of the Red Eyes descending onto a world causes great reverence and terror, as the civilians see the legion as the Emperor’s Fury rather than his Will. For those working with the Imperium, the Red Eyes are the best reinforcements they can ask for, as they will be restless in pursuing justice and if an official requires assistance they will aid immediately. For those who are abusing their power or those who have failed, the arrival of the Red Eyes is akin to the sky itself falling, as the Red Eyes will not tolerate any corruption or betrayal.

[TrajantheGreat]

Theoderaf’s stasispod crash-landed into the catacombs in Obsequa City, causing large amounts of damage to the tombs. The inhabitants, terrified and angry, came to the scene and began clearing the rubble. When the baby was discovered, he was glowing gold and the people fell to their knees. The baby was taken to the High Priest of the city, who deduced that the baby was in some way linked to the myth of the Thunder King that they venerated. The High Priest took the child over to the priesthood, to be groomed to lead the planet in preparation for the arrival of the Thunder King. The rest of the world did not believe that a child had been sent by the Thunder King, and viewed it as Obsequa City trying to claim dominion over all of the world. Theoderaf was taught how the Thunder King was the sovereign of the universe, who was above all humans and was a God, and that Theoderaf’s role was to prepare the planet for his arrival. As he grew, he began to train for combat, finding his natural ability and savagery made him near unstoppable in close combat. With his growth came his preternatural aura of fear that emanated from him, making some think of him as a demon rather than an angel. Theoderaf gathered the fanatics of the city and formed his army, training them to be vicious in close combat and spread fear amongst the enemy. Once they were ready, Theoderaf led them out of the city to bring all of the planet to heel, defeating many armies in battle and causing whole nations to surrender due to fear of him arriving. In a few years, the whole planet was under his control, and he enforced his “Truth” across the world. For years he waited, and whilst some of his followers started to have doubts, Theoderaf never wavered in his conviction that the Thunder King would arrive. Finally, the Emperor arrived, and the whole planet rejoiced in their faith being proved right. Theoderaf immediately gave himself to the Emperor, and the Emperor saw Theoderaf and recognised that Theoderaf would make an unconditionally loyal servant who would do whatever the Emperor needed. The Emperor told him in no uncertain terms that he was not a God, and so Theoderaf swore to renounce his public worship of the Emperor, although privately he still believed.

[talos402000]

This is getting interesting.

[TrajantheGreat]

Equerry Roderic tried to calm himself as he paced towards Theoderaf’s chambers, his twin hearts pounding in his chest. He barely paid attention to his two companions struggling to match his pace, his mind too busy reeling and reciting prayers. He reached his father’s doors, halting to compose himself.

 

“Hail Equerry” said Gelimer, one of the two Marks of Fate guarding the Primarch’s door. He looked him up and down. “Are you alright?”

 

“Yes… yes of course, brother Gelimer” Roderic worked hard to control his voice, using his daily mantras to enforce some stability on his mind. “I am here to speak to Theoderaf”.

 

“And are those two with you?” enquired Gelimer, nodded slightly at the two women trying to hide behind the Astartes.

 

“Yes, Lady Navigator Ophelia and her student are with me.” Roderic stated, putting his usual authority back into his voice.

 

“Of course, Equerry” accepted Gelimer, in a more formal tone. He knocked on the door once, allowing Roderic and the two women to advance through the doorway. As they crossed the threshold, not even Roderic could stop himself from feeling a chill flood his body. He crossed on just keeping himself moving forward, appearing unphased. The failed attempts at stifling the gasps behind him told Alaran that for the navigators the feeling was even worse. In the centre of the room, with his back turned to the visitors, stood the source of the feeling, of a fear that reached into the bones of even Astartes. The Primarch of the IVth was absolutely still, staring at the maps and data from the world of Cando in preparation for compliance. Information flowed past the figure, the figure seemingly studying it all deeply. Two signs told Roderic that Theoderaf knew. The first was his hands. They were gripping the table so tightly that Roderic could hear it breaking under his grasp. The second was the glow, the red light that bathed the table and ceiling, coming from Theoderaf’s eyes.

 

“My lord, our navigator…” began Roderic. The atmosphere in the room was so brittle that it felt like a glass window slowly cracking and shattering.

 

“I can feel it, Roderic. I feel empty.” Roderic was shocked by the quietness of his father’s voice, every word containing anger barely being held in check. He turned to Ophelia, and nodded slightly at her. She stepped forward, taking a large breath.

 

“The Astronomican… it’s… it’s gone. I… I cannot see it, my lord.” Croaked the navigator.

 

Theoderaf released the table, deep craters left where his hands had been. “Navigators, leave. Now. No word to anyone.” The two navigators needed little more encouragement, hurriedly bowing and leaving the room. Roderic looked at the back of Theoderaf’s head, as the red glow dimmed. Theoderaf lowered his head.

 

“Father. God-Emperor. Gone?”

Edited February 21, 2020 by TrajantheGreat

[TrajantheGreat]

Marks of Fate

The elite bodyguard of Theoderaf, chosen for their battlefield prowess, their devotion to their Primarch and to the Emperor. They are the Primarch's representatives within the legion, being respected by all within the legion and their word is synonymous with their Primarch's. They are named by Theoderaf's belief that his chosen are marked by fate to serve the Emperor, in the same way he himself was marked. They have the finest quality Tartaros Terminator Armour, highly decorated with Imperial iconography, and armed with a pair of power axes.

Edited February 11, 2020 by TrajantheGreat

[talos402000]

You know, the first thing that should happen should be Malcador calling for a council at Terra to get control of the situation before all hell breaks loose. Once everybody playing gets organized, everybody should state their initial reactions to the Emperor's disappearance. Romulus's reaction will at first be stunned disbelief, followed by trepidation at what this could mean, followed by contemplation of the possibilities this might represent.

[TrajantheGreat]

Sky Terrors

Few members of the legion exemplify the terror that the Red Eyes bring upon noncompliant worlds than the Sky Terrors. Their arrival on the battlefield alone causes routs, as their reputation, appearance and aura of fear all combine to terrify all those around them. The members of the Sky Terrors are chosen wherever one of their number is killed, chosen by the existing members and the head of the group called the Sky Lord. To be chosen is to be seen as terror personified.

Edited February 11, 2020 by TrajantheGreat

[TrajantheGreat]

Decapitation Squad

When the Red Eyes strike their single blow, the Decapitation Squads are the ones who laid the groundwork. In situations where the removal of high value targets will cause maximum demoralisation, the Decapitation Squad will be tasked with their removal by any means necessary. Armed with special issue ammunition to remove a target from range, and chain axes to deal with targets close up, they are prepared for any eventuality.

[talos402000]

“Father. God-Emperor. Gone?”

Not God-Emperor for a while, if ever in this universe (unless that's Theoderaf's personal whim).

[TrajantheGreat]

Yes, Theoderaf views the Emperor as a god and worships him. He only says it in private, amongst his sons, because the Emperor told him not to worship him publicly.

[talos402000]

Ahhh, I see. Could you issue me another invite I'm afraid I didn't get home in time to use the other one.

[TrajantheGreat]

https://discord.gg/8sVVR9

[TrajantheGreat]

A follow up to the previous story.

 

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“There is only one way. We must return to Terra with all haste.” Stated Theoderaf.

“And Cando?” Asked Roderic.

“Will be rendered compliance. We have no time for a campaign when the Emperor needs us. I will not fail him.” Theoderaf began heading for the door. “Call the Drauhtinon, prepared for battle. I shall head to the Armoury.”

 

Roderic looked around at the members of the Drauhtinon, each trying to deal in their own way with the news. First Captain Athanius Eurex was standing stock-still, fists clenched. Winguric Baza looked the calmest of the lot on the surface, but that somehow unsettled Roderic even more. Chief Libarian Valamir was saying a silent prayer to the Emperor, eyes closed and hands lying on the table in front of them all. The one thing all at the table shared was that all of their eyes were glowing bright red, the glow visible even under Valamir’s closed eyes. Roderic finished his surveying, ending up staring at the deep craters left by Theoderaf in the table, knowing what would come next. The doors slid open and Theoderaf marched in, wearing his full set of armour, Golden Doom, and with his axe in his hand. The four individuals all stood to attention and saluted, Theoderaf growling at them to stop and focus on the table. In front of them lay a systematic of Cando, and its main city Speranta, home to millions of civilians and a defiant military dictatorship.

“We shall strike hard, fast, and with a fury these primitives have never seen in the history of their miserable civilisation. I shall lead the 1^st in the government headquarters. Baza, you will take the 2^nd and destroy the military barracks in Speranta with every soldier there too. Walla, take two companies to the civilian targets highlighted here, if any officials are at home slaughter them. If any stand in your way, slaughter them too. Valamir, you will have command of the fleet whilst we are down below. No discussions, these are my commandments.”

The four all nodded, bowed their heads and answered “yes, father”.

“Gather your squads and prepare for assault. For the Emperor.”

“For the Emperor”.

 

Company Captain Alaran Walla’s power sword cut cleanly through a screaming woman as she tried to block his entrance into a house. He threw a grenade through the doorway and moved on, crunching down on the arm of the woman as he went. Over the vox he heard his men completing their mission, the families and neighbours of officials being purged with ruthless efficiency. As Alaran stalked down the street a scattering of gun shots harmlessly hit his left shoulder pad, a panicking group of young men desperately reloading their primitive stub pistols. There is no one to save you now, traitors roared Alaran as he stalked towards them, raising his sword. The group tried to flee, one failing to the ground in fear, but Alaran followed. He ignored the one on the ground for now, swinging his sword through the legs of one and back through the torso of another. Blood covered his armour and jump pack, the screams filling his ears as Alaran finished off the last one by crushing his throat with his fist. A building next to him was filled with fire, and a marine walked out of it.

“Captain, the civilians are fleeing. Captain Eurex reports that the government buildings are taken. Your orders?”

“Hunt them down, kill them all, none shall escape.”

“But orders were…”

“There shall be no more resistance from this world, nothing shall stand between us and the Emperor. Kill all who stand in the way of that.” The marine saluted after a seconds’ hesitation, heading off down the street. Alaran unholstered his bolt pistol and finished off the human on the ground trying to hide beneath rubble.

 

The Red Eyes began their withdrawal the next day, leaving a company behind on Cando to rebuild the world.

“This one will take longer, due to our compliance, but it will yield.” Stated Theoderaf as he gazed through the viewing platform of The Emperor’s Oblivion. The Astartes beside him nodded in agreement. “I have heard of your conduct on Cando, that it was you who led the slaughter of the civilians.”

Alaran kept himself standing straight, “yes it was me, my lord.” Theoderaf sighed, and placed his hand on Alaran’s shoulder.

“I understand, my son. The rage and sadness can be too much to bear. In future you must not let it guide your strategic decisions.”

Alaran nodded, silently letting out the breath he was holding.

“Unfortunately, there must be consequences, as we are not mindless butchers. You shall be demoted, as your ability to command has been tainted.”

Alaran hung his head. “I understand, my lord. I am sorry for failing you and the Emperor.”

“You shall be removed from your company, and instead report to Roderic directly from this point forward.” Theoderaf removed his hand. “Prove your worth and dedication to the Emperor, and all can be forgiven. Now go, Alaran. We are headed for Terra.”

“Yes, my lord. For the Emperor.”

Edited February 17, 2020 by TrajantheGreat

[TrajantheGreat]

Theoderaf stood, deep in concentration. He knew that his next move would decide the course of the situation in front of him. The fate of the Imperium rested on his decision. His left hand slowly moved across the table, as he stroked his beard with his right.

Clever. Very clever. I have only one option left open to me. I must risk it.

 

He selected Alexandros and his Athenoi Terminators and moved them onto the objective in the centre of the war table. The models stood there defiantly, with the wreckage of xenos vehicles and their corpses strewn across the ground.

Araphel smiled. “An excellent move, Theo. The best move you could have made.” 

Rang Talyc started smiling too. “But too little, too late.”

Rang began his turn, revealing his plan as a horde of Orks descended on the elements of the Imperial forces surrounding Alexandros, and the Ork ranged firepower began pouring in. By the end, Alexandros stood alone, his bodyguards all killed. 

 

Araphel clapped Rang on the back. “Well done, Rang, though I’m not sure the Orkish brutes would be as tactically dexterous. You win by seven points to our measly six and three.”

Theoderaf relaxed and walked over, “And I don’t think the Eldar would stay around longer than the first turn.” All three Primarchs began laughing, as Theoderaf and Rang clasped arms.

[TrajantheGreat]

Theoderaf studied the corridors he walked in this new Gloriana class battleship, admiring the simplicity of the design, thinking that some of his other brothers could learn a thing or two from it. He and his escort arrived at the bridge, a fantastic blend of functionality and the unique culture Theoderaf had witnessed on the General’s homeworld of Han. At the centre of the room stood several Astartes that Theoderaf recognised as high-ranking Imperial Light members, their armour recently changed to the lacquered black that the General had decided upon, the bone white undercoat showing through on some of the joints of the armour. The single new figure in the room was slightly smaller than Theoderaf, but still towered about the Astartes around him. Theoderaf studied his armour, judging that it would allow the Primarch a significant amount of mobility over protection, mentally logging the information for the future. Theoderaf stood to meet the figure, his honour guard forming a line behind him, nodding at several of the Astartes they knew beside the General. Theoderaf and the Red Eyes bowed respectfully, and the General and the now-named Warriors of Peace bowed back. Theoderaf studied the General’s face, but it was like a mask that gave nothing any. Very astute, this one is not as naive as some of the others. The General had not even reacted to Theoderaf’s entrance, his aura of fear seemingly having no effect on him. 

 

“Greetings, brother. How should I address you?” started Theoderaf with his strong, resonant voice.

“I have heard others call me “The Jade General”. That will suffice.” The General replied in a curt fashion. His tone was carefully measured, but in a way that felt natural to Theoderaf, making him think that this was how he had been speaking his whole life. “My officers have informed me of you, Theoderaf of the IVth legion. You have a fearsome reputation that precedes you.” If this had been Alexandros, that would have been followed by a smile. The General’s stoic face gave Theoderaf no hint of his intention behind the statement. 

At least with Alexandros I know where I stand.

 

“Your compliances since rejoining your legion have been stellar, your discovery is a great boon to the Imperium. I hope we can soon work together in a compliance.” The General gave a single nod. 

“I hope to serve alongside all Primarchs in good time.” Was this brother as devoid of emotion as he really put on? Or was this an elaboration ruse?

 

“I have heard tales of your exploits on your homeworld, I am most impressed by your campaign against the psyker hordes. Having served alongside some of your sons, I have seen firsthand the effect they have on psychic beings, it is most intriguing.”

The General bristled ever so slightly. Not enough to be perceptible to most mortals or even Astartes, but having known his other brothers Theoderaf had learned about the humanity of Primarchs. “The unnatural abominations must be put down to protect the whole world. I am glad that my gene-progenies have exhibited this across the galaxy. I plan to continue this in joining the Great Crusade.” Theoderaf could see a spark of emotion run across the General’s face, the first sign of emotion he had seen from him. He smiled to himself. Finally.

“I’m glad to meet you, General. I will try and arrange a campaign soon, I am looking forward to getting to know you more.” He extended his arm to grasp the General’s arm. The General paused, stared at Theoderaf and after a second or two took his arm.

[TrajantheGreat]

The Final Reconnection

Theoderaf studied the corridors he walked in this new Gloriana class battleship, admiring the simplicity of the design, thinking that some of his other brothers could learn a thing or two from it. He and his escort arrived at the bridge, a fantastic blend of functionality and the unique culture Theoderaf had witnessed on the General’s homeworld of Han. At the centre of the room stood several Astartes that Theoderaf recognised as high-ranking Imperial Light members, their armour recently changed to the lacquered black that the General had decided upon, the bone white undercoat showing through on some of the joints of the armour. The single new figure in the room was slightly smaller than Theoderaf, but still towered about the Astartes around him. Theoderaf studied his armour, judging that it would allow the Primarch a significant amount of mobility over protection, mentally logging the information for the future. Theoderaf stood to meet the figure, his honour guard forming a line behind him, nodding at several of the Astartes they knew beside the General. Theoderaf and the Red Eyes bowed respectfully, and the General and the now-named Warriors of Peace bowed back. Theoderaf studied the General’s face, but it was like a mask that gave nothing any. Very astute, this one is not as naive as some of the others. The General had not even reacted to Theoderaf’s entrance, his aura of fear seemingly having no effect on him. 

 

“Greetings, brother. How should I address you?” started Theoderaf with his strong, resonant voice.

“I have heard others call me “The Jade General”. That will suffice.” The General replied in a curt fashion. His tone was carefully measured, but in a way that felt natural to Theoderaf, making him think that this was how he had been speaking his whole life. “My officers have informed me of you, Theoderaf of the IVth legion. You have a fearsome reputation that precedes you.” If this had been Alexandros, that would have been followed by a smile. The General’s stoic face gave Theoderaf no hint of his intention behind the statement. 

At least with Alexandros I know where I stand.

 

“Your compliances since rejoining your legion have been stellar, your discovery is a great boon to the Imperium. I hope we can soon work together in a compliance.” The General gave a single nod. 

“I hope to serve alongside all Primarchs in good time.” Was this brother as devoid of emotion as he really put on? Or was this an elaboration ruse?

 

“I have heard tales of your exploits on your homeworld, I am most impressed by your campaign against the psyker hordes. Having served alongside some of your sons, I have seen firsthand the effect they have on psychic beings, it is most intriguing.”

The General bristled ever so slightly. Not enough to be perceptible to most mortals or even Astartes, but having known his other brothers Theoderaf had learned about the humanity of Primarchs. “The unnatural abominations must be put down to protect the whole world. I am glad that my gene-progenies have exhibited this across the galaxy. I plan to continue this in joining the Great Crusade.” Theoderaf could see a spark of emotion run across the General’s face, the first sign of emotion he had seen from him. He smiled to himself. Finally.

“I’m glad to meet you, General. I will try and arrange a campaign soon, I am looking forward to getting to know you more.” He extended his arm to grasp the General’s arm. The General paused, stared at Theoderaf and after a second or two took his arm.

[TrajantheGreat]

Foundation of the IVth Legion

The first recruits of the IVth were drawn from the relatively small polity of Bania, a land of large, flat areas divided by a long mountain range. The inhabitants of Bania were hardy, rough people, not having the technologies or psychic powers of the large states to improve their lives. The Emperor chose them to be his executioners due to this, as they swore their lives to the Emperor in return for his raising them out of poverty and obscurity. The IVth spent a long time training under the Custodians, growing to view them as their big brothers and baking a deep respect for the Custodes into the very fabric of the legion. The first captain of the legion was chosen when he became the first IVth marine to last longer than a minute against a Custodian in a one on one fight, to the applause of the IVth and the grudging respect of the Custodes. They gained their nickname during this time, given to them by the other legions who called them their Golden Brothers as both a praise and a criticism, viewing them as more Custodian than legion.

 

The IVth saw service in the Unification Wars, used to put down any rebellions and target particularly high morale enemies. As they faced enemies who refused to surrender to conventional campaigns, they began developing what would become their trademark tactics, with their use of mass-scale propaganda and then vicious assaults. By the start of the Great Crusade, the IVth were renowned as the Emperor’s final punishment, sent to punish those who defied him.

 

They served with distinction for the first part of the Great Crusade, being large enough to campaign on their own and preferring to fight campaigns their way rather than be subordinate to another legion. They were responsible for the swift and brutal ending of the Cerberus Insurrection in the Sol System, but their largest campaign before Theoderaf was discovered was the Conquest of Galaspar in Segmentum Pacificus. The word of the IVth’s ruthless purge and the intense propaganda caused many worlds within the system to submit to Imperial compliance under any terms. It was only a few years after this that word reached the legion that they were to meet at the world of Certus Minor to re-join their Primarch.

[simison]

Question, should they be Traitoris Maximus? I thought the World Eaters were just Traitors Perdita?

[TrajantheGreat]

Question, should they be Traitoris Maximus? I thought the World Eaters were just Traitors Perdita?

Changed it.

[TrajantheGreat]

Cryptosi Purgation

Occurring far into the Great Crusade, the Cryptosi Purgation was the pinnacle of the efficient brutality of the Red Eyes, not as mindless butchers but as necessary purges. The Kanzuz System is located on the northern edge of Segmentum Obscurus, home of a far away human colony that had become isolated early in the Dark Age of Technology. As the first Imperial contact with that region of space and with little reconnaissance available, the Red Eyes gathered considerable strength for a long campaign north. Not only did they bring several Chapters and their closest Imperial Army regiments the Aumet Revolutionary Army, they also arranged for Knight and Titan support to accompany them, from Legio Defensor and House Makabius.

The first worlds they came across, labelled Kanzuz I, was a desolate world, with signs of the human civilisation having been destroyed. The following worlds were equally bleak, with more signs of a cataclysm having occurred. However, on the world of Kanzuz IX, a barren rocky world, the Red Eyes found the remains of the empire of Kanzuz. The human population were living in the ruins of their largest hive city, the outskirts abandoned and crumbled due to neglect. Early signs showed that the humans had little in terms of weaponry or defences, with the essential life support systems barely being operational.

The Red Eyes did not receive a warm welcome, with the populace of Kanzuz IX being skittish and fearful of the Astartes, but the Red Eyes were used to this reaction. The humans had no army to speak of, and so there seemed that this would prove to be a peaceful compliance. The one puzzling thing was how the humans were keeping the life support systems going after all this time, when everything else on the world seemed to have collapsed.

However, the Red Eyes’ scouts alerted Theoderaf to a deep series of tunnels beneath the cities, not revealed by the local governors to the Red eyes in their discussions. Theoderaf sent the Decapitation Squads to infiltrate the tunnels with teleport homers and find out their secrets. They discovered mysterious green clouds of gas, but when they were spotted the humans turned extremely violent, clawing at the Astartes with their bare hands. The Decapitation Squads tried to escape to the surface, but the humans flooded into the tunnels and blocked their escape with sheer weight of numbers. The remainder of the squads managed to teleport out, though several Astartes died through teleporting into the rocks. 

Theoderaf tolerated no defiance, and the accounts of the surviving Decapitation Squads indicated xenos involvement. The Red Eyes teleported straight into the government buildings of the capital city, slaughtering all there as the humans infected by the gas poured towards the centre in an attempt to block the Red Eyes. Theoderaf led the assault in person, with House Makabius taking part as the rearguard whilst the Red Eyes stormed the tunnels. In the close quarters of the tunnels, the humans’ numbers meant nothing as the Red Eyes tore their way through any who stood in their way. The march was a gruesome and bloody sight, severed body parts trampled underfoot and blood covering the walls and flowing down the tunnels in rivers. The Red Eyes eventually reached the bottom, using their flamers and grenades to destroy the caverns, and then retreated and used heavy ordnance to utterly destroy the tunnel. The Red Eyes rounded up the surviving humans, those who had not participated in the assault on the Red Eyes and the survivors of the massacres who had now returned to normal, and resettled them to Kanzuz VII after intensive interrogations and testings.

The Kanzuz System was rendered compliant, the Red Eyes moved onward to the next system, and the mysterious xenos had disappeared. Whilst some of the more peaceful Primarchs were disgusted by the slaughter, all accepted that the purge of the xenos was necessary and effective.

[TrajantheGreat]

Conquest of Galaspar

The last major campaign by the Golden Brothers before Theoderaf was discovered, the Conquest of Galaspar was the crowning achievement of the IVth legion. Occurring in 830.M30, the Golden Brothers discovered the world of Galaspar in Tempestus Pacificus, which had a surviving human civilisation from the Dark Age of Technology. However, the rulers of the world, called The Order, had ensured the Age of Strife through instituting a tyrannical system of keeping the populace enslaved, dividing them into “labour units” to be immediately euthanized when they no longer had value to its system, and ruled through a mixture of crushing oppression and forced chemical dependence. The Golden Brothers swore to liberate the humans of the world and bring them into the Imperial fold.

The reconnaissance squads of the Golden Brothers stealthily landed on the world, identifying the officials in charge of maintaining the chemical dispensing machines and enforcing the oppression of the Order. After a week of reconnaissance, the Golden Brothers began their propaganda campaign, broadcasting the news of Galaspar’s upcoming liberation, that the tyranny of the Order was not the only way to survive in the galaxy and that a new age was dawning, the Age of the Imperium. Images of the Emperor were distributed, accounts of his glory were spread and the officials of the regime were assassinated to lift the repression on the populace.

The Order, at first, relied on their repression mechanisms to keep the populace under their control, increasing the chemical dosages and keeping the labour units working without a chance to absorb the information. However, the Golden Brothers’ undermining of their system began giving the human populace the space required to hear their propaganda and begin pushing back against the Order. Labour units became communicating between themselves, work slowed, vandalism and riots began. Reports reached The Order of the their furthest outposts being overturned by civilians. Panicking, the Order ordered the army to exterminate rebellious labour units, firing basic anti-air weapons to try and shoot down the Golden Brothers in orbit.

The Golden Brothers drop podded into the city, crushing the army as they tried to slaughter the civilians, and called on the populace to embrace their liberation. At the same time, Roderic and the 1st Company teleported into The Order’s palace, killed the entire Order and all of their officials hiding there, and brought the bodies out for the populace to witness. The populace rejoiced, praising the golden angels who had saved them and the golden lord who had sent them to their aid. Soon after compliance, an Iron Revenants fleet emerged in-system, there to relieve the Golden Brothers of the reconstruction duties as their Primarch had been discovered.

[TrajantheGreat]

Unit and Formation Structure within IVth Legion

The Red Eyes, when forced to fight pitched battles do not differ too much from the Principia Belicosa, preferring melee combat but with plenty of ranged firepower to support them. A Red Eyes fleet will have a good balance between the different combat units, as each one has a specific role to play in any campaign.

However, it is rare for the Red Eyes to fight standard battles, as their unique tactics and way of waging war established a set style for the legion. Theoderaf enacted few structural changes to the legion when he was rediscovered, keeping the same compositions of chapters and companies as before. The only new position he created was the Drauhtinon, a council composed of several of the commanders of the legion to advise the Primarch and carry out his orders. Theoderaf also gave the position of Equerry unique influence within the legion, being his enforcer of discipline and morale to mirror the relationship between the Emperor and Theoderaf. After the Shattering of the IVth, the new Equerry took on the role of High Chaplain, being in charge of the training of chaplains and overseeing their performance.

Edited March 21, 2020 by TrajantheGreat

[TrajantheGreat]

Legion Command Hierarchy

The Red Eyes enforced a strict hierarchy of command, with a superior’s word being law to those under him. At the top of the hierarchy, Theoderaf tolerated little challenging of his orders, not even the Drauhtinon could openly challenge a direct order from Theoderaf. This extended down the chain of command, from chapter masters to company captains all the way down to squad sergeants. The Drauhtinon was composed of the Equerry, First Captain, Chief Librarian and later the High Chaplain.

Those who climbed the ranks of the IVth legion tended to be those who had a talent for instilling terror in the enemy and had the tactical acumen to conduct the most effective campaigns. Those who were exceptional at the former but lacked the tactical skill could still reach high office by competing to join the Marks of Fate, but there is fierce competition and duels between candidates and one can only join with the endorsement of Theoderaf himself.

Though a relatively new rank, the Chaplaincy was given significant power and status within the legion, as they were recruited from the most fanatical worshippers of the Emperor to keep the morale of the legion up as the disappearance of the Emperor distressed the Red Eyes. The word of a chaplain held even more weight than a captain, as any order vetoed by the chaplains would be rejected.