Origin of the XVII Legion: The Imperial Heralds
In the earliest days of the Great Crusade, the Emperor of Mankind sought to unify the scattered remnants of humanity under a single banner, forging a galaxy-spanning empire free from the superstition and tyranny of Old Night. To achieve this monumental task, he created the Legiones Astartes, twenty mighty Space Marine Legions, each embodying a unique aspect of His grand vision.
Among these mighty Legions was the XVII, later known as the Imperial Heralds. From their inception, the XVII Legion was different. While other Legions were created to conquer, to explore, and to defend, the XVII was forged with a unique and somber purpose: to deliver the Emperor's ultimatum to those who clung to false gods and ancient superstitions. Where enemies stood against the Emperor because of their belief in gods or the superstitions bred by Old Night, it would fall to the XVII Legion to deliver the Emperor's ultimatum: recant or be destroyed.
The Emperor named them the Imperial Heralds, an elegant title that spoke of the grand purpose for which they had been created. Yet, among their fellow Astartes warriors, they were often referred to as the "Iconoclasts," a more brutal appellation coined in appreciation of the zeal with which they cast down the idolatrous temples and cultic strongholds of Old Night. This dual identity reflected their dual mission: to herald the truth of the Emperor and to annihilate the falsehoods that had taken root across the galaxy.
The first recruits of the XVII Legion were chosen from the sons of exterminated foes of the Emperor, trained and raised to know the crimes of their forebears and the price of forgiveness. These were not ordinary warriors but individuals who understood the weight of redemption, the cost of failure, and the cold fury that came with a second chance. This upbringing instilled in them an unmatched zealotry, a fervent devotion to the Imperial Truth that set them apart from their brother Legions.
Gene-seed and Genetic Stability
The XVIII Legion was a unique and remarkable force within the Emperor's grand vision of the Legiones Astartes. Their gene-seed is known for its extraordinary stability and purity. This genetic material provided the foundation for their transformation from mere humans into transhuman warriors of unmatched strength, resilience, and loyalty.
From the moment of their creation, the gene-seed of the XVIII Legion exhibited a level of stability that was unparalleled among the other Legions. Unlike other Legions, which often experienced mutations and genetic deviations over time, the gene-seed of the Imperial Heralds remains remarkably pure. This purity ensured that there is no drop in genetic quality, allowing for consistently high acceptance rates among new recruits. The absence of significant mutations also meant that the Legion suffered fewer of the physical and psychological issues that sometimes plagued their brother Legions.
This genetic stability translated into several notable traits that defined the Imperial Heralds. One of the most prominent characteristics was their extreme resilience to harsh conditions. Whether they were deployed in the frigid expanses of ice worlds, the scorching deserts of arid planets, or the toxic environments of irradiated battlefields, the Imperial Heralds demonstrated an uncanny ability to endure and thrive. Their bodies adapted swiftly to the most hostile environments, making them formidable warriors in any theater of war.
In addition to their resilience, the Imperial Heralds possessed instinctive stealth capabilities. Even in the heavy armor of a Space Marine, they moved with a grace and silence that belied their imposing presence. This ability allowed them to conduct covert operations, infiltrate enemy lines, and execute precise strikes with deadly efficiency. Their stealth was not merely a result of training but an inherent trait encoded within their very genes, a gift from the Emperor that set them apart from other Legions.
Another, more worrying aspect of the XVIII Legion was the unusually high number of psykers among their ranks. The gene-seed of the Imperial Heralds seems to encourage the development of psychic abilities, resulting in a disproportionately large number of psyker-adepts within the Legion. These psykers, drawing power from the Warp, could wield formidable abilities in battle, from devastating psychic assaults to protective wards that shielded their brothers from harm.
Perhaps the most striking and unique feature of the Imperial Heralds was their physical resemblance to the Emperor. While there were natural variations in skin color, every member of the XVIII Legion bore a remarkable similarity to the Master of Mankind. This resemblance was more than superficial; it was a reflection of their genetic heritage and their role as the Emperor's emissaries. With their noble features and regal bearing, the Imperial Heralds inspired awe and reverence among allies and enemies alike, serving as living symbols of the Emperor's authority.
Early Campaigns and Unity
The XVII Legion, known as the Imperial Heralds, was forged in the fires of the Unification Wars on Terra. During these brutal conflicts, the Emperor sought to unify the warring factions of humanity under His banner, creating the foundation for what would become the Imperium of Man. The Imperial Heralds played a role in these early campaigns, their resilience, stealth, and unwavering loyalty marking them as one of the Emperor's most trusted instruments, resulting in him granting the honor of fighting the last battle of the Unification War.
The Battle of the Terran Arctic - The Last battle of the Unification War
The Casket of Storms, the first and most treasured relic of the Legion, was used during one of the most pivotal moments in the history of the Imperial Heralds: the final assault on the last remnants of opposition hiding in the icy desolate lands of the Terran Arctic. This campaign marked the end of the Unification Wars on Terra, and the Casket of Storms played a crucial role in ensuring the Emperor's victory.
The final fortress of the cultists and rogue demagogues was situated in a remote, heavily fortified stronghold amidst the frozen wastelands. The cultists had taken refuge in this seemingly impregnable location, confident that the harsh climate and their fortified defenses would deter any assault. However, they had not anticipated the power of the Casket of Storms.
As the Imperial Heralds approached the fortress, they were met with a barrage of enemy fire and saw that a direct assault would be costly. Legion Master Tyrion Valen, recognizing the need for a decisive and overwhelming tactic, ordered the deployment of the Casket of Storms.
The Conjuring of the Blizzard
The activation of the Casket of Storms was a sight to behold. The sky darkened, and the winds began to howl with an unnatural fury. Within moments, a massive blizzard materialized, its intensity far beyond any natural storm.
The blizzard engulfed the fortress, reducing visibility to mere inches and plunging temperatures to lethal levels. The Imperial Heralds, their genetics and training making them impervious to the extreme cold, moved silently and unseen through the storm. Their enemies, however, were not so fortunate. The cultists and demagogues found themselves blinded, disoriented, and freezing, their defenses rendered useless against the wrath of the storm.
The Slaughter in the Storm
The Imperial Heralds executed their attack with precision and ruthlessness. Utilizing their innate stealth capabilities, they infiltrated the fortress, striking down the enemy with silent efficiency. The priests and cult leaders, the architects of the rebellion, were the primary targets. One by one, they fell to the Heralds' blades and bolters, their blood staining the snow.
The Heralds also focused on destroying the places of worship within the fortress, eradicating the symbols of heresy and rebellion. Each shrine and altar was shattered, the relics of the cults ground into the icy ground. The combination of the storm's fury and the Heralds' methodical assault left the enemy in complete disarray.
In the chaos of the blizzard, the cultists' resistance crumbled. Those who attempted to flee were cut down by unseen foes, while those who tried to regroup found themselves isolated and surrounded. The storm raged on, its fury a testament to the Emperor's wrath, as the last vestiges of opposition were obliterated.
The Great Crusade
As the Unification Wars drew to a close and the Great Crusade began, the Imperial Heralds were dispatched to the far reaches of the galaxy. Their mission: to bring worlds into compliance with the Emperor's vision, using both diplomacy and force where necessary. The Legion's resilience to harsh environments allowed them to operate in some of the most inhospitable regions of the galaxy, from toxic wastelands to frozen tundras and scorching deserts.
The Compliance of Nyxara
The Imperial Heralds embarked on numerous campaigns during the Great Crusade, long before they were reunited with their Primarch. One of their most significant early campaigns was the Compliance of Nyxara. Nyxara was a world enveloped in perpetual twilight, its skies filled with swirling, luminescent clouds. The planet was ruled by a theocratic regime that worshipped ancient star gods, resisting any attempts at integration into the Imperium.
The Imperial Heralds descended upon Nyxara with a blend of diplomacy and force. Clad in their black armor and bearing the eagle-winged mace, they offered the Nyxarans a chance to join the Imperium peacefully. The theocracy, however, saw the Emperor as a false god and rejected the Heralds' ultimatum. With negotiations at an impasse, the Imperial Heralds launched a series of surgical strikes against the theocracy's strongholds.
Their resilience to harsh conditions proved invaluable as they traversed Nyxara's treacherous terrain. Stealth units infiltrated enemy lines, dismantling defenses and assassinating key leaders. The Nyxarans, unprepared for such precision and ferocity, found their resistance crumbling. Within weeks, the Imperial Heralds had brought Nyxara into compliance, establishing a new order that revered the Emperor's Truth above all.
The Siege of Tythoria
Another notable campaign was the Siege of Tythoria, a fortress world surrounded by dense asteroid fields. Tythoria was a bastion of rogue human warlords who had fortified their planet against any external threats. The Imperial Heralds were tasked with breaking through the formidable defenses and bringing the world into the Imperial fold.
The asteroid fields presented a significant challenge, but the Imperial Heralds' adaptability and strategic prowess came to the fore. Using advanced navigational technology and their natural stealth capabilities, they maneuvered through the asteroids, avoiding detection and setting up a blockade to cut off supplies to Tythoria.
The siege itself was a masterclass in tactical warfare. The Imperial Heralds launched coordinated assaults on key fortifications, their psykers using their powers to sow confusion and fear among the defenders. The warlords' strongholds fell one by one, each victory punctuated by the Heralds' unwavering resolve. The final assault on the central fortress saw the Imperial Heralds overcoming insurmountable odds, their resilience and sheer determination leading them to victory.
The Purge of Xalathor
Xalathor was a world overrun by a virulent Warp xenos species that had enslaved the human population. The Imperial Heralds were dispatched to eradicate the Warp xenos threat and liberate the enslaved humans. This campaign tested their endurance and combat prowess to the limit.
The Warp Xenos, dubbed as the Enslavers, were a particularly vile species with a predilection for taking over the minds of Humans, had made extensive use of the planet's extreme conditions to resist all attacks, taking over the attackers to increase the number of thralls under their control.
This was made worse by Xalathor's climate, which oscillated between blistering heat and freezing cold, conditions that would have crippled a lesser force. However, the Imperial Heralds' resilience to harsh environments allowed them to adapt and thrive.
They launched a multi-pronged attack, targeting the Xalathor's central hive-city and slaying the controlling Enslavers. The Heralds' stealth units infiltrated deep into enemy territory, planting explosive charges and sabotaging key installations. Their psykers played a crucial role, hiding from the Enslavers and creating chaos within the Xenos ranks.
The final battle saw the Imperial Heralds storming the primary capital palace, a massive structure that housed the majority of the Xenos. The fighting was brutal, with the Heralds facing wave after wave of Xenos. But their unyielding spirit and tactical superiority saw them through. The hive was destroyed, the Xenos slain, and the human population liberated.
The Cleansing of Erebos
Erebos was a world shrouded in perpetual darkness, its surface a labyrinth of underground caverns and tunnels. The planet was a haven for cults and rogue psykers, who had turned Erebos into a stronghold of heresy and corruption. The Imperial Heralds were sent to cleanse the planet and restore order.
The darkness of Erebos was no deterrent to the Heralds, whose capabilities and innate resilience allowed them to navigate the treacherous terrain. They employed advanced tactics, using their psykers to locate and neutralize rogue psykers and cult leaders. The Heralds' faith in the Emperor gave them an edge over the twisted denizens of Erebos.
The cleansing was methodical and relentless. The Imperial Heralds moved through the tunnels and caverns, their black armor blending with the shadows. Each cult stronghold was infiltrated and destroyed, each heretic purged with righteous fury. The Heralds created fields of psychic nullification, disrupting the rogue psykers' abilities and leaving them vulnerable to capture or execution.
The final assault on the largest cult fortress was a testament to the Heralds' strategic brilliance. They used their psykers to create illusions and sow confusion among the cultists, then launched a coordinated attack that overwhelmed the defenders. The cult leaders were captured and publicly executed, their deaths a stark warning to any who would oppose the Emperor's will.
The Legacy of the Imperial Heralds
These early campaigns solidified the reputation of the XVII Legion as the Emperor's most steadfast and adaptable warriors. As they continued to conquer and bring worlds into compliance, the Imperial Heralds exemplified the ideals of unity, order, and resilience.
Notable Members
The XVII Legion, known as the Imperial Heralds, boasted many illustrious members, each contributing to their legacy of unwavering loyalty and strategic brilliance.
Legion Master Tyrion Valen
Legion Master Tyrion Valen is the epitome of a strategic genius, renowned for his ability to devise complex battle plans that often led to swift and decisive victories. His command of the Imperial Heralds during the Compliance of Nyxara showcased his talent for combining diplomacy with military might. Valen's unyielding faith in the Emperor and his innate tactical brilliance made him a respected and feared leader.
Sargent Zephyrus Dorr
Sargent Zephyrus Dorr is a powerful psyker, his abilities honed to perfection through rigorous training and unwavering devotion. His role in the Siege of Tythoria was pivotal, using his psychic powers to create fields of confusion and fear among enemy ranks, ultimately breaking their will to fight. Dorr's mastery of the Warp was tempered by his steadfast loyalty to the Emperor, ensuring that his powers were always used to further the goals of the Imperium.
Scout Sergeant Kaelus Dray
Scout Sergeant Kaelus Dray is a master of stealth and infiltration, his exploits during the Purge of Xalathor earning him a reputation as a ghost on the battlefield. Dray's ability to move unseen and strike with deadly precision made him a key asset in dismantling the Kynara hive structures. His resilience to extreme conditions and his unerring focus on the mission at hand were hallmarks of the Imperial Heralds' ethos.
The Nameless Herald
Known only as the Nameless Herald, he is the last of the original Heralds chosen by the Emperor himself, having abandoned his name upon being chosen. He is the spiritual heart of the Imperial Heralds, his fiery sermons and unshakeable faith inspiring his brothers to greater heights. During the Cleansing of Erebos, his presence was instrumental in maintaining morale and guiding the Heralds through the darkness. His ability to wield faith as a weapon against the heretics of Erebos cemented his status as a revered figure within the Legion.
Famed Legion Relics
The Imperial Heralds are known for their sacred relics, each a symbol of their unbreakable bond with the Emperor and their storied history.
The Eagle-Winged Mace
The Eagle-Winged Mace is a revered weapon wielded by the Nameless Herald. Forged in the fires of Terra and blessed by the Emperor Himself, the mace was a symbol of authority and justice. Its intricate design, featuring wings that seemed to shimmer with an inner light, struck fear into the hearts of enemies. The mace was said to be unbreakable, its power a testament to the Emperor's will.
The Skull Helm
The Skull Helm is a relic worn by the Nameless Herald. This helm, crafted by the Emperor from bone-like material and adorned with arcane runes, to protect the user from the Warp's malevolent influences. The helm has become a symbol of the Heralds' mastery over the unknown and their unwavering resolve in the face of darkness.
The Casket of Storms
The Casket of Storms is one of the most revered relics within the XVII Legion, the Imperial Heralds. Gifted by the Emperor Himself, this ancient device holds the power to command the very elements, creating extreme weather conditions to aid the Legion in their battles. The casket is a beautifully crafted artifact, adorned with intricate engravings of storm clouds, lightning, and fierce winds, symbolizing its immense power.
The relic was forged in Terra during the Golden age of Technology, using materials and techniques lost to time. The casket is small enough to be carried by a single Astartes, yet its power is vast and unrelenting.
The Battle of the Terran Arctic, where it was first deployed, has became a legendary tale among the Imperial Heralds. The use of the Casket of Storms was hailed as a masterstroke, a demonstration of the Emperor's wrath. The relic itself was enshrined as the most valued possession of the Legion, a symbol of their unbreakable bond with the Emperor and their unparalleled prowess in battle.
To this day, the Casket of Storms is kept under the strictest guard, its use reserved for only the most dire of circumstances. The memory of that fateful blizzard serves as a reminder of the Legion's might and the Emperor's grace, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Imperial Heralds.
In the annals of the XVII Legion, the Casket of Storms remains a revered symbol of their greatest victory, a relic that embodies the fury and mercy of the Emperor. The blizzard that once swept through the Terran Arctic, decimating the enemies of the Imperium, continues to inspire awe and reverence among the Imperial Heralds, a storm that will never be forgotten.
Legion Relations
The Imperial Heralds maintained complex and varied relationships with other Legions and factions within the Imperium, their actions and ethos shaping these interactions.
The Ultramarines (Formerly known as the War-Born, the XIII Legion)
The Imperial Heralds share a mutual respect with the Ultramarines, both Legions valuing discipline and strategic acumen. Joint operations, such as the Compliance of Nyxara, often saw the two Legions working in unison, their combined strength bringing swift victories. The Ultramarines admired the Heralds' resilience and adaptability, while the Heralds respected the Ultramarines' organizational prowess and tactical discipline.
The Luna Wolves
The Luna Wolves, known for their aggression and ferocity, had a more complex relationship with the Imperial Heralds. While the two Legions often collaborated on large-scale campaigns, their differing approaches sometimes led to friction. The Luna Wolves admired the Heralds' precision and effectiveness but often chafed at their more measured, strategic approach. Despite this, the Legions maintained a professional respect, recognizing the strengths each brought to the battlefield.
The Thousand Sons
The relationship between the Imperial Heralds and the Thousand Sons was one of cautious camaraderie. Both Legions had a high number of psykers, leading to a shared understanding of the challenges and responsibilities that came with such power. Joint operations, such as the Cleansing of Erebos, saw the two Legions working together to harness their psychic abilities for the greater good. However, the Heralds' strict adherence to the Emperor's teachings sometimes clashed with the Thousand Sons' pursuit of knowledge, leading to a respectful yet wary alliance.
Mars
The Imperial Heralds had a strong relationship with Mars, their advanced technology and archeotech often sourced from the Martian forges. The Heralds' campaigns frequently required the use of specialized equipment and machinery, making the support of Mars invaluable. In return, the Heralds provided protection and assistance to Martian expeditions, their resilience and tactical prowess ensuring the safety of valuable assets and personnel.
Conclusion
The XVII Legion, the Imperial Heralds, stood as paragons of loyalty, resilience, and strategic brilliance within the Imperium. Their notable members, sacred relics, and complex relationships with other factions and Legions painted a picture of a force dedicated to the Emperor's vision of unity and order. Through their storied history, the Imperial Heralds exemplified the ideals of the Imperium, their actions and legacy a testament to their unbreakable spirit and unwavering faith.
