The Betrayed Phoenix: 9th Millenial, Emperor's Children

[Brother Anar]

"Milites! cur pugnamus?"

"nam Imperator populusque humanity!"

"filii Imperatore! mors inimicos eius!"

- Coms excerpt from 95th company during compliance of 1929-27. High Gothic was the standard battle tongue of the 9th Millennial.

"I am my father's son. His shadow weighs a ton"

- unknown Terran philosopher, 3rd millennium.

Chapter Master Karonghyontye stared out from the balcony, drinking in the views from the fortress monastery. His captains had left, the cheers and their acclaim still ringing in his ears, following his confirmation as the new master of the Red Eagles.

His reverie was broken by the polite cough of the Chief Librarian, standing in the shadows. He approached Karonghyontye and produced a stasis tube containing a battered, old book.

“Again, congratulations my lord. I’m afraid to puncture the moment of your ascension but I must divulge to you the true history of the chapter that you are to lead…”

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In the closing decades of the Great Crusade the 1929th expedition was sent on a long term mission to achieve the compliance of Wagar's Reach. The reach was home to numerous advanced xeno species and lost human worlds. Such an undertaking required significant fleet, army and legion power including:

- 3rd Legion, 9th Millennial

- 8th Legion, 5th Chapter

- 13th Legion, 22nd Chapter

- and 15th Legion, 60th Company.

Warp unrest in Wagner’s Reach meant that the tumultuous Post-Ullanor events of the late crusade passed the 1929th by. Only upon it’s triumphant return to imperial space, did we become aware of the storm brewing in the galaxy.

- “The Betrayed Phoenix.” By Sergeant Ali Pasha 95th Company, 9th Millennial, 3rd Legion

Lord Commander Joseph Brant “The Red Eagle” was elected leader of the expedition. He was a Terran veteran of the Unification Wars, well regarded by our cousins of the other legions but less so by the Primarch. Brant’s assignment to the 1929th was a welcome exile from political foes like Lord Commander Primus Eidolon.

On the eve of our return to imperial space, 9th Millenial stood approximately 3000 strong in 4 battalions of 5 companies. 91st-100th and the 391-400th companies. We of the 95th were a veteran line company, unbroken by the horrors of the crusade; but the news of our legion’s betrayal shook us to the core.

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Thus begins the third incarnation of this army. I've been playing since 2nd edition and got into heresy when the card game came out and we had no forgeworld models. The first version of this army was a cobbled together affair using the chaos codex. The second with actual rules, models and to completion.

And then came truescale. I'd been aware of the different methods for years and idly had a go one day. This may have been a mistake as now I'm retrofitting the whole 95th company.

My test model and new scheme after the KizzDoggs method. It's so shiny!

Edited July 19, 2021 by Brother Anar

[Dark Legionnare]

Oh man, I really dig the cape especially!  Lovely design. :)

[Brother Anar]

The fruits of the truescale efforts. Using the primaris as a base with heresy parts, and some greenstuff, produces some nice results.

[Brother Anar]

Demi Squad Gadreel.

Fireteam 1 comprised of: Khan - Grenadier, Fabian - Gunner, Gadreel - Team lead and Vexillarius, Valoyne - Designated Marksman and Kafziel - Rifleman

Fireteam 2

3 months painting has come to fruition! I love how the purple has turned out.

Edited July 2, 2021 by Brother Anar

[Brother Anar]

As we progress back towards the emerging civil war I have begun a journal of the company's deeds and the men behind them. The Remembrancers only see our legends and reputation, under this war-plate lies a person; though we are honed for war there are flaws and virtues to each of us. This chronicle, depending upon the outcome of this mess, will either be proof to the "mortals" that we Astartes are more than just amorphous killers or be the only epitaph raised for our broken corpses. A testament to the lives given to build a future for humanity.

“The Betrayed Phoenix.” Sgt Ali Pasha - 95th Company, 9th Millennial, 3rd Legion

Fabian is a gregarious soul who led the way when we were embedded with the Vlka Fenryka. He became an honour brother with one of them and continues to be a source of optimism and morale to his comrades; All while gunning down swathes of the foe with plasma fire.

Vitedes is an experienced duellist; well regarded in the practice cages and at the Gathering of Swords.

Medicus Zadkiel hails from Chemos and is a skilled Gene Wright. Though young, his medical skills keep him in high esteem with the legion Apothecarion. His passion is the creation and breeding of birds.

Archadrios is as constant as the tides. He has been with the company since The Rebirth, is a skilled rifleman and possesses no ambition for anything else. His dedication is an example to us all.

Eagle-eyed Auram embodies the great versatility our legion is famed for. Be it tussling in the melee with his axe, or sniping from miles away.

Khan holds a particular loathing for the Orks. He favours a simple approach to them; his grenade launcher from a distance and then the power axe up close.

Valoyne the younger is nephew to his Tactical Squad's Sergeant. An illegitimate son of House Valoyne of Franc he is determined to win honour for himself in spite of the circumstances of his birth.

Genesse serves as a gunner for his fireteam due to his calm nerves and keen eye. While a simple man he has saved the lives of many through his steady application of gunfire.

Decanus Gadreel is second in command to Sergeant Valoyne and bears the Tactical Squad's colours. He boasts of jousting Exodite Eldar on one of their own dragons and few doubt his skill or bravery.

Kafziel I pity. He is one of the unfortunate new recruits yet to earn their wings; full of idealism for the crusade and the Emperor's vision for a new golden age. He will likely fight his maiden campaign against fellow Astartes, Throne help him. Edited July 19, 2021 by Brother Anar

[Brother Anar]

 

The next squad to near completion.

 

 

The first and last time I do a harlequin pattern!

[Brother Anar]

The campaign on 1929-27 marked the 6th of Luthris's time with the legion. Off the field, he has a polite manner and the naivete of his youth. When battle commences this is replaced by a mask of channelled fury.

Ho-Jin remains socially awkard around others whenever we are out of combat. His skill with a rifle is in no doubt and I believe he will transfer to a long range reconnaissance squad to join other like minded souls.

Legionary Bellephus is a son of Hellas and Mother Earth. He needs little encouragement to put down the bolter break out the Bouzouki. He strives to master the instrument. The quicker he achieves this the better for his amateurish playing is comparable to psychological warfare!

Quincanus Palos is a linguistics expert, both of humans tongues and some xeno. His time with the Iron Warriors caused some of their attitudes to rub off as he remains cool as ice under fire.

I have little direct dealings with Mao. He is only recently raised to the legion but already shows some promise. If he survives, maybe I will have more to say.

Ambriel is a signifier and carries the battle record of the squad on his back. Their deeds and campaigns stitched in minute detail. He is proud of his role and has an extensive collection of old oaths of the moment in his quarters.

Decimus has picked up some of the peculiarities of the 9th Millenial in comparison to the rest of our legion. Early in our history, Lord Commander Brant skinned an Ork warboss on a whim and made it into a battle cloak. Decimus followed continues this tradition by wearing gloves cut from the first Ork Nob he slew.

Varius was awarded the Iron Skull for his leadership when Quincanus Palos was incapacitated. He took command and successfully lead the fireteam for the rest of the battle. He will probably be given his own squad to lead in the future.

Nero took a mauling on 1929-27 and his armour still requires repair. He wears a temporary hybrid suit until such time as the expedition can reach a Forge World. An Italia native, Nero is a skilled joiner and a marvel to watch at work.

Sergeant Francois Valoyne joined the legion as part of a tithe from the noble houses of Franc soon after The Rebirth. He is cool and composed under fire and an inspiration to his subordinates, in keeping with the traditions of the 3rd Legion. I treasure our friendship and his sage advice helped allay my fears when we learned of Horus's treachery.

- “The Betrayed Phoenix.” By Sergeant Ali Pasha 95th Company, 9th Millennial, 3rd Legion

Fireteam 1

Fireteam 2

Demi Squad Valoyne

Tactical Squad Valoyne in all it's purple glory! It's only taken 6 months. HQ choice time.

Edited October 21, 2021 by Brother Anar

[Cactus]

I love the little notes on each individual. Did Decimus take the ork's gloves, or skin the ork and make gloves? I guess from the green colour it was the latter!

[Gorgoff]

The Idea to give everyone a name plate is so great.

[Brother Anar]

Almost finished an HQ choice in regular and terminator armour. Much better pictures to follow.

[Brother Anar]

Lieutenant Edgar Wovoka is a driven man. One has to be when an officer of the 3rd; an example to all under him, a conduit of the will of our Primarch and the architect of victory for the 1st Platoon. On top of that, Wovoka has his own connection to the Warp to contend with which could cause untold damage if his focus wavers. Little wonder you are struck dumb by the intensity of the man when you look into his eyes.

The Lieutenant joined soon after The Rebirth, saw promotion and then had his powers manifest. The limited pool of officers we had in that fragile time, is why he kept the command.

Some argue that psychic powers are an imperfection that has no place in our Legion, despite our sizeable Librarium. Wovoka silences such critics with his battle record and a simple syllogism; "We strive to hone ourselves to perfection. I am a man and a Psyker. The Emperor is a perfect being and a Psyker. Am I not Therefore, one step closer to attaining this perfection?"

- “The Betrayed Phoenix.” By Sergeant Ali Pasha 95th Company, 9th Millennial, 3rd Legion

The Lieutenant displays his rank on the vambrace, a white enamelled couter for valour and his personal heraldry upon the right pauldron.

The original mini. He's hit the gym a bit since and has grown quite a lot.

Terminator command squad taking shape. Tortuga Bay terminators save so much time! Combined with bits from the wonderful Phoenix Guard kit.

They're suitably imposing.

In addition, some fixer-upper METAL BOXES! The painted Rhino I've had since the mid 90s and I think I'm finally doing it some justice.

Edited December 20, 2021 by Brother Anar

[Brother Anar]

Whilst the Phoenix Guard defends the person of the Primarch, the legion's senior officers are protected by the Praetorians. These men serve as valued confidants, bodyguards and experienced line breakers to Lieutenant Commander McComber. Their presence steadies the line or delivers a decisive blow when called for.

Praetorian Greene is an adaptable fighter, as befits a member of the 3rd. He was induced into the Palatine Blades and is frequently found in the practice cages following time spent with the Blood Angels. Greene is also a skilled linguist and acts as translator when negotiations for peaceful compliance are possible.

Ourehouare is the best tactical adviser in the company. Calm and analytical he never fails to make sense of a chaotic theatre of war. I hesitate to speak ill of the man but he holds what I can only describe as "superstitious" beliefs and tendencies which jar against the Imperial Truth. Whether the behaviour of the Vylka Fenryka rubbed off on him or it was always there, is unclear.

The colours of the 95th are currently borne by Ensign Germanicus. He is young but I've little doubt his many talents will see him promoted soon, this damned civil war may expedite matters. Germanicus is a man of great passions and has a poetic soul. It makes him relatable to the "mortals" and I see a place for him in the new world that we strive to build. During the compliance of Wagar's Reach he took a trophy blade that, some whisper, displays a monstrous face in battle.

Antilochus always seems to be moving. He eyes forever sweep around to analyse a space or hunt for hidden foes. After implantation of the gene seed, he developed albinism giving him unnatural pink eyes which seem to pin people to the spot as he evaluates them. I suspected that he is a member of the Arcani. Modelled on the 1st Legion's Firewing, they are our specialists in: infiltration, assassination and other such wetwork. Who better to guard an officer than an assassin?

The Praetorians of the 95th assigned to guard Lieutenant Wovoka.

[Brother Anar]

Fun with press mounds! I've recently got the hang of them to cast chest aquilas and other details. The results on this rapier battery crew.

Work on the Praetor continues in artificer and terminator armour.

[Brother Anar]

Some recent progress in time for Heresy 2.0: a couple of Contemptors and the next tactical blob.

[Brother Anar]

Tsalinoyarsk Secundus proved to be a meat grinder for second squad. 6 men dead, including Sergeant Trajan. His replacement has the Herculean task of a civil war for the newly christened Tactical Squad Ashford.

“The Betrayed Phoenix.” Sgt Ali Pasha - 95th Company, 9th Millennial, 3rd Legion

Demi Squad Ashford.

Sergeant, formerly Decanus, Lewis Ashford has less than 50 years of service but has ascended rapidly. His grit and determination inspire his men but it is said that he caught the eye of the Warmaster which explains his swift promotion. I confronted him about this when we heard news of the betrayal but his clear remorse allayed my fears.

 

Hanska has proven to be a skilled archer and marksman. The Nemesis Bolter granting him surgical precision. 

 

Enapay is a versatile warrior but happiest in the tussle of the melee. He was awarded the Bronze Cross for his actions in our last campaign.

 

Bazyli hails from Pole in Europa. Despite his pugnacious appearance out of armour he belongs to a dancing fraternity! I still struggle to reconcile his graceful and exuberant Mazurka with the sight of Bazyli dissecting Xeno Warforms with his axe.

 

Uzziel is barely 17 years standard, the youngest in the battalion. Throne help him, we’re sending children to fight the traitors.

 

Legionary Macsen has yet to earn his wings but has already made an impression. This bear of a man is a constant source of levity and able to lift the mood of flagging hearts. Apparently he and several Remembrancers are in cahoots, he’ll only admit to it being for “something funny”.

 

Akhona’s bravery in the Mantegna campaign saw him rewarded with power sword and his wings. The lad will be a hero one day.

 

Time spent with the Fists rubbed off on Jacek. Their strategies regarding siege craft appealed to him and he is often seen at the Gathering of Earth with other like minded souls.

 

Mustafa, the “spare son” of his house joined the legion to free himself of this moniker. He has over 100 years of exemplary service and has a wealth of experience for the new men.

 

Quincanus Atepa is an experienced artillery spotter and a rock of stability for the squad in these trying times.

 

Demi Squad Doneus

 

Decanus Doneus has taken the betrayal badly. Previously he practically worshiped the primarch, fitting for a son of Chemos. He constantly wears a grim expression and I think desires vengeance against our own legion. His enormous longsword will prove a fitting instrument.

 

Airtes is another recent addition to the legion. When he thinks no one is looking, his face betrays the wonder he feels at the sight of other worlds. He reminds me of how lucky we are to travel the galaxy. Despite the horrors there are such marvels beyond the skies of our home worlds.

 

Ur-Gula is a proven veteran who has fought since the rebirth. He bears the Raptor Imperialis in recognition of fighting within sight of The Emperor.

 

Jedrik is a maudlin individual, feeling a lack of recognition of his combat skills. He is mistaken, for he is a fine gunner but his complaints make him a difficult man to be around.

 

Legionary Kalyan has a fine eye for detail. He is a skilled marksman and painter in the Neoclassical style. I should ask him to illuminate these entries with the men’s faces.

 

Amish remembers our time with The War-Born with fondnesses. He made many friends amongst their numbers and was gifted with a power sword when we parted ways.

 

Mikentis is frequently called upon to track foes and has helped smoke out ambushes on more than one occasion. He endeavours to hunt the local fauna on every world we visit.

 

Medicus Iron Bear has helped stitch up half the men in the company. He cares greatly about our well-being as befits an apprentice Medicine Man prior to service.

 

Ishwar is recently returned to the company, following time with the Millennial ’s Destroyers. He has had several organs replaced due to the radiation exposure and still bears the haunted pallor of the destroyers.

 

 

Biiig photo dump and I’m so relieved that the second tactical blob is in a finished state!

[Brother Anar]

 

Lieutenant Commander Shawátis McComber (1st Battalion, 95th Company) - "Storm Cloud that wards against evil"

When we learned of our legion’s treachery many in the company faltered but commander McComber was not amongst them. He took the news stoically and advocated immediate action against the traitors in the expedition’s war council.
When I despaired at fighting our Primarch the commander told me “We’re the Emperor’s children lad, he’s our true father not Fulgrim, and he has never forsaken us.” I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised. Shawátis is a decorated veteran of the Unification Wars and part of the legion's initial intake. The commander was recruited when the 9 Nations of The Iroquois League were defeated by the Emperor and swore fealty. During the compliance of the Segmentum Solar he commanded forces of the Imperial Army as our numbers depleted; gaining that Eldar blade which he wields with such skil in the process.He is one of the 200 and proudly displays the heraldry of the 3rd Legion. During and after The Rebirth he directed our secondment to other expeditions to blood the 95th’s recruits, notably the 6th and 8th legions. During our Primarch’s mentorship of the Night Lords commander McComber became the honour-brother of Captain Jaque Carver.

“The Betrayed Phoenix.” Sgt Ali Pasha - 95th Company, 9th Millennial, 3rd Legion

 

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