tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339812420272356202024-03-19T05:58:31.505-05:00Imperial Knights and Adeptus MechanicusFeaturing the Knight Houses of Ryusei and their household militia, the Draconian Defenders, and the Skitarii maniples, Cybernetica Cohorts and Titan Legions of the forge world, Draconis IV.Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.comBlogger1221125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-29144528747011659812024-03-19T03:08:00.001-05:002024-03-19T03:08:15.242-05:00Aethon Heavy SentinelI finally assembled my Aethon Heavy Sentinel! Yay! He will support my infantry. I hope to get another couple of Aethon Heavy Sentinels soon, to make a squadron of 3!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GZAhifvQNcp36GH7S9dUuFHvWrScxuT0qMi9qXzhQWkwWaaYQbX0DalqDF7EGHOfg2UUPTa8ERs0xA3kg9KBoL97u5NyDWhyphenhypheng2oQbYV3pMeOoNIb3kHA0g_G89_JMLCZgjc2LcoOn9fyfnKWyUHw0GxcOxC8r-HW0hYBvUDbjnuuMkvfVpcX65P_Aqk/s4000/17108355527283715375892132505161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GZAhifvQNcp36GH7S9dUuFHvWrScxuT0qMi9qXzhQWkwWaaYQbX0DalqDF7EGHOfg2UUPTa8ERs0xA3kg9KBoL97u5NyDWhyphenhypheng2oQbYV3pMeOoNIb3kHA0g_G89_JMLCZgjc2LcoOn9fyfnKWyUHw0GxcOxC8r-HW0hYBvUDbjnuuMkvfVpcX65P_Aqk/w640-h480/17108355527283715375892132505161.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>As a bonus, here's a size comparison between my Solar Auxilia infantry and Aethon Heavy Sentinel and Knights!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilaTn0hwbXKL-oPVeGpbmoxG5XqVzfbs9I00_E125inAmpjaz4SNNc-Gyr9MzB1vDVrWJzM27SFAfJHTT40ms4MBnG6gH3u08Vy8Fg1X13qNHVpki1T1OEAqinavpj9wviV9afG_qpV1VVnZAZt_V8E6AqEP5GUjJIP3jbHo8g-6-viZOAwV5ZlN6Yyo/s4000/17108356353405577571591343777068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilaTn0hwbXKL-oPVeGpbmoxG5XqVzfbs9I00_E125inAmpjaz4SNNc-Gyr9MzB1vDVrWJzM27SFAfJHTT40ms4MBnG6gH3u08Vy8Fg1X13qNHVpki1T1OEAqinavpj9wviV9afG_qpV1VVnZAZt_V8E6AqEP5GUjJIP3jbHo8g-6-viZOAwV5ZlN6Yyo/w640-h480/17108356353405577571591343777068.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Hopefully I can get to the Dracosan tomorrow. I hope. We will see!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-41433862799101297002024-03-18T02:18:00.000-05:002024-03-18T02:18:20.745-05:00Solar Auxilia infantry I was sick last week, so I didn't really update my blog for almost 2 weeks. I don't think anyone noticed, but it's fine. Anyway I've recovered and I'm now back to doing Warhammer 40,000, like the Legions Imperialis game on Saturday. As for today, I started assembling my Solar Auxilia battle group. I decided to work on the infantry first.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N5-_JPg1AfAdg4QSvm0gwxV9mdkuYAQotz3G1-czlVQr8SJdqZOKsv8yD4bYiLRJmgaJnuFC_9lJ_gTUpcLhlcSh5vSi9jC9e4uH5-T0WXJxPIOIJ1p4YcPzK1Z_51CD_tAhMABdgwCRuby2tITxKH8T8yAFhVuD0ZWbThMYheGEWPGsQCMvpbX3CkI/s4000/17107459757863834336124121251842.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N5-_JPg1AfAdg4QSvm0gwxV9mdkuYAQotz3G1-czlVQr8SJdqZOKsv8yD4bYiLRJmgaJnuFC_9lJ_gTUpcLhlcSh5vSi9jC9e4uH5-T0WXJxPIOIJ1p4YcPzK1Z_51CD_tAhMABdgwCRuby2tITxKH8T8yAFhVuD0ZWbThMYheGEWPGsQCMvpbX3CkI/w640-h480/17107459757863834336124121251842.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>I originally wanted to assemble the Aethon Heavy Sentinel as well, but I had to give up on that because I already spent 8 and a half hours assembling just these 26 infantry models alone. Good lord. Either I'm getting old or these are more complicated to assemble, which I doubt. I think I'm just getting old.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, you'll notice that I said 26. That's right. I assembled a Legate Marshal, but there were more than enough leftover parts to assemble a 26th model, so I essentially did a Legate Marshal plus an Auxilia Tactical Command squad with a Marshal and Auxilia Companions. I wanted to give them all plasma guns, but the kitbashing work was a little too much for me, so I decided to just stick to the instructions and do lasrifles for the augury array and cohort vexilia guys. I'm just so done with assembling all this plastic today, I need to rest. But yeah, two lasrifle sections in a Tercio, with two HQs. I plan on doing Solar Cohort (hence the Legate Marshal), so I'm waiting for three weeks or so before I get a bunch of Veletaris Storm Sections for my real Troops. They'll be riding around in Dracosans in a mechanized sub-cohort thing. Yay. We'll see.</div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-18418555969812223892024-03-16T21:14:00.003-05:002024-03-16T21:14:31.373-05:00Armored Battle<p>"I see the Traitors," Colonel Ikeda murmured as he lowered his monoculars. He crouched in the cupola of his Baneblade and sighed, feeling the weight of duty sinking upon his broad shoulders. The Praetorian himself had delegated this part of the wall to him, and Ikeda and his Draconian Defenders would defend it to their last breath if necessary. They might not be part of the Old One Hundred, but having come all the way from Draconis III, Ikeda would not shame his homeworld by failing the defense of Holy Terra. They had been tasked with protecting the walls of the Imperial Palace itself from the treacherous Warmaster's onslaught, and the Draconians would not be found wanting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBb7Vo5p9kWEQ_T0Jjbm7aDw_s0kdsCqMaTgb0Vl1faUHQd7h6Yn7-a86ct0Uy45RTJtRQlM_VsjSkUNGlBcjYxzSADd1Tf-Nos19mHPJTyPRu4xLvhHEssa0hWC9vNsVKkW7NFAqUffG9KXzyn3jRD52Tp1nVoO69828WF_3kFmwWlsyhCJcGqy6_L2Y/s4000/IMG20240316150353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBb7Vo5p9kWEQ_T0Jjbm7aDw_s0kdsCqMaTgb0Vl1faUHQd7h6Yn7-a86ct0Uy45RTJtRQlM_VsjSkUNGlBcjYxzSADd1Tf-Nos19mHPJTyPRu4xLvhHEssa0hWC9vNsVKkW7NFAqUffG9KXzyn3jRD52Tp1nVoO69828WF_3kFmwWlsyhCJcGqy6_L2Y/w640-h480/IMG20240316150353.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>"We'll meet them in combat," Tanaka suggested, piloting his Cerastus Knight Lancer out. "I'll lead the charge. Have everyone advance if possible, or march triple time."</p><p>"Our orders are to seize and hold," Ikeda reminded the noble. Tanaka nodded, ensconced within his Throne Mechanicum.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV06br-bVbDtS2exvCaphkPRQ9UBVDDfKokUfghxQjgTQ1kBsVwY3cKzjcWyt9huRwFXzt5f32VL64-WdwKkyqWkiTnCvz6jpmrI6UKWtJ8dJOsTGy6Vh2NB8GNYIX5OI9bfZIePAE9XlJrnOo1Sat25ZrtkeyKSbsiPX5_rD6sZdkXcyy6I9CLSo7tgA/s4000/IMG20240316150358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV06br-bVbDtS2exvCaphkPRQ9UBVDDfKokUfghxQjgTQ1kBsVwY3cKzjcWyt9huRwFXzt5f32VL64-WdwKkyqWkiTnCvz6jpmrI6UKWtJ8dJOsTGy6Vh2NB8GNYIX5OI9bfZIePAE9XlJrnOo1Sat25ZrtkeyKSbsiPX5_rD6sZdkXcyy6I9CLSo7tgA/w640-h480/IMG20240316150358.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>"And the objectives we're supposed to seize and hold are out there, being taken by the Traitors." On his visual auspex, he could see the red-armored forms of Traitor Astartes marching toward them, the implacable infantry supported by squadrons of tanks. "If we don't advance, we won't be able to take the wall from them."</p><p>"Good point. And we should seize the iniative if we can. Let's go!" Ikeda grabbed the vox to issue the orders. As one, his tank company rolled out. Two Baneblades, supported by four Leman Russ Vanquishers and two Valdor tank hunters. Ikeda felt his chest blossom with pride as he watched his forces. To the east, Major Murakami and his infantry sub-cohort were venturing out to secure the hab blocks and Civitas structures that made up the ruins of the wall, after Legio Mortis had blasted a hole through it and stomped right through the ruined city.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAI3-7cXzA2e3139HU8v1tmUrikcFoJvaJO3WS5jebOWKxgi2Co6ODlTeCLy22x2QYeEJedPzEJqQAn-Ze8et3lT8KuV93p35mkBX1oMaj18YizzUe7lkhy1X2qmw9gpw4Cm1g0WVoDcErEbqIr7xz2o0XAA5BFA7UY3FsuSlGhrsNFK5KQ0phOZIBMXA/s4000/IMG20240316150403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAI3-7cXzA2e3139HU8v1tmUrikcFoJvaJO3WS5jebOWKxgi2Co6ODlTeCLy22x2QYeEJedPzEJqQAn-Ze8et3lT8KuV93p35mkBX1oMaj18YizzUe7lkhy1X2qmw9gpw4Cm1g0WVoDcErEbqIr7xz2o0XAA5BFA7UY3FsuSlGhrsNFK5KQ0phOZIBMXA/w640-h480/IMG20240316150403.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>They had no idea what the crimson and gold armored Traitor Astartes were here for, but whatever it was, it couldn't be good. They would threaten the defense of the Palace, that was for certain.</p><p>A pair of Sicaran Omega tanks blitzed forward, their plasma arrays crackling, but the Leman Russ Vanquishers were quick, their cannons and lascannons erupting with explosive fury. Both Astarte tanks were demolished before they could swerve around the corner. The Predators opened fire, but they were out of effective range to do anything, which meant it fell to a swooping pair of Storm Eagles to rain down fire from above. Glancing lascannon shots raked the second Baneblade, causing the super-heavy tank to shudder, but it persisted onward, firing at the detachment of Rhinos that sped toward them. Several of the armored transports were cracked open by the Baneblade cannon and demolisher cannon, while the sponson autocannons spat death, slicing the Assault Marines that had leaped out of the two Storm Eagles from the sky. Before they could even land, the jump pack infantry were cut down by the incessant hail of high caliber rounds.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDBiqqIrVw1qPGrE7ROItuLM1CSNSY4S_ovsDN5ZXxG19DrTRTQZ0NHvXEmIiC5Qg_pz7GuMWYXDQcDSBh14yduN8ym60tMJG4wRXWpIJP6B5uAF5gbcgVqcHJ1pslK3QxO5gL8g1JRSiBL38zvqLDRZ1S34ow9TqQWy80Pab-AZEurvgCk3X8o7i9P4/s4000/IMG20240316150632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDBiqqIrVw1qPGrE7ROItuLM1CSNSY4S_ovsDN5ZXxG19DrTRTQZ0NHvXEmIiC5Qg_pz7GuMWYXDQcDSBh14yduN8ym60tMJG4wRXWpIJP6B5uAF5gbcgVqcHJ1pslK3QxO5gL8g1JRSiBL38zvqLDRZ1S34ow9TqQWy80Pab-AZEurvgCk3X8o7i9P4/w640-h480/IMG20240316150632.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The Valdor Tank Hunters added to the fire, wiping out all but one of the Rhinos. The power armored forms of Astartes poured out, though several mangled hulks were left behind in the smoking wrecks, and they pushed forward to seize one of the middle bases and hunkered down in it.</p><p>On the east, a second company of Rhinos pushed forward, with the infantry inside pouring outside and seizing the second middle base. Heavy weapon squads set up in cover, missiles streaking from their tubes and slamming into the vanguard of Heavy Aethon Sentinels, while the Predators also fired upon them. Three of them blew up, but the last Sentinel pilot held his nerve, turning his volkite and missile launchers into the heavy weapon squad in retaliation. Several tactical squads rushed forward to shield their heavy weapons support brethren and were blown out of cover by the frag missiles, allowing the survivors to maintain a steady stream of missiles.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95BfElzhohM7xo5tlwiH-iZfB4CUcFUq5xC-U_t36Ob5aG2Yz5w0UIdlEAhyphenhyphenusXnb_sbZbZ0Xp8xv3xcA0545tJPGenWLrK0MIrSKWTLN-3DEAb_PzQH5_Mj2ImOz5avIBqbM1pRVyFFxpGrXln481RDJXbkt-m0A99PhIfvKP1dzZ34i_50mJ6NHSuI/s4000/IMG20240316150636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95BfElzhohM7xo5tlwiH-iZfB4CUcFUq5xC-U_t36Ob5aG2Yz5w0UIdlEAhyphenhyphenusXnb_sbZbZ0Xp8xv3xcA0545tJPGenWLrK0MIrSKWTLN-3DEAb_PzQH5_Mj2ImOz5avIBqbM1pRVyFFxpGrXln481RDJXbkt-m0A99PhIfvKP1dzZ34i_50mJ6NHSuI/w640-h480/IMG20240316150636.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>"Ugh!" Tanaka cursed when melta beams from the twin Kratos tanks struck his ion shield, but the lascannons were enough to lance through his defenses and strip adamantine chunks off his Knight armor. The Cerastus Knight Lancer staggered, but Tanaka kept his suit going in loping strides, undeterred by the damage. He could see the Contemptor Dreadnoughts march toward the vulnerable tanks, but his way was blocked by infantry.</p><p>He charged right into the command squad, his lance exploding and obliterating the Praetor and his companions. Sweeping his lance, he destroyed another two squads before the fourth clamped a meltabomb onto his Knight suit and brought it down with explosive charges. His sacrifice was not in vain, fortunately, for Ikeda marshalled his tanks and brought down the Contemptor Dreadnoughts, whose path was barred by the chaotic melee. Baneblade cannons and autocannons spoke, along with the Valdors, and only one Dreadnought was left standing. The Leman Russ Vanquishers took out the three Predators with precision shots, their Vanquisher cannons and lascannons ripping through the vehicles in quick succession. In retaliation, the heavy support squad took out the last surviving Heavy Aethon Sentinel, after he failed to take out any more infantry sheltering inside the building.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaRpmjaeSW8agMVO2kL6cyd6tAn8d8Vf-FpXzHCMAx3VsYhT-Q25QzAN2lsryhHKx2Z0G32dZtUkUy5OmHFKCLcEDl2ZrY110hvPxB67zYSwxd3a5or9176Xwy-b57D71LQikyvPmgET0eG16veGVlqi0EFgA_Zfx1sltf5WP0RVrDMbtHex9b-wnWFU/s4000/IMG20240316150644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaRpmjaeSW8agMVO2kL6cyd6tAn8d8Vf-FpXzHCMAx3VsYhT-Q25QzAN2lsryhHKx2Z0G32dZtUkUy5OmHFKCLcEDl2ZrY110hvPxB67zYSwxd3a5or9176Xwy-b57D71LQikyvPmgET0eG16veGVlqi0EFgA_Zfx1sltf5WP0RVrDMbtHex9b-wnWFU/w640-h480/IMG20240316150644.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>That left the Kratos, who were whipping about to take out one Leman Russ Vanquisher. On the other side, the Terminators teleported right next to one of the blocks where Murakami's Charonite Ogryns were hunkered down, but even the heavy infantry hesitated to charge the brutish abhumans. Instead, they weathered the storm of las and volkite from the Veletaris storm section and Murakami's command section, while the Rhinos continued to speed forward, the tranports now bereft of their passengers.</p><p>"This isn't looking good," Ikeda murmured when his partner Baneblade was taken out by the swooping Storm Eagles, who had returned for another pass. His premonition was confirmed when the Kratos moved in to take his command tank out. In retaliation, the Leman Russ Vanquishers fired and took out the Kratos.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4HJwpicExmL212URSzX6BQPr4qwHKEQWIzKZNCULv0E1LwvebIYjPatOPbH4xvEBcB7t0qaEG-1SQ7-Rynbi2rZOSYtp0zd368DQu8AbBYbHf7wUuu2rD1PIPDBpSr6hKkxLFwTfWyll3g_T2vHSBise7UJrmrsv9-Lh3Sybobh6nm0vdjqXaOJftYw/s4000/IMG20240316152030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4HJwpicExmL212URSzX6BQPr4qwHKEQWIzKZNCULv0E1LwvebIYjPatOPbH4xvEBcB7t0qaEG-1SQ7-Rynbi2rZOSYtp0zd368DQu8AbBYbHf7wUuu2rD1PIPDBpSr6hKkxLFwTfWyll3g_T2vHSBise7UJrmrsv9-Lh3Sybobh6nm0vdjqXaOJftYw/w640-h480/IMG20240316152030.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>"Charge! For the Emperor!" Murakami ordered, his Veletaris storm section leaping out to charge into the Terminators with their swinging power axes. To his surprise, they were able to hack apart the Terminators through sheer weight of numbers, without taking any casualties in return. Looking over the corpse of a Terminator-armored Legionnaire, he tilted his head in puzzlement. "Uh, I didn't expect that."</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2IclXLbtl3i8Df-ULTzIILRljX7zVG6UfNW_PxZ6XBbyG17BgUgeme7ZlXRrKej76MSaAu8dXYclVtje0X0mJeSCAA4Jl12ahjHilXtj_9gOdqwUeg0yAf7CHHr3e2U2CasD-kTWELLC-mNeOJlT2yDrWRoul9YbKq7GTQp5HkM33h5P-QTDYtUkNDk/s4000/IMG20240316152039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2IclXLbtl3i8Df-ULTzIILRljX7zVG6UfNW_PxZ6XBbyG17BgUgeme7ZlXRrKej76MSaAu8dXYclVtje0X0mJeSCAA4Jl12ahjHilXtj_9gOdqwUeg0yAf7CHHr3e2U2CasD-kTWELLC-mNeOJlT2yDrWRoul9YbKq7GTQp5HkM33h5P-QTDYtUkNDk/w640-h480/IMG20240316152039.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The Storm Eagles returned for another pass and obliterated a lasrifle tercio to the west, but thankfully, they didn't touch the tanks, who took out the Kratos and Contemptor Dreadnought. Neutron lasers, lascannons and anti-armor shells punched through the heavy tanks and walker with impunity, blowing up the former and toppling the latter. Unfortunately, Ikeda was unable to do much when the Kratos destroyed his Baneblade, leaving just the Leman Russ Vanquisher and Malcador Valdor tank hunters in the battlefield. Both Baneblades and the Knight taken out in a single battle. This was a disaster.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLvIv6iwdseeHnEvI-AE5JE9iHkT8AeWpCjaiWAAGBHuPVNDMv3pjl2CH_WpKcAiKkXqE7EwX9zQ7ol_a9y54MO75-ENm7Boj41lwwXKMFNuiatDU1ZIugfo9jgysT5C2XAbVb_aaKxhxBCf57Kn38ijap_2H0ZIrJQnBKQuvpQh18N81bi4y6QzGODU/s4000/IMG20240316152534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLvIv6iwdseeHnEvI-AE5JE9iHkT8AeWpCjaiWAAGBHuPVNDMv3pjl2CH_WpKcAiKkXqE7EwX9zQ7ol_a9y54MO75-ENm7Boj41lwwXKMFNuiatDU1ZIugfo9jgysT5C2XAbVb_aaKxhxBCf57Kn38ijap_2H0ZIrJQnBKQuvpQh18N81bi4y6QzGODU/w640-h480/IMG20240316152534.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Nonetheless, the Draconian Defenders dug in stubbornly. Despite weathering missile barrages from the heavy support team, the second Lasrifle tercio and the Charonite Ogryns charged into their positions. The power armored Astartes took out a pair of Ogryns with combat blades, but the remaining six wiped them out with swipes of their power claws and brutal fury. One last squad of heavy support fell back, deciding to retreat under the face of such a ferocious assault.</p><p>The Astartes claimed aerial superiority with the soaring Storm Eagles, and they still had a single tactical squad on the verge of breakthrough, having claimed one of the forward bases that the Draconian Defenders were supposed to be guarding. Ikeda, despite being wounded and his Baneblade destroyed, continued to orchestrate from the wrecked hulk of his vehicle.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpFgW_aqjNEGOZ08YSH3z5lVgUGD2Rba4tKRT0m9WtnxGGZuW5Ml2ZfZFM3NRrCvtaedvRrce5_eXrgN9l0F_Nbej62Nr-z-7E1HMRislLjqVuPdEKQDMGTIvZJuqWSQDALgaqwCy0FfNsR4EYRFqm_Dj09KW2-bUwY5846-E2YpYfA3WzP5z0roVyps/s4000/IMG20240316154415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpFgW_aqjNEGOZ08YSH3z5lVgUGD2Rba4tKRT0m9WtnxGGZuW5Ml2ZfZFM3NRrCvtaedvRrce5_eXrgN9l0F_Nbej62Nr-z-7E1HMRislLjqVuPdEKQDMGTIvZJuqWSQDALgaqwCy0FfNsR4EYRFqm_Dj09KW2-bUwY5846-E2YpYfA3WzP5z0roVyps/w640-h480/IMG20240316154415.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>"Go, go, go! Ignore the infantry and just advance!" He snapped. The Leman Russ Vanquishers rolled toward the middle objective and parked there, taking potshots at the Storm Eagles and missing. A lucky lascannon shot winged one, but it jinked and avoided it. Meanwhile, the Valdor tank hunters pushed their engines and they managed to get one in the backfield, securing an objective they were sent to seize and hold.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK_4O9lttxMHbvrBsUCYJJeGRuQPOQeE-AyiQTBZ4zIzRP0s4iliELwOsB65JiLeT-SEZ57MLzt5qCxsDiWMhKRHuK9_z5ttLxsFIJaIxf0Rm-RIR2U1uyfW7mxQoGpgVQEbe1-KI53F6dV05PqvC0jPJEjiAbpB69pYPby572R0dV3_gYX0KyYq134w/s4000/IMG20240316155145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK_4O9lttxMHbvrBsUCYJJeGRuQPOQeE-AyiQTBZ4zIzRP0s4iliELwOsB65JiLeT-SEZ57MLzt5qCxsDiWMhKRHuK9_z5ttLxsFIJaIxf0Rm-RIR2U1uyfW7mxQoGpgVQEbe1-KI53F6dV05PqvC0jPJEjiAbpB69pYPby572R0dV3_gYX0KyYq134w/w640-h480/IMG20240316155145.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The lasrifle tercio, ordered by Murakami, whose Veletaris Storm Section had chopped apart a bunch of Rhinos, marched forward to secure the second backfield objective, while Murakami held the front. The Charonite Ogryns decided to stay in the middle base to protect it after seizing it from the Astartes heavy support squad. It was unfortunate, but they had to leave the forward bases to the Traitor Astartes tactical squad, who had achieved their secondary objective of breakthrough.</p><p>However, with just that tactical squad and a pair of Storm Eagles left, there was little the Astartes could do, while the Draconian Defenders held five out of six objectives in the last turn.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBGayW0Mwn6UdBp5RmfQRGE_C-4tA74PrIfNMVDevBln86dixDcwlvzTHR4t1GRezWmR6MXShYjDvH8EVvJ9a8mndQlEhpEI-4SzViu_PN3lP8k-ZxUblKTnpQ8o7LooCB2MY_Q9yyS84_PsuJ5UU9eNQAz_HO62LP50itXWX8TJtl1im5sdx0ZZc8I0/s4000/IMG20240316162225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBGayW0Mwn6UdBp5RmfQRGE_C-4tA74PrIfNMVDevBln86dixDcwlvzTHR4t1GRezWmR6MXShYjDvH8EVvJ9a8mndQlEhpEI-4SzViu_PN3lP8k-ZxUblKTnpQ8o7LooCB2MY_Q9yyS84_PsuJ5UU9eNQAz_HO62LP50itXWX8TJtl1im5sdx0ZZc8I0/w640-h480/IMG20240316162225.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>"Phew...we turned the tables on them, somehow," Murakami murmured, wiping the perspiration from his brow. "Thanks to your sacrifice, Colonel Ikeda."</p><p>"Hey! I'm not dead yet! My Baneblade will be back on the field after some repairs!" Ikeda cleared his throat and consulted his dataslate. "Also, we've achieved our secondary objective too, by wiping out more than 65% of the enemy's forces and claiming ground superiority. They may control the skies, but the ground and bases belong to us. We held the wall. Lord Dorn will be pleased."</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGpBpxt2vTxwhNXQSCa6rLyPxM-KhbadGlfd1FanbP_iqN_WEr4Eluhs4QAzIydXK8FvHBJhc5c7tDpz5w-nYOlD-zA5pLtxCOVagY196T2GLk1YwwLiulBSdqzawDDx9BXnwmKVmuV9RSd7qvl-PLhWokZFvlUEta0p64uqdvBxLmwt-zljX66jlVxY/s4000/IMG20240316162228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGpBpxt2vTxwhNXQSCa6rLyPxM-KhbadGlfd1FanbP_iqN_WEr4Eluhs4QAzIydXK8FvHBJhc5c7tDpz5w-nYOlD-zA5pLtxCOVagY196T2GLk1YwwLiulBSdqzawDDx9BXnwmKVmuV9RSd7qvl-PLhWokZFvlUEta0p64uqdvBxLmwt-zljX66jlVxY/w640-h480/IMG20240316162228.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>However, it was a close run. If it weren't for that final desperate surge forward to claim five out of the six bases that Rogal Dorn had instructed him to seize and hold, the wall would have fallen into the hands of the Traitor Legions. Ikeda was relieved that he had not failed the Lord Praetorian. Terra would stand, even if for just another day.</p><p>The defenders of the Imperium had won a narrow victory, but it was probably only going to delay the inevitable. Not with the Warmaster slowly closing the noose around the Emperor's neck as the Loyalists were gradually bleeding out through attrition...Ikeda, in particular, knew just how costly this narrow victory was. He could only hope Lord Roboute Guilliman and the XIIIth would arrive soon to relieve them.</p><p>Otherwise, the Imperium was doomed.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5Foz-sZTSaM-3oGLth-dRDF2PJHFifKuFpaaSj32UoF7gHk93LtXByTHn1EzNhnAyvBFucLgYWN007eGJ4u9U5ALfGG-ZfR3gJRtcLT2k3Tlv3MQLf_ufKc95WqxEtvDI2CzPU6PHKFia9BcF1Dlh1sjejJPodgfjbqQ7-p4iKccnqPOis2x1cAjLFA/s4000/IMG20240316162932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5Foz-sZTSaM-3oGLth-dRDF2PJHFifKuFpaaSj32UoF7gHk93LtXByTHn1EzNhnAyvBFucLgYWN007eGJ4u9U5ALfGG-ZfR3gJRtcLT2k3Tlv3MQLf_ufKc95WqxEtvDI2CzPU6PHKFia9BcF1Dlh1sjejJPodgfjbqQ7-p4iKccnqPOis2x1cAjLFA/w640-h480/IMG20240316162932.jpg" width="640" /></a></p>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-8266249576704100602024-03-05T00:10:00.002-06:002024-03-05T00:11:28.676-06:00Solar Auxilia starting force I have assembled and painted all of my Solar Auxilia models for Legions Imperialis! An infantry sub-cohort and an armored company. Add my Knights and I have a force for at least 1,000 points! Yay!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Pjq9Zi4PSfY096fSCPZge6-vymesY5kYLFjS1FpIKiQVQ-7FyJsE9NdRG8CPow1IuyZQEWkDxsGdt0kyQpsm9t3Hk74PhcFf_i1ocIHkFG5VBBTGsgGVsEZ5Km3-4kAxFNYYZy82dL0b84xvjI8l1daVanyYiXutGvN8ieu_wOCuL4DZC8Qv8DWLLJs/s4000/17096188742978686072718398372533.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Pjq9Zi4PSfY096fSCPZge6-vymesY5kYLFjS1FpIKiQVQ-7FyJsE9NdRG8CPow1IuyZQEWkDxsGdt0kyQpsm9t3Hk74PhcFf_i1ocIHkFG5VBBTGsgGVsEZ5Km3-4kAxFNYYZy82dL0b84xvjI8l1daVanyYiXutGvN8ieu_wOCuL4DZC8Qv8DWLLJs/w640-h480/17096188742978686072718398372533.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The next goal is to get a bunch of Dracosans and maybe even a couple of Stormhammer tanks to build a mechanized infantry sub-cohort and reach 2,000 points. We will see. I have no idea how long they will take before Games Workshop sells or releases them. I guess we will find out soon. Till then!</div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-16904072543196020682024-03-02T14:52:00.002-06:002024-03-02T21:06:01.170-06:00Malcador ValdorI bought a box of Malcador Valdor tank destroyers along with The Great Slaughter! Assembled them and hopefully will get them painted soon. I will give the Infernus to my friend because he likes flamethrowers, and they don't really fit in my list anyhow. I have no idea what's coming next, but we will see. The plan is to create a mechanized force, so I'm waiting for the Dracosans now.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwwFV25ofzaZJLDq4jFzTwSbTLQw5IABSlY_pWw_Tx50o4vy01DpyRDOxLKXrrF_afs1JCExZUUMv9NtpWofoaF2P-VBnp8YUqpqf6ytx6k1FFnFfF2svuxKWSxR_eiexFMy1zceBo55cSHUfkwAvKNj0icGo-HE-wveehUzrSmz2AIqkXmZAL3fhodg/s4000/17094126984643426762773243061951.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwwFV25ofzaZJLDq4jFzTwSbTLQw5IABSlY_pWw_Tx50o4vy01DpyRDOxLKXrrF_afs1JCExZUUMv9NtpWofoaF2P-VBnp8YUqpqf6ytx6k1FFnFfF2svuxKWSxR_eiexFMy1zceBo55cSHUfkwAvKNj0icGo-HE-wveehUzrSmz2AIqkXmZAL3fhodg/w640-h480/17094126984643426762773243061951.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I also got these!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMLFVFhebNoZqeFkAZfXyNGbk-thlDjGg1WgiiiJ6gDKQW-OjAQ5s4jJITojmNX_jjArOIompURj61xW9NRqg3B0E910dXQvs9SEe6agHIKQSGsm2tOPVYSBevPFXBV61WVjIGFa9jF4EQPl4dqhpEedBFoDu_6uVos7Uv_wsV54UHfZTpfOK7a7UX7hk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1212" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMLFVFhebNoZqeFkAZfXyNGbk-thlDjGg1WgiiiJ6gDKQW-OjAQ5s4jJITojmNX_jjArOIompURj61xW9NRqg3B0E910dXQvs9SEe6agHIKQSGsm2tOPVYSBevPFXBV61WVjIGFa9jF4EQPl4dqhpEedBFoDu_6uVos7Uv_wsV54UHfZTpfOK7a7UX7hk=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br />By a stroke of fortune, I found The Art of the Horus Heresy in my friendly local gaming store! Hah! I've seen the book going for US$140 on eBay, and I'm glad I bought a copy at retail price instead of having to be bereft of one because I refuse to buy from scalpers. To the warp with scalpers! Support your friendly local gaming store! And now I have both The Art of the Horus Heresy and The Great Slaughter! Yay!</div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-79127243891479569912024-02-29T10:54:00.002-06:002024-02-29T10:54:17.419-06:00House Vyronii and the Battle for Felweather KeepToday, I thought I should do an article on House Vyronii, particularly because they are the poster boys for Imperial Knights in the Horus Heresy. Sort of like House Terryn for the modern 41st millennium. Interestingly enough, they first appeared in Horus Heresy book 4: Conquest - one of the old black books - and they are one of the first Loyalist Knight Houses to be fleshed out during the Horus Heresy, which is why they remain the poster boys, especially when you look at the box art for official Cerastus Knight kits (both 28mm and Adeptus Titanicus/Legions Imperialis scale). They are also the stars in one of <a href="https://www.warhammer-community.com/2023/09/12/exemplary-battles-of-the-horus-heresy-corrupt-your-knights-and-quest-for-profane-power/">Warhammer Community's Exemplary Battles of the Horus Heresy series</a>, which is really cool - and I'm pleased that Games Workshop recognizes the importance of Knight Households in the lore. Though that was more for Corrupted Knights (Knights that haven't fully given over to Chaos, but are well on their way), but House Vyronii scored a major victory when their homeworld was invaded by the Dark Mechanicum and their subordinate Knight Houses, standing in defense of Felweather Keep. But who are the scions of House Vyronii, and why are they so prominent during the Heresy?<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfugy72wH6iR-9GGnEsk6hdJElw9EQQ-H71a0wLGw7Bk6UNECgPc6dCK6E7GUVTpDkyUyWydazgqc6H8vYTyhh8m6U_TEXsYgXznTBrjRgSUndxXjJHaNcPPvqk0kTlMRCzMCpwKb5l9MONkt_xlmHN6QxXPACdyOvOX0sYzDSUabSSaLlol0qGxE7IRU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="1148" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfugy72wH6iR-9GGnEsk6hdJElw9EQQ-H71a0wLGw7Bk6UNECgPc6dCK6E7GUVTpDkyUyWydazgqc6H8vYTyhh8m6U_TEXsYgXznTBrjRgSUndxXjJHaNcPPvqk0kTlMRCzMCpwKb5l9MONkt_xlmHN6QxXPACdyOvOX0sYzDSUabSSaLlol0qGxE7IRU=w523-h640" width="523" /></a></div><br /></div><div>House Vyronii is from the Knight World of Damaetus III/II, and is one of the most ancient Knight Houses in the Segmentum Obscurus. Unfortunately, during the Age of Strife, they ended up losing so many of their scions that their numbers and resources were perilously depleted by the closing of the Great Crusade and the outbreak of the Horus Heresy.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not going to read out the whole segment from Horus Heresy book 4: Conquest - you can go to Grimdark Narrator's video on House Vyronii for that - so I'll just sum up the important bits (which will still be pretty long, unfortunately).</div><div><br /></div><div>First, Damaetus III/II - a Knight World, yes, but it actually isn't a planet but a moon floating around a green gas giant. It's a heavily forested world full of swamps and has emerald skies because of the gas giant. This emerald color will be reflected in the paint scheme of their Knight armors later. Fortunately for the scions of House Vyronii, their Knight World of Damaetus III/II is found in a star system at the junction of several minor but stable warp routes. The first colonists made it there during the Long March, and I think their colony ark was transformed into a vast fortress that serves as House Vyronii's home base, which is named Felweather Keep. Like all Knight Houses, the colonists manufactured Knight exo-suits using the Standard Template Constructs at the heart of Felweather Keep to combat the monstrosities dwelling in the forests of the gas giant's moon they landed on. Largely populated by celphalopod-mammal hybrid forms (which basically mean mammals with...tentacles?) of massive sizes that lurked in the swams or nested in colossal trees. So the first Knights of House Vyronii did battle with these chthonic creatures to defend the colonists.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtmsy4NoUGyx729-BDneyYrpL5KaQxwDii7cehIYpYeTgSCAvpTDw7-A3smOV-CUC0AlTAovspTR607xjwUao4lHPd_2GugNOBG5eTKRWPy0UThq9d4p2SkIvw1RvhVgZHowWh8xlAOHNMCWfJwti7_gBuSm88dyUH5vEMEgZIEq3w8GpOB-azRJ6k3-E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1572" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtmsy4NoUGyx729-BDneyYrpL5KaQxwDii7cehIYpYeTgSCAvpTDw7-A3smOV-CUC0AlTAovspTR607xjwUao4lHPd_2GugNOBG5eTKRWPy0UThq9d4p2SkIvw1RvhVgZHowWh8xlAOHNMCWfJwti7_gBuSm88dyUH5vEMEgZIEq3w8GpOB-azRJ6k3-E=w640-h448" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Then the Old Night happened, but fortunately, the Knights of House Vyronii endured, fighting against xenos invaders such as the Orks and Eldar (Dark Eldar, in particular). The most formidable xenos enemy, however, was the Mitu Conglomerate, which had conquered vast swathes of the Coronid Deeps. Probably something I'll visit in the future. Anyway, House Vyronii fended off repeated attacks from the Mitu Conglomerate, with their many keeps built across the surface of Damaetus III/II destroyed and even the mighty Felweather Keep damaged, until they were finally reduced to barely two hundred functional armors. Damn, they used to have six hundred Knight armors, which would put them nearly on par with House Taranis. A thousand curses on the hateful Mitu Conglomerate. Basically, things looked very bleak for our emerald brother scions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, one day, instead of the Mitu Conglomerate, the Dark Angels of the Ist Legion showed up. Apparently, while House Vyronii was prepared to die and sell their lives dearly fighting to the end against the Mitu Conglomerate, the Great Crusade had been launched and the Mitu Conglomerate was annihilated by an Expeditionary fleet that included the Dark Angels. Cool. Grateful to the Imperium for wiping out the hateful xenos that had threatened to drive the poor Knights of House Vyronii (and their Knight World of Damaetus III/II) to extinction, the scions pledged allegiance to the Imperium in order to repay this debt of liberation.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg87pHXAetLG2URvQAWV2TtQIiQR2AvJYrGo66LYjT2L3Om-qz6SHc3UsAPGi42taT58Iz8U6ABFIx_zfKa9DwyKkBzxSzbua6NSQhaIT5zc6mkm3aIE4Ie-wHWvxL1sYLc3nEnDSAWoinWJ_B3V6icA7A3SoKrzxGLycnLMRZHPGBhpAMT8DEJM6laq40" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="1240" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg87pHXAetLG2URvQAWV2TtQIiQR2AvJYrGo66LYjT2L3Om-qz6SHc3UsAPGi42taT58Iz8U6ABFIx_zfKa9DwyKkBzxSzbua6NSQhaIT5zc6mkm3aIE4Ie-wHWvxL1sYLc3nEnDSAWoinWJ_B3V6icA7A3SoKrzxGLycnLMRZHPGBhpAMT8DEJM6laq40=w640-h294" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>House Vyronii joined the Great Crusade and served alongside many different Imperial forces, such as the Dark Angels who found them, the Word Bearers, Imperial Fists and a dozen Excertus Imperialis commands. They also had their Sacristans paint their Knight armors emerald green similar to the light of the gas giant their homeworld moon orbited, and they maintained a respectful distance from the other forces of the Imperium, having been isolated for so long.</div><div><br /></div><div>The rate of attrition meant that House Vyronii had to ally itself to a Forge World to help them rebuild and restock their Knight armors and resources. Delegations from different Forge Worlds, including Mezoa and the recently founded Cyclothrathine Holdfast, and even the more distant and illustrious Lucius. Unfortunately, the priesthood of the Mechanicum being who they are, they all wanted House Vyronii to swear themselves as feudal subjects, in return for replacing the ancient and often repaired Knight armors with new war machines of more advanced and potent classes.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAn4TyyYAz3OsSE3joG97UDxrWMTRccslS40DJoxV7q39uusMMrZ8nA2FMIzbdUoRjfmq4y8iQK0Wvc4R-F4UfYcd61UkDqK1GaKAw4sc9U8ZdOYzB95gA1BlPkhUSYpWvutNcO0Wu-K2uZe9ptxWnWjwPAzynoXRZY6qNa4pg2gY3nBgiannF_UbWzqw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="200" height="563" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAn4TyyYAz3OsSE3joG97UDxrWMTRccslS40DJoxV7q39uusMMrZ8nA2FMIzbdUoRjfmq4y8iQK0Wvc4R-F4UfYcd61UkDqK1GaKAw4sc9U8ZdOYzB95gA1BlPkhUSYpWvutNcO0Wu-K2uZe9ptxWnWjwPAzynoXRZY6qNa4pg2gY3nBgiannF_UbWzqw=w640-h563" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Worse, they all coveted the ancient crystal datastacks buried within Felweather Keep. Fortunately, Grand Master Jahk of House Vyronii was shrewd enough to recognize their greed and sent them away while pretending to consider their offers. Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier, the rate of attrition forced his hand, with House Vyronii now reduced to barely a hundred Knight armors by now, most ancient and in dire need of retrofitting. Thus, Grand Master Jahk decided to accept the offer from Cyclothrathe, whose proposal of material aid was the most generous.</div><div><br /></div><div>...sadly, this turned out to be a terrible idea.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cyclothrathe had sided with the Warmaster, the Horus Heresy had happened, and the Magi of the Dark Mechanicum set their sights on Damaetus III/II as a target of conquest instead of allies. While they superficially agreed to sign the treaty on Damaestus III/II, the High Magos of Cyclothrathe and his honor guard of House Aerthegn Knights and Traitor Taghmata forces were planning a vile act of treachery. Fortunately, House Vyronii had recalled many of its scions assigned to the Great Crusade and mustered them in the landing zone where the Ist Legion had shown up before.</div><div><br /></div><div>An hour before the appointed time, however, a heavily damaged Vyronii lander plummeted through the skies and the pilot/passenger stumbled out. He was Gios, the eldest son of Grand Master Jahk, and he had somehow learned of Cyclothrathe's treachery and escaped their wrath to warn his House of their betrayal. The delegation was not an emissary bearing gifts but an invasion force. Thanks to Gios's warning, House Vyronii readied for war, the wall guns of Felweather Keep destroying dozens of Cyclothrathine dropships, but enough landed to muster an invasion force, who massed and marched toward Felweather Keep.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm1lzBlT4LQO4o42WMKiblUq7Lgq6NeJi4QLFqsw_4fjBUruTpuk-Jn-JCZnsnUu-55WJPVQDGWEmBtJ7y71X-5dN3_5yNcpnITnFIIlnRwaKKkYpE_xZuqMlM3FUuILrz3a2-P4baLpvFCySTSk4g5pz4cVtp2G_v-2_EQ7H8FtmNt1f6NKwgUGpzSv4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1449" height="595" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm1lzBlT4LQO4o42WMKiblUq7Lgq6NeJi4QLFqsw_4fjBUruTpuk-Jn-JCZnsnUu-55WJPVQDGWEmBtJ7y71X-5dN3_5yNcpnITnFIIlnRwaKKkYpE_xZuqMlM3FUuILrz3a2-P4baLpvFCySTSk4g5pz4cVtp2G_v-2_EQ7H8FtmNt1f6NKwgUGpzSv4=w640-h595" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Knights of House Vyronii marched out to meet them in open battle, led by their Grand Master. They clashed in a dense forested canyon. The Cyclothrathine forces consisted primarily of armor, such as Krios and Karacnos tanks, Taghmata infantry and automata, and the Knights of House Atrax, in thrall to Archmagos Draykavac, the chief military emissary of the Forge World of Cyclothrathe and foremost field commander. He was also the sovereign-prelate of the Knight House of Atrax, who served as his puppet or thrall Knights. Ouch. Oh, and also Corrupted Knights, which is why the whole Exemplary Battles PDF was created in the first place. Basically Knight armors that were experimented upon by the Dark Mechanicum and given Dark Blessings.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Questoris Knights of House Vyronii marched together in a formation where their overlapping ion shields could form an impenetrable barrier, allowing them to weather the enemy's fire when they charge forward. The Traitor Knights charged to meet them, and even as the titanic exo-suits clashed, Taghmata infantry fell all around them while Cyclothrathine armor were wrecked and melted.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNZHgfNXrpTjeGXJIFvDyOKMnD558oc9MDFOXmQ3nx5HofAnJ8lAxAItrnZN-XiQCP5QwMlVVdc5hZVMGgdamxu3_gIOpYmRvo9Jpbe9UTa2Lm3mb4rXKCd8bQF_nMwSEhWdcRFhxRbFUVMOGYe_DwaBDJcMWWHXrOj8fmGuN2d5-RuSH3LAATTQrdJdI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1652" data-original-width="1652" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNZHgfNXrpTjeGXJIFvDyOKMnD558oc9MDFOXmQ3nx5HofAnJ8lAxAItrnZN-XiQCP5QwMlVVdc5hZVMGgdamxu3_gIOpYmRvo9Jpbe9UTa2Lm3mb4rXKCd8bQF_nMwSEhWdcRFhxRbFUVMOGYe_DwaBDJcMWWHXrOj8fmGuN2d5-RuSH3LAATTQrdJdI=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div></div><div>Unfortunately, the Dark Blessings of the Corrupted Knights gave the Traitors a small advantage, but the skill and experience allowed the veteran scions of House Vyronii to match their foes, even as they fragmented, with several of them mired deep within the Taghmata lines while others were locked in deadly combat with Cyclothrathine Knights. Unfortunately, the numbers of the Traitors began to tell, and isolated Loyalist Knights were picked off by swarms of Vorax and Domitar automata, and House Vyronii were pushed back gradually.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately, House Vyronii's reserves of Cerastus Knights charged from the forest, making use of hidden paths through the forests to strike at the enemy's flank. They smashed aside the Armigers guarding the perimeter and hit the exposed flanks of the Cyclothrathe forces, with <i>Rex-Orfeo</i>, the personal Cerastus Knight Lancer of Grand Master Jahk, leading them. They managed to rout the Taghmata forces, incinerating the infantry and crushing the automata, causing them to flee. The Traitor Knights had more success in wreaking a bloody toll on the defenders, though, despite succumbing to the trap.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJFW-Nc5wmUUy-ok45Yc6L6fXCC06AKC4qOiYcSImrA_1jRAnu-dsyg8kPYFFxcckI8KhSI_chE3TkspzUoIm-GMSyOicl2Re-nTwOGY7Xbgh4cPu0EUZyPs_C5MRSWJOI2w8PAUhl2rGdCyQKHOvCWh-P1x94ttcgAmOwOGmwJWrTmIVUKETfe9pYt3U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="665" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJFW-Nc5wmUUy-ok45Yc6L6fXCC06AKC4qOiYcSImrA_1jRAnu-dsyg8kPYFFxcckI8KhSI_chE3TkspzUoIm-GMSyOicl2Re-nTwOGY7Xbgh4cPu0EUZyPs_C5MRSWJOI2w8PAUhl2rGdCyQKHOvCWh-P1x94ttcgAmOwOGmwJWrTmIVUKETfe9pYt3U=w640-h264" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Realizing that they had lost, because the Taghmata allies had been routed and the casualties they had suffered were far too great, the Traitor Knights were resigned to fight to the last. Among them was an Aucteller pair of storm-gray Knights, one Questoris and one Cerastus Knight Atrapos, and they aimed for <i>Rex-Orfeo</i> instead. Apparently, the Questoris has a barbed tri-tailed whip instead of a reaper chainsword, by the way, and it helped to distract Grand Master Jahk so that the Atrapos can cut <i>Rex-Orfeo</i> down with his lascutter and slay both the Knight Lancer and the pilot within.</div><div><br /></div><div>House Vyronii took revenge, destroying both Traitor Knights, but it was far too late, for their beloved Grand Master was already dead. The vengeful scions of House Vyronii hounded the retreating Cyclothrathe Knights and Taghmata back to their dropships, the invaders having failed and being forced to flee Damaetus III/II. Despite their victory, House Vyronii had lost their leader who had guided them into a new age under the Imperium, and they had also lost nearly a quarter of their own forces.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyMyRQf7NleLEhsgmAikwvno1Eh2oW653VrLxURtpccWD0d8ZfCx8efJC2kPRj9xy_7v-IfLEs-E9BDSLPAvXoM4m_w3EMeJ938hiSeR79pFM3sxf0V82QykdkrduQAaPM-8uPmFiYjw78H48lbM1DGXmLcknKLl5pTxX9kckPcKfPOCShzKbTx0cs0AQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="566" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyMyRQf7NleLEhsgmAikwvno1Eh2oW653VrLxURtpccWD0d8ZfCx8efJC2kPRj9xy_7v-IfLEs-E9BDSLPAvXoM4m_w3EMeJ938hiSeR79pFM3sxf0V82QykdkrduQAaPM-8uPmFiYjw78H48lbM1DGXmLcknKLl5pTxX9kckPcKfPOCShzKbTx0cs0AQ=w573-h640" width="573" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The wounded Gios would take the place of his late father as the new Grand Master of House Vyronii. Unfortunately, despite their outrage, the Imperium stalled any aid, with only the Forge World of Mezoa on their side. Despite their immense need for repairs and new Knight armors, House Vyronii refused to surrender their independence, signing a similar pact with Mezoa for limited re-armament. House Vyronii would remain steadfast Loyalists, fighting against Cyclothrathe and the Warmaster they declared for.</div><div><br /></div><div>Grand Master Gios himself was gifted a precious Questoris Knight Magaera, <i>Dei-Phagia</i>, an armor whose artificer-wrought systems saved his life - he was mortally wounded, if you recall - but pretty much made him an Imperial Knight version of a Dreadnought.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnQJPN1wlSSAwE5vGmcpt-siJrEq0GnwHLqYb1zGwd9v3MQWtm6JxnF5MhTgfRliccjc767OZSYQFCY1v8XQLm4w982g7XXLDH09x90ywE_egwXYK2k7Tl5X34wLf2llilGKU2-uL5LPyzAXn4FDvikHBYbO0gWEOY0rg7unOnYY_XhUmlqTSX5n2oYyo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="894" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnQJPN1wlSSAwE5vGmcpt-siJrEq0GnwHLqYb1zGwd9v3MQWtm6JxnF5MhTgfRliccjc767OZSYQFCY1v8XQLm4w982g7XXLDH09x90ywE_egwXYK2k7Tl5X34wLf2llilGKU2-uL5LPyzAXn4FDvikHBYbO0gWEOY0rg7unOnYY_XhUmlqTSX5n2oYyo=w640-h472" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>Though the bulk of House Vyronii Knights were concentrated on Damaetus III/II during the betrayal by Cyclothrathe, there were a few Lances spread throughout the Expeditionary fleets, such as those fighting alongside the Blood Angels on Feron III during the Siege of Sebundapor, or the ones serving with the Death Eagles Millennial of the Emperor's Children Legion, who despite thought lost during the Isstvan III Atrocity, managed to reestablish contact with House Vyronii many years later.</div><div><br /></div><div>House Vyronii would dispatch their Knights across the galaxy, reinforcing Imperial force concentrations at Lascal, Manachea and Port Maw in the Coronid Deeps, as well as at least a Lance stationed in Mezoa when the Death Guard attacked. About 50 or so scions of Vyronii remained behind to defend Damaetus III/II.</div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-51999948064327042722024-02-28T04:18:00.001-06:002024-02-28T04:18:48.186-06:00Leman Russ tanks for Legions Imperialis I assembled a squadron of 4 Leman Russ tanks for Legions Imperialis! I chose the Vanquisher option because I don't have that many armorbane stuff in my list, so that will help shore up that deficiency. Also, I suspect I will be dueling Titans from a distance, so that's where they will come in handy. I hope.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcAeCKkrn4OSSXy8dKu4cc0Ut1rpJw-1ysCDW6cH0Qfiq-tTYicYyNxaliVlpDsZ_kObuHFXScbSAxgCAvpr8BIELjODIh2dd-8YA2MVKLzYTTwryd2DYQ9BmIBuCfULknkV0LHOC-1q_iB-41daCZPBeusgcDQyaojwjM7-6MV-AxQqn_BhSmfWC868/s4000/17091154321435108684346831648716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcAeCKkrn4OSSXy8dKu4cc0Ut1rpJw-1ysCDW6cH0Qfiq-tTYicYyNxaliVlpDsZ_kObuHFXScbSAxgCAvpr8BIELjODIh2dd-8YA2MVKLzYTTwryd2DYQ9BmIBuCfULknkV0LHOC-1q_iB-41daCZPBeusgcDQyaojwjM7-6MV-AxQqn_BhSmfWC868/w640-h480/17091154321435108684346831648716.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Sadly, one of them is damaged - I bought them off eBay - so I had to kitbash a little thing to replace the broken and missing part. Oh, well. No big deal. Anyway, can't wait to field them for Legions Imperialis! Yay!</div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-84616867854795616022024-02-27T06:00:00.000-06:002024-02-27T06:00:21.912-06:00More Solar Auxilia infantry and PNGtuberI managed to acquire and assemble a box of Solar Auxilia infantry! Yay! I'm slowly building up a small force for Legions Imperialis!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TKkEvVE5H-e7tSNLYTlRKrW0qkG-UA13niakRCTDkv6TR0_uCcCkGWjNQqe2iPn3Hfc3bTNBQ_fLjzN39bE2bE13D8lQL6pgOK9NPdeWZaFxX-vZ8NW4yHC-mvZU1K3G-iSUXLf6dBSBZgsGYEe-5B2jqVZJNmdyt_Z7JdvzCgDwNeHjuA61pxVeyPA/s4000/17090343995948918003241230811596.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TKkEvVE5H-e7tSNLYTlRKrW0qkG-UA13niakRCTDkv6TR0_uCcCkGWjNQqe2iPn3Hfc3bTNBQ_fLjzN39bE2bE13D8lQL6pgOK9NPdeWZaFxX-vZ8NW4yHC-mvZU1K3G-iSUXLf6dBSBZgsGYEe-5B2jqVZJNmdyt_Z7JdvzCgDwNeHjuA61pxVeyPA/w640-h480/17090343995948918003241230811596.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Adding them to my current collection, I should be able to deploy a sub cohort or something. I just need a couple of tank squadrons and I can finally play this week! I hope. We will see!</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CT5QKJsa9C9X8Z_doacwYA_iVGYIgfJODbTDR3BeivFeW33jCzw1iNMbOLLvPpdIg4ELfNqtiDdnCFmckzzOBjwqHrOOIibpuuXouqrQL0hJFY_8lMMoKPfs9k3bwJ9WLkuvvx-UHXM2Pj4wr3yTHB_g7ofBplb_knXPH_9EKooS7WyA9hvc1Ub8K60/s4000/17090345021879173236712467913131.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CT5QKJsa9C9X8Z_doacwYA_iVGYIgfJODbTDR3BeivFeW33jCzw1iNMbOLLvPpdIg4ELfNqtiDdnCFmckzzOBjwqHrOOIibpuuXouqrQL0hJFY_8lMMoKPfs9k3bwJ9WLkuvvx-UHXM2Pj4wr3yTHB_g7ofBplb_knXPH_9EKooS7WyA9hvc1Ub8K60/w640-h480/17090345021879173236712467913131.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>One more thing. I'm now a PNGtuber! I don't have the resources or skills to be a vtuber or whatever, but there's a cheaper alternative - a PNGtuber, and it works for me. I think. So I transformed my Youtube channel into a PNGtuber channel or something, and I'll try posting videos of my articles. Apparently, because the media landscape is shifting, and nobody reads blogs anymore.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPKlGb01mJ8CENYZ9SHMYtvdcKPwM3CTXzCzazr4qj4ZxiQ_RT6lmsWldSUAQgZH1VOWXw4Ew3vAgSB-VL5NWZGeCqlxXtI9B2R28DOyrYUb6ef8yqni2j9RsgFmKMGzu-5zvqri9u50V9F8z9LWrU0N7N4J7uaIo1zmFhOejON-cSnNRASdIpY5wm44/s400/Mouth%20closed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPKlGb01mJ8CENYZ9SHMYtvdcKPwM3CTXzCzazr4qj4ZxiQ_RT6lmsWldSUAQgZH1VOWXw4Ew3vAgSB-VL5NWZGeCqlxXtI9B2R28DOyrYUb6ef8yqni2j9RsgFmKMGzu-5zvqri9u50V9F8z9LWrU0N7N4J7uaIo1zmFhOejON-cSnNRASdIpY5wm44/w250-h400/Mouth%20closed.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This doesn't mean I'll stop blogging. On the contrary, I'll continue to write articles for my blog, because that's what my videos are about. Rather, I think of the PNGtuber videos as secondary, a support thing for my blog, to...uh, I dunno. I don't think it'll gain any traction or views or whatever, but I thought it'll be fun to try it out. After all, almost all the other Warhammer 40,000 content creators are doing videos now, and hardly anyone does blogs except maybe Goonhammer, Warpflux and a few others. Even Natfka of Faeit 212 has gone missing in action. I hope nothing bad happened to him, and it's just real life (hopefully nothing bad or tragic, and he's just busy or moved on). I'll continue clinging onto my blog - I've been writing for almost 9 years now, and I doubt I'll stop. Hopefully, I can keep the blog going for another 10 years. Now that I think about it, the majority of the time I've spent doing this blog has been done in the US instead of Singapore (the last 7 and a half out of 9 years), but that may change after (and if) I graduate this year. We'll see.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, if you do want to check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Sir_Tomoyuki/featured">my Youtube channel</a>, you are more than welcome to. It's exactly the same as my written articles, and my voice is horrible, so don't feel obligated to. If you would prefer reading the written articles instead of listening to my awful voice droning on in the dullest tone ever, then yeah, please do. Right now, it only has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87kbpNrDeho">one video up so far, and obviously it's about...Imperial Knights</a>. Heh.</div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-50794736472927306232024-02-25T17:49:00.007-06:002024-03-17T12:41:40.039-05:00Retrospective: Titan LegionsWell, got to do the giant robots someday, so...why not today? Anyway, we'll be looking into the history of the Titan Legions, known collectively as the Collegia Titanica. Known as one of the great trinity of the Mechanicum, the "<i>Triad-Magna</i>", the Collegia Titanica as an organization operated separate military traditions from either the Skitarii Legions and the Taghmata Omnissiah. But before we go into detail about the modern version of the Collegia Titanica, which has been fleshed out over the three and a half decades since its first inception, let's take a trip down memory lane to see the earliest incarnation of the Titan Legions.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ3pfZq7hZAVq-MS68BMgTpy13GJVCodOKUchRdYhT60eMJOqpffzrm9Bu4saPLzJMR6LZRvHrx1zUFCsBGqj64lp9275P4xRyaD9VPXzx618zd7LTMgLKTg2Ttz5V3Zzy0B6bSr5SaaN-T7jgswkTAPEdQmngruukV7PkpecgtiZ4WvnpAl3Nd7MS_RU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="844" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ3pfZq7hZAVq-MS68BMgTpy13GJVCodOKUchRdYhT60eMJOqpffzrm9Bu4saPLzJMR6LZRvHrx1zUFCsBGqj64lp9275P4xRyaD9VPXzx618zd7LTMgLKTg2Ttz5V3Zzy0B6bSr5SaaN-T7jgswkTAPEdQmngruukV7PkpecgtiZ4WvnpAl3Nd7MS_RU=w640-h436" width="640" /></a></div><br />The Titan Legions first appeared in the 1988 game, Adeptus Titanicus, and I'm sure you all know by now the old story. How, you know, to justify two identical armies fighting against each other, Games Workshop had to come up with an in-universe reason. Thus the Horus Heresy was born, a civil war that tore the Imperium into two, and explained why you basically had two identical forces fighting against each other. It helped to keep costs down so that you could just sell the same sprue twice or something. As you will see below, the sprues were divided into red and blue, so that two players can use them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Each box had 12 Warlord Titans and 8 styrofoam (?) buildings and a bunch of cards that served as datasheets or something. I don't have one, so...sorry, I'm not very familiar with its contents. I know some of you will ask why the hell am I writing a post on this instead of just directing others to the many already existing Warhammer lore or history videos, but...well, I'm a literature and history graduate student. It's my hobby, and it...fulfills my intellectual interests, and I'm hoping to compile whatever history and lore I can so that it's easier for new fans (or even old fans) to read and catch up.</div><div><br /></div><div>The lore was pretty barebones during this period (I think, I was born months before the game was released in December 1988, which suggests to you how old I am), and while there were a few passages here and there, there weren't many concrete details and characters. Instead of Space Marine Legions, you still had Chapters, and the Eldar were actually fighting alongside the Loyalists against Chaos during the Horus Heresy. Wild times.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKMHDHjfA_1ODgczef96PsvvOSSo35nvi0kX4ccB39oshGE-NZchNKItcUN7GqeK3atRQdJpibOnNdyrJHa-If6iSECH-wa8rr7rpOyWhhGMgBQtauYMnsQ-LdI6ebzk6j-zLfffgUhEizmnrJ9gCzLpTFe-6kUPpLMvIqXPDaAxe5jyOgIJ5iihePTXg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1200" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKMHDHjfA_1ODgczef96PsvvOSSo35nvi0kX4ccB39oshGE-NZchNKItcUN7GqeK3atRQdJpibOnNdyrJHa-If6iSECH-wa8rr7rpOyWhhGMgBQtauYMnsQ-LdI6ebzk6j-zLfffgUhEizmnrJ9gCzLpTFe-6kUPpLMvIqXPDaAxe5jyOgIJ5iihePTXg=w640-h454" width="640" /></a></div><br />The only Titans that existed in the first edition were Warlord Titans, and they were, as you can see above, the most common class of Titan. And I love the fluff. The Chaplain going, "Look, my brothers! Heresy!" And getting his chaps to shoot at the Titan with <i>bolters</i>. Good luck with that. The bolt rounds obviously did nothing against the void shields, and I doubt they would have left a mark on the 2+ armor even if the void shields were down. The Warlord Titan then casually "melted" the poor Marines with a couple of salvos from his...uh, las-cannon. Got to love the old fluff, it was cheesy yet so fun.</div><div><br /></div><div>Already, you see the mention of the Fire Wasps, who would become a mainstay in the Titan lore, and they would become one of the <i>Triad Ferrum Morgulus</i>, and receive an "official" name, Legio Ignatum. But let's not get too ahead of ourselves here. Before I get into the updated lore about Legio Ignatum and the Triad Ferrum Morgulus, I would like to direct your attention into the "Warlord Variants" - many of which would be referred to in future Black Library novels.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are four variants of the Warlord class Battle Titan:</div><div>The melee orientated <b>Night Gaunts</b>, who are supposedly the fastest and most maneuverable. They usually sport two melee weapons, or at least one paired with short-ranged weaponry.</div><div>The <b>Nemesis</b>, which is the ranged variant that fulfills an artillery role, less maneuverable but protected by void shields and bristling with many weapons mounted on numerous hardpoints. They are normally equipped with quake cannons, volcano cannons, Apocalypse missile launchers, plasma destructors, and inferno guns (huh?).</div><div>The <b>Eclipse</b>, which is somewhere between, possessing heavy firepower but is light enough to make swift maneuvers. Just above the Reaver Titan, apparently, and more resilient. Usually equipped with volcano cannons, macro gatling blasters and Apocalypse missile launchers.</div><div>The <b>Death Bringers</b>, which is also somewhere in between, and the most common configuration. Basically the majority of what you see in modern Adeptus Titanicus are the Death Bringers, and you can equip them with whatever you like, whether it's plasma destructors or volcano cannons or turbo laser destructors.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have lascannons and plasma cannons, for some reason. Anyway, you'll see these variants occasionally mentioned in Black Library novels, such as the Night Gaunts and the Nemesis, but they appear to be more defined by the type of weaponry they carry, more than any different class. The thing is that the Warlord Titan had four modular hard points, so you can add four different weapons and mix and match however you like (as long as you had up to four).</div><div><br /></div><div>The Warhound and Reaver Titans were added later the following month (Janauary 1989), in White Dwarf #109. Apparently, back then, you got models by buying White Dwarf magazines, and they came like...you know, in today's Imperium magazines. Remember when I said the Warlord Titan had four modular hard points? Well, the Reaver has three!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmLPezkPfGmpMPC-pPBE-kFH0UfukbfjerPbGrYi7VJVR7qSXInvdIemS6IITmjiBkdWA-pZy_6IHV-Bba7UTQF45WVkYMnUiWUmQX8CLcbrK-sHp4Ulq446kUPcZfhhu-JlnPst8wixij97g0OTl11_97tZN40G5Q4PdBbN6n-ti4C-PkOegP6C2J-5Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="1220" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmLPezkPfGmpMPC-pPBE-kFH0UfukbfjerPbGrYi7VJVR7qSXInvdIemS6IITmjiBkdWA-pZy_6IHV-Bba7UTQF45WVkYMnUiWUmQX8CLcbrK-sHp4Ulq446kUPcZfhhu-JlnPst8wixij97g0OTl11_97tZN40G5Q4PdBbN6n-ti4C-PkOegP6C2J-5Y=w573-h640" width="573" /></a></div><br />The Reaver class Battle Titan is slightly smaller than the Warlord Titan, and has weapons on its arms and a single carapace mount. In contrast, the Warhound Scout Titan only has two weapon hard points and no carapace-mounted weapons, but is a lot faster than the other variants.</div><div><br /></div><div>As Scout Titans, Warhounds are mainly used for reconnaissance missions, as well as lightning raids behind enemy lines. They are apaprently the most common Scout Titans used by Imperial forces, but given that we don't have any other Scout Titan classes...yeah, well...until the arrival of the Dire Wolf heavy Scout Titan. Apparently, we also have Rapiers, but other than brief mentions in the lore and Black Library novels, I haven't actually seen any concrete models for them.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_JvwnofXCNt_C2w669Ne_s6BciWiyPKYkMzHr09N96JVCbPv-3gbbwll540tOuPNzP6IQqyXrXOfF31Zm0ktegr9mWqWfMJcsdCehizcNF7Ho8tBN2D0aDFfi7JZ2wVEbAerT4xPGlnaIRXuhOtaFIcZSPN59zm8DXIPKdsYr9Ohh0bufvXCVchofR54" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="603" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_JvwnofXCNt_C2w669Ne_s6BciWiyPKYkMzHr09N96JVCbPv-3gbbwll540tOuPNzP6IQqyXrXOfF31Zm0ktegr9mWqWfMJcsdCehizcNF7Ho8tBN2D0aDFfi7JZ2wVEbAerT4xPGlnaIRXuhOtaFIcZSPN59zm8DXIPKdsYr9Ohh0bufvXCVchofR54=w483-h640" width="483" /></a></div><br />Got to love these little guys. Oh yeah, and in that same issue, they decided to add Land Raiders into Adeptus Titanicus. Like I said, wild, wild times. Also, you'll notice Paramar V is name dropped in the illustration below...and the world, as well as the Paramar system, would be expanded upon in Horus Heresy Book 3: Extermination, released in May 2014 - about 25 years after this photograph was done in the January 1998 White Dwarf 109.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbvEt00-cGb5JKg-9C1ePafV4pPSVXc92NnTR1HoS2w8BcR6WuqCM1X3K0YrYMDbKMTq-0EDeI8S-AO5SGHif0bXOEe_AMCV-kiNM8XVkXs6Hou5sojsI_R7tWQJOQTDiCUcAXsn-n1vD5PH40nfGo3FR7HU3YH30MO-pcM9Rf2aqZR6Ea22V-hLLorVw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="1984" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbvEt00-cGb5JKg-9C1ePafV4pPSVXc92NnTR1HoS2w8BcR6WuqCM1X3K0YrYMDbKMTq-0EDeI8S-AO5SGHif0bXOEe_AMCV-kiNM8XVkXs6Hou5sojsI_R7tWQJOQTDiCUcAXsn-n1vD5PH40nfGo3FR7HU3YH30MO-pcM9Rf2aqZR6Ea22V-hLLorVw=w640-h453" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Also, back then you already have the very famous Titan Legions showing up. Adding to the Fire Wasps, the Imperial Hunters (Legio Solaria), the Warp Runners (Legio Astorum), and the Tiger Eyes (Legio Fureans) are on display here.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV-QsGGZCiK9XbERT7ThaDyrYhOn5xERZ_XU0qzSQUWGCT-mMz2hxbIXL-SpKypDVusUkvW211WEMuuRG207OkJ2ORtStyMHIRmDRBJZzgRtPP4NV3hJLbrA0V8jDAEF1U7uKvigUIDzUfEgYAow6fm9nAeD7KR76aESJSz6MQaYzGiR0BZcEDvOn6ku0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1327" data-original-width="995" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV-QsGGZCiK9XbERT7ThaDyrYhOn5xERZ_XU0qzSQUWGCT-mMz2hxbIXL-SpKypDVusUkvW211WEMuuRG207OkJ2ORtStyMHIRmDRBJZzgRtPP4NV3hJLbrA0V8jDAEF1U7uKvigUIDzUfEgYAow6fm9nAeD7KR76aESJSz6MQaYzGiR0BZcEDvOn6ku0=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br />By the way, this is also the same issue that added Imperial Guard as an army for the larger 28mm scale game. But that's not very relevant here, so I will talk about Imperial Guard in another article.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next class of Titan would be added in a new edition of the game, a standalone or addition to the Space Marine game that had taken the place of Adeptus Titanicus. Basically, Epic.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy24i76v0KxxTtBjM7tnd_8TOhh9ke7_sNb8nRMF4nVVLKq5U0A6HoL11yOQaK6A3ykNKorPh6yYO8wsAo4tmcgTSV3ypOSILGoAjEJUKSjfthe0hSrGI2kFIBzWFi8d1ALOY7K8m_Vh4Y_BuGzReP2vpZ-Ki3KtYzG5u-GMXC8Vgy6XgPRBFtXcxzdM8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1200" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy24i76v0KxxTtBjM7tnd_8TOhh9ke7_sNb8nRMF4nVVLKq5U0A6HoL11yOQaK6A3ykNKorPh6yYO8wsAo4tmcgTSV3ypOSILGoAjEJUKSjfthe0hSrGI2kFIBzWFi8d1ALOY7K8m_Vh4Y_BuGzReP2vpZ-Ki3KtYzG5u-GMXC8Vgy6XgPRBFtXcxzdM8=w640-h438" width="640" /></a></div><br />This would see the addition of the biggest ever Titan class, the Imperator Titan. He was pitted against 2 Mega-Gargants, but fortunately, we also have our 10 Imperial Knights (mostly Paladin class), duelling against 12 Ork Bonebreaka tanks. Unfortunately, both the Imperator Titan and Mega-Gargants were phased out of the game. Sad.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you remember my retrospective on Imperial Knights, you'll recall that Knights have always been part of the lore of Forge Worlds and Titan Legions, assigned to serve Titans. So the Knight banners in the 2018 Adeptus Titanicus game are not a new thing. If anything, it's a return to form, and it's pretty much a replication of Epic: Titan Legions. Just replace the Imperator Titans and Mega-Gargants with Warlord Titans! Yeah, it might suck that we only get 6 Questoris Knights instead of 10 (plus 12 Bonebreaka tanks), but plastic has gone a long way, I suppose. That, and inflation. Anyway, despite what purists argue ("Titanicus should only be a game for Titans, and leave the Knights out of it!"), aside from the very first edition, the moment Knights were added to the game in 1990, there's no going back. They are here to stay!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIPYYk1oQcsjecN_9jYfeDOHWTMwevQqs44lodm2o-zRWEG3rl84Dgp940dMRX6ytsMxeIZJd7SHIdkrsi3ysqls_ACztMXGG-sEfvpv5_aWU56oWOOLs60omRYQaqfwu7rIrcpNYe4Cs8rUqQSXNc-wEL4d0BKo8BadY06V25o8hRQbrOQvkMNXXpxms" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIPYYk1oQcsjecN_9jYfeDOHWTMwevQqs44lodm2o-zRWEG3rl84Dgp940dMRX6ytsMxeIZJd7SHIdkrsi3ysqls_ACztMXGG-sEfvpv5_aWU56oWOOLs60omRYQaqfwu7rIrcpNYe4Cs8rUqQSXNc-wEL4d0BKo8BadY06V25o8hRQbrOQvkMNXXpxms=w640-h440" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>There's also a bunch of other cool artwork that includes a battle between the Ultramarines and Thousand Sons fighting at the feet of Titans. Cool.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcmqErVfqNhz_YXn8Ck-mvi8gXBnD1dKrvnKOKVjXKyL04guOKOkS2VqcEuET2uWmoSYmTcb-jYiloOwuMDixJFSkLPa1wuTHq9Ig3q_GleZNiIRjnvxz_ch5smWLypc-dW87qj6MjBhyqMKQ5b3kK1nTN9hd0WDtluz67YBUd97tGaSVaVVtZxwg0cc/s4000/17088898892756644003727111006703.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcmqErVfqNhz_YXn8Ck-mvi8gXBnD1dKrvnKOKVjXKyL04guOKOkS2VqcEuET2uWmoSYmTcb-jYiloOwuMDixJFSkLPa1wuTHq9Ig3q_GleZNiIRjnvxz_ch5smWLypc-dW87qj6MjBhyqMKQ5b3kK1nTN9hd0WDtluz67YBUd97tGaSVaVVtZxwg0cc/w640-h480/17088898892756644003727111006703.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And then you even have a cool concept art of a "Warlord" Titan that ends up being the inspiration for the modern Warmaster Titan. Yeah, I'm pretty sure you can see the inspiration and similiarities.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyNeGS8ugna1mVc8ls5nHxcQMiclfBnoXvZvGT37LiLnBGMklqYND8aYXk41Jcm_vjmAurtXKGonYREb6aLBKXi2_P4l5HsOH4TK4mN7EWLyhv5rgOgCiJBcD6k5Jm7JPGsTGXb08sTaEncWSizju3_L8r2cz14I-aoGexNhmrOrmMi30vXZ0eje7J5Q/s4000/1708889936086530144347218547928.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyNeGS8ugna1mVc8ls5nHxcQMiclfBnoXvZvGT37LiLnBGMklqYND8aYXk41Jcm_vjmAurtXKGonYREb6aLBKXi2_P4l5HsOH4TK4mN7EWLyhv5rgOgCiJBcD6k5Jm7JPGsTGXb08sTaEncWSizju3_L8r2cz14I-aoGexNhmrOrmMi30vXZ0eje7J5Q/w480-h640/1708889936086530144347218547928.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Jes Goodwin also drew sketches of Reaver Titans, one for Loyalists and the other for Chaos.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXW3n1Oa9na_vAo3ymqY0kxg_tqUuQ_Wkt-es3lftC3ALitCjNdQPBUk7SgNX8Tb3eVv2EHmqIk2mDr-DQVgywHqHtiE3K5eU7ZWsKrTP0peeJ_NXPWz3H9U80OyV0Py1ORXdshP_I226YkBbhd9mXSCbtTsFNtZUh7-niLf4uwLlvUQHABgk2qgl5wuw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXW3n1Oa9na_vAo3ymqY0kxg_tqUuQ_Wkt-es3lftC3ALitCjNdQPBUk7SgNX8Tb3eVv2EHmqIk2mDr-DQVgywHqHtiE3K5eU7ZWsKrTP0peeJ_NXPWz3H9U80OyV0Py1ORXdshP_I226YkBbhd9mXSCbtTsFNtZUh7-niLf4uwLlvUQHABgk2qgl5wuw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I believe, around this time, when the <i>Codex Titanicus</i> arrived as a supplement for Adeptus Titanicus in 1989, providing more background, this was when the War Griffons (Legio Gryphonicus) became the poster boys for Adeptus Titanicus. This is why you see them in the cover of the 2018 Adeptus Titanicus game, alongside the evil Legio Mortis. Why Legio Gryphonicus and not Legio Ignatum, I've no idea, but it could stem from them being the "main" Titan Legion in <i>Codex Titanicus</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdXe9qWinXKHQAoSeuBmxyW8sxNsNgNtmALwusWNpigYBaTnplDJIGW0gk2aei5nsbmmapCION9SY4dMTkGGYTpa9FrW3xjnUpGv4tlY337zUrLRiuGDJC80sv8QbF_sm72A7l1qCkIqoq8AzjttIAyGlYFWwfH4mQByDJF_ae9nYzc6NYiZuVYCOSSYA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdXe9qWinXKHQAoSeuBmxyW8sxNsNgNtmALwusWNpigYBaTnplDJIGW0gk2aei5nsbmmapCION9SY4dMTkGGYTpa9FrW3xjnUpGv4tlY337zUrLRiuGDJC80sv8QbF_sm72A7l1qCkIqoq8AzjttIAyGlYFWwfH4mQByDJF_ae9nYzc6NYiZuVYCOSSYA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Interestingly enough, instead of "Titan Legion" here, they are called Order of Titans, and referred to as Orders instead of Legio or Legions. Apparently, they are nominally under the Divisio Militaris back then, but obviously now they're directly under the Adeptus Mechanicus (or Mechanicum during the Horus Heresy), and separate from the Divisio Militaris or Excertus Imperialis (or Adeptus Terra). It's a term that is sometimes still being used (you'll see later).</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBn0fORPyGJFG36Ys9jtTwuABBEHNWBLEWgIeT0hLWCFdx6lI4cPTbezlNoldv9hoGbykClDAYCJD-TrmTRj5SoyhIiPSynmMBT7pINgh0aV0u9aGHNSuYWx8zCE3mNmoWM3vR14Chhv4c-Q_sKlv035bQTlcYiDdwazyZtFmS0BMWkqA_6dqZatp4nA/s4000/17088900447382650312761491864388.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBn0fORPyGJFG36Ys9jtTwuABBEHNWBLEWgIeT0hLWCFdx6lI4cPTbezlNoldv9hoGbykClDAYCJD-TrmTRj5SoyhIiPSynmMBT7pINgh0aV0u9aGHNSuYWx8zCE3mNmoWM3vR14Chhv4c-Q_sKlv035bQTlcYiDdwazyZtFmS0BMWkqA_6dqZatp4nA/w640-h480/17088900447382650312761491864388.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and we have references to what is now known as the Secutarii today. I'll expand on the Secutarii later, but back in 1989, they were referred to as "Scutarii" instead, levied from the Order's Forge World and follow the normal Imperial Guard structures. They also have access to Rhinos and Land Raiders, because the Imperial Guard of 1989 used Space Marine vehicles at that time, and didn't have Chimeras yet. That would all come later, but suffice to say, Imperial Guard (and Scutarii) used Rhinos and Land Raiders. This would make a return in the modern Horus Heresy game (both 1.0 and 2.0) when Imperial Militia had a provenance that allowed you to take Rhinos and Land Raiders as Dedicated Transports for Grenadier Troops (Survivors of the Dark Age).</div><div><br /></div><div>This all changed when Alan Bligh and the Forge World team took over and solidified the details for the Horus Heresy game after 2012. In May 2015, Horus Heresy book 5: Conquest was released. Though Titans had always been part of the game, with Legio Atarus, the Firebrands, given an entire section in Horus Heresy book 2: Massacre, and Legio Mortis in Horus Heresy 1: Betrayal, as well as numerous mentions throughout the Black Library novels both in the 31st millennium and the 41st, <i>Conquest</i> was the one where we really fleshed out the Titan Legions in a broader perspective. At the same time, resin models for Titans were released for the Horus Heresy game. Well, we had older patterns that were much larger versions of the Epic scale ones, I believe. I think they were made by Armorcast, which was a separate company that used to make models (such as the Titans and superheavy tanks) for Warhammer 40,000, but they were discontinued when Games Workshop and Forge World took over.</div><div><br /></div><div>The lore for the Collegia Titanica in the Adeptus Titanicus game, the current edition first released and published in 2018 (oh, how I miss the Grand Master boxset), was largely taken from these Horus Heresy black books back in 2012-2015, with new additions over the years - mostly of new Titan classes. They also released campaign books that were largely based on already existing events mentioned in the lore, such as the Betrayal at Calth (covered in the Black Books, I think White Dwarf and even <i>Know No Fear</i> by Dan Abnett, a Horus Heresy novel, and <i>Betrayer</i> by Aaron Dembski-Bowden about the Shadow Crusade) and the Doom of Molech (remember the Gav Thorpe White Dwarf article in my Daemon Knight article?).</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj54ggToNv-kv0yHJoZvSLSetJdI2pLxEuGAPPQ4IqhpOJaDO3zd4k9UDi0DIBRFqCXwYvWfT3kEraHuXAnhwS-h6rRTX22W-4diJsQ76L2stq-d-9uE3GMe7tWJ-LvLsrdW5Oi9Qnu4ghaFxUR4lAN0J1I0v0S57G00biV1c7uinhDs-IFIdx79vlOzlA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj54ggToNv-kv0yHJoZvSLSetJdI2pLxEuGAPPQ4IqhpOJaDO3zd4k9UDi0DIBRFqCXwYvWfT3kEraHuXAnhwS-h6rRTX22W-4diJsQ76L2stq-d-9uE3GMe7tWJ-LvLsrdW5Oi9Qnu4ghaFxUR4lAN0J1I0v0S57G00biV1c7uinhDs-IFIdx79vlOzlA=w507-h640" width="507" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>However, they also had new additions that sometimes rectonned but mostly build upon existing lore to justify stuff, such as Titandeath at Beta-Garmon to explain why the hell there aren't as many Titans in the 41st millennium as in the 31st. You can read the details in the Adeptus Titanicus supplement (January 2019) or Guy Haley's Horus Heresy novel, which was published in December 2018. Or the defense of Ryza. Maybe to explain what a prominent Forge World like Ryza was doing during the Horus Heresy and expand on its lore. And I think the Crucible of Retribution, exploring the conflict in the Belt of Iron, which included Dan Abnett's Urdesh, a Forge World that he created for his Sabbats World/Gaunt's Ghosts series (the first mention being in <i>Guns of Tanith</i> in 2002 before it was referenced in the Imperial Armor volume 1 published in 2003).</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZEEqXqpCe-RKgAUiZsVbZChG0qaGpKd4uZ97tpFfT_tG-6KdPJxIraA-I87dL0iLlgO-FY2WdrL_6wELQN381g-FjveNRQ9AOygsBMtFzSFcfKtrbrWJ3Wgt4GU-XwENR8OnsVjRHDTTTXqh4wnf-GbDY8Mjo3OFxyrUZjFKZt8mRhUezWjYm6qeesqg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1315" data-original-width="1882" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZEEqXqpCe-RKgAUiZsVbZChG0qaGpKd4uZ97tpFfT_tG-6KdPJxIraA-I87dL0iLlgO-FY2WdrL_6wELQN381g-FjveNRQ9AOygsBMtFzSFcfKtrbrWJ3Wgt4GU-XwENR8OnsVjRHDTTTXqh4wnf-GbDY8Mjo3OFxyrUZjFKZt8mRhUezWjYm6qeesqg=w640-h448" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The Collegia Titanica is one of the most ancient pillars of the Mechanicum, their god-engines having served humanity since before the Age of Strife, presumably created during the Dark Age of Technology. The Legios were established first on Mars during the anarchy of Old Night, as the fabled Triad Ferrum Morgulus. Consisting of the Legio Tempestus, Legio Mortis and Legio Ignatum, they were rivals who protected Mars from the horrors of Old Night, ranging from ravening xenos to sentient AI. Titans first appeared during a great and terrible war waged between the nascent Mechanicum's forges and a debased caste of cabalistic heretics known as the Cy-Carnivora. Grouped into three entire Orders who would be known as the Triad Ferrum Morgulus, they defeated the Cy-Carnivora Mekwrights and their monstrous hunger-engines. Apparently, they also refer to this time as the Era of Pathogenesis.</div><div><br /></div><div>After the Emperor united Terra and signed a treaty on Olympus Mons, with the Mechanicum retaining much of their independence and autonomy, the Titan Legions were dispatched alongside the Legiones Astartes, Solar Auxilia and Excertus Imperialis in the Great Crusade. The Titan Orders (they still used Orders here) encountered Forge Worlds and similar techno-theocracies, bringing them back to the fold of the Imperium (and the Mechanicum). Many of the newly discovered Forge Worlds host their own Titan Legions, each developing their own unique cultures or organizing similarly to the Triad Ferrum Morgulus. Lesser Forge Worlds who didn't have their Titan Orders were given the necessary templates, resources or expertise to construct and operate their own, with Mars obviously prioritizing those who swore fealty.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg378GcCpUdwr-mPLE5K-qjCWmzmguQbH1s11ueKx_Ds7_eZq7QbWEj5pdJFfSCJSsYOlQTIMF-S6X6IRxZ_mRVDLIvTb5f6QKTMYbZxgVyvGkudPxM-tNWMbnIHhhN25csGHvOdD3VjKnoW2g93GsrTMcCjA1LUe_qjUKfiOIZe-zHR9gPUdVwswBbKyI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1683" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg378GcCpUdwr-mPLE5K-qjCWmzmguQbH1s11ueKx_Ds7_eZq7QbWEj5pdJFfSCJSsYOlQTIMF-S6X6IRxZ_mRVDLIvTb5f6QKTMYbZxgVyvGkudPxM-tNWMbnIHhhN25csGHvOdD3VjKnoW2g93GsrTMcCjA1LUe_qjUKfiOIZe-zHR9gPUdVwswBbKyI=w640-h436" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /></div><div>Several decades after the Great Crusade, when the Mechanicum had discovered or founded a lot of new Titan Orders - by this point, there were <i>dozens</i> of Titan Orders marching to war for the Great Crusade - they codified and standardized them, though obviously there was a degree of individuality and autonomy allowed. The Fabricator-General declared that the many Titan Orders should be recognized as a distinct organization within the greater body of the Mechanicum, and thus were known from henceforth as the Collegia Titanica. Though subservient to their individual Forge Lords, and ultimately Mars, they became a politically influential entity within the Imperium in their own right.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Collegia Titanica ranks each Titan Legion a Militaris grade ranging from Primaris to Denarii, with the largest and most powerful posessing 200-300 god-engines and the smallest barely able to muster a dozen. The mixture of Titan classes was another factor of rank, with few able to field the colossal Imperator class. Most had significant numbers of Warhound Scout Titans, and the ubiquitous Warlord Battle Titan was the standard and most common class that made up the bulk of most Legios' main strength. Other classes included the Reaver, and the Warlord variants such as Nemesis and Nightgaunt are name dropped once again, which brings us full circle back to the December 1988 box game. Cool. They did add a few more, such as the Apocalypse, Carnivore and Komodo. No Dire Wolf, Warbringer Nemesis or Warmaster Titan...yet.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdJXfNWPSpXPsvKRMUN23hUW_uw8Cgy_Se6Ms2x4v9qXcho0NH8jxEERGPKkFyAdiod2yM1PzrgFmfxqlf5eTMuJ30yVt0S8vDQfrLOVCbbl7T943qVw-4fxEx4-4CH7RCohgjHpskpMyd4fmU_cbKBDMOt2BIgf5vVSDTB_sHJOLDB4F0NEAjQXNrd3Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1377" data-original-width="1782" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdJXfNWPSpXPsvKRMUN23hUW_uw8Cgy_Se6Ms2x4v9qXcho0NH8jxEERGPKkFyAdiod2yM1PzrgFmfxqlf5eTMuJ30yVt0S8vDQfrLOVCbbl7T943qVw-4fxEx4-4CH7RCohgjHpskpMyd4fmU_cbKBDMOt2BIgf5vVSDTB_sHJOLDB4F0NEAjQXNrd3Y=w640-h494" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Though Titans could operate individually, often in support of conventional ground units, they were more frequently deployed in formations of anything between 2-10, broken down into formal units known as <i>maniples</i> that comprised between 3 to 5 god-engines. The most senior Titan commander is known as the Princeps Senioris and is appointed leader of the maniple. And I believe that the Princeps Maximus is the overall commander of an entire Titan Legion.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Princeps controls the Titan via a mind impulse unit that merges his mind with the Titan's machine spirit. Assisting the Princeps is a specialist crew, particularly the moderati, whose responsibilities cover sensors, helm and weapons. In addition, one or more Tech-priests supervise the god-engine's plasma reactor, along with their servitor cadres.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCArUtG58SauH4PSeJnKG5_6lAw_iMdtEqosYyDwFl_cMRkw3teyrWgKJgrm7V9j-dUz1l0ak7kHgaH1r_-OiUXUN9u9yDlyxuN5J059SD5AS3Zx173qIaP6wWce03weIav-onF5tskdlDvlLISl7k0OaBg78brxNFdvGhZMLnqIqWlM1kAVahOqLk6E8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="778" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCArUtG58SauH4PSeJnKG5_6lAw_iMdtEqosYyDwFl_cMRkw3teyrWgKJgrm7V9j-dUz1l0ak7kHgaH1r_-OiUXUN9u9yDlyxuN5J059SD5AS3Zx173qIaP6wWce03weIav-onF5tskdlDvlLISl7k0OaBg78brxNFdvGhZMLnqIqWlM1kAVahOqLk6E8=w640-h492" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Titan Legions aren't just Titans and their crews, but also include massive cohorts of Skitarii, Scutarii (a throwback to the old <i>Codex Titanicus</i> in 1989) and secularis, who perform infantry work that the god-engines can't. Knight houses also march alongside the Titan Legions, bridging the gap between infantry and Titan, engaging enemy vehicles and armor so that the Titans can focus on the heaviest enemy war machines. Particularly enemy Titans.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Warbringer Nemesis Titan was then announced and released in 2020, along the Shadow and Iron Adeptus Titanicus Campaign book. Sitting between the Reaver and Warlord classes, he is a dedicated fire support platform who destroys enemy targets from range. Apparently, he has thick frontal armor and defense batteries to protect him from aerial attacks, but his relatively light rear armor makes him vulnerable to flanking assaults from ground armor and Knights.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaxTzk-JwOIzLmEUv5UobH6P9UgIFlv2W4QR6plc0NGYssuThpZg9L6SH8hlcwoRmpSLaF0cfWawkerqF9UqsRwCMwrXXguk_O4mOQlmp0SAIpoZ1ESwkOQxQhvhUFsQhV6VDdGHGg0rabvQ1WEXtlStWaZiu60Pz3G7Pn7GMdh2UzhMBz5X4hzD2LHUw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaxTzk-JwOIzLmEUv5UobH6P9UgIFlv2W4QR6plc0NGYssuThpZg9L6SH8hlcwoRmpSLaF0cfWawkerqF9UqsRwCMwrXXguk_O4mOQlmp0SAIpoZ1ESwkOQxQhvhUFsQhV6VDdGHGg0rabvQ1WEXtlStWaZiu60Pz3G7Pn7GMdh2UzhMBz5X4hzD2LHUw=w547-h640" width="547" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the following year, 2021, the Warmaster Heavy Battle Titan was announced and released, along with his Iconoclast counterpart mere months later. Looks familiar? Yes? Jes Goodwin's design of an early Warlord Titan makes a return.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2xHS9dKATvpQ2Tdj4kVlrbwFc29PCu2mUQ_Bq2sxAmzPBBKWDEhFDGTdh6I172JhXHRmrv-B4DqKNvTnTF88w_R7bmo5smLZEc5_bSxvUQ5QatKOeO8p6omK-I2GTGw3BXym3Z8vCF29c4T-PGZVgmAwmFJoDuz1MwKWU3t3foWyfUxLIydiDpHy1rZY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="775" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2xHS9dKATvpQ2Tdj4kVlrbwFc29PCu2mUQ_Bq2sxAmzPBBKWDEhFDGTdh6I172JhXHRmrv-B4DqKNvTnTF88w_R7bmo5smLZEc5_bSxvUQ5QatKOeO8p6omK-I2GTGw3BXym3Z8vCF29c4T-PGZVgmAwmFJoDuz1MwKWU3t3foWyfUxLIydiDpHy1rZY=w635-h640" width="635" /></a></div><br />Anyway, the Warmaster Heavy Battle Titan was supposedly kept a secret by the Mechanicum until the latter days of the Horus Heresy. The first rumors of his emergence dated from the Death of Innocence upon Mars. Legio Mortis unleashed their hidden stock of Warmaster Titans upon Loyalist forces during the Schism of Mars, annihilating them. Heavily armored, allowing him to withstand barrages of artillery and Titan-grade weaponry, he is equipped with Suzerain plasma destructors capable of slaying super-heavy tanks and Titans alike, as well as shoulder weapons that would normally be mounted upon a Warhound Scout Titan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXlMtJ_rwgOI1uBKF30rjmTbqGpvs6ygIxyzZiT2aac2AoXZRk2auCl06VP1SVe0AAVVwIv6oESriOdpMp9MsRtoGT9O5ZhSaDBg2lgBCbyCCLSBjzMbyB5HnceR-GePEYSFO19nzwg_9fU3LeJkJ8qtMhzgVMdo3Q4MPQJHbjfIN-nrsnOFHXvlgkWWI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXlMtJ_rwgOI1uBKF30rjmTbqGpvs6ygIxyzZiT2aac2AoXZRk2auCl06VP1SVe0AAVVwIv6oESriOdpMp9MsRtoGT9O5ZhSaDBg2lgBCbyCCLSBjzMbyB5HnceR-GePEYSFO19nzwg_9fU3LeJkJ8qtMhzgVMdo3Q4MPQJHbjfIN-nrsnOFHXvlgkWWI=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Iconoclast version swaps the plasma destructors for a Desolator chainsword and either a Krius siege drill or Krius graviton imploder. Developed by more aggressive Titan Legions, he serves as the vanguard and is specifically equipped to demolish fortresses prepared for siege warfare. Unlike the ranged original, the Iconoclast variant excels in close quarters combat. His reactor is modified with dedicated void shunts designed to weather firepower and kinetic transducers that utilize his movement to power his weapons, allowing him to engage the foe up close.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCzeaU5A6hnwMsMKz0oniIOtDoqfHdNOWt3agqcK-bsaiD_9GTnP7mwU6mbjl7M4yWBs82_NIV3PKL8rZnrFOnOzKwy7vMZntu9FuKjBr10mW5_ouLSzOPuIAcWD7N8CItNivcDNu3YUkQzag2G0xUXQpr1pyeu3xevB3nPl4g2p7QwaNy4vbbCWZMrSs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCzeaU5A6hnwMsMKz0oniIOtDoqfHdNOWt3agqcK-bsaiD_9GTnP7mwU6mbjl7M4yWBs82_NIV3PKL8rZnrFOnOzKwy7vMZntu9FuKjBr10mW5_ouLSzOPuIAcWD7N8CItNivcDNu3YUkQzag2G0xUXQpr1pyeu3xevB3nPl4g2p7QwaNy4vbbCWZMrSs=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Each Warmaster variant respectively graced the cover for the Loyalist Legios and Traitor Legios Adeptus Titanicus supplements that year. And now they are making a comeback in Legions Imperialis in 2023, which makes sense, given that Legions Imperialis takes place at the same scale as Adeptus Titanicus and largely uses the same model. They retconned the Warmaster into having appeared in Titandeath as well, so...yeah. I can't say there's much lore, though apparently 10 Warmaster Titans showed up in the Siege of Terra, belonging to Legio Mortis and bringing down the wall in the Mercury-Exultant Killzone in John French's <i>Mortis</i>. Well, the novel was released in April 2021, a couple of months after the Warmaster Titan was officially unveiled on Warhammer Community in the Warhammer Preview, so gotta squeeze a cameo for them into the lore somehow, eh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One last thing before we end the history of Titan Legions. The Secutarii. Earlier, I mentioned the Scutarii as the Imperial Guard-like regiments who served the Titan Legions and rode on Rhinos and Land Raiders? Again, they were referenced in the Black Books, but then they were expanded with the Secutarii Titan Guard in Horus Heresy 7: Inferno. Prior to that, it was usually the Skitarii who escorted the Titan Legions. In Dan Abnett's <i>Titanicus </i>(published in October 2008), which was part of the Sabbat Worlds Crusade series, Legio Invicta and Legio Tempestus had their own Skitarii regiments that serve as the infantry for their respective Titan Legions. I think the lore kind of developed from there - not just because of their relation to Forge Worlds and the Adeptus Mechanicus (or Mechanicum), but it became natural that the Skitarii are the infantry for the Mechanicum-aligned Collegia Titanica. When the Scutarii was first conceived in 1989, the Skitarii were basically Tech Guard, or Imperial Guard with cybernetics stationed to protect Forge Worlds. They were wielding hellguns (hot-shot lasguns) back then, and the whole radium carbines and galvanic rifles were a more relatively recent development that came out with the release of the first Skitarii codex in 2015. The Secutarii are also mentioned in <i>The Horusian Wars</i> novel by John French, <i>Resurrection</i>, which was published in June 2017, three months after <i>Inferno</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgu3r4nuBHljQ5pSNBj5APKd4Fu77E1lE5kJvAuBb3_cYXWe0ssZ2KdpgebuXc2J01642sN0R2gCu1r8EBNnfm4V7UAIc44yrE9UOcGQp_HO5utMMXcElwNGwm2ZHO_GzvmZ_f4NIgUjXVPRQmIHH0x1krb3WWbkbwu6dG3dvx66K3itGB5lTTS9WUMDI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="640" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgu3r4nuBHljQ5pSNBj5APKd4Fu77E1lE5kJvAuBb3_cYXWe0ssZ2KdpgebuXc2J01642sN0R2gCu1r8EBNnfm4V7UAIc44yrE9UOcGQp_HO5utMMXcElwNGwm2ZHO_GzvmZ_f4NIgUjXVPRQmIHH0x1krb3WWbkbwu6dG3dvx66K3itGB5lTTS9WUMDI=w640-h410" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, the Secutarii Titan Guard is a military formation developed in parallel with the Skitarii Legions of Mars, created as the honor guard and protectors of the Titan Legions. The Secutarii cover any vulnerabilities the Titans may have, such as close protection and defense from covert assault, infiltration and ambuscade, or swarms of well-armed infantry at close range. They also sweep and clear the battlefield after a Titan's tracks, pursuing and eradicating survivors of a Titan onslaught.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicfPb-t7u_6gYJtaMsll1EcVYAco73yprCgCJ0ai_CVEilWtQwrtvlhSt_A4jitt_bfRuAblHM2xQ8ZoA-BuLH2mwjAzzI1xdT5s9uKo-FQTocnn62PQS9hmCgqwn6HOnKYbTer5HncSfy5PpmfIFDNTAOGw1e6OuJe17s03k7-u_DoCA4k4NOvjfRjFQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1077" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicfPb-t7u_6gYJtaMsll1EcVYAco73yprCgCJ0ai_CVEilWtQwrtvlhSt_A4jitt_bfRuAblHM2xQ8ZoA-BuLH2mwjAzzI1xdT5s9uKo-FQTocnn62PQS9hmCgqwn6HOnKYbTer5HncSfy5PpmfIFDNTAOGw1e6OuJe17s03k7-u_DoCA4k4NOvjfRjFQ=w640-h635" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Secutarii also serve as part of a more general auxiliary force that includes the Titan Autokratoris Magos of the Cult Mechanicus and Scutarii machine-labor corps. So yeah, the Scutarii are now machine-labor corps, and the fighting cyborg men are the Secutarii. Anyway, the Autokratoris Magos and Scutarii machine-labor corps attend to the maintenance, repair, re-arming and refuelling of the Legio's Titans in the field. The Secutarii defend the Titan force's landing fields and supply lines from assault, as well as defend damaged or disabled Titans from plunder and sabotage, and if necessary, retrieve or rescue any Titan crew who have to evacuate their god-engines or are trapped in wreckage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Apparently, the Secutarii were first developed and deployed during the Age of Strife, but they were at their zenith during the Great Crusade. Each Titan Legion possessed its own attendant Secutarii regiments.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTsOyK13gJ3CUE5gYPGo-LqeEbsVu5r5RiOn3HOUwVjLRqOAAZETJO-1Fk8iCDBUwbMoiY0VFMNfD_pyZq5Id8BpcrhWTV-7b8Zuhz4GRuyIN-hD4WYJU0RnUiarACyb0Si2nNweOA09tUaHTfxpcfQsF1dzre5Ob-hE3IuPPfMREePoiGnkes2iL-9cE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="1693" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTsOyK13gJ3CUE5gYPGo-LqeEbsVu5r5RiOn3HOUwVjLRqOAAZETJO-1Fk8iCDBUwbMoiY0VFMNfD_pyZq5Id8BpcrhWTV-7b8Zuhz4GRuyIN-hD4WYJU0RnUiarACyb0Si2nNweOA09tUaHTfxpcfQsF1dzre5Ob-hE3IuPPfMREePoiGnkes2iL-9cE=w640-h170" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like the Skitarii, the Secutarii undergo extensive cybernetic rebuilding, the majority of their tissues and organs significantly augmented or replaced with circuit, bioplastic and metal. Known as the Corpus Secutarii, they sport the Kyopatris field generator, which is installed in a backpack and fully integrated into a Secutarii's ribcage and chest cavity. They are harmonic field generators that create atmospheric impedance barriers capable of deflecting projectiles, blast fragmentation and similar debris. Greater field densities, the barriers amplified by merging an entire squad's Kyopatris field generator emanations, can even protect them from heavy weapons fire and powerful kinetic waves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tactical command of Secutarii forces is usually delegated to a field officer known as an Axiarch. He displays perfect dedication and application of the Secutarii's arts of war, and must have experience in successfully recovering fallen Titans or rescuing Titan crews. He is also more cybernetically augmented than his peers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaJKazfydG569kuWduEYYc6N9_sQRC2HZmz_3_gkBhftXc_GxicyVT3ojvlxBgvqk73q-K9vPTR3VGFxUsx7vX43j1wKayBSdSsdiEFU9Ucf8qU8x8PcAD4pAHs-jkBg7_yamahvMHDl78HmIJnS1o9E919GY4gahkuTnJmajzuwAT9ipu4mM7A7t5aeA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="967" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaJKazfydG569kuWduEYYc6N9_sQRC2HZmz_3_gkBhftXc_GxicyVT3ojvlxBgvqk73q-K9vPTR3VGFxUsx7vX43j1wKayBSdSsdiEFU9Ucf8qU8x8PcAD4pAHs-jkBg7_yamahvMHDl78HmIJnS1o9E919GY4gahkuTnJmajzuwAT9ipu4mM7A7t5aeA=w640-h332" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Secutarii Peltast attack from range, hunting ambushers and shadowy raiders. Using powerful and adaptable weapons rarely seen in the Imperium's arsenal elsewhere, they utilize concentrated firepower to saturate target areas and neutralize any threat that may be concealed in cover, and to root out enemies too small or too dispersed for the god-engines of the Titan Legions to pay attention to. They are also employed to reach, encircle and defend their master's fallen Titans and rescue valuable crew. They serve as the hammer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAH7nIN-FQQSYovCQYiyvkeneE61lrdWDhnNUoi1IzhrcPt7y5lwy6p6flYBr7hZRL2A5flfggTdxNp42Mx97BFigK27uOIcrQGgB-5Grlxj2BE8yjp343F5RX16zNlNT8Gcjkk6d3pfQf09U6g756vaBveQCUrbTgAk3qBIrLou4Hgkv-JUI7sMPGIJQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1238" height="535" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAH7nIN-FQQSYovCQYiyvkeneE61lrdWDhnNUoi1IzhrcPt7y5lwy6p6flYBr7hZRL2A5flfggTdxNp42Mx97BFigK27uOIcrQGgB-5Grlxj2BE8yjp343F5RX16zNlNT8Gcjkk6d3pfQf09U6g756vaBveQCUrbTgAk3qBIrLou4Hgkv-JUI7sMPGIJQ=w640-h535" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In contrast, the Secutarii Hoplites phalanx serve as the anvil where the swarms of infantry targeting Titans break upon. They are a defensive force augmented and equipped specifically to resist infantry assault, protected by crackling energy barriers generated by their interlocking Kyropatris field generators that are channeled and further amplified by their mag-inverter shields. This allows them to withstand phenomenal amounts of enemy firepower. Their arc lances bathe the battlefield in murderous torrents of artificial lightning that can short out the circuits of vehicles or blast foes into burning ruin at close quarters, and they escort the god-engines in dispersed skirmishing lines or densely packed ranks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiklTPJ_Tf6fR7lJn_2aHLHdoornB1Os-BgKt9r7uHKU4jEym8AAhkR82eEtdgjDfoLarXVWNMWsj_vqKvs8R8pOeR6Z3R9BeArme0KCyHsSvomIu-RzRI1bqzWC4amo0w3iSTmOwEb0tf0cRDLTmSPK4DithrNrU1J4j_BQRGIf9ElW8Q4s6tsikOoCbw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="2515" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiklTPJ_Tf6fR7lJn_2aHLHdoornB1Os-BgKt9r7uHKU4jEym8AAhkR82eEtdgjDfoLarXVWNMWsj_vqKvs8R8pOeR6Z3R9BeArme0KCyHsSvomIu-RzRI1bqzWC4amo0w3iSTmOwEb0tf0cRDLTmSPK4DithrNrU1J4j_BQRGIf9ElW8Q4s6tsikOoCbw=w640-h190" width="640" /></a></div><br />And that's all I have for the history lesson on Titan Legions. I'm probably missing quite a few details, so let me know and I'll add them. I'm far from an expert, after all. Till next time!</div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-81701911245629297932024-02-24T20:24:00.002-06:002024-02-24T20:26:20.915-06:00Painted Legions Imperialis models (1st batch)I painted my first batch of Legions Imperialis models today! Solar Auxilia, yeah. Black with gold trim and some Castellan green, just like my Draconian Defenders. Wait, they are Draconian Defenders. Never mind. I might need to change their name because I retconned my Imperial Knight lore and changed the name of my Knight world from Draconis III to Ryuusei. I'll ponder on a new name, or see if I should just keep it as it is (I'll most likely change it). Anyway, can't wait to field them next week!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84yukWgTcSthbs_Z46p57mm1-ZocYq1DiTchykAJqA4ciHMRFDOI3GKLq5BH87hNCBexCE-k_6V_ursbsE-7JWD3aDVmF-H1absL-jFYAaIC19lUsAEGUd2vlxjZfW6_dosfUNAu3fkjC2nOKXa2jUx66oV3o3_24a9nmKr8pmtGC8X0Eg4oAAxR_NYk/s4000/17088277517617471100500522619824.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84yukWgTcSthbs_Z46p57mm1-ZocYq1DiTchykAJqA4ciHMRFDOI3GKLq5BH87hNCBexCE-k_6V_ursbsE-7JWD3aDVmF-H1absL-jFYAaIC19lUsAEGUd2vlxjZfW6_dosfUNAu3fkjC2nOKXa2jUx66oV3o3_24a9nmKr8pmtGC8X0Eg4oAAxR_NYk/w640-h480/17088277517617471100500522619824.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>They aren't perfect, but I'm pleased with how they turned out. It's fine, as long as I can play with them, that's all that matters. Hopefully, I will get a few more models over the next week or so, and I can finally play a small Legions Imperialis game next week! I will update you if that happens. Till then!</div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-47402226739580081712024-02-24T05:10:00.001-06:002024-02-24T05:10:23.530-06:00Legions Imperialis beginningsI got my hands on a few Legions Imperialis models. This is the small beginnings of a Legions Imperialis army. Obviously, I'm slanted toward Solar Auxilia rather than the Legiones Astartes, heh. Tanks and mortal men!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdY1B__VyHB1Zl_MO58zKA1YdsBxSFTVmkbK9aaINdBztuTAPWvefJ0pg4yQPR1sdqhAHJkbdNmFJxE0w941_UGM4QkG692Chym4uRhIV8hPQvvvt4oSVrXr4IY1XfBgEuO9T0r6E6FFQOVHwWEul-7qH3NpeboAyivnJZeEEMvCE5dmZSlbShg1GGng/s4000/17087726425106782235500191968973.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdY1B__VyHB1Zl_MO58zKA1YdsBxSFTVmkbK9aaINdBztuTAPWvefJ0pg4yQPR1sdqhAHJkbdNmFJxE0w941_UGM4QkG692Chym4uRhIV8hPQvvvt4oSVrXr4IY1XfBgEuO9T0r6E6FFQOVHwWEul-7qH3NpeboAyivnJZeEEMvCE5dmZSlbShg1GGng/w640-h480/17087726425106782235500191968973.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>So 2 Baneblades and 4 Aethon heavy Sentinels, as well as a squad of Veletaris Storm Section. Well, 20 Veletarii, yeah. It's not enough for a proper formation yet, but hopefully, I'll get a few more Tanks and support infantry for a proper Solar Auxilia formation (or a few of them, anyway). I'm looking forward to getting the Stormhammer and Dracosan armored transports! I don't know when either of them will be released, but hopefully soon. Also looking forward to the Malcador Valdor tank destroyer. We'll see.</div><div><br /></div><div>And the last 30% of my Legions Imperialis army will definitely be reserved for Knights! On one hand, I'm looking forward to playing Titandeath with my Knights and Titan support, but on the other, I would like to try out at least a tiny game of Legions Imperialis. Hence the beginnings of a small Solar Auxilia army. As I get more models, assemble and paint them, I'll post more pictures. Till then!</div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-87540106925638679572024-02-22T08:51:00.002-06:002024-02-22T08:51:24.797-06:00Painted Armigers I finally painted my 2 new Armigers! Yay! I think. They are painted in House Taranis colors, but I thought I would try putting the House Taranis transfers on them even though they are technically House Kanda. Heh. Happy with how they turned out.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TkrpLAj3jHyXcXLOaDZWBRheFigfEa0zTgwNBFj5iQ_ZgQipkucAlSfvxur2izuNT2k0LFCwTupZJxkrXtoOXiCoqUmgTLI1Ps4UzHJbUqbGjGLc0CgS4GG1DCQsKO_c1g86kHEZJepIF18mTBqF2nXPEb6VAZVEJSSvWa141W2uLJaCPNbcQ3cxofU/s4000/17086132430484964434158466757928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TkrpLAj3jHyXcXLOaDZWBRheFigfEa0zTgwNBFj5iQ_ZgQipkucAlSfvxur2izuNT2k0LFCwTupZJxkrXtoOXiCoqUmgTLI1Ps4UzHJbUqbGjGLc0CgS4GG1DCQsKO_c1g86kHEZJepIF18mTBqF2nXPEb6VAZVEJSSvWa141W2uLJaCPNbcQ3cxofU/w640-h480/17086132430484964434158466757928.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Now I have a somewhat full lance of Mechanicus Knights. Not enough for 2,000 points, admittedly, but that's something for the future. Instead, I'm using them as Skitarii Hunter Cohort reinforcements. Also, I can probably field them in a 1,000 point Crusade game. We'll see!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4tod6ppsgnDsU_tuaYdZsA2hh8NEGyHtiNJXfHzk_GDmG_Ag1hterXvqOs3Uv2BGxXRQuUxLJlkhCYcTtQKn2UVMjjaHQEI1q9buAT3DV4-waN_FVB6Utlvn8fVVhS4ig5LQnJ9tvqyiSWYbv35ZiHt5WmjPfh-BgYliGpcwrwfCAUHWl0vhFsmVzQ0/s4000/1708613408275322520350064809314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4tod6ppsgnDsU_tuaYdZsA2hh8NEGyHtiNJXfHzk_GDmG_Ag1hterXvqOs3Uv2BGxXRQuUxLJlkhCYcTtQKn2UVMjjaHQEI1q9buAT3DV4-waN_FVB6Utlvn8fVVhS4ig5LQnJ9tvqyiSWYbv35ZiHt5WmjPfh-BgYliGpcwrwfCAUHWl0vhFsmVzQ0/w640-h480/1708613408275322520350064809314.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I wonder how they will fare. I guess I will find out this weekend!<br /><div><br /></div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-52461542857363960312024-02-18T20:20:00.028-06:002024-02-19T04:45:25.142-06:00Legio Draconis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdZn1wyoa9yPvioy5z9pTyDG9ocgVACWcubPgBHjapA5zY9YEAS-w6kWKrGp2A1DDEJcUkf7niqnsTzKMD3O_4j51pE4cgGQ8F_sCiqWlw1npe5TldeRxqIjZAju5iqjWIgjna9ILm8rQcVccwAART4wfwf5wkOQyYk7-I2lM6KyleO5CosU-M4VoHPk/s4000/1708304372192446220270570529094.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdZn1wyoa9yPvioy5z9pTyDG9ocgVACWcubPgBHjapA5zY9YEAS-w6kWKrGp2A1DDEJcUkf7niqnsTzKMD3O_4j51pE4cgGQ8F_sCiqWlw1npe5TldeRxqIjZAju5iqjWIgjna9ILm8rQcVccwAART4wfwf5wkOQyYk7-I2lM6KyleO5CosU-M4VoHPk/w480-h640/1708304372192446220270570529094.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">L</span><span style="font-size: large;">EGIO </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">D</span><span style="font-size: large;">RACONIS</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivcWxGKwOhtv7PZ1tOnU-jBQQSnpFwoMnd6mDCrpMhGDjLDW-9vclHLabhN1L0_1DfXDiMDW2Wf_rBWeYeuQKjeO0XkS9RTRZApxJms5OE5YdsMsZWWLHsC-l1vxSc1Ld7DxMS2ULVS1AtrYjEQ_X3HMk-y_KNoxyiTQkOCkCN7IR7TimILhXJ4UYlzBw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="648" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivcWxGKwOhtv7PZ1tOnU-jBQQSnpFwoMnd6mDCrpMhGDjLDW-9vclHLabhN1L0_1DfXDiMDW2Wf_rBWeYeuQKjeO0XkS9RTRZApxJms5OE5YdsMsZWWLHsC-l1vxSc1Ld7DxMS2ULVS1AtrYjEQ_X3HMk-y_KNoxyiTQkOCkCN7IR7TimILhXJ4UYlzBw=w400-h233" width="400" /></a></div><br />Legio Draconis was founded during the heady days of the Great Crusade. When Ryusei was welcomed back to the fold of the Imperium, the shrewd diplomacy of the Shogun, Yato Yoshinobu, negotiated directly with the Mechanicum to colonize a new Forge World within the Draconis system. The once abandoned world of Koya, the battleground of a cataclysmic war between the settlers from the Dark Age of Technology and the Men of Iron who had risen against their creators, was given over to Mechanicum Explorator fleets and survey vessels. The Tech-priests of the Cult Mechanicum exploited the opportunity to salvage and study the broken husks of automata amidst the previously irradiated wasteland of the blasted planet's cratered landscape, while House Yato - the ruling Knight house of Ryusei - saw in this the opportunity to foster close ties with the vast organization that would train their armorers and craftsmen, as well as repair aging Knights suits and manufacturing massive batches of new ones.<p></p><p>The majority of the Tech-priests and adepts who flocked to the newly founded Forge World - christened Draconis IV in a coldly logical and rational manner, for it was the fourth planet from the yellow sun - originated from Ryza. Principally followers of the Omnissiah Igvita, the Mechanicum sects that settled upon Draconis IV focused on fabricating forge-fanes and manufactorums dedicated to the production of plasma, be it reactors, engines or weaponry. Such was their dedication that Draconis IV was known as the second Ryza, second only to that ancient and honored Forge World in producing vast stockpiles of plasma weaponry.</p><p>Along with famed Ryzan plasma technology, renegade Magi and reckessly innovative adepts fleeing the persecution of Mars had gathered to the fledging Forge World, either to continue their experiments in secret or to seek refuge from what they perceived as hideously hidebound authority. Nonetheless, no matter the origin or faith, they pledged allegiance to Ryza and its teachings, and the Fabricator-Marshal's firm hand on the world along with strong ties with the Imperial-aligned House Yato meant that the Forge World would remain loyal to the Emperor during the outbreak of the Horus Heresy. Moreover, most did not forget the persecution they had suffered from Martian machinations and the Prefecture Magisterium under the rule of Fabricator-General Kelbor-Hal, and they were only too eager to exploit the opportunity for revenge against perceived wrongs.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMXuSjYq1kfpk_moUVkOVZBx5hGRZMvEHEwmLpRDnOzhvh1fmflTLQr9qvpZbqdTx-46fnCTadu2svrnR7Pq8gNHp1xp8gWSWFWI00UwB4Zi6UZEgsIYhYKk5xgspX0naKZmjw9Fi1RyRC0FKGQvRTvhgnU4U0BLdhZfMJMsp2JUxU4ymP_4C1NxSNfRA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="638" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMXuSjYq1kfpk_moUVkOVZBx5hGRZMvEHEwmLpRDnOzhvh1fmflTLQr9qvpZbqdTx-46fnCTadu2svrnR7Pq8gNHp1xp8gWSWFWI00UwB4Zi6UZEgsIYhYKk5xgspX0naKZmjw9Fi1RyRC0FKGQvRTvhgnU4U0BLdhZfMJMsp2JUxU4ymP_4C1NxSNfRA=w640-h252" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Prior to the Warmaster's revelation of treachery, though, the Archmagi and their subordinate Tech-priests worked hard in establishing Draconis IV as an industrial power, benefiting from the wealth of minerals located both within the planet's crust and the immense asteroid belt that drifted along the outer edges of the Draconis system. Though they did not receive any gifts from Legio Crucius or the Titan Legions of other Forge Worlds, the Mechanicum priesthood of the newly colonized planet endeavored to resolve the problem with their ingenuity and labor. Initially unworried, for the formidable might of House Yato and the steely assurances the noble Knight household offered through a near unbreakable alliance contributed a significant portion of their military strength, they could also call upon the ceramite strength and enormous host of Legio Cybernetica cohorts and their Magi Dominus who had not only made the Forge World their base of operations, but also relied on it to construct new armies of automata. Not to mention the armored convoys of Stormblade super-heavies and Leman Russ Executioner tanks that they churned out for the Draconian Defenders Solar Auxilia and Excertus Imperialis regiments. Even so, the adepts of Draconis IV began diverting resources toward the creation of a Titan Legion of their own. Not out of necessity, but as part of their quest for knowledge, for was the next step after fabricating plasma reactors not the construction of the god-engines that fed upon the power they provided? Were the Titans not the logical succession of the Knight armors that they were already producing in mass?</p><p>So it was that the first god-engines of Legio Draconis were fashioned within the largest of forge-fanes and Titanic industries. Despite their ingenuity and the resources freely available to them, as well as ties to Ryza and Mars, the construction of god-engines is not a simple task, and the freshly founded Forge World was already spending much of those on Knight suits, battle-automata and super-heavy tanks. Even so, the few god-engines they built were slated to be shipped out almost immediately, with barely-trained and inexperienced Princeps and their Moderatii teams eager to deploy their new machines in combat.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJBPdLDIYkO24qNm4IDOu5GBU2JPJdsXLvBC2AMVB5keB_7EotATIhdJE5Rd3BCcKpbQWm1N1ASkJH6fb0igJDK6a8GpjjmFQUM9M0io3ZwoLhqY6p0QPJk9MaLupsZXIz7ga5_mC80GdZ2-av0uKaUHJJAmoVhqPU_ri5lrndtHeceCnOdB81ZCQ/s4000/IMG20221118095824.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJBPdLDIYkO24qNm4IDOu5GBU2JPJdsXLvBC2AMVB5keB_7EotATIhdJE5Rd3BCcKpbQWm1N1ASkJH6fb0igJDK6a8GpjjmFQUM9M0io3ZwoLhqY6p0QPJk9MaLupsZXIz7ga5_mC80GdZ2-av0uKaUHJJAmoVhqPU_ri5lrndtHeceCnOdB81ZCQ/w640-h480/IMG20221118095824.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Careful husbanding of the few god-engines available to them allowed them to slowly increase their numbers as the years of the Great Crusade flew by. Though frequently dispatched along Expeditionary fleets, notably those where noble scions of House Yato who had joined the Ordo Questoris were embedded within, they won few honors. Despite their contributions in the Rangdan Xenocides and other theaters of war, their small numbers meant they were never a notable presence, particularly compared to other Titan Legions or even their allied Knight house, who fielded countless lances of night-black Knight armors enough to cover entire continents in darkness. The princeps were often indoctrinated by the Draconian Mechanicum to be cautious and reserved, and despite their enthusiasm, they were obliged to prioritize the survival of their precious god-engines, which further contributed to their less than stellar reputation. The tiny size of Legio Draconis usually meant that a single god-engine or two would march in support of questing Knight lances, especially those belonging to House Yato or House Kanda, instead of mobilizing in maniples.</p><p>When the fires of the Horus Heresy broke out, the stalwart god-engines of House Draconis would stand alongside the firmly Loyalist House Yato, marching in support of the smaller Knight armors to throw back ravening hordes of Traitors and decimate whole armor formations of treacherous Legionnaires and Excertus alike. While outmatched and outnumbered by enemy Titan Legions, the Dark Dragons would provide fire support from a distance for their allied Knight houses, who would close in while the foe is distracted and engage the opposing god-engines in close range, felling them with reaper chainswords, shock lances, thermal cannons and exotic weaponry bestowed upon them by the innovative Magi of Draconis IV. They stood alongside Legio Crucius when Ryza called for aid, answering the requests of assistance from their grandparent Forge World and repelling the Traitors with plasma fury.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNfa1bjWnLh0zGeHKawz6h7pRLWgPGSB47N8UwVhwhoVyqzYS1MZQgYSOMLW-0sIHEnp_IpRdHCKEPad8oUh1S9dMySW8ipCxleeEJmHui6Rl9UKalOzqKIzJL7d_V68SCSQGP3Au8uMd6DEJq11ePWk_TggTMXOucUQOHIKOOhHTDVbLM3S4CqZQn=s5312" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5312" data-original-width="2988" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNfa1bjWnLh0zGeHKawz6h7pRLWgPGSB47N8UwVhwhoVyqzYS1MZQgYSOMLW-0sIHEnp_IpRdHCKEPad8oUh1S9dMySW8ipCxleeEJmHui6Rl9UKalOzqKIzJL7d_V68SCSQGP3Au8uMd6DEJq11ePWk_TggTMXOucUQOHIKOOhHTDVbLM3S4CqZQn=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEGIO DRACONIS WARLORD BATTLE TITAN<br /><i>KAGUTSUCHI</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>MATERIEL STRENGTH</p><p>At the onset of the Horus Heresy, Legio Draconis was still pretty much in its infancy, and the century or so of their existence meant that they were never able to amass god-engines in any large number. Furthermore, despite the prodigious skills and incredible resources of Draconis IV, as well as its ties to Ryza, the Draconian Mechanicum had focused on constructing the larger Titan classes and eschewed Scout Titans entirely, reasoning that the huge numbers of Knight armors from both House Yato and House Kanda would function in an identical role. As such, they devoted their labors into fabricating mainly Warlord and Warmaster class Titans, most of whom were equipped with the plasma and volkite weaponry that Draconis IV (and by extension, Ryza, who counted the new Forge World among its empire) was famed for. The sunfury plasma annihilator and plasma destructors are a staple, as are the volkite destructors that burst apart enemy void shields so that the princeps can target the vulnerable god-engine within with the concentrated fury of a star.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2HgwxuGQhgm3FNgCy1zNfmexn-U3SIFMI7B8gy4VGuFaaorwVPqYlYymRLVGPCUdcOYCfOlPZueBVlhaHhkNeFZrJ0jfAuUowzag7-C2_xA-GaGNvav9j2dmKbzFfTqqjR-UpxxSvjGPKO5JTjPWENd_DlwaH7tahNfGPjxzxvaHSF4ONs9bsM-BNP_g" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="258" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2HgwxuGQhgm3FNgCy1zNfmexn-U3SIFMI7B8gy4VGuFaaorwVPqYlYymRLVGPCUdcOYCfOlPZueBVlhaHhkNeFZrJ0jfAuUowzag7-C2_xA-GaGNvav9j2dmKbzFfTqqjR-UpxxSvjGPKO5JTjPWENd_DlwaH7tahNfGPjxzxvaHSF4ONs9bsM-BNP_g=w509-h640" width="509" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEGIO DRACONIS WARMASTER HEAVY BATTLE TITAN<br /><i>AMATERASU</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>As befitting a radical Forge World, several Warlord Titans were also equipped with conversion beam extirpators, which often complemented the longer-ranged Belicosa volcano cannons as opposed to the plasma annihilator or the volkite destructor, for optimal range efficiency.</p><p>When Draconis IV declared for the Emperor, along with the fiercely loyal House Yato, Legio Draconis possessed barely thirty god-engines, most of them comprising of the Warlord class, with a handful of Warmaster class Titans. The sole exception was a single Imperator Titan, <i>Izanagi</i>, who is equipped with an immense plasma annihilator and stands proudly as the Forge World's most potent defender during the dark times. Many of these god-engines fell in defense of the Imperium, the attrition whittling away at Legio Draconis's already small numbers until they stood at the brink of extinction. Nonetheless, so long as the Magi of Draconis IV remain, they will ensure the preservation and restoration of the Dark Dragons, so that the valiant Titan Legion can continue to fight throughout the millennia ahead.</p>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-39735982614499062492024-02-17T21:50:00.004-06:002024-02-17T21:50:48.300-06:00Collecting Blackstone FragmentsSkitarii Marshal Sigma 44-Kariya tried not to sigh. Before him, a phalanx of silent automatons marched, green eldritch energies glowing eerily around their metallic silhouettes. The Necrons hefted their gauss flayers and tesla rifles and took aim, even as three Lokhust heavy destroyers glided above the ruins of the forge world of Kuroishi, one of the few remaining Imperial bastions in the Vertigus system. Their silver death-skulls wreathed in ominous luminosity, they fired at his Skitarii Hunter Cohort.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfSrAD31e_DX8APbcBqLyA0X1vVA3OGOTO3ltqs76z7KFGcGZO1d0VjNoOsMzQna8eB3jhSu7wF7OjWInx8-1liZh4hf2zUyYvb-4jwIi3g-NNBDR5V4HlUPK5EtLrijDLB9lDh4YQMv90Q8A23Vr3E8JgkMRzpM7LN-tpTToyOhr-lIBsw4Y328E5jU/s4000/IMG20240217124939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfSrAD31e_DX8APbcBqLyA0X1vVA3OGOTO3ltqs76z7KFGcGZO1d0VjNoOsMzQna8eB3jhSu7wF7OjWInx8-1liZh4hf2zUyYvb-4jwIi3g-NNBDR5V4HlUPK5EtLrijDLB9lDh4YQMv90Q8A23Vr3E8JgkMRzpM7LN-tpTToyOhr-lIBsw4Y328E5jU/w640-h480/IMG20240217124939.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div>+This is not optimal,+ he blurted through the noosphere. Archmagos Theta-Rho had dispatched Skitarii Hunter Cohort 428-Sigma to guard the army of servitors that were even now excavating mass amounts of blackstone and transporting the hasty harvest into loader cargo-ships that would take them to the Ark Mechanicus floating in orbit above. Though normally assigned to elimination missions, 44-Kariya had to switch to protector doctrina imperatives as he processed his master's orders to defend the excavation processes by any means necessary.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMjeFSbLzesJS_0WZgMYhu7Z8CrL65SYb8h2HuAUaGr3BihVjguvB-Tnl-JPewRv-Uctpu-FJzIsPtZqQxVeBaYNoF6OFokMpgPyLzI_JW-iOc0JDwSeWGAY6CDSzEvFbDhDYxw4NrFNu4PVYPrly2MYd-EVNf6r33mRIQtLEE0hOXl_2TCARhocA5wg/s4000/IMG20240217124947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMjeFSbLzesJS_0WZgMYhu7Z8CrL65SYb8h2HuAUaGr3BihVjguvB-Tnl-JPewRv-Uctpu-FJzIsPtZqQxVeBaYNoF6OFokMpgPyLzI_JW-iOc0JDwSeWGAY6CDSzEvFbDhDYxw4NrFNu4PVYPrly2MYd-EVNf6r33mRIQtLEE0hOXl_2TCARhocA5wg/w640-h480/IMG20240217124947.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"We'll be fine," Sir Kanda assured him as he piloted his Cerastus Knight Lancer forward. Already, the Lokhust heavy destroyers were opening fire, the searing atomizing beams of verdant light splashing against the bionic forcefields generated by the Sydonian Dragoon squad led by Delta Yari. The lean walkers continued to sprint forward, their taser lances crackling with exotic energies.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fnZ696qP3-b6sP_pk878PrwS_l1f9k_Alx-MQDFiWan3857cdpu7E89-wDDSOaCcUV876V4K7leKZ63kXuRZuUV-DWLV25gEJESXF2sfsUslo4hr7a3PuV_ySdlf_6QBYWO2qt4VM69yg8FSmwz8D_3ntQQ1z1HDS6HBFEAE3UUoWx3IPBR_1V0UYl0/s4000/IMG20240217131442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fnZ696qP3-b6sP_pk878PrwS_l1f9k_Alx-MQDFiWan3857cdpu7E89-wDDSOaCcUV876V4K7leKZ63kXuRZuUV-DWLV25gEJESXF2sfsUslo4hr7a3PuV_ySdlf_6QBYWO2qt4VM69yg8FSmwz8D_3ntQQ1z1HDS6HBFEAE3UUoWx3IPBR_1V0UYl0/w640-h480/IMG20240217131442.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>+I don't believe so,+ Skitarii Ranger Alpha Beta-2 retorted in binharic, cursing in technolingua when he found his squad under attack by an ambushing unit of Skorpekh Destroyers. The virus-maddened Necrons scythed down cyborg soldiers like thresher electro-flails through wheat. His last burst of data-stream informed Sigma 44-Kariya - and Archmagos Theta-Rho - that the demise of Ranger squad Beta-2 took approximately twenty point eight-four seconds. And that the Skorpekh Destroyers were accompanied by a Skorpekh Lord, who had relished in massacring the augmented soldiers.</div><div><br /></div><div>This certainly was not optimal at all.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKCBfyjGQ1XOE9vmswJVwjZEfLEhmk387PmyMA2S1ZeQK8GzCcPZWypqTzED1aRAj-QtrHKOBT4I3JpNkMfQoDJTGAmDYgo0bJO-TLHR9gXaRJVQR-JFVBGKi8bts2io8UUQtb_GL3xlEpUyziEAiNui8On6Ha0zGqrSvbjJmvfr3OLOY4opGy3h8W_Q/s4000/IMG20240217131445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKCBfyjGQ1XOE9vmswJVwjZEfLEhmk387PmyMA2S1ZeQK8GzCcPZWypqTzED1aRAj-QtrHKOBT4I3JpNkMfQoDJTGAmDYgo0bJO-TLHR9gXaRJVQR-JFVBGKi8bts2io8UUQtb_GL3xlEpUyziEAiNui8On6Ha0zGqrSvbjJmvfr3OLOY4opGy3h8W_Q/w640-h480/IMG20240217131445.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately, the one bright spot was that Delta Yari's Dragoon unit crashed straight into the Lokhust Destroyers, their taser lances unleashing destructive bursts that sizzled and blew apart two of the xenos constructs. The third hovered away, keeping his heavy gauss cannon trained on the lumbering Knight Lancer, but he...missed somehow. Sir Kanda ignored the sole Destroyer for now, instead blasting the twenty warrior platoon with lightning, but despite taking out a couple of them, they simply stood back up, their necrodermis knitting back together and the charred surface slowly fading away.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tywu-lowaFNcFi73kqVp4PqUdzhSXPHWX6mQwhllHxWYRionBPQMQBEPx_3cTVUHZq_04Ph1P41ohJ7BzxECoqenYAXcKyCuNW8EjH769feEx3jfYWnAx4FceKZN_FPeJrf0fGw5BA3tidUakcZBia1Mh__9jSVjy_3CB8bTKt8ReNN0VRTaS0a2N3U/s4000/IMG20240217131449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tywu-lowaFNcFi73kqVp4PqUdzhSXPHWX6mQwhllHxWYRionBPQMQBEPx_3cTVUHZq_04Ph1P41ohJ7BzxECoqenYAXcKyCuNW8EjH769feEx3jfYWnAx4FceKZN_FPeJrf0fGw5BA3tidUakcZBia1Mh__9jSVjy_3CB8bTKt8ReNN0VRTaS0a2N3U/w640-h480/IMG20240217131449.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>44-Kariya directed his personal Alpha-1 Skitarii Ranger squad to aim a precise volley of galvanic fire, plasma, arc lightning and transuranic rounds at the approaching Skorpekh Destroyers, who were soaking their gleaming blades in blood, oil and lubricant. A couple of them went down, especially when the salvo of firepower was accompanied b a devastating hail from their escorting Onager Dunecrawler, but the Skorpekh Lord and his remaining Destroyer continued undaunted. To 44-Kariya's lack of surprise, one of the Skorpekh Destroyers simply rose back, its damaged body gradually repairing itself.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZeO7lXYqi19G_rgPeZ7vRC95i90XKMVhOGuV8-BYCc1Fv8jWeP9ferKeWiL34YnWw83Id-cD_z0EnA7lqiiDrCKEWWGH7-WTlReldQXx5lhBRZJAts0qNWlfv9f9OWMVNsINHId6r1kgo58X7EBuxN2fkKm3siveEt4FA1fzzv3E5BC4GUPwEU1w3pg/s4000/IMG20240217131457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZeO7lXYqi19G_rgPeZ7vRC95i90XKMVhOGuV8-BYCc1Fv8jWeP9ferKeWiL34YnWw83Id-cD_z0EnA7lqiiDrCKEWWGH7-WTlReldQXx5lhBRZJAts0qNWlfv9f9OWMVNsINHId6r1kgo58X7EBuxN2fkKm3siveEt4FA1fzzv3E5BC4GUPwEU1w3pg/w640-h480/IMG20240217131457.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sir Kanda was about to charge right into the brick of Warriors when they simply disappeared, teleporting through ancient technologies and vanishing into thin air. He cursed under his breath.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Cowardly xenos!"</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExocEoCC-ZLuwNNBMWKOad8Clb6J7oFD1EOD5cQgz2vILajNDd93VqVrq64hMwbUUfEvQ3IVza9Ln_w3sau5N0EHTXTs7CfwEl3k26lWWriPjJsfbitCq8MG7WfEVfHOqvboXSGNtZcNIPIrkNepkMW1eFnFo6o6a8tct2r3hs3MF1y0_06aLHRrHMVQ/s4000/IMG20240217131500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExocEoCC-ZLuwNNBMWKOad8Clb6J7oFD1EOD5cQgz2vILajNDd93VqVrq64hMwbUUfEvQ3IVza9Ln_w3sau5N0EHTXTs7CfwEl3k26lWWriPjJsfbitCq8MG7WfEVfHOqvboXSGNtZcNIPIrkNepkMW1eFnFo6o6a8tct2r3hs3MF1y0_06aLHRrHMVQ/w640-h480/IMG20240217131500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>+They are simply seeking the path that offers them the highest probability of survival,+ 44-Kariya observed calmly, even as his Skitarii Rangers were hacked down all around him. The Sydonian Dragoons of Delta Yari found themselves surrounded by Immortals and Warriors, the latter having teleported from Sir Kanda's location and marching from a translocation beacon that ruptured the space right next to them. Gauss and tesla bombarded them, and even the resilient walkers weren't able to withstand such ferocious volleys. One of them fell, his Ironstrider engine twitching as it disintegrated from the atomizing energies that flayed it layer by adamantium layer.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFUcG_n9mfF9Lc7xvBZcuiSYvj6PHl8LSnG1PD6FvkFbnMGSsA5QTvS2sNTsezJpusfHMI-xfepMyzJbxqq_X1q7RgxLFtMlIEYFzGGe_8fcHZBlU4z9IfhawNnQiQgk9iUIRm1Ks-6bdpPF08bHeTk1j7HumGGGFSOa56rVsAkXGT_tLwyXijtvuuJs/s4000/IMG20240217131505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFUcG_n9mfF9Lc7xvBZcuiSYvj6PHl8LSnG1PD6FvkFbnMGSsA5QTvS2sNTsezJpusfHMI-xfepMyzJbxqq_X1q7RgxLFtMlIEYFzGGe_8fcHZBlU4z9IfhawNnQiQgk9iUIRm1Ks-6bdpPF08bHeTk1j7HumGGGFSOa56rVsAkXGT_tLwyXijtvuuJs/w640-h480/IMG20240217131505.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The leading Overlord led the charge, the Warriors mobbing the surviving Sydnonian Dragoons and guarding him as he laid into them with his staff. The Technomancer kept up with his staff of light, but his first round of attacks missed spectacularly. The two Sydonian Dragoons retaliated, but they only took out two Warriors, the rest enduring the violent eruptions of taser energy from their lancers without any clear reaction. Blinding flares of phosphor from their serpentas, fired at pointblank range, incinerated another two of them.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YXb5tY_24qCU3ayYCDi0RwEk6ZXIsaRPRdGq_1aTCe_RV0kzMn7204qg0pHXhzR5mYc3WoxvAB1KstBoGKNtpQZFeDJH2ObtRhxuJgIABzQGVkrLKpCsqYxXSqggUPS2Kb8NUSUooq0X3J4i28urF90a4rn3YHopTzjRHG00YwSdT3ncvINPGZWGxAI/s4000/IMG20240217131821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YXb5tY_24qCU3ayYCDi0RwEk6ZXIsaRPRdGq_1aTCe_RV0kzMn7204qg0pHXhzR5mYc3WoxvAB1KstBoGKNtpQZFeDJH2ObtRhxuJgIABzQGVkrLKpCsqYxXSqggUPS2Kb8NUSUooq0X3J4i28urF90a4rn3YHopTzjRHG00YwSdT3ncvINPGZWGxAI/w640-h480/IMG20240217131821.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Scarabs scuttled toward the Cerastus Knight Lancer, distracting Sir Kanda with their suicidal charges that blew several servos in the Knight armor's foot, but he swatted the remaining Scarabs away, the surge from his cerastus shock lance frying them into oblivion. While his attention was occupied, the Lokhust Destroyer Lord emerged from a rift, his cannon barking and failing to do anything to the Onager Dunecrawler. Instead, it was the Skorpekh Destroyers and their Lord that descended upon the hapless Skitarii and hacked them apart with their scythes.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7p_czHkCs6V7YQ0K4jSUIuBZ1BKigPBIUCleVLFCWYXANQ58K_dc1mA3dSM51fzF5X9L6XBDY-BSAddzFMpqKDt5r9vyOZkfVhALTBPycdGHdVaiMa8l_wqU2hpQvXRuXiGSnlhs_3vuPjido_aUQ9ecCD4friSeEFz04dWMKS8D5fdLcS-9ilIjP6dM/s4000/IMG20240217131828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7p_czHkCs6V7YQ0K4jSUIuBZ1BKigPBIUCleVLFCWYXANQ58K_dc1mA3dSM51fzF5X9L6XBDY-BSAddzFMpqKDt5r9vyOZkfVhALTBPycdGHdVaiMa8l_wqU2hpQvXRuXiGSnlhs_3vuPjido_aUQ9ecCD4friSeEFz04dWMKS8D5fdLcS-9ilIjP6dM/w640-h480/IMG20240217131828.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>44-Kariya watched in dismay as Ranger squad Alpha-1 was taken apart at the monomolecular level with astonishing ease. He limped, his shoulder sliced deeply by one of the phase blades, but he had managed to just barely survive by the metallic skin of his augmetic teeth. He lashed out with his control stave and gouged a chunk out of a Destroyer, but it simply repaired the damage.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYMR5TBkH0hQfoc4jw9LoRWjiSE8GlkVqEImEopgxQGLNpxN0Fj-SxTqvjq3ZTr3yo38qgHQ4yAV9yHf0smwZZ8vOwt7qvlUXSbcXo_KQ5TsjOi8KOS751jX-qvERUk9KJErn08EijZbJxPNVHGH8xGCYKVCSOXWwSMAFNHj8L0WvDoxQ4Bw-kIAEv4s/s4000/IMG20240217132534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYMR5TBkH0hQfoc4jw9LoRWjiSE8GlkVqEImEopgxQGLNpxN0Fj-SxTqvjq3ZTr3yo38qgHQ4yAV9yHf0smwZZ8vOwt7qvlUXSbcXo_KQ5TsjOi8KOS751jX-qvERUk9KJErn08EijZbJxPNVHGH8xGCYKVCSOXWwSMAFNHj8L0WvDoxQ4Bw-kIAEv4s/w640-h480/IMG20240217132534.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Onager Dunecrawler tried to fire at the approaching Lokhust Destroyer Lord and completely missed, while Sir Kanda crunched through the Skorpekh Destroyers with his adamantium steed, the shock lance spearing through two Skorpekh Destroyers before he stabbed the Lord. The Skorpekh Lord twisted around to confront this new threat, but even its ancient necrodermal body and its self-repair system were no match for the sheer destructive force of an enraged Knight suit. It simply ceased to exist, the damage overwhelming its preservation systems, and came apart in a brilliant light.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOc_-lw-rUCbwQ2B9rjn7MOxKiCKDfd8I0k06DW0PobVjwZIpRV8X0EiK5tv37PRPNV9RXKijpzL69lIloAQB3uPqFHZ2UKPAr338cuyX_OzKIS59jpt_DMTWN1ih_An81rcBJBRoRrhHPVmBxy05NXtHwBvQytJKfLXl4uFJNiEuUAATyFCLhZS7oy4/s4000/IMG20240217132536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOc_-lw-rUCbwQ2B9rjn7MOxKiCKDfd8I0k06DW0PobVjwZIpRV8X0EiK5tv37PRPNV9RXKijpzL69lIloAQB3uPqFHZ2UKPAr338cuyX_OzKIS59jpt_DMTWN1ih_An81rcBJBRoRrhHPVmBxy05NXtHwBvQytJKfLXl4uFJNiEuUAATyFCLhZS7oy4/w640-h480/IMG20240217132536.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Overlord and his Warriors continued to harry the Sydonian Dragoons, taking the second one down and leaving just Delta Yari as the sole survivor of his squadron. He fought back with a defiant sweep of his taser lance, even as his companion's Ironstrider engine detonated and consumed several surrounding Necrons in an expanding fireball. Even so, the Technomancer continued to restore the fallen warriors with arcane xenos sorcery. Or ancient xenos technology. 44-Kariya couldn't tell them apart.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy1Ua6-DRbmtM6K85_9-ndGSMfrJE48TwtYOUazzoO0WJreYzoBNeQm-axUC00JF96DaTeVg9aYs4f6zrFZw_YPK-EdILJ0tRVUQeMKbhR0P4SIFIFFCLts-47VvDoLifdb9oXEz_0t9oQQcb6nJ8ozLEuV-AcniYDxyyKltMDEBF2DugCjA7DxId6_8/s4000/IMG20240217132539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy1Ua6-DRbmtM6K85_9-ndGSMfrJE48TwtYOUazzoO0WJreYzoBNeQm-axUC00JF96DaTeVg9aYs4f6zrFZw_YPK-EdILJ0tRVUQeMKbhR0P4SIFIFFCLts-47VvDoLifdb9oXEz_0t9oQQcb6nJ8ozLEuV-AcniYDxyyKltMDEBF2DugCjA7DxId6_8/w640-h480/IMG20240217132539.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Immortals, ordered by their Overlord to phase away and teleport elsewhere, took central stage to snipe the now vulnerable 44-Kariya. With his entire Skitarii Ranger squad annihilated, he could do nothing but wilt under the horrific tesla volleys of the implacable xenos. Meanwhile, the Lokhust Destroyer Lord had attacked the Onager Dunecrawler, but his attacks were deflected by the shimmering emanatus forcefield that enveloped the venerable vehicle.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_Svna5z8VaLkNjBBQkGZ-3rny83FrEVYIy7K9pkSQAdutyIeyCaLbYuSqZ8Kejuz4mfGsmAEK5KgxuskeGLLzCi3tZPg2P6FwVkWKGds6uK17lHRRBnGV2KKRjU6fyNvE23M3Ql1X_vUGhbQfddHL5po5K3IXL7_Cg0N2sdp2UeD3CkuCGsx3-m1IM0/s4000/IMG20240217133718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_Svna5z8VaLkNjBBQkGZ-3rny83FrEVYIy7K9pkSQAdutyIeyCaLbYuSqZ8Kejuz4mfGsmAEK5KgxuskeGLLzCi3tZPg2P6FwVkWKGds6uK17lHRRBnGV2KKRjU6fyNvE23M3Ql1X_vUGhbQfddHL5po5K3IXL7_Cg0N2sdp2UeD3CkuCGsx3-m1IM0/w640-h480/IMG20240217133718.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>That protection, dating back to the Mechanicum of ancient Mars, bought the driver some time before Sir Kanda arrived, vengeance filling his vision. The Lokhust Destroyer Lord was obliterated in an instant, its figure ripped apart by the glowing spear.</div><div><br /></div><div>As if incensed, the last remaining Lokhust Destroyer let off a vengeful volley that seared through the ion gauntlet shield, striking the unprotected rear of the turned Knight Lancer, and disassembling cabling. Though wounded, the Knight Lancer was far from destroyed, and Sir Kanda harnessed its rage, spinning it around to face the remaining foes.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitol-iH0upb0uGh1H_Jv1Tqo-uedRVMAv-e_l_2QlWC9IwAfiUp76MwMNoB4uo536rgY29lYw4ZHYDzxK5u6WVBRIcEj7I6x6KBrhSXyq6puqOC6bXAAFPsYPkYDHJ81C_PuqpQndqhYvDi-RUoGGE8ufpxSCRFuLKNlgrlpf5GzF8Q6IvNzrXDrHzhDk/s4000/IMG20240217133729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitol-iH0upb0uGh1H_Jv1Tqo-uedRVMAv-e_l_2QlWC9IwAfiUp76MwMNoB4uo536rgY29lYw4ZHYDzxK5u6WVBRIcEj7I6x6KBrhSXyq6puqOC6bXAAFPsYPkYDHJ81C_PuqpQndqhYvDi-RUoGGE8ufpxSCRFuLKNlgrlpf5GzF8Q6IvNzrXDrHzhDk/w640-h480/IMG20240217133729.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"You little..." He swore. "By the Omnissiah, you'll pay for that!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Urged by the voices in his Throne Mechanicum, he accelerated his suit into a sprinting stride that saw it crash into the Immortals with calamitous consequences. The so-called Immortals were trampled underfoot so thoroughly that they would never rise again. At least not in those mangled heaps. Meanwhile, the Onager Dunecrawler had adjusted its aim, its driver taking aim at the sole surviving Lokhust Destroyer. A single, accurate beam from the neutron laser wiped it out of existence.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghORDu78xo0lorfk9ObF3EKkZ30rltNFA5EGAxyYM01F-uvzaIfAopP4t-YRTn0zj89gvYQxM9p4bgKtF3nrfntAON_W0DOv_j5ykjW3JGI7bv4rI1uiNPGblTpsvu1q3R8EDVgfFN8omK4x-trMRMD3Ijoih2dJeuEYCfTlrHipo1rZKTBI5iek6ofi8/s4000/IMG20240217134453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghORDu78xo0lorfk9ObF3EKkZ30rltNFA5EGAxyYM01F-uvzaIfAopP4t-YRTn0zj89gvYQxM9p4bgKtF3nrfntAON_W0DOv_j5ykjW3JGI7bv4rI1uiNPGblTpsvu1q3R8EDVgfFN8omK4x-trMRMD3Ijoih2dJeuEYCfTlrHipo1rZKTBI5iek6ofi8/w640-h480/IMG20240217134453.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>+Phew,+ the driver muttered, wiping the perspiration off his occular augmetics and nodding toward his Ranger gunner. +Nice work. That was a perfect angle, staying within a vector deviation of 22.46 degrees.+</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-tIXTLgjsZ8YAJaK4qwAepbcUldyLdqwY0rz53ggm-ScaRkYGT9rml_m8OpIgYPLZA1gHHow4_lMOPc08seRKWrsfOKZCHYvZUjNPoERcxe4rTsEafOWMDR1q9c70NIncRiTd2wYSjaBJC2PPxBLWJc9BEDOtdyEb_VW57USGiOMUTNm2ZCagAr37_8/s4000/IMG20240217134512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-tIXTLgjsZ8YAJaK4qwAepbcUldyLdqwY0rz53ggm-ScaRkYGT9rml_m8OpIgYPLZA1gHHow4_lMOPc08seRKWrsfOKZCHYvZUjNPoERcxe4rTsEafOWMDR1q9c70NIncRiTd2wYSjaBJC2PPxBLWJc9BEDOtdyEb_VW57USGiOMUTNm2ZCagAr37_8/w640-h480/IMG20240217134512.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>+It is my honor to serve the Omnissiah and aid in His great works,+ the gunner responded, his bionic hands gleaming as he adjusted and swiveled the neutron laser about to target the phalanx of Warriors. By now, the final Sydnonian Dragoon had fallen, and despite Delta Yari having endured the Overlord's onslaught, the sheer numbers of the platoon of Warriors had finally dragged him down from his broken mount.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-E1RfPdI4DG6B2bO_UZ4C8GnTa3-V0RyjOXZCEnp07WGjUG9HYecWxTDV4uCkE9z2tLn-a_X0B8kh8mO6LRihSBL7149M18E3S9MXt4PedFUOUsoowpm-m7hZmt9XL7Agbz1agI2htU2YpgD6m8vNn3yOpBNUz9v5KZRUgE4FKE7QtCJ4LqKHJIXZnA/s4000/IMG20240217134520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-E1RfPdI4DG6B2bO_UZ4C8GnTa3-V0RyjOXZCEnp07WGjUG9HYecWxTDV4uCkE9z2tLn-a_X0B8kh8mO6LRihSBL7149M18E3S9MXt4PedFUOUsoowpm-m7hZmt9XL7Agbz1agI2htU2YpgD6m8vNn3yOpBNUz9v5KZRUgE4FKE7QtCJ4LqKHJIXZnA/w640-h480/IMG20240217134520.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Realizing that the remaining Necron forces could do little against the formidable might of a Knight, the Overlord had instructed his Warriors into a hasty retreat, beaming them out of the area in an eldritch flash that left simmering ozone in the air. The creepy emerald glows from mutilated Necron constructs faded away, even as their necrodermal bodies decomposed right before their very eyes. Sir Kanda watched them, snorting in derision.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Cowards."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyy_IK6F8vl7jYdV3WA2MZHQLZk-7mdBG4RNQ7HCVeYFpw8JGWOEDaLj8k_wCwxCG6SU6XeYpPG1ezS95Fz3AbyzfunaT2YHogppPnm1c0yNO1KTfoir85uY73-56JsnGYnW49J5wXuRXNQZWHe8bmhoZwAF498ynq3AQCvMCKrtT1G4FkRwX8-gKLvM/s4000/IMG20240217135556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyy_IK6F8vl7jYdV3WA2MZHQLZk-7mdBG4RNQ7HCVeYFpw8JGWOEDaLj8k_wCwxCG6SU6XeYpPG1ezS95Fz3AbyzfunaT2YHogppPnm1c0yNO1KTfoir85uY73-56JsnGYnW49J5wXuRXNQZWHe8bmhoZwAF498ynq3AQCvMCKrtT1G4FkRwX8-gKLvM/w640-h480/IMG20240217135556.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>+Easy for you to say, when you're safely ensconced within a Titanic Knight suit,+ the Onager Dunecrawler Alpha-1 driver blurted matter-of-factly.</div><div><br /></div><div>"True," Sir Kanda conceded. He glanced down at 44-Kariya's severely damaged frame through his visual holo-screens in his Throne Mechanicum. "We've got to get the Marshal back to Archmagos Theta-Rho."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_r7At5BXftsTX5V4wbZUgk1L7Tz36mEaqbccPuxa8cqrTD0wOoDGr_8asAVz3dWiGVa63SniRqQGqIE7URTiFltEJlFYBneobWOlNgzbIsTp4i-vXgi3cz_8ad1Vummqq-tbopyyfFo_3pF5Y1thm4g5sYjSqXGHXLgdgTP7dkYf2t5O6P4THJ6dIWU/s4000/IMG20240217135618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_r7At5BXftsTX5V4wbZUgk1L7Tz36mEaqbccPuxa8cqrTD0wOoDGr_8asAVz3dWiGVa63SniRqQGqIE7URTiFltEJlFYBneobWOlNgzbIsTp4i-vXgi3cz_8ad1Vummqq-tbopyyfFo_3pF5Y1thm4g5sYjSqXGHXLgdgTP7dkYf2t5O6P4THJ6dIWU/w640-h480/IMG20240217135618.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>+Compliance. The Archmagos is already sending a medical-enginseer team down to recover the bodies and salvage whatever bionics they can.+</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCC-EIugjn892iK7Os0gAMz6UZ7ultAkeWKgOvFMShrkcCoezGfM8HVo5sKHab4_SvFslvn2MA5J7l5PwBZJNYuLw8xSVt9daY4sK6WOlOUW61bWrhlxSILoP-3F-bG92WzhyfKJkjssGYI2ifOA_j8toge9gUI6pFv3YckNfrbl2QorfOHWSJjCcyME/s4000/IMG20240217141416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCC-EIugjn892iK7Os0gAMz6UZ7ultAkeWKgOvFMShrkcCoezGfM8HVo5sKHab4_SvFslvn2MA5J7l5PwBZJNYuLw8xSVt9daY4sK6WOlOUW61bWrhlxSILoP-3F-bG92WzhyfKJkjssGYI2ifOA_j8toge9gUI6pFv3YckNfrbl2QorfOHWSJjCcyME/w640-h480/IMG20240217141416.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Shouldn't they be more concerned with saving the lives of the organic components of the Skitarii than the augmetics?</i> Sir Kanda wondered, but he shook his head when he realized how niave he sounded. Of course the cold, unfeeling priesthood of the Adeptus Mechanicus valued their machines and metal more than their men of flesh and blood. His hands tightened within his haptic gloves, but he stayed his tongue. Instead, he shifted his attention to the monotonously laboring servitors, who continued to harvest the blackstone uncomplainingly throughout the entire conflict.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxLDT4IpFZQg_tcr98n5WCd5b4y-iiJEQ05QCtC8TACQ9ZB1Ag1DOz4X3cyqG04s1YHa21Lrgw-FlkGwezbbIPfdcyqzYAH0WGEylkSOLILInw19vMbjPbBXM-iF1NzeSjwrpfC9RtjHKyJuoUoQG1A5fnImtWp-CCjlEX1w89542iRcg6Y-VXB8WqsI/s4000/IMG20240217141420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxLDT4IpFZQg_tcr98n5WCd5b4y-iiJEQ05QCtC8TACQ9ZB1Ag1DOz4X3cyqG04s1YHa21Lrgw-FlkGwezbbIPfdcyqzYAH0WGEylkSOLILInw19vMbjPbBXM-iF1NzeSjwrpfC9RtjHKyJuoUoQG1A5fnImtWp-CCjlEX1w89542iRcg6Y-VXB8WqsI/w640-h480/IMG20240217141420.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"Looks like we might meet our quota and even have some excess leftover for our own use," he remarked. Though, despite his words, he was certain it was for Theta-Rho's personal use, rather than for the Skitarii Hunter Cohort as a whole.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2W5eVYtXanPrIA6dj9-DLYsvFzhgyp1nMoYylNOsDSpy4sKj48JzYtAQCqsZfZWFlNnHK1O44PNONH4dfV03VM242sNFD-ssmh8jJ-4DFyBkZVSu1qFBzVYPIm-Q5-Z-VdCO-VGKYylXkxWjsv6-YLimKkDhQyCiw1woad-REz0KKpKAf521YnZkxqf8/s4000/IMG20240217142503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2W5eVYtXanPrIA6dj9-DLYsvFzhgyp1nMoYylNOsDSpy4sKj48JzYtAQCqsZfZWFlNnHK1O44PNONH4dfV03VM242sNFD-ssmh8jJ-4DFyBkZVSu1qFBzVYPIm-Q5-Z-VdCO-VGKYylXkxWjsv6-YLimKkDhQyCiw1woad-REz0KKpKAf521YnZkxqf8/w640-h480/IMG20240217142503.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>That said, he was aware that Archmagos Theta-Rho was a generous master, and he was more than willing to upgrade his military subordinates with all manner of archeotech and exotic weaponry. For such lethal improvements furthered the quest bestowed upon the Mechanicus by the Omnissiah, and further aided the tech-priest's own chances of survival.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUrBJKXZrak9-XW0k3cBn9BpkDdIbmKZS-IcwZlHFfLi3ddH6bIkDparg-tpnGfjVeiU8_FuMMdduqLiYByNA73z2lLdW-S0mN9R3OAfOW_8aHVt_pyBnPTADPKre4Zaljf5kJZcRljnANp0gUSRU8wJMET5NrSCBZ6Mjl8YJIWvMRvrwGiirGNL54kw/s4000/IMG20240217142506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUrBJKXZrak9-XW0k3cBn9BpkDdIbmKZS-IcwZlHFfLi3ddH6bIkDparg-tpnGfjVeiU8_FuMMdduqLiYByNA73z2lLdW-S0mN9R3OAfOW_8aHVt_pyBnPTADPKre4Zaljf5kJZcRljnANp0gUSRU8wJMET5NrSCBZ6Mjl8YJIWvMRvrwGiirGNL54kw/w640-h480/IMG20240217142506.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For now, Sir Kanda decided to exercise his right to remain silent and see how the Noctilith harvest in the Vertigus system would proceed. They were assisting Archmagos Belisarius Cawl, the Prime Conduit himself. There was no nobler purpose, no greater work than this.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWTOwkMD17-xHlAZRTDYB6dhTJaorw2tzQbGlwPLYuKdlY8EoIqXok6ndk-XaIewx6yKmvyRT_dpB88LwzVW-OAr2cA3xUWLZZj9LisLXV2XN4aPWy_VkMSdd7SldGBVpe0diOdt1OnqZR7_hqmLNFkeI0gT7fh5jGigpOhPuZkFEyExSrkKB2UyS8uk/s4000/IMG20240217143610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWTOwkMD17-xHlAZRTDYB6dhTJaorw2tzQbGlwPLYuKdlY8EoIqXok6ndk-XaIewx6yKmvyRT_dpB88LwzVW-OAr2cA3xUWLZZj9LisLXV2XN4aPWy_VkMSdd7SldGBVpe0diOdt1OnqZR7_hqmLNFkeI0gT7fh5jGigpOhPuZkFEyExSrkKB2UyS8uk/w640-h480/IMG20240217143610.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Imperium would drive the Necrons out of the Nephilim Sector...and then they would close the Great Rift forever.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L3E7z3F_bNEUQoAAZywfmXRikPslIf6Fv3iF1a7GxU-aTRlHrpBoMgLuPl7NNpKoEEbkXog4_GFxAZ8v5p75fYFTyOC1sS02ifQjuCh82CFEWRzvhiGtxU-IXQ8KI-IYqJ-cu7kPa-0ZNKQz9bUXdzuv-hAuQEQE4dFMoRcwYcKpdlq7NoH2jPaeeSg/s4000/IMG20240217143624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L3E7z3F_bNEUQoAAZywfmXRikPslIf6Fv3iF1a7GxU-aTRlHrpBoMgLuPl7NNpKoEEbkXog4_GFxAZ8v5p75fYFTyOC1sS02ifQjuCh82CFEWRzvhiGtxU-IXQ8KI-IYqJ-cu7kPa-0ZNKQz9bUXdzuv-hAuQEQE4dFMoRcwYcKpdlq7NoH2jPaeeSg/w640-h480/IMG20240217143624.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-72148848105144346212024-02-17T05:08:00.001-06:002024-02-17T05:08:21.144-06:00New Armigers<p> I managed to get a second pair of Armigers, but this time they're the "standard" Armigers instead of the Moirax variants. A single Warglaive and a single Helverin, to give my Mechanicus Knight house variety, I suppose. I might just out the House Taranis transfers on them, but we'll see. For now, I'm glad I have them assembled, and I hope I'll be able to paint them...soonish.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Q67DipN2_0GPphXmisrszbeER0ppsdrim3iaPOIrF5X1BwUDyrvHrV6_WvbteZR5neWjQi9OJ5d2MTniL7ucGUuaEruv4Y2aZxifezpPUR2L4RrROOFcKV2ycQv1XEIdwbDv1PM8tatrqZt8WHVxDo03QFOTrV4KrIh8vulSclHEFzArtacF9iTsSZk/s4000/17081680191355181729747630686453.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Q67DipN2_0GPphXmisrszbeER0ppsdrim3iaPOIrF5X1BwUDyrvHrV6_WvbteZR5neWjQi9OJ5d2MTniL7ucGUuaEruv4Y2aZxifezpPUR2L4RrROOFcKV2ycQv1XEIdwbDv1PM8tatrqZt8WHVxDo03QFOTrV4KrIh8vulSclHEFzArtacF9iTsSZk/w640-h480/17081680191355181729747630686453.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Hopefully, I'll get a Crusade game or two played later today, and I'll make sure to write the battle report then! In story format, as usual. Till then!</p>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-32083764556738591602024-02-13T04:28:00.023-06:002024-02-13T05:10:32.509-06:00The End and the Death Volume III SpoilersI'm going to write up an extensive spoiler summary for <i>The End and the Death Volume III</i> even though there's already videos and stuff out on it. But, I feel like since I've done a spoiler post for volume II, I should post one for volume III, for posterity or something. Also, might provide a few details that the other spoiler summaries missed out.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9oLG4Wz7O0QpSjR8FNU36rguWTobTc4E8UhYdZB7Y-kiytmAYniBwQdNz1pFIg92fEwY8RdfzOo8P7rYTj_QeBqPikMKu0b0NLA-yHsYcOOybMeRQDdIHR2FZG5Y_LB1jFM5EAuLy8-3tiHC7lZ8Homg0W9sFRbOS1MOgRyYJTnG6kZBZ6CsUzTvhBjo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9oLG4Wz7O0QpSjR8FNU36rguWTobTc4E8UhYdZB7Y-kiytmAYniBwQdNz1pFIg92fEwY8RdfzOo8P7rYTj_QeBqPikMKu0b0NLA-yHsYcOOybMeRQDdIHR2FZG5Y_LB1jFM5EAuLy8-3tiHC7lZ8Homg0W9sFRbOS1MOgRyYJTnG6kZBZ6CsUzTvhBjo=w507-h640" width="507" /></a></div><br />Roboute Guilliman's fleet is out in the void, trying to find Terra, but can't. Instead, the Mistress of Sensoria finds a contact in the space of emptiness surrounding where Terra is supposed to be, and it's the <i>Vengeful Spirit</i>. Except that the contacts increase, and suddenly there's like sixty thousand <i>Vengeful Spirits</i> in there - apparently representing how the Glorianna class ship has melded with time and space and is Everything, Everywhere, All At Once.</div><div><br /></div><div>Perturabo's fleet is still in the solar realm, the IV Legion leaving Terra. Perturabo throws a tantrum, smashes his command throne and room like a salty Call of Duty gamer after losing a ranked match, and refuses to return to Horus Lupercal and beg for forgiveness in the wake of victory. He knows Horus will kill him for leaving in the middle of the siege, regardless, so he might as well fight to the bitter end. There's also hints that he'll become a daemon primarch later, for he has done the calculations or analysis of data and seen what is necessary to turn himself into a perfect weapon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lorgar is...on a planet called Yssimae, fourteen months away from Terra, brainwashing the population into his cult. He learns that Sanguinius is dead through divinations and omens, and that the Emperor will die that day. Then he murders all of the Yssm as ritual sacrifice.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Blood Angels go mad and fall to the Black Rage. They basically massacre traitors and loyalists alike, turning certain defeats into sudden routs of the stunned enemies. Fafnir Rann is attacked by Azkaellon, fallen to the madness.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rogal Dorn meets Actae, who is now in Katt's body, and frees her from the rubble. She tells him that Sanguinius is dead, and he asks her to call for help, giving her a seal of his Praetorian office. They part ways.</div><div><br /></div><div>Basilio Fo has finished the Terminus Device bioweapon, and tries to escape, slitting Zaranchek Xanthus's throat while at it when Andromeda-17 runs to inform Amon Tauromachian.</div><div><br /></div><div>Constantin Valdor and his Custodians are now in the thick of combat with the Sons of Horus. Hellas Sycar stabs him. Even though the Custodians and the XVI Legion Astartes are currently in a stalemate, Ezekyle Abaddon knows his Justaerin won't hold them for long, and the evil Erebus tells him to use the powers of the warp.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr5s6QdWUJl2DDfMOsemuPcD-ElhtNE1De66uvNq2V6NBl744LL2grMTHrARvxlRee9y2dkZQdWVOk8oVVDNkpKpEfqmpHgN1kueQDm6uxw5PdO8kCNL3NjVSzj4gqZi18saUlzzMrW0UuJqP5bVSBHtyvDi8-5t5yMXj-fH6Rlbk2kEvZFpbkVMnJg9w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr5s6QdWUJl2DDfMOsemuPcD-ElhtNE1De66uvNq2V6NBl744LL2grMTHrARvxlRee9y2dkZQdWVOk8oVVDNkpKpEfqmpHgN1kueQDm6uxw5PdO8kCNL3NjVSzj4gqZi18saUlzzMrW0UuJqP5bVSBHtyvDi8-5t5yMXj-fH6Rlbk2kEvZFpbkVMnJg9w=w453-h640" width="453" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Caecaltus Dusk, Garviel Loken and Leetu follow the Emperor through a realm of Chaos, slaying a titan sized Nurgle greater daemon on their way there (to display the Emperor's strength, I bet). They run into a company of Word Bearers - 100 strong, with some Cataphractii and several Leviathan siege Dreadnoughts in the mix - and the Emperor smites them all in a bloody instant with force lightning. Literally. They move into the pryamid thing the Word Bearers were guarding and finally enter the <i>Vengeful Spirit</i> and the Lupercal Court. They find Sanguinius's corpse, and...Horus steps out to greet his father.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oll Persson and John Grammaticus are tying the knots to guide the Long Companions to the <i>Vengeful Spirit</i> (and the Emperor) eventually, to make time go full circle, and Oll teaches John the knots that Hebet did - he was the one who taught the wolf noose to Hebet in the first place, and he teaches John the method. Then, when trying to find their way and complaining that their compass and torquetum are broken...John finds out that it wasn't when he pulls it out. Oll realizes that when the Emperor healed them, He fixed everything, and so the athame was somehow restored too. He realizes they need to go back and hand the athame to the Emperor.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fafnir Rann is still defending himself from Azkaellon, but can't bring himself to kill him. Fortunately, Zephon the Bringer of Sorrow saves him, and because he has been in pain for so long, and his reconstructed body (thanks to Arkhan Land), he is the sole Blood Angel who escaped the madness. However, he knows that Sanguinius is dead, and his father's death has caused all of his brothers to go mad from rage and grief.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sigismund and his Seconds fight the Death Guard, breaking into four cohorts to meet the numerically superior enemy head on. Euphrati Keeler and the civilians remain behind the charge, while Sigismund seeks out the commander, Skulidas Gehrerg.</div><div><br /></div><div>Horus speaks to his father, but the Emperor ignores him, instead addressing the four Chaos Gods, to Horus's annoyance. Caecaltus speaks for the Emperor and demands Horus's surrender, pissing him off even more. He is shaken when he sees Garviel Loken, his favorite son, come to fight him while being at the Emperor's side. Then he attacks the Emperor when he realizes his father has been ignoring him all this time and speaking to the Chaos Gods, not interested in Horus at all.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oll contacts Actae through telepathy, and convinces her to teleport him and John directly to the Emperor's side. She can't find the Emperor, but she can detect the shadow that is Horus, and so teleports them there when Oll begs her to - because he knows that's where the Emperor would be. She is then found by the Hort Lupercali - the mortal men and women, the traitor Solar Auxilia or Excertus who swore allegiance to the Warmaster - the Merudin 20th, and is forced to flee.</div><div><br /></div><div>Constantin punches Sycar, and though the Justaerin have the advantage, for Valdor is presently alone (well, with Proconsul Hykanatoi Ludovicus at his side), they suddenly retreat because of Abaddon's orders. Three more Custodians show up, and they know it's a trap, but they proceed anyway because they are Custodians and therefore the most badass of badasses. They find Abaddon and friends waiting for them, and though Constantin attacks, Abaddon is able to stop his spear.</div><div><br /></div><div>At that moment, the knowledge of the next ten thousand years flows into Constantin's mind and he realizes that Abaddon is the Despoiler. He lets go of his spear, surprising even Ezekyle, and they are about to fight again when Erebeus shows up and does warp magic things to turn gravity and the laws of physics against the Custodians, hurling them about. While they are helpless, without footing and clinging to the walls, the XVI Legion basically walk on walls, unaffected by gravity thanks to warp magic, and kills the Custodians one by one. Before Abaddon can get to the hapless Constantin, though, he falls off.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sigismund kills Skulidas Gehrerg in a duel, but instead of breaking, the Death Guard continue attacking and slowly annihilating Sigismund's Seconds. They are like a hive or swarm of flies, not caring about leaders. Fortunately, Euphrati Keeler and the civilians join the battle, marching into the guns of the Death Guard. Even though they aren't exactly being hurt, they are confused and rendered indecisive about the civilians' lack of fear and heedless of their own deaths. As the mass of civilians march toward them, despite the calamitous death toll (well, there's a million of them or maybe even three million?), the Death Guard - mystified by the sudden turn of events - retreat to process the sudden turn of events. Sigismund and his Seconds take advantage of the lull to kill as many Death Guard as possible, but the XIV Legion escape to a gorge, only for them to be caught between Sigismund's Seconds and the I Legion, the Dark Angels emerging to slaughter the Death Guard. Tragan shows up, yay. Remember Tragan? Captain of the Ninth Order?</div><div><br /></div><div>Actae runs from the Merudin and is saved by Marshal Aldana Agathe and the Antioch Miles Vesperi and the 403rd Exigency Stratiotes, and she has decided to call herself Katerina Moriana because she's now Cyrene Valantion aka Actae occupying Katt's body. They...uh, are fused together, because Katt's mind is dead while Actae has no body, so they exist in this weird symbiosis thing. Anyway, there are hints that she's the same Moriana who will show up to advise Abaddon later as his seer. Anyway, Moriana attempts to recruit Agathe to help Rogal Dorn save the Emperor.</div><div><br /></div><div>Amon tells Andromeda-17 that they can't extract, especially because Traitor Excertus is assaulting Malcador's Retreat. Fortunately, the Sigillite's Retreat is full of big guns and blows holes in the approaching infantry. Amon orders Andromeda-17 to activate the Terminus weapon because he believes all is lost. So she runs back to talk to Basilio Fo, only to find a wounded Xanthus-who-is-not-Xanthus (but the twist is for later). She pursues the escaping Basilio.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, Amon kills traitor Astartes with Adrathics and Excertus infantry with lascannons and quad-cannons. He notices a small group running away from a Hort Lupercali warband and is about to shoot them when he realizes they aren't hostiles. He instead targets the Lupercali formation and saves the smaller party, who run past the shields (which Amon switches off for a second), and is revealed to be Ios Raja and Khalid Hassan, along with a White Scar, Kumo, and two Sisters of Silence, Ire and Ridhi. The Blood Angel went mad and they had to put him down earlier. Anyway, Khalid and Amon hurry after Andromeda-17, who is killed by Basilio. Khalid has to countermand Amon's order to activate the Terminus weapon because Vulkan orders it brought back to the throne room, so the Custodians concede to the XVIII Primarch's order. Raja, Kumo, Ire and Ridhi hold the bridge to the Retreat, Khalid comes across the wounded Zaranchek Xanthus, and Amon kills Basilio.</div><div><br /></div><div>Presumably, they all escape on a secret shuttle.</div><div><br /></div><div>Vulkan decides to activate his Talisman and destroy the Palace.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Emperor falls when Horus attacks him, so Caecaltus, Garviel and Leetu attack Horus, distracting him long enough for the Emperor to recover and counterattack, as well as protect Garviel and Leetu from Horus's psychic attack. They clash.</div><div><br /></div><div>Constantin gets up after falling, having been badly injured. Diocletian Coros and four other Custodians are the only ones left of his force, unfortunately. They are about to make their last stand when the XVI Legion descends upon them when Rogal Dorn shows up and smashes the Sons of Horus with a steel chair...ahem, with Diamantis's power sword. Even though the VII Primarch massacred a lot of Sons of Horus, there's still so many of them remaining.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then Raldoron and over fifty of the Blood Angels descend, hacking apart the Sons of Horus from behind.</div><div><br /></div><div>Though the conflict intensifies, they are all blown away from each other by a storm, but somehow Rogal and Constantin stick together like the bros they are and run toward the direction of the Emperor.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Dark Angels aren't happy about bringing the civilians under Sigismund (and Euphrati) into the Hollow Mountain because they are so many, and the Dark Angels are being besieged by Typhus and the Death Guard. Corswain shows up to speak to Sigismund, who pledges himself and his Seconds to the Lord seneschal's command.</div><div><br /></div><div>Zahariel/Cypher isn't happy about Euphrati and the refugees flooding the Hollow Mountain because it disrupts his and the Dark Angels Librarians' work to relight the Astronomican. Fortunately, Euphrati calls Nemo Zhi-Meng over, and introduces him as the choirmaster of the Astra Telepathica. Zahariel thus realizes just how invaluable his expertise is in his and the Librarians' work.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Death Guard attacks, and the Dark Angels and Sigismund's Seconds stand ready to repel them. The civilians are back to being frightened, but Euphrati leads them in prayer by reciting verses from the Lectitio. Zahariel notices the psychic confluence and realizes that their faith and emotions are helping boost the psychic beacon, and requests Euphrati to continue doing whatever it is that she's doing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Malcador panics when he sees Vulkan about to activate the Talisman, and he begs him to wait a bit more, but his voice doesn't reach the XVIII Primarch.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Emperor and Horus clash at speeds and strength too powerful for the three companions to intervene or help. They get blown away, with poor Caecaltus unable to get near. Leetu ends up protecting Sanguinius's body from daemons. Garviel finds himself in an empty Throne Room and has to make his way back to the Lupercal Court.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their battle doesn't just take place in the physical realm, but they are transported all across the galaxy, from Cthonia to Molech. It eventually turns into a psychic duel where the Emperor uses His Tarot card deck to manifest His powers. I know Valrak or somebody claims that it's a Magic: The Gathering card fight, but it's more than that. Psychic powers manifest through imagination, through symbols and rituals. The Emperor's Tarot Card deck is how He visualizes and manifests His vast psychic powers, making use of signs and symbols to turn something immaterial and intangible into material and physical.</div><div><br /></div><div>Horus plays the same game, creating his own deck to defeat the Emperor's. And defeat the Emperor he does, smacking His face with Worldbreaker. Ouch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ahzek Ahriman continues shuffling the deck and getting the same reading - the Daemon. Kyril Sindermann, despite his fear, is curious, and asks Ahzek a lot of questions. He explains how daemons are born - daemons aren't actually born but created. They are vibrations of the immaterium, a small part of the eternal whole suddenly given form and focus as a response to a negative event, such as deaths and massacres and murders. However, time means nothing to a daemon, so even if there's a later traumatic event that creates it, it can still somehow exist in the past because they exist throughout all of time, not just in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry if that makes no sense, but I'll try to explain it better. Simply put, as long as a daemon is created, whether it is in the past, present or future, it doesn't matter - it'll exist throughout all time. So even if you have a daemon created by a future murder, it can still exist and do things in the past.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I'm pretty sure Ahzek's reading is about Samus...</div><div><br /></div><div>Constantin is injured, but he continues walking, refusing Rogal's help. They continue on, and Constantin assures Rogal that Diocletian Coros and his other men will follow if they have survived. They see a part of the <i>Vengeful Spirit</i> and head there. Constantin admits to Rogal that he likes Sanguinius and is sad that he's dead. They run into a Khorne greater daemon, and the two work together to defeat it, with Constantin's spear piercing it and him learning its name or something. They continue forward, determined to kill Horus. Constantin offers to kill Horus in Rogal's stead, and the VII Primarch says let's see who gets there first.</div><div><br /></div><div>Moriana tries to get Agathe's help, even as Mikhail and his men from the 403rd Exigency Stratiotes drive off the Merudin 20th. Agathe leads Moriana into the blackstone prison, and explains to her that the 3,000 men under her - aside from the Antioch Miles Vesperi and the scratch company of the 403rd Exigency Stratiotes - are mostly auxiliaries, gun crews, loaders...basically, they are an artillery unit. They suck at infantry stuff, but have lots of field guns. So they're pretty much stuck in their current position, shelling the traitor Excertus with their artillery.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately, Moriana has uses for the blackstone, or noctilith, which is psychoreactive. She uses it to amplifies her psychic powers and transmits a message. <i>"The Emperor must live."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Horus drags the Emperor to the thrones. Leetu drives away the last of the daemons trying to eat Sanguinius and tries to save the Emperor, to no avail. Garviel leaves the throne room and attempts to find his way, only to run into some temple precint where he took his first oath to join the Mournival, and three centaurs (or Sagittary) show up to try and kill him. The daemons urge Horus to kill the Emperor, but he orders them to stop telling him what to do. Caecaltus, as he struggles to get back to where the Emperor and Horus are, hears the voice, <i>"The Emperor must live."</i> Meanwhile, right when Horus is about to deposit the Emperor onto the throne, he realizes to his horror that his father has been stealing a miniscule amount of power from him to use it against him, and blasts him away.</div><div><br /></div><div>That pisses him off. They fight for a bit more, Horus regains the advantage and bashes Him around a bit before stabbing His throat. He drags his father back to the throne again and begins staking Him with the sigil stars that He threw at him earlier. Caecaltus finally reaches them and stands between Horus and his King of Ages.</div><div><br /></div><div>"By His will alone! I defy you."</div><div><br /></div><div>While Horus is distracted by Caecaltus Dusk, Leetu sneaks to the throne and yanks out the stars. Horus blasts Caecultus with warp magic, but he survives the first round thanks to Malcador's sigil on his breastplate. Horus is infuriated and recites all 610 parts of Caecaltus's name and finally obliterates him with a <i>second</i> blast. Even the sigil can't withstand it this time. Leetu is almost about to free the Emperor when Horus shows up. He realizes that Leetu is Erda's Space Marine and informs him that Erebus has already killed her, then tosses him to the four Chaos Gods. One of them gazes down on him in difference, and Leetu knows there's no point in screaming.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Death Guard assault the Hollow Mountain, but the Dark Angels and Sigismund's Seconds are holding strong. Euphrati Keeler and Zahariel hear the psychic message, <i>"The Emperor must live." </i>And she begins reciting the prayer to the masses over and over again, to focus the psychic resonance and reactivate the beacon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Horus returns to putting the weird Chaos crown on his father's head, but the Emperor - thanks to Leetu's efforts - has freed Himself and counterattacks. Another beatdown resumes, where the Horus pummels the Emperor. He then proceeds to lift his father to drag Him back to the throne <i>again</i>, only for Him to ram the crown of thorns into Horus's face and split open his skull. Nice.</div><div><br /></div><div>Garviel kills the centaurs. 'nuff said.</div><div><br /></div><div>Vulkan, thanks to the Sister of Silence, Casryn, hears the voice. <i>"The Emperor must live."</i> Thanks to that, he realizes his father is still alive and victory might be possible, and he holds off activating the Talisman of Seven Hammers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to Moriana's message, defiance is ignited anew in the defenders' hearts and they succeed in throwing back the waves of Traitors for a time. Fafnir Rann and Zephon fight on Hasgard, Archamus and the War Court in Hegemon continue plotting strategies to counter the traitors. Agathe rallies her men and artillery to blow the approaching traitor Excertus to kingdom come. The Emperor Himself has been reinvigorated somewhat and that's why He was able to smash the crown into Horus's face.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's not enough. Horus is immortal and he regenerates his face and reknits his skull. They fight again, and though the Emperor is fatigued, He does not give up. Horus lets Him attack, and he heals himself every single time, to show his father the futility of it all. Eventually, Horus hurls the thrones at Him (he only needs one) and buries Him under broken debris. Ailing and sapped of power, the Emperor finally succumbs. Before Horus can stride over and finish him off, though, Oll Persson and John Grammaticus choose that moment to make a dramatic appearance, stumbling out of a portal and right in his path.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both Oll and John freeze in horror when they see Horus, but John utters a word of Eunica that he learned from Oll's memory in Hatay-Antakya when the tower at Babilin fell. You know, that scene in <i>Mortis</i> by John French? Anyway, that blows Horus away - literally. Oll tells John to pick something sharp up and go, to tie all the threads, while he stands at the Emperor's side. John is reluctant, but finally complies and leaves, while Oll begs the Emperor to stand back up while placing the athame in His hand. Horus takes a while to recover, but when he does, Oll stands between him and the Emperor like the badass Guardsman he is, firing his lasrifle on full-auto. Horus...kills him, but it does delay him long enough for Garviel to show up and distract him further.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGz6oM1UwRD7h2m7uAeaxuMJOKXZ_Usdk9rqdr_4F4ElGG9Ya2sfM-2pI8qdmWdJKqtbT_hQ04KAnh4oU-2TIskhnPcxVxlXOA0dxgsRn1ivHKyvJEh-_o6eEY3lsjj53wVO7zN4Qnb_66S41Np0r-qujcWQfrXV0pn5c8pGu9jiQYWrMENMy0d9umb88" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="539" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGz6oM1UwRD7h2m7uAeaxuMJOKXZ_Usdk9rqdr_4F4ElGG9Ya2sfM-2pI8qdmWdJKqtbT_hQ04KAnh4oU-2TIskhnPcxVxlXOA0dxgsRn1ivHKyvJEh-_o6eEY3lsjj53wVO7zN4Qnb_66S41Np0r-qujcWQfrXV0pn5c8pGu9jiQYWrMENMy0d9umb88=w451-h640" width="451" /></a></div><br />Corswain, the Dark Angels, Sigismund, his Seconds, and the Loyalists hold off the Death Guard for a few more moments, but Typhus and his champions show up, and not even Sigismund and his black blade can defeat a being so empowered by Nurgle and the warp. Sigismund challenges him anyway, and ventures forward for what appears to be his last duel.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Dark Angels Librarians and Zhi-Meng detect interference from Typhus's presence, even though they work hard to amplify the psychic energy from the worshipping civilians that Euphrati has stirred into a frenzy. Katsuhiro informs them that fear weakens their faith and breaks their focus. Zahariel understands what must be done, and he and two of the Librarians leave the place to confront Typhus and his host of psykers - even if they can only disrupt them for a few seconds, that's all they need. The eight seconds. Zhi-Meng returns to Euphrati to inform her, and they do the worship thing. Meanwhile, Zahariel and his Librarians merge their powers to disrupt the Death Guard's psychic stuff.</div><div><br /></div><div>Garviel shows up right when Horus is dragging the Emperor's body halfway to the throne (told you Oll Persson bought enough time), and tries to convince him to stop. He fails.</div><div><br /></div><div>The psykanic energy flares for the eight seconds that Zahariel and his Librarians bought Euphrati and her fellow worshippers, their faith coalsecing into psychic power strong enough to break the Chaotic harmony of Typhus's bone-song. A lot of people die, their lives sacrificed to fuel the psychic beacon, but its power is unmistakable. The Death Guard is annihilated, including Typhus, who I assume is banished into the warp. The Hollow Mountain's defenders aren't spared either, with many of them swept away, crushed by ice, shredded by wind, burned by the light or buried. Fortunately, a few hold on and survive, including Corswain and Sigismund. Zahariel El'Zuria is wounded, his torso sliced open, but he presumably survives, unlike Tanderion. I don't know about Asradael, who lost both his legs.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGHb934ivRw_U7zUuwYh4IQ0bf5_w6XYhcr6HEdmwP3bRb96A38nAeKp49xoUi_uF852y2q7A0hBmW5vvt5kyb-Qh9PpI9f2a9undSGDcaLLyREQoRRQlFDrU0opxPwvvII21equn0fsaDqi046i5c0Bt5wF-Ng7Z3St1ag79OK5AMsldYQO9ciZcORdg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="537" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGHb934ivRw_U7zUuwYh4IQ0bf5_w6XYhcr6HEdmwP3bRb96A38nAeKp49xoUi_uF852y2q7A0hBmW5vvt5kyb-Qh9PpI9f2a9undSGDcaLLyREQoRRQlFDrU0opxPwvvII21equn0fsaDqi046i5c0Bt5wF-Ng7Z3St1ag79OK5AMsldYQO9ciZcORdg=w453-h640" width="453" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Fafnir and Zephon see the light. Sandrine Icaro and her staff at Hegemon too, and she orders the shutters open. Six traitor ships are caught and obliterated, and a dozen others have their circuits fried. Aboard the <i>Phalanx</i>, Admiral Niora Su-Kassen and Huscarl Halbract also see the light, and they command Battlefleet Solar back to Terra for the final naval battle. Roboute Guilliman also sees the light, along with his staff, and he orders his Retribution fleet to sail for Terra, using the beacon to guide his ships in.</div><div><br /></div><div>Horus also sees the light (not metaphorically, I mean literally), but he dismisses it as one of his father's last tricks, a last-ditch effort that is ultimately futile, and he proceeds to deliver the finishing blow. Swinging <i>Worldbreaker</i>, he crushes the Emperor's skull.</div><div><br /></div><div>Garviel is horrified, but he persuades Horus to cast off his power this time. Horus, like earlier, is about to dismiss him, but he keeps hearing the voices in his head. The voices sort of drive him mad, and he's annoyed enough to listen to "Garviel" and discard the powers the Four have invested in him. Then he finally hears what the whispers are.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>"The Emperor must live."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Too late, Horus realizes that he has been played like a fiddle. The headless corpse of the Emperor crumbles away, and "Garviel" who has been persuading him was the Emperor. Horus attempts to draw the power back to him, but the Old Four are slow in returning the powers back to him because they want to reprimand him for spurning their generous gifts. They change their mind when they see the Emperor produce the athame that Oll Persson has handed to Him, and begin rushing to return him back to their tool, but they are too late. Horus finally sees the truth, that he is nothing more than a vessel for them, an instrument for their malicious wills, a slave to their darkness, and he begs his father for mercy. To kill him.</div><div><br /></div><div>So it's literally as Sigismund said.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>"You'll die as your weakling father died. Soulless. Honorless. Weeping. Ashamed."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Huh. Awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, the Emperor says, +I wait for you and I forgive you.+ Then He drives the athame into Horus's heart and kills him. I see people claiming, "this is different from the original lore! The Emperor is supposed to kill Horus with a psychic blast and obliterate his soul! Doesn't this mean Horus Lupercal might return in the future?!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Hell, no. Horus is dead for sure. And it <i>was</i> most definitely a psychic attack, channeled through the athame.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>And through that blade, the Emperor channels the full force of His will.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The sublime power, a psychic blast of profound magnitude, courses down the ancient blade like lightning conducting through a metal rod. The fireball flash of its strike is brighter than all creation.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>...there is no blood. The athame is sharp, sharp enough to cut space. Sharp enough to slice reality. It has waited a long, long time for this, from the original killing that made it, and stained it with the shadow of all murder, to this, the eighth death that it was promised.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Yeah, it's pretty final, <i>and</i> it was also a psychic blast. Dan Abnett made sure to stay true to the material. So don't let the clickbaiters trick you with their whining about how "it's different from the original! It's supposed to be a psychic blast!" Yeah, well...the Emperor uses the anathame as a force weapon, so it still counts as using Force (or psychic) to kill Horus and obliterate his soul. There's a finality in the prose, so please don't expect Horus Lupercal to come back to life or something. Unless you count his clones, which Ezekyle Abaddon kills anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div>Horus dies, reduced to nothing more than a skeleton.</div><div><br /></div><div>The world, the universe, Terra returns to normal, the warp abruptly yanked out and sucked back into the immaterium. Obviously, this has disastrous consequences, and as the material universe struggles to recover from the sudden...uh, void in space-time fabric as everything shifts and tries to return to normal, plenty of people die or go missing, and lots of catastrophic damage is wrought across the groaning landscapes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ahzek is pretty upset when time resumes because the books have stopped...uh, bleeding. He's disappointed because he came here to learn, and now he's out of time and has to leave. He blames Kyril Sindermann, Hellick Mauer and the archivist for wasting his time with their questions and distracting him from his studies, and despite his rage, he doesn't kill them. He leaves them be.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nassir Amit and the rest of the Blood Angels recover from their madness. Odi Sartak is wary of Amit, understandably enough, but along with a bunch of other Loyalists, they counterattack and massacre the suddenly frozen and indecisive Traitors. The traitors have stopped when Horus died, and they begin fleeing, pursued by vengeful Loyalists, who chase them all the way back to their landing sites and killing them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maximus Thane is one of them who survives, and he and a thousand others - Excertus, Auxilia, Old Hundred, Loyalist Legionnaires - run after the retreating Sons of Horus.</div><div><br /></div><div>Clain Pent, Fifth Disciple of Nul, is dead. Dark Mechanicum are...defeated. Eyet-One-Tag and a Skitarius named Ultr-5V are butchered by now-sane Blood Angels.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fafnir and the surviving Blood Angels, Imperial Fists and White Scars are about to pursue the Sons of Horus, but Fafnir grabs a standard and holds it aloft. "For the Emperor!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Rogal and Constantin finally reach the Lupercal Court. Before they enter, Diocletian and three other Custodians show up, having survived and caught up with the two. They enter the chamber and see the bodies of the Emperor, Sanguinius and Horus, with Garviel kneeling beside the Master of Mankind.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Blood Angels also show up - Raldoron and friends - and while the Custodians are on guard, Rogal assures them that the Blood Angels have recovered their sanity, and instructs them to see to their father's body. Leetu has survived, the Old Four probably not interested in him at all, and makes his way to them. While they find a way to get a teleport lock on their location, Leetu picks up the tarot cards that the Emperor used in His duel against Horus. Constantin scoffs at the idea, but Rogal has seen their effectiveness, especially since both his father and Malcador put stock in them. Leetu reveals the Throne card, and Rogal and Constantin interprets that as the Emperor wanting them to put Him back on the Golden Throne. They also find the Revelation card next to Caecaltus's body, and Rogal remembers the sigil that Malcador left on his breastplate. That's where they finally find a signal lock, and they are teleported back to the palace, with both the Emperor and Sanguinius's body. Oh, Leetu also tells Rogal about Ferrus Manus's skull, and Rogal collects it from the infernal shrine, not wanting to leave his brother's head on the <i>Vengeful Spirit</i>. Only Garviel remains, desiring to see his father off to the very end.</div><div><br /></div><div>A psychic figment of Malcador remains long enough to see his friend's body brought back and put onto the throne. Rogal and Vulkan take Macaldor's burned out body from the Throne and Constantin and the Custodians put the Emperor there. There's a few lines of Malcador that imply that Rogal is next in succession for ruling the Imperium in the Emperor's stead.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>I hope you have seen enough, Rogal. I hope you have seen enough to learn, you, the master planner.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>So it's kind of funny that Roboute takes over the running of the Imperium instead of Rogal. I mean, he was always the master of logistics, but Malcador makes it clear that Rogal would have been preferred as the next, uh, ruler (for lack of a better word) or leader than Roboute.</div><div><br /></div><div>Katerina Moriana is telling the Imperial Army soldiers under Marshal Agathe about the story of Ollanius, a lone guardsman who stood by the Emperor's side and kept Horus at bay for a few seconds to buy Him the time to win. Which, ironically, is true. Agathe is concerned about her men, because the 403 Exigency Stratiotes are mostly convicts and not "real soldiers." Fortunately, they plan to have all records regarding this unit be "lost," and since Katerina bears the authority of the Praetorian's seal, she can vouch for them as real soldiers. Because that's what they are. It's not like Rogal will refuse, because he'll need all the good men he can get for the coming years to rebuild and for the Scouring.</div><div><br /></div><div>Admiral Su-Kassen and Roboute Guilliman's avenging fleets descend and basically wipe out the traitor fleets. Sandrine Icaro and her War Court commence a war of repulsion and execution from the Hegemon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ezekyle Abaddon, Hellas Sycar and Baraxa come across Garviel Loken. Hellas and Baraxa want to kill Garviel, but neither Garviel nor Ezekyle wants to fight. Garviel tries to convince them that he'll speak to Rogal on the XVI Legion's behalf, for clemency, but Ezekyle knows that there's no going back from this, no forgiveness, no turning back. Erebus stabs Garviel from behind to complete the circle and create Samus.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq6GGGSHJ1312A-fdc68IX8UE3CvtyJdfpf7xrQC7L6Gi3z7aDuiKZoh-WgFwNlnwgjYx6GMj2z7OxLMPEdDC8lfCj-8utd9IMbKEDYv26nW5NNu_iSxjMmRNrFY3g0YKHRfBYuYK4WSydjsuMw-PZPFUvnpT5Sg-9qD5X5JFaoWchc3hRgxWa8yKI3qg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="538" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq6GGGSHJ1312A-fdc68IX8UE3CvtyJdfpf7xrQC7L6Gi3z7aDuiKZoh-WgFwNlnwgjYx6GMj2z7OxLMPEdDC8lfCj-8utd9IMbKEDYv26nW5NNu_iSxjMmRNrFY3g0YKHRfBYuYK4WSydjsuMw-PZPFUvnpT5Sg-9qD5X5JFaoWchc3hRgxWa8yKI3qg=w453-h640" width="453" /></a></div><br />A simple funeral is held for Sanguinius, but there's so many dead, not all will be remembered and recorded.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kyril Sindermann and Mauer are about to leave the library to contact the Hegemon. The archivist stays behind to look after the books - turns out that she's Lilean Chase. Astute readers will remember that she's a senior member of the Cognitae in the Eisenhorn, Ravenor and Bequin series.</div><div><br /></div><div>Constantin ponders on what to do with the visions his spear has shown him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Leetu has incorporated the Tarot cards on the <i>Vengeful Spirit</i> into his deck and he draws <i>The Revenger</i> for some reason. For now, he'll just cooperate with the Praetorian's interrogations, though he's not restrained.</div><div><br /></div><div>Zaranchek Xanthus turns out to be a clone, with the original killed and burned. Turns out that he has Basilio Fo's memories or personality. Yikes. He grabs his notebooks. Also, astute readers will once again recognize Zaranchek Xanthus as the radical Inquisitor who formed the faction of Xanthites. The Inquisitorial faction who inists on using warp-based weaponry, daemonhosts and daemon weapons against Chaos enemies, using the warp against the warp.</div><div><br /></div><div>John Grammaticus has traveled back in time to tie the knots, using Sanguinius's feather to open portals through time and space, and his torquetum to lead the way for him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ezekyle tries to get the <i>Vengeful Spirit </i>repaired to flee the avenging fleets, and is just able to raise the shields right before the Glorianna class vessel is attacked by five ships from the Saturnine fleet. Argonis is still alive, by the way. The Sons of Horus are suffering from withdrawal syndromes, having supped from the poisoned cup of the warp and tasted the sweetness of Chaos powers - even Ezekyle feels hollow and wants the powers back, and he hates himself for it. Erebus continues to tempt them, assuring them that he'll teach them how to manage the pain, and to regain the Chaos powers. But now they must first survive and escape.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sigismund leads Euphrati to the inner sanctum of the Palace. Less than 20% of the Pilgrims left the Hollow Mountain alive, and the survivors have been changed (probably enlightened or more faithful). I assume Katsuhiro also survives because he wasn't mentioned among the dead. She stops by a statue of the Emperor, a place where Sigismund can't lead her further, and raises her hands in worship. Imperial Cult and zealous Black Templars, yeah.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that's all the spoilers for <i>The End and the Death Volume III</i>!</div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-25397877250733258232024-02-12T02:24:00.002-06:002024-02-12T02:24:57.806-06:00Painted Armiger Moirax I painted my two new Armiger Moirax today! Phew. That took over 3 and a half hours. Anyway, I'm glad with how they turn out. The paint scheme is based on House Taranis, but they are the Mechanicus aligned Knight household, House Kanda.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yDYM0Lrx6nnJQTRH5dwnMfNssTI-mFhdtoNowsx8ZwLAhD-M_idhdW34nmW6EMTddEOuB4iQhVphX7I0Ll6S4WJOyQPHntCjr5GgePOhVmmYAmDn-Oscf7gcae2CaYjrWvFytqliCXU2r9J-NoBH-HHtvSffvdxub6QBiIJNQBcs7KQxplp9RlHP3XY/s4000/17077260590287436858211935404397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yDYM0Lrx6nnJQTRH5dwnMfNssTI-mFhdtoNowsx8ZwLAhD-M_idhdW34nmW6EMTddEOuB4iQhVphX7I0Ll6S4WJOyQPHntCjr5GgePOhVmmYAmDn-Oscf7gcae2CaYjrWvFytqliCXU2r9J-NoBH-HHtvSffvdxub6QBiIJNQBcs7KQxplp9RlHP3XY/w640-h480/17077260590287436858211935404397.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is the beginning of a Mechanicus Knight household! The Cerastus Knight Lancer, piloted by Sir Kanda, is the leader or commander of this specific Knight lance attached to the Skitarii cohort sent from the Forge World, Draconis IV. Hopefully, I will be adding more! As I said, this Mechanicus Knight house will have more esoteric and rarer patterns, but I will probably just add a couple of normal Armigers too. Because I can't afford so many resin Moirax.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5cZU_AHVMiddqCr7ELtekjDUSkYjM-s8ZZyzZQfZSbf-0JRkzH3D0cSivPr0PhMt2LYP3nU3MaHS0epwCzlrOMyrmicDqpTj9ySm8c-n2iiVcgxtor2Qsj_sHsPqaLfPuLu3AT9XsxrsHfvDywOBKElcu3RwqlqvCP8-LBa-kHqqKrko6vx3pn9EaxI/s4000/17077262079187057799855068291451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5cZU_AHVMiddqCr7ELtekjDUSkYjM-s8ZZyzZQfZSbf-0JRkzH3D0cSivPr0PhMt2LYP3nU3MaHS0epwCzlrOMyrmicDqpTj9ySm8c-n2iiVcgxtor2Qsj_sHsPqaLfPuLu3AT9XsxrsHfvDywOBKElcu3RwqlqvCP8-LBa-kHqqKrko6vx3pn9EaxI/w480-h640/17077262079187057799855068291451.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-40318679560047419192024-02-10T23:48:00.005-06:002024-02-10T23:48:49.537-06:00New Armiger MoiraxI bought and assembled 2 new Armiger Moirax. I'm planning to paint them up in Mechanicus colors - the plan is to paint up a Mechanicus Knight household, for a change and a new hobby project. So they will be escorting my Cerastus Knight Lancer.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WeRSQyr8AM5GVe_WpsrUsHie0kpvj3YgGCGfNAsgKHu1GGLmhyphenhyphenbFKYnKe7Uy52RpWZ_3IBLzLxsG7lUSru1xKe-cE89iheymeDnXk3B-Wh6_DCWy3tVQRKaxR2JD2PoMCcC38ZgGw101d_cWWYyhlcXyIJnBIaXzzVaXDU9jQAII-OLBXKJU85Mviy0/s4000/17076304918444727547995297530870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WeRSQyr8AM5GVe_WpsrUsHie0kpvj3YgGCGfNAsgKHu1GGLmhyphenhyphenbFKYnKe7Uy52RpWZ_3IBLzLxsG7lUSru1xKe-cE89iheymeDnXk3B-Wh6_DCWy3tVQRKaxR2JD2PoMCcC38ZgGw101d_cWWYyhlcXyIJnBIaXzzVaXDU9jQAII-OLBXKJU85Mviy0/w640-h480/17076304918444727547995297530870.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My idea for this Mechanicus Knight household is to have more Mechanicum styles, exotic and esoteric Knight armors. I will get a couple of regular Armigers, of course. But eventually the Knight household I have in mind has received all the rarer patterns and esoteric weaponry (and more lethal) because of their dedication to the Adeptus Mechanicus.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is House Kanda, a branch of House Yato seconded completely to the Forge World of Draconis IV, and modeled after House Taranis. Yeah, I was inspired by <i>Genefather </i>by Guy Haley, heh. Hopefully, I can assemble and paint a second Knight household in Mechanicus colors!</div></div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-1155352659723062342024-02-08T13:00:00.002-06:002024-02-26T13:42:58.773-06:00House Yato<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCKWjRW6MG7Q6wJklP0QfxzOTBvGS7HaS0eUDOaGMI1S68iS39LplpkMsF-UacPeMHH-3VDc_iBiABAHdvt2pNZTshY9Q8TP86WmK4bU7YXTDMjtwJKSqfjkaYcdOsgDDc9RjKSyl92cpLVIZmT2-YPHULOs_n9QV7SaWy0Y82bcE78ld2dCxE6ISdfnw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1631" data-original-width="760" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCKWjRW6MG7Q6wJklP0QfxzOTBvGS7HaS0eUDOaGMI1S68iS39LplpkMsF-UacPeMHH-3VDc_iBiABAHdvt2pNZTshY9Q8TP86WmK4bU7YXTDMjtwJKSqfjkaYcdOsgDDc9RjKSyl92cpLVIZmT2-YPHULOs_n9QV7SaWy0Y82bcE78ld2dCxE6ISdfnw=w298-h640" width="298" /></a></div></div><p>During the Age of Technology, Human colonists would set out across the galaxy to colonize worlds across its breadth in what is known as the Long March. Originating from what would later form the Dragon Nations on Terra, a particularly vast host of settlers found their way to the Draconis system and colonized a couple of planets orbiting the yellow star, as well as those in surrounding systems. The greatest of these worlds is Ryusei, home to the ancient and stalwart Knight Household of Yato.</p><p>As the first colony arks were reshaped into fortress-cities amidst the plains of Ryusei, the explorers assaulted by megafauna and other hostile organisms that composed its vibrant ecosystem, the bipedal exosuits that would later become known as Knights were fabricated from sophisticated technologies - the Standard Template Constructs. Eventually, the colonists were able to carve out inhabitable spaces that expanded from the beached colony arks serving as the cores of their individual castle-kingdoms. From here, the first of the Nobles would emerge. Gradually, over the centuries, these Noble scions - known as <i>bushi</i> to their fellows on Ryusei - would impose a neo-feudal order upon their populations. Further split into clans by blood ties or oaths of allegiance, they warred against each other as often as they hunted and drove back the <i>Ayakashi</i> that haunted the massive jungles of Ryusei.</p><p>The greatest of these <i>bushi</i> are the Daimyos, the equivalent of Barons in other Knight Houses. Leading massive armies of their own, the Knight walkers would clash in colossal formations that see entire landscapes ravaged by apocalyptic weaponry. Frequently, the Knight clans would set aside petty grudges and differences to launch hunting expeditions of the <i>Ayakashi</i> that infested their world. From the titanic serpentine <i>Orochi</i> and their kings, the <i>Yamata no Orochi</i>, to the leviathan <i>Bake-Kujira</i> that dwelled beneath the ocean depths to the gargantuan, amphibious <i>Ryuu</i>, the <i>Ayakashi</i> were truly fearsome beasts whose power was matched only by a skilled <i>bushi</i> piloting a Knight armor.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqeaCRaAnHWdI18Hb7ULP3ckx-moOeJ4JqumP3wZObvISD8aTdHUqMC8_PZidAMwztfrYhLbdoub9yuzDtz88blApQdUTBjXb8KIyrS4wIH6yybYKL0r2aTLubMVvBu1SH_4Ns9fM5XKh8rQ0yootFgbBf8LBfbECKWc-f3x5LpVkujXfjZ9QouVcBpk/s4000/IMG20231119104028.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqeaCRaAnHWdI18Hb7ULP3ckx-moOeJ4JqumP3wZObvISD8aTdHUqMC8_PZidAMwztfrYhLbdoub9yuzDtz88blApQdUTBjXb8KIyrS4wIH6yybYKL0r2aTLubMVvBu1SH_4Ns9fM5XKh8rQ0yootFgbBf8LBfbECKWc-f3x5LpVkujXfjZ9QouVcBpk/w640-h480/IMG20231119104028.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Remnants of the Colonist fleet that remained void-capable remained in orbit, allowing these nobles to maintain an interstellar empire that stretched across several star systems. The Noble clans warred amongst themselves for centuries, and eventually, House Yato succeeded in subjugating the other Knight Houses and persuading them into vassalage - by force or extermination if necessary. The Patriarch of House Yato at that time, Yato Yasutaka, became the Shogun - the ruler above all other Daimyos, and House Yato's counterpart to the High King of other Questoris Familia. With Ryusei forming the stalwart core, worlds came under the Knight House's fold, whether by astute diplomatic overtures or military might. The Draconis system was rich in agri-worlds that include the famous "bread basket trio" known for their bountiful macro agri-complexes - Inari, Beisei and Nouzen - and most of whom badly required the protection of Knights from the predations of xenos raiders and pirates. There was also the jungle world of Aomori, Yamahodo - a world full of mountains whose jagged, cloud-misted peaks soared as high up to the stratosphere, and the ocean planet of Namikai, where visitors could drink their fill, as well as dine on freshly caught seafood that was consumed raw.</p><p>The peace would not last long, for the Age of Strife had begun. The relatively tiny interstellar empire of House Yato was cut off from the rest of galaxy by violent warp storms, and their Noble Knights were hardpressed against the constantly mutating denizens of the forests. <i>Ayakashi</i> grew ever more ferocious and vicious, their already monstrous forms tainted by the warp.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYKbX-IM8S-sQFhTeNARQeXEbVUmTnzJCScOdmoNu34F5gIiPmQ-lFk8gJT8YgUgRl-Oz43Ll-SPh4JJlnOD0tscju9YzS6QmanFT_t4Q44SNmbpNcvQ3NAPZc18WSp5-kUZ7hh0N92KnAkvuI8xKj1H51wJL6L25kHecIrDjDYoGhbO0zKbGJ_mL8cY/s4000/16997522366542725214647695889960.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYKbX-IM8S-sQFhTeNARQeXEbVUmTnzJCScOdmoNu34F5gIiPmQ-lFk8gJT8YgUgRl-Oz43Ll-SPh4JJlnOD0tscju9YzS6QmanFT_t4Q44SNmbpNcvQ3NAPZc18WSp5-kUZ7hh0N92KnAkvuI8xKj1H51wJL6L25kHecIrDjDYoGhbO0zKbGJ_mL8cY/w640-h480/16997522366542725214647695889960.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>To make matters worse, the Men of Iron had risen against their creators. Conservative as most other Knight Worlds were, House Yato and their homeworld of Ryusei was spared the worst of this cataclysmic conflict. However, their neighboring planet was not as fortunate. Blasted into oblivion and its surface transformed into an irradiated landscape inimical to organic life as the apocalyptic aftermath of a horrifying war that saw nightmarish weapons from the Dark Age of Technology unleashed upon men of flesh and Men of Iron alike, the world was cordoned off and abandoned. Whatever its ancient name was has been long lost to the winds of history, but the scarred world would from henceforth be known as Koya to the people of Ryusei.</p><p>Under the protection of House Yato and their various vassal Houses, as well as Household Militia that formed the infantry regiments that fought at the feet of the Titanic bipedal Walkers, Ryusei and its client planets endured. The Household Militia had tanks and walkers of their own, from volkite culverin armed Sentinel walkers to Carnodon medium tanks bristling with volkite weaponry. Its peoples maintained a vigil throughout the Long Night, driving back nightmarish invaders and opportunistic xenos raiders alike. And so their heraldry sport a single full moon - the survivors of Old Night, resilient and enduring in the darkness, their faith in the bright, yellow sun of their system that outshines any horrors that spawn from the warp. Their Knight armors shrouded in black, all the better to blend in during those nightmarish times, the <i>bushi</i> of House Yato stalk out of the shadows to drive their blades deep into the hearts of their foes.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-xw-z0XWir-FXeNA1JCB04mQOeH4Afjq9mIh1hhOMV541OpQb_lHF_S9ueGXZr36IrrG2O5RfMt77SS2JLOtrVCdesQ0VJQ0DbZ06zGoDJWg_dIoe83fCSWlAwCw8tKpz_RXidFEWXYakLXOfMzTFUEf3sJjdCVpnazJ1bmJQibjr9nhK8N8k3SiygE/s4000/IMG20231119094255.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-xw-z0XWir-FXeNA1JCB04mQOeH4Afjq9mIh1hhOMV541OpQb_lHF_S9ueGXZr36IrrG2O5RfMt77SS2JLOtrVCdesQ0VJQ0DbZ06zGoDJWg_dIoe83fCSWlAwCw8tKpz_RXidFEWXYakLXOfMzTFUEf3sJjdCVpnazJ1bmJQibjr9nhK8N8k3SiygE/w640-h480/IMG20231119094255.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Their Knight suits tended to by prodigious craftsmen and armorers, who also meticulously maintained the Standard Template Constructs that the old Colonists had brought with them from Old Earth, House Yato was able to sustain a colossal stockpile of Knight armors. However, with most of the worlds in their interstellar empire dedicated to agriculture, House Yato lacked the minerals, ores and materials required to replicate their war machines on a large scale. Nonetheless, the stagnating House remained a formidable force, and coupled with STCs that could manufacture volkite weaponry and military vehicles sufficient to equip their Household Militia, they were able to survive the Age of Strife unscathed.</p><p>When the warp storms broke and the Emperor launched his Great Crusade, the first contact with the greater Human Imperium that was reestablished with House Yato was through Lord Marshal Mathias Perry, the commander of the 402nd Expeditionary fleet that was largely composed of Solar Auxilia Cohorts. Accompanying the 402nd Expeditionary fleet were the First, Fourth and Sixth companies of the Thousand Sons Legion and their subordinate Prosperine Spireguard contingent, which numbered at least twenty regiments.</p><p>Confronted by such a mighty host and firsthand witnessing the psychic power that the XV Legion could bring to bear, the Shogun, Yato Yoshinobu would pledge the loyalty of House Yato to the Imperium. Ever the shrewd diplomat, he was able to preserve his Knight House's autonomy in exchange for providing military support in the Great Crusade. The <i>bushi</i> of House Yato were only too eager to consent, with many perceiving this as an opportunity to explore the wider galaxy and earn unparalleled glory and honor. Among the more ambitious scions even sought the wealth and power that military successes would bring, and countless lances would set out as part of the Ordo Questoris, attaching themselves to various Expeditionary fleets or even Explorator contingents.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7Hbr2QTdjCKM1K-f5krkY-Dofed-lpyr0DeTwAFo83Y2IWflbe4Vok2IeB3OV3EYpNOHJfD5KGBKI1-LbhYB8FMzkL7ss4mbKEYyklEQqAw7YC6g3iaO-c14gR2PWmNXCgI9GzzczBjBo9TVgtOcHabUpmEJwxOm6FCYQbRnjMAB4LEmQqe52HkMxvRk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7Hbr2QTdjCKM1K-f5krkY-Dofed-lpyr0DeTwAFo83Y2IWflbe4Vok2IeB3OV3EYpNOHJfD5KGBKI1-LbhYB8FMzkL7ss4mbKEYyklEQqAw7YC6g3iaO-c14gR2PWmNXCgI9GzzczBjBo9TVgtOcHabUpmEJwxOm6FCYQbRnjMAB4LEmQqe52HkMxvRk=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Meanwhile, despite the efforts of Iterators to spread the Imperial Truth, the conservative and superstitious population of Ryusei saw in the Emperor the descendant of the Sun Kami they worshipped, and so they revered Him as divine, much to the chagrin of those who would bring Compliance and ensure secularism.</p><p>However, the single largest boon was the deal that Yato Yoshinobu struck with the Mechanicum. Badly require ore, minerals and materials to raise his Knight House to unprecedented heights, he welcomed Explorator vessels and Mechanicum survey vessels to the Draconis system. Too powerful and independent a Knight House for the Mechanicum to bound to vassalage, the Shogun ensured that House Yato would remain allies and partners with the mysterious priesthood of Mars. The craftsmen and armorers who have served the Knight House for so long were inducted into the Mechanicum and trained in their mysteries, becoming Sacristans, but despite their indoctrination into the Cult Mechanicus, they remained politically subservient to the bellicose, proud and independent <i>bushi</i> of House Yato.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCRxow55BD2aVbrtUQrRywu35IGJdTnZcXz4ANF1bUpFXOvIerQEn5HX5tlc3wJECiYHuTuMjptHesHkem9_tWu7BGUtl6gb1Q6icUY-FmBfFNgOVl7HKLlHl3qd-LHRNiqXD3EqWvfEMSnftBUlgy5NnZjuEnoqtcBF1b71LtabsDVp0mj3-U0vVOxus" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCRxow55BD2aVbrtUQrRywu35IGJdTnZcXz4ANF1bUpFXOvIerQEn5HX5tlc3wJECiYHuTuMjptHesHkem9_tWu7BGUtl6gb1Q6icUY-FmBfFNgOVl7HKLlHl3qd-LHRNiqXD3EqWvfEMSnftBUlgy5NnZjuEnoqtcBF1b71LtabsDVp0mj3-U0vVOxus=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Of the myriad orders and dizzying array of allegiances in the feudal Mechanicum, it was Ryza and its principal sect, the Omnissiah Igvita, that exploited the opportunity of alliance. Enthusiastic in founding a new Forge World, especially one where near-renegade Tech-priests bordering on heretek research can carry out their experiments far from the prying eyes of Mars, hosts of Magos and their accompanying Taghmata traveled to the Draconis system with ideas of innovation for plasma and volkite technology. Even more tempting to the cybernetically augmented Tech-priests were the sacred STCs in Ryusei, still functional and pristine, and capable of manufacturing both Knight armors and volkite weaponry, the latter of which was growing scarce in the latter days of the Great Crusade. Yet, here was a world that maintained an armory that dated back to Old Night and wielded to fight off its horrors with impressive efficacy.</p><p>Martian and Ryzan Tech-priests alike settled upon Koya, ignorant or uncaring of the catastrophic warfare that had transpired there. Rumors were abound that the Mechanicum had deliberately selected that planet for colonization, seeking ancient archeotech buried within once irradiated sands, as well as looking to salvage the burned out husks that previously belonged to the Men of Iron. Indeed, the majority of Magos and Archmagos who flocked to the Draconis system were of Cybernetica leanings, bringing with them sizable cohorts of Battle-automata.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDnXzr3J7qMvXWKfPQYznoPFFZt8PO6pte9f7p8QOK9jSFcSCu7z5WU6lLuOQoUL8axm3bNF8ZgQMBrSJue30PpdUy-JyW1wAneGbvRWM4NTd8wizHd92wM3Ug6s-VWY3pw7udAjtjMCcvHWJmqAjt2L_AW7J6-cSb2eNJ-hqzEKs6y_MG0Hq8VKM9VdQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDnXzr3J7qMvXWKfPQYznoPFFZt8PO6pte9f7p8QOK9jSFcSCu7z5WU6lLuOQoUL8axm3bNF8ZgQMBrSJue30PpdUy-JyW1wAneGbvRWM4NTd8wizHd92wM3Ug6s-VWY3pw7udAjtjMCcvHWJmqAjt2L_AW7J6-cSb2eNJ-hqzEKs6y_MG0Hq8VKM9VdQ=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>Coldly rational and not at all reverent of the dreadful history of the once-obliterated world, the Mechanicum impassionately renamed Koya as Draconis IV - being the fourth major celestial body from its parent star - and set about terraforming the entire planet as well as fabricating forge-fanes, forge-cities and plasma generators. The nascent Forge World, apart from its armies of automata and battle robots, were still in dire need of protection, which House Yato was only too willing to provide. So it was that Ryusei and the newly founded Forge World of Draconis IV were bound in a mutually beneficial alliance, one lending military assistance and seasoned warriors whenever necessary, and the other manufacturing new Knight armors on a much larger and swifter scale with which to furnish their allies and augment their already formidable strength.</p><p>Though several families nominally under House Yato have elected to be permanently stationed upon Draconis IV, splitting off to form House Kanda - now technically a separate Household whose oaths and allegiances are to the Mechanicum and to their home Forge World as opposed to the Emperor and Ryusei - dark rumors surround them. Some whisper that the Tech-priests have seized the superior Noble bloodlines from scions of House Yato and cloned them in vats, genetically engineering and cybernetically augmenting them into superlative pilots that are often entombed in more exotic Knight suits. If such accusations are discovered to be true, the wrath that House Yato will mete upon these renegade Magi would be calamitous indeed.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxG7aVRM1CGf9c5hbpOpY2it2aTyNsmq5Lc8d1bPf_2ng3N72UCy_n67QUAMMTZL2dTfrrwIv4vaqtqotbcJ6rMFRJZrmTB9yHFcxaqr_5oWSnuKXXH0i_Wu-tSkcNyjwpCIm6QXltFzjCRIQ72oSAU5ijLuhV2a4bC6HnwosegqcEjTO-549S6xmKMc/s4000/17064163915905661152080029501700.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxG7aVRM1CGf9c5hbpOpY2it2aTyNsmq5Lc8d1bPf_2ng3N72UCy_n67QUAMMTZL2dTfrrwIv4vaqtqotbcJ6rMFRJZrmTB9yHFcxaqr_5oWSnuKXXH0i_Wu-tSkcNyjwpCIm6QXltFzjCRIQ72oSAU5ijLuhV2a4bC6HnwosegqcEjTO-549S6xmKMc/w480-h640/17064163915905661152080029501700.jpg" width="480" /></a></p><p>The mountainous world of Yamahodo was transformed into a staging facility for void vessel assets, and an academy for training naval officers was established above its hanging peaks. Artificial islands were fabricated and immense seafaring ships constructed to sail across the oceans of Namikai, the Magi thirstily drinking in whatever resources they could find, including reservoirs of promethium beneath seabeds. Within decades, the Draconis system and its outlying systems were utterly and irrevocably altered by the Imperium - a process that would be repeated over 10,000 years in the future when they are incorporated into the Anaxian Line as a bulwark against Magnus's Thousand Sons, particularly after the emergence of Sortiarius into real space over Prospero.</p><p>House Yato has a long, gloried history of fighting on the frontlines of the Great Crusade, repelling horrifying xenos in the Rangdan Xenocides, holding the line against Ork hordes at Ullanor, and many more. However, their first involvement in the Horus Heresy stretches back to even before the atrocities at Isstvan III and V. As staunch allies of the Thousand Sons Legion, several lances of Knights were present in Prospero when the VI Legion and the Talons of the Emperor descended. Bewildered by the apparent treachery, the Knights of House Yato were beset upon by the insidious scions of House Malinax, and ever since then, the <i>bushi</i> of Ryusei have sworn to destroy their archnemesis wherever they meet.</p><p>Eventually, after the mysterious disappearance of the Thousand Sons on Prospero, the remnants of House Yato fought their way back to orbit and blasted a path through the Space Wolves' blockade, though at great cost. Several vessels of the Vlka Fenryka pursued the battered ships, only to abruptly vanish before the adhoc fleet limped back to the safety of the Draconis System. Later analysis of auspexes and long-range sensoria indicate that ships bearing the livery of the XX Legion had been lying in wait in the outer reaches of the Propserine system. When news of the treachery in the Alaxxes Nebula spread to the wider Imperium, battlefield analysts and Lexmechanics assume that the VI Legion vessels had been ambushed by the Alpha Legion.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNEfZnYmy4dQ_t08JJ_2uXEJZkBI6Yi9jjGoEvyPQEUEeT8S7dGTODQkdK-HCyy8qTGc_BIZGToYGGRfmvNnApkCln6W6aOAcCz1QBtOZ3kN9IR5bZNuDQ-_s1HDFt_Gw-VVn3HU5CdVR79hpqI-_GcuqFTA-UecA6F1coZddc-Uik1dumrCQLd094pk4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1287" data-original-width="3258" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNEfZnYmy4dQ_t08JJ_2uXEJZkBI6Yi9jjGoEvyPQEUEeT8S7dGTODQkdK-HCyy8qTGc_BIZGToYGGRfmvNnApkCln6W6aOAcCz1QBtOZ3kN9IR5bZNuDQ-_s1HDFt_Gw-VVn3HU5CdVR79hpqI-_GcuqFTA-UecA6F1coZddc-Uik1dumrCQLd094pk4=w640-h252" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>At the outbreak of the Horus Heresy, and the revelation of the Warmaster's treachery, Shogun Yato Yoshinobu and the Knights of House Yato remained true to their oaths to the Emperor and the Imperium, dispatching countless Lances to stall the Traitors' advance toward Terra. Their conviction was reinforced when they finally establish contact with pockets of Thousand Sons, particularly the contingent at Zhao-Arkkad, who still pledge their loyalty to the Emperor. Their decision was further vindicated when the sinister Knights of House Malinax revealed their treachery, resulting in clashes between the two Houses over numerous battlefields, including the Belt of Iron. They reinforced Tallarn against the Iron Warriors, participating in a massive armor clash on the lethal surface of the now dead world. They answered the call to defend Ryza, committing their adamantine phalanxes to aiding the venerable House Taranis and the former home of their Mechanicum allies. Several lances were present in Holy Terra during the siege as well, though a significant portion of their forces assisted the Imperial Fists in defending the Inwit Cluster and holding the Praetorian Rogal Dorn's homeworld from the Iron Warriors until much-needed reinforcements in the form of Salamanders, Imperial Army and Mechanicum arrived to lift the Traitors' siege.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIfb60Wty8BhnyZGCqbYCDzS_HgOJg3TAZ_Jto__8eIy_fXYrKlVoIUGAA68nNXa-LuRMlNRkUSbe3Alc2bt2ENijHOs5AzhVadYDpRQb_J-Q7cnVBYC4TFu3fI7-Tu6OCGn6LwaTlrOO1L5MARs2OprIhi5kBclC-c_fqrug5QZxehmk4H7Z8_PRBps/s4000/IMG20231216143208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIfb60Wty8BhnyZGCqbYCDzS_HgOJg3TAZ_Jto__8eIy_fXYrKlVoIUGAA68nNXa-LuRMlNRkUSbe3Alc2bt2ENijHOs5AzhVadYDpRQb_J-Q7cnVBYC4TFu3fI7-Tu6OCGn6LwaTlrOO1L5MARs2OprIhi5kBclC-c_fqrug5QZxehmk4H7Z8_PRBps/w640-h480/IMG20231216143208.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The vengeful <i>bushi</i> of House Yato would later participate in the Scouring, meting their unbridled fury upon the retreating Traitors, particularly the fallen scions of House Malinax and other traitor Knight Houses, as well as Traitor Titan Legions such as the dreaded Legio Mortis.</p><p><b>MATERIAL STRENGTH</b></p><p>With access to still fully functioning STCs on Ryusei, House Yato was able to maintain an enormous stockpile of Knight suits, though many of them were worn down throughout centuries of war, whether it was against other Knight Houses and clans refusing to bend their knee to the Shogun or xeno raiders and warp spawn. When the Forge World of Draconis IV was founded upon the ashes of Koya, the Tech-priests brought with them macro-haulers and mining vessels that ply the void, extracting ore from rich asteroid belts, as well as cracking the crust of their new home open for a wealth of minerals. In exchange for studying the STCs, the Magi of the Mechanicum invested the immense supplies of resources they had harvested into fabricating legions of Knight suits for House Yato.</p><p>Consequently, despite the terrible casualties inflicted upon them as they eagerly threw themselves into countless battlefields, and the inevitable erosion of their strength through atrocious attrition rates, House Yato could still sustain vast numbers of Knight suits. It is said that if the zealous <i>bushi</i> are able to temper their impetuousness and not discard their lives recklessly in combat, House Yato could field Knight armors in numbers surpassing those of House Taranis or even House Raven.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETN5gTk-6IPMb65YDJGkpQIrCFsz6gYO3y5h-LlBVaxWdvKGiI6ctSfI6QcWBn7an6l0VAN4S7zsZv6KGVLYOmYIt1E2B1Q22k7b5yje0-Scg-xW4rT7br2mXNUZS1Nao05bT5ixehtODMc9msjgQUXaM89w73LpwNHjCreHV0dx5OMYVYgYB4K2ZR7A/s4000/IMG20240106211850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETN5gTk-6IPMb65YDJGkpQIrCFsz6gYO3y5h-LlBVaxWdvKGiI6ctSfI6QcWBn7an6l0VAN4S7zsZv6KGVLYOmYIt1E2B1Q22k7b5yje0-Scg-xW4rT7br2mXNUZS1Nao05bT5ixehtODMc9msjgQUXaM89w73LpwNHjCreHV0dx5OMYVYgYB4K2ZR7A/w640-h480/IMG20240106211850.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The assistance of Draconis IV proved invaluable to augmenting the strength of House Yato, allowing them to construct a core of Cerastus Knight patterns that made up almost half of their strength. The majority of Cerastus Knights were the Lancer variant, though there was also substantial numbers of Castigators. The remaining strength of the Household was composed of mostly Questoris patterns and even several Acastus patterns, which thanks to the Omnissiah Igvita's innovative methods, far exceeded those possessed by others of the Questoris Familia. Though House Yato obtained several of the rarer Knight patterns usually reserved for Mechanicum-oathed Houses, such as the Styrix, Magaera, Atrapos and even a single Asterius, it is later revealed that the Draconian priesthood had kept the bulk of these esoteric variants for their locally founded House Kanda.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDzB94HheZNAeXQ8jaSHrKtuw4KTbNoW7Ruw-Q2DeFdkV6wbkRYBVifOOcB73kA7N5EXAt5e40GCgFMdMnV3toemCPZYMKNPhqZwL2ZNd5-IeihjfABg4xaCxmiHw1S6XXbZr7i1jKBq_HYzj1FBXs001bN3bxZXByD5fRVTQZNpuB-y4f__Qfn57j-aI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDzB94HheZNAeXQ8jaSHrKtuw4KTbNoW7Ruw-Q2DeFdkV6wbkRYBVifOOcB73kA7N5EXAt5e40GCgFMdMnV3toemCPZYMKNPhqZwL2ZNd5-IeihjfABg4xaCxmiHw1S6XXbZr7i1jKBq_HYzj1FBXs001bN3bxZXByD5fRVTQZNpuB-y4f__Qfn57j-aI=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Even without these exotic classes of Knights, House Yato was still capable of fielding an immense number of Knights, recording a peak of 586 functional Knight armors of diverse patterns and armaments (not including Armiger classes) at the end of the Great Crusade. Several of these would be lost during the Razing of Prospero, and even more would fall in countless other battlefields when House Yato was dragged into the apocalyptic fires of the Horus Heresy, but even at the end of Siege and the beginning of the Scouring, House Yato remained a considerable force to be reckoned with, their systems having escaped the darkest of treacheries relatively unscathed, and possessing several hundred Knight armors. However, the horrendous death toll meant there was a dearth of experienced warriors and veteran scions, and many of the freshly fabricated Knight suits were piloted by youths barely into the first years of their adulthood.</p>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-30100848236054631432024-02-07T14:04:00.007-06:002024-03-04T12:57:45.713-06:00The Militant Arms of the MechanicumDuring the Great Crusade, and the subsequent catastrophic civil war that followed in its wake, the Mechanicum's military strength composed of three principal components: the elite macroclades of the Legiones Skitarii, the Titan Legions of the Collegia Titanica, and the Taghmata Omnissiah. Known as the <i>Triad-Magna</i>, these three organizations formed the great trinity of the Mechanicum's power during the Great Crusade, along with smaller independent and allied divisions, including the Knight Houses, the Ordo Reductor, the Explorators and the Legio Cybernetica. Of these, the Taghmata Omnissiah was the most numerous and diverse, while the Legiones Skitarii owe their allegiance and command ultimately to Mars, and the Collegia Titanica wielded power enough to shatter whole planets. All these Mechanicum organizations operated separate military traditions of their own.<div><br /></div><div>The Belicosa Potentis Omnissiah displays an example of a military-feudal organizational structure of a Forge World.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPzf-h0yFoOciL0b8SUeojh6Fx8Gx3mzCr41fxsTojSijwXwyFZxMOnq7HIFwGkhmF0fhVQ_Yy9euGwL6T1mIV-YUUO5yN9WA-Kx91azWeNSMqod3mIdl5njLd_nJO_FymzvCugH6YpYdgJj_k1XyEFAV2SGWIoBz5cW-nWcc46E1DZfK4wQ3o-yDfODg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1964" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPzf-h0yFoOciL0b8SUeojh6Fx8Gx3mzCr41fxsTojSijwXwyFZxMOnq7HIFwGkhmF0fhVQ_Yy9euGwL6T1mIV-YUUO5yN9WA-Kx91azWeNSMqod3mIdl5njLd_nJO_FymzvCugH6YpYdgJj_k1XyEFAV2SGWIoBz5cW-nWcc46E1DZfK4wQ3o-yDfODg=w640-h396" width="640" /></a></div><br />At the top is the Archmagos Intendant, the Planetary Governor or Fabricator-General of a Forge World, whose fealty is ultimately to Mars. In theory, anyway. Under him is the Holy Synod, the ruling Feudal-Clerical Oligarchy of the Forge World, which includes the Archmandriture, Archmagos, the Magos Majoris and other Magos. Under the various Magos would be the Taghmata Omnissiah.</div><div><br /></div><div>Separate from the Holy Synod would be the Ordo Reductor, the Legio Titanicus, the Prefecture Magisterium (the Mechanicum counterpart of the Ordo Prefectus), the Skitarius and the Basilikon Astra. The Prefecture Magisterium is headed by the Malagra, Magos-warlords charged with enforcing the doctrine of the Omnissiah and the execution of the heretek.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Knight Houses of the Questoris Familia are often seconded as vassals or allied warriors to both the Titan Legions and the Taghmata, depending on the ancient pacts of mutual support that bind them to whichever entities they fight alongside.<br /><div><br /></div><div><b>The Taghmata Omnissiah</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxedJu_8APuSj9NrHKTbQWYuGOvgp2RKMoMnTLzcQJTemGnfP3cv5qiitDHQQVYpa7D4T_RlEEL5GI-GA8C7cRC3DpX8IofJVZX3MBqaWVL7b1DdfLcxMIeHjauShkjjLrhCl0g9Go_Ie-vLBhGIA1wgCUPcfGgPT_UB4o_gilUpduQhrhjRiK1XsdOXo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1351" height="595" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxedJu_8APuSj9NrHKTbQWYuGOvgp2RKMoMnTLzcQJTemGnfP3cv5qiitDHQQVYpa7D4T_RlEEL5GI-GA8C7cRC3DpX8IofJVZX3MBqaWVL7b1DdfLcxMIeHjauShkjjLrhCl0g9Go_Ie-vLBhGIA1wgCUPcfGgPT_UB4o_gilUpduQhrhjRiK1XsdOXo=w640-h595" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The Taghmata Omnissiah is a military protocol enacted to create detached military formations, constructed by predetermined configurations of retainer troops, Tech-priests, war engines and support systems, placed under the command of Magos of the Synod. Often, they answer to a Magos/Archmagos Prime who possess overall authority over the diverse battle groups.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Composed of a bewildering tapestry of Magos, machine-works and indentured manpower bound under a rigid and labyrinthine hierarchal structure, the Taghmata Omnissiah is translated roughly as <i>"That which is divinely ordered for war."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Each Forge World is an independent power, a kingdom in its own right that form a Feudal Order under Mars. And even then, within each Forge World lay a complex web of loyalties, fealties, doctrines and cultures, a myriad of factions as numerous as the forge-cities, forge-shrines, forge-fanes and manfactorum-citadels that populate the Forge World's landscape or even below it, in cases of subterranean forge complexes. Under this complex feudal structure, both on the macro-scale which encompassed whole Forge Worlds and alliances of Forge Worlds, and on the local scale of orders, colleges, fanes and forge cities, the loyalties of Taghmata were split between those who remained steadfast to the Emperor, those who swore fealty to the Warmaster, and even those who declared their own independence and sought to carve out their own techno-empires.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF9_umM5Jno1ey5cFYdIb46EpEtZaeAmzGjzGmmSSe8lSha1IXWqMcMJUVUVBUegezqOXp2GOboeXr8buzsO-aMKXJMuA_jKIRc3BkpeBNE8wiVDRlxfXJFSbpZ5hOBu__xmuYFjtyh-SbTHX7k4wpdiwLhG1TSscH8tUkeZJsxCr8ToE7rAHcplpzHTk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1688" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF9_umM5Jno1ey5cFYdIb46EpEtZaeAmzGjzGmmSSe8lSha1IXWqMcMJUVUVBUegezqOXp2GOboeXr8buzsO-aMKXJMuA_jKIRc3BkpeBNE8wiVDRlxfXJFSbpZ5hOBu__xmuYFjtyh-SbTHX7k4wpdiwLhG1TSscH8tUkeZJsxCr8ToE7rAHcplpzHTk=w640-h488" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Each Forge World was a patchwork web of complex loyalties, composed of independent and semi-independent domains, in terms of physical infrastructure, territory, knowledge, craft and sacred rite. Thus, each Taghmata was a reflection of their masters, the Magos or Archmagos - their <i>Learned Ones</i> - who specialized in particular facets of the Machine Cult lore or commanded a sizable portion of their Forge World's infrastructure.</div><div><br /></div><div>Each Magos commanded their own resources and military might, armies of retainers and cohorts of war machines outfitted and formed by their master's will and in accordance with their master's specialization and proclivity. These were the Taghma, the building blocks of the Taghmata.</div><div><br /></div><div>When a Fabricator Archmagos-Intendant or Archmagos Archimandrite activates a Taghmata, the Magos under their command will provide troops and assets, including lesser Tech-priests and adepts, sub-cults and esoteric orders who owed fealty and vassalage to the High Magos called upon. They also call out distant outposts, Expeditionary fleets and client worlds tied together by patronage or ancient treaties or pacts of allegiance.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfdZhWvCiPprPXo9dX0dxNU722-nl3NFukEJHPgJeAE_eG5pEati_Ll_0LvDX567w8_HNFRAdIFHFwLfWCgTf7z5swJjdVZme6QlBDQb57Z6Q8cR5Yu_5pUVZgpQ09HugHWopsJe85S1smRvLZ0YE4IsbP0nP-Q8asxpeK9oUrDu2yf8h6Yu8X0OOdR4Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1698" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfdZhWvCiPprPXo9dX0dxNU722-nl3NFukEJHPgJeAE_eG5pEati_Ll_0LvDX567w8_HNFRAdIFHFwLfWCgTf7z5swJjdVZme6QlBDQb57Z6Q8cR5Yu_5pUVZgpQ09HugHWopsJe85S1smRvLZ0YE4IsbP0nP-Q8asxpeK9oUrDu2yf8h6Yu8X0OOdR4Y=w640-h344" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Before the Horus Heresy, the Taghmata was usually a defensive measure, mustered when a Forge World came under direct attack. Smaller Taghmata elements were formed during the Great Crusade to arm and equip Explorator expeditions, garrison outposts in hostile or hazardous regions of the void, and provide armed diplomatic escorts or deputations to the Expeditionary fleets and Rogue Trader Militant fleets. More frequently, though, the Expeditionary fleets and Rogue Trader Militant fleets would be accompanied by specialist military commands of the Mechanicum not loyal to any single Forge World: the Titan Legions, the Ordo Reductor, the Legio Cybernetica and the Legiones Skitarii.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Legio Cybernetica and the Magos Militant/Secutarius compose of the biggest orders that serve as allies to the Taghmata Omnissiah, wielding considerable power as partners or even as vassals. Underneath them are the principal tactical divisions of the Taghmata, including the Autokrator, bonded Cybernetica, Macrotechnia, Munitoria Logis, Lacyraemara, and associated Orders and sub-cults Militant such as the Myrmidon Cult, the Corpuscarii Cult, the Explorator Forces, and more. They can also call upon <a href="https://admechknight.blogspot.com/2024/02/mechanicum-oathed-knight-houses.html">the Knight Houses of the Questoris Familiar for assistance, particularly those bound to them through ancient treaties and pacts such as the Sidon Protocols</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Legiones Skitarii</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEH9dKaWWf6Tf7hOuyE-qAyflv8oQxdTIMLVeRAxGgA16yJI254OSeUQg_Y1p2qykziwKcyeDXHRPA5Fsfv8uGPrKiuZcP-n1to_YkJjiwCf6neW3J5EwIS6AXOyTQSxf1hITKdgdWThNp8QNp-OMupRhhHGvHUIr79r0CidS0PIHjTBHZa92LXd7uego" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="916" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEH9dKaWWf6Tf7hOuyE-qAyflv8oQxdTIMLVeRAxGgA16yJI254OSeUQg_Y1p2qykziwKcyeDXHRPA5Fsfv8uGPrKiuZcP-n1to_YkJjiwCf6neW3J5EwIS6AXOyTQSxf1hITKdgdWThNp8QNp-OMupRhhHGvHUIr79r0CidS0PIHjTBHZa92LXd7uego=w533-h640" width="533" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Skitarii Legions, also known as the Mechanicum Protectors or Tech-Guard, are a sub-cult of the Omnissiah and follow their own unique martial traditions. They are ancient standing armies of elite cybernetically and genetically engineered troops, originating from Mars and loyal to the office of the Fabricator General. Thus, when Zagreus Kane became Fabricator-General when the Arch-Traitor Kelbor-Hal turned his back on Holy Terra, the majority of the Skitarii cohorts pledge their fealty to the new Fabricator-General instead.</div><div><br /></div><div>Skitarii regiments are deployed separate from the Taghmata, maintaining their own structures of organization. They are the bionic heart of the Mechanicum's - and later Adeptus Mechanicus - legions, defending the Forge Worlds of the Imperium. Cybernetic, but still technically human warriors, the Skitarii have been extensively rebuilt with augmetic battleware and neurosync implants that permanently link them to their Tech-priest masters via the noosphere. Adepts can transmit battlefield commands through data-tethers or inload combat programs into the Skitarii in this manner, often using them as remote eyepieces.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUvB2RrX9nxHN0j7Z4qm9HjpzwZsPVyH6b1W-cJ2bIAz_811Y2RcpOjzERR79AZelb6DZhI5nm4u-yDRpUSdfldbarXbhU9Mbt5_v_MwDV8FS1MLuORmn09Utei25kEKq-LaouBn2-z2J-BuqoJxN7n8Ku0mbfpOIgAIaqIBRlL-wakWzaZX7H9evIjZQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1334" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUvB2RrX9nxHN0j7Z4qm9HjpzwZsPVyH6b1W-cJ2bIAz_811Y2RcpOjzERR79AZelb6DZhI5nm4u-yDRpUSdfldbarXbhU9Mbt5_v_MwDV8FS1MLuORmn09Utei25kEKq-LaouBn2-z2J-BuqoJxN7n8Ku0mbfpOIgAIaqIBRlL-wakWzaZX7H9evIjZQ=w640-h458" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The Skitarii Legions often escort the vast goliaths of the Centurio Ordinatus, march at the feet of the god-engines of the Titan Legions, reinforce the battle-automata of the Legio Cybernetica, and serve as bodyguards for Tech-priests in the battlefield. They are the standard infantry for a Forge World's military, <a href="https://admechknight.blogspot.com/2024/02/armory-of-mechanicumadeptus-mechanicus.html">equipped with esoteric and sophisticated weapons</a> beyond those of even the vaunted Legiones Astartes during the Great Crusade or modern Space Marine Chapters.</div><div><br /></div><div>From this, we can speculate the transformation of the Legiones Skitarii from the Great Crusade to the 41st millennium. Once the perview of Mars and loyal only to the office of the Fabricator-General, the Horus Heresy showed that such military power should never be concentrated in the hands of any individual, even a Primarch. After all, if one such as the brightest and most favored Horus Lupercal could fall, then who among the Adeptus Mechanicus could be trusted? Thus, following the example of Roboute Guilliman, who divided the Legions into Chapters, as well as the Departo Munitorum, who saw the split of the Imperial Army into the Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy, the Adeptus Mechanicus too broke up the Skitarii Legions into macroclades under the command of their respective Forge Worlds, instead of consolidating all power into a single command, such as Mars. For, if the Fabricator-General would once again turn from the light of the Emperor, the damage caused by such a betrayal - as well as the number of Skitarii Legions sworn to his command - would be minimized.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiBwL3JoS3nVKk85leH_qBItiexCg9WaSCGQq_0NAIqELbtoGjNIanoRB2jfqNbqNFmK7YThlGdGn8CdTZz_a2JphIIheYJbKzQ0qluwBx8nveD4ecEKQ8d3qxNnVfO27M_if51FBvvvNDVxEYHiAPjLMHO7sTK3BcYWdgl5Xrzi8T2cRNt_tkXOwSkE4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1873" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiBwL3JoS3nVKk85leH_qBItiexCg9WaSCGQq_0NAIqELbtoGjNIanoRB2jfqNbqNFmK7YThlGdGn8CdTZz_a2JphIIheYJbKzQ0qluwBx8nveD4ecEKQ8d3qxNnVfO27M_if51FBvvvNDVxEYHiAPjLMHO7sTK3BcYWdgl5Xrzi8T2cRNt_tkXOwSkE4=w640-h442" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Each Forge World will possess a huge number of macroclades as their standing military. Each macroclade is comprised of 4 cohorts, each composed of three maniples for a total of 12 maniples. Within each maniple is a varying number of units, including Skitarii maniples, Kataphron squadrons and even battle-automata cohorts, along with accompanying Cohort Assets under the Cohort Command. Often, Forge Worlds will activate specialized Skitarii Cohorts, such as the Hunter Cohort or Sicarian Killclades for either acquisition, elimination, protection, or repulsion.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Legio Cybernetica</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8EKU8FGWU5hauJkwncsuZegGi5TfCriRR-5TgdR6IOX-vM_bFCkHI4WmHn3tg9C27jGdPmX5762T-Zdlh03JJcVbziBI_Pm8XS-SmjWD_KLp2VotHpc0h2O48JAUCNPS09wOCIcaFXaDt1d93epHZoPgcnn9SyL5AajD4MiDYiwo7aP0gB4VYp2vs7p8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="743" height="637" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8EKU8FGWU5hauJkwncsuZegGi5TfCriRR-5TgdR6IOX-vM_bFCkHI4WmHn3tg9C27jGdPmX5762T-Zdlh03JJcVbziBI_Pm8XS-SmjWD_KLp2VotHpc0h2O48JAUCNPS09wOCIcaFXaDt1d93epHZoPgcnn9SyL5AajD4MiDYiwo7aP0gB4VYp2vs7p8=w640-h637" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div>The Legio Cybernetica is one of the most feared and powerful of the Legiones Militant of the Mechanicum. A sacred order divided into cohorts, they are charged with the construction and use of Battle-automata in warfare, existing as fully independent structures and sub-factions owing either pacts of mutual support or alliance with the Synods of Forge Worlds.</div><div><br /></div><div>Under the Crimson Accords of Mars, they not only deploy battle-automata in war, but are also responsible for the development, propagation and maintenance of these terrifying machines. While the Crimson Accords forbid the creation of artificial intelligence, or Silica Animus, they allow the survival and creation of "lesser and righteous works" of synthetic life, such as the Battle-automata.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhha7zqL67talb_zJ19i5OZVoPUp4DJFL90LElcRkqc_XPR-kNBVXmHgdwcHYbbIgClhasvB89HtFbQ5GNDfBrBy-fQ28MdPWamaIZcvnHkJSK_w26Ei3XCd3vqGiCQAmYcB5ik0RMydzzwPYPTVE9W6a7jKQwPGD0yQAdoYXd4rknag8jmxPTWrK_E0S8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="640" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhha7zqL67talb_zJ19i5OZVoPUp4DJFL90LElcRkqc_XPR-kNBVXmHgdwcHYbbIgClhasvB89HtFbQ5GNDfBrBy-fQ28MdPWamaIZcvnHkJSK_w26Ei3XCd3vqGiCQAmYcB5ik0RMydzzwPYPTVE9W6a7jKQwPGD0yQAdoYXd4rknag8jmxPTWrK_E0S8=w640-h448" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>To restrain their immense power, which was sufficient to overthrow empires during the Age of Strife, the Legio Cybernetica is broken down into Cohorts to limit the power any single Archmagos of the Legio could wield. Each Cohort ranges from having between 30-100 Battle-automata maniples, which in turn comprises between one to five of the war engines. Each Cohort is commanded by a senior Tech-priest of the Machine Cult, and below them is a covenant of Magos Dominus who will control the war machines in battle, Myrmidons, enginseers, servitors and thralls who will tend to the Cohort's needs. The Cohorts also maintain their own support networks, mobile workshops, transports, battlefield vehicles, orbital landers and even star vessels, but are forbidden to found their own forges or chantries. Thus they are dependent on other Lords of the Mechanicum and their Forge Worlds for their long term survival and prosperity.</div><div><br /></div><div>Legio Cybernetica Cohorts not only serve as defenders of Forge Worlds and retainers of Mechanicum factions, but also participate in Expeditionary Fleets during the Great Crusade. They are greatly valued by the diverse forces of the Great Crusade, including the Legiones Astartes, Rogue Traders Militant, Knight Houses and Imperial Army Hosts.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9Vrni6SaVfRQmPa603QPDe_Nkrqee10wYR9afDckDidNN0QppcNg8nNqaF9SvSioaPug2FOqtiECygtCUftnego3jF-ZYGfK794dy6QmuvzUSPN7AR3kTr7oAQFvI_wEG5Ew_hGJHly8FNnLH0JMwEnzhZVnsY5RHJPYQfjcOYCGNXILdEdhnR8WRZCc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1227" height="563" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9Vrni6SaVfRQmPa603QPDe_Nkrqee10wYR9afDckDidNN0QppcNg8nNqaF9SvSioaPug2FOqtiECygtCUftnego3jF-ZYGfK794dy6QmuvzUSPN7AR3kTr7oAQFvI_wEG5Ew_hGJHly8FNnLH0JMwEnzhZVnsY5RHJPYQfjcOYCGNXILdEdhnR8WRZCc=w640-h563" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>After the Horus Heresy, the Legio Cybernetica's robots have been controlled completely by their masters using sanctified doctrina wafers instead of the bio-plastic cereba and nerve-like tendril webs of Mechanicum constructs. Thus, the Kastelan robots differ from their Castellax Battle-automata brethren, as well as other automata patterns.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Ordo Reductor</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyTTZZF6Vjs1b-5-IXS28XGPpZv-avsOO-hg5CDhBWHeLngXAr4ucFeRPNXbTXgTnWsRJwHIrOkh4EwxMRzTI2i1Wqyj3w1HfWtqUBHIbE-isEEG-_yhLp48X6fuevjlOdgH5Y1D4vjTQqhSLemJY74XAXxFGWSIJ1apS4KsPhA-6KkNmtfQJMC3cGJgk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="930" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyTTZZF6Vjs1b-5-IXS28XGPpZv-avsOO-hg5CDhBWHeLngXAr4ucFeRPNXbTXgTnWsRJwHIrOkh4EwxMRzTI2i1Wqyj3w1HfWtqUBHIbE-isEEG-_yhLp48X6fuevjlOdgH5Y1D4vjTQqhSLemJY74XAXxFGWSIJ1apS4KsPhA-6KkNmtfQJMC3cGJgk=w621-h640" width="621" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div>The Ordo Reductor is a mendicant order of Tech-priests devoted to the arts of siege craft, demolition and mass destruction. They are essentially nomadic, gravitating to areas of intense warfare, but maintain links to Forge Worlds for resupply and support.</div><div><br /></div><div>Known as the <i>"Bringers of Blessed Ruin,"</i> the Ordo Reductor is a highly specialized military division of the Mechanicum that embodies the animus of the Omnissiah as the destroyer and bringer of oblivion. Their origins date back to the Age of Strife on Mars, and when Holy Terra and Mars signed a treaty of alliance, the Ordo Reductor was created to sunder and destroy the enemies encountered during the Great Crusade.</div><div><br /></div><div>The responsibilities of the Ordo Reductor range from relying on their Biologis to devise methods of killing tenacious and terrible alien lifeforms, their Preceptors analyzing enemy human techno-empires' weapons and defenses for any vulnerabilities, and most importantly, demolishing seemingly impregnable fortresses.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHLAHHzsl0S3uorDOellj6IwkXGk-Ktaq17okCJnipObYWw79IeHU3Uujud3UK7oC-g-ehyupT1IbbrO6RBvBz2H5T9O_hFpNmEdZeJRmWNwLy5TUeuJIY5ZVul58_IDEmlq_0MRhyC9UyqByDMA_VasZSgobRK6W87fmPHq7Tayy_8Kq-ab1akAy-51A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1787" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHLAHHzsl0S3uorDOellj6IwkXGk-Ktaq17okCJnipObYWw79IeHU3Uujud3UK7oC-g-ehyupT1IbbrO6RBvBz2H5T9O_hFpNmEdZeJRmWNwLy5TUeuJIY5ZVul58_IDEmlq_0MRhyC9UyqByDMA_VasZSgobRK6W87fmPHq7Tayy_8Kq-ab1akAy-51A=w640-h338" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Rather than pledging their loyalty to feudal masters of the Mechanicum, the Ordo Reductor - having split from their Forge Worlds and domains - is loyal to the Great Crusade first. They usually compose of outcasts, either dangerously heretical in their leanings or overly independent. Fortunately, their detachment from feudal politics of Forge Worlds means they are not considered with the same levels of suspicion and distrust that shroud other Mechanicum factions, such as the Legio Cybernetica.</div><div><br /></div><div>The individual commands of Ordo Reductor Magos and their attendant servants and war machines are known as Covenants, which are based almost entirely on purpose-configured warships - long-range, self-sustaining Galleas class vessels instead of the more common Arks Mechanicum. These ships serve as transport, fane and permanent base for the Ordo Reductor during the Great Crusade, and are their own sovereign domains.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3LEXtuaD44jf14bRm-fgJuzin3YJTohRXE4FRV6bOvc-6abR82L5lUBFY_hIstWXSnDKcqNJKUEVqcbYqH8PkK-A0birsT18TvSvBrYP5__GffVGx58m74SVmMPB2s1x-l6dN2oBNaBNaeBit5xQzcDuRB_jYybwwU2DSDul8MznWvREtqDmsg-QUELk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1237" height="577" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3LEXtuaD44jf14bRm-fgJuzin3YJTohRXE4FRV6bOvc-6abR82L5lUBFY_hIstWXSnDKcqNJKUEVqcbYqH8PkK-A0birsT18TvSvBrYP5__GffVGx58m74SVmMPB2s1x-l6dN2oBNaBNaeBit5xQzcDuRB_jYybwwU2DSDul8MznWvREtqDmsg-QUELk=w640-h577" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Ordo Reductor Covenants serve the various Expeditionary fleets, flocking from war zone to war zone, and function in the roles of battlefield intelligence gatherers, warrior-seers and savants of carnage. They seldom act directly in battle, instead conducting targeted raids and probing strikes ahead of a main advance, or stalk burning battlefields to study the dead and the destroyed. The one exception is siegecraft, the sole aspect of warfare that the Magos of the Ordo Reductor take pride in, sundering unconquerable defenses and surviving Zone Mortalis battles.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Covenants of the Ordo Reductor operate as autonomous and self-sufficient warbands, containing a mixture of Magos and Tech-priest savants whose specialities range from tactical assault to macro-firepower to mimetic and forensic battlefield analysis to munitions production. The Ordo Reductor also possesses weapons forbidden since the Dark Age of Technology and dangerous arcana. They are also permitted to innovate new weapons and war machines in order to overcome the countless enemies encountered during the Great Crusade. The development of the powerful eradication cannon mounted on the Hellion-Minoris war machines of the Centurio Ordinatus during the Rangdan campaigns is one example.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjivFhvfT4G5_dwlfLs8_mhZJEFkpSFAvaOCXw6zh6-yDvkj96mCjf5emmevcOy9SEdNgbCGWcNSTnUlcZKGy02KA-dRMNthKzM_hUu03sfRNAyNLbwbgILv-mZoitcCG-0RQIhmERzZatN4oh6vYiedlagi9xxFaPwWUbQZI1tOBb-qSPEnUdQOzuZdoU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="2320" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjivFhvfT4G5_dwlfLs8_mhZJEFkpSFAvaOCXw6zh6-yDvkj96mCjf5emmevcOy9SEdNgbCGWcNSTnUlcZKGy02KA-dRMNthKzM_hUu03sfRNAyNLbwbgILv-mZoitcCG-0RQIhmERzZatN4oh6vYiedlagi9xxFaPwWUbQZI1tOBb-qSPEnUdQOzuZdoU=w640-h295" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The most widespread Ordo Reductor's creation is the Thallaxii, heavily augmented cybernetic shock troops meant to replace the Skitarii Legions of Mars, who answer only to the Fabricator-General, and thus are not accessible as infantry support. Extremely potent and durable, the Thallax are often gifted or traded to other Mechanicum factions, such as the Taghmata of Forge Worlds and the Myrmidon sub-cult in return for supply and allegiance.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Ordo Reductor displays a long history of successful tactical and strategic integration with the forces of the Great Crusade alongside which it served, for example, swearing allegiance to various Space Marine Legions and even incorporating their heraldry and livery into their own.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Centurio Ordinatus</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQ-SOZyJZA4C7oX9fhSnZHq_C5XvVLW8V5Ch7ex2Dz-9qmsNZ9d57RCOHwTdCOs6N_FWqkRW1q5erL6I-p_y6c3AQX9dM1RwyTUb1RLLNd_ZSSfd_gw3lBvEV1wOlSuP7f7aX8fYVNIJ_rhEhG7Zy1FPNYMmEfTPDjXPmjR5PAYh9rECDOyBjfqg7z0mQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="123" data-original-width="136" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQ-SOZyJZA4C7oX9fhSnZHq_C5XvVLW8V5Ch7ex2Dz-9qmsNZ9d57RCOHwTdCOs6N_FWqkRW1q5erL6I-p_y6c3AQX9dM1RwyTUb1RLLNd_ZSSfd_gw3lBvEV1wOlSuP7f7aX8fYVNIJ_rhEhG7Zy1FPNYMmEfTPDjXPmjR5PAYh9rECDOyBjfqg7z0mQ=w200-h181" width="200" /></a></div><br />The Centurio Ordinatus is the division of the Mechanicum that oversees the construction, maintenance and deployment of the massive Ordinatus engines. It is possible that they work in tandem with the Ordo Reductor or the Macrotechnia of a Forge World, the weapons mounted upon their machines possessing unrivalled, apocalyptic firepower - surpassing even that wielded by the formidable Titan Legions.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPh9Bol42CayFL6V29BLUrARMwZE_3Y5ks-AlWhoRcVrogBzBIWLn51S356Kk-GxpESAqL9MmezMcj8icUxnEws3IW1g1B-fqGuyEppCQ81snt94_qyb30NaziawuBeFLUCTXk878QFmVvpw-oFLGcgGXgIV8pIleMdlSvzNfLRdP_79kn5AZbh3omzN4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1363" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPh9Bol42CayFL6V29BLUrARMwZE_3Y5ks-AlWhoRcVrogBzBIWLn51S356Kk-GxpESAqL9MmezMcj8icUxnEws3IW1g1B-fqGuyEppCQ81snt94_qyb30NaziawuBeFLUCTXk878QFmVvpw-oFLGcgGXgIV8pIleMdlSvzNfLRdP_79kn5AZbh3omzN4=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Other Mechanicum Tactical Divisions</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjumZlAkduGzAbI1kkleQNPwqgbuIcdjTlh9mKOhyGk5XZx85DTjXSbZ9Y24Q3pfKxFTXh44_yS9_SvWLMNrbH9_d1Mae5W_PAm22kk2qkB7JkQnECYLdfRt23vvY37NtVicXYeQ6Dp8xTkQRlHqPxlSxJ6U5Ly-BpINEdMAcfuNg-0Kl8s408jZc6Tw84" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="1103" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjumZlAkduGzAbI1kkleQNPwqgbuIcdjTlh9mKOhyGk5XZx85DTjXSbZ9Y24Q3pfKxFTXh44_yS9_SvWLMNrbH9_d1Mae5W_PAm22kk2qkB7JkQnECYLdfRt23vvY37NtVicXYeQ6Dp8xTkQRlHqPxlSxJ6U5Ly-BpINEdMAcfuNg-0Kl8s408jZc6Tw84=w541-h640" width="541" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The Autokrator comprises of ground armor, pioneer forces, mobile artillery units and Tech Guard regiments (apparently, not Skitarii).</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>Macrotechnia is composed of Enginseer Covenants, Tech-Thrall Combat Units, Macro-Machina, Ordinatus Locum and Technographica Determinus. The Macrotek Order is often the most numerous of the classes of Magos who govern the Forge Worlds, and are venerated fane and forge masters, the tech-wrights of great macro-furnaces that power endless cycles of production, and responsible for the ministrations of vast engines of industry and war. They often accompany their masters and mighty war machines they administer onto the battlefield, enacting field repairs, assuage fevered machine spirits and perform the required micro-calibrations to arms and systems to ensure the holy engines of battle perform to their optimal efficiency.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhROQUMqNwSnFfuuQi_cA3RFnTOhSX4LCt_-wLr9QEr01Nx6p1IRRX78ZlyPCFnu7p9EHBKYrn3w1VJIbHC1XiqPEwJ2hbrlpujJmTVX2Bh0R-4PH28nR2HTbySV-rkivVUqfKyHxhOT8vBmxAru0-mMN6aPNVobn9SzQAYygSakocn33RMHh6mi1ycZVQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="1538" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhROQUMqNwSnFfuuQi_cA3RFnTOhSX4LCt_-wLr9QEr01Nx6p1IRRX78ZlyPCFnu7p9EHBKYrn3w1VJIbHC1XiqPEwJ2hbrlpujJmTVX2Bh0R-4PH28nR2HTbySV-rkivVUqfKyHxhOT8vBmxAru0-mMN6aPNVobn9SzQAYygSakocn33RMHh6mi1ycZVQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The Munitoria Logis is the producer and provider of munitions and wargear, Servitor and Drone Cohorts assigned to Taghmata service, signals and the Lexmechanicus Auditorii. Basically, logistics. They also compile data and are in charge of battlefield analysis.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Lacyraemara provides indentured labor units, Adsecularis modified troops and tech-thralls, bio-alchem cadres, Tech-priest Lacyraemarta Covenants and cyber-hybrid carnivora. The Tech-priests Lacyraemarta are masters of the thralls and servitors that work the forges and march to war, and their arts are those of flesh-craft and alchemistry. They employ tech-thralls as expendable troops, augmenting them with inhuman levels of resilience and function in the short term at the expense of ruining their subjects' bodies. I believe they are also the ones who produce the Cybercanids for the Serberys Corps of the Skitarii Legions.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXrXeIpKqt6j7-W3vSIedNJJwF98BWxt8tFBwOgrZbNiJGHKxg3WhYDjOM7Zrol2ONiH19IZk7_spihNkbm9c3iPC1Nn6a_9yOMDivnKqe8Vo2SaPUJ0glUvUGkS8c_LAPLvMRTEdzQvUn6qAWJx2EDwuzHcrvwAJBS46McAxSfsa6YiV1cwmocOsw1N8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1466" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXrXeIpKqt6j7-W3vSIedNJJwF98BWxt8tFBwOgrZbNiJGHKxg3WhYDjOM7Zrol2ONiH19IZk7_spihNkbm9c3iPC1Nn6a_9yOMDivnKqe8Vo2SaPUJ0glUvUGkS8c_LAPLvMRTEdzQvUn6qAWJx2EDwuzHcrvwAJBS46McAxSfsa6YiV1cwmocOsw1N8=w640-h262" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Myrmidax are the lords of the Myrmidon sub-cult, savants of firepower and master weaponsmiths. Their sole concentration is the art of destruction and the embodiment of that power within their own vastly augmented bodies, in which little organic remains. To the Myrmidons, war is a matter of cold logic and murderous equation. Instead of swearing fealty to any single master, the Myrmidons are drawn to battle, seeking fresh challenges to defeat. Their invaluable arts and expertise form a cornerstone of many newly formed and expanded Taghmata.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi42mGg_-wrRkcqEXyIuJDoMM_l94VFsLxCV81Cd-rWBfWfIu8BEnBLRrlm2JbZvsorEYZ2V824LMWaYz-Yv6dKeX1gYaq54sLE5Y32IIQ7lagyQ58eOdj97VRewXY1uuTi6w7reVd008Eo4SoamogZRgM-gtPBWDJph_ZYlCvae3hvhAt78Z5ztUvJ_t8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="889" height="567" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi42mGg_-wrRkcqEXyIuJDoMM_l94VFsLxCV81Cd-rWBfWfIu8BEnBLRrlm2JbZvsorEYZ2V824LMWaYz-Yv6dKeX1gYaq54sLE5Y32IIQ7lagyQ58eOdj97VRewXY1uuTi6w7reVd008Eo4SoamogZRgM-gtPBWDJph_ZYlCvae3hvhAt78Z5ztUvJ_t8=w640-h567" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Several craft their augmetics to carry the heaviest of weapons, often only rendered portable owing to their reinforced endoskeletons and implanted power systems. These augmentations enable them to maintain a furious barrage with unequalled precision and skill. They specialize particularly in the destruction of enemy armored and fortified emplacements, and wield all manner of esoteric and arcane weapons that circumvent conventional defenses.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Basilikon Astra</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDknwL5uH7KETU0pMjsM1qPs-KoAyhYzhhkuJbnFuzL8ocUZSZmMwetAkXVd8gC3GgNimbSKv1WM-_VN9msodV6cMSB0_BNYQ_4tVKyAKRigeIDwR7ojN-T3j1ME9G1F-F_oWk-DoG0aDQs3GdPORH6FGNJXi6PdBWAyOKLAHVb9uE8TG-p4uLzEVvu30" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="1311" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDknwL5uH7KETU0pMjsM1qPs-KoAyhYzhhkuJbnFuzL8ocUZSZmMwetAkXVd8gC3GgNimbSKv1WM-_VN9msodV6cMSB0_BNYQ_4tVKyAKRigeIDwR7ojN-T3j1ME9G1F-F_oWk-DoG0aDQs3GdPORH6FGNJXi6PdBWAyOKLAHVb9uE8TG-p4uLzEVvu30=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div>The division of the Machine God's servants tasked with the construction, use and operation of void craft and interstellar vessels. They control the outer reaches of a Forge World's systems and so stand apart from the planetary synods, but are still tied to them by dependence and ancient tradition.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Knight Houses of the Questoris Familia</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiP-RQUKCKCMunCCFK_ZhP1aA2xhxPotqyiQvSgRQL6aTUyndW4Ox3aUYHyI9WT8kdDav6_V_SuGKyi8-oiGrnJiJua6k3OzYPl-olSVQVV71pbebEUxJU0ieSSHvESHIVY2PGgQe2OwFL8mSaifikubByExZbawHxZLZjlhWI2Piqz--hK5zYGPxsm5FA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="1312" height="605" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiP-RQUKCKCMunCCFK_ZhP1aA2xhxPotqyiQvSgRQL6aTUyndW4Ox3aUYHyI9WT8kdDav6_V_SuGKyi8-oiGrnJiJua6k3OzYPl-olSVQVV71pbebEUxJU0ieSSHvESHIVY2PGgQe2OwFL8mSaifikubByExZbawHxZLZjlhWI2Piqz--hK5zYGPxsm5FA=w640-h605" width="640" /></a></div><br />I have already written <a href="https://admechknight.blogspot.com/2024/02/mechanicum-oathed-knight-houses.html">an entire article on Mechanicum-Oathed Knight Houses</a>, but suffice to say, the ruling noble Houses of the Knight Worlds form their own unique culture and traditions. They forge close bonds with the Mechanicum for mutual defense, resupply, repairs, maintenance and production of new Knight armors. There are varying degrees of independence, but while many Knight Houses broker alliances with or pledge vassalage to Taghmata and other Mechanicum forces, many more form the Ordo Questoris and join Expeditionary fleets during the Great Crusade in search of honor, glory and wealth. The Horus Heresy would see the same schism in the loyalties of the Knight Houses as the the one that has riven the Legiones Astartes, Mechanicum and Excertus Imperialis alike, with many nobly upholding their oaths to the Emperor while others instead swear fealty to the Warmaster to fuel their dark ambitions.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkii6gLLw5fIKD81luPHaZbwy2A_rD1EMxOOs07-IJb96NlR9gRTQ6eNOWPvZclJTSXDHngKmP86-SYu4O3TXXVAFwLIgabBeRH3gbB3BRe9wpnp3MSdIHy-gFEhPqF084BT3wBrBsWo7SxHQf660iGIWabhTCWkm6ygwSYlsYKI6Z3yqhfy6usGDZ1jU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="994" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkii6gLLw5fIKD81luPHaZbwy2A_rD1EMxOOs07-IJb96NlR9gRTQ6eNOWPvZclJTSXDHngKmP86-SYu4O3TXXVAFwLIgabBeRH3gbB3BRe9wpnp3MSdIHy-gFEhPqF084BT3wBrBsWo7SxHQf660iGIWabhTCWkm6ygwSYlsYKI6Z3yqhfy6usGDZ1jU=w496-h640" width="496" /></a></div></div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-53705097210311012242024-02-06T19:57:00.031-06:002024-03-03T14:31:31.732-06:00Retrospective: Chaos and Daemon KnightsChaos Knights - or Daemon Knights, as they were formerly known - first appear in White Dwarf #190, October 1995. As part of the Slaanesh War Machines range introduced for Epic, they expanded upon the Knight range, giving the Loyalist Knights their Traitor counterparts. I've already written a<a href="https://admechknight.blogspot.com/2024/01/retrospective-imperial-knights.html">n article at length on the origins of Imperial Knights</a> last week, and this is pretty much a companion retrospective article to that.<div><br /></div><div>We first begin with the most famous of Traitor Knight Households - House Devine of Molech. This is the first time Games Workshop introduced Daemon Knights into the setting, and fittingly enough, it was for Epic. This is also the very first mention of The Battle of Molech, penned by Gavin Thorpe - yeah, he's been around in Warhammer 40,000 for over 30 years now (I believe he joined Games Workshop in 1993)! Truthfully, I'm not a big fan of his novels, but the only one I really like was <i>Luther: First of the Fallen</i>. I actually like <i>Corax: Soulforge</i> as well. Look, I know he's not the best Black Library author, but I have nothing against him, and he comes up with some really cool lore sometimes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Like the Battle of Molech, which really becomes one of the most pivotal moments of the Horus Heresy. I'm actually surprised Black Library asked Graham McNeill to pen the novel for it (<i>Vengeful Spirit </i>in 2014) instead of Gav Thorpe. Since Gav was the guy who came up with this whole thing in the first place, I thought it would be worth seeing his take on the story he conceived almost 20 years ago.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinI7_WoXby_FKqYe1sulJqVK1M-DodcIR_QudAGKEJ-FWoZDdCt1jA39iVKwRyHYyYqAqATJCUFJvHahd6oSJIAI41cA0h1J6rFEla-qXlKIhVk7BSkc26jEQVFwQmjb826QQ7KU_uIvOruvCwDy7C4g9YIVPSayb-RKxtcNWQhGA1YY6QCJQXW2x31WU/s1384/Slaanesh%20War%20Machines.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1384" data-original-width="1144" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinI7_WoXby_FKqYe1sulJqVK1M-DodcIR_QudAGKEJ-FWoZDdCt1jA39iVKwRyHYyYqAqATJCUFJvHahd6oSJIAI41cA0h1J6rFEla-qXlKIhVk7BSkc26jEQVFwQmjb826QQ7KU_uIvOruvCwDy7C4g9YIVPSayb-RKxtcNWQhGA1YY6QCJQXW2x31WU/w530-h640/Slaanesh%20War%20Machines.jpg" width="530" /></a></div><br /><div>By now, most people should be familiar with the story behind House Devine. Formerly led by Cyprian Devine - the High King of Molech - his son, Raeven betrayed and killed him to ursurp his throne. Raeven and his consort and sister (don't ask), Lyx, and his mother, Cebella, are all part of this Slaanesh cult of the serpent god that...did crazy things. They also imprisoned and tortured Raeven's older half-brother, Albard, for some reason. Who am I kidding, it's because Graham McNeill wants to reinforce the point that they are evil.</div><div><br /></div><div>As evil as Raeven is, when he piloted <i>Banelash</i> (his Knight armor) into a forest, the serpent god, Fulgrim, attempts to tempt him and fails. Because he is a Noble Knight pilot, and thus has the mental fortitude to resist the insidious whispers of Chaos, along with the ghosts in his Throne Mechanicum or something. Somehow, Fulgrim succeeds in corrupting <i>Banelash</i>'s Throne Mechanicum, but that has no effect on Raeven. Unfortunately, when Raeven returns, Albard breaks free and kills him, Lyx and Cebella, taking over <i>Banelash</i>. Worse, Albard's suffering during his captivity under the torment of his stepmom and half-siblings have left him half-mad, and thus lacking the resilience that Raeven has, he succumbs to the Slaanesh magick that has woven its way into <i>Banelash</i>'s Throne Mechanicum, courtesy of Fulgrim. Thus, when taking control of House Devine (all of whom are also corrupted, unlike Raeven, as they indulged in depravities in their Cult of the serpent god), he hallucinates of a dragon and is basically hypnotized into slaying it. As it turns out, that "dragon" is actually the Loyalist Imperator Titan, <i>Paragon of Terra</i>, and Albard's Knights are able to get under his void shells and fell the mighty Titan. The resulting catastrophic explosion kills many of the Loyalists, and with the now insane and clearly Traitor House Devine attacking from the rear, the Imperial forces are swiftly routed by Horus Lupercal's treacherous hosts.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was basically the introduction of what would be known as Daemon Knights. Unfortunately, as with the case regarding Imperial Knights, when Epic sort of died away, these Daemon Knights also vanished along with their Loyalist counterparts and wouldn't surface for another two decades. Funnily enough, their absence was explained away in the Imperial Knight codex in 2014.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgO_LSZHrYYoUapXpYKryjdiTlZvOC6x_klSKNK5ReXfVQPHeXIwOBmmAdZ53rAxTKUANT493wTKO_BNrugm174q0HJ26aej1XSHufPEunjxREQpn0s7ORSt4jVqEyTB6OSExlu_bBlUGvcTIpVDSc3eMNo5QeRs8iEThXWLjlXErzV0qUhGUz0qtPvoPs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="927" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgO_LSZHrYYoUapXpYKryjdiTlZvOC6x_klSKNK5ReXfVQPHeXIwOBmmAdZ53rAxTKUANT493wTKO_BNrugm174q0HJ26aej1XSHufPEunjxREQpn0s7ORSt4jVqEyTB6OSExlu_bBlUGvcTIpVDSc3eMNo5QeRs8iEThXWLjlXErzV0qUhGUz0qtPvoPs=w432-h640" width="432" /></a></div><br />Basically, the Battle of Molech during the Horus Heresy was mentioned once more, as a callback to the old 1995 White Dwarf #190 article by Gav Thorpe, but...um, apparently, "only a handful of Knightly houses have been corrupted by Chaos" and the "innate conservatism of the Knightly Houses has made them resistant to the lures of the Chaos Gods," and therefore Daemon Knights are "extremely rare." That's why you don't see Chaos or Daemon Knights on the tabletop. Only Imperial Knights exist, because they are highly resistant to Chaos, and don't fall as easily, unlike those Heretic Astartes and Traitor Legions!</div><div><br /></div><div>That all changed with the introduction of 8th edition and Renegade Knights.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifdH0IVa3oMiDfj5y4hub5EklqWBtTXopoV3xK42j062oG7KANJ_a4v3pkWEicnPtF7ZVUHH_Y6szIaJPbmTJbS3i4LfGV-HcQD-EIBhcVUl7wwwL-ScMD9XZQADgUM055nrDW0z7hPQ1G1rSjZZ5_WsC2JlryaW6WeUPfrmzRGbBcPJmwyojlifpXbkY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="628" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifdH0IVa3oMiDfj5y4hub5EklqWBtTXopoV3xK42j062oG7KANJ_a4v3pkWEicnPtF7ZVUHH_Y6szIaJPbmTJbS3i4LfGV-HcQD-EIBhcVUl7wwwL-ScMD9XZQADgUM055nrDW0z7hPQ1G1rSjZZ5_WsC2JlryaW6WeUPfrmzRGbBcPJmwyojlifpXbkY=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div><br />First introduced in 2016 (okay, so 7th edition, a year before 8th edition), featuring the <i>Litany of Destruction</i> - once the noble Knight Gallant <i>Living Litany</i> - Sir Balthazar of House Terryn, piloting the Knight Paladin <i>Ever-Stalwart</i>, attempted to halt the <i>Litany of Destruction</i>'s rampage on Tellerax Prime. Unfortunately, Balthazar was defeated and <i>Ever-Stalwart</i> was nearly destroyed during the battle.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0lcucfG8oJWes_pSSJ0UEsWU9ziyUFGg0V-uCkSDibZpFuJOUmXMF8qpSSmnj7nDZDN7iXOenIyWE0LjH6wEF_7SY2Z2CoXFGUMy4mS1HC7cflI2GlU2mvVwSctbKYtcDH7cpBKMB53tO3m5jfldTJDBHZk4IUcWjumEdl622-VwZimqKgK6dUCpYslM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="907" height="591" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0lcucfG8oJWes_pSSJ0UEsWU9ziyUFGg0V-uCkSDibZpFuJOUmXMF8qpSSmnj7nDZDN7iXOenIyWE0LjH6wEF_7SY2Z2CoXFGUMy4mS1HC7cflI2GlU2mvVwSctbKYtcDH7cpBKMB53tO3m5jfldTJDBHZk4IUcWjumEdl622-VwZimqKgK6dUCpYslM=w640-h591" width="640" /></a></div><br />Two years later, in 2018, the second edition of <i>Imperial Knights: Renegade</i> was released, and this time, Sir Drantar of House Taranis, piloting the Knight Crusader <i>Red Might</i>, was charged with the <i>Litany of Destruction</i>'s...uh, destruction. The plot point has been left hanging since then. The last I heard, Drantar and <i>Red Might</i> clashed with the <i>Litany of Destruction</i> on Dharrovar, a fallen Knight world, and that was back in 2018 in the release of the 8th edition Imperial Knight codex. In Chapter Approved, released during early 8th edition, Renegade Knights became their own Faction, separate from Imperial Knights, and had their own Stratagem. <i>Trail of Destruction</i>, in contrast to the Loyalist Knights' <i>Rotate Ion Shields</i>. Fittingly enough, this would distinguish between the two Factions - Imperial Knights would be more defensive and durable, whereas Renegade Knights focused more on the offense and raw power.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4v1jHIT7hdXY6j71IGNTwL0OptXV341Ye3Mj05PwSE5JMJjGVZdUBBhqm2AhpdHKSW8qm0h0zBq9kN8uIcpm_QT784Ad8DKvV4oMJLVVsz7aKgggxzNkCFmiC9scMaOJdt7zyDmnTl8YkSQxbyPUaHFmGDQJZNJG2b2Qc6Bxd-2F1YjDCaIaMi3qRQqc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="1000" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4v1jHIT7hdXY6j71IGNTwL0OptXV341Ye3Mj05PwSE5JMJjGVZdUBBhqm2AhpdHKSW8qm0h0zBq9kN8uIcpm_QT784Ad8DKvV4oMJLVVsz7aKgggxzNkCFmiC9scMaOJdt7zyDmnTl8YkSQxbyPUaHFmGDQJZNJG2b2Qc6Bxd-2F1YjDCaIaMi3qRQqc=w640-h380" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>However, the <i>Litany of Destruction</i> is pretty much the first plastic Chaos Knight model, though Forge World has in the past released a few resin upgrades of its own as far back as 2015.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw1ywWJlfgZN33M5qt__diL00ZDih6YAXXpaNQR4b5VUr7Iq9ZeP87AqEYSqqDefMFWTG74oLecvC0yZtgaC_9yOUMYtM-lfSCKpKkGA4VRtiralSBtxmbdsuLa4v-E2D5OAcwm9_KnpwB0BzLXDtiOrX_JDYwTuxGqBq84MO_Xoj48RIg0zxqCRimrUM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="669" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw1ywWJlfgZN33M5qt__diL00ZDih6YAXXpaNQR4b5VUr7Iq9ZeP87AqEYSqqDefMFWTG74oLecvC0yZtgaC_9yOUMYtM-lfSCKpKkGA4VRtiralSBtxmbdsuLa4v-E2D5OAcwm9_KnpwB0BzLXDtiOrX_JDYwTuxGqBq84MO_Xoj48RIg0zxqCRimrUM=w619-h640" width="619" /></a></div><br />However, before we explore the present, let's return to 1995, with the advent of the Slaanesh War Machines and the introduction of Daemon Knights. These are probably no longer canon, but in 1995, we had "separate" Knight types for Chaos, and they were dedicated to Slaanesh. That means they impose a -1 modifier to hit rolls, similar to holo-fields that protected Eldar Knights. There were three types of Slaanesh Daemon Knights: The Hell-Strider, the Hell-Scourge and the Hell-Knight (no, not the demon from DooM).</div><div><br /></div><div>The Hell-Strider is the smallest of the Daemon Knights, but still stands many times the height of a man. I'm guessing they are supposed to be the counterpart for War Dogs eventually, or perhaps a smaller variant of the Questoris chassis. Hell-Striders are extremely mobile, able to flush the enemy out of cover with their powerful but short-ranged weaponry. Apparently, they are armed with lascannons and melta-beams.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYnP_SaqZuAKEth1sC5-uPXlmMVk1t76yG_zRzU9WtezQAuz9kkyDmqh07hWPBCvZDDsmSEOUKu_zRlt5-9DX7ysuU3syswCd_olqqDNY1AauLRsTMZ87hRsEKHhruVun-H2vIk_eDlWN7N6XhovuHQl8i2gzMI3JoCc4Wa5DGVty0L9UtZKWzj7V9PTU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="668" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYnP_SaqZuAKEth1sC5-uPXlmMVk1t76yG_zRzU9WtezQAuz9kkyDmqh07hWPBCvZDDsmSEOUKu_zRlt5-9DX7ysuU3syswCd_olqqDNY1AauLRsTMZ87hRsEKHhruVun-H2vIk_eDlWN7N6XhovuHQl8i2gzMI3JoCc4Wa5DGVty0L9UtZKWzj7V9PTU=w640-h344" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>According to their rules, they are simply Vehicle/Walker, which means they are not Titanic in modern 40K. So yeah, definitely precursor to the War Dogs (who are often armed with a thermal spear, which is pretty much the melta-beam).</div><div><br /></div><div>The Hell-Scourge is one of the larger Slaanesh Daemon Knights. They are machine-predators, the perfect hunters who mercilessly run down their quarry with bounding strides from their elegant, powerful legs. Apparently, Hell-Scourges are stealthy, launching ambushes from previously unseen positions. As one appears and the targets attempt to turn their weapons to bear on its blurred form, others will attack from all sides, scything through armor and flesh with their massive Castigator cannons.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjY1IAj6F0h3AifziQv_ocSZuMSxDKVSKePxq7km2tOuUFRLKYPxWb7y40ZlKRb6XtjipUILowzs_imP7_zAMMlECKXC-8RavUHfMgASP7gsobgqNHwlE0leF81NxADD1RtjZghSN1Y5PJaemzAt3rm6ZF0xof9yu7URyRZpdRXMoDWEUIfo5Fzc5kdau0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="635" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjY1IAj6F0h3AifziQv_ocSZuMSxDKVSKePxq7km2tOuUFRLKYPxWb7y40ZlKRb6XtjipUILowzs_imP7_zAMMlECKXC-8RavUHfMgASP7gsobgqNHwlE0leF81NxADD1RtjZghSN1Y5PJaemzAt3rm6ZF0xof9yu7URyRZpdRXMoDWEUIfo5Fzc5kdau0=w640-h402" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Hell-Scourge Daemon Knights are in constant communication with each other, being linked telepathically in a manner akin to pack instincts. This allows them to launch exceptionally well coordinated attacks, outflanking the enemy with ease.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, Hell-Scourges - unlike Hell-Striders - are actually super heavy Knights (Knight being a type that returns in Horus Heresy 2.0, as opposed to simply being a Super-heavy Walker). In other words, they are Titanic (or Super-heavy in Horus Heresy/6th and 7th Edition). I'm assuming the Castigator is the foundation for what will later become the Cerastus Knight Castigator in 2014. Armed with the Castigator bolt cannon that can annihilate hordes of infantry and even threaten light tanks, as well as their (flank) speed, the super-heavy Hell-Scourges might have inspired the design for the Knight Castigator, similar to how the Cerastus Knight Lancer was clearly redesigned using the original Knight Lancer from the 1990 White Dwarf #126 as the base.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hell-Knights are one of the most specialized types of Daemon Knights. They are equipped with a rapid-firing thermal lance, which is fairly short ranged but can pierce through any armor with relative ease. They are also super-heavy.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcj4-bIAYKPVMDxFDK5VsaXCNBpNX9ZY71hUGOGJ_SoGuPtoCvjQm5orS8KShNbWfywFKFPhIFXZicQf0FeLcAp6MvIOo1OxAdPNHZnv-Qv7l5yqKRoK0vvlYQVVolgN4RwyJQvlLx01YCTYBERp09Ne0KpGvzoIRhs3uonqF_4wpmKqty6UBv-7iaOsM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="650" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcj4-bIAYKPVMDxFDK5VsaXCNBpNX9ZY71hUGOGJ_SoGuPtoCvjQm5orS8KShNbWfywFKFPhIFXZicQf0FeLcAp6MvIOo1OxAdPNHZnv-Qv7l5yqKRoK0vvlYQVVolgN4RwyJQvlLx01YCTYBERp09Ne0KpGvzoIRhs3uonqF_4wpmKqty6UBv-7iaOsM=w640-h394" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>There is a reference to the Battle of Kado. A huge Chaos army invaded the Hive World of Kado, and while the Imperial army defended the capital from Fiends, Daemonettes, Tzeentch Firelords and Khornate Lords of Battle (I assume Lords of Skulls), a hundred Hell-Knights infiltrated the massive underground transport network of the Hive. Eradicating any opposition they encountered, they emerge into the main streets of the hive, killing thousands of citizens and even annihilating the Adeptus Arbites who attempted to stop them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fighting their way to the surface, the Hell-Knights emerged within firing distance behind the Loyalist Legio Crucius and fired their thermal lances, destroying a whole battle group - including the Imperator Titan, <i>Praeco Deictus</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are also references to Slaanesh type Titans, such as the Questor Scout Titan and the Subjugator Scout Titan.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Subjugator Scout Titan is a daemon engine and a small Slaanesh Titan, allied to the Emperor's Children and armed with sonic weaponry and the Tormentor cannons - psychically charged weapons that kill their victims with unbearable agonies, leaving their bodies charred by twisted energies. They also come equipped with a pair of Hellslicer battle claws, resembling those on Fiends but on a much larger scale.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQ-w8E8Hn4_bdr9l9VIitAdR73Fc6vFYoyN7TKjslkxyF0ETnEVXzfadwKQ-nQGYkfFvKCO026nKm_qcgAKNsDtsbErK3SyfoyFBBUCe4xOxfepbgxlu3l8qttPeDsEMd2p093sYFOSjNHpeYrfA9SVvUyv9vqAJITI_jfLlfkJoPGjJCh_G5PjBOuy98" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="405" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQ-w8E8Hn4_bdr9l9VIitAdR73Fc6vFYoyN7TKjslkxyF0ETnEVXzfadwKQ-nQGYkfFvKCO026nKm_qcgAKNsDtsbErK3SyfoyFBBUCe4xOxfepbgxlu3l8qttPeDsEMd2p093sYFOSjNHpeYrfA9SVvUyv9vqAJITI_jfLlfkJoPGjJCh_G5PjBOuy98=w640-h630" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Fortunately, they're easily taken down because their armor is only as good as a Dreadnought's (which, for a Titan, is pitiful).</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4aUhIOf06oM3LUrcF34FmMWfgGLDd0sTeqWHZSifbkDGEPohA132G0vB_4d8IX4-RR2UIfbCN-zXWu-msMy0cfOt2pL5miQW6HlNTO994lCCX4d_Zej3kGlx_7s_oQG7jNAdWOvmUEhVpFlfD-TPFYWhhcRmpWadSomlgEhAXt6ZyDLHv0Y2tDqsmAp0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="387" height="589" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4aUhIOf06oM3LUrcF34FmMWfgGLDd0sTeqWHZSifbkDGEPohA132G0vB_4d8IX4-RR2UIfbCN-zXWu-msMy0cfOt2pL5miQW6HlNTO994lCCX4d_Zej3kGlx_7s_oQG7jNAdWOvmUEhVpFlfD-TPFYWhhcRmpWadSomlgEhAXt6ZyDLHv0Y2tDqsmAp0=w640-h589" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Questor Scout Titans, on the other hand, are Slaaneshi Titans slightly larger than the Subjugators, and have thicker armor. It is fast, and is armed with a pair of rapid-firing Tormentor cannons.</div><div><br /></div><div>...that said, I don't think any of these guys show up again...</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, despite that little line about Daemon Knights being rare in the 6th edition Imperial Knight codex from 2014, Chaos Knights have been showing up with increasing frequency. In 2019 - 5 years after the launch of the Imperial Knight codex - they finally saw the release of their own codex for the first time.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2RYfrtXJwmo" width="320" youtube-src-id="2RYfrtXJwmo"></iframe></div><br /><div>Yeah, with this awesome trailer in 2019, Chaos Knights were teased, and later that year, a full codex - along with a brand new model - was released. The Knight Despoiler kit allowed Chaos fans to assemble a Questoris class - now called Abhorrent class - Knight with Chaos heraldry, spikes and all of those Chaos bits for the first time in plastic, as well as offer a new option.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Knight Desecrator.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7EhXjbyNBy10yZ3KRUJ21CGp0lrggJJ7K0LqOifYB7lAOR5XQljUT2hzkfd2YDWL8LTh0L1SKgUiDcUB071XgAgQ8hOao2HaVWmJLpg12qBeRQJGhSVH4cN_kfoM_sBc3F_dJUp8vET58i5z7syQvyLZaVZqPYDdEoix_ADkJ1dJCYdkr-yZX-0R2U8U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="702" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7EhXjbyNBy10yZ3KRUJ21CGp0lrggJJ7K0LqOifYB7lAOR5XQljUT2hzkfd2YDWL8LTh0L1SKgUiDcUB071XgAgQ8hOao2HaVWmJLpg12qBeRQJGhSVH4cN_kfoM_sBc3F_dJUp8vET58i5z7syQvyLZaVZqPYDdEoix_ADkJ1dJCYdkr-yZX-0R2U8U=w491-h640" width="491" /></a></div><br />The counterpart to the Knight Preceptor, the Knight Descrator is armed with a laser destructor - generally a weapon mounted on <i>Titans</i> - that is capable of destroying a tank or even a rival Knight in a single volley from long range. Ouch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Aside from that, though, the range of the Chaos Knights was pretty much restricted to just being a mirror to their Loyalist counterparts. The War Dogs were pretty much...Chaos Armigers. The Knight Despoiler was a Questoris Knight that you can equip however you want. The Knight Rampager was pretty much a better Chaos Knight Gallant, with a Warpstrike claw instead of a Thunderstrike gauntlet. The Knight Tyrant was a Chaos Dominus Knight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even the division is pretty much the same. Infernal Houses are pretty much Dark Mechanicum-aligned Knight Houses. Iconoclast Houses are the counterpart of Imperial-aligned Knight Houses, pledging their allegiance to one of the Four Chaos Gods (Or Chaos Undivided), Daemon Princes (Be'lakor) or a Chaos Space Marine Legion, or just being their own tyrannical thing. Dreadblades are Freeblades. And Idolators are Sacristans. Forget all the fancy wording, edgy stories and purple prose, that pretty much sums up Chaos Knights and their range.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah, unlike the Imperial Knights, who have six "different" Questoris Knight classes (Gallant, Errant, Paladin, Warden, Crusader and Preceptor), two Armiger types (Warglaive and Helverin) and two Dominus Knight types (Castellan and Valiant), Chaos Knights only had a single War Dog type, three "different" Abhorrent classes, and a single Knight Tyrant type. Effectively, they only have half the range of Imperial Knights.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lorewise, though, they are taking into account the sudden increase in Chaos Knights appearing everywhere. Not only have there been Chaos Knight Houses all along, the appearance of the Great Rift has seen entire Knight Worlds consumed into the warp and spat out as Daemon Worlds, their once noble Knightly Houses now corrupted and twisted to the whims of dark gods. Or, like House Korvax of Korvosi, once Kolossi, the homeworld of House Raven. Even the once Noble scions of House Raven - those who remained upon Kolossi when it was spirited away by Be'lakor into Nihilus and the warp in the aftermath of Warzone Charadon and the slow, tainted demise of the Forge World, Metalica - have been twisted and corrupted into the scions of House Korvax. Yikes. That explains the sudden increase of Chaos Knights on the tabletop.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, thanks to their new 9th edition codex in 2022, Chaos Knights also saw an explosion in their range.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p62z1nqIt5o" width="320" youtube-src-id="p62z1nqIt5o"></iframe></div><br /><div>The introduction of the first psychic Knight - the Knight Abominant, released alongside new variants of War Dogs - effectively doubled their range in a single stroke. The electroscourge appears to be inspired by <i>Banelash</i>'s whip-like weapons from <i>Vengeful Spirit</i> by Graham McNeill. Though I suspect Graham meant to emulate the whole serpent motif of House Devine, Fulgrim and Slaanesh, which was why he gave <i>Banelash</i> a whip, but...yeah.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2dIK4hWv38fqiXW4SxG-O_uvtZIZPirUEsCNGJLW04r5ynnFsFUWin10X0XdFIYxlfcxBQKOgfxGm4XG7elJ9cx9CKEUo3Bu0ioG0HXjUQ4dwry5MFkFGQgsrB2oTCKIx1awNaNUcV9-v__4kkYwKIsZdielfAHdSOXvhGyEJoZ1uBkfwrIEK6igs5lQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2dIK4hWv38fqiXW4SxG-O_uvtZIZPirUEsCNGJLW04r5ynnFsFUWin10X0XdFIYxlfcxBQKOgfxGm4XG7elJ9cx9CKEUo3Bu0ioG0HXjUQ4dwry5MFkFGQgsrB2oTCKIx1awNaNUcV9-v__4kkYwKIsZdielfAHdSOXvhGyEJoZ1uBkfwrIEK6igs5lQ=w453-h640" width="453" /></a></div><br />Anyway, along with the Knight Abominant, the War Dogs are now split into five types. The War Dog Executioner is pretty much the Armiger Helverin and the War Dog Huntsman is the Armiger Warglaive. Nothing new here. However, the new War Dog kit allows you to build <i>three</i> more variants of War Dogs - the War Dog Stalker, armed with an Avenger chaincannon and a melee weapon of your choice, the melee-dedicated War Dog Karnivore, and the dual-gun platform War Dog Brigand who's pretty much an Armiger version of the Knight Crusader. These three new variants can swap their heavy stubbers out for a havoc multi-launcher, but they can't take meltaguns, while the original two War Dog variants can't take the havoc multi-launcher for some reason.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW3EQQVIaU0B1nN7uAO-DBSaWgr_Vp-SIEp3Mwd1ImpsrnpponUrtXKMXtXKgUxy3cprECt_E8wInszyuDhOrGuwqAYH8zE4kL8roDHVul0dYk2Q3yYImCmMPYsVhGXrDE5RqPZ4fZ4Dzxdky-v2hnPRhLmOO4uEky3oAIi2VZMa5aYkvA2UilVtzJY08" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="889" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW3EQQVIaU0B1nN7uAO-DBSaWgr_Vp-SIEp3Mwd1ImpsrnpponUrtXKMXtXKgUxy3cprECt_E8wInszyuDhOrGuwqAYH8zE4kL8roDHVul0dYk2Q3yYImCmMPYsVhGXrDE5RqPZ4fZ4Dzxdky-v2hnPRhLmOO4uEky3oAIi2VZMa5aYkvA2UilVtzJY08=w640-h430" width="640" /></a></div><br />Along with a Chaos Knights Army Set that gave you the new Knight Abominant and two War Dogs, as well as the codex, Chaos Knights players were in for a treat in 2022.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, this being a retrospective, the story doesn't end here. I'm going back to the Horus Heresy to look at instances of Daemon Knights or Traitor Knight Households. After all, House Devine was not the only Traitor Household, and we need a reason to justify why Knight Houses are fighting or clashing against each other in the lore, and why many of them are on the Warmaster's side, especially for Forge World's Horus Heresy game, which has expanded to include Knights in 2014. The release of both the plastic kits and the codex for 6th edition, as well as Forge World's own resin kits - the Cerastus Knights and the "Mechanicum" Knights (Magaera and Styrix) in 2014 meant there was a need to incorporate these popular models into the game, as well as flesh out details in the lore to explain why there are so many Knights on both sides of the conflict.</div><div><br /></div><div>In my article on <a href="https://admechknight.blogspot.com/2024/02/mechanicum-oathed-knight-houses.html">Mechanicum-Oathed Vassal Knight Houses</a>, I mentioned House Atrax, which was a Knight Thrall-House effectively enslaved by Archmagos Draykavac, the unfortunate House Morbidia that was bound to Fabricator-General Kelbor-Hal and followed him to Heresy while serving under Legio Mortis. There was also House Aerthegn, who like House Atrax, were subordinated to the Traitor Forge World, Cyclothrathe. To sum it up, there are many ways in which a Knight House may fall to the Traitor cause, whether it is because they are enslaved Thrall-Houses or bound to their oaths to pledge their allegiance to a specific Traitor Legion, such as the Sons of Horus, or even as punishment where they are condemned to eternal servitude to the Fabricator-General of Mars.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of the more famous Traitor Knight Houses is House Malinax (the archenemy of my very own House Yato - though I doubt they care at all about us), which was founded shortly after the incorporation of the Forge World, Xana, into the Imperium as part of the realignment of native Xanite armed forces to better serve the Great Crusade.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd6hOQb4jKZCMUn-ybObylyUS9SqEH5GjXE7S8q0GvWZjmV7vJwCIPVNqDR33VPsHFKxGPz0ClpQ09IuCyb0Jos6oDZKMQ3i_ADKAdOGcTmgU8z3u8uI_g6Zuc6qNkU1JJHbr7II-iLd-oWH_S_cKWYKcHdUXcKGoVrnw_mrBYVutFVRwWVqyDoHLWnmM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="2240" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd6hOQb4jKZCMUn-ybObylyUS9SqEH5GjXE7S8q0GvWZjmV7vJwCIPVNqDR33VPsHFKxGPz0ClpQ09IuCyb0Jos6oDZKMQ3i_ADKAdOGcTmgU8z3u8uI_g6Zuc6qNkU1JJHbr7II-iLd-oWH_S_cKWYKcHdUXcKGoVrnw_mrBYVutFVRwWVqyDoHLWnmM=w640-h332" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The Malin-Qatlu Scion Bloodline - a regressed Knight House that was lacking a homeworld of their own during that time, and in possession of only a few operable Knight armors - formed the basis for this new Knight House, provided by Xana with fresh machines and bound by blood and oath to the Lords of Xana. Brought back from the edge of extinction, the newly established House Malinax would serve with distinction during the Rangdan Xenocides, escorting the Titans of Legio Vultorum and the Taghmata Setna and Taghmata Scoria during the Great Crusade.</div><div><br /></div><div>When Horus Lupercal turned Xana to his cause during the Horus Heresy, House Malinax was declared Traitor along with its masters, and elements of its forces aided the Warmaster and his allies in a number of key battles across the galaxy. As befitting a Knight Household founded upon a powerful Forge World such as Xana, House Malinax was well supplied, its contingents having access to rare Knight patterns. Drawing upon such technologies, House Malinax was capable of bringing superior firepower against rival Knight Houses and even threaten isolated groups of Titans.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_1fPIIHqJ_gHafvBXt4I62pMDYFr5Yt5Uj3rS37st_ITGsOBKwR6n_NLAUjgMAFYtaXmDGk2W4xfiBkYJy6XAi0WLo8PmCyPmUdCu60nHYU7CWccFrF2xjx4nfbZ7S0ZL2siGHXh5o2fC6CmYaX0zkRclgKeKl4DLI00Zxn2IKtvEdGQ2CZZ3l2vGnHU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_1fPIIHqJ_gHafvBXt4I62pMDYFr5Yt5Uj3rS37st_ITGsOBKwR6n_NLAUjgMAFYtaXmDGk2W4xfiBkYJy6XAi0WLo8PmCyPmUdCu60nHYU7CWccFrF2xjx4nfbZ7S0ZL2siGHXh5o2fC6CmYaX0zkRclgKeKl4DLI00Zxn2IKtvEdGQ2CZZ3l2vGnHU=w640-h394" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>House Vextrix is featured in both Adeptus Titanicus and the Chaos Knights codex. Their homeworld is Daxos Gemini in the Segmentum Obscurus, and discovered by Explorator fleets dispatched from Mars. They became fervent believers of the Cult Mechanicus, forging strong bonds with Mars, and thus were utterly loyal to Fabricator Kelbor-Hal, marching at his behest at the feet of the Titans of Legio Mortis and serving as his enforcers. Therefore, when Kelbor-Hal declared for the Warmaster, they followed willingly, purging their homeworld of Loyalist elements and pledging their allegiance to Horus Lupercal. Serving as support for Legio Mortis, they were assigned to missions by the Fabricator-General, including their participation in the war in the Belt of Iron.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCZ2EMwM7ZIKpVENpuE2Un31uV_9y2i4E69h3gavdG1nTCGtHx_YXG7iSDH-L6b5Dnfq7Zjx6pDtAcz3VygYml9XTQ2x6aPjVnwdoOELyTNG05LuQe1eDQwOox_-uTowBLytyAjJB9Z5QmORxL_4IG6W-bbvNpXOhc940i2V-GxG7bD7evDVpBfqKkkoc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1112" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCZ2EMwM7ZIKpVENpuE2Un31uV_9y2i4E69h3gavdG1nTCGtHx_YXG7iSDH-L6b5Dnfq7Zjx6pDtAcz3VygYml9XTQ2x6aPjVnwdoOELyTNG05LuQe1eDQwOox_-uTowBLytyAjJB9Z5QmORxL_4IG6W-bbvNpXOhc940i2V-GxG7bD7evDVpBfqKkkoc=w640-h466" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>10,000 years later, House Vextrix is recognized as an Infernal House, having welcomed the corrupting influence of the Dark Mechanicum. Cabals of Idolators craft warp-infused armaments, engine cores powered by warp entities and mechano-sorcerous rune cogitators in forges and arcane weapon shops for their patrons. The Knights of House Vextrix launch campaigns to uncover repositories of knowledge dating to the Dark Age of Technology or acquire heretical xenos machinery, as well as seize hoarded archeotech from radical Forge Worlds.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think that's pretty much about it for this Retrospective article. After reading through all this and doing so much research, I think I might rewrite the lore for my homebrewed Knight Household (House Yato), maybe even retconning a few stuff and renaming their homeworld (so that it wouldn't be so confusing). We'll see. Till then!</div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-18963325042128056732024-02-05T23:37:00.003-06:002024-02-07T14:02:12.902-06:00Armory of the Mechanicum/Adeptus MechanicusGreetings, fellow adepts and Tech-priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus. Today, we shall be delivering an overview of the exotic and sophisticated archeotechnological weapons in our armory. Dating back to the days when we were still known as the Mechanicum, these weapons are far more advanced than the flexible and utilitarian but utlimately crude and primitive Terran bolter or the ubiquitous but inadequate lasrifle.<div><br /><div><b>Volkite Weapons</b></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Volkite is an arcane Martian term for a variety of powerful ray weapons whose origins date back to the Age of Strife. Possessed of considerable killing power surpassing most armaments of their size, Volkites were difficult to manufacture, even for the most able of the Mechanicum's forges, and the demands of the expanding Great Crusade swiftly overwhelmed supply of them. A commonplace technology among the armories of the Mechanicum, these weapons were found in wide use among the Taghmata of Mars as a standard infantry weapon, having not suffered from the fall from favor that saw them removed from the arsenals of other Imperial forces. Even today, Tech-priests Dominus continue to wield volkite weapons.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3FlWaN7rG7ltEJ1t9kVRG7T1EAFv8fvRHDnqnl32SiF7-N3yW80T3xlbvtyaeUBZWQHukokJDksJKUDa0HpOAPUYVtVT87VHa-5atVIOmrDCC_c6dhs3Rq_7sEZ1UzUPx5QOMmmVnbExPlgA6UfZ2ErcpdZtXiTckE2mk3_G8Qn8QqawvQve-XPh5faQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="510" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3FlWaN7rG7ltEJ1t9kVRG7T1EAFv8fvRHDnqnl32SiF7-N3yW80T3xlbvtyaeUBZWQHukokJDksJKUDa0HpOAPUYVtVT87VHa-5atVIOmrDCC_c6dhs3Rq_7sEZ1UzUPx5QOMmmVnbExPlgA6UfZ2ErcpdZtXiTckE2mk3_G8Qn8QqawvQve-XPh5faQ=w387-h640" width="387" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div><br /></div><div>However, ancient Standard Template Constructs found on Knight Worlds and other Human populated planets across the galaxy have proved capable of replicating these advanced weapons, particularly those worlds that maintain and produce armories dating back to Old Night, thus allowing widespread use even among both the Legiones Astartes and Imperialis Excertus. Unlike most of the other exotic weapons and technology wielded by the Mechanicum - known for zealously hoarding ancient archeotech and scarcely understood designs - the Volkite remains prevalent in the arsenal of the Imperium's other military forces, including both Space Marine Legions and Imperial Army soldiery. Civilizations whose entire armies are equipped with Volkite weapons have been encountered by Expeditionary fleets.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have the ability to deflagrate. Deflagrating attacks have a devastating effect on organic matter, explosively burning flesh into ash and jetting fire. Volkite weapons impart so much thermodynamic energy to the target that those under their shimmering rays simply combust. Such unfortunates burn to cinders in explosions of jetting flame, frequently taking nearby comrades to the grave with them.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzH6ic4yLnD05kyU-hSNWAOIVq9-Uagpmuad-hMyrcYbABsYp8SFAdPkvsmVK53dSQD6x7vak-uTrazORigvAZ_gVC6vlnI72aKZC7FO-th8iYFdVGBGmhA4xd776jvcbWvAOD2YvxjmIQYLZ0t6q-CP_7CecRpwnrtF6mvQ5qgYSev_8u9_AFErjgE0U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="547" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzH6ic4yLnD05kyU-hSNWAOIVq9-Uagpmuad-hMyrcYbABsYp8SFAdPkvsmVK53dSQD6x7vak-uTrazORigvAZ_gVC6vlnI72aKZC7FO-th8iYFdVGBGmhA4xd776jvcbWvAOD2YvxjmIQYLZ0t6q-CP_7CecRpwnrtF6mvQ5qgYSev_8u9_AFErjgE0U=w413-h640" width="413" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>When amplified, Knight, Super-heavy, and Titan-scale Volkite weapons fire thermal rays powerful enough to superheat protective energy barriers, such as void shields, and pop them out of existence.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Arc Weapons</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Arc weapons are powered by bulky permacapacitors shipped from Mars's Great Repositorium, storing energy in zinc-plated blocks. They discharge with a loud crack, firing bolts of blue-white electricity that can fry a man's brain or overload a war machine's datacortex in a second.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQNchwaen4ZUsp2mxo0obfOLv_7sMlm2dHycFX-7LQPaVfmCbOjyx4qYz3FHHm0DOfZlpmuYof6zeVmZw2mxYv5dJdB_Pomjq1hZYEkN8iaz2j0ZX7nsunvrLG_r-HfsZi3Xwxd1wFDq_X1ZJ39r3oSAGOX6clZtZnSjCC1OjyiPMUU7wOczxxCx5Xbgc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="701" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQNchwaen4ZUsp2mxo0obfOLv_7sMlm2dHycFX-7LQPaVfmCbOjyx4qYz3FHHm0DOfZlpmuYof6zeVmZw2mxYv5dJdB_Pomjq1hZYEkN8iaz2j0ZX7nsunvrLG_r-HfsZi3Xwxd1wFDq_X1ZJ39r3oSAGOX6clZtZnSjCC1OjyiPMUU7wOczxxCx5Xbgc=w595-h640" width="595" /></a></div></div><br /></div><div>These weapons are powered by potent capacitors of ancient design, the schema of which are thought to reside on Mars alone, though it is being discovered that many other Forge Worlds possess similar templates as well. When these energy repositories are discharged, they produce an ear-drum splitting crack of sound and a bolt of pure, blue-white lightning which can overload both a mechanical data-core and a biological cortex with equal ease.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkAi3ZMRvW81fMWKfoDuf0EH2BEpjPgmXXdEx3SgqKl0OQuPtZ8Trvxk4C4ruEnq_tm0uYq69cyYGED9VxFm2S_zAZSRb7peMVS-oT3feW_iCUfKgveEBOxMAJvda85L0YM9Kty-QVHPzvZ5joftD4XTFMqOFXqVs3_uE5LeQhspj6j3uC6TCIraoAdJA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="1054" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkAi3ZMRvW81fMWKfoDuf0EH2BEpjPgmXXdEx3SgqKl0OQuPtZ8Trvxk4C4ruEnq_tm0uYq69cyYGED9VxFm2S_zAZSRb7peMVS-oT3feW_iCUfKgveEBOxMAJvda85L0YM9Kty-QVHPzvZ5joftD4XTFMqOFXqVs3_uE5LeQhspj6j3uC6TCIraoAdJA=w640-h238" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Akin to these weapons - such as the arc mauls of Skitarii Clade officers and the far larger weapons wielded by the mighty Cerastus Knight Lancers - the arc lance is a powerful spear which can project bolts of coruscating energies over a short range, its power supply augmented by the inversion generators mounted in the mag-inverter shield it is usually paired with.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Lightning Weapons</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Lightning guns take the form of baroquely designed carbines either connected to a micro-reactor or, in the case of a Ordo Reductor Thallax, their firer's own cybernetic power core. It fires an ionizing las-beam down which a powerful phased discharge of electromagnetic force is unleashed, and is equally effective at slaughtering the living and overloading machine targets.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx7ZHVCXbd3uQglMxwP2iFRRhCRmbrndNJ781fJFQrETrnqFAvnm5rzxv-aozB7wI8xFzDgQt97Jxlacfc8QlXJbSyOUuZbv0IscoYAGn4AjRo-DHJOD813GOfpxCUmSl1NE8Qrof13zBx16hRCVtuH7PrS6lmXQ5xawadKQkcpXC8I3dPVx79NhiMDEI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="840" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx7ZHVCXbd3uQglMxwP2iFRRhCRmbrndNJ781fJFQrETrnqFAvnm5rzxv-aozB7wI8xFzDgQt97Jxlacfc8QlXJbSyOUuZbv0IscoYAGn4AjRo-DHJOD813GOfpxCUmSl1NE8Qrof13zBx16hRCVtuH7PrS6lmXQ5xawadKQkcpXC8I3dPVx79NhiMDEI=w640-h284" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>On a larger scale, the lightning locks mounted on Armiger Moirax and the bigger lightning cannons wielded by the Krios tanks, or even the Super-heavy Magaera Knights, draw from massive plasma reactor cores to unleash focused electro-magnetic beams capable of vaporizing infantry and blasting apart armor.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYGL41zKLDHZlmlouXLxHo6IX-YQkNg3areNutto_1JfHpWCwAkyP-yQlEVwXQrZX7GTWxlENR1uCjZ7KbKSDP1ACXKFc84768uc4N9q1pAB1Pi4phFGrvIW158bB3OTS8HcLfUa3nzrcCnAVdpNxENWfJt4GtxJWCnvql3wWylRxRaxHdefStdyEsY5E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="1028" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYGL41zKLDHZlmlouXLxHo6IX-YQkNg3areNutto_1JfHpWCwAkyP-yQlEVwXQrZX7GTWxlENR1uCjZ7KbKSDP1ACXKFc84768uc4N9q1pAB1Pi4phFGrvIW158bB3OTS8HcLfUa3nzrcCnAVdpNxENWfJt4GtxJWCnvql3wWylRxRaxHdefStdyEsY5E=w640-h346" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div><div>This configuration takes advantage of the tank's or Knight's powerful on-board reactor's vast capacity to create a laser-path guided electromagnetic beam, able to vaporize flesh and rupture heavy armor with sustained blasts. Though relatively short-ranged, its advantage over conventional weapons is that its reactor-fed firepower has the capacity to fire at full effect for extended periods, far eclipsing the number of physical shells a normal tank would be able to carry.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Galvanic Weapons</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Galvanic bullets of galvanic rifles are incredibly advanced projectiles that causes all the potential energy of the target to burn out in a killing blast of electric force. Electro-galvanic weaponry uses a combination of magnetic and galvanic forces to project solid shot or explosive ballistics at low velocities but with the precision accuracy of a marksman.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQTx3c8RFP-2A5e7s564E5KZpPJwoqLjTy2_YN-n81Ow2RA_WGn5AeES-bbCUNF7G3QkTRP_h1ZEgy08Aoz3uEkKzbgzvq_i7ZjOzvGJlbkXfsXddFDreeZS2me9Yf92jbkntfaGI2HqH1NFKr1Jv2yX9MtXu-PSLGdexI8eetWJg8HHtnfIXtBIVdgSM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="985" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQTx3c8RFP-2A5e7s564E5KZpPJwoqLjTy2_YN-n81Ow2RA_WGn5AeES-bbCUNF7G3QkTRP_h1ZEgy08Aoz3uEkKzbgzvq_i7ZjOzvGJlbkXfsXddFDreeZS2me9Yf92jbkntfaGI2HqH1NFKr1Jv2yX9MtXu-PSLGdexI8eetWJg8HHtnfIXtBIVdgSM=w640-h324" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>More advanced forms of such weapons like the galvanic casters are laser-guided, multi-functional launchers similar to advanced combination weapons. With their main weapon mechanism, they are able to fire rapid bursts of razor-edged metallic flechettes, or with their secondary dischargers, attack concealed targets with retina-burning ignis charges. When further upgraded with a high-intensity capacitor and by compressing the galvanic charge, they can fire an armor-piercing inert slug-shot at supersonic velocities.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Las Weapons</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>In the Imperium, the term las is applied to a variety of weapons, from crude particle weapons like the ubiquitous laspistol to more complex and deadly weapons like the neutron laser beam cannon. With a stabilized neutronic coil arc reactor as its power source, the neutron laser is able to fire a beam so devastating it not only punches through the thickest armor but also sends out a blast wave of electromagnetic energy that scrambles circuits and synapses alike.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGCVzFpEI0S_uruk_jX7CanGcHvxdVSMUw2nHPEs2tsmyp6CtC_bSuWRO00WIi05GAQLR5jqu7CrNuhzzkIjfiZ_6nw5fcqiiFMAdSkj97UYUVu2FTYIJKGvDjqwYAXnzKIwAmUgozZTht8m2jxXIUlfR5f4g2Tt4oO2nVBoZqA5Ioa5FTvusA9nIAvUc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="1024" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGCVzFpEI0S_uruk_jX7CanGcHvxdVSMUw2nHPEs2tsmyp6CtC_bSuWRO00WIi05GAQLR5jqu7CrNuhzzkIjfiZ_6nw5fcqiiFMAdSkj97UYUVu2FTYIJKGvDjqwYAXnzKIwAmUgozZTht8m2jxXIUlfR5f4g2Tt4oO2nVBoZqA5Ioa5FTvusA9nIAvUc=w640-h346" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div>These energy weapons rely on rechargable power packs or portable generators instead of conventional magazines like projectile weapons. The ability to draw and project vast quantities of power has made such weapons ideal anti-tank armament among the ranks of the Mechanicum. Volcano cannons, turbo laser destructors and laser destroyers/blasters are Titan-scaled laser weapons capable of leveling entire hab-blocks or even melting holes through heavily fortified bunkers. Not to mention Titan-killing.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Photon and Pulsar Weapons</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Photon and pulsar weapons are deadly but unstable, and the arcane secrets of these beam weapons are jealously guarded by the adepts who hold them, leading some to believe the technology is xenos in origin or originates from forbidden caches of the Dark Age of Technology. When fired, photonic weapons unleash howling, needle-thin beams of utter blackness able to pierce the densest matter, or else explode in scintillating pulses of blinding light, slicing armored men and machinery apart like razors, leaving waves of darkness burned upon an observer's retina in their wake.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPOhLL8b2HCqhzpQXDYjmw41_8VJ8d5u8AdbLjvc7EDP8i3f01Ql4DGaeL-05URTRdd7f4vyV2O4IPrxTeM6PzAiGBUTvu0fbY1SSTxpTHat76kQkRivu1kFGWp3n5FoBHar39Z4OomGavLh_LtecU03kMLehCqwa5CXjm3F-BXizGjYWca4R0r7wfmEI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="1538" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPOhLL8b2HCqhzpQXDYjmw41_8VJ8d5u8AdbLjvc7EDP8i3f01Ql4DGaeL-05URTRdd7f4vyV2O4IPrxTeM6PzAiGBUTvu0fbY1SSTxpTHat76kQkRivu1kFGWp3n5FoBHar39Z4OomGavLh_LtecU03kMLehCqwa5CXjm3F-BXizGjYWca4R0r7wfmEI=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The exotic power sources of these unearthly weapons are extremely unstable, and catastrophic failure can lead to its firer being consumed by raging flames until only dust remains. While they have intransigent and unpredictable machine spirits, the efficacy of such weapons against heavy infantry is undeniable.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjivFhvfT4G5_dwlfLs8_mhZJEFkpSFAvaOCXw6zh6-yDvkj96mCjf5emmevcOy9SEdNgbCGWcNSTnUlcZKGy02KA-dRMNthKzM_hUu03sfRNAyNLbwbgILv-mZoitcCG-0RQIhmERzZatN4oh6vYiedlagi9xxFaPwWUbQZI1tOBb-qSPEnUdQOzuZdoU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="2320" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjivFhvfT4G5_dwlfLs8_mhZJEFkpSFAvaOCXw6zh6-yDvkj96mCjf5emmevcOy9SEdNgbCGWcNSTnUlcZKGy02KA-dRMNthKzM_hUu03sfRNAyNLbwbgILv-mZoitcCG-0RQIhmERzZatN4oh6vYiedlagi9xxFaPwWUbQZI1tOBb-qSPEnUdQOzuZdoU=w640-h295" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Pulsar weapons are an ancient and complex weapons system that is a relic of the Dark Age of Technology. It is a multi-chambered particle beam cannon designed to fire volleys of destructive energy bolts which detonate explosively upon hitting their target, hammering armored vehicles to pieces with repeated strikes.</div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-33166931838356943142024-02-04T17:00:00.026-06:002024-02-07T11:00:21.673-06:00Pariah Nexus Crusade SpoilersWelcome to the Nephilim Sector! Here's a brief rundown of the events that have transpired in the latest Crusade narrative supplement: Pariah Nexus. Obviously, these are spoilers<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjq0SHyW5GoKXrbGXvUiFKmeBfR6-YHXKNfR7PIYBJTBhNTf4Mb7P905YZIuFcMF374GBLCFULdgRUfWjvRfH3hqKW_B3HL9M8Hq5Xj5lfivr4ubJsANxXs1D_Zrnlg_hRVOZ49TG8QTIOmI0vC7vM3SPd0iQNo-EYv66uonRPdTRStxajsr1WtBjpOg9U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjq0SHyW5GoKXrbGXvUiFKmeBfR6-YHXKNfR7PIYBJTBhNTf4Mb7P905YZIuFcMF374GBLCFULdgRUfWjvRfH3hqKW_B3HL9M8Hq5Xj5lfivr4ubJsANxXs1D_Zrnlg_hRVOZ49TG8QTIOmI0vC7vM3SPd0iQNo-EYv66uonRPdTRStxajsr1WtBjpOg9U=w640-h422" width="640" /></a></div><br />The Nephilim Sector was utterly silent, which is why Lord Commander Roboute Guilliman dispatched Battle Group Kallides from Fleet Primus to investigate.</div><div><br /></div><div>As they approach, they see signs that the xenos and heretics raiding the nearby areas are actually <i>fleeing</i> from something. Navigators and psykers start suffering, warp engines start faltering, and they discover worlds with brain-dead (for a lack of a better word) citizens. They call it the Stilling.</div><div><br /></div><div>They find blackstone pylons in the jungles of Mesmoch in the Zeidos system, and Necrons show up to attack the Humans. Groupmaster Marran sends a task force there to destroy the pylons, but it ends in a disastrous defeat for the Imperium.</div><div><br /></div><div>Battle Group Kallides also loses many battles in the Paradyce and Vie Almus systems. They win in Paradyce II, though, and the Ultramarines win in the Vertigus system. Ephrael Stern shows up to help Battle Group Kallides attack the ice world of Cherist in the Lomorr System, destroying a bunch of dolmen gates to cut off Necron reinforcements.</div><div><br /></div><div>Knights of House Mortan play a part, by the way. Yay.</div><div><br /></div><div>Buoyed by faith, the Imperial forces prevail over the Nihilakh Dynasty. This allows the Andromedan Blades Chapter to break the siege of Exulta on Mesanor and the Keshari Light Yeomanry to escape the Necrons on Hethalas in the Shen'Tai System.</div><div><br /></div><div>Inquisitor Draxus shows up to help Marran, as well, but disappears because she's being chased by Necron Deathmarks.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKXz6s7LqPvpRvd4UJTB1AltEPNnRq9EeXvo5_f8jy3apieDcvex9_EWZUSImbUnFSsfJbK-gIuqbVhytvV2TDcRaCRzbTml9r3cyi3n3wPLZ9wZ4DLmRuwUewpzmiGuhDTjLth5rEnkQNxPtXiMcMe6cWiWDOW3af4AALmqaj3WJKqGd3TaLHEqs95E/s4000/17070869899494234182538208715339.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKXz6s7LqPvpRvd4UJTB1AltEPNnRq9EeXvo5_f8jy3apieDcvex9_EWZUSImbUnFSsfJbK-gIuqbVhytvV2TDcRaCRzbTml9r3cyi3n3wPLZ9wZ4DLmRuwUewpzmiGuhDTjLth5rEnkQNxPtXiMcMe6cWiWDOW3af4AALmqaj3WJKqGd3TaLHEqs95E/w640-h480/17070869899494234182538208715339.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Silent King has returned to build the contra-immaterial nodal matrix to banish the warp from the galaxy altogether. That's what the Blackstone Pylons are for. Also, the Szarekhan Dynasty is absolultely loyal to Szarekh, but the Sautekh are not. Szarekh is the last Silent King, by the way.</div><div><br /></div><div>While Battle Group Kallides is about to fall apart, they are reinforced by returning task forces, as well as Battle Group Orphaeus of Fleet Primus.</div><div><br /></div><div>Epistolary Thengrest of the Imperial Fists gathers whatever astropaths and battle psykers on Cherist in the Lomorr System to send a distress signal to the Primarch of the (former) XIII Legion. While they do so, Lieutenant Stornvor of the Imperial Fists and Marshal Arnulf of the Black Templars reinforce the Lomorr System, building fortresses and launching Crusades respectively to buy the psykers time to send the signal. They succeed, and many of the psykers sacrifice themslves to send the signal, but the Necrons continue to overwhelm the Imperial forces in the Nephilim Sector.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tredica, Ig and Gornal Illuminata hold for now. Necrons also have their own agendas, with some dynasties and Overlords/Phaerons doing their own thing. The Imperium hold the Argovon System, the gas giants of Zeta IIX Hespus and the Vertigus System, as well as the heavily fortified Lomorr System, despite powerful Necron fleets assailing them with sheer numbers. However, the forces in Myrtika System, Hanken's World, Zhoren, Vergoyz Alphic and Vergouz Gamhal are annihilated, with only Myrtika's Colic the sole holdout for an isolated garrison.</div><div><br /></div><div>There's a mention of Trazyn the Infinite, who apparently was stealing from other Necrons. Whoops. His old buddy, Orikan the Diviner, also shows up because he saw omens and failed prophecies, and wishes to stop the catastrophe that is sure to occur...soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have a short story about two scions of House Vulker on patrol, and even their Knights' machine spirits are suffering the effects of the Stilling. Ouch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Roboute Guilliman receives the signal, but because he is too busy with logistic matters and fighting a lot of campaigns (including the Plague Wars that...uh, plagued Ultramar - there's a mention earlier that he personally led his own fleet to the Nephilim Sector, but found no sign of Battle Group Kallides because they got blown off course and entered the sector far from them, and he had to do a u-turn because Mortarion chose that moment to attack Ultramar), he instead sends Battle Group Hephaestus of Indomitus Fleet Primus ahead, with Groupmaster Vikraen commanding it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Archmagos Belisarius Cawl ends up being the overall commander, though, when he and a mighty Adeptus Mechanicus contingent show up to augment the battle group's strength. Belisarius's objective is to construct the foundations for Guilliman's eventual arrival to cleanse the sector of the Necron threat, but he's also very interested in the rich noctilith deposits and abandoned technologies. Noctilith being blackstone in High Gothic.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUUUVnwrPg-BpQVo-AdHqMrsRWiBN0oHcGAsd1aPFEwy9jT9B6iVWVbKMnbWHOnHD5U2zF7xQ0tpxqd75i6igT9X6kocDlvnhsQeqMcLRCU3lCT6MCkHOlsTKJOn5eEq9Q-waI8FXuTTnHh4EFkV6kQVwwFiOoKXWbsN_4999UKjvVieVAi9MT8IAcJ0E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUUUVnwrPg-BpQVo-AdHqMrsRWiBN0oHcGAsd1aPFEwy9jT9B6iVWVbKMnbWHOnHD5U2zF7xQ0tpxqd75i6igT9X6kocDlvnhsQeqMcLRCU3lCT6MCkHOlsTKJOn5eEq9Q-waI8FXuTTnHh4EFkV6kQVwwFiOoKXWbsN_4999UKjvVieVAi9MT8IAcJ0E=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Battle Group Hephaestus is predominantly composed of forces from the forge worlds of Mars and Metalica, as well as cohorts and macro-clades from many other forge worlds, including Voss Prime, Ryza, Phaeton and Draconis IV. This means many of the senior commanders are Tech-Magi, who in turn answer to Archmagos Belisarius Cawl. They make it, with the Battle Group splitting up and fleets leaving to pursue their own objectives. Even as they divide their formidable might, Belisarius issues the Noctilith Decree, dividing them into aegis fleets and accretion fleets.</div><div><br /></div><div>The aegis fleets are to reinforce surviving Imperial forces and fortify fallen worlds. Accretion fleets will seek out and secure noctilith deposits and process them. The accretion fleets would then construct liminal abraisers from the amassed blackstone, which would be used to nullify the Necron's contra-immaterial nodal matrix.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYWREPDkdlIrlSP2-PipqwODnDgYF55n996wonh1H68IFT-q2AfBhtiD80GElBpZfuJf6EQFv9NNtQtEcnwlDyeb6YVBtSufBndJk99TuqOJbC40soWZlVMPyqcWZ59v1bVy5yfsAVrK_A_0_09PsfWyJsBqkryE4ofHdjGILo_iJAkNNZd2acR0Vomgg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="1000" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYWREPDkdlIrlSP2-PipqwODnDgYF55n996wonh1H68IFT-q2AfBhtiD80GElBpZfuJf6EQFv9NNtQtEcnwlDyeb6YVBtSufBndJk99TuqOJbC40soWZlVMPyqcWZ59v1bVy5yfsAVrK_A_0_09PsfWyJsBqkryE4ofHdjGILo_iJAkNNZd2acR0Vomgg=w640-h312" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The aegis fleets secure half a dozen worlds and establish contact with elements of Stornvor's fortress. They also discover the remnants of fleets and defenders upon Grumhail and Oodine Pentus, and begin to rebuild and fortify them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately, the aegis fleets finally find a major presence from Battle Groups Kallides and Orphaeus in the Paradyce System and Magos Eradicatus Psolt (I wonder if this is a reference to the Starcraft 2 pro player Polt) and his macroclades help to exterminate the Necrons there. They also find and reinforce Volshepta, Shen'Tai, Astorokor, stations in the Vorlian Anomaly, and other Systems and worlds.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, Aegis Fleet T'reshent at Zeidos and Aegis Fleet Qrang at the Vorlian Anomaly are wiped out by the Necrons.</div><div><br /></div><div>Batle Group Haephestus clashes with Mephrit and Nihilakh Dynasties, as well as the Novokh Dynasty, which attacks the accretion fleets.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite being on the verge of annihilation, the beleaguered aegis fleets in Vertigus and Zeta IIX Hespus Systems are granted a reprieve when the Necrons suddenly abandon the battle halfway. On Tharia, Magos Ordinatus Dzevodia and her forces are saved when the Szarekhan legions suddenly retreat.</div><div><br /></div><div>Aboard the <i>Zar-Quaesitor</i>, Belisarius Cawl and his task force go to the Vertigus System to harvest noctilith, but suddenly the Necrons fighting his Skitarii armies on Verrtigus II vanish. Right before Belisarius was about to drop his Iron Hands and House Taranis reserves on them. Collating combat data, Belisarius figures out that a civil war has erupted between the various Necron dynasties.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj844lDmndudpJf-kfm_6DCb3knyWz2sAB-HvBLEY2yibWuIWRujD34cXMz1otPe7IJRVvfbOxnbOecfr-nZ0DU31ayF50FJlI6V3Pichx4iojOveE9TwanAX0TMtZAK3751PHwl3cUBldWLFyBif_oXvh9zufMGFIrNIHljR10nxdjHn9Oxm4DaDk-MW4/s4000/17070871563042546628632921747084.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj844lDmndudpJf-kfm_6DCb3knyWz2sAB-HvBLEY2yibWuIWRujD34cXMz1otPe7IJRVvfbOxnbOecfr-nZ0DU31ayF50FJlI6V3Pichx4iojOveE9TwanAX0TMtZAK3751PHwl3cUBldWLFyBif_oXvh9zufMGFIrNIHljR10nxdjHn9Oxm4DaDk-MW4/w480-h640/17070871563042546628632921747084.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As the aegis fleets contact most of the surviving enclaves of Battle Groups Kallides and Orphaeus, they learn that Groupmaster Marran died in battle when defending Cherist, taken out by a Necron assassin resembling flickering fractals and wielding a bolt of infernal lightning (anyone knows who this is?). By the way, he has been elevated to Sainthood by the Ministorum, so cool, I guess? Marshal Arnulf and Lieutenant Stornvor are missing in action, but while they supposedly crusaded toward the heart of the Nephilim Anomaly, Belisarius believes they were cut off and slain somewhere beyond the Tredica System.</div><div><br /></div><div>Restoring Stornvor's fotress, Archmagos Belisarius Cawl and Groupmaster Vikraen manage to secure a solid foothold, establishing a stable front across the Lomorr System, the Skahren System, the Myrtikan space, the Vertigus System and the Shen'Tai System.</div><div><br /></div><div>More good news - the accretion fleets on Tharia, Obsoversi and Aclandrica V meet their noctilith harvesting quotas. The bad news is that they fail to construct the liminal abraisers, which is further aggravated by counteroffensives from the Szarekhan Dynasty.</div><div><br /></div><div>Inquisitor Draxus appears once more, revealing to Belisarius that Illuminor Szeras has sent Deathmark assassins after her, but she knows how to turn the tide of the war in the Imperium's favor.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, Imotekh the Stormlord of the Sautekh Dynasty has rebelled against the Silent King, Szarekh, capturing three full systems. He also launches an assault on the Myrtika System, and on Vergoyz Alphic, Necron legions of both the Sautekh and Szarekhan Dynasties clash. Magos-Cantic Lundkest and the Imperial fleet and defenders withdraw to allow the Necrons to fight amongst themselves, only for Draxus to show up and requisition Lundkest's armies to help.</div><div><br /></div><div>While Lundkest's Skitarii legions and battle-servitor maniples hold off the Szarekh Necrons, who turn away from the Sautekh, with Imotekh ordering a retreat through the last dolmen gate and collapsing it, Draxus and her forces enter the pylon and destroy it. Lundkest and his forces evacuate, and watch the Necron pylon implode and basically damaging the planet of Vergoyz Alphic. Draxus survives and appears in front of Lundkest, but never shows up again for the rest of the story.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDVVndsaRBnA1CieatQzzpUR3d_lKghctQSHI9IC3uCEAiu_tbWIqPlPoQkLGXotLKLL99cOIXul7JN3CpLqMek3cxUM0uimZQgZN2VtJJ3Ckj4hn_lL2TgjXdXd7wrXS749ejXDgekJo6haJebYt3pjfj7QPmiJqpqmxfoR2njiqM_2gObgDWfiPpZc/s4000/17070872259573957284129991726265.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDVVndsaRBnA1CieatQzzpUR3d_lKghctQSHI9IC3uCEAiu_tbWIqPlPoQkLGXotLKLL99cOIXul7JN3CpLqMek3cxUM0uimZQgZN2VtJJ3Ckj4hn_lL2TgjXdXd7wrXS749ejXDgekJo6haJebYt3pjfj7QPmiJqpqmxfoR2njiqM_2gObgDWfiPpZc/w480-h640/17070872259573957284129991726265.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Silent King is mad and issues a new decree that allow the Technomandrites and Necron Legions to unleash the most terrifying weapons in their arsenals, abandoning all pretense of honor. Fortunately, the Adeptus Mechanicus is not without ancient weapons of our own, and we have all sorts of archeotechnological super-weapons from the Dark Age of Technology.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, Phaeron Nektarrik of the Thokt (I hope this isn't a joke about Thots, given that Nektarrik is female) Dynasty attacks Torantis with technological horrors capable of even destroying the Warlord Titan <i>Dracos Apocalystor</i>. In response, two entire aegis fleets arrive to reinforce Torantis, commanded by Magos Oradi and Manipulus-Prime Behzt.</div><div><br /></div><div>Magos Oradi unleashes an Ark of Oblivion that sends a devastating contramolecular shockwave that destroys three tomb ships through excitation fields. Um, unfortunately, a few of Behzt's ships get caught in the fallout because Oradi didn't warn her, the cold bastard. The Eyes of the Void - Necron Technomandrites - dispatch their own super-weapon, splintering a shackled shard of Iash'Uddra and binding its energistic fragments into canoptek constructs that manifest in ghost-like swarms and cause insanity in the Skitarii. Manipulus-Prime Behzt has her own super-weapon, which is basically a black hole that ends up consuming her and her maniples within minutes, as well as a third of Torantis's mass. Both Humans and Necrons are annihilated by this black hole.</div><div><br /></div><div>Magos Oradi is from Metalica, by the way, and he becomes obsessed with the absolute annihilation unleashed upon Torantis, hoping to use it to save his doomed forge world.</div><div><br /></div><div>Magos Einvahld Veridian unleashes Mohrgar Fex's Hyper-Alembic upon the Oruskh legions of Overlord Khutmecc, reducing Necrons to bubbling slime from the resultant non-viral outbreak. Needless to say, other Human forces get caught up in this too. Szarekhan plasmancers throw a bound dwarf star into Imperial naval formations in the Zann system, slaying billions, but the Chalice-class cruiser <i>Silence in Suffering</i> rams one of the stellar shackles and basically frees the dwarf star from Necron control, which means the dwarf star also damages the Zann Pylon significantly.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HdzZr_bQWY-zkj2DzN1mDpRid6x_-IBEi7HqF0NSr6IwQ8KLm2RAoGH0LxsKxHBtgZSZh9TbrNywv_r1BM9GHnbEZyllfkRg01aZiqgk1xe8GEAouLwp4VIb5gEA_fIu0NUtCwVlJCxESAbaOxJZkGU_aA8peBxgc9x6ggHzfUbaWkHmVVCPKE4kNRQ/s4000/17070872905299122818915611169276.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HdzZr_bQWY-zkj2DzN1mDpRid6x_-IBEi7HqF0NSr6IwQ8KLm2RAoGH0LxsKxHBtgZSZh9TbrNywv_r1BM9GHnbEZyllfkRg01aZiqgk1xe8GEAouLwp4VIb5gEA_fIu0NUtCwVlJCxESAbaOxJZkGU_aA8peBxgc9x6ggHzfUbaWkHmVVCPKE4kNRQ/w480-h640/17070872905299122818915611169276.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Belisarius tries to put a halt to the hypertechnological war as calamity after calamity unfolded - our dear Archmagos has been isolated in the Vertigus System and caught up with his own research that he has neglected the battlefield. Adeptus Astartes, Adepta Sororitas and Astra Militarum commanders are incensed at the wholesale destruction being caused by both sides, and how the Adeptus Mechanicus Tech-priests are treating their fellow Humans as expendable and acceptable collateral damage. Whoops. Not his fault, because the Necron pylons have been stifling astropathic messages and making it hard for Imperial forces to communicate. Unfortunately, this same difficulty is exploited by...uh, overly zealous Magos to pretend they didn't hear him and continue deploying their horrifying super-weapons on the enemy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Szarekh, the Silent King, also realizes that he is in trouble. His Necron subordinates aren't happy with the way the war is progressing, either because they find the use of super-weapons dishonorable or they're fed up with losing to "inferior" Human technologies. Requiring a clear victory, Szarekh chooses to focus on destroying the Humans first before turning his full attention upon Imotekh and the Sautekh Dynasty. Szarekhan, Nihilakh and Oruskh tomb ships attack accretion fleets, while Loyalist Necron dynasties invade the Myrtika and Shen'Tai Systems.</div><div><br /></div><div>Crypteks deploy devices that uncoiled gravitic ribbons thousands of miles long capable of hypercharging planetary crusts into electrifying terminals, that flatten mountain ranges with magnetophasic beams, or planar slivers that disintegrate armies into atoms. The Crypteks of the Nihilakh Dynasty unleash ten C'tan Shards in Zeta IIX Hespus.</div><div><br /></div><div>Necrons also make use of this opportunity to attack their rivals or carve out their own dynastic territories, while Imotekh the Stormlord withdraws his forces and fortifies his positions to watch and wait, rather than participate in the esscalating arms race.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivm7nod-9M_-QLHtCN_dZAXs1QomOrxfh4iiTHs92Tv_o3WVjhY_6pMFzzyZNf7_64jK2sWLPQ5JPtw_nIlJGYHqXYJ61HYJsZR5AtYNAIxh_NiDp3t6A3KUCeK-VOTZLsXn3Wh2mg176ERFBJD7r5AHyZH6E4easvEXN22WXr_mvaggYCcFEB4P1VFxc/s4000/17070873859217930927923862463894.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivm7nod-9M_-QLHtCN_dZAXs1QomOrxfh4iiTHs92Tv_o3WVjhY_6pMFzzyZNf7_64jK2sWLPQ5JPtw_nIlJGYHqXYJ61HYJsZR5AtYNAIxh_NiDp3t6A3KUCeK-VOTZLsXn3Wh2mg176ERFBJD7r5AHyZH6E4easvEXN22WXr_mvaggYCcFEB4P1VFxc/w480-h640/17070873859217930927923862463894.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Orikan the Diviner realizes that he cannot stop the catastrophe that is about to occur, and while he eventually finds his way to the Skahren System, he decides to ally with Imotekh to exploit the situation to his own advantage.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the Skharen System, Myrmidominus Ghelf and his accretion fleet have successfully driven the Necrons back from several worlds, focusing on Santis-Magna to harvest noctilith from the planet. While the Skitarii and Martian void fleet have successfully defended Santis-Magna, Ghelf is unable to destroy the pylon in the moon of Skahren's Coil.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, Ghelf, his subordinates, and his army end up suffering Chaos shenanigans, and Ghelf himself becomes increasingly paranoid. I think his mind is being poisoned by Vashtorr the Arkifane. Yikes. Anyway, Myrmidominus Ghelf finally snaps and deploys his network of ancient micro-servitor satellites called Shivarik's Constellation.</div><div><br /></div><div>A formidable Necron fleet boasting warships and phalanxes from the Szarekhan, Oruscar and Nihilakh Dynasties sail into the Skahren System to crush the accretion fleet, and despite the Magi firing apocalyptic weapons at the Necron fleet, ravaging tomb ships with atomics or phosphor-chem warheads, they aren't able to stop the Necrons from beaming their warriors and war engines onto Santis-Magna. So Ghelf activates Shivarik's Constellation. Twenty-five weapon satellites from the Dark Age of Technology fire upon the Necron fleet and absolutely decimate them, bypassing shields and defensive measures.</div><div><br /></div><div>After wreaking a calamitous toll upon the Necron armada, the satellites of Shivarik's Constellation detonate one after the other, then are sucked into a swirling vortex. Myrmidominus Ghelf himself is killed from the feedback, his brain...blowing up.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYtuOwiC7_4QcfBKt0WXbcB8BtY1iCx7AEetKMyv2y2tSecR0JpPzo7wfXRn9Nex7Ta18W1DJZ8vuKeFKdxU4SymIIsc8nGFDr8-VLp6XFuBTyEHtGUY_xzsEo5G_nvZi1uqi7cGcaaL9ILObBTgma0cxJU0n6dcYKmLb2oQoiNzVzrx6G6HWo9IjRsw/s4000/17070874584238221839340677641298.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYtuOwiC7_4QcfBKt0WXbcB8BtY1iCx7AEetKMyv2y2tSecR0JpPzo7wfXRn9Nex7Ta18W1DJZ8vuKeFKdxU4SymIIsc8nGFDr8-VLp6XFuBTyEHtGUY_xzsEo5G_nvZi1uqi7cGcaaL9ILObBTgma0cxJU0n6dcYKmLb2oQoiNzVzrx6G6HWo9IjRsw/w640-h480/17070874584238221839340677641298.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Skahren Pylon is corrupted and becomes an empyric amiplifier instead of nullifier. From the vortex, the daemon world of Wyrmwood emerges, with Vashtorr the Arkifane at its head. Empowered by the worship flowing into him, thanks to the wilful acts of technological destruction and the corruption of so many brilliant minds, Vahstorr is able to tear a rift into this space that would be otherwise utterly inimical to his kind.</div><div><br /></div><div>He has plans to turn the Silent King's contra-immateria nodal matrix to his own uses, but as to what foul purposes he wishes to twist it to, we still have no clue.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, Belisarius Cawl is informed that something horrible has occurred in the Skahren System, in addition to his dismay at his own fellow Magi's rampant hypertechnological destruction across the sector. The good news is that his prototypes for the liminal abraisers have finally shown some promise, though he needs more time to perfect them. Also, he has received missives telling him that Battle Group Hephaestus only needs to hold Stornvor's fortress for a bit longer, because Roboute Guilliman is at last on his way, sailing at the head of a formidable host drawn from the cream of Indomitus Crusade Fleet Primus. Phew.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Silent King, on the other hand, is unable to understand how a tremendously powerful warp manifestation has occurred within the Pariah Nexus, and his hammerblow offensive that was supposed to decisively crush the Humans and earn a much-needed victory for Loyalist Necron legions to then turn upon Imotekh's renegade ones had failed spectacularly. Thanks to the massacre in the Skahren System, Szarekh has to divert forces from his other offensives against other war fronts to guard against this new Chaos threat. Thanks to that, the Humans have earned a reprieve and can hang on for a bit longer. We have survived, but just barely. Phew.</div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-19572081144298218082024-02-03T21:38:00.007-06:002024-02-03T21:38:31.557-06:00Pre-Crusade Training Simulation"Greetings, Honored Primarch of the First Legion," Skitarii Marshal Sigma 44-Kariya said in his flesh-voice, bowing his head slightly at the sight of Lion El'Jonson. He had no idea why the Primarch of the Dark Angels was here, but apparently they had a slight encounter during Hunter Cohort 428-Sigma's way toward the Nephilim Sector. "How may my Cohort be of service?"<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VdA3ViFRXxyRutGvL2NwQ5ZLn0e_FvJNL6OupxQYisGkJ6JmWGrx991H92GybVohpQ5sMThhFpHdgfyr9lkpBdM6zvehX4SZ58VuDPB8Lwwac8_TpkLgnFGy730GlosG7uAlHsep4EVjUulvTvEYXZHgPNjE251wBgtvXZnKKsHCZAxHMmjvivYiobU/s4000/IMG20240203172705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VdA3ViFRXxyRutGvL2NwQ5ZLn0e_FvJNL6OupxQYisGkJ6JmWGrx991H92GybVohpQ5sMThhFpHdgfyr9lkpBdM6zvehX4SZ58VuDPB8Lwwac8_TpkLgnFGy730GlosG7uAlHsep4EVjUulvTvEYXZHgPNjE251wBgtvXZnKKsHCZAxHMmjvivYiobU/w640-h480/IMG20240203172705.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div>The Lion glared down at him for a moment before flicking a massive gauntlet toward the immense manufactorum hall within Archmagos Theta-Rho's Ark Mechanicus that he had set aside for training simulations.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmBa4iHSPg-TQrYDe8wfry432tOmeJ43JhNb4XaWfa2Zf_B0Lyb56gnSvorgyPvKl8SwXVJCT9AV7q7hqvFxT4KsxMwhtEqamCqGijXJbwYKNJY5W-Hmt19fhJt4MlfxzUg9IvH4iRjeLuPGe_rhMPRN42lJQJDaXJ-Lo9vTzinpMmtS3OS8t6vbnldc/s4000/IMG20240203173732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmBa4iHSPg-TQrYDe8wfry432tOmeJ43JhNb4XaWfa2Zf_B0Lyb56gnSvorgyPvKl8SwXVJCT9AV7q7hqvFxT4KsxMwhtEqamCqGijXJbwYKNJY5W-Hmt19fhJt4MlfxzUg9IvH4iRjeLuPGe_rhMPRN42lJQJDaXJ-Lo9vTzinpMmtS3OS8t6vbnldc/w640-h480/IMG20240203173732.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"This is a good place."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Expression of gratitude for the compliment. Cogitating...it appears that secondary layer of meaning is installed within the praise. Query: This unit does not understand the First Primarch's statement. What is it that the Lord Primarch wishes, in precise terms?"</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAS4G5WKP8dnDIZtqdkYzB1pHAMDlDdaM-CON3aLIooMkm3_uBaz2u3YolLlr_9N2_-cw1YCdzTy4H8MjhLJ8LHnZO-PaGbtTruBSHz22QlI2KoPm3aBQeXH8nQ9755KEFqTY7TgXGu1hUdDP90wQK-3_W7e4VGinWyfNOmYiToKWVLn-gGS-MMqHmro/s4000/IMG20240203173736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAS4G5WKP8dnDIZtqdkYzB1pHAMDlDdaM-CON3aLIooMkm3_uBaz2u3YolLlr_9N2_-cw1YCdzTy4H8MjhLJ8LHnZO-PaGbtTruBSHz22QlI2KoPm3aBQeXH8nQ9755KEFqTY7TgXGu1hUdDP90wQK-3_W7e4VGinWyfNOmYiToKWVLn-gGS-MMqHmro/w640-h480/IMG20240203173736.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"I wish to conduct a training simulation." Lion El'Jonson returned his scrutiny to 44-Kariya. "I believe it'll benefit you, for you are about to throw your Hunter Cohort against Necrons. Is that not the case?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Affirmative."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Excellent. Let's begin."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rNBM26qynan9reOXl2y2DTwgsthPWrnQwgI0CaiR14-3GjeFyGPnkmswHUm0KOZc_s02wQWYMHnxM7Q_G0gdLaFGfsZI3shUoH6Pp5oLkGF77SnmKLbTEWuG65tUGrJoI8j1psWXi49N7tJnUxuuBBnZEAsh0ViaOp90nBOB6t9qYHFIUB5MVTZqEu4/s4000/IMG20240203174212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rNBM26qynan9reOXl2y2DTwgsthPWrnQwgI0CaiR14-3GjeFyGPnkmswHUm0KOZc_s02wQWYMHnxM7Q_G0gdLaFGfsZI3shUoH6Pp5oLkGF77SnmKLbTEWuG65tUGrJoI8j1psWXi49N7tJnUxuuBBnZEAsh0ViaOp90nBOB6t9qYHFIUB5MVTZqEu4/w640-h480/IMG20240203174212.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Without wasting time, the two forces set up, with Cohort 428-Sigma digging into defense and awaiting the Dark Angels' assault. 44-Kariya could see that they had a squad of Hellblasters, an Outrider unit led by a Chaplain on bike, and an ancient Sicaran Venator. The Lion and his Bladeguard Veterans hung back in reserves, ready to drop into the simulation field.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Ugh...you woke me up for this?!"</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzXFKEJxoE2H4gphXrqiJRmiZ9BFhiWTLPponZdvv8a-mam_R2h6VC_WHZ-7ohz84RokQwhcG0IWPLznHOWp_x_Ad5os-FGaX4udQ2Np3LLC001rS4TtmybTS94KplLVUxBeB0V3FZnRQOepWAm9V_NSeo7rCSYwEMn5FDGkEQO3KGnPyuUeyQjcqPRU/s4000/IMG20240203174216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzXFKEJxoE2H4gphXrqiJRmiZ9BFhiWTLPponZdvv8a-mam_R2h6VC_WHZ-7ohz84RokQwhcG0IWPLznHOWp_x_Ad5os-FGaX4udQ2Np3LLC001rS4TtmybTS94KplLVUxBeB0V3FZnRQOepWAm9V_NSeo7rCSYwEMn5FDGkEQO3KGnPyuUeyQjcqPRU/w640-h480/IMG20240203174216.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps it was the effects of the rumored Stilling that had permeated the Nephilim Sector, which only grew heavier as they neared their destination, but Sir Kanda felt lethargic. Nonetheless, he forced himself into the Throne Mechanicum of his Cerastus Knight Lancer and readied his armor for the training simulation. He knew how dangerous the Necrons could be.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqZlo2omzay-_C5uubEEjNICO4CoGe7DejIbJMCLl4Idv6WXYCGyqzg-iLKplfqMJCpYGJCKeu82AcmzEzzNzfvhZ-7eyecomw2MZhZ_7zDxxPLItcuWqeel7SmWBz0atocjPKNtUra6WxBT-Gi_hrRTSu3Pd76LP-dBCYXVTMs7BXVyoZR4c3I9LKxk/s4000/IMG20240203174222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqZlo2omzay-_C5uubEEjNICO4CoGe7DejIbJMCLl4Idv6WXYCGyqzg-iLKplfqMJCpYGJCKeu82AcmzEzzNzfvhZ-7eyecomw2MZhZ_7zDxxPLItcuWqeel7SmWBz0atocjPKNtUra6WxBT-Gi_hrRTSu3Pd76LP-dBCYXVTMs7BXVyoZR4c3I9LKxk/w640-h480/IMG20240203174222.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, before he could be fully prepared, his Knight suit took a couple of hits from the Venator, its neutron laser punching scorching holes through the staggering armor. Kanda cried out from the psychostigmatic pain, reeling along with his mount. Worse, a follow-up volley from the Hellblasters left more molten ceramite dripping down the Knight armor. Kanda gritted his teeth, and through the pain, he caught sight of speeding Outriders, the mounted Space Marines pushing their bikes as they turbo boosted ahead. The Interrogator-Chaplain urged them onward, waving his Crozius gleefully as he sought to exploit the momentary vulnerability of the heavily damaged Knight.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KgETT-xsP4tihO2v-7lrxwAhdkU6GNb8UVN2dI3Z_uABSuxxtNeFHhYPXCCff5xWZwGCCT8PrbqqwmDXXt7Tql-skhMNSXFxmFnDDDTTx7FBrvB4s_9dtN2c_UdUWRWtKDl1m0-f2Ise8pPtISs11yUhMiiyUjL7qApsUXF9KX0eSfZgInh-Dv_Yc9s/s4000/IMG20240203174329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KgETT-xsP4tihO2v-7lrxwAhdkU6GNb8UVN2dI3Z_uABSuxxtNeFHhYPXCCff5xWZwGCCT8PrbqqwmDXXt7Tql-skhMNSXFxmFnDDDTTx7FBrvB4s_9dtN2c_UdUWRWtKDl1m0-f2Ise8pPtISs11yUhMiiyUjL7qApsUXF9KX0eSfZgInh-Dv_Yc9s/w640-h480/IMG20240203174329.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"Feth off!" Kanda yelled. Fortunately, he wasn't alone. Under 44-Kariya's command, the Onager Dunecrawler his Skitarii Ranger squad was escorting retaliated with his own neutron laser, which gouged out molten chunks of ceramite and adamantium from the rapidly retreating Venator. Kanda wasn't going to be outdone. Accompanied by a squadron of Sydonian Dragoons, he charged the Outriders, his lance crackling with exotic energies.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIfg1ZgCK25beb9U8URgo6kgVy2Vv4Gp7LeKvHVKRQEklqWEYpZy5J45iXEDPYcszZxM0vu_ulP4whC8mBX5CEnxK30Y0BBg_q_G0a3jbOjDxHDfASBku6Z_q_99vzbQt2pTnzYGsl4cFi5LdtEmM5Qvjw_SHToW-UyI3CDCH424lLqmSIYK-LaiK1dY/s4000/IMG20240203174332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIfg1ZgCK25beb9U8URgo6kgVy2Vv4Gp7LeKvHVKRQEklqWEYpZy5J45iXEDPYcszZxM0vu_ulP4whC8mBX5CEnxK30Y0BBg_q_G0a3jbOjDxHDfASBku6Z_q_99vzbQt2pTnzYGsl4cFi5LdtEmM5Qvjw_SHToW-UyI3CDCH424lLqmSIYK-LaiK1dY/w640-h480/IMG20240203174332.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The first Outrider was pulverized by the Cerastus Knight Lancer's charge, the shock lance blasting apart his bike and hurling the motionless Space Marine into the air. Sweeping his lance about, Kanda mowed down the remaining squadron of Outriders before stabbing the defiant Interrogator-Chaplain. The valiant Astartes attempted to block with his crozius, but the glowing lance punched through the defensive barrier of his rosary and obliterated the venerable warrior.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rhgz6P0M33Pbk9h2olXI8k_1-kvv4aV91aS5f7WIEUGp8NROqdCr082e3EBVBxN1lcTo60H2rIeFQFXRNyboyFdX_CgV8NIPMp7P_g1vwCT6_4dsoX00YMJzYGJXSbMzlbcVYjrwUvTbiP3WCNw1IViA_a_Q8lgQR95hn2MaTy52FwhE7E0iADHt0Ak/s4000/IMG20240203174801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rhgz6P0M33Pbk9h2olXI8k_1-kvv4aV91aS5f7WIEUGp8NROqdCr082e3EBVBxN1lcTo60H2rIeFQFXRNyboyFdX_CgV8NIPMp7P_g1vwCT6_4dsoX00YMJzYGJXSbMzlbcVYjrwUvTbiP3WCNw1IViA_a_Q8lgQR95hn2MaTy52FwhE7E0iADHt0Ak/w640-h480/IMG20240203174801.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Behind, phosphor rounds from the Sydnonian Dragoons forced the Hellblasters to duck, supported from cognis heavy stubber fire from the Onager Dunecrawler. Two of them went down, their power armor buckling, but the remaining managed to seek cover. Unfortunately, they found themselves engaged in combat by the consolidating Cerastus Knight Lancer, with Kanda pushing his grieviously damaged armor to also lock the hapless Venator in close combat. The ancient tank reversed swiftly, swerving out of the deadly lance's trajectory, while the surviving Hellblasters continued to assail Kanda's mount.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3taC5fEYW1Bv79iNizjJl0XKFAPL2hMtCzLhWQ1kL0EB5VpyOlZ3l7nBk5fTniB75Dtbucqg10FR08rRAWVdh5_q18qUE631eZMTTtLIqx9Cj5tDJWRPsDcaotTkeyJItocHXVZqyCudGY-oXaO5j7MqBDyMAkbIpz6DnZI4UtAjNJVCCLj18Fenphk/s4000/IMG20240203175619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3taC5fEYW1Bv79iNizjJl0XKFAPL2hMtCzLhWQ1kL0EB5VpyOlZ3l7nBk5fTniB75Dtbucqg10FR08rRAWVdh5_q18qUE631eZMTTtLIqx9Cj5tDJWRPsDcaotTkeyJItocHXVZqyCudGY-oXaO5j7MqBDyMAkbIpz6DnZI4UtAjNJVCCLj18Fenphk/w640-h480/IMG20240203175619.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Lion El'Jonson and his Bladeguard Veterans appeared in a thunderclap, teleporting right into the battlefield with uncanny precision. The Onager Dunecrawler continued to target the Venator with his neutron laser, but the cognis heavy stubbers turned to pound the newly arrived Bladeguard Veterans with solid slugs. The Skitarii Rangers that served as 44-Kariya's personal squad also turned their prodigious firepower upon them, alongside a second Skitarii Ranger squad that had scouted ahead. The galvanic fire, plasma, arc energies and sniper rounds crashed against the Bladeguard Veterans, even as they blasted apart cyborgs with bolt rounds and volkite. Lion El'Jonson, recognizing the threat the Onager Dunecrawler posed, targeted the walker with his venerable plasma pistol, but the superheated streams dissipated harmlessly against the emanatus forcefield.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuYNuQOe6qj1J-k4XrMkNItTPCmauxUGJagT8Dbbk5M8RnEqSEsjum8xAS9pGOZznhyphenhyphenTAHpEzPjLW55AaKm_-FSP5Z7-32SK-xZ9U8bO2laaTEPV5K5gre9fWGkiFHxjxdCKnZGAKhuhU2-mnubM1MLc-8dFXNjx-rE3xT_yvmLUSCjzxU-Hno-q8bDw/s4000/IMG20240203175624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuYNuQOe6qj1J-k4XrMkNItTPCmauxUGJagT8Dbbk5M8RnEqSEsjum8xAS9pGOZznhyphenhyphenTAHpEzPjLW55AaKm_-FSP5Z7-32SK-xZ9U8bO2laaTEPV5K5gre9fWGkiFHxjxdCKnZGAKhuhU2-mnubM1MLc-8dFXNjx-rE3xT_yvmLUSCjzxU-Hno-q8bDw/w640-h480/IMG20240203175624.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Two of the Hellblasters went down to the Cerastus shock lance, but the sergeant was able to dodge the teetering Knight's attack and fire his plasma pistol at pointblank range, to no avail. Kanda scowled and mirrored the attack, lightning leaping from his suit's lance and frying the sergeant. Free from combat, he turned and focused on the fuming Venator, and with a powerful charge, he sent the ancient tank flipping and hurtling across the simulated battlefield.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Sydnonian Dragoons had turned around and sprinted toward the advancing Lion El-Jonson, who was now butchering the Skitarii Rangers. 44-Kariya blurted for assistance before he was unceremoniously hacked apart by the Lion's blade.</div><div><br /></div><div>"You suck," Lion El-Jonson sneered. "Then again, what can I expect from tin men?"</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qKwQMkdVreNx29zxvEibR3B4EIi8BM7waQAY0RUwpLIdMIVwu3GGWg858_WV-sBWu3_-hAbw_JkX7uK_aJ-hL44HhyphenhyphenEO-otyiPiw2VhcA6OCF1lUNTe1crVYRBD3ZPtPaiKJMuYXZSOmebm2bKDvwgeXBJSzMuT2MpWe0-3uLK_YLOULEIdZMM20ZmE/s4000/IMG20240203180723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qKwQMkdVreNx29zxvEibR3B4EIi8BM7waQAY0RUwpLIdMIVwu3GGWg858_WV-sBWu3_-hAbw_JkX7uK_aJ-hL44HhyphenhyphenEO-otyiPiw2VhcA6OCF1lUNTe1crVYRBD3ZPtPaiKJMuYXZSOmebm2bKDvwgeXBJSzMuT2MpWe0-3uLK_YLOULEIdZMM20ZmE/w640-h480/IMG20240203180723.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Sydonian Dragoons slammed into him, but he warded their attacks off with the Emperor's shield. Despite his superlative skills, one of the taser lances managed to scour his artificer armor, causing him to stagger and leaving a smear. Snarling, Lion El-Jonson cut them apart with deft strokes of his sword. Despite their bionic endurance, one of the Sydonian Dragoons was hewned apart. Another was blown to bits when Lion El-Jonson pressed his plasma pistol pointblank into his steed and squeezed the trigger. He twirled his blade about and punched it upward, piercing both the Dragoon and its rider, causing him to flail.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRrHnA7IkCtCSF9-mVJCsoTP-mVnEkpoqfLQjy97K7y6Nq3juvaSLzjZyv_b_u2lBVOhLVbrcTYEUVA1vKh1vOylzJdsLqedY1Lw5QNsQYNbrmokWYHoZcL2qXPI4rFzZwZWiVFfGTEuHhZP3l1waMGDQu6EkJL3PjwqyYZTuAjCC81HwRZLcGQ1ft4U/s4000/IMG20240203183421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRrHnA7IkCtCSF9-mVJCsoTP-mVnEkpoqfLQjy97K7y6Nq3juvaSLzjZyv_b_u2lBVOhLVbrcTYEUVA1vKh1vOylzJdsLqedY1Lw5QNsQYNbrmokWYHoZcL2qXPI4rFzZwZWiVFfGTEuHhZP3l1waMGDQu6EkJL3PjwqyYZTuAjCC81HwRZLcGQ1ft4U/w640-h480/IMG20240203183421.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As the Dragoons fell, Kanda took their place. His Cerastus Knight Lancer crashed into Lion El-Jonson, who braced for impact and managed to avoid a mortal wound. Before he could counterattack, though, the crackling lance hammered into his side, and despite bringing his shield up, the Lion was sent tumbling. Before he could recover, Kanda's lance cleaved through him.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuHp5R0Djskf7SvE9Mv8xhLOr7i68R9cJy2Ij0ukk94f_1Nej3y95UEGThuIVI79cO3MGG8_U7B4rU5sRerp5ixVJtllJg52sRgd3my85Y8tt91GS-iJdnacWK5-DxaXlpHfz8HzF3che-Y3lxDoN6aY0u-4UzTzzWlvUKf71fg1hHU2d9Sg4hMUNn3Y/s4000/IMG20240203183424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuHp5R0Djskf7SvE9Mv8xhLOr7i68R9cJy2Ij0ukk94f_1Nej3y95UEGThuIVI79cO3MGG8_U7B4rU5sRerp5ixVJtllJg52sRgd3my85Y8tt91GS-iJdnacWK5-DxaXlpHfz8HzF3che-Y3lxDoN6aY0u-4UzTzzWlvUKf71fg1hHU2d9Sg4hMUNn3Y/w640-h480/IMG20240203183424.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"Okay, you win." Lion El'Jonson held up both hands, signifying that the simulation had ended. "This was good training practice for my lads, and I've to admit, I'm a little rusty after sleeping for ten thousand years. Thanks for the warmup. I promise I'll do better in the next fight...against the <i>real</i> enemy."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Thanks." Kanda did a salute with his Cerastus Knight Lancer, holding up the long spear in honor of the Primarch's praise. "I hope we did not disappoint you."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRxJfCY1N8XfOPUYLD_AuEX_UHxfiSy7qafVtSMmWhbzbsVsKABvnfY1RLWggypfakflNcn9Q3D8_P_9y39mMVbz85Wby1UQN8kuj2-LGurFX5mc8Nabl1V9LY6dATvhhRPw6Cb1DzR2tR_9uMpOgsK9EVsujJ2LBoRrNXcaO24boPLKcv1aGzPqSHVU/s4000/IMG20240203184124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRxJfCY1N8XfOPUYLD_AuEX_UHxfiSy7qafVtSMmWhbzbsVsKABvnfY1RLWggypfakflNcn9Q3D8_P_9y39mMVbz85Wby1UQN8kuj2-LGurFX5mc8Nabl1V9LY6dATvhhRPw6Cb1DzR2tR_9uMpOgsK9EVsujJ2LBoRrNXcaO24boPLKcv1aGzPqSHVU/w640-h480/IMG20240203184124.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"I certainly hope we sustain far less casualties and damage when we engage in combat within the Nephilim Sector," Sigma 44-Kariya muttered sourly, rubbing his bionic neck and trying to right himself after the beating Lion El'Jonson had dished to him. "I've to say, we've suffered quite the punishing death toll. If this was an actual battle...yeah, this would be bad."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Right." The Lion nodded. "Thankfully...it's just training. Let's hope the real thing goes better...but I bet it'll just go worse."</div><div><br /></div><div>Kanda gulped. "God-Emperor protect us all."</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6yoMCKBRgy0gfQAWhp4ufHeyHK8fYDW50hG8eYHXlOhrRarGhgSYzfKwikfhnOw20zTneNgauH9QvQtp3uvCkKTltuduXXCnja1RGw04UiawFM8kYopYOAEMDeBREvcJ5_XjjPpV8Ub287ZT-N01Udufgrukiee1hmIkNfCeDCOPbUA9bEOLupIgax4/s4000/IMG20240203184200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6yoMCKBRgy0gfQAWhp4ufHeyHK8fYDW50hG8eYHXlOhrRarGhgSYzfKwikfhnOw20zTneNgauH9QvQtp3uvCkKTltuduXXCnja1RGw04UiawFM8kYopYOAEMDeBREvcJ5_XjjPpV8Ub287ZT-N01Udufgrukiee1hmIkNfCeDCOPbUA9bEOLupIgax4/w640-h480/IMG20240203184200.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"Anyway, this was most enlightening. I'll have to leave. You guys can continue to whatever destination you were heading toward. There are worlds in Nihilus that require our aid, and I'll have to continue fighting there. Till then!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Lion El'Jonson waved his sword and took his battered sons with him. 44-Kariya, Kanda and the Skitarii watched the Dark Angels depart Theta-Rho's Ark Mechanicus and slip back into the void.</div><div><br /></div><div>"...what was the point of that?" Kanda wondered out loud.</div><div><br /></div><div>"A taste of the Pariah Nexus Crusade to come," 44-Kariya replied grimly.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdNmEm81cri6wM0GAk5Nz21-Em_1oWAJQqsnhfP4cYceVYUPHHhXx0GJF1pJgKHvAwTsyTH3mhPzxCILYpRglXNK4ZGnbHhSWMaeapyvnRU3ZBNx8Kc94xihyphenhyphencLbszNOh2p_2UcgmYQMmgeCAb3Hmozr42ndICcMBPdfzmFIBHKS4y7ff8m5XzcuvKm4/s4000/IMG20240203185144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdNmEm81cri6wM0GAk5Nz21-Em_1oWAJQqsnhfP4cYceVYUPHHhXx0GJF1pJgKHvAwTsyTH3mhPzxCILYpRglXNK4ZGnbHhSWMaeapyvnRU3ZBNx8Kc94xihyphenhyphencLbszNOh2p_2UcgmYQMmgeCAb3Hmozr42ndICcMBPdfzmFIBHKS4y7ff8m5XzcuvKm4/w640-h480/IMG20240203185144.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233981242027235620.post-135385362152645192024-02-02T18:39:00.029-06:002024-02-29T02:46:06.133-06:00Mechanicum-Oathed Knight Houses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>"These Knights are vital components of the Taghmata that protect Forge and Fane, yet despite their pride, they are but one tool among many and they will bend to the Omnissiah's will or be broken by it."</i> - Archmagos Draykavac</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxN86OF9-5gH4Vno7fYUEk5NLwynHRDvnOaj67idjqb6CZqNLL-CzdkFGa_UIvVS74qHrtL96OCIECCxuSCtsMKcDUFFbvMIc9KWIfiH_Alsbcwr0yh0wAfE3CzxPh9-0S7PJuk6OcB1-069uajTjw_pRlncVPQbvsn5f0um--8GUXNPHIwgagUGjbxm4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="1135" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxN86OF9-5gH4Vno7fYUEk5NLwynHRDvnOaj67idjqb6CZqNLL-CzdkFGa_UIvVS74qHrtL96OCIECCxuSCtsMKcDUFFbvMIc9KWIfiH_Alsbcwr0yh0wAfE3CzxPh9-0S7PJuk6OcB1-069uajTjw_pRlncVPQbvsn5f0um--8GUXNPHIwgagUGjbxm4=w621-h640" width="621" /></a></div><br /><div>Well, Archmagos Draykavac can feth off, in my humble opinion. I was about to say Knight Houses will never submit or be broken to his will, but since today is about Oath-bound Vassal Households of the Mechanicum, that's not going to sound convincing.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the core of every Knight Household are arcane artifacts that are understood only by the most learned adepts of the Mechanicum. Among these are the mind-impulse thrones through which Noble scions pilot their Knight armors, ion shields, esoteric weapons such as the las-impulsors, and other mysterious technologies. As such, Knight Households have strong ties to the Mechanicum. Obviously, few Forge Worlds would be more than happy to welcome Knights. Not only are they a formidable military asset that possess devastating weaponry, Knights are also a potent symbol of the divine machine-spirit.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unlike more independent Knight Houses, those Households sworn to the service of the Mechanicum possess machines very different from the ancient Questoris types, such as the Paladin, Errant, Warden, Crusader, or the prevalent Cerastus classes like the Lancer, Castigator and Acheron. Instead, they possess exotic Knight armors often bearing strange and terrible weapons not seen upon the battlefield since the Dark Age of Technology. The volkite weaponry of the Styrix, the lightning cannon of the Magaera, and the mysterious graviton singularity weapons mounted upon the Atrapos, for example, are examples of these exotic and barely understood technologies from that lost age, installed upon Knight armors mostly belonging to Households oath-bound to the Mechanicum. Independent Knight Households might possess a few of these rare and exotic types, perhaps as a favor from the Mechanicum, or rewards in return for defense and service, or maybe even priceless artifacts obtained through trade, but the Mechanicum-indentured Knight Houses have far greater and easier access to such uncommon chassis.</div><div><br /></div><div>Several among these Noble scions may have been inducted into the secret arts of the Mechanicum, while a few others might have received esoteric augmetics. Some might even be eternally sealed within their Knight armor, permanently bonded to their suits.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Sidon Protocols</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>There are Knight Houses who somehow maintain contact with at least one Forge World during the Age of Strife, entering a symbiotic relationship with their patron and receiving technological and spiritual guidance from the Magos while serving as a potent shield for the Forge World itself. The most common oath that bind Knight Households to Forge Worlds is the Sidon Protocols, a complex web of obligation and duty. A Knight Household that fails to uphold the protocols might lose any semblance of independence. They do earn the right to wear the symbol of the Opus Machina, though, which means they carry the authority of Mars and the Cult Mechanicus. This also means they are obligated to serve as part of the Taghmata of their patron.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNItXkuNPfDt2N7Kbofl_fgVM1TGus_ZZXzRMlYsbUecftTZALga5eCYbTbev4G0S5ld754hzQ77JDlybn66uaMppgE2mwi9SfZPqkAwFT3Oc9qzH234yzZT49NnREZ5gctxQz0FgzwjFc_J_I0LW4Tu9Kaf_xMoVW09qgM--4E5clp65YNhR9Vrdpe0s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNItXkuNPfDt2N7Kbofl_fgVM1TGus_ZZXzRMlYsbUecftTZALga5eCYbTbev4G0S5ld754hzQ77JDlybn66uaMppgE2mwi9SfZPqkAwFT3Oc9qzH234yzZT49NnREZ5gctxQz0FgzwjFc_J_I0LW4Tu9Kaf_xMoVW09qgM--4E5clp65YNhR9Vrdpe0s=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br />While, like their Imperial counterparts who also take upon the title of Questoris and join the Expeditionary fleets of the Great Crusade, the Mechanicum-aligned Knight Houses bearing the mark of the Opus Machina ultimately owe their allegiance to the Mechanicum and their patron Forge World, not the Emperor. Unsurprisingly, this subtle distinction has led to conflicts within the armies of the Great Crusade, with Imperial Commanders not really trusting Knight Households pledged to the Mechanicum.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Sidon Protocols also mean that the Forge World can assign an Archmagos Prelate to the home world of the Knight Household. The Archmagos Prelate serves as an advisor and observer within the Household, overseeing the wellbeing of their Knights and training the Sacristans, but sometimes they might wield the true political power behind the Knight Household's master, making him the figurehead. The Prelate also liaises between the scions of the Household and the Forge World's Taghmata, serving a representative for both, depending on who's talking to who. Considering the military power of a Knight Household, it comes as no surprise that such a position comes with prestige and influence, and many priests compete for it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Sidon Protocols also stipulate the number and types of armors to be supplied, as well as the conditions and duration of a Household's service under the Taghmata. Scion pilots require the irreplacable machinery of war that can only be manufactured on a Forge World, while the Forge World deems these scions' skills superior to even that of Cybernetica automata. Close relationships between the two often lead to hybrid cultures, with the Knight Households retaining much of their independent nature of their neo-feudal culture, while having their individualistic interpretations of their patron's specific cult of the Omnissiah.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Alliances</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The Expeditionary fleets of the Great Crusade secured many Knight worlds, and the Imperium sought to acquire the loyalty of these rediscovered Households directly to the Emperor. However, a few Knight Households are discovered instead by Mechanicum Explorator vessels or ceded to the control of a Forge World in exchange for industrial output or the service of its assembled Taghmata. The latter are often desperately in need of new armors, and end up making bad bargains. Their dire need for technological expertise and new armors allow the coldly logical Archmagos to seal the Knight Households to their services.</div><div><br /></div><div>Though the Sidon Protocols are generally seen as an amicable and symbiotic alliance, sometimes they - and other variants of oaths - are used to suppress the independence of the Household. In several of these cases, the scions of these exploited Households are enslaved to the masters of their patron Forge Worlds, becoming little more than Thrall-Houses, deployed as expendable shock assault forces and sometimes deliberately starved of functional armors and powerful weapons to assure they never achieve the strength necessary to break free. Fortunately, this seems exclusive to Traitors, and Loyalists don't have any Thrall-Houses or enslaved Knight scions because it was banned during the Great Crusade.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-89anXtht7NixUzmBAh51D4DB2egNoskF2jI87bnlMLmgMC0vOTvZMSZBJR46VOdJzeGYOQfKVkuoi7LiS-BCbh9jHsaRirBDUchankXV1pP1PW8s1YJRFh-avULvdwN8ffK2HTLpkz3voQdtOeq-RrW_jvnnwsloSr4MLag9A3Shze-EfOVY2R_wxI/s1191/Heresy%20House%20Taranis%20Knights.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="871" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-89anXtht7NixUzmBAh51D4DB2egNoskF2jI87bnlMLmgMC0vOTvZMSZBJR46VOdJzeGYOQfKVkuoi7LiS-BCbh9jHsaRirBDUchankXV1pP1PW8s1YJRFh-avULvdwN8ffK2HTLpkz3voQdtOeq-RrW_jvnnwsloSr4MLag9A3Shze-EfOVY2R_wxI/w468-h640/Heresy%20House%20Taranis%20Knights.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Blade of the Omnissiah</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Knight Households, their seasoned warriors and their arcane mounts are precious assets to be incorporated into the Forge Worlds' Taghmata, with the Archmagos Prelate representing them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mechanicum-oathed Houses bound by the Sidon Protocols are required to assign a cadre of Knights whenever their patron Forge Worlds muster their Taghmata, serving for the duration of a campaign under the authority of the Archmagos leading that Taghmata, but still under the command of their own officers. Within the Mechanicum Taghmata, Knights usually serve as shock assault troops and linebreakers. They may also serve as escorts to the gigantic war machines of the Ordinatus Locum and Ordo Reductor. Well-established Forge Worlds, in particular, can call upon <i>several </i>Knight Houses for assistance.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Knights and Titan Legions</i></div><div>Forge Worlds that maintain Titan Legions assign allied Knight detachments to Titan maniples as skirmishers and scout elements. Knights screen the larger Titans from infantry formations and tanks, and they apply elements of the Legion's heraldry to their own armor. Titans and their Knight escorts have a long, gloried history of battling against the most terrifying and powerful xenos races during the Great Crusade, and I suspect one of those was against the Rangdan. Occasionally, such detachments or even an entire Knight Household will be permanently seconded to the Titan Legion.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Princeps of the Legio Titanicus honor the sacrifice of brave Knight pilots, greatly respecting their allied Knight Houses, and both sides often retain elements commemorating their friendship in their personal heraldry.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiq21cD0tMnRML-VSpSAhKuGjyKD-S9WeyVeCiuGF2FAqY2EYsz4UiYRMo4nhJWQ6Zf0Sbl5cyHPcjTTMOZMCxN0kUsyumtRdVpFL9Ly8QzcWNjqXw1ZA7m0cZ7ERSd2Nab_5IUQ2KUoD9TNnJtbWrGkH2J8Uo-bKPKjoTQ6ytHWjyuVJhed6VBCSd5X74" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1409" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiq21cD0tMnRML-VSpSAhKuGjyKD-S9WeyVeCiuGF2FAqY2EYsz4UiYRMo4nhJWQ6Zf0Sbl5cyHPcjTTMOZMCxN0kUsyumtRdVpFL9Ly8QzcWNjqXw1ZA7m0cZ7ERSd2Nab_5IUQ2KUoD9TNnJtbWrGkH2J8Uo-bKPKjoTQ6ytHWjyuVJhed6VBCSd5X74=w464-h640" width="464" /></a></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Knight Questoris</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Knight Households that maintain autonomy, through strength of arms or loyalty, retain the right to sanction independent military operations or join the ranks of the Ordo Questoris. The Ordo Questoris is Household forces independently detached into the service of Expeditionary fleets and Great Crusade armies. Usually driven by glory or engaged in their own conquests, these Houses may be loyal to the ideals of unity and the Emperor like their Imperial-aligned kin, as much as they are to their Mechanicum patrons or perhaps even more so. The rewards and reputation earned from such independent martial endeavors allow them to attain even more autonomy from their Mechanicum patrons, which is why many Archmagos are reluctant to grant such rights as part of the Sidon Protocols. They can suck it, though.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Notable Mechanicum-Oathed Houses</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>House Taranis</i></div><div>House Taranis is the first Knight House, bonded to Mars and often deployed alongside Titans of the Triad Ferrum Morgulus - mostly Legio Ignatum and Legio Tempestus. Uh, the Loyalist elements of Tempestus, I mean. House Taranis has long served the Red Planet and the forge-lords of Mars, and as the first of the Knight Houses, shaped the tenets and traditions upon which all Knight Households are built upon. With Knight armors forged upon Mars during the Dark Age of Technology, they - along with House Zavora - benefit from innovations produced by the manufactoria of the Red Planet.</div><div><br /></div><div>First among the Questoris Familia to participate in the Expeditionary fleets after the ratification of the Treaty of Olympus, the scions of House Taranis have battled across hundreds of worlds from the Segmentum Solar to the distant fringes of known space. The loyalties of House Taranis appear to lean toward the Imperium over Mars, and sway toward the Emperor rather than the Fabricator General, which caused Kelbor-Hal much vexation. When Kelbor-Hal revealed his allegiance to the Warmaster, House Taranis instead declared for the Emperor and the Imperium, with many of their number perishing alongside the Loyalist Legio Tempestus during the battle of Magma City.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCNFT7sdF2VB_56JY5RCIfHKWSl7V-wWgDS_5BwRU-l6tp8SuqBbeoN11nWzPwEWdHIRwootB350xb4J0EeiWUZkS4fbaY6uI5xFBAZKrRYBJn5qrCELhObSoSi-G3aRLjSkuQamQEYBkwMT-VTSEVkss0nACugntmldqpaisVQHbozqJb1pf3GF4q-CQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1487" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCNFT7sdF2VB_56JY5RCIfHKWSl7V-wWgDS_5BwRU-l6tp8SuqBbeoN11nWzPwEWdHIRwootB350xb4J0EeiWUZkS4fbaY6uI5xFBAZKrRYBJn5qrCELhObSoSi-G3aRLjSkuQamQEYBkwMT-VTSEVkss0nACugntmldqpaisVQHbozqJb1pf3GF4q-CQ=w640-h350" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div>But many more Knights of House Taranis continue to ply the stars, often seeking new patrons for war material in exchange for the Household's service. Ryza was one such Forge World, allowing a fragment of House Taranis to rebuild their forces. A Primaris (Maxis) Grade Household, House Taranis has a greater strength than any other Household in the Imperium, except for House Raven. Their ties to Mars ensure that they receive rare patterns of Knights, such as the Acastus Knight Porphyrions - possessing even dozens of these exceedingly rare Knights.</div><div><br /></div><div>Detachments of House Taranis Knights are assigned to Expeditionary fleets, Titan Legions or Forge Worlds, or whoever Mars wants to ally with. Fortunately, the secondment of much of House Taranis's strength ensures the survival of the Household's continued survival beyond the Horus Heresy. Eventually, the traditional midnight blue is replaced by the Martian red of a bonded Mechanicum Household, as House Taranis relies on Mars to rebuild much of their shattered strength during the Scouring.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw6zxtfsOat4aH4mZ1k-0krflBvmzT6zHUNWSq9saktJE3FR_qC7wy5aDYeSMJYd-5SE-ylaZqXIkNUguWDfK6Umxr7k0TxTqgFPcbum0H6qrWpYoW9VG7SRTJPBQfH3USp75P3bFRpM5WfCsGiKRlNV4QAet5HuVv-uliPJM9A_Hb5AyU-c9uETCItqU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw6zxtfsOat4aH4mZ1k-0krflBvmzT6zHUNWSq9saktJE3FR_qC7wy5aDYeSMJYd-5SE-ylaZqXIkNUguWDfK6Umxr7k0TxTqgFPcbum0H6qrWpYoW9VG7SRTJPBQfH3USp75P3bFRpM5WfCsGiKRlNV4QAet5HuVv-uliPJM9A_Hb5AyU-c9uETCItqU=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i>House Sidus</i></div><div>House Sidus is an extremely mysterious Knight Household founded on Ryza. Though Ryza originally claimed they had no Knight House, the adepts of the Cult Mechanicus were skeptical. Following the outbreak of the Horus Heresy, however, Knights in the livery and iconography of Ryza emerge, identified as formations of House Sidus, which had supposedly been created in the five years after the Isstvan V massacre. Obviously, these are lies, because many of the Household's Knight armors bear signs of decades of use, rather than years. Ryza apparently wishes to keep the existence of their Knight House secret for some reason. Whatever the case, their allegiance to Ryza is indisputable, and House Sidus contributes vastly to the Loyalist war efforts across Segmentum Ultima. They first appeared during the Defense of Ryza when their home Forge World was assaulted by Traitor forces.</div><div><br /></div><div>House Sidus possess considerable quantities of Knight Styrix, Knight Magaera and Knight Atrapos, but their numbers probably only add up to less than a hundred in total. Despite their lack of numbers when compared to other Questoris Familia, the Knights of House Sidus more than make up for it through their raw power and esoteric technology. They are often deployed in alongside Legio Crucius, supporting the larger Titans and protecting them from other Knights and even capable of claiming engine kills on their own.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIvXAbqflZXSCywzcH0ni0GRwuIxjcLFwo_KVpqUefafXf_BYE5KNPBHDL1V2h7jfJhFNyWWzM4So0G9qQqVSZ16x-GGz7RW5dmDrERHylZW7CDXJ6vbHiBrFGl0sdPcYme28poI3bjqKcep6U_M6vnZ4Deo14ygssG3zt3LxxDLiz3HTXtPhmQv7yL2Y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1111" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIvXAbqflZXSCywzcH0ni0GRwuIxjcLFwo_KVpqUefafXf_BYE5KNPBHDL1V2h7jfJhFNyWWzM4So0G9qQqVSZ16x-GGz7RW5dmDrERHylZW7CDXJ6vbHiBrFGl0sdPcYme28poI3bjqKcep6U_M6vnZ4Deo14ygssG3zt3LxxDLiz3HTXtPhmQv7yL2Y=w629-h640" width="629" /></a></div><br />It is unknown if House Sidus - and House Zavora, once of Mars - still exist in the 41st Millennium, but it is very likely that they do. Ryza, having recovered after the Traitors' onslaught during the Heresy, has returned to becoming one of the most preeminent Forge Worlds in the Imperium, a rival to Mars, even as it burns in the fires of two simultaneous Orks Waaaghs!. I assume that Knights of House Sidus still march in defense of the Furnace of the Shackled Stars. As for House Zavora, they are no longer present on Mars after the Heresy, but a significant portion of them is rebuilt on Ryza. I assume that they have made Ryza their new home, which seems very likely.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Current Forge Worlds and their allied Knight Houses (Modern 40K)</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Mars</b> has House Taranis, also of Mars, and House Krast of Chrysis. House Zavora is gone, apparently, and House Morbidia has either been destroyed or fled to the Eye of Terror alongside Legio Mortis.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Metalica</b> has House Raven of Kolossi (which is now Bel'akor's after the events of Warzone Charadon, so House Raven is basically a fleet-based Knight Household now) and also House Krast of Chrysis.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Graia</b> has ties to the House Moritain of Caemira. Of course, this was during the Horus Heresy, but I assume like Ryza, House Moritain still exists and continues their alliance with Graia.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Lucius</b> is allied to House Terryn of Voltoris and House Orhlacc of Dark Haven. Apparently, they also have ties to House Mortimer and House Hawkwood, and those of you keen-eyed Knight fans who read my Retrospective article on Imperial Knights the other day will remember them from the 1990 White Dwarf #126 article. Heh. I guess they snuck them back in somehow.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Gryphonne IV</b> used to be the masters of House Cadmus of Raisa before they fell.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Stygies VIII</b> used to be the founding Forge World of Legio Vulcanum before they fell to Legio Honorum, and it is possible that they now provide war material for both House Arundel and House Zavora of Mars, who are often allied to Legio Honorum.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Agripinaa</b> has...House Viti, apparently. Unfortunately, House Viti betrayed their oaths to Agripinaa and have turned to Chaos, so...uh, I'm sure they have other allied Knight Houses <i>somewhere</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>That brings us to <b>Ryza</b>, and I believe Ryza should still have House Sidus. Whether <i>Defense of Ryza</i> is a retcon or not, I believe the new addition should allow Warhammer 40,000 fans and players to do whatever they like, and in future, House Sidus might be turning up in more lore. That has happened with Imperial Knight lore throughout the last 10 years, with both the Faction and new chassis (such as Armigers and Dominus classes) being retroactively added to the story as if they had been there all along. So...yeah.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Ryza</b> has House Sidus, also of Ryza, and most likely retains several elements of House Zavora, once of Mars. Though, as House Zavora only took temporary lodgings on Ryza, it is possible they have moved to Stygies VIII. I mean, the universe of Warhammer 40,000 is a sandbox, so do whatever you want with the available narrative.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKe8r6RHxeGkkz9CBgB0zPMkYhSC6VImj5tZHD_JDDjXRlADVyvz8ucDvGatmcPJ9JwYHgvDdF3dLQeQB7_v8skn5tKpxWdnPPYoaG2COv9Jfu6sbHtOmnGAi7QcYi9x7RazbswYHhr28wFQmppnIdzivZXqcLXnGE0iXvn-UQ8yaM-JOhDXEa2PPVkg4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1490" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKe8r6RHxeGkkz9CBgB0zPMkYhSC6VImj5tZHD_JDDjXRlADVyvz8ucDvGatmcPJ9JwYHgvDdF3dLQeQB7_v8skn5tKpxWdnPPYoaG2COv9Jfu6sbHtOmnGAi7QcYi9x7RazbswYHhr28wFQmppnIdzivZXqcLXnGE0iXvn-UQ8yaM-JOhDXEa2PPVkg4=w640-h368" width="640" /></a></div><br />Other notable Forge Worlds such as <b>Atar-Median</b> founded Knight Households such as House Col'Khak on Atar-Planitia.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Mezoa</b>, on the other hand, has ties to House Hermetika (the Grand Order of Hermetika), of Kaldeia, House Vyronii of Damaetus III/II, and House Orhlacc of Dark Haven again (same guys who are allied to Lucius).</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Voss Prime</b> (not to be confused with Voss, who is a rival of Graia, whereas Voss Prime is known as the Right Hand of Mars) has ties to House Krast of Chrysis. Again.</div><div><br /></div><div>It must be emphasized that the term Mechanicum-Oathed Knight Houses or Mechanicus-aligned Knight Houses (High Gothic: Questoris Mechanicus) should not imply a monolithic definition of Knight Houses entirely subservient to their patron Forge Worlds. Just as there are a million worlds in the Imperium, the degrees in which a Mechanicum-Oathed or Mechanicus-aligned Knight Household serves their patron Forge World differ greatly. The strongest among the Knight Houses, such as House Taranis and House Raven, retain varying degrees of independence and autonomy - bound to the Mechanicus through loyalty, but as allies and not servants. The Grand Order of Hermetika, for example, are partners and allies with Mezoa, rather than subordinates. House Vyronii retained a measure of their independence, despite their reliance on Mezoa to repair their damaged Knight suits and furnish them with new Knight armors after their costly clash against Cyclothrathe Taghmata, House Atrax and House Aerthegn. In fact, I believe House Vyronii remains an Imperial-aligned Knight Household as opposed to one oathed to the Mechanicum.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjG2iyiXGD53yifMoEcpzMJJb5lFMtlax_DF0DZrlKYA1PEAa3Uc6sAYooLpEzMdk0Zpsd0nBHnZRWk4xgCfYtlWn_IPMMlEMY2Cgu02I_1nyMc9QgdaR4TmRyTjKgOBe3MOUqu_kk1h5o5Kqx3Dvj8lQaQPu_3dhDLN5RgURVoutHLA2PH6-bpPqfVbU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1000" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjG2iyiXGD53yifMoEcpzMJJb5lFMtlax_DF0DZrlKYA1PEAa3Uc6sAYooLpEzMdk0Zpsd0nBHnZRWk4xgCfYtlWn_IPMMlEMY2Cgu02I_1nyMc9QgdaR4TmRyTjKgOBe3MOUqu_kk1h5o5Kqx3Dvj8lQaQPu_3dhDLN5RgURVoutHLA2PH6-bpPqfVbU=w640-h448" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Those Knight Houses - or Thrall-Houses - completely under the control of their patron Forge Worlds tend to end up following the Traitor cause - such as House Atrax under the tyrannical command of Archmagos Draykavac, or the unfortunate House Morbidia leashed by the traitor Fabricator General Kelbor-Hal. This is not to say there are no Loyalist Knight Houses exploited by the Mechanicum (or Adeptus Mechanicus), so...do what you will with your homebrewed Knight House. Point is, some Mechanicum/Mechanicus aligned Knight Houses are more independent and autonomous than others, and it really depends on their size, strength and influence.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think that's about it. I'm not sure what else to say. Also...is anybody reading these articles? I'm not sure if I should do more of these articles because they consume a lot of time and energy (and honestly, you guys can just read all of this from the official sourcebooks, rulebooks and campaign supplements anyway).</div>Tanaka Tomoyuki 田中友幸http://www.blogger.com/profile/17598005783370199103noreply@blogger.com0