Hexis Tactical Map

Tau under Malkaor drive east

/-- Tau Command centre --/
/-- Elite Commander Rahvan Malkaor arrives on Hexis --/

The murmuring stopped as the new arrivals entered. The dissatisfaction from Tau high command since the Federacy had been routed from Hexis was no secret among the command echelons, and this coupled with the sudden urgency to control the situation with the tunnel to Tau space opening had left many asking how the Empire would respond. Most of those present had hoped not to have to deal with the notoriously insular Commander however.

“He's still wearing the coat then...”

Ethereal Shorio at his shoulder, Malkaor entered the command bunker. The long, scuffed black leather of his coat trailing a little. Those already present declined to comment, but exchanged looks.

/-- --/

“The patient hunter gets the prey, Malkaor” grumbled the old commander at the dais. “With the situation having been so uncertain and out of our favour for so long, biding our time was wise.”

“Patience ceases to be useful at the point when one is fully asleep.” The Etheral, Shorio, had spoken, waiting aside as a statue.

“Our inactivity has become predictable.” Malkaor stated after the pause. “We have let the Eldar decide the direction of the Alliance actions, and we have elected to wait for the situation to improve of its' own choosing. None of these things is acceptable.”

The room stiffened.

“The forces of the twisted enemy have overreached, relying on our lack of action. We can cut off their centre, with a decisive movement, if we act now.” He met eyes with every senior Commander in the room. A few held his gaze.

“I shall take my Cadre to push to the East, relieving the pressure from our flank. I anticipate a change in attitude on my return.”

The words exchanged between those in the room after Malkaor left were deleted from the official transcript by the profanity filter on the observation drones.

/-- --/

The Tau were only beginning to set their forward base when the scouts first reported movement.

“Heavy infantry, Commander. More of the shuffling, green bipedal beasts, and the troops in the ornate armour. The creature in the ridiculous hat is among them. The sensors are reading them as poorly as ever.”

The Tau fell into defensive positions with practised ease, the enemy's slow advance allowing them ample time to select the battleground. The opening volley of fire, hampered by the miasma around the Plaguebearers at the Chaos vanguard, tore most of the creatures down. The few left standing strode forward unfazed. Their willingness to absorb the fire became clear as they parted, allowing the Rubricae of the Thousand Sons through. Guided by Ahriman, they slaughtered the Tau spotters with blazing warpfire, millennia of experience making a mockery of the Tau's attempts to seek cover.  The Tau infantry absorbed the losses with stoic resolve, and surged forward. The Fireblade's orders rang clear as the markerlights mounted on the accompanying drones shone through the distortion conjured forth, guiding the Cadre's shots. Coordinated firepower drove the Rubricae into killing zones, cutting them down steadily. With the enemy advance stumbling, Sub-commander Redwind called a sighting of the Sorcerer out.

“The enemy mystic is there, hugging the rock face. He isn't on his drone, Malkaor.”

“Good. Kill the creature before he can reach cover.”

As the gap in the sorcerous haze widened, Redwind's fusion blasters roarer. Weapons recently calibrated to kill Imperial Knights tore through Ahriman's form, splattering the rock face behind him. Reaching for any lifeline, he pulled himself into the webway.

“Thanks Fateweaver”, he muttered.

/-- --/

The remaining Chaos forces tenaciously held on to the battlefield's midground, but with the Tau's lines unbroken they were driven away, the daemons fleeing to the warp and the Rubricae reduced to dust on the wind.

/-- --/

“The route to the Empire is gone, Commander. We have no more idea where it went than we did where it came from.”

Malkaor was watching his warriors establish a new operating base from atop the old Imperial ruins. The dust stuck to the faded gold trim of his coat, obscuring the lighter section on the lapel where the Aquila had been removed. He turned to the messenger.

“It hardly makes a difference now. We have the forces we need to keep gaining ground, and resupply will get through. The others won't want to be shown up by this today.”

Current Fleet Dispositions: Aleph Sector

Kel Sandros Aeldari Report

+++CLASSIFICATION: *Pirmary Level Intelligence*

+++CLEARANCE: *Obsidian*

+++ENCRYPTION: *Cryptox v 2.6*

+++DATE: *107.019.M42*

+++AUTHOR: *Inquisitor Nemo Reeves, Ordo Xenos*

+++SUBJECT: *A brief summary of intelligence concerning the Aeldari Craftworld Kel Sandros*

+++RECIPIENT: *Lord Inquisitor Phlebus Alessandro Rorken, Inquisition High Command Officio, Scarus Sector, Scarus Major*

+++THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Hope is but the first step on the path to disappointment

My Lord Inquisitor, a thousand blessings of the Emperor be bestowed upon you. I am contacting you to brief you on my investigations into the Aeldari Craftworld known as Kel Sandros. After monitoring their activities fruitlessly for many decades I now believe I have some comprehension as to their overall goals and desire that you should be made aware immediately in case some misfortune should befall me before I can submit my full report.

The perfidious Aeldari are renowned for the capriciousness and seeming randomness of their attacks but even in this context the interventions of Kel Sandros into the Imperium's affairs have been incomprehensible. Whilst they sometimes attack Imperial worlds directly in the majority of cases they have preferred to intervene in existing conflicts to the benefit of one side or the other. Indeed, in some conflicts they have been known the change sides midway through, even doing so on multiple times with the only apparent end being to prolong the fighting for as long as possible in order to weaken both parties. The regularity with which they interfere in the wars of others leads me to speculate Kel Sandros prefers that other races do its fighting, and dying, and only commits enough forces to secure an outcome they perceive as beneficial to their aims.

Although I have uncovered several notable instances of Kel Sandros coming to the aid of Imperial worlds and forces in the vast majority of cases their interventions have been to the Imperiums detriment. In fact I have uncovered an alarming correlation between the appearance of Kel Sandros' forces and subsequent wide scale disasters. Key worlds and even entire sub sectors have been lost following such interventions, usually with massive loss in human life both military and civilian.

Until now I have only been able to speculate as to their motivations but with the capture and interrogation of an Aeldari Ranger I believe I have made some progress towards understanding their agenda. It appears Kel Sandros subscribes to a belief that the end times are at hand and that the material universe will be destroyed after a final battle, which they refer to as the Rhana Dandra. In order to prevent or delay the Rhana Dandra Kel Sandros believes it must quieten the warp by denying the primordial annihilator its source of succour and thus save the material universe from destruction along with all life within it.

Such goals would seem noble but to achieve this end Kel Sandros seems bent on the destruction of the Imperium and also the genocide of the human race. I fail so see what warped and perverted xenos reasoning could equate such ends with such methods, quite likely by no means a human could recognise as a rational and coherent logic. In either case it would explain their interference in wars throughout the galaxy which when viewed in a context of causing a weakening and ultimate collapse of the fabric of the Imperium suddenly take on an alarming pattern.

I am currently conducting my investigations in the Aleph subsector where Kel Sandros forces have repeatedly intervened to the benefit of the Tau Empire and a heretical faction of rebel humans who call themselves “The Federacy”. Their unusually staunch and consistent support alarms me and I speculate it is connected to the presence of multiple stable routes across the Cicatrix Maledictum to be found in this region. It is possible they view the Tau as a suitable race with which to subvert and replace the power of the Imperium and are encouraging their expansion into the vulnerable worlds of the Imperium Nihilus. Whilst the idea that the Tau could overcome the might of the Imperium and become a galactic power are absurdly laughable I will continue to monitor, and where possible counter their activity as it represents a notable regional threat.

The xenos expired before I could extract the location of Kel Sandros from her, saying only that it could be found on no map of this galaxy.

+++The Emperor Protects

The Sky Lords

Legion Number:	-
Primarch:	Roboute Guilliman
Chapter Master:	Lucius Potitus
Homeworld:	Bakaw
Fortress-Monastery:	The Eyrie
Known Descendants:	None
Colours:	Blue with red trim
Specialty:	Heavy armoured assault
Battle Cry	Reach For The Sky!

History 

A relatively new chapter, the Sky Lords were created in early M37 as part of the 22nd founding. The chapter were created from the Ultramarines’ gene seed and were gifted the world of Bakaw, a savannah world of mostly nomadic tribes. Their fortress monastery - the Eyrie - was built within the high peaks of the Eagle mountains, looking down on the wide and sprawling plains of the main continent of the northern hemisphere. 

Situated in the Ultima Segmentum, the chapter was tasked with guarding the eastern fringe. Closely tied with the Mechanicum world of Drae, the Sky Lords quickly established a practice of utilising fast moving armoured vehicles, in particular Land Raiders. 

Battle doctrine usually involves swift strikes involving heavy armour and aircraft, heavily using their terminator companies, of which both the first and second are. The 10th through twelfth companies are scout companies, distributed amongst the battle companies. 

Established in the Eastern Fringe, the Sky Lords currently lack Primaris marines, and are heavily reliant on their tactical squads. They began operations in the Aleph Sector following the call for aid by Vorushko’s Crusade, but avoided major conflict with loyalist astartes. 

Current Strength in the Aleph Sector

The Sky Lords have fought in the Libria campaign, where they achieved notable success against loyalist Guard army formations. However they suffered at the hands of the alliance forces, especially the eldar. 

Six of the Sky Lords twelve companies are engaged in the Aleph Sector. As of 01.019M42 three are engaged in the Perseus Deeps and three are arrayed in the Hadron Expanse. Each is supported by a strike cruiser and a host of smaller escort craft. 

Notable Engagements 

Later the Sky Lords were deployed to the Hylas campaign, and the astartes chapter were instrumental in dealing the final blow to the greenskin invasion, ending the four year long campaign. Following the Crusade on Libria coming to an end, the Sky Lords moved their forces to the Hadron Expanse. After helping to pacify world’s in the Expanse, the Sky Lords have started to build up their forces for the Hexis campaign. 

Current activity on Hexis 

Strength: 1st, 3rd and 4th companies 

Captain Lars Livius in command 

Current forces in the Perseus Deeps

Strength: 2nd, 5th and 6th companies 

Captain Appius Pappius in command

Au'taal Expeditionary Force on Hexis

The elements making up this force were formed to support the diplomatic mission of Por'o Mu'namsai. The Por'o is a high ranking ambassador whose main focus is the freeing of the humans of the Aleph subsector from the oppression of Imperial rule. Aiding him in this endeavour is Aun'ui Shoh'la Oshi'ru, a young ambitious ethereal keen to spread the word of the Greater Good to all of the un-enlightened. 

Shas'o Uwais Ranerra'on is the leader of the combat elements of the force. Also known as Commander Ghostsight, Uwais is well beyond retirement age and served most of his career as a pathfinder. He has a passion for stealth and reconnaissance, and was attached to the cause to primarily provide close protection to the diplomatic mission, whilst also acting as a recce screen for allied forces. Ghostsight is aided in this by a dedicated group of Shas'el who lead many of the insurgency cells personally.

As they are not a force tailored toward claiming ground they lack manpower. This situation is has been remedied somewhat by an exceptionally high reliance on AI. They have an above average allocation of drones and have also been granted use of a number of experimental, close-range remote controlled battlesuits to allow their more experienced warriors to directly influence the outcome of engagements without putting themselves at risk. 

Strategically the Au'taal Cadres prefer not to become decisively engaged, instead using guerrilla tactics to strike and face, before striking again from an unexpected direction.

Chaos plan “Operation Black Hammer”

Bezhok was looking sullenly over the hololith, replaying both Iron Warrior, allied and enemy troop movements for the last several months, at the same time a screed of data ran alongside, showing in depth data on each engagement and scout observation. He scowled.

“If the war continues like this, with new combatants arriving everytime we deal with one, we’ll be at this for years, even with the Warsmith’s presence” muttered Bezhok. 

“Yes Lord” Came the reply from the other Iron Warrior. The other Iron Warrior seemed tall, yet diminished. His armour had warped and fused with him, a large cloak worn about his shoulders, a indication of the Praetor he once was, his hammer, once a symbol of pride, was set in the corner.

“Dazkov, I need a break through, those idiot Orks have given the advantage to the Xenos Tau and soon they’ll want to push our Western flank, I don’t want Gerghaz trying to blame me when his lines buckle.”

Dazkov did not reply, he only walked to the rockcrete wall and placed a hand upon it, then reached into his pouch and drew forth a clod of dirt, taken from the city. He studied it for a time, long enough to make Bezhok uncomfortable, dam Dazkov was clever but he was strange. After rubbing the earth in his fleshmetal fingers, Dazkov came over to the Hololith.

“There is a weakness somewhere, a large one, like a crack in a stone pillar that a hammer will break.”

With a gesture Bezhok had offered the Hololith to Dazkov, he would feel threatened by Razkov’s intelligence, that he may seek to stick a knife in his back and take his command, save for the simple knowledge that Dazkov would hate every second and be even more miserable than the strange bastard already was. Dazkov scrolled through the data at an alarming rate, before stopping, scrolling back then pointing.

“Here, the crack in the stone.”

Bezhok peered at the Hololith, Dazkov was pointing to an open plaza that had a ruined road passing through it. Dazkov must have sense Bezhok’s lack of comprehension and started to type, a scroll of numbers and indication runes upon the geographical location. Slowly the preliminary formula calculations began to dawn on him.

“Why didn’t the Dodekatheon not spot this?!” exclaimed Bezhok

“Because I was not there” stated Dazkov, Bezhok thought that Dazkov was gloating with arrogance, maybe he was just stating matter of factly? No, gloating, arrogant ass. 

“Very well, Dazkov, take the forces you require, implement your plan. Let us call it...” Bezok’s eyes scanned the room for a moment before fixing on Dazkov’s signature weapon “Operation Black Hammer”. 

“Yes Lord”. 

Line Captain Dazkov moved to leave, picking up the namesake of the mission.

“Oh and Captain? Make sure you take Nicator and Razko with you”

Dazkov gave Bezhok a pained expression knowing and Bezhok knew Dazkov utterly hated this idea. Nicator and Razko were the most insufferable pair in the whole Grand Company, they would make Dazkov’s life misery. “Good”, thought Bezhok, it would teach the jumped up not to try and outsmart him again. The Line Captain looked like he was about to argue but then slumped his armoured pauldrons with a sigh of resignation

“Yes, Lord.”

Iron Warriors on Hexis

Before the arrival on Hexis the Hadron Cohort and Hexis Campaign was under the the command of a “Commander Bezhok”, who is in command of the 3rd Grand Company of the Iron Warriors. Sarkow was a member of this Company and believed that Bezhok’s Astarte strength stood at around 5000, though some of these were believed to be members of the “Forlorn” Blood God Cult and so considered unreliable. The Sky Lords advised that recent memories are clear, but information such as solid numbers are always difficult to retrieve from their interrogation methods, so Sarkow may have known, it is impossible to tell.

Of course, Bezhok has been supplanted as commander of Iron Warrior and indeed Chaos forces as Stahl himself arrived, with significant reinforcements. Sarkow thought this was the end for Berzhok but apparently Stahl was sympathetic to Bezhok’s insistence that is was “unreliable allies” that had slowed his advance.

The Centre

In the centre of the Chaos forces remains Bezhok and his warriors. The core of his force is the 9th Line Company commanded by Captain Dazkhov. Alongside the 9th are Thorakitai Thureos 192-Gamma and 55-Beta, Scout Thorakitai Thureos 116, and         Armoured Century Echthra. Along with Dazkhov and Berzhok the other known officers were the Sorcerers Eznath “The Unveiled”, Nicator, Lieutenant Zoran and Razko “The Duelist”, Sergeant “Honourable” Horozhka and lastly the Warpsmith Tkalčec.

Commander Bezhok: Bezhok is a warrior of two parts, detached and analytical, but also bitter and petty. He carries a two handed power sword on the battlefield is a member of the Dodekatheon. He is beleived to Olympian born.

Captain Dazkov: Captain Dazkov was thought of by Sarkow to be a man aged by war. He was known to frequently carry clods of dirt with calculating battle plans, asking it to speak to him. Some considered him insane but others believed he was analysing the local terrain to find an advantage. In view to the latter, Dazkov is adept at city warfare, having ordered new firing drills upon his troops, the dense terrain appears to be offering the Astartes no impediment. Sarkow thought of him as “sullen”. He is believed to be Charybdian

Zidon Eznath “The Unveiled”: Zidon Eznath, “The Unveiled” was a person that Sarkow feared greatly, but for unknown reasons, he is a Sorcerer and apparently a specialist in dealing with Obliterators, leading me to believe he may be a member of the Lyssatra. A strong memory of Sarkows was being repulsed by the face of Eznath, apparently reconstructed completely for some unknown reason (likely injury) and his metal tinged skin is poorly stretched over his skull, and occasionally ripples like water. I am repulsed by such a vile creature profaning a world of the Emperors! His origin is unknown.

Nicator: Sarkow knew that Bezhok hated Nicator like few others in the Legion, for unknown reason. Sarkow, while he disliked Nicator for making his skin crawl, respected him. Sarkow suspected that Nicator was attempting to undermine Bezhok so Razko could take his position, though why, it would not be known. Nicator was a member of the Thitokana and openly experimented upon captured Imperial citizens, attempting to give combat enhancements to the Thorakitai, which at times have worked to great effect. Nicator is believed to be of Aleph origin, recruited after the Aleph Sectors compliance.

Sergeant “Honourable” Horozhka: Horozhka was universally respected by those Sarkow knew, even those who envied his skill and experience (which were many) would not openly challenge him. Sarkow believed that he could at least be Line Captain, if not Commander of the whole Grand Company if he wished, but his nature meant that he was more comfortable on covert missions. Sarkow was from Horozhka’s unit and so we have more information on him than the other officers, as he was in the recent memory of Sarkow, who believed he would be rescued by Horozhka, even unto his death.

Horozhka was born on Terra and his early years were part of a Gun Tribe that based near the Auro Plateau of Sek-Amrak. Having been recruited into the Legion following the fall of Sek Amrak he was a line Astarte for many years throughout the early crusade. Apparently Horoshka bears a great enmity of these early years, retelling to Sarkow several times that even then the IV were prostituted to enemy guns while less worthy Legions reaped the glory. He had fought with the 45th Grand Company of another Battalion in the Heresy, under the command of Soltarn Vull Bronn******, being felled at the retaking of Krade*******. Of all the individuals Sarkow remembered, it was Horozhka that made him believe they could not die if they were loyal to Stahl. Horozhka upper body was a mangled ruin and replaced with bionics of unknown and likely blasphemous origin. Apparently Sarkow imagined taking the shot that would have killed Horozhka many times according to the Sky Lords, who attest his fantasies of shooting his Sergeant in the throat would indeed be fatal.

Lieutenant Zoran

Zoran is a member of the Dodekatheon and a heavy weapons specialist. Known for his taciturn nature, Sarkow knew little the traitor himself save that he had a great hatred of another Lieutenant called Šalić who was reassigned to Commander Greghaz Grand Company. The little the is known is he is responsible with the efficiency of the “Havoc” units and most of those men quietly look to him for leadership, which caused Sarkow concern.

Lieutenant Razko “The Duelist”

The strongest word associations that came with the memories of Razko was “trýpima kólo” which I am afraid does not have a translation, though, it is negative. Razko is considered a snake within the Bezhoks retinue.

Warpsmith Tkalčec.

This creature, is seemingly the senior Warpsmith within Bezhok’s staff and while he has several serviles at his command he primarily commands the Armoured Centuries within the Grand Company. Little is known besides this, and that he has served as emissary to several Mechanicum seeking to turn traitor.

Recommendations:

While the 144th have an organisational structure that is startling for a traitor warband, it is my firm belief they are ruled by force of will and personality just as much as any other Traitor Warband. Razko and Nicator appear to the be the weak links within Bezhok’s command staff, if these individuals were able to rise to positions of power, this may have a destabilising effect upon Bezhok’s Grand Company.  

The Western Front

While the Western front is not a problem for Imperial forces at this time should they redeploy or when the Glorious armies of the Imperium crush the disgusting Xenos “Alliance” the traitors of the IV Legion will have to be dealt with. Unfortunately, given the level of paranoia of the average Iron Warrior, Sarkow knew even less of value for the Western front than he did on the Northern front. Nevertheless, the Iron Warriors there still have a similar perverted command structure as one the Northern front. The 4th Grand Company is active throughout the West with unknown units of Thorakitai and enslaved humans.

Commander Gerghaz

Gerghaz is known as a particular bellicose and belligerent warrior that Sarkow had heard of. He is known to prefer brute force, likening his fire patterns and assaults to a perfectly swung sledge hammer. Gerghaz is known to be well versed in boarding actions in the void, leading to Sarkow to wonder if he was a member of the Kheledakos. He is known to prefer large Terminator and Obliterator assaults when leading an attack. Sarkow knew nothing of Gerhaz’ background.

Line Captain Erazmuz

Line Captain Erazmuz was under Bezhoks command before the 144th arrived in the Aleph sector. He is known to have risen to prominence during the “Iron Wars”, one of the many wars within the Eye of Terror, this one a civil war within the Iron Warriors. As Sarkow understood it Erazmuz uncovered a plot to depose Stahl and betray the Battallion to another Warsmith, by whom Sarkow did not know, but what is clear is that Erazmuz stopped the plotters and rose to Line Captain soon after.

He is believed to be Olympian born.

Lieutenant Šalić

Sarkow unfortunately knew nothing of Šalić, other than his name and the knowledge that he and Zoran hated each other to such a degree they had to be kept separated. Perhaps the fact that both specialised in heavy weapon teams had something to do with it?

Lieutenant Kevohk

Kevohk is an outrider operating the roadways in and out of the city alongside Meliton. Sarkow did not know Kevohk, but only of reputation as an insane warrior who alone survived to charge into Imperial lines years ago during the war for Zadoc. Since the coming of the Cicatrix Maladictum rumour has that Kevohk has started to descend into madness, that is, Iron Warriors standards of madness. Sarkow heard that Kevohk was from Ravitane and recruited during the Great Crusade.

Sorcerer Meliton

Meliton is an outrider with Kevohk. Almost nothing is known about him. Sarkow heard a rumour that he has been assigned to outrider units to keep Kevohk functioning. Nothing more is known.

Sorcerer Khozarian

Unfortunately this is another that Sarkow knew nothing of and though he is known to be active in the city, nothing is known of this vile creature.

Warpsmith Dimas

The vile creature known as “Dimas” was encountered by the Howling Griffons Chapter when they (unsuccessfully) attempted to intercept his Armour Century back in late 11.018M42. He was believed dead, though the Howling Griffon Scout team on orders to sweep and clear to see if they could confirm the kill went missing, so we assume at this time he is still at large. Unfortunately Sarkow knew nothing of this individual.

Experiment MVI

This Daemonic entity was also involved in the massacres at Hegrist and Grathos, after the Howling Griffons failed ambush. Believed to be a Daemon Prince that has sworn to Stahl’s cause in return for offerings, Sarkow’s memories seem to have a contrary view. Sarkow strongly viewed Daemonic forces to be “Untrustworthy and vile lesser Xenos creatures, useful for only as fodder or fuel for our machines” - a quote which was recovered from a conversation he had from another Iron Warrior. From the memories it appears that most of the 144th share this belief, or at least they have deluded themselves into thinking they are not disgusting heretics and damned for all eternity. Sarkow believed that Stahl had discovered a way to “Construct” a facsimile of a Daemon Prince and Experiment MVI was believed to be his latest creation. I would not worry too much however, this sounds like the deluded ramblings of a mad man.

Zhophokles the Inheritor

This is possibly the most greatest threat among those on the Western Front. A vile orator and member of the Thitokana Brethren. When the Librian Traitor base fell to the Librians it was Zhophokles the Inheritor who enslaved the survivors and converted them to the cause of Chaos. Naturally these base human scum would have proved no problem no doubt. He is known to turn human cowards into howling madmen who fling themselves at Imperial Guns. Sarkow knew of Zhophokles as he herded literal carpets of “Expendable Flesh” as the Iron Warriors refer to them into the enemy guns. Sarkow knew that Zhopokles was looked upon by the other Iron Warriors with contempt, though it was thought that he did not “Preach” as a Word Bearer would, but rather turn humans towards their own doom by other unknown methods.

****** Soltarn Vull Bronn was known to be an associate of “Honsou” and was present in the invasion of Ultramar in late M41 by Honsou’s Warband.

******* Krade was one of the many worlds that the Iron Warriors Garrisoned during the Heresy. The Sky Lords inform me that a measure of their gene heritage lay in the Ultramarine Companies that retook Krade for the Imperium.

Iron Warriors Investigated

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

++++≡][≡++≡][≡++≡][≡+++++

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

++INCOMING TRANSMISSION++

+STANDBY+STANDBY+STANDBY+

+64%.....65%...70%...89%+

+STANDBY+STANDBY+STANDBY+

+++++++COMPLETE++++++++++

+++Thought: Against the Alien and the Traitor there is no fair way to fight.+++

Sire

Our working relationship with the Sky Lords Adeptus Astartes has borne fruit. The Sky Lords captures one of the Traitor Astarte Iron Warrior operatives on Hexis. After “Interrogation” - most likely the consumption of the traitors Grey matter and information absorption through their Omophagea*, the Sky Lords have forwarded the operational methods of the Iron Warriors of Lycurgus Stahl.

The subject for interrogation was referred to as “Legionary Sarkow” in the report and information gleaned was this interrogation along with supplementary commentaries of my own.

Legionary Sarkow

Sarkow was recruited and inducted into the Iron Warriors during the “Iron Empire” following Horus’ failure. Sarkow did not become part of the 144th Grand Battalion at this time but rather served under several different Warsmiths during the Scouring. This was due to incessant war with the besieging Imperial forces that attrition and injury were high as well as increased intrigue and backstabbing to gain position. Thy Sky Lords appear to go into great length on this period and Sarkow’s own experience, seemingly having a measure of pride that the Ultramarines and their Chapters were involved in those sieges. However I digress - should you wish to study this period I can forward this information in another data burst. Sarkow, like most of his Legion escaped to the eye following the fall of Olympia. Sarkow was not a native Olympian but rather a recruit from the Meratara Cluster Garrison**. It appears that following the Heresy Sarkow had spent much time in several Warbands, particularly during a “War of Iron”, that the Imperium have no record of. Eventually his foul deviancy apparently came to a head as mutation began to take hold, withering away parts of his flesh. Apparently, Iron Warriors commonly abhor mutation and Sarkow sought treatment along with a number of other mutated traitors. Finding the citadel of the disgusting Fabius Bile of the III Legion, where he was recruited by an “Nicator” into the 144th. Most interestingly, somehow, Stahl was able to reverse a great deal of the mutation that had taken hold and replace with augments that tissue which could not be saved.

Designation

The traitors following the arch heretic Lycurgus Stahl refer to themselves as the “144th Grand Battalion”. Fragmentary records refer to a 144th Grand Battalion as being part or attached to Expeditionary Fleet 707 in M30. This believed to be the, or at least one of the Expeditionary fleets that conquered the Aleph Sector. Sarkow certainly believed that it was his Legion that conquered the Sector and it belonged to them by right of conquest, though Sarkow was not present at the time of course.

From Sarkow’s experiences it’s suggested that Iron Warriors crave order, and as a result, while many Iron Warrior warbands are chaotic, the larger ones retain large elements of military order we would find familiar. As an aside this has previously been identified during the Hydra Cordatus Massacre where a force under command of who was believed to be Barban Falk displayed strongly stratified structure. The 144th have created a cult of sorts around Stahl, who is believed to hold their “Freedom”. Nevertheless, what “freedom” this is from we have no idea, the Storm Lords simply suggested that constant urge to be “free” permeated Sarkows thoughts.

Nevertheless there are a number of designations of organisational structure within the Iron Warriors. At the head is the 144th Grand Battalion overall, which is the designation of the overall Warband. Beneath this is the Grand Companies, Each controlled by a trusted Commander. Each campaign force is referred to as a “Cohort” and may comprise of several Grand Companies. Beneath the Grand Companies are the Line Companies, and the Armoured Centuries, the smallest warbands are referred to as the Dekathlea - a word of unknown origin. In addition there is a specialist group known as the Stor-Bazashk, who are responsible for artillery. In addition, there are number of “warrior lodges” that are distinct from historical records from among the traitors. These groups, referred to as Brethren, appear to represent schools of thought within the Iron Warriors and how they consider each battleplan. These brethren use Olympian names and refer to the society on that dead world. The Brethren are: The Dodekatheon - the “Stone Brethren”, the Apolakron - the “Steel Brethren”***, the Kheledakos - the “Void Brethren”, the Lyssatra - the “Thunder Brethren”, the Tyranthikos, which simply translates to the “Dominators” in Low Gothic, the Thitokana - the “Brethren of Slaves/Harvest”, the translation is unclear and lastly the Sikotra - The Brethren of Purity. There are of course human auxiliary units and designations which I will go into in due course. Lastly I wish to divulge some information on a shadowy group that Sarkaw referred to as “the 25” and held in great esteem and fear.

The Grand Companies

The Grand Companies vary in size greatly, the smallest thought by Sarkow to be the size of the Imperial Space Marine Chapter, and the largest thought to be in the region of 30,000 Astartes, though this is unconfirmed, certainly this is what Sarkow believed. Each Grand Company is commanded by a Commander, sometimes given other Epithets by their men, however it is noted that Stahl does not care for such things. Each Grand Company was largely autonomous, each owing allegiance to Stahl through him “saving” a great number of their members, along with the Iron Warriors deep psychological need for order. A Grand Company will contain Legion Astarte, Dark Mechanicum, armour, some void transport and human soldier support along with massive logistical support unknown in other more fractious traitor warbands. One thing that is not present within each Grand Company is significant void warships, which Stahl maintains direct control of. Sarkow was not certain how many Grand Companies there were however he believed that there were no more than 11, more likely no more than 10. This would place the overall Astartes under Stahls command somewhere between 10,000 and 300,000, the size of a Legion in itself. I find this hard to believe as the operational strength of the Iron Warriors before Heresy was, according to records to be around 200,000 Astartes. Sarcow seemed to be aware of it, and the Sky Lords said that the “true strength” of the 144th was a subject of discussion within its own ranks, a widely held belief that many of the Iron Warriors themselves are held in stasis till Stahl can find a cure for whatever warp malady afflicts them. The Sky Lords report that Sarkow felt little fear in death, not believing it would truly happen, even during his vivisection**** he believed that he would walk again as he had served Stahl well. The Sky Lords report that a common belief held by the 144th is that Stahl, a former Apothecary, along with his Sorcerers, can resurrect dead Astartes, Sarkow believed he had seen it with his own eyes*****. In my opinion, it is likely that Stahl commands an astarte force of at worst 40,000, no more and likely no more than 10,000 are in fact active. Despite this, a force of 10,000 is a significant threat to the Imperium, traitors have done more with far less.

Cohorts

“Cohorts” within the 144th are analogous to Imperial Crusades, but refer more to active warzones the 144th is involved in it appears. There are likely three Cohorts active, Cohort Perseus, Cohort Hadron, and Cohort Enceladus. Cohorts seem to be formed on an “as need” basis and Stahl assigns and overall commander to these Cohorts, who in turn assign a commander to each planetary campaign, should the cohort be engaged in multiple warzones in a subsector.

Line Companies

A Line Company are roughly analogous with a Battle Company being between 80 to a 140 Astartes in size. The battle company itself will comprise solely of Astartes, though it will have human auxiliaries and war machines from the Armour Centuries attached who are operating within the same warzone. Each Line Company is commanded by a Captain, and supported by a First and Second Lieutenant and support staff. When a larger warband is absorbed into a the Battalion, it is first normally designated as a Line Company. These new companies quickly suffer attrition, and a Lords troops folded out through injury, this quickly erodes a Lords powerbase and ensures that each Legionaries loyalty is to Stahl.

Armour Centuries

Armour Centuries, or simply “Centuries” are the remnants of the former maniples of robots and armoured companies that existed before the Heresy. Since that time much of the technology has been modified or even new war machines have been created. These have all been folded into the Centuries. Each Century is commanded by the Warpsmith responsible for the machines and will number anywhere between 20 to over 100 machines. The Warpsmiths are pulled from boh former Techmarines and former Mechanicum who owe loyalty to Stahl. The Smiths themselves maintain a ranking structure similar to the normal rankings of the 144th, however their specialisms greater than even the tech adept Iron Warriors is recognised.

Dekathla

The Dekathlea does not have a translation, though it appears to be a bastardised Charybdisian/Olympian word for “war party”. Each Line Company will have 2 or 3 established Dekathla, these are mixed groups of astarte, armour and human troops that are quickly able to launch attack and defence depending on the need. The origins, apparently has its origins in the latter days of the Enceladus sub-sector siege where fluid battle groups were required to quickly react Imperial attacks. Smaller Warbands are formed into a Dekathlea initially when they are first incorporated into the 144th, however like the larger warbands that form line company, they find themselves quickly broken up and old allegiances severed.

The 25

Of all the things that Sarkow divulged, the 25 of the most baffling. To Sarkow, they represented both his hope for freedom, indifference towards death and absolute terror at the prospect of incurring their ire. The 25 appear to be the enforcers of Warsmith Stahl’s will and operate sometimes as shadows, and sometimes as leaders within the 25th. What the Sky Lords could discern is that 1. Sarkow thought of them as immortal, but in a sense different from daemonhood 2. They operate outside the Iron Warrior command structure, listening only to Stahl and 3. Even under the interrogation he was under Sarkow would not reveal their identities out of fear. I would surmise that the 25 are another method that Stahl maintains order and loyalty. Perhaps in some twisted aping of Commissars or Space Marine Chaplains.

The “Brethren”

In addition to the stratified organisational structure of the 144th, there is also the concept of “Brethren”. These brethren are similar to the Warrior Lodges that are believed to have initially caused the downfall of the Traitor Legions, however they have remained in their original function throughout the millennia, through unknown means. Each Brethren function similar to a school of thought, espousing a belief in waging war or controlling their captured worlds. These appear to aide the Iron Warriors in preparing the attacks, the Sky Lords reported being near overwhelmed with information of these meetings, clearly they were important to them. Most importantly, at least to Sarkow, was that the Brethren met without rank or formality, that it was a place of freethought and ideas. Within these Brethren Iron Warriors would play out wargames, either via hololith, or with facsimiles of forces at their disposal or their enemies, playing out wars again and again to determine the best course of action. Each of these meetings were held by those of “Honourable” rank - a rank to display that the individual is trusted to the other Iron Warriors. Apparently Sarkow was close to “Honourable” Horozshka, who held the last meeting - which I may add led to their planned push into the city once more, with this information the Sky Lords and the Imperium were able to stop the assault before it began.

Dodekatheon

The Dodekatheon refers to the “Brethren of Stone” but also the formal name for the meeting where the respected Iron Warriors plan attacks.

The Brethren of Stone are the largest of the Brethren cults. The Dodekatheon as Sarkow understood were descended from the ancient Warcaste Metisraad societies on Terra where the IV Legion their first stock of warriors. Those that ascribe to the theories and teachings of the Dodekatheon learn the art of stone, construction or destruction, by passing or turning against their enemies. According to them, eventually all wars fall to a defensive position, a hard point, and if those hard points can be broken, all the enemy will break. A great number of Astartes are part of this Brethren though only a small number attend the meetings, for the reality is that though it is without rank in the meeting, many jealous Iron Warrior will seek the end of their rival when they have the chance.

Apolakron

The Apolakron are the “Brethren of Steel” though not be confused with the Traitor Astartes of the same name who participated in the War for Vraks in 813.M41. The Apolakron specialise in the application of armoured and mechanised warfare, this has extended to Daemon engines and more esoteric armoured weapons of war. Most Warpsmiths are members of this Brethren. Interestingly, it is often the Apolakron members that broker deals with the so called “Dark” Mechanicus. The Apolakron appear to be descended from the society of Iron Smiths on Olympia that permeated into the Legion before the Heresy.

Kheledakos

The Kheledakos largely comprise of members of those versed in Void Warfare, though their presence at the Dodekatheon is often very small. Their small presence is in no small part that many of the Kheledakos cannot leave their ships are forced to send Hololiths in their stead. In fact, many of the ships under Stahl’s control came to him as their crews were desperate to avoid their degradation into madness. It is believed he has successfully removed a small number of Crewmen from their vessels without killing them. Notably to Sarkow was Captain Darkarta, Captain of the Sword of Olympia was successfully removed from her vessel a number of years ago, and walks the corridors of her ship and planets as needed as a massive robot golem. It is unknown where this originated from, possibly the trader tribes of Olympia, I can investigate further if you wish.

Lyssatra

The Lyssatra or “The Brethren of Thunder” are solely concerned with weaponry and its application. Where the Dodekatheon focus upon over breaking potential of a fusilade the Lyssatra tend to focus on creating “Super weapons” that will do the job of entire line companies. This can make them unpopular with the rank and file it appears and they the brethren has sorcerers and smiths as members. In addition, those “Obliterators” who are not completely insane are often members of the Lyssatra and serve as ambassadors to their less communicative brethren. I’d postulate that the Lyssatra is why the Iron Warriors as a Legion (not just the 144th) can call so many Obliterators to their banner. “Lyssatra” refers to the chemical and power smiths of Olympia and their secret society, in fact, an informal name for the society was “the burned men” as the most respected of the Lyssatra were always those with the most horrific injuries from their experiments - something that might be an ongoing trend 144th.

Thitokana

I have found no mention of this brethren - “The Brethren of Flesh” outside the 144th. Initially I thought it may be a simple cult to the Dark Prince due to its esoteric name however this Brethren apparently has its interested in the application of Auxiliaries. It’s been seen on multiple occasions engaging the 144th that they make effective use of human auxiliaries and seem to have an inexhaustible supply of Thorakitai as well as captured slave warriors referred to disparagingly as the “Expendable Flesh”. The Thitokana contain a number of Thorakitai officers among and are eminent voices in populace infiltration. The other Brethren adherents look on the Thitokana with disdain, Sarkow included. However interestingly there are several memories according to the Sky Lords of the Thitokana tactics used to great effect - notably in the battles of Mordecai and Minos where agents managed to co-opt the populace into fighting for the Iron Warriors. This brethren is of completely unknown origin, perhaps formed by the 144th themselves for unknown reasons.

Sitotra

The Sitokra are the smallest of the Brethren, but one that is known to enjoy the favour of Stahl. Sitotra is an odd term in the Olympian dialect, having a meaning of “House of Purity”, or in this case “Brethren of Purity”. It is an intensely odd term for disgusting heretics and madmen, but far from an unheard term amongst the traitorous hordes. In the case of the Sitotra, they seem to attract former Apothecaries and Magos Biologis as well as renegade Sorcerers and Librarians. Among all the Brethren Cults, these appear to value esoteric approaches and innovative design, finding an unexpected route in war. The rumoured genetic and flesh facilities in Iron Warrior territories are under the eye of members of the Sitotra. Quite what exactly the Sitotra do was unknown Sarkow, who had little do with them. He knew those that plowed the battlefields recovering the dead and wounded were Sitotra Brethren, and he knew they were mainly interested in biological experimentation. I did hear a rumour that Stahl and Fabius Bile of the III Legion of somehow acquainted and consider themselves peers of a fashion, perhaps this is Stahl trying to setup flesh-mongers to rival the Clonelord?

*I urge you to strongly consider dispatching an infiltration team to investigate the Sky Lords, there is always the risk of contamination. I will attempt to ascertain the name of the Astarte responsible for the interrogation so he can be given the Emperor's Benediction for the sake of the rest of his Chapter.

** As an interesting side note, it appears that this was the location of the infamous “Black Judges”. I found some data cores some time ago on these individuals. Apparently they were heavily bionically modified humans who monitored the outlying systems for signs of genetic deviations, purging populaces such as Olympia every few years. Early records seem to indicate that they were in fact extremely thorough and efficient, if only they were still present today? I do sometimes wonder what wonders of the Omnissiah they had to help detect genetic deviations over an entire sector?

*** These appear to be distinct from the “Steel Brethren” warband of traitor Marines first sighted at the Siege of Vraks in 813.M41.

Hexis 0601.019M42

Tau retake Federal base

With the war on Hexis grinding back and forth the Alliance found themselves being pushed inexorably back, even as the armies of Chaos threatened to surround the centre of Praxis. If the situation were not stabilised, and quickly, the Alliance forces would be cut in two spelling the end of their hopes on Hexis. With grim knowledge of the importance of their mission an elite special forces cadre left Camp Blacksands under cover of darkness and made its way to the flank of the Chaos salient. Attacking at dawn under the cloak of the morning mists they would be able to take the forces of Chaos by surprise an maximise their chance of victory.

Ignoring the rabbles of cultists the Iron Warriors employed to guard their backline areas the Tau went straight for the heavy armour protecting the supply convoys. With a brilliant flash a defiler went up in a plume of fire and battle was joined. The remaining walkers guarding the flanks of the convoy immediately rounded on the approaching Tau and surged forwards with unnatural speed, even as a mighty daemon prince spotted the billowing smoke plume and soared down from above to repel the Tau's encroachment.

The Tau readied themselves to lay fire into the rapidly approaching war engines, but they had miscalculated. A large ruined hab block that they had scanned and determined to be empty suddenly vomited out an endless tide of cultists that poured into the Tau firebase. The ordered firing lines of the Fire Warriors were overwhelmed in moments as confusion reigned.

Despite the unexpected setback the Tau battlesuites stuck to the principles of Kauyon, laying down a hail of fusion blaster fire into the attacking armour before their formation expertly broke apart to attack their enemy from all directions, focusing down the mighty war engines in rapid succession.

With the heavy units dealt with Fireblade Ko'vash Shi, the sole survivor of the debacle in the Tau's rear lines, managed to pull in enough surviving fire warriors from the outlaying areas to put down the last of the cultists running rampant.

As their positions were re-enforced by heavier mechanised formations the weary victors morale was further lifted by surprising news. The device hidden in the centre of Praxis had been activated and opened a stabled route through the Cicatrix to the Tau Empire! They had no idea how this had happened as no Alliance force was known to have penetrated beyond the suburbs of Praxis but it was widely speculated that their ever resourceful and cunning Eldar allies must have found a way to trigger the device, although if they had they weren't saying. Regardless of the how, it meant that soon re-enforcements would begin to arrive directly from the Tau Empire without having to take the long detour through the Federacy and the Foramen Ancilla.